The Real Stuff with Lucie Fink

Jess is an audience caller who wrote in to share her story, and it’s one of the most powerful we’ve featured. She waited until marriage to have sex with her husband, and then discovered it was excruciatingly painful and physically impossible. After eight years of misdiagnoses, shame, and failed treatments, she finally healed herself from vaginismus — a condition that is often misunderstood or ignored. In this raw and compassionate conversation, we unpack what vaginismus really is, how purity culture and religious beliefs shaped Jess’s experience, and what it takes to reclaim intimacy — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Jess is now a pelvic floor therapist helping other women do the same and her expertise brings hope and healing to those who have felt alone in their pain.Follow Jess: https://www.instagram.com/painfree.intimacy/Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m back with another installment of my mini-series Don’t Hang Up, where I pick up the phone and call people in my real life (begging them not to hang up!) while I ask them deeply personal questions.This time, I called my mom (who was not thrilled about being on the podcast — sorry, Mom!!) to talk about how she raised three kids who somehow grew up without sibling rivalry or competition and are now true best friends as adults.We talked about what it was like raising twins, how she handled our sibling bickering, the little mantras she repeated that shaped us, and why celebrating our differences was key. She even shared some funny childhood memories (like me making “commercials” in the bathroom mirror) that I’m still cringing about. But I guess the commercials were worth it and led me somewhere fun!It’s a conversation about parenting, sibling bonds, and the small, everyday choices that can shape a family for life. Whether you’re a parent yourself, a sibling reflecting on your own childhood, or just love a heartfelt family story, you’re gonna love this one.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I’m sitting down with a 7-figure business coach named Chirag Shah. He’s single-handedly made many of his clients into millionaires with his executive coaching and mentorship programs, and he’s currently one of MY coaching clients (I’ve started working with him to improve his social media presence). Once I learned a bit about him and his story, I knew he’d make an amazing guest on the show.Chirag has made millions of dollars and has the most amazing insights to share (that are universally applicable no matter what your goals are), but what I found most interesting was how the highest point in his business correlated with the lowest point in his personal life. In this episode he gets honest and vulnerable. This episode is for everyone–whether you’re building a business, navigating burnout, or simply trying to live with more balance and clarity.We talk about:How to recognize the signs of burnout (before it’s too late)The simple habits that helped him reset his prioritiesWhat entrepreneurship really looks like behind the highlight reelPractical strategies you can apply to your own career and personal growthThink of this episode like listening in on a coaching call: raw, real, and full of tangible takeaways you can bring into your own life.Follow Chirag to get an inside look at our one-on-one coaching sessions: https://www.instagram.com/chiragshahcoaching/Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I read Expecting Better by Emily Oster and it completely changed the way I approached pregnancy. It eased my anxiety and gave me permission to trust myself and question the blanket rules I was hearing from strangers and the Internet. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to bring Emily onto The Real Stuff for a deep, data-driven conversation about all the hot button parenting topics we’re told not to talk about.In this episode, we cover everything from drinking alcohol during pregnancy to sleep training, breastfeeding vs. formula, going back to work vs. staying home, vaccines and autism, and so much more. Emily brings the facts (and I mean real, peer-reviewed, large-sample-size data-driven facts) to some of the most polarizing conversations in parenthood without judgment or shame.We also talk about her own experiences as a mom, the pressure to do everything “right,” and the value of doing what works for your family.Whether you’re pregnant, parenting, or just curious about what the actual research says about these loaded topics, I hope this conversation brings you the same calm and clarity that Emily’s work gave me.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I’m continuing my mini-series Don’t Hang Up, where I pick up the phone and call people in my real life (begging them not to hang up!) while I ask them deeply personal questions.This time, I called my friend (completely unannounced - sorry, Monique!!) to talk about what went down at her recent destination wedding in Cabo. Monique is one of my best friends from college, and after years of planning, her dream beach wedding was hit by a literal tropical cyclone. Not just rain…it was a sideways, slamming, ceremony-soaking cyclone kind of weather event.We talked about what it felt like to watch her wedding day unravel in real time, the emotions she went through that morning, how her support system showed up for her, and how she ultimately found the beauty in all the chaos. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, soggy dance floors, and what really matters when things don’t go according to plan.Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a wedding guest, or just love a good real-life plot twist—this one’s for you!Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gabrielle lost two decades of her life to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, alcohol abuse, and a severe skin-picking disorder that had her hospitalized twice. She thought she was broken and destined for toxic relationships, self-harm, and suffering.But at 34, after hitting rock bottom with a narcissistic partner, everything shifted.In this raw and inspiring episode, Gabrielle (an audience caller from the UK) shares how she rebuilt her life, not with a magic fix or any expensive treatments, but by committing to one thing: showing up for herself every single day. Through simple daily practices and radical self-kindness, she rewired her mind and reclaimed her peace.Now in a healthy relationship, finally feeling purposeful in her career, and training to be a coach herself, Gabrielle is living proof that it’s never too late to change your story.Warning: This episode contains discussions of self-harm, eating disorders, and mental illness. Listener discretion is advised.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We just got back from a 10-day family trip to the South of France — and wow, was there a lot to unpack (literally and figuratively). In this solo episode, I’m sharing everything about what it was really like to travel internationally with a baby, a toddler, and six adults. I’m talking packing lists, travel day logistics, sleep schedules, toddler meltdowns, jet lag disasters (and wins), how Milo learned to swim, and what made this feel like the rarest kind of trip: an actual vacation as parents of young kids.Plus, I’m getting real about what I wish I brought, what I absolutely didn’t need, how we handled picky eating abroad, and why traveling with extended family was a total game-changer. If you're planning a big trip with little ones or just want a behind-the-scenes look at family travel chaos, this one's for you!Comment "PACK" on this reel for my packing list: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL3LszBxODv/Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with writer and creator Lia Higgins (@onelitmama_) to talk about the unraveling and rebuilding that often comes with new motherhood. A former Big Law attorney turned full-time content creator and writer, Lia opens up about the trauma of childbirth, the crushing weight of postpartum depression, and the unconventional treatment that changed everything: ketamine therapy. Please note: this is one woman’s personal experience under the guidance of trained professionals. Consult your doctor with any questions.Lia shares the raw truth about becoming a mother, navigating rage, resentment, identity loss, and what it’s like growing her online presence alongside her mother-in-law, Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran. We talk about Lia’s viral essays for Oprah Daily and HuffPost, the cultural silence around maternal mental health, and how privilege, money, and access can shape the path to recovery.From religion and marriage to social media and storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt isolated in the chaos or craved a little more honesty in the motherhood space.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, I sat down in the studio and answered your most asked (and juiciest) questions — completely unfiltered. We covered it all: from whether Michael and I ever fight and how we actually handle disagreements to how we’re navigating toddler tantrums, sibling jealousy, and Milo’s transition to a big boy bed. I opened up about my religious upbringing, my personal beliefs today, and how Michael and I are incorporating religion and spirituality into raising our kids. Plus I talk about self-pleasure, managing screen addiction, letting go of control as a parent, my iPhone camera settings, and whether or not Milo and Coco get paid when they appear in my content. This episode is packed with honest reflections, funny stories, and hopefully some helpful takeaways for anyone in the thick of work, parenting, or just life in general.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I’m kicking off a new mini-series I’m calling Don’t Hang Up, where I pick up the phone and call people in my real life (begging them not to hang up!) while I ask them deeply personal questions.For the first installment, I called my dad, Jimmy. I’ve always wondered how he feels about the fact that he and my mom waited 16 years after getting married to have kids. He was on such a different timeline than the one I’m on, and I wanted to hear directly from him what those years were like, what they were thinking, and how he feels about that choice now, in his 70s, as a grandfather.We talked about everything from their Studio 54 days, to aging, regrets, and what it means to be present as a parent and a grandparent. It’s a conversation I’ll never forget, and I’m so excited to share it with you.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I was so honored to sit down with Dr. Laurie Santos for today’s episode — not just because she’s a Yale psychology professor and the host of one of my favorite podcasts (The Happiness Lab), but because I genuinely credit her course, The Science of Well-Being, with helping me shift my mindset in the thick of the pandemic. Back in 2020, I took her free online course through Yale University, and now, she’s created a version of that course specifically for parents, which made our conversation feel especially timely.As a mom of two young kids trying to balance full-time work and all the emotional noise of modern parenting, I showed up to this interview with a lot of questions. We talked about why so many of us feel like we’re drowning in decision fatigue, how to step away from the pressure of being a “perfect” parent, and what the science actually says about raising happy, healthy kids.Dr. Santos shared so many practical tools, like how to use your signature strengths in parenting, how to embrace unstructured play and independence, and why doing LESS might be the key to everyone in your family feeling better. We also talked about how to “parent yourself” with more compassion, how to show up better for your partner, and what we can learn from other cultures that seem to be doing this whole parenting thing with a bit more ease.Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood or not a parent at all, this one’s for everyone who feels like they’re trying to do it all and are finally ready to let go.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I’m sharing the jaw-dropping update to the catfish story I first told on the podcast which recently resurfaced as a viral video series across my social platforms. In this solo episode, I reveals the unexpected twist — an email from the girl who faked her own death and ghosted me for five years. I walk through the production of my 13-part storytelling series, reflect on monetization and meaning as a content creator, and read the real emails exchanged behind the scenes. (Including the follow-up emails she sent me that I never read aloud on social.)This episode is about truth, closure, boundaries, and what it means to turn something painful into something powerful. Plus: how I turned the story into a fundraising campaign for cancer research and the internet’s mixed reactions along the way.To listen to the full story of how I was catfished, listen to this episode: https://youtu.be/hJ_GV5oWjM4 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alreen Haeggquist is a successful attorney and author who’s made it her life’s mission to advocate for women — but her journey to becoming that woman is one of the most harrowing stories we’ve ever heard.In this raw and deeply emotional conversation, Alreen shares her experience of being abused by her father (both emotionally and sexually), the silence that surrounded it within her large family, and the lifelong impact of her mother’s silence. For decades, Alreen kept her story a secret…until the day she decided to write it all down.We talk about the trauma of secrecy, the physical toll of unspoken pain, how becoming a mother changed everything for her, and what healing actually looks like. Today, as a sexual harassment lawyer, Alreen helps others reclaim their voices, even as she continues to find hers.If you’ve ever questioned whether speaking out is worth the cost, this episode might just change your life.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and childhood trauma.Purchase Alreen's book, "Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma: https://amzn.to/3Hs3DgLFor more information & to contact Alreen, visit her website: https://www.alreen.com Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this emotional and empowering episode of The Real Stuff, I sit down with content creator, singer, and entrepreneur Daniela Legarda for a raw conversation about fame, family, and healing after unimaginable loss. Daniela opens up about the tragic and sudden death of her brother, Latin music artist Fabio Legarda, and how that moment changed the course of her life forever.From building a multi-million following online to navigating the pressures of being a Latina influencer, Daniela shares what it’s really like to grieve in public, find spiritual meaning in signs from beyond, and reclaim your voice after trauma. She also talks about money, mental health, being sexualized online, and what it means to create content with purpose.Whether you’re a fan of Daniela Legarda or looking for inspiration on turning pain into purpose, this episode is filled with heart, hustle, and healing.Follow Daniela:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielalegarda/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielalegardaoficialWatch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At 26 years old, this audience caller thought she was building a life — trying for a baby, working for her husband’s family business, and living in their shared home. But everything was a lie. In this anonymous caller episode, Lucie hears one of the most jaw-dropping divorce stories yet: a young woman tricked into thinking she was infertile while her husband was secretly preventing pregnancy for nearly a year. After losing her job, her house, her marriage, and even her dog, she found herself forced to rebuild from scratch. What follows is a raw, emotional, and ultimately empowering story about betrayal, resilience, and how rock bottom can sometimes be the start of everything.Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this explosive episode of The Real Stuff, Emma Paige finally shares more about her side of the podcast drama that has taken over TikTok, Instagram, and the podcasting world. As the co-founder of the hit podcast Unhinged, Emma opens up about how the show began, the rapid rise in popularity, and the shocking moment she was locked out, ghosted, and ultimately erased from her own platform.What started as a promising creative partnership turned into a public breakup filled with legal battles, emotional tolls, and questions about ownership, fairness, and the cost of internet fame. Emma takes us behind the scenes of her fallout with her former co-host, the controversial launch of Unbothered, and what she’s learned along the way about business, boundaries, and betrayal.She reflects on launching her new podcast Too Much, the strength it took to rebuild from scratch, and why she believes it’s so important to speak out — not just for herself, but for other creators navigating similar conflicts in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.If you’ve been following this podcast drama or are curious about what really happens behind the scenes of a viral business feud, you do not want to miss this raw and revealing conversation.Follow Emma:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofemmapaige/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeofemmapaige Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-much/id1791347406 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you stuck in the hustle cycle and calling it ambition?In this powerful conversation, Lucie is joined by Amina AlTai, an executive coach, speaker, and author, to reframe everything you think you know about success, burnout, and self-worth. They dive into the roots of hustle culture, how childhood core wounds shape our work lives, and why marginalized communities face a different kind of pressure when it comes to “doing it all.”This episode covers:- The real difference between painful and purposeful ambition- How imposter syndrome is a systemic issue, not a personal one- Why your paycheck doesn’t define your purpose- The “zone of genius” framework—and how to work in yours- Amina’s Nourishment Meter: a tool for rebalancing work and life- How to make more money without losing your mind (or your health)Whether you're rethinking your career, struggling with burnout, or trying to find a deeper sense of alignment, this episode offers a compassionate, actionable roadmap to redefine ambition on your own terms.The Ambition Trap is available now wherever books are sold. Let’s get Amina on the USA Today bestseller list! https://amzn.to/4mfEs0uWatch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of mental health, anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and suicide. Please listen with care.Carrie Berk is a bestselling author who published 21 books before the age of 20, but behind the bubbly book covers and growing TikTok following, she was privately battling debilitating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this raw and deeply honest conversation, Carrie opens up about the moment her intrusive thoughts began to spiral, how a panic attack led to her OCD diagnosis, and what exposure therapy actually looked like for her. Lucie and Carrie also explore the pressures of growing up in the public eye, the impact of privilege on mental health, and what it means to be misunderstood online. Plus: the reality show experience Carrie rarely talks about and how bullying shaped both her inner world and her activism.If you’ve ever questioned your own thoughts, wondered if you were “going crazy,” or struggled to explain your mental health to friends, this episode is for you!Pre-order Carrie’s new book, Mindfire: Diary of an Anxious Twentysomething here: https://amzn.to/44kC0j2Follow CarrieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrieberkk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carrieberkk 00:00 introducing Carrie Berk02:10 becoming a published author at age 804:26 privilege and imposter syndrome9:03 being on a reality tv show11:03 dealing with online hate and bullying21:51 anxiety and OCD diagnoses25:04 examples of intrusive thoughts29:34 how therapy has helped her cope32:30 opening up to family and friends39:21 normalizing mental health struggles42:58 social media’s impact on mental health46:11 Carrie’s new book & future plansWatch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Real Stuff, we’re sharing two incredibly raw and powerful stories about navigating early menopause and fertility struggles at a young age. First, Katie opens up about being diagnosed with early menopause in her early 30s, right as she began the egg freezing process. After months of missed periods and three failed egg retrieval attempts, Katie was forced to grieve the future she thought she would have, all while grappling with hormonal replacement therapy, financial strain, and dating fears.Next, we hear from Mackenzie, who was diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) at just 22 years old, two days after graduating from college. Her twenties have been consumed with fertility preservation, navigating over a dozen egg retrieval cycles, and leading a support group for others with rare reproductive health conditions.Together, Katie and Mackenzie share the emotional, physical, financial, and social toll of infertility diagnoses in their 20s and 30s. We discuss egg freezing, hormone replacement therapy, fertility preservation, perimenopause, reproductive health, the emotional impact on dating and friendships, advocating for yourself with doctors, and the silent grief that often accompanies fertility challenges.Whether you're thinking about egg freezing, curious about hormonal health after birth control, or simply want to better understand the realities of young women facing early menopause, this episode is an eye-opening and deeply empathetic conversation you won't want to miss.RESOLVE Infertility Support Groups: https://resolve.org/get-help/support-groups/Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alexandra Gater was 25, riding high as the Home Editor at Chatelaine magazine, and creating a hit home makeover YouTube series until the morning she walked into work and got laid off. What could have been the end of her story turned into the beginning of something entirely her own.In this episode of The Real Stuff, Alexandra shares how she went from feeling devastated and directionless to launching her YouTube channel, landing a $25,000 brand deal that changed her life, and growing a full-fledged media company with 11+ employees. She opens up about the dark personal chapter she was navigating behind the scenes, the pressure of trying to “fake it ‘til you make it,” the mean-girl trolling she endured from fellow editors, and how she slowly built the self-confidence to bet on herself.Alexandra and Lucie also bond over their shared history in the digital media world and dig into what it felt like to leave behind a job that once felt like everything. Lucie opens up about her own exit from Refinery29 and how she knew it was time to move on from “Try Living with Lucie,” sparking a deeper conversation about identity, ambition, and trusting your gut.It’s a candid conversation about losing your dream job, building something better, and what it really takes to grow through discomfort, even when you don’t have it all figured out.Follow AlexandraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandragater/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alexandragaterTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandragater?_t=8goJbfFKKBR&_r=100:00 Lucie’s opening thoughts01:44 how Lucie & Alexandra got connected03:13 our similar career paths06:20 Alexandra’s layoff story08:14 the complications of being a corporate creative employee 13:09 the slow success of Try Living with Lucie14:25 why Lucie left Refinery2920:42 early brand deals23:32 the work it takes to start a YouTube channel27:24 a dark chapter in Alexandra’s life35:02 dealing with negative comments from people you know52:10 deciding how personal to get online55:20 imposter syndrome & faking it until you make itWatch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod Find Lucie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfinkWebsite: https://luciefink.com/ Executive Producer: Cloud10Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.