Podcast
You Are Beautiful with Lawrence Zarian
Hosted by Lawrence Zarian · EN
What makes you FEEL beautiful? This is the pivotal question stylist, author, designer and host Lawrence Zarian has asked the thousands of women and men who have come to him for his advice and guidance over his 25+ year career. As LZ says, "It’s not what you wear, it’s how you feel. And it’s not how you look, it’s how you LIVE."
In his new podcast, “You Are Beautiful with Lawrence Zarian”, LZ celebrates his guests from all walks of life exploring what makes them tick; in the past two years we’ve all had to pivot our lives in some capacity and there’s been this glorious time to regroup, refresh, reset, restart, and renew.
What is beautiful? This podcast digs in deep to each guest’s interpretation of the word to find out what used to be, versus what is now, what they have learned over the years in time of success, in time of struggle, EVERTHING in between, and of course what makes them FEEL…truly beautiful inside and out.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Tan France
3d ago00:56:10Tap to summarizeLZ opens his “You Are Beautiful” podcast and interviews Tan France about what makes people feel beautiful, personal style, and self-image. Tan shares his daytime and evening go-to outfits, love of jewelry, and his husband’s style influence, then discusses coping with online criticism and the broader culture of cruelty. He reflects on looking in the mirror, gratitude for health after a recent benign scare, appreciation for his Pakistani skin after years of hating it due to racism, and his birth name pronunciation. Tan recounts learning to sew as a child to make clothes for his mother and sister, navigating being queer and not fully out to family, and the nuance of being a visibly gay Muslim on Western TV. They discuss Queer Eye’s impact, production time with participants, meaningful and difficult “heroes,” Tan’s struggle with aging, marriage priorities, and advice for finding style by borrowing inspiration and building your own.Menu: 00:00 Welcome You Are Beautiful00:53 Meet Tan France01:50 Signature Style Staples06:09 Handling Online Hate12:23 Mirror Check Self Image15:45 Learning To Love Skin17:11 Real Name Roots18:41 Fashion Spark Sewing21:50 Queer Eye Coming Out25:08 Representation And Stakes27:27 Rock Bottom Realization27:37 Early Attraction Awakening28:00 Dad’s Store Lessons29:14 Watching Queer Eye Hurt30:31 Why Style Matters31:08 Makeover Intimacy Method32:02 Queer Eye Time Limits34:07 Choosing Stores and Stylists36:31 Hero Who Changed Him37:58 When Heroes Resist38:38 A Racist Hero Incident40:53 Favorite Feel Good Episodes42:01 When Self Care Slips44:13 Struggling With Aging46:33 Gay Men and Beauty Pressure48:48 Off Camera Fab Five51:15 Marriage Secret Sauce52:12 Dating and LA Insecurity53:39 Finding Signature Style54:58 Beautiful Because Authentic
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Melissa Etheridge
2w ago00:59:58Tap to summarizeLZ introduces his podcast “You Are Beautiful,” born from pandemic isolation, weight gain, and his Achilles rupture, and welcomes Melissa Etheridge. Etheridge says she learned “mirror work” during chemotherapy for breast cancer 22 years ago, training herself to say “Hello, gorgeous” and define beauty from within. They discuss oneness, choosing one’s feelings, and course-correcting negativity through gratitude and staying general rather than focused on life’s details. Etheridge describes a major awakening after over-consuming cannabis edibles, later followed by her breast cancer diagnosis, which propelled study of spirituality and plant medicine. She speaks about son Beckett’s opioid addiction and death in May 2020, emphasizing, “I cannot get sick enough to make a sick person well.” Etheridge recounts her musical beginnings in Kansas, coming out, early women’s-bar circuit, discovery at Pasadena’s Vermie’s, the “Bring Me Some Water” breakthrough, her bald 2005 Grammy performance during chemo, and writing her new album “Rise,” including “Call You.” They discuss advice for LGBTQ people and parents, and she advises LZ for his upcoming duet with Kelly Clarkson, then sings a snippet of “I Wanna Come Over.”Timestamp Menu: 00:00 Welcome You Are Beautiful01:07 Why This Podcast Exists03:03 Melissa Mirror Work05:01 Oneness Gratitude Reset09:16 Advice For Angry Mornings13:44 Awakening Cancer And Cannabis18:15 Loss And Loving Through Addiction24:51 Leavenworth Roots First Guitar27:10 Coming Out And Early Career29:51 Finding Work in LA30:12 Underground Women’s Scene30:48 Label Pressure and Coming Out32:36 Breakthrough Single Origins36:07 Chemo and Grammy Comeback39:38 Awards and Artistic Purpose40:57 Songwriting Process and Inspiration43:18 Rise Album and Personal Loss46:13 Strength, Identity, and Community48:29 Advice for LGBTQ People and Parents52:16 Duet Prep and Stage Confidence55:06 Romance, Stalker Song, and Farewell
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Ellen Burstyn
Apr 2800:42:16Tap to summarizeOver Zoom, Lawrence Zarian interviews Ellen Burstyn ahead of their in-person meeting on The Kelly Clarkson Show, reflecting on divine timing and how his pandemic-born podcast explores how entertainers see the world differently. Burstyn discusses promoting her poetry book and her discomfort with “commercializing” something sacred, emphasizing her goal of introducing poetry to people who don’t know it; Zarian shares how the book gave him language for grief, citing Maya Angelou and Rumi, and Burstyn recites Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Love is not all.” Burstyn recalls a childhood split between being popular at school and hiding at home due to an abusive stepfather, and how poetry helped her envision a future. They discuss forgiveness, therapy, sobriety, and generational trauma, then touch on colleagues and projects including Cloris Leachman, Jack Nicholson, Alan Alda, Linda Blair, and roles like Lois in The Last Picture Show, ending with Burstyn completing “I, Ellen Burstyn, am beautiful because…” with a memory of her mother.Timestamp Menu:01:51 Universe and Timing03:04 Mirror Question03:54 Poetry Book Doubts09:01 Poetry Awakening09:53 Two Lives Growing Up15:42 Forgiving Mom17:40 Trauma and Sobriety24:47 Poems for Grief29:33 Favorite Poem Recital32:07 Poetry as Healing33:21 Central Park Cherry Blossoms35:32 Fashion and Self Love37:39 Rapid Fire Film Memories42:43 Internet Myths and Truth44:24 Alan Alda and Friendship48:07 Women and Equal Partnership52:13 Revisiting Past Characters54:03 Longing Poem and Farewell55:55 I Am Beautiful Because
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Jason George
Apr 1400:47:54Tap to summarizeLZ hosts an episode of “You Are Beautiful” with actor Jason George, discussing why he’s uncomfortable with compliments and how he prefers focusing on work that puts something meaningful into the world. George answers Lauren’s mirror question by identifying first as a proud father, then they explore how he stays grounded in Hollywood through truth-telling family relationships, including a story from his rain-soaked wedding and the role of his brothers in keeping him humble. They discuss hate as fear rooted in lack of understanding, the importance of proximity to others, and Lauren shares his experience as a gay man and his father’s evolving views. George recounts pivoting from a pre-law path into acting, booking Sunset Beach via a large audition contest, and later joining Grey’s Anatomy without auditioning, crediting his ease and chemistry with Chandra Wilson. They reflect on why audiences connect with Ben Warren, share a Denzel Washington anecdote, and George advises actors to create their own work, find their voice, and avoid neediness in auditions, closing with his statement that he is beautiful because he cares about other people.Timestamp Menu: 00:26 Stay Ready Mindset01:34 Compliments and Purpose03:10 Beauty Beyond Looks04:52 Why This Podcast Exists05:53 Mirror Question Dad First07:07 Marriage and Staying Grounded10:27 Brothers Family and Loyalty14:29 Identity Proximity and Hate20:03 Finding Acting by Accident23:02 Sunset Beach Soap Bootcamp24:48 Idol as Publicity25:27 Sunset Beach Break26:46 Kismet Casting Day28:06 Union and LA Move29:31 Denzel Food Truck30:46 Grey's Without Audition34:26 Ben and Bailey Magic39:48 Desert Island Pick43:47 Advice for Actors47:56 Beautiful Because50:39 Fatherhood and Wrap
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Daniel Radcliffe
Mar 3100:15:47Tap to summarizeIn this exciting new episode, LZ reunites with Daniel Radcliffe for a playful, fast-paced interview about beauty, identity, and career. Radcliffe shares that he often starts press days feeling camera-unready until hair, makeup, and styling help; he chooses flying or an invisibility cloak as a preferred Harry Potter power and says he’d show his son the first Potter film so his son is least likely to recognize him, noting his current anonymity as “just dad.” Asked about a desert-island companion among past co-stars, he picks Emma Watson. He discusses his series “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” explaining Arthur Tobin’s need for Reggie due to Arthur’s own scandal and reflecting on forgiveness, growth, and changing gambling culture. Radcliffe recalls “Equus,” “How to Succeed,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” praises Jonathan Groff, and previews his one-man show “Every Brilliant Thing,” emphasizing live audience connection. He says he feels “beautiful” because he likes people and tries to ensure no one leaves a set feeling worse than when they arrived.Timestamp Menu:00:53 Meet Daniel Radcliffe01:44 Speed Date Setup02:40 Mirror Morning Check03:27 Pick a Magic Power04:25 One Potter for His Son05:23 Desert Island Co Star06:16 Fallen Rise of Dinkins07:14 Mistakes Forgiveness Growth08:42 Documentary and Autobiography09:18 Broadway Naked Stories10:20 Merrily and Broadway Love11:46 Every Brilliant Thing Preview13:19 I Am Beautiful Because14:26 Thanks and Farewell
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Justine Lupe
Mar 1000:57:38Tap to summarizeLawrence Zarian welcomes actress Justine Lupe to his podcast and they joke about prisms, John Hamm comparisons, and first meeting at The Kelly Clarkson Show. Lawrence asks Justine what she sees in the mirror, and she says she most identifies through her relationships—as a daughter, mother, sister, wife, and friend—crediting her close, codependent upbringing for prioritizing intimacy and safety over career volatility. They discuss her early creative spark (playing the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz), her New York years, and her work on Succession (choosing Shiv on a desert island) and Nobody Wants This, including Morgan’s vulnerability, fearlessness, and dynamic with Sasha. Justine talks about transparency around body image and social media, advises focusing on soulfulness over aesthetics, and defines relationship essentials as mutual respect, vulnerability, and optimism. She ends by stating she is beautiful because she is soulful, kind, thoughtful, and deeply witnesses the people she loves.Timestamp Menu: 00:17 Prism Compliments00:58 John Hamm Mixup02:10 Kelly Clarkson Encounter05:33 Singing Suddenly Seymour07:06 Finding The Right Fit08:47 Mirror Question Identity11:21 Family Roots Of Closeness15:19 Midwest And New York Years16:58 Early Spark For Acting20:00 Parents And Healing23:10 Succession Breakout26:32 Desert Island Roy Pick28:57 Nobody Wants This Praise29:43 Fearlessness From Dad30:41 Embracing Goofy Humor32:56 Fearless Creative Risks33:35 Trusting the Film Crew35:56 Desert Island Character Pick36:48 Why Morgan Resonates39:25 Morgan and Sasha Chemistry41:33 Body Image and Transparency43:56 Advice for Social Media Pressure53:23 Season Two and Relationship Keys58:21 Beauty Definition and Farewell
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Melissa Errico
Feb 2500:52:59Tap to summarizeLawrence Zarian hosts an episode of “You Are Beautiful” with guest Melissa Errico, beginning with a candid, humorous setup about lighting, auditions, and aesthetics before moving into Lawrence’s background as a longtime TV makeover expert and QVC clothing designer behind “Beautiful by Lawrence Zarian.” They talk about how fashion is less about how you look and more about how you feel, share favorite pieces from Lawrence’s line (including blues, an off-the-shoulder rosette top, and a scalloped V-neck stripe), and discuss what Melissa wears to feel confident—V-necks, black-and-white Breton stripes, vintage biker boots, and eclectic, artsy combinations. Lawrence and Melissa also answer a mirror question about what they like seeing in themselves that day, including Melissa’s healing from an eye stye, feeling rested, and fresh red hair, and Lawrence’s enjoyment of wearing blue, having a good hair day after hair loss post-COVID, and embracing turning 60. The conversation expands into Melissa’s artistry and origins: her father playing Michel Legrand at home during the Vietnam era, how that music later led to Melissa’s close collaboration with Legrand on Broadway and on a symphonic record (“Legrand Affair” with the Brussels Philharmonic), and her formative experience seeing “On Your Toes” on Broadway that made her sob and sparked her desire to perform. They discuss Sondheim’s “Beautiful” from “Sunday in the Park with George,” which Melissa reads aloud to frame beauty as something that changes, and Lawrence’s intent to focus his podcast on the essence of people rather than projects. Melissa then describes her evolving relationship with Barbra Streisand—how Malcolm Gets pushed her to truly listen, how Streisand’s artistry feels like a force of nature, and how Melissa’s “The Streisand Effect” concert is an homage exploring what Streisand made possible rather than a tribute imitation. They share personal connections to Broadway (including Lawrence’s first love story with Hugh Panaro after seeing “Les Misérables,” and plans to coordinate seeing him perform again), and Melissa recounts meeting Streisand briefly backstage at Madison Square Garden. Melissa also describes creating a new song concept, “Daughter of Fire,” inspired by Streisand’s memoir and a moment with her own daughter, and she closes by sharing her current release: an album titled “I Can Dream, Can’t I?” rolled out as weekly singles via a “waterfall release,” featuring classic American songs and ending with Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” The episode ends with Lawrence’s signature prompt—Melissa answering “I am beautiful because…”—and she responds that she is beautiful because she feels music deeply as something precious that passes through her.Timestamp Menu: 00:51 Broadway Beginnings and My Fair Lady01:49 Meet Lawrence and the Beauty Theme02:46 Fashion Crushes and QVC Picks04:24 How a Designer Is Made08:31 Podcast Origin and Mirror Question09:32 Melissa on Exhaustion and Healing12:38 Three Things You Like Today15:14 Aging and Self Acceptance at 6017:24 Sondheim Beautiful Reading21:58 Melissa Musical Spark and Legrand26:56 Broadway Awakening and Les Mis30:48 Broadway Crush Memories31:30 Broadway Boyfriends Bond32:14 Streisand Effect Origins37:05 Meeting Barbra Briefly39:40 Daughter of Fire Song42:26 Style That Feels Fire48:21 Wardrobe Tips After 4053:37 New Album Dreaming56:32 Beautiful Because Music58:35 Blue Love Farewell
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Michael Urie
Feb 1700:45:48Tap to summarizeLZ interviews actor Michael Urie on the podcast “You Are Beautiful,” beginning with playful banter and a lip-sync to “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” which prompts Lawrence to share a personal memory of hearing the song as a closeted teen and how it shaped his connection to Michael’s fearless public identity. Michael answers Lawrence’s mirror question while doing press from The Daily Show green room, noting Shrinking has been renewed and joking about fixing a broken hot-water handle in his Upper West Side apartment. They discuss Michael’s Texas roots in Plano, his early love of movies and storytelling inspired by Tim Burton, and how shyness led him to play alone with toys while inventing stories. Michael describes a key high-school turning point when a substitute and his teacher moved him into an advanced theater class, being pushed into Fiddler on the Roof due to a lack of boys, and realizing performance was for him after getting a big, repeatable laugh; he also competed in speech tournaments. Michael talks about coming out with support from his older queer sister, having dated girls in high school, and feeling that people in New York and at Juilliard made “intelligent assumptions” as he grew into himself. Lawrence shares his own later-in-life public coming-out and sobriety, and a Harrison Ford anecdote from Live with Regis and Kelly; Michael reflects on long careers, working with Harrison Ford on Shrinking (including the character’s Parkinson’s storyline), and how acting can evolve into old age, mentioning June Squibb. In rapid-fire topics, Michael discusses Ugly Betty: multiple auditions, Mark St. James originally intended only for the pilot, Vanessa Williams’s generosity, and their on-set comedic collaboration; he highlights his proudest element—the bond between Mark and Justin Suarez and the storyline confronting Mark’s mother. Asked for advice to queer youth in a difficult climate, Michael emphasizes “find the helpers,” chosen family, and that it’s not worth expending energy trying to change people—find your tribe. He also reflects on stage work including Buyer & Cellar (hundreds of performances and famous attendees, though Barbra Streisand never came), Torch Song with Mercedes Ruehl, Once Upon a Mattress as an unexpected dream role, and the shocks and performances in Oh, Mary! with Jinkx Monsoon. The episode ends with Michael sharing that his relationship works because he and his partner listen to each other, and he completes Lawrence’s closing prompt: he is beautiful because of the reflection of life he receives back—joy, humanity, and connection.Menu: 00:00 Pajamas, Popcorn & Finally Meeting Michael Urie01:04 Breaking the Ice: A Surprise Lip-Sync Challenge02:14 “Don’t Cry Out Loud” Deep Dive: Music, Memories & Meaning04:06 Why This Podcast Exists: Beauty, COVID Reset & Fearless Living05:54 A Camp Crush & Learning to Hide Feelings07:19 Mirror Question: Pride, Sobriety & Where You Are Today07:53 Press Day Wins & Upper West Side Life (and No Hot Water)10:51 Texas Roots: Plano, Two-Stepping & Oil Can Harry’s12:46 The Spark to Perform: Movies, Toys, Theater Class & Getting the Laugh18:52 Coming Out Journeys: Family Support, Julliard & Finding Your Person25:05 Was I Born for This? Finding the Path to Acting25:38 Support Systems & ‘It Was Meant to Be’27:34 Working Forever: June Squibb, Harrison Ford & Aging in the Craft30:17 Harrison Ford’s Humble Movie-Star Moment (Hair & Makeup Story)31:28 Rapid Fire Begins: Landing Ugly Betty’s Mark St. James34:06 Why Mark/Justin Mattered: Representation, Heart & Comedy38:29 Advice for Queer Kids Today: Find the Helpers, Find Your Tribe42:12 Stage Lessons: Buyer & Cellar and the Barbra
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June Squibb
Feb 300:41:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'You Are Beautiful with Lawrence Zarian,' LZ engages in a heartfelt conversation with the 96-year-old actress June Squibb. From her early years growing up in Illinois to her illustrious career on Broadway and in Hollywood, June shares her life's journey with humor and wisdom. She discusses her memorable roles, including her breakout in 'Gypsy,' starring alongside Jack Nicholson in 'About Schmidt,' and her latest projects 'Thelma' and 'Marjorie Prime.' Reflecting on the evolution of her career, June explores the themes of resilience, love for her craft, and the sacredness of life. This captivating discussion uncovers her insights into beauty, aging, and the essence of truly caring about people.Timestamp Menu: 00:38 First Impressions and Personal Comforts02:51 Reflections on Beauty and Family04:49 Early Life and Career Beginnings06:16 Broadway and New York Adventures12:40 Transition to Film and Notable Roles19:43 Oscar Buzz and Recent Projects21:32 June Squibb's Stuntwoman Experience23:40 Working with Scarlett Johansson26:29 Broadway and Marjorie Prime29:41 Reflections on Life and Career31:29 Advice for the Future38:23 Embracing Aging41:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Susan Lucci
Jan 2800:57:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'You Are Beautiful with Lauren Zian,' LZ engages in a heartfelt and revealing conversation with legendary actress Susan Lucci. The dialogue kicks off with a nostalgic recount of their initial meeting through mutual connections like Regis Philbin and their shared experiences on television. Susan Lucci opens up about her career, her transformative role as Erica Kane on 'All My Children,' and her impactful storytelling, particularly highlighting the poignant storylines that tackled real-life issues such as her character's daughter coming out. Susan delves into her personal experiences of grief following the loss of her husband, finding strength and restoration in unexpected places, and embracing new beginnings. Together, they discuss the importance of connecting through shared stories, the enduring impact of significant life events, and finding signs of loved ones in everyday moments. It's a deep, touching, and authentic exploration of life, loss, love, and the timeless beauty of human connections.Timetamp Menu: 00:54 Special Guest: Susan Lucci01:39 Memorable First Meeting02:32 Navigating the Entertainment Industry05:32 Pandemic Reflections and Personal Growth12:11 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings17:28 Iconic Soap Opera Moments22:15 Impactful Storylines and Representation27:38 The Power of Storytelling28:11 Coping with Loss and Grief29:25 Rediscovering Passion and Purpose32:26 Writing Through Grief38:12 Memories and Treasures43:38 Signs from Loved Ones50:46 The Journey of Sobriety55:05 Reflections and Gratitude
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