

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

Apr 9, 2024 • 51min
Wisconsin Tiff is The Only One Who Has Sex with Senior Citizens For Free
Wisconsin Tiff is an OnlyFans model who creates adult content online with older gentlemen. Laura opens the show by asking Tiff about her mother being murdered by her boyfriend when she was only 4 years old. This led her to be cared for by her single father who was not ready to take care of her and her brother. Before becoming an OnlyFans model, Tiff was working at a school in the lunchroom when COVID hit. After losing her job, she began making online content and became an influencer. This, along with a split from her ex-husband, then led her to begin making adult content online. Wisconsin Tiff explains how and why she got into making content with the specific demographic of older men. She explains the adult filming process and what a typical day is like for her when she’s working. She also goes on to explain how she got banned from a few nursing homes due to her line of work. Before they wrap, Tiff tells Laura about having her own sense of agency, and appreciating the fact that she’s in total control of whatever she wants to do while not having to rely on a man for anything. For More on Wisconsin Tiff:Email_ tiffany@wisconsintiffxxx.comTwitter_@wisconsintiffOnlyFans_@wisconsintiffInstagram_@wisconsintiffFansly_@wisconsintiffBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 4, 2024 • 22min
Scott Talks to Tanya Sam
Tanya Sam is a Tech-savvy Businesswoman, Leader, Philanthropist, Wife and Fashionista living her best life in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the visionary founder and curator of the esteemed Tanya Time Book Club, a virtual community that celebrates literature and fosters intellectual growth. The book club selects thought-provoking books from various genres, providing members with vibrant discussions, intellectual stimulation, and shared reading experiences that expand their horizons. As an expert in the Web3 and NFT space, Tanya educates and onboard individuals and corporations. She curates immersive onboarding events and delivers captivating speeches worldwide, inspiring audiences to embrace new technologies and solidifying her position as a prominent thought leader. Tanya hosts the influential Money Moves podcast Additionally, Tanya founded The Ambition Fund, an investment company focused on supporting businesses founded by women and minority entrepreneurs. In her role as Director of Partnerships at TechSquare Labs, Tanya mentors over 60 companies founded by women and minority entrepreneurs. She plays a vital role in helping these ventures reach their full potential and has made valuable investments in over 50 ventures, generating over $100 million in revenue. Beyond business, Tanya captivated viewers as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta for three unforgettable seasons. She also serves as a board member of Kate's Club, providing unwavering support to children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling. For More On Tanya: LINKS: https://allmylinks.com/tanyasam Website: www.tanyasam.comIG: @itstanyatimeFB: @tanyasanLinkedin: tanyasamPodcast: Money Moves Podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h
Tanya Sam is The Only Real Housewife Who Became A Bookclub Queen
Tanya Sam is a Tech-savvy Businesswoman, Leader, Philanthropist, Wife and Fashionista living her best life in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the visionary founder and curator of the esteemed Tanya Time Book Club, a virtual community that celebrates literature and fosters intellectual growth. The book club selects thought-provoking books from various genres, providing members with vibrant discussions, intellectual stimulation, and shared reading experiences that expand their horizons. As an expert in the Web3 and NFT space, Tanya educates and onboard individuals and corporations. She curates immersive onboarding events and delivers captivating speeches worldwide, inspiring audiences to embrace new technologies and solidifying her position as a prominent thought leader. Tanya hosts the influential Money Moves podcast Additionally, Tanya founded The Ambition Fund, an investment company focused on supporting businesses founded by women and minority entrepreneurs. In her role as Director of Partnerships at TechSquare Labs, Tanya mentors over 60 companies founded by women and minority entrepreneurs. She plays a vital role in helping these ventures reach their full potential and has made valuable investments in over 50 ventures, generating over $100 million in revenue. Beyond business, Tanya captivated viewers as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta for three unforgettable seasons. She also serves as a board member of Kate's Club, providing unwavering support to children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling. For More On Tanya: LINKS: https://allmylinks.com/tanyasam Website: www.tanyasam.comIG: @itstanyatimeFB: @tanyasanLinkedin: tanyasamPodcast: Money Moves Podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 28, 2024 • 21min
Scott Talks to Nancy Mello
Nancy Mello is an animal communicator and evidential medium with experience as a speaker and podcast host. Nancy works with individuals, pet owners, and groups to help with growth of both the individual and their pet in a safe environment. She prides herself in end of life pet work and helping pets with problem behaviors. Nancy is the host of the podcast Creature Preacher. Nancy opens the show by providing Laura and Scott with a reading of their dog who’s currently going through some health issues. Laura asks Nancy about identifying as a clairvoyant and what that means exactly. Nancy goes on to talk about what it was like growing up with special abilities while living on a farm. Nancy tells a story of connecting with a stolen cat, and how she was able to help find the cat and get it back to its owner. She goes on to describe connecting with other animals as well including: Cats, dogs, fish, snakes, porcupines, and many more. She also talks about how she’s able to get images from pets from around the world. Before they wrap, Laura asks Nancy about people who are skeptical of her abilities. She goes on to explain proper animal communication vs red flags that potential clients may find when searching for an animal communicator. For More on Nancy:Email_ nancymello@nancymello.comWebsite _ www.nancymello.comIG_https://www.threads.net/@nancymelloofficialFB_ @NancyMelloOfficialTikTok_tiktok.com/@nancy.melloPodcast _ www.creaturepreacherpod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
Nancy Mello is The Only Animal Communicator That Dances Like Elaine From Seinfeld
Nancy Mello is an animal communicator and evidential medium with experience as a speaker and podcast host. Nancy works with individuals, pet owners, and groups to help with growth of both the individual and their pet in a safe environment. She prides herself in end of life pet work and helping pets with problem behaviors. Nancy is the host of the podcast Creature Preacher. Nancy opens the show by providing Laura and Scott with a reading of their dog who’s currently going through some health issues. Laura asks Nancy about identifying as a clairvoyant and what that means exactly. Nancy goes on to talk about what it was like growing up with special abilities while living on a farm. Nancy tells a story of connecting with a stolen cat, and how she was able to help find the cat and get it back to its owner. She goes on to describe connecting with other animals as well including: Cats, dogs, fish, snakes, porcupines, and many more. She also talks about how she’s able to get images from pets from around the world. Before they wrap, Laura asks Nancy about people who are skeptical of her abilities. She goes on to explain proper animal communication vs red flags that potential clients may find when searching for an animal communicator. For More on Nancy:Email_ nancymello@nancymello.comWebsite _ www.nancymello.comIG_https://www.threads.net/@nancymelloofficialFB_ @NancyMelloOfficialTikTok_tiktok.com/@nancy.melloPodcast _ www.creaturepreacherpod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 2024 • 22min
Scott Talks to Dianne Bondy
Dianne Bondy is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All Movement. Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability.Dianne’s commitment to increasing diversity in yoga has been recognized in her work with Pennington’s, Gaiam, and the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, as well as in speaking engagements at Princeton, Duke, University of Buffalo and UC Berkeley on Yoga, Race, and Diversity. Dianne is the author of the international best-selling book Yoga for Everyone. Dianne opens the show by telling Laura about the time she went to a yoga class and had the staff making judgements about her based on her body type. This led Dianne to decide and open her own judgement-free yoga practice that focused on inclusiveness. Dianne discusses her experience dealing with body image as a child. This included her parents pushing her to diet and exercise at a young age, which led to an eating disorder by age 12. After dealing with starvation, binging, and purging on a regular basis, Dianne realized that people will always find something about you to pick on, and she discovered the need to draw boundaries in life and not always focus on people pleasing. After being told by her doctors that she needed to gain weight in order to get pregnant, she had her son which became the catalyst for overcoming her eating disorder. Laura and Dianne then have a conversation about Ozempic and seeing food as more than just fuel for your body. Dianne talks about hosting events and realizing that sometimes a pivot is needed, and as long as there’s honesty and transparency in your intention then people will find it if it’s truly for them. Before they wrap, Dianne talks about her current relationship with her mother, and how she’s always on some kind of diet. She also tells Laura about planning a trip to Napa in the near future.For More on Dianne:Email: dianne@diannebondyyoga.comWebsite: www.diannebondyyoga.comIG: @diannebondyyogaofficialFB: @DianneBondyYogaOfficial/YouTube: DianneBondyYogaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dianne Bondy Is The Only One Redefining Yoga For The Rest Of Us
Dianne Bondy is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All Movement. Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. Dianne’s commitment to increasing diversity in yoga has been recognized in her work with Pennington’s, Gaiam, and the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, as well as in speaking engagements at Princeton, Duke, University of Buffalo and UC Berkeley on Yoga, Race, and Diversity. Dianne is the author of the international best-selling book Yoga for Everyone. Dianne opens the show by telling Laura about the time she went to a yoga class and had the staff making judgements about her based on her body type. This led Dianne to decide and open her own judgement-free yoga practice that focused on inclusiveness. Dianne discusses her experience dealing with body image as a child. This included her parents pushing her to diet and exercise at a young age, which led to an eating disorder by age 12. After dealing with starvation, binging, and purging on a regular basis, Dianne realized that people will always find something about you to pick on, and she discovered the need to draw boundaries in life and not always focus on people pleasing. After being told by her doctors that she needed to gain weight in order to get pregnant, she had her son which became the catalyst for overcoming her eating disorder. Laura and Dianne then have a conversation about Ozempic and seeing food as more than just fuel for your body. Dianne talks about hosting events and realizing that sometimes a pivot is needed, and as long as there’s honesty and transparency in your intention then people will find it if it’s truly for them. Before they wrap, Dianne talks about her current relationship with her mother, and how she’s always on some kind of diet. She also tells Laura about planning a trip to Napa in the near future. For More on Dianne:Email_ dianne@diannebondyyoga.comWebsite_ www.diannebondyyoga.comIG_ @diannebondyyogaofficialFB_ @DianneBondyYogaOfficial/YouTube_ DianneBondyYogaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14, 2024 • 20min
Scott Talks to Dr. Carl Erik Fisher
Carl Erik Fisher, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist, bioethics scholar, author, and person in recovery. He is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, where he studies and teaches law, ethics, and policy relating to psychiatry and neuroscience, especially issues related to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. He also maintains a private clinical practice focused on complementary and integrative approaches to addiction and recovery. His book, The Urge: The History of Addiction, is available on Amazon. And his podcast, Flourishing After Addiction, is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Dr. Carl Erik opens the show by telling Laura about his alcohol and stimulant dependency before and throughout college. This led to a manic episode that resulted in him being admitted to a psych ward he had previously interviewed at. He goes on to explain some of his manic behaviors while being treated, including thinking that he knew better than the doctors caring for him. He also explains the specialized program he was put into and given a specialized 5-year contract so it wouldn’t negatively affect his career. Dr. Carl Erik then talks about “good drugs” vs “bad drugs” and how they disproportionately affect minority communities. This leads to a conversation about the history of addiction and how addiction can become your identity. Before they finish, Laura asks about his time after getting out of the psych ward, as well as what someone should do when they don’t think they’re getting the right treatment for their substance abuse issues. For More on Carl:Email_carl@carlerikfisher.comSocial Media: @DrCarlErik on most platforms:http://www.twitter.com/@drcarlerikhttps://www.instagram.com/drcarlerik/https://www.facebook.com/DrCarlErik/Also: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-erik-fisher-937360/Website: https://www.carlerikfisher.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dr. Carl Erik Fisher is The Only Psychiatrist Who Was A Patient On The Psych Ward
Carl Erik Fisher, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist, bioethics scholar, author, and person in recovery. He is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, where he studies and teaches law, ethics, and policy relating to psychiatry and neuroscience, especially issues related to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. He also maintains a private clinical practice focused on complementary and integrative approaches to addiction and recovery. His book, The Urge: The History of Addiction, is available on Amazon. And his podcast, Flourishing After Addiction, is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Dr. Carl Erik opens the show by telling Laura about his alcohol and stimulant dependency before and throughout college. This led to a manic episode that resulted in him being admitted to a psych ward he had previously interviewed at. He goes on to explain some of his manic behaviors while being treated, including thinking that he knew better than the doctors caring for him. He also explains the specialized program he was put into and given a specialized 5-year contract so it wouldn’t negatively affect his career. Dr. Carl Erik then talks about “good drugs” vs “bad drugs” and how they disproportionately affect minority communities. This leads to a conversation about the history of addiction and how addiction can become your identity. Before they finish, Laura asks about his time after getting out of the psych ward, as well as what someone should do when they don’t think they’re getting the right treatment for their substance abuse issues. For More On Carl:Email_carl@carlerikfisher.comSocial Media:@DrCarlErik on most platforms: http://www.twitter.com/@drcarlerikhttps://www.instagram.com/drcarlerik/https://www.facebook.com/DrCarlErik/Also: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-erik-fisher-937360/Website: https://www.carlerikfisher.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2024 • 19min
Scott Talks to Jesse Leon
Jesse Leon is an author, motivational speaker, social impact consultant, and a certified executive coach. He creates public-private partnerships, grant-making programs, and impact investment funds to address affordable housing, sex-trafficking, addiction, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues. His memoir I’m Not Broken is available wherever you get your books. And his TedxTalk about sex trafficking can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hFFiP9gSZSM?si=oJ64yZsuCK2bXXBN This is Jesse’s first appearance on The Only One in the Room Laura opens the conversation by asking Jesse about the difference between sex trafficking and human trafficking. Jesse then shares his story of being sexually molested for years, starting at the age of 11. He goes on the explain why he never spoke up about his attacks and felt forced to shoulder the burden of protecting his family as a child. Laura asks Jesse about a particularly bad fight he got into in the 9th grade, and how that experience led him to reveal to people that he was being sexually assaulted. Jesse talks a little bit about restorative justice before getting into his sobriety journey. After getting sober, Jesse attended both UC Berkley and Harvard. He discusses being two spirited and gives a reaction to his TedxTalk on sex trafficking. For More on JesseBOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Broken-Jesse-Leon/dp/0593466519Email_ jesseleonauthor@gmail.comWebsite_ www.jesseleon-author.comInstagram: @jesse_leon_authorLinkedIn: / jesus-jesse-leon Facebook: JesseLeonAuthor X: @jesseleonauthorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/only-one-in-the-room--6052418/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices