Not Alone

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with one of the original social media influencers and SAME founder & CEO Shea Marie, for a candid conversation about evolution, personally, publicly, and professionally. Shea opens up about entering a new season of life, from ringing in the New Year in Aspen and sharing her engagement story to navigating what it really means to keep a relationship both public and protected. Together, they talk about dating in the spotlight, why Shea has intentionally chosen to share less online, and how her relationship with the internet has changed over time. Shea reflects on her early move to LA, her first tough job in PR, and the lessons that ultimately led her to start blogging at a time when influencers weren’t taken seriously. She dives into the realities of being an OG in the space, from doing unpaid campaigns and being underestimated, to learning how to separate herself as a creator from the brand she built. Shea also talks about the journey of building and scaling SAME, what the future holds for the brand, and the one belief she had to unlearn along the way. This episode is about growth, boundaries, and building something that lasts. Follow Shea Marie on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheamarie/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheamarieofficial?lang=en Shop SAME: https://www.samelosangeles.com/collections/shop-all Shop my look from this episode: Follow me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod?lang=en What we talked about:  0:29 - Valeria’s 2026 energy 2:53 - Introducing Shea Marie 3:52 - Start of interview 4:29 - Shae’s New Year’s in Aspen 7:07 - Engagement story 8:13 - Making your relationship public vs private 11:05 - Dating as a public figure 12:45 - The shift to sharing less online 18:15 - Her move to LA and terrible first job 19:50 - Lessons learned from PR job 20:45 - Starting her blog 24:00 - No respect for early-day influencers 24:55 - Separating the influencer from the brand 27:27 - Creating SAME 29:15 - Highs and lows as an OG influencer 32:53 - Doing a free campaign for Forever21 35:55 - Running and growing a brand 40:47 - The future of SAME 44:01 - One belief she had to unlearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Not Alone, Gary and Valeria sit down with beloved creator and entrepreneur Camila Coelho and her husband Icaro - who, for the first time ever, steps up to the mic beside her. The four of them talk about bonding during their trip to Brazil, celebrating Carnival, what it’s really like being the husband behind a social media powerhouse, and the early days of Camila’s YouTube career when she had no idea what she was doing. Camila and Icaro share the highs and growing pains of becoming business partners, from figuring out their roles to navigating the pressure that success places on their relationship. The conversation goes deep on identity shifts, the messy days when you don’t see eye to eye, and why being recognized for the work you do, even behind-the-scenes, matters. Plus, how they stay grounded in gratitude, and their hopes for the future as entrepreneurs and parents raising a son in the social media age. A rare and intimate look at love, life, and building something real together. Follow Camila on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilacoelho/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camilacoelho?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDl9AK32Xzr_2UOxjt03f6w Website: https://camilacoelho.com/ Shop Elaluz: https://www.elaluz.com/ Follow Icaro: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icarobrenner/?hl=en Shop my look from this episode:  https://shopmy.us/collections/3446110?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:29 - Setting up Camila & Icaro’s episode 1:20 - Start of interview 1:30 - Connecting in Brazil  2:50 - Celebrating Carnival 3;44 - Behind-the-scenes husbands 5:58 - Icaro’s first podcast with Camila 6:35 - How Icaro & Camila met 11:00 - Their love for Brazil 13:31 - Camila’s start on social media 15:05 - Early days posting on YouTube 19:54 - Going into business together 24:00 - The challenge of dividing the roles 27:57 - Learning how to work with each other 29:05 - Advice for getting husbands and partners on board 33:35 - Icaro & Gary on perception & recognition  35:51 - Career pressures affecting your personal relationship 42:24 - Not getting along 44:40 - Identity changes within the relationship 49:35 - What’s next for them 52:04 - Gratitude & contentment 54:42 - Social media moms raising sons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Little Saints, a zero-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail and spirits brand created for people who love the ritual of drinking but not the aftermath. Use code VALERIA for 15% off at https://littlesaints.com In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, a non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand, for a candid conversation about sober curiosity, reinvention, and building a business that challenges the way we socialize. Megan shares her unconventional career path and what she discovered after testing nearly every non-alcoholic drink on the market. They dive into betting on yourself, her Shark Tank experience (and why she walked away from the offers), and her complicated relationship with the word “sober.” The conversation goes deeper into the physical and emotional effects of alcohol, why so many of us drink to numb, and what dating without alcohol can look like. Megan also opens up about how her personal experiences, including extensive work with ayahuasca, shaped her outlook on wellness, presence, and connection. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode about choosing clarity, building something meaningful, and redefining what it means to feel good. Follow Little Saints on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintsco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlesaintsco Shop Little Saints drinks here: https://littlesaints.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruaDMYXrtdiYTR7lCR2iMKX2fpyV74KyHXDhxcv7bg1zQ7Omza Megan’s Book Recs: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://amzn.to/498dvYq  A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/44QVHys  Shop my looks from this episode:  https://shopmy.us/collections/3446096?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:20 - Dry January & Sober Curiosity  2:35 - Introducing Megan Klein 4:19 - Start of interview 6:55 - Her common thread through careers 9:55 - Pivot from farming to a food brand 12:04 - Birth of Little Saints during Covid 13:18 - Testing all the non-alcoholic drinks 15:03 - Explaining Little Saints 16:50 - Decision to invest her own money 17:28 - Selling Little Saints out of a trailer 19:18 - Megan’s Shark Tank experience 21:57 - Why she didn't take the deal 22:40 - After the tank 23:40 - Why she dislikes the word ‘sober’ 27:30 - The side effects of drinking alcohol  31:30 - Drinking to numb ourselves 33:00 - Personal benefits from not drinking 35:54 - Doing Ayahuasca 60 times  38:16 - Lessons learned from Ayahuasca 39:42 - Data about the impact of alcohol  41:14 - Dating without alcohol  43:50 - What’s next for Little Saints 48:10 - Megan’s book recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re rolling out some of Gary’s most iconic moments on Not Alone with a compilation of his most memorable conversations. We’re starting with the story of how Gary and Valeria’s age gap shaped their relationship from day one, how their mothers reacted, the moment Gary asked for Valeria’s hand in marriage. Then, we shift into a raw and revealing conversation about infidelity, why men cheat, the role of emotional maturity, the importance of communication, and why working on yourself is essential to building a lasting relationship. Finally, we dive into marriage and money: power dynamics, childhood beliefs around wealth, business wins and losses, spending freedoms in marriage, and the decisions that shaped their future together. This is the ultimate “Gary Edition,” full of vulnerability, humor, and the kind of perspective you can only get from Mr. Lipovetsky. Listen to the full episodes here: Bridging the Gap: Age Differences and Marital Challenges with Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hCykGJXAgE&t=1153s Why Do Men Cheat? Understanding Infidelity in Relationships & Marriage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0FlLiQmsxI Money and Marriage: An Honest Conversation About Our Finances with Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzQ6arTX44 Shop my looks from this episode:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/valerialipovetsky/posts/1fb71221-858b-11ee-83c1-0242ac110002 https://shopmy.us/collections/1442019 https://shopmy.us/collections/2203496?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky Follow Not Alone: https://www.instagram.com/notalonepod/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod What we talked about:  0:28 - Setting up Gary’s compilation episode 2:52 - What their moms thought of their age gap 7:10 - Asking Valeria’s mom for her hand in marriage 8:02 - Gary’s relationship with Valeria’s mom 10:13 - Advice for couples with an age gap  12:36 - The mentality difference when it comes to age 15:34 - Gary uplifting Valeria’s career 16:37 - Meeting Kris Jenner 19:00 - Gary’s proudest moments 20:35 - Theories on why men cheat 27:13 - Why men in their 20s cheat 30:19 - Gary was a ghoster 35:00 - The golden cage 35:50 - Communication is key 36:24 - Being satisfied with your marriage 38:10 - Importance of working on yourself in marriage 39:35 - Valeria never feeling poor as a child 41:43 - Gary’s deal that didn’t go through 45:20 - Wives needing permission to spend money 49:44 - Best money Gary has ever spent 50:50 - Valeria’s nutrition diploma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of Valeria’s conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz, the focus shifts from understanding menopause to actively working with it to improve your life. Dr. Mindy introduces the concept of “microdosing menopause,” breaking down simple, daily habits women can use to support their changing brains and bodies, from metabolic markers like hemoglobin A1C to lifestyle shifts that ease anxiety and improve energy. They dive into why menopause often acts as a mirror, revealing what’s no longer working in your life, while reframing this phase as a powerful leadership chapter rooted in the “grandmother hypothesis.” The episode also covers how to communicate changes with partners, which hormones to check at different ages, how to build a true alliance with your doctor, and a clear-eyed discussion of peptides and hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately, Dr. Mindy reframes menopause not as something to “get through,” but as a strategic, self-aware upgrade, one that gives women the tools, clarity and confidence to step into the most grounded and powerful phase of their lives. Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz Shop her new book, AGE LIKE A GIRL, and others: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  0:24 - End of Hanukkah  0:42 - Setting up Part 2 with Dr. Mindy 1:35 - ‘Microdosing Menopause’ concept 3:15 - Start of conversation 4:02 - Make sure hemoglobin A1C is close to 5 4:45 - Daily habits you can do to support the changes 6:15 - Communicating changes with partners 10:50 - What’s causing anxiety 13:28 - Menopause is a mirror of what is & isn’t working  16:10 - The grandmother hypothesis 19:16 - The leadership phase 26:00 - What hormones women should check at certain ages 30:15 - Form an alliance with your doctor 32:45 - What we need to know about peptides 34:22 - Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mindy Pelz, a functional health practitioner and bestselling author known for her focus on women's hormonal health, dives deep into the complexities of menopause. She shares her personal journey, revealing how menopause is a transformational period, not just an end. Mindy discusses the decline of estrogen and its impact on neurochemicals, empowering women to embrace leadership roles. She offers practical advice for those in their 30s and 40s, emphasizing lifestyle shifts, micro-habits, and mental health support for a strong transition into this new chapter.

In this engaging conversation, Vita Sidorkina shares insights on parenting and how cultural values shape relationships, particularly the impact of 'daddy issues.' Isabela Grutman discusses the pros and cons of marrying young and the evolution of personal partnerships. Martha Graeff opens up about prioritizing mental health during her marriage and advocates for prenups as empowering tools. Camila Coelho bravely shares her journey with epilepsy, managing stigma and the challenges of her condition, creating a raw and relatable dialogue about womanhood.

Gary Lipovetsky, a frequent co-host known for his quick-witted takes on cultural trends, joins the conversation. They explore the quirky rise of 'Scrotox' and debate who really sets beauty standards—men or women. Gary shares a surprising link between Viagra and hearing loss, while the two discuss a new app for sending drinks, reflecting on the evolving dating landscape. The podcast also tackles healthy masculinity and the Chiara Ferragni scandal, ending with a humorous debate on why women excel at multitasking.

Cass DiMicco, a dynamic content creator and co-founder of Aureum, shares her inspiring journey from fashion buyer to influencer. She discusses the delicate balance between ambition and motherhood, challenging the notion that women must choose one over the other. Cass opens up about the challenges of building a luxury brand while maintaining personal creativity and connections. They explore the importance of solitude for self-reflection and the impact of societal expectations on women's choices. Join them for a candid conversation on redefining success!

In this solo catch-up episode, Valeria invites listeners into a candid life update that is messy, honest, and a little chaotic in the best way. She recaps her recent trip to Nashville and the inspiring female entrepreneur event she attended before diving into a wide-open Q&A. From beauty procedures and where she stands on lip filler to the latest on her nose job and why she doesn’t wear her engagement ring, nothing is off the table. Valeria also talks about reconnecting with her body, the importance of intentional time with girlfriends, and the perspective that keeps her from living with regrets. She shares a therapy update, her best advice for keeping a marriage thriving, and why she believes there's no single “right” way to live, especially in a place overflowing with possibility. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2924722 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  0:06 - Why this episode might be a rough but fun one 0:26 - Debriefing her Nashville trip 2:55 - Female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede 8:00 - Start of Q&A portion 8:23 - Recent beauty procedures 15:29 - Update on her nose job 16:02 - Not wearing her engagement ring 17:18 - Tips for connecting to your own body 19:17 - Spending intentional time with girlfriends 21:09 - Why she wouldn't change any part of her past 24:27 - Therapy update 25:49 - Advice for keeping your marriage alive & well 29:35 - Never being set in a right or wrong way to do things 31:45 - The abundance of living in Miami / The U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices