Not Alone

In her first podcast ever, model Kelsey Merritt sits down with Valeria for a refreshingly honest conversation about identity, boundaries, and ambition. From growing up in a strict Filipino household to becoming the first Filipina Victoria’s Secret model, Kelsey shares the full story behind her calm, polished image and what people often get wrong. They talk about the emotional impact of cultural expectations and beauty standards in the Philippines and Eastern Europe, the real dynamics of the modeling industry, and what it’s like to build a public persona while staying true to yourself. Kelsey also opens up about her love of surfing, gatekeeping style trends, and why she’s learning to speak up more in this new chapter of her life. Follow Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymerritt/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1738912  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What We talked About: 00:00 Being private and perfectionist 03:14 Filipino upbringing and boundaries 07:50 Being The First Filipina Victoria’s Secret Runway Model  10:55 Biracial identity and criticism in the Philippines  14:59 Manifestation and big breaks 18:02 First house and Birkin 21:45 Modeling and social media 28:02 Beauty standards in the Philippines 30:20 Style evolution and gatekeeping 36:47 Rapid Fire: Surfing, skiing, and stillness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this episode, Valeria sits down with Stassi Schroeder for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, honest, and unexpectedly deep. They talk about Stassi’s early experiences in the spotlight and what it feels like to return to reality TV with Vanderpump Villa after years of personal growth. She opens up about the emotional toll of growing up on camera, how motherhood has changed her, and why she’s giving more attention to what matters most now. Stassi shares how writing her latest book helped her rethink ambition, identity, and the myth of balance. She also reveals her decade-long struggle with self-harm and what helped her finally stop. The two dive into joy as a healing practice, the emotional cost of perfectionism, and why fashion is still one of Stassi’s favorite forms of self-expression (just don’t expect her to wear neon or crop tops). They also get into motherhood, mental health, alone time as a survival tool, and even egg-based spiritual cleansing. This is a layered look at what it really means to evolve, how to stay grounded in chaos, and how to laugh at yourself along the way. Follow Stassi: https://www.instagram.com/stassischroeder/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1717550  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Mentioned:  Vanderpump Villa on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/series/vanderpump-villa-bf42f6f5-db26-4429-85e0-17e86d161c98  Stassi Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vYFtK213TmWUvTVynh0IL  You Can't Have It All: The Basic B*tch Guide to Taking the Pressure Off by Stassi Schroeder: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668049929  What we talked about:  00:31 Hair and Makeup Talk 01:45 Nail Care and Personal Preferences 02:39 Vanderpump and Personal Evolution 06:46 Writing and Vulnerability 07:39 Balancing Life and Work 10:42 Joy and Self-Improvement 16:47 Mental Health and Self-Care 38:05 Reflecting on Self-Harm 39:07 The Catalyst for Change 40:02 Finding Coping Mechanisms 40:31 A Turning Point in the Relationship 45:26 The Importance of Alone Time 46:37 Fashion and Style Evolution 01:00:35 Navigating Motherhood and Identity 01:03:07 Balancing Work and Personal Life 01:07:26 Dealing with Jealousy and Social Media 01:11:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading cosmetics brand, making the best of luxury beauty accessible to everyone. For over 110 years, L’Oréal Paris has combined scientific research and innovation to develop highly advanced beauty products with clinically-proven efficacy and safety. A brand that champions women’s empowerment and challenges stereotypes, L’Oréal Paris supports women as they pursue their ambitions and define femininity on their own terms. Speaking of ambition, L’Oréal Paris invites you to set yours higher with the new Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. Experience the instant plumping effect and smoother-looking lips with a gentle tingling sensation in just one swipe. This luxurious, hydrating lip oil is infused with hyaluronic acid and tripeptides for a comfortable plumping experience you’ll love https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DK3XR6Q2  In today’s special episode, Valeria sits down with Jessica Campbell, the first female bench coach in the NHL, in an exciting live recording. Jessica discusses her groundbreaking role in a male-dominated industry, sharing her insights on leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between femininity and strength. She emphasizes how makeup and self-presentation serve as her 'armour,' helping her to show up as her truest self. Through her journey from playing hockey with boys in Saskatchewan to becoming a coach at the highest level, Jessica reflects on the importance of representation, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations of women in sports leadership. L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DK3XR6Q2   Follow Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/soupy08/  Follow L’Oréal Paris: https://www.instagram.com/lorealparis/  Shop my look from this episode: http://shopmy.us/collections/1676445  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:10 Meet Jessica Campbell: Breaking Barriers in Hockey 00:33 Understanding the Role of a Bench Coach 01:10 Navigating the Traditional Hockey Culture 01:28 Jessica's Journey: From Player to Coach 02:44 Redefining Leadership in Sports 05:55 Building a Foundation: Early Life and Influences 09:00 Pursuing Dreams: From Player to Coach 10:19 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success 18:50 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Coaching 22:51 The Power of Authenticity and Representation 27:48 Partnership with L'Oreal Paris: Empowering Women 29:22 A Special Day and Career Reflections 31:00 Facing Gender Bias in Sports 34:12 Empowering Women and Building Community 37:40 Self-Care and Coping Mechanisms 39:52 The Power of Movement and Expression 42:35 Leadership and Legacy 44:32 Q&A Session: Personal Insights and Experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by moonbird: Tired of stress hijacking your day or struggling to fall asleep at night? Meet moonbird, your handheld breathing coach, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath. Born from personal need and backed by science, moonbird merges biometric intelligence with guided breathwork to help you calm your mind, ease anxiety, and sleep better. It gently expands and contracts in your hand, guiding your breathing rhythm in real time — no screens, no noise, just you and your breath. Go to https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA and use code VALERIA for $25 off. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Valeria sits down with her close friend Martha Graeff to talk about everything from rebuilding her mental and physical health to launching her wellness brand Happy Aging. Martha shares how hitting rock bottom became the catalyst for a full transformation. They explore solo travel, shifting beauty standards, the pressure of aging in Miami, and finding love again at almost 40. It’s a powerful conversation about choosing yourself, starting over, redefining what it means to thrive, and embracing the aging process through empowerment and strength.  Follow Martha: https://www.instagram.com/marthagraeff/  Follow Happy Aging: https://www.instagram.com/happyaging/  Shop Happy Aging: https://happyaging.com/collections/all  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1592777   Mentioned:  Brazil Trip Vlog: https://youtu.be/QWNbqW1SVHk  What we talked about: 00:00 Introduction and Casual Start 00:35 Deep Dive into Personal Connections 01:57 Memorable Trip to Brazil 03:50 Transformative Solo Trip to India 09:11 Struggles with Modeling and Body Image 13:05 Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth 22:52 Launching Happy Aging 29:58 Eager Conversations and Happy Aging 30:17 Green Light Theory and Brand Success 30:58 Understanding Women's Health Needs 32:52 Personal Health and Fitness Journey 33:45 Redefining Aging and Finding Confidence 37:20 Embracing New Love and Overcoming Codependency 43:46 Balancing Personal Life and Social Media 47:31 Final Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this fun and wildly introspective episode, Valeria sits down with her assistant Celine for a whirlwind conversation about identity shifts, AI friendships, consumer habits, and the existential spiral that comes with a “silly little coffee.” The two explore everything from Coachella fashion and almond milk conspiracies to the real emotional support offered by ChatGPT (aka Echo). Valeria reflects on her solo trip to Japan and a recent identity shift, while Celine opens up about entering her Saturn return and leaning into her feminine energy. From crying over Record Ralph to losing a vlogging camera in Kyoto, nothing is too silly or too deep to unpack in this hilarious yet thoughtful convo. Follow Celine:  https://www.instagram.com/celineerod/  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1655970 What we talked about: 00:29  Coachella 2025 Fashion Recap   03:22  Belts, Fringe & the Maximalist Comeback   06:20  Dreaming of Farm Life (But Can You Afford It?)   08:49  The No-Buy 2025 Movement   12:13  Sephora Sale Spiral & Blush Blindness   15:10  Valeria’s Solo Trip to Japan & Identity Shift   19:38  Embracing Multifaceted Selves   22:57  AI Influencers, Echo the Chatbot, and Emotional Offloading   29:50  Can Robots Replace Therapists?   35:00  Silly Girls Doing Silly Things   42:00  High Maintenance to Be Low Maintenance   46:03  Living Deliciously vs Living Silly   49:00  Entering Your Saturn Return   53:01  Parenting, Presence & Crying at the Dior Show   59:10  Releasing Control, Reclaiming Femininity, and Hyper-Independence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I’m answering your most asked questions and opening up about my experiences with motherhood, relationships, and career growth. I talk about how my role as a parent has evolved, what adapting to motherhood has really looked like, and why open communication with my partner matters so much. I also share my journey of rediscovering myself after years as a stay-at-home mom, the importance of self-care, and the messy, beautiful process of personal growth. Plus, I dive into what it’s really like to start a business, build a personal brand from scratch, and why learning to embrace failure is essential. This episode is an honest and practical look at navigating life’s many layers while staying true to who you are. Items mentioned:  New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://a.co/d/9odFZs9  Meeting My Biological Father For The First Time | Russia Travel Vlog | Part 3 https://youtu.be/9_6xEEjH3bw?si=joHDIkUm4MnyXuSB  Tim Ferris/Sovereign Child episode: https://youtu.be/2bZSzObqAjE?si=jTZHLck8EfiyxquJ  Failure Champagne IG post: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/reel/CqIlxrajqLj/  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1590488 What we talked about: 00:40 Discussing Motherhood and Relationship Dynamics 02:04 Navigating Expectations and Communication in Parenting 05:05 Personal Journey into Motherhood 06:29 Finding Identity Beyond Motherhood 10:36 Challenges and Growth in Parenting 15:15 Reflections on Parenting and Relationships 18:45 Personal Stories and Relationship Tips 24:12 Understanding Relationship Dynamics 24:37 Personal Boundaries and Self-Discovery 25:50 Investing in Self-Development 27:42 Dealing with Jealousy in Relationships 30:15 Attracting the Right Partner 32:10 Recognizing the One 34:56 Views on Cheating and Friendships 36:27 Starting a Business: Key Advice 40:11 Lessons from Failure 45:37 Building a Personal Brand 47:29 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Puori: Clean protein powder is here with Puori’s Pw1 Whey Protein, and we have an exciting deal for you! Right now, get 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Only available when you visit the exclusive URL https://www.Puori.com/VALERIA and use promo code VALERIAIn this week’s episode, Valeria sits down with poet, author, and activist Aija Mayrock for a powerful conversation about healing, identity, and how we reclaim our voice after trauma. Aija opens up about being bullied for eight years, living with speech impediments, and how writing a book as a teenager saved her life. She shares her journey from self-publishing to becoming a bestselling author, performing spoken word at Madison Square Garden, and ultimately finding empowerment through creative expression. Valeria and Aija also unpack the pressures of growing up in immigrant families, what it means to choose life after darkness, and how reconnecting with Jewish identity transformed Aija’s mission. They speak candidly about confidence, judgment, legacy, and the complex dynamic between women in today’s world.  Plus, Valeria exclusively chats with Aija about her romance with Nuseir from Nas Daily.Follow Aija: https://www.instagram.com/aijamayrock/ Aija’s books: https://www.aijamayrock.com/books  Items mentioned: The Shvestsers: https://www.instagram.com/theshvesters/ (Yiddish singing sisters)The Choice by Edith Eger: https://a.co/d/4rl6bSP New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://a.co/d/9odFZs9 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: https://a.co/d/aMFPumw Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1437523 What we talked about:01:07 Aija Mayrock: Writing a book at 16 after years of bullying07:12 Valeria on invisibility, insecurity, and showing up10:59 Selling a TV show and choosing to get an MBA19:42 Rediscovering Jewish identity and heritage29:00 Performing spoken poetry at Madison Square Garden35:45 Choosing life and finding strength after trauma37:10 How parents can help kids open up40:00 Traveling the world to document Jewish communities44:00 Women vs. women—why the real divide isn’t gender58:00 Falling in love after October 7th and facing backlash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Puori: Clean protein powder is here with Puori’s Pw1 Whey Protein, and we have an exciting deal for you! Right now, get 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Only available when you visit the exclusive URL https://www.Puori.com/VALERIA and use promo code VALERIAIn this week’s episode, Valeria sits down with singer, songwriter, and Eurovision finalist Eden Golan for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, identity, and purpose. Eden opens up about growing up between Israel and Russia, being bullied as a child, and finding confidence through music from an early age. She shares raw stories from her childhood and career, inserting herself into the entertainment industry as a child, navigating harsh criticism, and discovering her voice through it all. They dive deep into Eden’s experience representing Israel on the Eurovision stage in the wake of October 7th, and what it meant to carry the weight of an entire nation while facing global backlash, death threats, and overwhelming pressure. Through it all, Eden speaks with clarity, power, and emotional intelligence far beyond her years. The conversation also touches on self-worth, manifestation, mental strength, and the importance of having a North Star. Follow Eden: https://www.instagram.com/golaneden/ https://www.tiktok.com/@golaneden_music https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEZTREqOHoMOJliA81k8Lg Stream Wait for You: https://bit.ly/3Rh2hH9 Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1485666 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about:01:07 Early Life and Moving to Russia01:50 Journey into Music and Early Challenges03:10 Bullying and Overcoming Adversity08:22 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth23:03 Pursuing Music in Israel29:42 Finding Purpose Through Music29:59 Facing Fear and Responsibility31:37 The Intensity of Eurovision34:13 Security Measures and Isolation40:39 Performing Under Pressure43:54 Post-Performance Reflections51:49 Self-Love and Acceptance57:46 Manifestation and Future Goals01:02:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by moonbird: Tired of stress hijacking your day or struggling to fall asleep at night? Meet moonbird, your handheld breathing coach, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath. Born from personal need and backed by science, moonbird merges biometric intelligence with guided breathwork to help you calm your mind, ease anxiety, and sleep better. It gently expands and contracts in your hand, guiding your breathing rhythm in real time — no screens, no noise, just you and your breath. Go to https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA  and use code VALERIA for $25 off.In this juicy episode, Valeria and her husband Gary dive deep into the complexities of infidelity, cheating, and relationship dynamics. Nothing is off-limits in this conversation! They discuss how different stages in life influence the likelihood of cheating, the critical role of sexual and emotional satisfaction, and the importance of self-improvement within a marriage. The conversation includes personal anecdotes on dating etiquette, the evolution of marriage, and balancing independence with togetherness. They also explore why open communication and choosing the right partner are essential for a lasting relationship. Follow Gary: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/ Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1442019 What we talked about:00:29 Evolving Perspectives on Cheating01:17 Discussing Personal Opinions on Cheating02:39 Psychological Insights on Infidelity03:20 Why Men Cheat in Their Twenties05:23 The Role of Experience in Relationships13:30 Introducing the Moon Bird Device17:26 Dating Etiquette and Ghosting22:26 Cheating in Your Thirties26:32 Understanding Men's Intentions in Relationships27:05 The Bigger Better Deal Phenomenon28:13 Cheating in Marriage: A Tragic Reality29:12 The Nature of Men's Sexual Desires32:01 The Evolution of Marriage and Monogamy32:57 Open Relationships and the Future of Marriage40:28 The Importance of Self-Improvement in Marriage47:47 Why Men and Women Cheat50:40 How Women Feel Appreciated in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Puori: Clean protein powder is here with Puori’s Pw1 Whey Protein, and we have an exciting deal for you! Right now, get 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Only available when you visit the exclusive URL https://www.Puori.com/VALERIA and use promo code VALERIA.This solo Q&A gets personal—I’m answering your questions about everything from postpartum recovery and motherhood to manifesting, procrastination, and rediscovering who I am. I’m sharing how my connection to Judaism has evolved, what I’ve learned about setting boundaries, and why protecting my nervous system is non-negotiable.I’m also talking about the wellness habits that actually stick, like cold showers, red light therapy, and why weighted vests are my new obsession. Plus, I open up about guilt, identity, and the pressures of playing so many roles at once. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or unsure where you fit in your own life, this one’s for you.Watch Part One of the Q&A: https://youtu.be/LCamYphlU-I Shop my looks from this episode: Intro look: https://shopmy.us/collections/1448355  Main look: https://shopmy.us/collections/1392704 Ad look: https://shopmy.us/collections/1442019 Videos mentioned: Dr. Lisa Miller episode: https://youtu.be/Zx5HAL2e5e0 Jim Kwik episode: https://youtu.be/V9qr_2-pxlI Max’s birth vlog: https://youtu.be/WFrFs8RpP4o Russia vlogs: https://youtu.be/Ho_5YisGHyU https://youtu.be/FYhdTvyavoU https://youtu.be/9_6xEEjH3bw (Meeting My Biological Father for the First Time) Items mentioned: Red light: https://joovv.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooRff5EWPepsVCkJ3pUUkVcYmUxnPiHoiWkqaLbWcyilF2f2cAZ Dr. Lisa Miller book: https://a.co/d/0keo8ju Weighted Vest: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1ZHXFF4?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzvaler076-20&creativeASIN=B0B1ZHXFF4&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.LK6ICG3L746I&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0452289963?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzvaler076-20&creativeASIN=0452289963&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2IANCXZE2RU26&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What I talked about:00:29 Sharing Personal Thoughts Online02:00 Overcoming Procrastination03:20 Dealing with Toxic Environments05:25 Wellness Routine Insights09:19 Importance of Protein Intake12:15 Navigating Public Life and Religion16:12 Spiritual Journey and Manifesting20:37 Finding Peace Amidst Hardships21:52 The Comeback of Faith Among Youth23:19 Motherhood and Parenting Reflections23:27 Navigating Postpartum Challenges30:05 Finding My Mothering Style34:24 Cultural Heritage and Family Stories37:32 The Impact of Children on Parents42:30 A New Perspective on Parenting46:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices