Not Alone

In this week’s very special 100th episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down for a powerful and deeply honest conversation with writer and creator, Heidi Clements. Known for her unfiltered storytelling and viral presence online, Heidi opens up about aging, sobriety, 25 years without sex, surviving trauma, and what it means to live life on her own terms. The two explore the emotional realities behind choosing a nontraditional path, including living single, redefining intimacy, and navigating the invisibility many women feel after 50. They discuss how society conditions women to seek validation, how the male gaze has shaped generations, and why self-approval is the ultimate freedom. With humor, heart, and vulnerability, this episode is a candid look at healing, wholeness, and the courage to tell your story out loud. Follow Heidi: https://www.instagram.com/welcometoheidi/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1909988  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Not Alone’s 100th Episode! 00:14 The Humbling Journey of Podcasting 01:38 Overcoming Perfectionism and COVID Challenges 02:28 The Birth of 'Not Alone' 02:58 Finding My Groove in Podcasting 04:07 Introducing Heidi Clements 06:12 Heidi's Journey to Internet Fame 07:43 Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth 13:11 The Impact of Sobriety and Personal Trauma 16:06 Empowering Women and Challenging the Patriarchy 20:07 Generational Shifts and Future Hopes 36:00 Gen X and Menopause: A New Conversation 37:02 Cultural Silence and Women's Health 38:52 Living Shamelessly and Embracing Authenticity 41:57 Intimacy and Sobriety: A Personal Journey 45:43 Redefining Intimacy and Relationships 52:47 The Evolution of Self-Love and Acceptance 01:01:47 Visibility and Aging: Embracing Change 01:05:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Valeria sits down with Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, best friends and co-founders of Monday Swimwear, for an honest and energizing conversation about building a business, growing through friendship, and redefining leadership. Natasha and Devin open up about the rare bond that has held them together for over a decade, one built on unwavering trust, shared values, and deep emotional loyalty. They reveal how they’ve come to trust each other even more than their romantic partners, and why that unshakable connection is the foundation for everything they’ve built. The trio also explores how they launched a globally recognized brand without formal fashion training, what it means to lead as women, manage teams with heart, and stay grounded while scaling a company. From navigating dating in your 30s and freezing eggs to staying obsessed with work and each other, this episode is a love letter to ambition, authenticity, and choosing the people who lift you higher. Follow Tash: https://www.instagram.com/tashoakley/  Follow Devin: https://www.instagram.com/devinbrugman/  Follow Monday Swimwear: https://www.instagram.com/mondayswimwear/   Shop Monday Swimwear: https://mondayswimwear.com/  Book Recommendations:  Excessively Obsessed by Tash Oakley https://a.co/d/aski91P  The Power of Now by Ekchart Tolle https://a.co/d/8DeuoAV  Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan https://a.co/d/2ZiptCN  Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner https://a.co/d/3ud8vUW  Attached by  Amir Levine and Rachel Heller https://a.co/d/ivLtVkS  Only Love Is Real: A Story of Soulmates Reunited by Dr. Brian Weiss https://a.co/d/4nVFYrT The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan https://a.co/d/4LEoWHX The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett https://a.co/d/iS1jwER Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1898265  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  01:00: Swim Week in Miami04:00: How Tash and Devin first met 07:00: Building a business on friendship and trust 12:00: The secret to their communication style 14:00: Managing team dynamics with empathy 20:00: The Bikini A Day origin story 24:00: Designing swimwear that actually fits 31:00: Choosing partners 34:00: How Monday Swimwear became the standard 38:00: Dating in your 30s with clarity 41:00: Freezing eggs and taking the pressure off 47:00: Opening a store and staying playful 51:30: Wellness habits that keep them grounded 54:00: Advice for aspiring influencers 56:00: Running a brand that lasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m back for another solo episode! In this one, I’m catching you up on everything: life lately, parenting epiphanies, personal shifts, and a few hot takes I had to get off my chest. From summer travel plans and raising pre-teens to why I’m not falling for every wellness trend online, this one's a mix of honest reflections and playful rants (yes, we’re talking about fantasy books, healing culture, and capri pants). I also open up about feeling disconnected from social media, the emotional weight of parenting older kids, and the importance of building real community. If you’re navigating your own in-between season or need some camaraderie in the messy, beautiful chaos of life, this one's for you. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1825890  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What I talked about:  00:26 Life Updates 01:32 Puppy Adventures and Parenting Reflections 03:08 Navigating Parenting Challenges 13:30 Father's Day Reflections 15:47 Summer Plans and Travel Excitement 19:40 Social Media Presence and Personal Growth 21:45 Rediscovering Myself 22:03 Current Projects and Redirections 23:07 Book Recommendations and Reading Journey 24:39 Motherhood and Community 25:18 Propaganda I’m NOT Falling For  25:54 Supplements and Personalized Health 30:05 I read ACOTAR… 31:45 50/50 Relationships and Equity 32:55 Political Views and Social Media 34:20 Fashion and Overdressing 37:02 Healing and Self-Improvement 40:10 Contradictions and Personal Growth 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 digital pioneer, designer, and mom of two Aimee Song for an intimate and honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and the evolution of personal ambition. Aimee opens up about building her career before the influencer industry even existed, the highs and hidden lows of success, and why her definition of fulfillment has completely shifted in recent years. They talk postpartum depression, therapy breakthroughs, creative burnout, and the magic of slowing down to reconnect with what really matters. Aimee also shares what inspired her return to interior design and the intention behind her new fashion brand, Amiya. It's a raw, funny, and deeply personal look at what happens when you let go of the hustle and finally come home to yourself. Follow Aimee: https://www.instagram.com/aimeesong/  Shop Lulu + Georgia Collab: http://bit.ly/43PbQUQ  Shop Amiya: http://bit.ly/3HOWRl8  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1811792  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:55 Navigating Early Career Challenges 01:48 Reflecting on Industry Changes 05:52 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 08:12 Therapy and Self-Discovery 15:54 The Hoffman Process 24:18 Redefining Success and Happiness 35:26 Diving into New Ventures 35:46 Reflecting on Career Choices 37:05 The Importance of a Strong Foundation 38:32 Embracing Cringe Moments 39:06 Returning to Interior Design 40:31 Feng Shui and Home Harmony 47:04 Launching a New Brand: Amiya 56:19 Lessons from Motherhood 59:12 Embracing Aging and Redefining Milestones 01:04:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Valeria sits down with Stefanie Broes, the co-founder of Moonbird, for a refreshing conversation about something we all need more of: calm. They explore how breathwork can help us manage stress, sleep better, and feel more grounded in our daily lives. Stefanie opens up about her own journey, from battling burnout during her PhD to discovering the power of the breath as a healing tool. They unpack the science in a super accessible way, talk through the differences between breathwork and meditation, and share simple ways to bring these practices into your routine. Plus, Stefanie gives us a look into Moonbird’s mission and why she believes teaching breathwork to kids and adults alike could change lives. 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 moonbird.life/VALERIA and use code VALERIA for $25 off. Follow Stefanie: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniebroes/  Follow moonbird: https://www.instagram.com/moonbird.life/  Shop moonbird: https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1791757  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Intro 01:11 Discovering Breathwork: A Personal Journey 02:52 The Science Behind Breathwork and Meditation 04:41 Practical Applications and Benefits of Breathwork 10:09 The Nervous System and Stress Response 18:18 The Importance of Sleep and Personal Well-being 19:55 Heart Rate Variability and Breathwork 22:35 Guided Breathwork Exercise 25:49 Balancing Health and Wellness Practices 27:00 Exploring Women's Unique Health Challenges 29:02 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 30:58 The Impact of Shallow Breathing and Modern Posture 31:26 Proper Breathing Techniques 36:10 Incorporating Breath Work into Daily Life 46:40 Breathwork and Digestion 50:05 A Personal Story and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Valeria sits down with powerhouse content creator Rebecca Zamolo. Rebecca discusses her journey to 18.9 million YouTube Subscribers, 18 million TikTok followers, and over 8 billion views: from pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles to becoming a predominant figure in the family-friendly content space.  Rebecca opens up about her struggles with ulcerative colitis, enduring surgeries, and how these experiences led her to start her YouTube channel. She shares her strategies for creating engaging content, the importance of authenticity, and how she balances her career with motherhood. Rebecca also talks about her IVF journey, the challenges of working with a surrogate for her second child, and her new supplement brand Molo aimed at supporting women's fertility. This candid conversation highlights Rebecca's resilience, her commitment to empowering women, and her vision for the future. Follow Rebecca: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccazamolo/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebeccazamolo  https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccazamolo  Shop Molo Fertility: https://bit.ly/3FOMZXY  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1780505  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What We talked About: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:36 Health Struggles and Career Shift 04:00 Building a YouTube Empire 08:21 Navigating Family and Content Creation 10:35 Balancing Family Life and YouTube 28:03 The Role of a Nurturer 29:19 Parenting Challenges and Emotional Growth 35:54 Balancing Work and Motherhood 36:38 Sharing Miscarriage & Fertility Struggles Publicly  40:07 The IVF Journey 43:11 Creating Molo: A Mission to Help Women 49:27 The Surrogacy Experience 51:44 Daily Practices and Personal Growth 54:20 Hopes for the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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