

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

Oct 3, 2024 • 22min
Scott Talks to Toni Will
Toni Will, the only female professional hockey general manager, discusses her experiences and challenges in a male-dominated industry, in which she can be the only female in the room during board meetings. She also talks about her commitment to living an alcohol-free and drug-free lifestyle. Toni shares her love for her community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the philanthropic initiatives, such as the Kalamazoo Promise, that make it a special place to live. She discusses her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey and her efforts to create more opportunities for women in the sport. Toni shares her journey to sobriety as well as the importance of speaking up and advocating for oneself in professional settings. She goes on to outline her six leadership pillars that she applies to various aspects of her life, including her role as the general manager of the Kalamazoo Wings hockey team. To wrap up the show, Toni shares her various coaching businesses. For More on Toni Will:Email - tonilwill78@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtoniwill/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonilentini/ Only 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 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
Toni Will - The Only Female Professional Hockey General Manager in the Room
Toni Will, the only female professional hockey general manager, discusses her experiences and challenges in a male-dominated industry in which she can be the only female in the room during board meetings. She also talks about her commitment to living an alcohol-free and drug-free lifestyle. Toni shares her love for her community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the philanthropic initiatives, such as the Kalamazoo Promise, make it a special place to live. She discusses her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey and her efforts to create more opportunities for women in the sport.Toni shares her journey to sobriety and the importance of speaking up and advocating for oneself in professional settings. She then outlines her six leadership pillars, which she applies to various aspects of her life, including her role as the general manager of the Kalamazoo Wings hockey team. To wrap up the show, Toni shares her various coaching businesses.For More on Toni Will: Email - tonilwill78@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtoniwill/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonilentini/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/Only 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

Sep 26, 2024 • 17min
Scott Talks to Hyeseung Song
The Only One in the Room host Laura Cathcart Robbins is joined by HyeseungSong, a first-generation Korean American artist and author. Today’s interview explores themes of living in the 'shoulds,' navigating college life, the model minority myth, mental health, and the pursuit of success. Hyeseung shares her experiences growing up as an Asian American immigrant, dealing with conditional love, and hiding her family's imperfections. She discusses the pressure to excel academically and the impact of societal expectations on her mental health. Hyeseung also talks about finding solace and self-expression through art and the importance of unconditional love for oneself and others.She shares her journey of finding an identity outside of the model minority myth and healing from mental illness through art. The conversation also touches on the cultural expectations placed on first-generation immigrants and the struggle to be authentic in a society that values perfection. Haesung's book, 'Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl,' delves into these themes and aims to bring awareness and understanding to the struggles faced by Asian Americans.For More on Hyeseung Song:• Email - hyeseungs@gmail.com • Website - http://hyeseungsong.com • PUBLICIST: Shannon Hennessey, Simon & Schustershannon.hennessey@simonandschuster.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/hyeseungs• X:https://twitter.com/hyeseungs • Book - Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl https://www.amazon.com/Docile-Memoirs-Not-So-Perfect-Asian-Girl/dp/166800366X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XD2YOM6NGYS6&keywords=hyeseung%20song%20docile&qid=1701392504&sprefix=docile%20hyeseung%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1 Only 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

Sep 24, 2024 • 60min
Hyeseung Song - The Only Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl In The Room
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins interviews Hyeseung Song, a first-generation Korean painter, and author of 'Docile: Memoirs of a Not So Perfect Asian Girl.' Hyeseung shares her experiences growing up under the pressures of the model minority myth and societal expectations and how she ultimately found solace and unconditional self-expression through art. The conversation delves into themes of mental health, cultural identity, and the evolving definition of success, offering profound insights into Hyeseung's life story and her debut memoir. They also discuss the challenges of transitioning from a small Texas town to an affluent environment, family dynamics, and the journey of publishing her memoir. The episode highlights the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance amidst external pressures and expectations.For More on Hyeseung Song:Email - hyeseungs@gmail.com Website - http://hyeseungsong.com PUBLICIST: Shannon Hennessey, Simon & Schustershannon.hennessey@simonandschuster.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hyeseungsX:https://twitter.com/hyeseungs Book - Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl https://www.amazon.com/Docile-Memoirs-Not-So-Perfect-Asian-Girl/dp/166800366X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XD2YOM6NGYS6&keywords=hyeseung%20song%20docile&qid=1701392504&sprefix=docile%20hyeseung%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1 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

Sep 19, 2024 • 20min
Scott Talks to Myra Flynn
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins is joined by Myra Flynn, host of the podcast Homegoings. This Emmy-nominated show explores Black stories and experiences through the lens of art. They discuss Myra's journey in journalism, her mixed-race upbringing in predominantly white Vermont, and how her experiences shape her understanding and portrayal of Black identity. The conversation dives into topics like interracial marriage, biracial identity, systemic racism, and the role of art in making difficult subjects more palatable. They also touch upon the impact of George Floyd's murder on media representation and the challenges and privileges of DEI work. Myra shares insights from her podcast episodes, including interviews with notable figures like Rachel Dolezal and discussions on the complex facets of biracial identity.For More On Myra Flynn:Email - Myra@MyraFlynn.com Website - https://www.myraflynn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myraflynn/ Facebook: facebook.com/myraflynnmusic X: https://twitter.com/myraflynn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/myraflynnPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homegoings/id1688616856For More On The Only One In The Room:Email: cathcartrobbins@gmail.com
Website: http://www.theonlyonepod.com/
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

Sep 17, 2024 • 47min
Myra Flynn - The Only One Humanizing Black Voices Through Art
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins is joined by Myra Flynn, host of the podcast Homegoings. This Emmy-nominated show explores Black stories and experiences through the lens of art. They discuss Myra's journey in journalism, her mixed-race upbringing in predominantly white Vermont, and how her experiences shape her understanding and portrayal of Black identity. The conversation dives into topics like interracial marriage, biracial identity, systemic racism, and the role of art in making difficult subjects more palatable. They also touch upon the impact of George Floyd's murder on media representation and the challenges and privileges of DEI work. Myra shares insights from her podcast episodes, including interviews with notable figures like Rachel Dolezal and discussions on the complex facets of biracial identity.For More on Myra Flynn:Email - Myra@MyraFlynn.com Website - https://www.myraflynn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myraflynn/ Facebook: facebook.com/myraflynnmusic X: https://twitter.com/myraflynn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/myraflynnPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homegoings/id1688616856 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2024 • 45min
Homegoings Feed Swap - Finding My Voice: A Conversation with Tracy” The D.O.C.” Curry
Myra Flynn Myra Flynn joined Vermont Public in March 2021 and is Homegoings's DEIB Advisor, Host, and Executive Producer. Raised in Vermont, Myra Flynn is an accomplished musician who has come to know the lay of the dirt road and that much more intimately through touring both well-known and obscure stages all around the state and beyond. She also has experience as a teaching artist and wore many hats at the Burlington Free Press, including features reporter and correspondent, before her pursuits took her deep into the art world. Before joining Vermont Public, Myra spent eight years in the Los Angeles music industry. Homegoings is a show that invites listeners to be a fly on the wall, privy to candid and genuine conversations about race. Host and musician Myra Flynn explores themes that fearlessly straddle that line between necessary and uncomfortable as she speaks with artists, experts, and regular folks all over the country about their literal skin in the game — of everyday life. Homegoings is storytelling — with a heartbeat. No topic is off the table, and there's no such thing as going "too deep." These are the conversations that are our birthright to have and the stories we are lucky to hear. Episode Finding My Voice: A Conversation with Tracy” The D.O.C.” CurryTracy “The D.O.C.” Curry is the OG of hip-hop, one of the originators of the genre itself. In 1989, a horrible car accident damaged his vocal cords at the height of his career. On this episode of Homegoings, Tracy shares how he found his voice and his purpose again on the other side of tragedy.Email - Myra@MyraFlynn.com Website - https://www.myraflynn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myraflynn/ Facebook: facebook.com/myraflynnmusic X: https://twitter.com/myraflynn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/myraflynnPodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homegoings/id1688616856 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2024 • 52min
Todd Baratz - The Only One Telling You To Lower Your Expectations
Navigating Love and Expectations with Todd BaratzIn this insightful episode of 'The Only One in the Room' podcast, host Laura Cathcart Robbins chats with psychotherapist and sex therapist Todd Baratz about dating, relationships, and the importance of managing expectations. Todd shares personal stories from his difficult upbringing, struggles with depression and substance use, and how these experiences led him to his profession. He discusses the common issues he encounters in his practice, such as communication problems and relational anxiety, and offers candid advice about the importance of giving people a chance, especially in the context of dating. The episode explores broader themes of vulnerability, cultural shifts in mental health and relationships, and the transformative power of therapy.Email - todd@toddsbaratz.com ashtin@fortierpr.com (Publicist)Website - https://www.toddsbaratz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdiagnonsense Book - HOW TO LOVE SOMEONE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MINDhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723331/how-to-love-someone-without-losing-your-mind-by-todd-baratz-lmhc/?ref=PRHC389ABD38112&aid=2810&linkid=PRHC389ABD38112 Podcast - https://www.toddsbaratz.com/podcast-yd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2024 • 27min
Scott Talks to Anne Gudger
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins speaks with Annie Gedger, who shares poignant insights into her life after the tragic loss of her husband while she was six months pregnant. Annie discusses how she navigated single motherhood, the process of grieving, and eventually learning to love again. Listeners gain a heartfelt understanding of Annie's journey through captivating stories about keeping her late husband's memory alive for her son and the importance of communal support in healing. Additionally, she reflects on the profound impact of her new partner, Scott, and how she balances her past and present relationships. This episode serves as a touching testament to resilience, the complexity of grief, and the enduring strength of love.For More On Anne Gudger:Email - annegudger@gmail.com Website - https://www.annegudger.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annegudger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.gudger X: https://twitter.com/annegudger Book -The Fifth Chamber https://jadedibispress.com/product/the-fifth-chamber-by-anne-gudger/Podcast: Grief and Gratitude https://www.annegudger.com/podcast-grief-and-gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2024 • 57min
Anne Gudger – The Only One Whose Husband Died While They Were 6 Months Pregnant
In this episode of 'The Only One in the Room,' host Laura Cathcart Robbins speaks with Annie Gedger, who shares poignant insights into her life after the tragic loss of her husband while she was six months pregnant. Annie discusses how she navigated single motherhood, the process of grieving, and eventually learning to love again. Listeners gain a heartfelt understanding of Annie's journey through captivating stories about keeping her late husband's memory alive for her son and the importance of communal support in healing. Additionally, she reflects on the profound impact of her new partner, Scott, and how she balances her past and present relationships. This episode serves as a touching testament to resilience, the complexity of grief, and the enduring strength of love.For More On Anne Gudger: Email - annegudger@gmail.com Website - https://www.annegudger.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annegudger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.gudger X: https://twitter.com/annegudger Book -The Fifth Chamber https://jadedibispress.com/product/the-fifth-chamber-by-anne-gudger/Podcast - https://www.annegudger.com/podcast-grief-and-gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices