The Luminous Life Podcast

What if your favorite psychic medium told you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear? In this episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with psychic medium Michelle Santana of Some Things Sacred to talk about what actually happens when you read energy, talk to the dead, and live your life “out of the broom closet.” Michelle shares how her gifts showed up in childhood, the moment a dream helped her family unplug life support, and why she refuses to be an “entertainment” psychic. We go deep into ethics, timing, grief, God, and boundaries – and why she believes she works for Spirit, not for your ego. You’ll hear us untangle: Religion vs spirituality: Why Michelle still prays the rosary and channels ancestors The “virgin, maiden, crone” journey – and what it means to own your crone era without apologizing for your body, your boundaries, or your light Grief as a soul contract, why some souls choose to go, and how mediumship can soften that ache Shadow work, trauma, and why evolving often means losing friends and raising your frequency Parenting adult children, caring for aging parents, and learning to back off when your kids say “let me mess this up myself” Beauty as energy: how Michelle sees “blemished light” behind the Botox, filters, and fake-perfect feeds Michelle is blunt, funny, deeply reverent, and not afraid to say “too f**king badly” when Spirit delivers a message you don’t want to hear. This one’s for anyone who’s curious about mediumship, afraid of being judged for their beliefs, or standing at the edge of their own next-level self.✨ If this episode hit home… Tap the ❤️ and repost to your feed Tag a friend who’s obsessed with mediums, grief, or all things witchy-grandma energy Follow The Luminous Life Podcast here on SoundCloud so you never miss an episode

The holidays are not a Hallmark movie, they’re more like a group text with too many people and not enough boundaries. In this Thanksgiving episode of The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella talk about: Learning to say no after years of being the “of course, I’ll be there!” friend Splitting every holiday between two families in one day (and why that stopped fast) Hosting 25–30 people and tweaking traditions so you don’t hate the day Dressing the table instead of dressing yourself and why that’s enough this year Feeling the pressure to look perfect while you’re sweating in the kitchen Giving yourself permission to make Thanksgiving what you need this season Hit play if you’re feeling the weight of expectations and want a new script for the holidays, one that’s honest, grounded, and a little silly… like choosing pumpkin pie for the texture and still calling apple “the best pie.” Connect with us: 📩 Email: theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @luminouslifepodcast Listen & follow: Hit follow/subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming holiday and beauty-without-the-BS episodes. Share with a friend: Send this to the cousin, sister, or bestie who’s quietly burnt out from “doing it all” every November. Join the conversation: Email us your Thanksgiving boundary wins or horror stories: theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com

We warned you we were going to be coffee snobs… and now we’re literally walking around saying, “show me your beans.” ☕️😂 In this episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with Linda Rivera, Owner of Rey Sol Coffee in Ridgewood & Morristown, NJ - a Colombian, family-run, from farm to cup coffee brand that turned a pandemic delay into a viral community obsession. Linda shares how her family went from construction and landscaping to building a coffee legacy rooted in their fifth-generation Colombian farm, and why they refuse to burn their beans, cut corners, or compromise on culture. We talk about: Opening Rey Sol in the height of COVID and what it really took to start fresh when everyone else was just hanging on Going viral overnight, long lines, cold weather, distancing rules, bad reviews and the unexpected explosion of local love What from farm to cup actually means: soil, sustainability, roasting on site, and why matte beans = magic Becoming “coffee snobs” in the best way: drinking coffee without sugar, acidity vs sweetness, and what to look for in a good roast Building a third place for the community where regulars feel like family and coffee becomes a daily ritual of connection Moving back to Colombia with her twins to live on the farm, raising kids in nature, and redefining success as a woman, mom, and entrepreneur The beauty and pressure of Colombian beauty culture, and what it means to feel beautiful in your own skin at every stage of life Navigating business as a Latina woman in a male-dominated, machista industry — both in the U.S. and in Colombia If you love coffee, small business stories, Latina power, or you’ve ever wondered if you’re allowed to make a big, “this doesn’t have to be forever” life decision… this one’s for you. Episode Highlights Why Rey Sol refuses to roast dark and how to tell if your beans are burnt or blessed The difference between “just grabbing a coffee” and creating ritual and community How Linda balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, cross-continent living, and staying rooted in her values Beauty as energy: feeling most beautiful when you’re doing what you love, not just when your serum is working Colombian culture, faith, machismo, and what it means to be a Berraça woman rewriting the script

A sleeveless vest, a hot flash, and the sudden horror of hearing your mother’s voice come out of your own mouth. Erika and Marcella go all in on perimenopausal fashion, HRT, the Augustinus Bader Elixir verdict, and the strange, holy work of softening. Between menopause laughs, Space NK fangirling, and parenting through the sandwich years, this episode is every woman’s group chat come alive. We talk about: The new dress code: sleeveless vests and Always Be Venting energy HRT week 1: “Thanks for giving me my words back” (not medical advice) London beauty gossip, VB x Bader, and The Elixir truth CPAP-mask texture, rosacea flare-ups, and retinol real talk Parenting, nagging, and the shock of sounding like your mother Learning to take off the armor—and why it feels lighter ✨ Book your complimentary skincare consult at Luminous (North Jersey): DM @luminouslifepodcast or email theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 💌 Share this with your sleeveless-vest sisters (or anyone who’s ever said, “Oh God, I’m my mother”)

This week, Erika and Marcella sit down with Ho-Ho-Kus royalty, Kristin Gildea Fox, fourth-generation Realtor, mother of two, and the definition of beauty with backbone. In this honest and hilarious conversation, Kristin opens up about growing up in a legacy family business, navigating the intense world of real estate, parenting teenage girls, and redefining success on her own terms. She shares how losing her father, local icon Chip Gildea, changed her understanding of work, balance, and legacy and why stepping back from the top was actually the most powerful move she’s ever made. We talk about motherhood, menopause, motivation, and the artichoke theory... how the prickly parts of our personalities protect the soft, beautiful core underneath. Whether you’re building a business, raising daughters, or just trying to hold it all together, this conversation will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even call your mom. 🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | SoundCloud | YouTube 📩 Questions or guest ideas? Email: theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 💫 Follow along: @luminouslifepodcast | @getluminous | @erikamenanteaux | @_marcella_cristina | @kristingildeafoxrealtor

Designer and boutique owner Katie Diamond joins Erika and Marcella to talk 10 years of Katie Diamond Jewelry, evolving the shop’s vibe (hello, Year of the Snake wallpaper), and what’s hot right now: layered dainty stacks → a touch of maximalism, chunkier gold, tennis necklaces/bracelets, and the rise of lab-grown diamonds. We dig into travel as creative fuel (India, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Morocco), building community through pop-ups, custom heirloom resets, and the real talk of beauty and confidence in our 40s (Gen X nostalgia included). If you love good vibes, great jewelry, and honest conversations about business, style, and self-trust...you’re home. Guest: Katie Diamond - Founder, Katie Diamond Jewelry (fine, demi-fine, piercings, forever bracelets, custom) & The Hive (clothing/loungewear). @katiediamondjewelry @katiediamondstore @thehiveridgewood Don’t forget to follow, rate & review ✨ Screenshot and share your favorite moment—tag @luminouslifepodcast @katiediamondjewelry

What do pelvic floor therapy, psychic readings, and haunted houses have in common? Turns out… more than you’d think. In this unfiltered episode, Erika shares a deeply personal (and hilariously candid) experience with cervical prolapse and what she learned from her urogynecologist about women’s health, body awareness, and aging with grace. From red light therapy to vaginal estrogen, no topic is off-limits. Then, the conversation turns to spiritual guidance, astrology, and belief systems—what happens when you’re looking for signs in a hard season of life. And finally, the duo debate “spooky season,” why some of us love cozy fall vibes while others would rather skip the haunted house entirely. From the anatomy of self-care to the energy of faith and fun, this episode is proof that the Luminous Life really is about beauty without the BS. Follow @luminouslifepodcast on Instagram ✨ Email us: theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 💬 Leave a review + share your favorite moment with us — it helps other women find the show

Karin's back to test Augustinus Bader’s The Elixir and share exactly who it serves (and who can skip), how it made us need less moisturizer, and a simple 10-day routine to actually see results. We also talk red light masks, Saint Jane’s reformulation, Joanna Vargas, and our new obsession with local coffee spots Bergen County Roasters and Graze—before spiraling into fantasy football confessions. Try it / Talk to us: Email theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com or DM @luminouslifepodcast for routine advice or to ask about Elixir samples (limited).

Birthdays can stir up more than cake cravings ... they can bring big questions about purpose, milestones, and self-worth. In this bonus birthday episode of The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika sits down with Marcella as she turns 30 and reflects on how far she’s come. From birthday anxiety to self-discovery, dating herself, and learning to trust her own path, Marcella shares the mindset shifts that helped her move from comparison to confidence. Erika brings her signature warmth, humor, and “big sister” energy to the conversation — and together they remind us that your 30s (and every decade after) can be your best chapter yet. ✨ What we cover in this episode: How Marcella made peace with birthdays (and why 30 feels different) Letting go of society’s “formula” for success Dating yourself and learning to love yourself deeply Why trusting yourself is the ultimate birthday gift Manifesting joy, fulfillment, and meaningful work in your 30s and beyond Whether you’re turning 30, 40, 50 or simply navigating a season of change, this episode is your reminder that you’re right on time. 🎧 Listen, laugh, and celebrate with us — then share this episode with a friend who needs a little birthday pep talk. ✨ If you’re in North Jersey, stop by Luminous to experience beauty that feels like therapy. 💌 Questions or stories to share? Email us at theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com . 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @luminouslifepodcast

What do brows, sneakers, and dramatic haircuts have in common? They all hold stories about beauty, identity, and how we navigate changing trends at every age. In this episode, Erika and Marcella share: ✨ The truth about brow trends—why thin isn’t in (and won’t be again, if we can help it). 👟 The search for sneakers that are chic and comfortable. 💇‍♀️ The emotional freedom that comes with a good haircut during life transitions. 👖 Fashion flashbacks: 90s favorites, early 2000s comebacks, and what’s worth skipping. 💦 The timeless essentials of skincare, no matter what the beauty industry sells. At its heart, this is a conversation about friendship, confidence, and the small choices that help us feel at home in our bodies and in our style. ✨ Glow Guide of the week: Resist the urge—don’t thin your brows. 🔗 Connect with us: Email: theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @luminouslifepodcast

Feeling playful takes safety. We talk soft power, wholesome girl summers, creative hobbies, corporate beauty politics, and what real support looks like, so you can be the boss and braid hair at the pool. This week, Erika (Gen X) and Marcella (late 20s) unpack the quiet revolution happening in women’s lives: when we finally feel safe, we let ourselves play and everything softens. From “wholesome cute girl summer,” sewing class wins, and barefoot picnics to rethinking feminism as and (not or), lashes in corporate spaces, and what healthy masculine support actually looks like. This is a love letter to women choosing giggles, mermaids, and pajama-pant projects without surrendering ambition. Glow Guide: Take inventory of where you need more feminine softness or masculine structure (we all carry both). If you want play, we wish you safety. If you want leadership, we wish you fire. 🔥✨

Boutique owner Jenny Colangelo on building Hustle & Heart in Ridgewood, movement as medicine, and the art of being yourself online, dance breaks, ‘90s hip-hop, and realistic mom self-care included. On this week’s Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella sit down with Jenny Colangelo, owner of Hustle & Heart (Ridgewood, NJ), to talk about opening a boutique in 2021, growing a business while raising three kids, saying yes (then learning when to say no) to pop-ups, and why moving your body can flip your mindset in a single class. We get into branding through music (hello, ‘90s hip-hop), community collabs with local studios, red-light masks, dry brushing, honest customer service (no “everything looks great” here), and the power of being your full self on Instagram—dance breaks included. Guest: Jenny Colangelo, Hustle & Heart IG @shop.hustleheart • Store: 12 South Broad St, Ridgewood, NJ Hosts: Erika Menanteaux & Marcella Barricella IG @luminouslifepodcast • Email theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com You’ll hear about: Pivoting from fitness to retail during/after COVID Building community with women-owned businesses Motherhood, mindset, and realistic workouts (yes, once a week counts) The mental health side of movement (“giving the bags the business”) Curating for women 30–50+: Splits59 stripes, Varley double-soft, elevated basics Authentic marketing: dance outside the store, mailman cameos, and being you online Local love: Sook (yes, it’s “Sooooook”), pop-ups, and shopping small If you loved this convo, follow @luminouslifepodcast and text this episode to a girlfriend who needs a nudge to move her body, try the class, or finally wear the matching set.

What if therapy wasn’t just talk...but a full integration of mind, body, spirit…and maybe even psychedelics? In this bold and refreshing conversation, Erika and Marcella sit down with their own therapist, Lara Maurino Donahue, to explore how women can move from surviving to thriving. With more than two decades of experience, Lara blends traditional therapy with somatic practices, spiritual wisdom, and psychedelic integration. She also happens to be a beauty enthusiast (lashes + brows included), reminding us that authenticity is the ultimate glow. We talk about: Why group therapy can accelerate growth in ways individual therapy can’t The difference between traditional talk therapy and integrative therapy How psychedelic medicine is helping women access and process their deepest feelings The importance of integration; living your lessons after the session or ceremony ends Beauty, confidence, and what Lara calls “enhanced natural” Why your 40s can be a renaissance, not a crisis This is an episode for the woman who’s therapy-tired, therapy-curious, or just curious about what it means to heal in a more embodied, connected way. 💫 Psychedelics, beauty, connection, authenticity—it’s all on the table. 👉 To connect with Lara https://laradonahue.com/ 👉 If you’re in North Jersey and looking for beauty that feels like therapy, come visit us at Luminous. 📩 theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 📲 Instagram @luminouslifepodcast

This week on The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella are in full summer recap mode, sharing stories about beach walks gone wrong, flip-flop injuries (yes, peroneal tendonitis is real!), and the surprising products that actually help. But it’s not all laughs: Erika opens up about the deep lessons she’s learning while caring for her mom, and how surrender, gentleness, and active rest are reshaping her approach to life. Together, we talk about: ✨ Flip-flop fails and why foot support matters ✨ The joy of late-summer rituals (hello, exfoliation & candles) ✨ Music that moves us, from The Beatles to Bieber ✨ Why surrendering can bring peace during life’s hardest seasons ✨ Fun vs. funny: are you one, the other, or both? If you’re craving lighthearted banter mixed with real talk about beauty, aging, caregiving, and finding joy in the small things—this one’s for you. 👉 Listen now, share with a friend who gets it, and let us know: are you fun, funny, or both? 📩 theluminouslifepodcast@gmail.com 📲 Instagram @luminouslifepodcast

You think you know who you are… until a DNA test throws you a curveball. In this laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing episode of The Luminous Life, we sit down with Dina Santarelli, commercial real estate powerhouse, self-proclaimed foodie, and one of Erika’s OG lash clients to talk about: 🍕 The best pizza in Bergen County (and why she’s mildly obsessed) 🇮🇹 The identity crisis that came from learning she’s only 72% Italian 💼 Thriving as a woman in a male-dominated industry 💖 How she met “her person” at 48 (and why she nearly swiped the wrong way) 💄 Beauty, confidence, and loving yourself at any age, size, or stage of life Dina’s story is part rom-com, part career masterclass, and part “pull up a chair and eat with us.” Whether you’re here for the business wisdom, the relationship hope, or just a good restaurant recommendation, you’ll leave feeling lighter, hungrier, and more in love with your own journey. Press play, pour the wine, and maybe… order a pizza. 📌 Connect with Dina: @theconnectedcontessa 📌 Follow The Luminous Life: @luminouslifepodcast

What if stepping away from your career wasn’t the end of your story but the beginning of your impact? In this episode of The Luminous Life, we’re joined by Alina Albano, former NYC attorney, mother of five, and now a board member at Family Promise, a nonprofit helping families facing homelessness in Bergen County, NJ. Alina’s story is equal parts bold, hilarious, and deeply affirming ... a reminder that we are allowed to evolve. From high-powered legal work to diaper duty to rediscovering her voice and purpose in the nonprofit space, this conversation speaks to any woman who’s ever said: “I love my kids... but I need more.” We explore: Life after leaving a traditional career Finding meaning beyond motherhood Why women are allowed to change — again and again Self-care as alone time, not spa days Aging, style, and trusting yourself more at 40 than you ever did at 20 ✨ This is a love letter to reinvention and to the women who refuse to disappear in the process. ✨ 📍 Support Family Promise: bergenfamilypromise.org 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday 🛍️ Shop curated skincare + wellness: shop.getluminous.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @luminouslifepodcast 💬 If this episode resonates, share it with the woman in your life who's ready to begin again — and leave us a review so more listeners can find these stories.

In this raw and radiant episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with luxury travel queen, small business champion, and certified good-time-girlie, Julie Shotmeyer. From building Jet Set Getaways after her first divorce to navigating another one at 49, Julie shares what it means to rebuild, reinvest in yourself, and boldly declare: I have no more f**ks to give. This episode is a masterclass in community, connection, and claiming your joy! Whether you're planning your dream vacation or just figuring out what the next chapter looks like. If you've ever cried behind sunglasses on the lash bed or needed a reminder that reinvention is possible (and fabulous), this one’s for you. What we talk about: Why shopping local is more than a motto—it’s a movement Going from luxury travel to zero income overnight (and bouncing back) Fighting for yourself during life transitions The importance of “I got you” energy (and when to give it to yourself) Dating again, traveling the world solo, and what makes a sexy match Building Jet Set Getaways from nothing—and becoming a global powerhouse Why your network is your net worth (literally) Raising a grounded daughter in a luxe world 🎧 Listen if you love: women-owned businesses, travel recs, beauty rituals, emotional resilience, luxury mindset, Jersey realness, and female friendship that runs deep. 🔹 Follow Julie: @jetsetgetaways 🔹 Book your next dream trip: www.jetsetgetaways.com 🔹 Shop Julie’s favorite self-care picks at: shop.getluminous.com 🔹 Visit us IRL at Luminous in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 🔹 Need the Butter Elixir Body Oil? Don’t worry, Julie made us restock 😅

Marcella’s back from Greece and glowing with stories from Santorini, wisdom from white wine-fueled beach reflections, and a new appreciation for nude beaches and lip gloss confidence. Erika’s sharing her own local third-place revelation: a perfect backyard party and a once-in-a-decade reunion with a soul friend. Together, they explore how we reset, reconnect, and reflect when life gives us the rare gift of stillness. This episode is a sun kissed love letter to travel, friendship, and the power of real connection. Also: Brad Pitt’s voice makes a surprise cameo in Marcella’s earbuds...and Erika has thoughts (and a syllabus). Glow Guide this week: → Find your third place. Not work, not home. The place where you linger, laugh, connect, and feel human again. → And if the world feels heavy, maybe share some harmless celeb gossip with your bestie. Just for fun. 🔑 What We Talk About: Santorini, Mykonos & the myth of "effortless chic" The third place: what it is, why we need one Hair tools left untouched and the freedom of going bare-faced Marcella's crush on Brad Pitt's voice (not his vibe) Reunions that feel like no time has passed The surprising joy of staying up too late with good people Why Luminous might just be your third place, too 🎧 Follow The Luminous Life Podcast wherever you listen. 🛍️ Visit us at shop.getluminous.com or stop by the store in Ho-Ho-Kus. 📸 Follow along @getluminous for more behind-the-scenes stories, glow guides, and beauty without the BS. 📨 Share the love—Send this episode to someone who needs a little sunshine and a soft place to land.

This week, Erika and Marcella react to the internet’s hottest takes on perimenopause, skincare routines, and DIY lash extensions. From Bethenny Frankel’s SPF steps to @JustBeingMelani’s viral “We Don’t Care” club, we’re laughing, learning, and (gently) judging. We’re talking: ✨ Why SPF always goes on last ✨ What to use instead of Vitamin C if you're sensitive ✨ Lash extensions vs. DIY clusters (spoiler: we have strong feelings) ✨ The glorious freedom of not caring about the back of your head (or your bikini line) Whether you're in your “IDGAF” era or still figuring it out, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and glowing with real beauty wisdom. Glow Guide Takeaways: ✔ Join the “We Don’t Care” Club (seriously, it’s liberating) ✔ SPF is your final step! No exceptions ✔ Please don’t do DIY lash extensions... we beg you ✔ Change your skincare with the season, not just the trends 📍Come Visit: Luminous Beauty Boutique | Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ → shop.getluminous.com 🎧 Listen, laugh, and glow with us: → Follow us on your favorite app → Screenshot this episode and tag us @getluminous on IG → Share with your group chat that knows about brain fog, doorbell dread, and evening wine

We’re going there: chalazion cysts, cluster lash horror stories, medical anxiety, beauty boundaries, and the etiquette of tipping your lash artist. In this unfiltered, wildly honest episode, Erika and Marcella sit down with lash artist and Luminous OG Kristen Oakley to unpack the painful lash cyst that left her seeing the beauty world in a whole new way. From her pregnancy journey to lash regrets, awkward compliments at the bagel shop, and the emotional toll of sitting in a medical chair, Kristen shares it all...eyeball scissors and all. Plus, we dive into the emotional (and sometimes awkward) relationship between clients and service providers, why it’s okay to speak up when you’re not happy with a beauty service, and whether tipping really matters. This episode is hilarious, heartfelt, and a must-listen for beauty lovers, clients, and pros alike. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: What a chalazion cyst actually is—and why it’s haunting TikTok Why cluster lashes can be dangerous (even when they look good) Medical anxiety, motherhood, and managing beauty expectations Client/service provider communication 101: How to speak up (and why it matters) The tipping talk: Etiquette, expectations, and why kindness is currency 🔗 CONNECT + SHOP: Visit us IRL: shop.getluminous.com Follow us on Instagram: @getluminous Need lash or brow help? Book with us in NJ! we’re the friendliest pros you’ll ever meet. 🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share. The Luminous Life is best experienced with your girls and a buttered bagel.