The Dream

Ana Brazaitytė, a Bay Area jeweler and sustainability expert originally from Lithuania, dives into the world of ethical jewelry. She discusses the importance of sustainable mining and the impact of human rights and environmental issues in the jewelry industry. The conversation highlights the complexities of recycled gold and the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. Ana shares insights on how consumers can navigate the ethical landscape of gold and gemstones, advocating for more transparency and responsible sourcing in the industry.

Alex Goldman, host of Hyperfixed and former Reply All producer, teams up with Kenan Tamlin and his mother, songwriter Megan Banning, for a heartfelt journey into the past. They explore Kenan's quest to uncover his mother's songwriting legacy and the emotional complexities of their relationship. Discussions unfold around unfulfilled dreams, the challenges of sensitive conversations, and rediscovering musical roots amidst life’s pressures. With humor and nostalgia, they navigate the ups and downs of reconnecting with passion and legacy.

Dr. Sherman James, a retired Southern Black professor known for his John Henryism hypothesis, and Dr. Arline Geronimus, a health inequity expert, discuss the hidden costs of striving in modern society. They argue that relentless ambition can negatively impact health and happiness, especially within marginalized communities. The conversation explores the myth of self-made success, chronic stress, and the emotional toll of societal pressures. Their insights challenge the traditional narratives of resilience and success, encouraging a reevaluation of what true well-being means.

Julie Jo, a former top MLM distributor turned anti-MLM advocate, shares her eye-opening journey through the world of multi-level marketing. She discusses her disillusionment after reaching near the top and the emotional toll of chasing success. The conversation dives into the unsettling connections between MLM schemes and conspiracy theories, while also addressing the impact on youth mental health. Julie emphasizes the importance of mental health advocacy and the need for accountability within the MLM community, raising critical questions about leadership and ethics.

In this intriguing discussion, a clinical social worker shares her journey into the world of hypnotherapy, uncovering the bizarre practices of a wellness institute. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas of hypnotherapy training, highlighting unsettling experiences and red flags encountered during the course. Participants grapple with skepticism about memory alteration and its impact on identity. Additionally, they reflect on the importance of credible training vs. dubious offerings in mental health, tackling the psychological fallout of sunk costs in personal decisions.

Brandie Hadfield, a former elite Juice Plus distributor turned psychotherapist and anti-MLM activist, shares her powerful journey from multi-level marketing to mental health advocacy. She discusses her personal experiences with grief, wellness marketing, and the emotional toll of MLMs on relationships. Brandie dives into the intersection of faith and business, exploring mental health challenges linked to social media. Her insights emphasize the need for recovery from cult-like influences, particularly concerning diet control and the pressures of the wellness industry.

Join John James Santangelo, an NLP expert and author, as he demystifies neurolinguistic programming. He explores how our mindset and the language we use can reshape our reality, revealing the emotional dynamics tied to our words. Santangelo discusses how modeling successful behaviors can lead to personal growth. He also emphasizes the significance of positive language, advocating for words that uplift rather than hinder. Listeners will be captivated by his insights on transforming dialogue and its profound effects on daily life.

Join writer and comedian Josh Gondelman, known for his sharp wit and late-night show experience, alongside writer Maris Kreizman, author of 'I Want to Burn This Place Down.' They dive into the joys and challenges of living a DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) lifestyle, sharing how their choice to focus on their partnership and dog has shaped their happiness. They candidly discuss societal pressures around parenthood, mental health in today's world, and the freedom that comes with their unconventional family dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Rajala, a former Arbonne member and Direct Marketing coach, shares her eye-opening journey out of multi-level marketing. She reveals the emotional turmoil and manipulation faced in MLMs, contrasting initial excitement with harsh realities. Jennifer delves into the seductive nature of consumerism, the struggle for authenticity, and the impact on mental health. She emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and personal growth after leaving high-control environments, transforming her anger into positive change.

Mary O'Hara, journalist and author of "Austerity Bites," shares her insights on the devastating impact of austerity measures on marginalized communities in the UK. She draws parallels with the current state of social services in the U.S., highlighting the rising income gap and the erosion of safety nets. O'Hara critiques media narratives around poverty and emphasizes the importance of understanding societal structures that perpetuate inequality. The conversation underscores the necessity for positive communication in welfare support and collective action to address these pressing issues.