
Hosted by Amanda de Cadenet · EN

Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from the grip of sex addiction or love addiction? Can true healing come from facing your deepest vulnerabilities? In this powerful episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of All the Way to the River, to explore her raw and inspiring journey through recovery. From confronting the chaos of addiction to embracing self-love and surrendering to a higher power, Gilbert shares how she found freedom through a 12-step program and transformed her life by prioritizing her own well-being. Gilbert’s story offers hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to break free from destructive patterns and cultivate self-love.IN THIS EPISODE:(02:00) Elizabeth identifies sex and love addiction with lifelong relational issues(04:37) Surrendering to a 12-step program, a higher power, treating love addiction like substance abuse (10:33) Defining top-line behaviors and bottom-line behaviors in recovery(12:46) Elizabeth discusses the destruction of lives around her(19:00) Self-love over outsourcing validation and reframing intense attraction as a warning (25:01) Role-playing with your teenage self(30:59) Gaining support in a 12-step program for true surrender(32:56) Discussion of a practice called Two-Way Prayer(35:42) Elizabeth admits why she has gone public with her addiction(37:04) Discussion of Raya, Elizabeth's best friend(43:52) Navigating rage-filled grief and spiritual bankruptcy after loss(47:10) Switching from rage to self-accountability(51:42) Elizabeth made decisions on not hurting people in the telling of her book, while recovering in public(56:24) What is the definition of sobrietyKEY TAKEAWAYS:Surrendering to a higher power through a 12-step program is crucial for overcoming sex addiction and love addiction, fostering lasting recovery.Cultivating self-love and self-accountability by adopting top-line behaviors helps break destructive cycles and achieve emotional sobriety.Facing grief and withdrawal from love addiction requires honest introspection to heal and build trust in oneself.RESOURCES:The New Yorker Re: All the Way to the River- LinkedInElizabeth Gilbert - WebsiteALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER - Instagram BOOKS REFERENCED: All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation: Gilbert, Elizabeth: 9780593540985: Amazon.com: BooksABOUT THIS PODCAST:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.ABOUT ELIZABETH:Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the novels City of Girls, The Signature of All Things, and Stern Men; the story collection Pilgrims; and the nonfiction books Big Magic, Eat Pray Love, Committed, and The Last American Man. A finalist for the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Award, Gilbert began her career as a journalist.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Heidi Smith, author of The Uncommon Book of Prayer, for an inspiring and introspective discussion on the transformative power of prayer. Together, they explore how prayer can be a profoundly personal and evolving practice, serving as a sacred connection between oneself and the divine. Heidi redefines traditional notions of prayer, incorporating elements of mindfulness, meditation, affirmation, and grounding presence to foster healing and self-reflection. They delve into the benefits of prayer for nervous system regulation, emotional well-being, and trauma recovery while also addressing how prayer can support faith, co-regulation, and connection. Whether you're seeking guidance on how to begin praying or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this episode offers insights into the profound role prayer can play in personal growth and healing. IN THIS EPISODE: (1:09) Heidi shares why she wrote The Uncommon Book of Prayer(3:59) Discussion on defining prayer, focusing (a psychosomatic integration tool), mindfulness, meditation affirmation and power(10:04) Discussion of benefits of prayer, healing, self-reflection, validation, co-regulation, grounding presence, and the nervous system (16:29) Discussion of trauma survivors, dissociation, faith and how to pray(22:55) The reaction of men to the book and Heidi describes her work and just being(32:49) How to begin to prayKEY TAKEAWAYS:Prayer is redefined as a profoundly personal, sacred agreement between oneself and the divine. It emphasizes that it doesn’t have to follow a specific structure or tradition. It can evolve, adapting to one's changing beliefs and circumstances.Prayer and mindfulness practices can support nervous system regulation, fostering emotional self-soothing and reducing reliance on external coping mechanisms like substances or validation. They also promote improved mood, energy levels, and even healthy aging.Developing presence is fundamental in healing and spiritual growth. Whether through prayer, grounding practices, or co-regulation with people, animals, or nature, cultivating a sense of safety and connection is key to emotional and physical well-being.RESOURCES:The Uncommon Book of Prayer - BookHeidi Smith - InstagramHeidi Smith WebsiteBIOGRAPHY: I'm a psychosomatic therapist, herbalist, and flower essence practitioner in the New York City area.In 2007, I began to question the beliefs I held around myself, healing, and reality. Seeking answers beyond the mainstream I found my spiritual teacher and mentor, Jane Bell. Through our work studying Focusing and Egyptian Mysticism, my commitment to healing and transformation bloomed, leading me to leave my previous career and New York City, retreating into three years of academic and personal study. After completing my master's in mental health counseling I returned to the city, began an apprenticeship with Claudia Keel, an herbalist, nutritionist, and flower essence practitioner, and enrolled in the three-year clinical herbal medicine program at Arbor Vitae. With the aid of my teachers, guides, community, and the plant kingdom, Moon & Bloom Integrative and Flower Essence Therapy was born on the New Moon in July 2014.I am the author of The Bloom Book: A Flower Essence Guide to Cosmic Balance and The Uncommon Book of Prayer: A Guide to Co-Creating with the Universe. I enjoy teaching and collaborating with other healing artists and practitioners. I am always learning, evolving, and remain committed to offering the highest degree of service to my clients and community.About This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Jillian Turecki, author of It Begins With You, to explore the transformative journey of self-love, building self-esteem, and creating healthy relationships. Jillian shares personal stories, including her divorce and the pivotal role the message of Tony Robbins played in her healing, as well as insights into dating dynamics, mentorship, and the lessons she hopes readers take from her book. This candid discussion looks into embracing imperfection, fostering meaningful connections, and facing life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. Welcome to the Conversation.IN THIS EPISODE: (0:00) Introduction(2:52) How did Jillian begin to experience self-love(7:33) Raising your self-esteem(12:01] Jillian describes a healthy relationship and talks about her dating(22:36) Are you dating a nice guy or a doormat? What about gender roles(30:20) Jillian’s divorce and the self-help she received from Tony Robbins(32:30) The importance of mentorship. Why are people drawn to Jullian(36:22) What Jillian hopes people learn from her book, It Begins With YouKEY TAKEAWAYS:Self-love is genuine self-acceptance—embracing your imperfections and holding yourself in high regard despite your flaws. With age and wisdom, it becomes clearer that doubting your worth is a waste of time.Building self-esteem requires doing hard things that challenge and empower you, giving back and fostering community. Achievements and meaningful connections strengthen yourself and create a deeper purpose and fulfillment.A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect, and emotional safety, forming a foundation for teamwork and collaboration. When challenges arise, healthy couples face them together, prioritizing open communication and problem-solving rather than withdrawing or blaming each other.RESOURCES:Jullian Turecki - LinkedInIt Begins With You - BookAbout This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. BIOGRAPHY: Jillian Turecki is a relationship coach, teacher, podcaster, writer, and speaker who has devoted her life to helping people revolutionize their relationships with themselves. For over 20 years, Jillian has maintained a deep commitment to authenticity, compassion, and inner transformation as she follows her insatiable curiosity about what makes relationships thrive.Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

In this episode, Amanda introduces Donna Lancaster, author of ‘The Bridge, a 9-step Crossing into Authentic and Wholehearted Living’ and Wise Words for Women: Words to Soothe, Comfort, Challenge, and Inspire . She's a healing, transformative, insightful, self-proclaimed writer, group facilitator, and intuitive coach. Donna shares her insights as she answers some rapid-fire questions about life, how she sees herself, success, and what defines her. IN THIS EPISODE: (1:00) Donna discusses the growth she would like to see in her personal life and the ways she has changed for the better (4:07) Donna speaks about what gives her hope and sees herself as a truthteller, and she defines her success(6:24) Donna defines success, shares her upbringing and how she let that define her in the past and discusses loss in life (9:00) Donna discusses creativity, taking a nap and her favorite cake KEY TAKEAWAYS:Sometimes, telling the truth can hurt someone, and we often tone down the truth to spare another person's feelings.Success can be defined as freedom, living a life that is unshackled and safe.Donna believes that you show love through grief.RESOURCES:Book: The Bridge by Donna LancasterBook: Wise Words for Women by Donna Lancaster Donna Lancaster - LinkedInDonna Lancaster - InstagramABOUT THIS PODCAST:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.comABOUT DONNADonna originally trained and qualified as a social worker in her 20s, specializing in child protection, and worked extensively within this field for several years. In 2005/2007, Donna retrained and qualified as a Hoffman Teacher with the Hoffman Institute UK and became Head of Teaching between 2011–2013. Donna completed the Imago Relationship Clinical Training Programme in 2009 and ran a busy couples practice in London for many years. She has also trained with the Centre for Systemic Constellations to support her work in honoring family and ancestral influences and continues to participate in constellation training and workshops regularly.Donna is a highly experienced group facilitator and intuitive Coach and has worked internationally in various environments, including women’s refuges, schools, and prisons. She co-founded and facilitated the highly renowned ‘The Bridge Retreat’ and has worked with individuals, couples and groups for over 30 years. Donna’s work was featured in the documentary Love(d), which shares the stories of 12 people during The Bridge Retreat as they leap to overcome grief and loss. You can watch the documentary via loveddocumentary.comDonna has trained with many great teachers, including Sobonfu Somé, David Richo, Caroline Myss, Andrew Harvey, Robert Holden and Quanita Roberson. All of Donna’s work is trauma-informed, and she has trained with Giten Tonkov, the trauma and breathwork expert.Her work has been featured in The Telegraph, Psychologies, Evening Standard, Huffington Post, Balance, Conde Nast, Poosh and Tatler. Donna is a published author with two books: ‘The Bridge, a 9-step Crossing into Authentic and Wholehearted Living’ (Penguin Life, 2022) and ‘Wise Words for Women’ (Happy Place Books/Ebury, 2023). She also writes a bimonthly newsletter on Substack called ‘A Pilgrimage for the Soul’ and regularly shares posts on Instagram as part of her role as an ‘Elder in training.’ ‘Donna’s work has inspired me since my early 20’s and she has helped shape the woman I have become.’ Emma Watson‘Donna Lancaster is the wisest woman I know.’ Fearne Cotton‘There are very few master practitioners out there, but Donna Lancaster is unquestionably one of them.’ Dr. Shomit Mitter‘Donna Lancaster is a woman the world needs more of, especially now.’ Bryony GordonKeywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

Amanda is honored to sit down with Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest, the incredible co-authors behind September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories.This inspiring project brings together heartfelt letters, notes, and conversations from friends, experts, and the September Letters community, all with a shared mission: to create a space where vulnerability leads to understanding, connection, and healing. Through this robust exchange of stories, we’re reminded that none of us are truly alone in our struggles. In this conversation, Brittany, Jaspre, and Amanda explore a range of topics—from therapy to metaphysics—and even tease about exciting new projects. It’s a meaningful discussion that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and more connected to the people around you. Tune in and discover the transformative power of sharing our stories.IN THIS EPISODE: [1:43] Brit talks about how the book September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories has been received, and Jaspre discusses the origins of the book[4:51] Brit discusses when she first became aware of her mental health issues as a teenager[8:26] How Jaspre and Brit connected through acts of service, how helping others and sharing a personal mental health journey can be self-serving and talking about the solution more than the problem[19:24] Discussion of the lack of adequate help and the cost of therapy[21:07] Jaspre reflects on her childhood and discussion on metaphysics[30:10] Is the feeling intuition, or is it fear, and what about the guest’s charts[38:04 Jaspre and Brittany are making a documentary from The September Letters and Brit shares information about the film she has written and is directingKEY TAKEAWAYS:Being able to recognize that you have a mental disorder is the first step. The second step is to talk to someone, whether a friend, family member or therapist.Some individuals exploit their mental health struggles on social media, portraying them in a manner that undermines the authenticity of the issue they claim to address, ultimately doing a disservice to those genuinely affected by mental health challenges.Being part of a community where others share your struggles can be therapeutic. When you serve others, you can set aside your own worries and uplift your fellow human beings.RESOURCES:The September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories Jaspre Guest - InstagramBrittany Snow - InstagramBrittany Snow and Jaspre GuestAbout September LettersCo-founded by Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest, September Letters launched in September 2020. Creating an online platform that not only raises mental health awareness but provides support for those in need through the power of letter writing was paramount to them. September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories, released in May 2023 by HarperCollins, is an extension of Snow and Guest’s September Letters online mental health platform that collects letters in all forms—written, scribbled, typed, and doodled—from community members, friends, and celebrities like Maddie Ziegler, Hannah Bronfman, Kid Cudi, Joel McHale, Rebel Wilson and more. It also contains advice from mental health experts like David Kessler, Gretchen Rubin, Mark Epstein, Bob Roth and Jay Shetty. Activist and actress Brittany Snow has been championing conversations around mental health for more than fifteen years. She is a passionate and outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and wellbeing. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit movement Love is Louder with the Jed Foundation and MTV. In 2020, she started the letter-writing and therapeutic experience September Letters with her friend Jaspre Guest. She has written, directed and produced a movie about mental health and addiction that will be released in 2023. She is a metaphysics and science fiction fan and loves escape rooms, puzzles, and mysteries. She lives on hummus and guacamole, but not together. She hates air hockey and anything colonial. She hopes one day to have ten more rescue dogs because Billie and Charlie are her favorite things.Creative entrepreneur and activist Jaspre Guest created her career by shunning traditional norms. Known as “the fixer”, she is the founder of boutique branding and PR agency Noise 784. Jaspre has led initiatives for a range of nonprofits, including It Gets Better, Global Citizen, the International Rescue Committee, Love Is Louder, and the ASPCA. In 2020, she cofounded a letter-writing initiative, September Letters, with her friend Brittany Snow. Jaspre’s next project, Finding Your Magic, will fulfill her desire to help people by creating a hub for healing. She has been featured in PEOPLE, E!, Forbes and Coveteur. Jaspre is obsessed with her fruit salad, aka her Pomeranians: Papaya, Fig, Rhubarb and Quince. About this podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com.

Amanda is honored to host Martha Beck, PhD, a Harvard-trained sociologist, world-renowned coach, and New York Times bestselling author. In this episode, they delve into Martha's latest book, "The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self," which has guided many on their journey to self-awareness. Tune in as they discuss integrity, spirituality, and overcoming fear. Martha shares her incredible journey of self-discovery and her sacrifices to attain true freedom. They also explore how to live in harmony with your integrity and intuition. Martha gives the listener powerful advice: "Wherever you are, whatever you're thinking, the exact opposite of your worst fear right now is your next step toward freedom. It’s your best next step." Welcome to The Conversation! Enjoy!IN THIS EPISODE:[3:05] Martha begins by sharing a snippet from a poem by Stanley Kunitz and discusses her life change at age 29 and compares change to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar [7:49] Discussion between the differences in metamorphosis for a woman's life between Western and Eastern cultures[9:58] Martha explains the life experience that prompted her to leave the Mormon church, write her latest book and chase the beautiful light[17:30] Martha shares her son has Down Syndrome, and he experiences the beautiful light Martha saw and why our culture doesn’t connect to it [25:29] Living in integrity when those around you do not and how it has affected Martha’s career and she defines the word integrity[38:34] Amanda and Martha discuss ways they have connected with nature, and Martha defines how she refined listening to her intuition[47:10] How do people make the change to listening to their intuition, but financially they can’t make the jump[53:19] Martha talks about having prophetic dreams and encourages listeners to release their fears about finances[57:35] Martha discusses the book she is writing and talks about choosing curiosity and connection and how to differentiate between fear and intuition and integrity[1:09:52] Martha shares the outcome of living with integrityKEY TAKEAWAYS:The opposite of anxiety is calm and creativity. We were not born to hate, exploit and kill each other. We were not born to fear. We need to live in love with each other.We each experience periods of metamorphosis in our lives, and the goal is to learn from each phase and emerge stronger on the other side.RESOURCES:Amanda de Cadenet - WebsiteAmanda de Cadenet - InstagramMartha Beck - InstagramAbout This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Martha Beck is a New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her newest book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller.

In this enlightening episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet is joined by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, authors of the groundbreaking book Wise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause to Awaken Authority, Purpose, and Belonging. Together, they explore the profound beneficial impact of the menstrual cycle on women's psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Alexandra and Sjanie share their insights into the five phases of menopause, revealing how this transformative journey can be a powerful source of personal growth and empowerment. For those seeking further guidance, Red School offers online classes designed to deepen your understanding and support through this pivotal life stage. Welcome to the Conversation.IN THIS EPISODE: [00:43] Sjanie explains her history with Alexandra, the work they have done and the background of The Red School and the access women have to their studies online[4:16] Alexandra discusses the pain she had with her cycle and how that led her to recognize the benefits of menstruation[13:50] Alexandra and Sjanie discuss the first phase of menopause, which they call Betrayal and the mental breakdown that ensues[19:02] Alexandra discusses having support during menopause and being self-awareness, and she shares phase two, which is called Repair[22:18] Phase three is called Revelation[22:20] Phase four is Visioning[28:56] Phase five is Emergence, and they discuss the guidelines and tools that are shared in the book Wise Power[35:30] Discussion about HRT KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Red School offers online studies that last six or 12 weeks, including self-study programs. Menstrual cycle awareness is when you stop, listen and respond to your body. Understanding what is happening during menopause unleashes a power of liberation.RESOURCES:Red School - WebsiteRed School - PodcastMenopause: The Great Awakener Wise Power RetreatAbout This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com.BIOGRAPHY: Alexandra & Sjanie are the co-founders of Red School, and co-authors of the iconic and hugely celebrated book from Hay House, Wild Power: discover the magic of the menstrual cycle and awaken the feminine path to power and their latest book Wise Power: Discover the liberating power of menopause to awaken authority, purpose and belonging (Hay House, Sept 2022).They are pioneering the new emerging field of menstruality, creating a new lexicon and approach to women’s health and wellbeing; creativity and leadership; and spiritual life based on the power of our menstruality consciousness. Between them they bring over 60 years of experience. And today they teach worldwide on the psycho-spiritual process of maturation that unfolds from menarche to menopause and beyond. They’re committed to training the menstruality leaders of the future.

Welcome to The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. Today, we're honored to have Marisa Lee, the insightful author of Grief is Love, joining us. As a Black woman and author who has personally navigated the complexities of loss, Marisa brings a unique and powerful perspective to the grieving process. In this episode, she'll share four essential strategies to support those who are grieving and offer three actionable tips for friends looking to help someone through the pain of losing a loved one. Whether you're currently experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, share this episode, which is packed with invaluable insights. IN THIS EPISODE: [8:01] Discussion of the loss of Amanda’s father, the book Grief is Love, written by Marissa, and how she classifies herself as a writer[15:32] Marisa discusses how people don’t deal with death realistically but choose to give it a moment and discussion regarding identifying with an object that makes you feel the presence of your loved one [26:20] Marisa shares four key things people need to know about grief and her compassion for those who financially don’t have the time to grieve [34:12] Marisa gives death statistics in the black community [43:36] Marisa shares three ways to show up for someone who is grieving[47:07] How do you deal with people who don’t show up for you when they are needed, Marisa shares her next book projectKEY TAKEAWAYS:You must permit yourself time and space to grieve when you lose a loved one.The stages of grief developed by Elizabeth Kubler Ross were designed for the person who is terminally ill, not their loved ones. The death of a loved one is a tremendous loss. The loss of friends who don’t show up for you during that time compounds the loss in a way you don’t forget.RESOURCES:Grief Is Love Order on AmazonMarisa Lee - InstagramMarisa Renee Lee WebsiteAbout This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.comBIOGRAPHY: Marisa Renee Lee is a called-upon advocate, writer, and speaker on coping with grief. In 2008, she lost her mother to breast cancer, in 2019 Marisa and her husband lost a much-wanted pregnancy, and most recently, she lost a young cousin to the COVID-19 pandemic. These losses transformed her life and led her to question what grief really is and what healing truly requires.As a leading grief advocate, Marisa offers incisive and compassionate advice on managing life after loss with unique insights for women and African American communities. She recently partnered with Ritual's well-being app as a writer and narrator alongside other leaders in science, faith, and culture. Her first book, Grief Is Love: Living with Loss, was published in April 2022 under Hachette’s new imprint, Legacy Lit, and is already a national bestseller. As a former appointee in the Obama White House, Marisa previously served as the Deputy Director of Private Sector Engagement, a Senior Advisor on the Domestic Policy Council, and as the Managing Director of the MBK Alliance, the nonprofit born out of President Obama's call to action to address the barriers to success that boys and young men of color disproportionately face in their lives. She is a rabble-rouser of social healing and currently serves as CEO of the social impact consulting firm Beacon Advisors, co-founder of the digital platform Supportal, and founder of The Pink Agenda, a national organization dedicated to raising money for breast cancer care, research, and awareness.Lee is a public speaker and regular contributor to Glamour, Vogue, MSNBC, and The Atlantic. She is a graduate of Harvard College and lives in the DC area with her husband Matt, son Bennett, and dog Sadie.

In this episode of The Conversation, Amanda sits down with comedian Alyssa Limperis to delve into the complex emotions surrounding loss and grief. Both Amanda and Alyssa share the common experience of losing their fathers to cancer, and they explore how they have coped with this unimaginable loss and the impact it had on their lives. Alyssa discusses her comedy show, “No Bad Days” where she bravely incorporates humor into her reflections on losing her father. They explore the role of comedy in processing grief and the balance between laughter and sorrow. Amanda shares insights into her upcoming project centered around death and dying, exploring different perspectives and approaches to navigating these complex topics. Their candid reflections and shared experiences offer hope and understanding to those grappling with loss.IN THIS EPISODE: [1:00] Amanda and Alyssa discuss their shared grief of losing their dads[2:30] Alyssa shares how her special, “No Bad Days,” was conceived and how she navigated her father’s death and illness[7:35] Alyssa’s show was born from watching her dad die with strength and a discussion on how the subject of death is taboo[8:05] Hospice was there for both Amanda and Alyssa, and discussion of a death doula[16:34] Alyssa admitted she couldn’t stop herself from talking about her dad and how she brought the conversation into her comedy shows[23:22] Amanda discusses a project she is working on about death and dying, and Alyssa talks about the stories she is compelled to tell[25:20] “No Bad Days” is streaming on Peacock KEY TAKEAWAYS:There aren’t words to describe what it is like when you lose your father in death. It doesn’t matter if it’s unexpected or an illness. You can’t put your emotions into words.Humans do a disservice to themselves and their families when they don’t talk about death and take the steps to prepare for death. Everyone will die; we need to talk about it.Hospice is a wonderful organization that can help you navigate the death of a family member.RESOURCES:Alyssa Limperis - WebsiteAlyssa Limperis - Instagram“No Bad Days” - Streaming on PeacockBIOGRAPHY: Alyssa is an actress and comedian based in LA. Limperis starred as Sydney in the Showtime hit show FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS. Her one-hour comedy special about losing her dad, No Bad Days, can be found on Peacock. She starred in the independent horror/comedy feature film TOO LATE opposite Fred Armisen. Her other recent credits include the short film THE LAUNCH by KK Apple, which just played at SIFF and Palm Springs Short Film Fest. The short she produced and starred in called OUTSIDE was featured on Short of The Week. She has also starred in CLOSING TIME by Russell Goldman, BRANDI FINDS GOD by Gonzalo Cordova, HOW TO AVOID A SAPPY GOODBYE by Doug Rogers, and she is in the feature film THE LIST, co-starring Halston Sage.Additionally, she stars as ‘Mary Peck’ in the scripted podcast Edith that, was nominated for best fiction podcast by iHeartRadio, 'Denise' on HBO MAX's THE HAMLET FACTORY and voices multiple characters on both the Spotify podcast THE LAST DEGREE OF KEVIN BACON and Cartoon Network's WE BABY BEARS. She has also been featured on CONAN, LAST WEEK TONIGHT, A LITTLE LATE WITH LILLY SINGH and AUNTY DONNA’S HOUSE (Netflix).She has starred in countless national commercials alongside Brie Larson, Megan Thee Stallion, Milana Vayntrub and, to the delight of her Massachusetts family, Tom Brady. She has been trained comedically at the UCB and theatrically at Stella Adler.The viral success of her comedic “Mom” videos led to recognition from Today.com, Vulture, Decider, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe and other top-tier media outlets. About this podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host, Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Welcome to The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. Today, Amanda is joined by Soraya Chemaly, the insightful author of Rage Becomes Her. They delve into the disparity between men and women when expressing rage and anger. Soraya explains how women are often labeled as hostile when they show anger, a stereotype she addresses in her book to help girls and women understand the cultural roots of this phenomenon. The discussion also covers the Me Too movement, highlighting the disappointment in men who knew better but didn't speak up and the controversy over some women using the movement for personal gain. This fast-moving conversation touches on many other pressing issues today, offering valuable insights into gender dynamics and social justice. Don’t miss Soraya’s latest book, The Resilience Myth, out now.IN THIS EPISODE: [1:04] Discussion of what changes for women in the last five years[4:59] Soraya points out that some white women protected men during the ME TOO movement, and men should not have been silent[13:19] Men need to be involved in the changes because they hold the power and discussion of Gen X men[19:16] Who are the role models for young men[24:28] Fighting for women’s freedom of expression[31:48] How can a woman express her rage and the difference between how men can express their rage[38:03] Discussion of a global Gallup study showing ten years where women’s anger escalated[43:54] Soraya has a new book, The Resilience Myth, about resilience and how we need to accept helpKEY TAKEAWAYS:Women are the most marginalized during epidemics because they don’t have access to resources like health care and other necessities.Men should have spoken up for women during the ME TOO movement. They knew the problem but hid in the boardroom and were silent.If a girl is assertive, she risks being regarded as rude. If you are socialized to understand that you will be punished for expressing your thoughts, then you soften the blow by signaling femininity.RESOURCES:Book: The Resilience Myth Book: Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's AngerSoraya Chemaly - InstagramAbout This Podcast:The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com.BIOGRAPHY: Soraya Chemaly is an award-winning author, journalist, and activist who writes and speaks frequently about gender, inclusivity, and free speech. Her work has appeared in various media, including The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, TIME, and The Washington Post. Soraya is also the Director and co-founder of the Women's Media Center Speech Project and former Executive Director of The Representation Project. Her best-selling 2018 book Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger, translated into more than a dozen languages, was named a Best Book of the Year by Fast Company, Psychology Today, Autostraddle, and The Washington Post.