Lauren explores the realities of navigating your 20s, focusing on social media comparison, mental health, and embracing authenticity. She shares personal stories about comparison, practical tips to protect your peace, and mindset shifts to help listeners feel less alone and more empowered.

Keywords: 20s, social media, comparison, mental health, authenticity, self-worth, mindset, personal growth

Key Topics

• Social comparison theory and its impact on mental health
• Lauren's personal story of jealousy and pride
• The curated nature of social media and its effects
• Strategies for managing social media consumption
• The importance of presence and mindfulness
• Reprogramming scarcity mindset to abundance mindset
• Unfollowing and muting for mental well-being
• Taking social media breaks and digital detoxes

Takeaways

• Social media is a highlight reel, not reality
• Comparison can steal joy, but awareness helps manage it
• Reprogram your mind to see abundance, not scarcity
• Unfollow accounts that make you feel less than
• Presence and mindfulness are skills that help manage stress
• Taking breaks from social media benefits mental health
• You are stronger than your insecurities

Sound Bites

• “Our brains are wired to compare ourselves to others."
• "Someone else's win isn't my loss."

Chapters

02:01 Understanding social comparison theory and its origins

02:35 Personal story involving comparison

03:57 The curated nature of social media and behind-the-scenes reality

06:48 Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset

08:11 Curating your social media feed for positivity

08:56 The importance of presence and mindfulness activities

10:18 Taking social media breaks and digital detox tips

10:43 The mute and unfollow audit for peace of mind

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

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Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

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Today, we’re diving into the trenches of dating with Dr. Laura Finkelstein, a licensed psychologist who also serves as the Director of George Washington University (GW) Counseling and Psychological Services. We explore imposter syndrome in love, navigating the DC dating scene, relationships and breakups, and managing social media's impact on our self-esteem. Dr. Laura offers practical tools for healthier dating and relationship self-awareness.

Keywords: imposter syndrome, dating, breakup, social media, self-esteem, mental health, relationships, therapy, self-care

Key Topics

• Imposter syndrome in love and dating
• Strategies for healthy breakups and self-confidence
• Impact of social media on self-esteem and comparison
• Tools for self-soothing after bad dates
• The importance of self-awareness and therapy in relationships

Takeaways

• Dating is a “piece of the pie,” and it’s important to maintain a balance with other activities in life
• We’re all whole without a partner
• Spending time single and being comfortable with yourself helps with dating
• “Dating is data” - you’re just learning information about others and yourself
• Telling others that they’re being too picky is minimizing
• Muting social media connections that evoke negative feelings can help you feel better
• We’re all struggling in different ways, and it’s important to remember this
• Self-doubt is one of the biggest reasons people don’t end unhealthy relationships
  

Sound Bites

• "Dating is data, just learn about yourself"
• "Don't think of yourself as being too picky"
• "Chart your own course, don't follow societal timelines"

Chapters

05:00 Dr. Laura’s high and low of the past week

06:26 Navigating dating in a high-pressure environment

10:46 Detaching self-worth from relationship status

15:04 Identifying dating non-negotiables

20:26 Managing the comparison trap in dating

23:09 Curating your social media to invoke positive feelings

29:44 Self-care after bad dating experiences

32:10 Split Decisions: Dr. Laura’s newsletter for breakup initiators

37:53 Advice for someone who feels like they can’t end a relationship

40:08 Advice for women who feel behind

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact

Connect with Dr. Laura:

Website: https://www.drlaurafinkelstein.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@laurafinkelstein1

IG: https://www.instagram.com/splitdecisionsinsta/

Thank you to our partners this week:

Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy

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Lauren shares her personal journey through burnout in January 2026, the importance of listening to your body, and practical strategies for managing stress and workload as a working professional. She also shares a quick AI tip to simplify your workload at the end. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to set a boundary.

Keywords: burnout, self-care, entrepreneurship, productivity, mental health, delegation, AI tools, work-life balance

Key Topics

• Burnout as a sign to pause and reflect
• The importance of self-care and boundary setting
• Delegating tasks and outsourcing for growth
• Using AI tools to simplify work tasks
• Lessons from personal experiences with burnout

Takeaways

• Burnout is often mistaken for a busy season but requires attention
• Listening to your body and mind is crucial for sustainability
• Delegating tasks that drain your energy can free up mental space
• AI tools can help simplify and delegate tedious tasks
• Taking time off can lead to renewed creativity and energy

Sound Bites

• "I felt like I failed, but it was a lesson."
• "Saying no is a boundary that protects your energy."

Chapters

01:38 The realization: burnout isn't just a busy season

03:11 January 2026: a month of intense activity and burnout

07:37 The breaking point: acknowledging failure

09:51 Recognizing burnout and the need for a break

12:18 Lessons learned: saying no and listening to your body

13:55 The importance of outsourcing and delegation

15:08 Helping people avoid burnout

15:55 Practical advice: say no and delegate using AI

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact

Thank you to our partners this week:

Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy

More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

Katie Thompson shares her journey from a government consultant facing burnout to a full-time creative entrepreneur. She discusses the signs that prompted her to leave her 9-to-5, the logistics of making the leap, and how she aligns her work with her core values of authenticity and community. She also leaves great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Keywords: career transition, entrepreneurship, burnout, financial planning, authenticity, community, side hustle, creative career, mental health, work-life balance

Key Topics

• Signs of burnout and mental health awareness
• Logistical steps for quitting a job responsibly
• Aligning work with personal values and authenticity
• Building savings and side income before quitting
• Handling family and boss reactions to career change
• Work-life balance as a full-time creator

Takeaways

• A lot of the burnout Katie experienced came from the misalignment between her 9-to-5 and her own goals
• Katie started growing her affiliate income as a blogger to build up her savings before leaving her consulting job
• Navigating family reactions can be tough when quitting your 9-to-5
• Work-life balance as an entrepreneur looks different for everyone
• Having the mindset that “everything is figureoutable” will help you thrive as an entrepreneur
• Katie’s biggest advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to breathe, take time to figure it out (rather than impulsively quitting your job), and give yourself space to feel all the emotions

Sound Bites

• "I had a breakdown in the middle of the workday."
• "Everything on paper looks perfect, but my mind said no."

Chapters

03:23 The Breaking Point: Realizing the Need for Change

06:08 Understanding Burnout and Misalignment

07:30 The Quarter-Life Crisis: A Turning Point

14:57 Preparing for the Leap: Logistics and Finances

22:24 The Unseen Challenges of Quitting a 9-to-5

31:10 Handling the “I’m Leaving” Conversation with Your Boss

35:34 Aligning Work with Personal Values

38:22 Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur

42:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact

Connect with Katie:

Website: https://pinkchickadee.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thepinkchickadee/

Thank you to our partners this week:

Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy

More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

In this episode, Michelle Nosrati, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy, shares insights on trauma, healing, and how subconscious patterns influence our adult relationships and self-perception. Discover practical tools and deep understanding to support your healing journey.

Keywords: trauma, EMDR, self-healing, relationships, mental health, therapy, emotional wounds, trauma-informed care

Key Topics

• Trauma and its types (Big T and Little T)
• EMDR therapy
• How childhood experiences shape adult relationships
• The role of the nervous system in trauma responses
• Self-sabotage and social media comparison
• Healing from emotional neglect and abuse
• The importance of listening to your gut
• Building genuine connections as an adult

Sound Bites

• "Trauma is often unhealed wounds from the past."
• "Constant striving can be a trauma response."
• "Listen to your gut — it’s your inner wisdom."

Chapters

04:08: Michelle’s High and Low of the Week

07:30 Michelle's Journey to Becoming a Therapist

12:15 Imposter Syndrome and Its Roots

17:04 The Definition of EMDR Therapy

22:37 The Power of EMDR Therapy

26:36 Understanding Trauma: Big T vs. Little T

31:20 The Impact of Trauma on Romantic Relationships

39:12 Navigating Adult Friendships and Connections

43:43 Listening to Your Gut: Finding Purpose and Peace

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://www.myemdrla.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/myemdrla/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myemdrla

In this episode, Lauren explores how to stop overthinking and start living intentionally by applying the 'no regrets' rule. She shares personal stories about making bold decisions, creating actionable vision boards, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to cut through overthinking.

Keywords: overthinking, no regrets rule, vision board, personal growth, decision making, digital nomad, self-improvement, goal setting, resilience, life regrets

Key Topics

• The 'no regrets' decision rule
• Using vision boards for goal setting
• Personal stories of taking bold actions
• The importance of discomfort in growth
• Building resilience through challenges

Takeaways

• The top 3 life regrets are missed opportunities for education, not taking career risks, and not expressing feelings.
• The 'no regrets' rule helps cut through fear and overthinking, enabling bold decisions.
• Creating specific, detailed goals on vision boards facilitates real-life action.
• Discomfort is a teacher and essential for growth.
• Community support and resilience are crucial in navigating life's challenges.

Sound Bites

• “People most often regret what they didn't do"
• "Discomfort is the teacher"

Chapters

02:10 Creating a Vision Board for Action

03:42 The Power of the No Regrets Decision Rule

07:16 Navigating the Digital Nomad Experience

11:59 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone

13:50 Taking Action on Overthinking

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of dating with a college friend, Caroline. Caroline is back for season 2, and this time she shares her journey from dating burnout and toxic relationships to finding a healthy, fulfilling partnership. She discusses her non-negotiables, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the messy world of dating in your 20s and beyond.

Keywords: dating, relationships, self-growth, mental health, non-negotiables, healthy relationships, dating burnout, manifestation, self-awareness, personal development

Key Topics

• Dating burnout and ghosting
• Recognizing red flags in relationships
• Self-awareness and therapy's role in dating
• Non-negotiables for healthy relationships
• Nervous system regulation in love
• Manifestation and attracting the right partner

Takeaways

• You can't rely on hope alone; effort and self-work are essential.
• Recognize red flags early, like inconsistent communication.
• Therapy helps identify and articulate your non-negotiables.
• Healthy relationships require effort from both partners.
• Manifestation works when combined with action and self-improvement.

Sound Bites

• "I started feeling burnt out from dating."
• "I manifested my current partner."

Chapters

03:11 High and low of the week: family moments and work stress

06:10 First cringe memories: ghosting and immature communication

09:55 Dating in college and OG Tinder days

16:15 Longer-term relationships in college and after

17:26 Red flags ignored in past relationships

25:59 Realizing burnout and the need for change

29:25 Manifestation story: meeting her current partner

35:50 Non-negotiables in a healthy relationship

42:27 Advice to younger self: patience and self-awareness

If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂

Newsletter: https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠

Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠

Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact