In this episode, Irina welcomes writer and professor Kelly Foster Lundquist who recently published the book "Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage." Raised as a pastor's daughter in Mississippi, little did Kelly know that the man with whom she fell in love as fellow counselors at a Christian camp would deceive her and himself about his sexuality. Their story largely unfolds in Chicago, while Kelly is--of all things--a PhD student in queer studies. Suspicious events begin piling up, including with Kelly finding suspicious pictures of men on her husband Devin's computer. Subjected to conversion "therapy" when younger, Devin becomes both victim and cheater, until the marriage inevitably crumbles. Kelly narrates her tale of survival and ultimately rekindled friendship with Devin, also commenting on what LGBTQ+ populations still face in America today. Come hear a tale that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster replete with love, food, alcohol, and redemption!

Kelly Foster Lundquist’s website

Kelly’s book “Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage”

Kelly’s faculty profile

Article in The Times about Kelly’s story and book

Article in People that Kelly authored about beards

SOTI ep. 84: Pride Month Special (Part 1)

SOTI ep. 85: Pride Month Special (Part 2)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irina welcomes on this episode Natalie Licini, a photographer and business owner whose rags-to-riches story will make your head spin. Natalie grew up poor and at times on food stamps in Staten Island, where she sometimes lacked a coat in winter and physical fights in school were the norm. Taking on every odd job she could find from flipping burgers to running a manicure operation from her dorm room, Natalie hustled her way through high school and the five colleges she attended. While it took her nine years to finish her bachelor's degree at NYU due to all that life threw at her, she became a respected executive assistant at a major Wall Street firm. How the mom of three took on a top New Jersey divorce lawyer by herself to fight for her rights and now runs a photography business out of a castle, along with other ventures, is part and parcel of this episode. Come hear about how not to be afraid of start over, again and again if needed, and thrive with your head kept high!

Natalie Licini’s website

Natalie’s IG

SOTI ep. 22: Dating and Mental Health

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Irina talks with employment attorney Laura Koistinen from the Law Office of Kevin Mintzer, which has taken on Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Cuomo, and FoxNews, among others. Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers since 2020, Laura has challenged problematic employers from her early days as a junior attorney in Portland, Oregon to today in New York City. She is part of the team representing actor Julia Ormond against Weinstein, CAA, and Disney, and explains why victims are afraid to come forward whether they face sexual harassment, employment discrimination, or both. Laura shares the many legal obstacles facing mistreated employees but also the progress that has been made (and will need to continue to be). Come join for fascinating insights from a life fighting for justice!

Laura Koistinen’s professional profile

Julia Ormond’s lawsuit against Weinstein, CAA, and Disney: Rolling Stone write-up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.