Only One In The Room
Laura Cathcart Robbins
Hosted by Laura Cathcart Robbins, a writer and a recovery thriver and survivor, Laura found herself in an all too familiar position. In September 2018, she was the only black woman in the room at Brave Magic, a famed writer’s retreat. After it was over, she wrote about her “only one” experience in The Huffington Post and comments started flooding into her DM. These comments were from people from all races, ethnicities, creeds, and nationalities who had felt “othered”. Laura beautifully interviews a person about their Only One story each episode and addresses as many of those DM’s as possible in the process. In this podcast, you’ll hear raw, vulnerable accounts from people who are, like most of us, just eager to connect. Our hope is that The Only One In The Room will inspire a change of perspective in how we all see and hear each other’s stories. We want you to think twice before judging the person standing next to you at a party, in the pick-up line at school, or in a crowded subway car. This is a podcast for anyone who has ever felt alone in a room full of people – which is to say, that this podcast is for everyone.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 7, 2024 • 31min
Jazz Lion’s Den Feed Drop – Ep 7: Star Hill
Welcome to the Jazz Lion’s Den, a journey through Levy Lee Simon’s debut Memoir Odyssey Towards The Light This episode of the Jazz Lion's Den features a dramatic and vivid excerpt from his time at Star Hill, a hardcore treatment facility, highlighting the intense and emotionally charged experiences he faced. This marked a critical turning point in Simon's life, filled with real-life characters and raw honesty about his battle with addiction. And for more on Levy Lee Simon:BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-Towards-Light-Book-1/dp/B0CNX82PJRWEBSITE: https://www.levyleesimon.com/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/levyleethejazzlion/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/levy.lee2/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levy-lee-simon-0433b05/ X: https://x.com/LevyJazzlion05TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@levylee235?lang=en Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 5, 2024 • 60min
Christine O'Donnell - The Only Fox Reporter Fired For Posting From Her Bed
An Emmy-nominated TV journalist, Christine O'Donnell, recounts her unexpected firing from a Fox News station following a misunderstood social media post. She details her challenging journey from being misjudged and outcast in the news industry to rediscovering her self-worth through therapy and starting a successful podcast agency. This conversation, filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlights resilience, the evolving nature of media, and the importance of storytelling in healing. Christine O’Donnell Email - christine@brightsighted.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christineodonnell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supportchristine X: https://twitter.com/ChristineODOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 2024 • 18min
Scott Talks to Hilary Phelps
Hilary Phelps, the sister of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, shares her journey of keeping her sobriety a secret. She discusses her childhood, growing up in a supportive and dedicated family, and her early success as a competitive swimmer. However, she also opens up about her struggles with self-doubt and anxiety, which led her to turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope. Phelps talks about the impact of these substances on her mental health and how they affected her performance in swimming competitions. Hilary Phelps shares her journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the themes of shame, acceptance, and the power of sharing one's story. She discusses the role of relationships and the pressure to conform to her drinking habits. Hilary emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and the freedom that comes with being open about her sobriety. She also reflects on the significance of being a sober mom and her gratitude for being present in her children's lives. Hilary shares her journey of recovery and the tools she uses to maintain her sobriety, including therapy and community support. She also talks about her podcast, The Right Room, which provides a safe space for women to share their stories of transition and healing. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.Hilary Phelps:Email_ hilary@hilaryphelps.comWebsite_ https://www.hilaryphelps.com/Linkedin_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-phelps-6143695/Instagram_ https://www.instagram.com/hilaryphelps_ @therightroomofficial X_ https://x.com/HilaryPhelpsOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
Hilary Phelps - The Only One Who Kept Her Sobriety A Secret
Hilary Phelps, the sister of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, shares her journey of keeping her sobriety a secret. She discusses her childhood, growing up in a supportive and dedicated family, and her early success as a competitive swimmer. However, she also opens up about her struggles with self-doubt and anxiety, which led her to turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope. Phelps talks about the impact of these substances on her mental health and how they affected her performance in swimming competitions. Hilary Phelps shares her journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the themes of shame, acceptance, and the power of sharing one's story. She discusses the role of relationships and the pressure to conform to her drinking habits. Hilary emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and the freedom that comes with being open about her sobriety. She also reflects on the significance of being a sober mom and her gratitude for being present in her children's lives. Hilary shares her journey of recovery and the tools she uses to maintain her sobriety, including therapy and community support. She also talks about her podcast, The Right Room, which provides a safe space for women to share their stories of transition and healing. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.Hilary Phelps:Email_ hilary@hilaryphelps.comWebsite_ https://www.hilaryphelps.com/Linkedin_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-phelps-6143695/Instagram_ https://www.instagram.com/hilaryphelps_ @therightroomofficial X_ https://x.com/HilaryPhelpsOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2024 • 17min
Scott Talks to Nikki Mark
In this heartfelt and deeply moving podcast episode, host Laura Cathcart Robbins and guest Nikki Mark discuss Nikki's personal journey of grief and healing following the sudden passing of her son, Tommy, at the age of 12. Nikki, the author of 'Tommy's Field: Love, Loss, and the Goal of a Lifetime', shares how her son's spirit inspired a community to come together to build 'Tommy's Field', a soccer field that serves as a place of play and remembrance. Throughout the conversation, Nikki reflects on the mystical experiences and signs she received after Tommy's passing, the community's overwhelming support, and the meaningful impact of channeling grief into creating something beautiful and inclusive. The conversation also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the enduring connection between a mother and her son. The episode highlights Nikki's mission to honor her son's life through the construction of more community fields and the donation of book proceeds to the TM23 Foundation.Nikki Mark:Email - julie@schulmanpr.com Website - https://nikkimark.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithnikki/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMarkAuthor Book - Tommy's Field: Love, Loss, and the Goal of a Lifetimehttps://nikkimark.com/tommys-field/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikkiMarkOnly One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Nikki Mark - The Only One Who Stayed Connected To Her Son After He Passed Away
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' Laura Cathcart Robbins and Scott Slaughter interview Nikki Mark, author of 'Tommy's Field,' who shares her profound journey of healing after the loss of her son, Tommy. Nikki delves into how soccer became a beacon of hope, leading to the creation of Tommy's Field and her involvement in the TM 23 Foundation. Despite her non-religious upbringing, Nikki discusses the spiritual connection she maintains with Tommy, narrated through poignant stories and shared family dynamics. She highlights the transformation of grief into community action, emphasizing themes of love, resilience, and the power of collective support. The episode underscores how Nikki, with her community, turned a neglected park into a sanctuary for kids, fostering joy and unity. Tune in for an inspiring tale of finding meaning and purpose through loss and the enduring impact of a beloved child's spirit. Nikki Mark Email - julie@schulmanpr.com Website - https://nikkimark.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithnikki/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMarkAuthor Book - Tommy's Field: Love, Loss, and the Goal of a Lifetimehttps://nikkimark.com/tommys-field/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikkiMark/videos Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 17, 2024 • 16min
Scott Talks to Yusuf Dahl
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, host Laura Cathcart Robbins and her co-host, Scott Slaughter, converse with Yusuf Dahl, an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate. Dahl shares his compelling journey from a troubled youth and prison sentence to becoming a Princeton graduate and a staunch advocate for housing reform. The discussion highlights Yusuf's early life in Milwaukee, his experiences with the juvenile and prison systems, and how he transformed his life with the help of mentors and sheer determination. Central to the conversation is the Thurman Amendment, a law allowing housing discrimination against individuals with drug distribution convictions. Yusuf passionately details his efforts to raise awareness and work towards repealing this outdated and damaging legislation, emphasizing the impact on communities of color and personal stories of resilience and action. The episode sheds light on systemic issues, personal redemption, and the power of advocacy to drive change.Yufus Dahl:Email: yusuf.s.dahl@gmail.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/YusufDahl/Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufdahl/X: https://twitter.com/YusufDahlWebsite: https://www.yusufdahl.com/Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15, 2024 • 60min
Yusuf Dahl - The Only One Who Can't Be Your Neighbor
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, host Laura Cathcart Robbins and her co-host, Scott Slaughter, converse with Yusuf Dahl, an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate. Dahl shares his compelling journey from a troubled youth and prison sentence to becoming a Princeton graduate and a staunch advocate for housing reform. The discussion highlights Yusuf's early life in Milwaukee, his experiences with the juvenile and prison systems, and how he transformed his life with the help of mentors and sheer determination. Central to the conversation is the Thurman Amendment, a law allowing housing discrimination against individuals with drug distribution convictions. Yusuf passionately details his efforts to raise awareness and work towards repealing this outdated and damaging legislation, emphasizing the impact on communities of color and personal stories of resilience and action. The episode sheds light on systemic issues, personal redemption, and the power of advocacy to drive change.Yusuf Dahl:Email: yusuf.s.dahl@gmail.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/YusufDahl/Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufdahl/X: https://twitter.com/YusufDahlWebsite: https://www.yusufdahl.com/Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroomPatreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 10, 2024 • 21min
Scott Talks to Veronica Cisneros
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room' podcast, host Laura Cathcart Robbins interviews Veronica Cisneros, a licensed marriage and family therapist and women's coach. Veronica recounts her tumultuous upbringing with a gang member and heroin addict father and a tenaciously supporting mother. She shares her near-divorce experience and how she and her husband, Willie, overcame childhood dysfunction. Through compelling storytelling, the episode explores the transformation of their troubled marriage into one based on trust and friendship. Veronica's work in empowering high-achieving women through her podcast, 'Empowered and Unapologetic', and her practice, Outside the Norm Counseling, is highlighted. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of modeling happiness, community support, and mutual appreciation.Veronica Cisneros:Email - veronica@empoweredandunapologetic.com Website - https://veronicacisneros.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyveronicacisneros/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredandunapologetic/ Podcast - EMPOWERED AND UNAPOLOGETIC PODCASThttps://veronicacisneros.org/empowered-unapologetic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empoweredandunapologetic/videosOnly One In The Room: Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.com Website: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroom Patreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h
Veronica Cisneros - The Only One Whose Marriage Didn't Stand A Chance
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room' podcast, host Laura Cathcart Robbins interviews Veronica Cisneros, a licensed marriage and family therapist and women's coach. Veronica recounts her tumultuous upbringing with a gang member and heroin addict father and a tenaciously supporting mother. She shares her near-divorce experience and how she and her husband, Willie, overcame childhood dysfunction. Through compelling storytelling, the episode explores the transformation of their troubled marriage into one based on trust and friendship. Veronica's work in empowering high-achieving women through her podcast, 'Empowered and Unapologetic', and her practice, Outside the Norm Counseling, is highlighted. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of modeling happiness, community support, and mutual appreciation.Veronica Cisneros:Email - veronica@empoweredandunapologetic.com Website - https://veronicacisneros.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyveronicacisneros/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredandunapologetic/ Podcast - EMPOWERED AND UNAPOLOGETIC PODCASThttps://veronicacisneros.org/empowered-unapologetic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empoweredandunapologetic/videosOnly One In The Room: Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.com Website: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2P3sYOA iTunes: https://apple.co/2UUZ04Y YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlyOneintheRoomPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom X: https://x.com/TheOnlyOnePodc1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOnlyOneInTheRoomPodcast/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@theonlyoneintheroom Patreon: patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
