In this solo episode, I get real about my decision to take a tolerance break and what led me here. Weed has been a daily part of my life for a while—helping me cope, create, and sometimes just escape. But lately, I’ve had to ask myself some hard questions: Is it still serving me? Or am I hiding behind the high? Tune in as I unpack my personal journey with cannabis, what this break is teaching me so far, and how I’m navigating the cravings, clarity, and everything in between. Whether you’re on a similar path or just curious, this one’s for anyone questioning their own habits—and choosing themselves in the process.

In this episode, I sit down with my cousin Darian — the creative force behind my podcast cover — to talk about a story that goes way deeper than photography.We get into her journey of growing up creative, watching addiction up close, and eventually facing her own. From sneaking drinks at family events to hitting rock bottom and withdrawing in jail, Darian shares the raw truth about what it really took to choose a sober life.This one’s for the girls who grew up too fast, the creatives still carrying childhood wounds, and anyone who’s ever had to pull themselves out of the darkest place.We also talk about:Feeling like the “latchkey kids” raising an emotionally intelligent generationUsing photography to help women feel confident when she didn’t feel that way herselfThe shame of hiding addiction while trying to hold everything togetherWhat rock bottom looked like for her — and how it cracked her openChoosing recovery, choosing herself, and choosing a new storyTrigger Warnings: This episode includes sensitive content related to addiction, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, and drug withdrawal. Please listen with care.If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to tag us on socials:📱 @leaunahauser | @bflyeffectpodcast@darianmagnoliaimagery @dariandonovanLet’s keep breaking cycles and telling the truth out loud.#MentalHealthAwareness #SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #CycleBreakers #PhotographyAndHealing #EmotionalHealing #RockBottomToRecovery #StorytellingHeals #BlackSheepToButterfly #ButterflyEffectPodcast

Trigger Warning: This episode contains personal reflections and discussions around anxiety, depression, burnout, and disordered eating. Please take care while listening and skip any sections that feel too heavy for you right now.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m sharing my honest journey through mental health — from childhood anxiety and growing up with separated parents to how people pleasing and perfectionism led me straight into burnout.

I talk about what it was like to navigate different rules and routines between households, internalizing anxiety at a young age, and believing my struggles were character flaws I had to hide. I also open up about the therapy journey — the real one — where I cycled through different approaches and therapists before finally finding what worked for me.

In this episode, I get into:

• The emotional toll of switching homes and identities as a child

• How people pleasing turned into perfectionism

• What unmanaged anxiety looked like before I had language for it

• The overlap of mental health and disordered eating patterns

• How changing my self-talk changed my life

• Learning to sync my routines to my menstrual cycle

• How journaling helps me work through racing thoughts — even when I don’t feel like it

• Doing what works for you, not what works for TikTok

I close the episode with a journal prompt to support your own self-reflection and healing.

Mental health isn’t a trend — it’s a lifelong journey. This is my story.

Join the conversation on IG:
@leaunahauser + @bflyeffectpodcast
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #TriggerWarning #AnxietyHealing #DepressionSupport #PeoplePleasingRecovery #BurnoutRecovery #SplitHouseholdSurvival #PerfectionismTrap #DisorderedEatingAwareness #TherapyJourney #SelfTalkMatters #MenstrualCycleAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #JournalingForHealing #TheButterflyEffectPodcast

Carlo moved to America with his family, sharing a rented basement with five people and one mattress. His older brother was the only one who could speak English. What followed was culture shock, snowstorms, and watching his parents walk to factory jobs just to keep food on the table.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to grow up fast, carry your family’s hopes, and find your own path through the pressure. From navigating life as a DACA recipient to working every corner of the hospitality industry — housekeeping, hotel front desks, banquets, and now bartending — Carlo opens up about the sacrifices, fears, and resilience behind it all.We also get into:-The mental weight of being an immigrant kid with adult responsibilities-Boundaries while dating in the service industry-Bartender icks, shooting your shot at the bar, and how he keeps it respectfulThis episode drops right before Cinco de Mayo — a time that’s often commercialized without honoring the people who’ve had to really survive in this country. Carlo’s story is the reminder we need.Follow @leaunahauser and @bflyeffectpodcast on Instagram to share your thoughts or send us a voice note. Let’s keep this conversation going.#ImmigrantStories #HospitalityIndustry #ServiceIndustryLife #DACAStory #FirstGenExperience #ImmigrantHustle #CincoDeMayo #RealConversations #TheButterflyEffectPodcast #LatinoVoices #SurvivalNotVictimhood #PodcastForThePeople

This week, I’m joined by a very special guest, my stepdad. We sat down for a random, cozy conversation about all things scary movies, real-life ghost encounters, and the paranormal stories that have stuck with him over the years.

From cult classic horror films to chilling experiences you won't believe, this episode is packed with laughs, spooky vibes, and lots of side tangents (because of course). Whether you’re a horror movie junkie or just here for the ghost stories, you’re going to love this one.

If you’ve ever had your own unexplainable ghost moment, DM me. I want to hear your stories too.

New episodes every week — don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you vibed with this episode.

Let's stay connected:

Instagram: @leaunahauser @thebflyeffectpodcast

TikTok: @ludaaa1 @thebflypodcast

#GhostStories #ParanormalPodcast #ScaryMovies #HorrorMovieFan #TrueGhostStories #SpookySeason #PodcastEpisode #ParanormalExperiences #GhostEncounters #HauntedStories #FamilyConversations #HorrorPodcast #MovieTalk #SpookyVibes #TheButterflyEffectPodcast

I didn’t realize I was living in survival mode... until I wasn’t.In this solo episode, I open up about moving back in with my parents — something that felt like a step back, but is truly a reset. We talk about the emotional weight of always being “on,” how our nervous systems try to protect us, and what it feels like when we finally start to feel safe again.I share what I’ve learned since slowing down:— What survival mode looks like mentally and physically— How living at home is helping me rebuild in a sustainable way— My focus on nutrition, movement, journaling, financial clarity, and softness— Why intergenerational living is more common than you think (and nothing to be ashamed of!)— And how one small change can create a ripple effect in your healing journeyWhether you’re grinding, burnt out, or just trying to find your footing again, this episode is a reminder: You don’t have to hustle your way back to peace.

Let’s keep the conversation going:
📸 Follow me: @leaunahauser
🦋 Podcast Page: @bflyeffectpodcast
📷 Cover photo by: @darianmagnoliaphotography

@starkavious

💌 Got a question, topic, or guest idea?This podcast is a community, and your voice matters here.Submit anonymously or drop your name — it’s up to you.Whether it’s a deep convo, a wild story, or a healing moment you want covered… I got you.👉 https://forms.gle/nHa6hPk4R2jM8NZK6

Whew… I got read to absolute FILTH — and I loved every second. In this episode, my longtime friend (and astrology buddie) @jenniwithatwist pulls up and breaks down my entire birth chart. Like… the stars really aired me out. But don’t worry, this convo goes way deeper than just astrology placements. We talk about mental health, ambition, money, family dynamics, independence, and why some of us are starters, sustainers, or perfectors in life.Even if astrology isn’t really your thing, this episode is full of “omg that’s me” moments and gems you can take into your own life. It’s like cosmic therapy, but with jokes, real talk, and a few “wait… am I the drama?” moments.Get cozy, press play, and come get your chart life with us. You just might walk away with a better understanding of yourself (and why you ghost people after 2 business days lol).🔗 Connect with Us:Follow me on IG: @leaunahauserFollow the pod: @bflypodcastAstrology queen Jenni: @jenniwithatwist

Hey y’all, welcome back to The Butterfly Effect Podcast! This week, I’m sitting down with Joey Mendez, the creator and creative director behind Palma Nayar, to talk about the grind, self-belief, and sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams.We dive into:-Growing up with immigrant parents and the sacrifices they made for us-Dropping out of college to pursue a career in cannabis and later launching a clothing brand-The anxiety of entrepreneurship—from fearing no one would show up to selling out events-Bouncing back from setbacks and using failures as fuel-Dating as an entrepreneur & navigating relationships while building a brand-Why you need to believe in yourself—delusionally—to succeedIf you’re a dreamer, hustler, or creative, this episode is for you! 💡Follow Joey & check out Palma Nayar:📲 @jrc.mendez | @palma.nayarStay connected with me:📲 @leaunahauser | @bflyeffectpodcast🎧 Listen now, tag us, and let’s keep the conversation going!✨ Create, Elevate & BFly. ✨#butterflyeffectpodcast #PalmaNayar #entrepreneurlife #selfbelief #DelusionalConfidence #trusttheprocess #creativejourney #dreamchaser #fashionentrepreneurship #LatinoEntrepreneurs #podcastepisode #hustleculture