Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator

Today we're talking all about the neuroscience of gratitude... how practicing appreciation can literally change your brain and help you feel calmer, more focused, and emotionally balanced. I'm breaking down how gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain that regulates emotions and focus) and triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, your brain's natural feel-good, mood-boosting chemicals. You'll also learn: How gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety Ways to practice gratitude without negating real struggles or grief Simple, practical ways to make gratitude part of your daily life Why forcing gratitude doesn't work (and what to do instead) I'm giving you the science and the strategy to help you understand why gratitude is so powerful. Because I know you're more likely to use it to improve your mental and emotional health if you know the reasons behind it! Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a 5-star review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

In this episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, I got the opportunity to sit down with Julie Cyvonne, a former attorney and now psychedelic facilitator, to explore the healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms and the growing role of psychedelics in mental health. Julie shared her deeply personal journey - from battling career expectations and anxiety to discovering how intentional, evidence-based psychedelic work can transform lives. She explains what microdosing really is (and isn't), how set and setting influence every experience, and why integration is just as important as the psychedelic journey itself. You'll hear some of her client success stories, insights from Julie's work with over 300 microdosing participants, and the science and spirituality behind her retreats and 30-day integration protocols. This conversation breaks down myths, removes stigma, and gives you a grounded, compassionate perspective on how psychedelics can be used safely and intentionally for healing, wellness, self-discovery, and personal growth. Episode Highlights Julie's journey from law to psychedelic facilitation How psilocybin works and its therapeutic benefits Common myths about psychedelics and microdosing Why set and setting are crucial The role of integration and coaching before, during & after psychedelic experiences How Julie's retreats combine science, spirituality, and safety into her protocols & retreats This conversation was so interesting! If you've been curious about psychedelics, Julie is the person you want to listen to! RESOURCES follow Julie's Instagram comment 'JOURNEY' on any of her Instagram posts to find out if mushrooms could be helpful for you Julie's website & retreat info Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a 5-star review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

In this solo episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, I broke down the truth about alcohol and mental health. We're discussing how it affects your mental health, mood, energy and even your ability to lose weight and take care of your physical health. If you've ever said "I just need a drink to relax," this episode will help you understand what's actually happening in your body when you sit down on your couch with that glass of wine. In this episode, I address: How alcohol impacts the your mood and mental health Why alcohol might temporarily calm you, but increase anxiety and depression later The connection between alcohol, sleep, and recovery How drinking can quietly affect your metabolism and weight loss goals This isn't about shame or demonizing alcohol, it's about awareness and empowering you to make decisions that support your goals. Whether you're sober-curious or simply want to feel more in control of your mental health, this conversation will help you rethink your relationship with alcohol and your wellness. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

In this episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, I have a deep, insightful converastion with Michelle Ghassemi - an operations & business mentor who overcame a challenging upbringing of generational poverty, frequent moves & a parent with mental health struggles. Michelle graciously shares about her unique growth mindset when it came to growing up poor, moving around a lot, her experience in foster homes and what led her to accept the leader in herself as she got into the workforce. We talk about: Her sense of adventure when it came to moving frequently as a young child The willingness to develop self awareness and have confidence in the face of change Navigating the salon industry as a natural leader and honoring her skills How she's establishing significant female friendships as a woman in her 40s You're going to want to listen to this one a few times! Michelle's story shows that it doesn't matter where you came from; what matters is what you do with what you're given. Connect with Michelle Ghassemi: Instagram: @MichelleGhassemi Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

In this episode, we're talking about one of the most common struggles so many of us face: comparison Whether it's comparing yourself to someone online, to friends who seem to "have it all together," or even to the version of yourself in the mirror, comparison can eat away at your self-esteem. But is comparison the thief of joy? I'm also talking about the healthy comparison that has the potential to spark inspiration. You'll learn how social media impacts us, how to notice when you're slipping into the comparison trap, and practical ways to address the comparison trap. You'll learn: Whta upward comparison is and how it can help you grow How social media amplifies unrealistic expectations Why comparing yourself to yourself can be just as hurtful Therapist-tested tips to stop comparison before it keeps spiraling Extra Resources for You: Improve Your Self Esteem in 30 Days (Instagram reel) What is Self Esteem? (blog) Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

⚠️ A quick note before we begin: This conversation includes mention of depression and suicide. If you're struggling, please know you're not alone. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. In this episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, I sit down with Adia Nuno - a country line dance instructor, entrepreneur, and an advocate for community who has an incredible story of healing through movement. Adia opens up about her history with depression, suicidal thoughts and how discovering country line dancing sparked not only a sense of hope, but also a path back to confidence, community, and self-expression. We talk about: • The connection between movement and mental health • Why community is such a powerful tool for healing • Adia's journey from depression to becoming a business owner and leader in her field • Where to start if you want to use dance to support your own mental health Adia's story is proof that healing doesn't always look like what we expect. Sometimes it comes in the form of making big decisions, music, movement, and the courage to show up for ourselves one step at a time. Connect with Adia Nuno: Instagram: @AdiaDance KickStart Country Instagram: @KickStartCountry TikTok: @AdiaDance Adia's Line Dance Basics on YouTube: Start Dancing Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

We hear it everywhere: "live a balanced life." But what if balance isn't the goal at all? What if you get frustrated in the process of trying to achieve it, and miss a lot of goodness along the way? In this episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, I'm breaking down why chasing balance can actually leave you more stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated...and how to look at it in a way that feels better for you. Here's what you'll learn in this short but powerful episode: • The difference between balance and prioritization • How to define your version of balance for whatever season of life you're in • Why chasing the perfection of balance can make you feel worse If you've ever felt like you're struggling to achieve balance, this episode will remind you that you're not alone. And how to move forward in a more empowered, realistic way. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

We're always looking for the next "thing." The next big tip, technique, tool, supplement, theory, person... but, in all my decades of being a therapist, one of the most neglected things when it comes to anxiety is a person's lifestyle. While it may look different to everyone, today we're talking about the most underrated tool for managing anxiety & being preventative. If things in your life have fallen by the wayside, this one's for you! Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

Emotional eating isn't about being weak or lacking willpower, it's about how your mind and body are trying to cope with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, boredom...and... life. In this episode of Let's Talk About It with Lori Streator, we're getting into the truth about emotional eating: why it happens, how it's connected to your mental health, and what you can do to interrupt the cycle. You'll learn: • What emotional eating really is (and why it's not about the food) • How stress, anxiety and other emotions trigger cravings and "food noise" • Common myths that keep you stuck in the cycle • How to use awareness so you can start interrupting your patterns If you've ever felt frustrated, guilty, or out of control around food, this conversation will remind you that you're not broken or lacking willpower... you're human. And there is another way. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in weekly for more real-life conversations about mental health. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional.

Feeling anxious, stressed, or off balance in life? Sometimes the most powerful mental health tools are the basics we tend to forget. I'm sharing the simple, science-backed habits that can help you feel calmer and more in control... like today. If you're looking for simple stress relief habits, I got you! The small shifts like spending time in nature, rebuilding social connections, and tidying up your home can lower stress, boost resilience, and help you get out of survival mode. If you're feeling overwhelmed, managing burnout, or you need a reset, this is your reminder to return to the simple habits that work. What you'll hear today: The 10 basics that regulate your mind and body Why deprioritizing these habits makes stress harder to manage How to reimplement them back into your day Listen now and discover how going "back to basics" can bring you back to feeling like yourself again. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave a review and send it to a friend. Your support will help this podcast grow and reach more people! 🎧 Subscribe now and tune in for more real-life conversations about mental health. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is for educational use only. It is not to be used in place of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the nearest appropriate professional. FOLLOW follow me: @loristreator follow my practice: @solairetherapy