#19. Crystal Kung Minkoff on Authenticity in the Spotlight
Episode #19: Crystal Kung Minkoff, the trailblazing first Asian American cast member on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," graces our show with her candid reflections. Crystal offers a fresh perspective on her journey, from navigating the dynamics of reality TV filming to embracing her Chinese heritage, including her lineage from Confucius. Her insights into balancing cultural identity, societal expectations, and the personal significance of preserving maiden names in the face of marriage offer a nuanced look at her experience in the public eye. Reality television often demands larger-than-life personas, yet authenticity remains a core theme as Crystal shares her struggles and triumphs. We examine the contrasts between introverted and extroverted personalities and how these influence social interactions, whether on-screen or at home. Additionally, Crystal illustrates the importance of maintaining a true sense of self amidst the pressures of self-promotion and exaggerated portrayals that reality TV often necessitates. Through stories of home life and open-door policies, Crystal highlights the balance between public image and private realities. We tackle delicate subjects such as privacy, identity, and personal battles, including Crystal's poignant account of dealing with an eating disorder starting at age 11. With honesty and vulnerability, she discusses the ongoing journey of recovery and self-acceptance, shedding light on the impact of social media trends on body image. Her experiences during the Stop Asian Hate movement and navigating cultural representation on a reality show reveal the pressures and responsibilities that come with being a public figure. Join us as we explore these conversations, aiming to foster healthier mindsets and supportive relationships for ourselves and future generations. Chapters: (00:00) The Crystal Kung Minkoff Interview (05:38) Personalities and Self-Promotion in Reality TV (17:11) Family Traditions and Culture Integration (22:14) Navigating Identity and Reality TV (28:07) Violation of Privacy on Reality TV (38:54) Navigating Eating Disorders and Recovery (52:23) Body Image, Social Media Trends Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and YouTube!
Episode #18: Unlock the secrets to navigating the fascinating and emotionally complex worlds of surrogacy and genetic counseling. Join us as Lila and Stephanie, trailblazers in their respective fields, share their professional journeys and personal insights. Lila, a seasoned genetic counselor, talks about her mission at Genevie Health to empower expectant parents with crucial genetic testing, while Stephanie, the mastermind behind Family Match Consulting, offers a window into the surrogacy maze, helping intended parents find their perfect match amidst legal and emotional challenges. Infertility affects many, yet the stigma around it persists. Our producer Kimberly and co-host MJ bring their deeply personal stories to the table, shedding light on the emotional toll of conception struggles. From infertility's equal impact on men and women to the poignant adoption narratives that emerge, we explore the silence that often surrounds these private journeys, aiming to create a space of understanding and support for those walking similar paths. The episode goes further, addressing the practical and emotional facets of surrogacy—from qualifications and geographical logistics to the profound connections forged between intended parents and surrogates. We stress the importance of proactive health management and genetic testing, sharing stories that underscore how being informed can lead to life-saving discoveries. Finally, we introduce GENEVIE, a revolutionary platform offering science-backed guidance for expectant parents to navigate the landscape of parenthood with confidence and clarity. Chapters: (00:00) Navigating Surrogacy and Genetics Counseling (13:13) Breaking the Silence on Infertility (20:28) The Journey Through Infertility and Surrogacy (35:01) Qualifications and Logistics of Surrogacy (38:29) Establishing Relationships in Surrogacy (42:22) Genetic Testing Importance and Advocacy (52:36) Preconception Education and Genetic Testing Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and YouTube! Learn more about the resources discussed in this episode: Family Match Consulting https://www.familymatchconsulting.com Genevie Health https://geneviehealth.com
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#17. Cooking, Kibbitzing, and Coming Into His Own: Our Chat with Doug Budin
Episode #17: From navigating the quirks of gated communities to sharing his impeccable South African accent, Doug Budin joins us for a conversation filled with humor and heart. Doug's stories from Jeff Lewis Live often leave us in stitches, and today, we take a deeper look at the man behind those entertaining tales. With anecdotes about his love for languages, including the whimsical knowledge of how to say "butterfly" in various tongues, Doug's journey is as colorful as it is charming. Growing up between Long Island and New York City, Doug reflects on those formative years that shaped his lifelong curiosity. The Suzuki method for violin playing may have been his introduction to memorization, but it also sparked a passion for languages and an ear for accents that would serve him well. Amidst these childhood memories, Doug shares the emotional story of his father's accident and the impact it had on their family, painting a vivid picture of enduring bonds and resilience. Our chat takes a candid turn as we explore Doug's personal journey of love and self-acceptance, from childhood crushes to coming out in college. With a humorous nod to pop culture and past romantic escapades, Doug shares lessons learned from navigating complex relationships. We also enjoy a lighthearted look at friendships formed along the way, including those on Jeff Lewis Live, where laughter and camaraderie reign supreme. Join us for a thoughtful yet entertaining exploration of Doug's world, filled with laughter, love, and the many connections that make life extraordinary. Chapters: (00:00) Authenticity and Knowledge With Doug Budin (07:53) Memories of Growing Up and Family (18:08) Relationships, Love, and Self-Acceptance (29:07) Diverse Relationships and Entertainment (42:46) Chump Co-Host Relationships and Career Goals Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and YouTube!
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#16. School Shooting Victim Scarlett Lewis on Choosing Love
Episode #16: Scarlett Lewis's world was forever changed by the tragic loss of her son, Jesse, during a school shooting. Yet, from an unimaginable sorrow emerged a mission anchored in the powerful words Jesse left behind: "nurturing, healing, love." Join us as Scarlett shares the incredible journey from grief to founding the Choose Love Movement, an initiative that's teaching children worldwide essential life skills through love-based programs. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of love amidst the darkest times. We explore the challenges and opportunities to better understand the complex narrative of school shootings, including a heartfelt reflection on the Sandy Hook shooter, Adam Lanza. Scarlett bravely navigates the difficult conversation around mental health, urging society to recognize and address signs of distress before tragedy strikes. Through these discussions, we emphasize the need for empathy and compassion, not just for victims, but for everyone affected by such events, including the perpetrators and their families. Scarlett's insights extend beyond tragedy, offering hope and growth through adversity. The Choose Love Movement isn't just a response to pain; it's a proactive strategy to cultivate resilience and personal growth. With compelling stories of redemption and spiritual signs, we explore how embracing pain can lead to healing and transformation. From town halls to school programs, Scarlett's work is shaping a safer, healthier future for generations, proving that love can indeed be a catalyst for change. Chapters: (00:00) Healing Love (09:56) Finding Strength Through Tragedy (18:59) Humanizing School Shooters (26:59) Love-Based Program for Schools (31:10) Embracing Pain for Growth (37:04) Signs From Jesse (50:57) Transforming Schools With Choose Love Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and YouTube!
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#15. Hair is Everything with Brazilian Blowout Founder Britney Semler & Kashmir Extensions Owner Kiki Tobar
Episode #15: Feeling like yourself again can sometimes start with something as simple as a good hair day. Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the profound impact hair can have on self-esteem and femininity, especially for women who have faced the challenge of hair loss. Our guests, Kiki Tobar, a gifted extension specialist, and Britney Semler, the pioneer behind bringing the Brazilian Blowout to the U.S., share their personal and professional voyages in the hair industry. Through their stories, we uncover how hair transformations can be life-changing, providing a renewed sense of self for those reclaiming their identity after cancer treatments. Imagine moving from Utah to the bustling beauty scene of Los Angeles to level up your career. That's exactly what one determined hairstylist did, and her journey brought forth the innovative beaded rows extension method, less damaging and more natural-looking than traditional techniques. We navigate the intricacies of the hair industry, discussing the pivotal role of treatment-driven products and the strategic moves that hairstylists make to thrive. By understanding the value of personalized care packages and educating clients on proper hair care, salons can transform into sanctuaries of trust and confidence. From the intimate, therapy-like atmosphere of Kiki's salon to the ambitious introduction of Russian hair extensions in America, this episode is a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance. Listen as we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of carving a niche in a male-dominated business world, all while balancing priorities and pursuing one's vision. Britney’s tale of creating the Brazilian Blowout underscores the power of branding and innovation, while the evolution of marketing strategies through social media highlights a new era of democratized brand creation. Embrace the stories of resilience, and discover how hair can be so much more than just an accessory—it can be a powerful tool for empowerment and self-discovery. Chapters: (00:00) - The Power of Hair Extensions (12:05) - The Benefits of Hair Extensions (22:31) - Life-Changing Impact of Hair Extensions (29:46) - Creating an Intimate Hair Extension Club (34:07) - Overcoming Obstacles in Entrepreneurship (38:41) - Navigating Entrepreneurship in a Changing Industry Follow us on Instagram and TikTok and YouTube!
About Heal 2 Feel with Liat Gerszt & Mercedes Javid
Welcome to Heal 2 Feel, the podcast where we dive into all things health, wellness, and spirituality—think Reiki, hypnotherapy, near-death experiences, and mastering your mindset. I’m Liat and I’ve always been fascinated with life after death, past lives, psychics, healers, and holistic health . I love spreading this knowledge and have a passion for helping people dive deep into their root causes of pain and break free from self limiting beliefs to transform their lives. And I’m MJ—a reality star turned wife, mother, and real estate agent—jumping headfirst into the world of self-care, searching for sanity… all while still bringing the fun and keeping things a little unpredictable in true “MJ” form! I’m open to trying all of this, but if it doesn’t come with a side of champagne, I have questions!
We’re bringing in top experts in health and wellness—plus some fascinating and famous guests to share their stories, struggles, and secrets to feeling their best, all while keeping it fun and full of laughs!
And let’s be real… we may spill a little behind-the-scenes celebrity gossip that you won’t want to miss.
Get ready for expert insights, raw conversations, and plenty of laughs along the way.We’re diving into it all—one deep breath, a little laughter, and a lot of fun along the way. Heal 2 Feel—coming soon. Subscribe now and let’s start this journey together! Let’s do it. But fair warning—I’m bringing snacks and a little tea to spill.
Listen to Heal 2 Feel with Liat Gerszt & Mercedes Javid, The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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