Hello my love,  How are you? I hope the start of your year has been at least decent, and maybe even wonderful! With all that's going on in the world, sometimes things feel dark and daunting. If all we have are the glimmers to keep us going, I say we hang onto them. Anyway, in this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on New Year's resolutions, what my vision is for 2026, but mostly I'm talking about ditching nonchalance. After some failed friendships and girl trauma, I became very guarded. I've been afraid to really put myself out there and show people what they mean to me. Whether through check-ins, making plans, being thoughtful about birthdays and such-I've been holding back. And it's something I'm tired of doing as I'm in a phase of life where I realize how vital relationships are to my purpose. Is it ever hard for you to be vulnerable and connect? I think we've become so critical of each other that many of us are afraid to say or do the wrong thing, so we just say or do nothing at all. And then we wonder why we feel so lonely and distant. If you relate, then you'll probably love this episode. Check it out and let me know what you think! And let's talk again soon, okay?  Love,  Lauren   P.S. Here's the podcast episode I mentioned near the end (highly recommend giving it a listen): https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wfQRLulxxW3nfwKU0oJVz?si=9e21614545514155  

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about my experience with body image during pregnancy — and it’s not just about what I see in the mirror. I’m sharing the mindset, tools, and habits that have shaped the way I’m caring for my body in this season of life, and why I think doing the inner work beforehand has made all the difference. We talk about: How pregnancy has affected my body image and why this has been the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in my body My evolving relationship with food and movement during pregnancy The tools and practices that support me in honoring my body through every phase Why I expected pregnancy to be a body-positive experience and how that prediction turned out My honest thoughts about my postpartum body and mindset  Why doing the foundational confidence and body acceptance work before pregnancy matters for a healthier, more grounded experience through pregnancy and motherhood Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply working on being kinder to yourself, this episode is meant to give you permission to show compassion to your changing body and to trust yourself in every season.

In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes lonely reality of friendship during pregnancy. I share my perspective from both sides — first as someone who was childfree and never fully understood what my pregnant or new-mom friends were going through, and now as the one experiencing pregnancy myself. I talk about the unexpected loneliness that can come with this season of life and how difficult it can be to express those feelings without worrying that it will sound like blame or criticism. I explore the disconnect that often happens between pregnant people and their friends, why it happens, and how I’m learning to understand it with more compassion now that I’m in it. I also share how my partner has stepped in to make sure I feel seen, supported, and cared for during this time — from quality time to emotional presence — and how that has meant more than words can say. One of the biggest shifts I’m making is learning to accept that this is a phase. It won’t be this way forever. I’m choosing to embrace this alone time, recognizing that these quiet, sacred moments with myself won’t last forever once the baby arrives. With that perspective, gratitude has become a grounding force: gratitude for the people who do show up, empathy for those who don’t know how yet, and appreciation for the lessons I’m learning about showing up for others. I talk about how this season is teaching me to better support people in tender chapters — whether they’re grieving, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to new parenthood. So many people hesitate to reach out because they’re afraid of saying the “wrong” thing, but truly, most of us just want to know someone is thinking of us. I certainly won’t be criticizing how anyone chooses to show up for me — I’ll just be grateful that they did. Tune in for a heartfelt, honest conversation about friendship, loneliness, gratitude, and the unexpected emotional lessons pregnancy brings.

In today’s episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m sharing something deeply personal and incredibly unexpected: a few months ago, I found out I was pregnant—after years of believing that having biological children just wasn’t in the cards for me. This episode walks you through the moment everything changed, what it felt like to receive news I had quietly given up on, and how Z and I navigated sharing this surprise with our families. I open up about what it was like meeting each other’s loved ones, revealing our good news, and experiencing the warmth, support, and beautiful chaos that came with it. I’m also getting real about the not-so-glamorous side of pregnancy:• the fears and anxieties that hit me the second the reality sank in• the doubts that come with stepping into a role I never thought I’d have• the physical symptoms that have knocked me off my routine• the mental and emotional roller coaster of accepting a brand-new version of my future Most importantly, I’m talking about how I plan to move through this season with grace, honesty, vulnerability—and a whole lot of self-compassion. This isn’t just a story about pregnancy; it’s about surrendering, trusting yourself, and finding strength in the middle of uncertainty. If you’ve ever faced a life change you didn’t see coming, or questioned whether you were ready for the next chapter life handed you, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I'm catching you up on the latest: A big mistake I made in last week's episode that actually blew my mind What I've been doing lately to keep my mind centered on what's good  A bittersweet goodbye (it's not what you think) This is a long one, but you'll understand why once you listen.  So tune in, share it with a friend, and let's chat about it! Can't wait to hear what you think. 

In this solo episode, I’m answering a mix of random and meaningful questions—from life lessons and body image advice to fun favorites and personal reflections. I wanted to switch things up and share a bit more of myself with you, like we’re catching up over coffee. Whether you’re here for encouragement, a few laughs, or just want to get to know me better, I hope this feels like a cozy, honest chat. In this episode, I talk about:✨ My former political stance + how and why it's changed✨ One gentle mindset shift I recommend if you’re having a bad day✨ The advice I wish more women in their 30s knew✨ My go-to comfort meal (and the story behind it)✨ Whether I’d rather have dinner with my younger or future self✨ The values that guide how I show up in life and relationships Episode vibes: Honest. Reflective. Playful. Uplifting. Come check in with me on Instagram @laurenmkepler and let me know whatcha think! Talk to you again next week :)

This episode started with just a single phrase. No script, no outline, and no plan. I hit record and let the words flow (and sometimes not). What followed was a deeply honest reflection on strength, leadership, vulnerability, and what it really means to show up with intention and heart. Together, we’ll explore how quiet qualities like empathy, emotional intelligence, and calm confidence can be powerful forces for change. Not just in how we lead others, but in how we show up in the world. If you've ever felt like you had to be loud or forceful to make an impact, this episode might give you something new to think about. In this episode, I talk about: Letting go of the idea that power has to be loud How vulnerability and honesty can strengthen your voice The kind of leadership that feels most aligned with who I am A reminder that your presence doesn’t need to be performative to be powerful

Can you love your body and still want to lose weight? Can you accept where you are in life and still strive for something more? These are the questions we’re unpacking in this week’s episode of Life Talks with Lauren. For years, I believed that being hard on myself was the only way to grow. I thought acceptance meant giving up. But what I’ve learned is that kindness and consistency go hand in hand—and that growth rooted in compassion is not only possible, but sustainable. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with body acceptance, why shame-based motivation backfires, and how to replace the inner critic with an inner coach. We’ll also bust a few common myths about self-love, talk through the difference between wanting more and being ungrateful, and explore mindset shifts that support long-term growth—without the burnout. Whether you're working toward a body goal, career milestone, or simply trying to be a little better each day, this conversation will help you do it from a gentler, more grounded place. What We Cover: Why self-acceptance is the foundation for lasting change How shame sabotages your goals A personal story on body image and growth Practical mindset shifts to help you stay motivated without being hard on yourself The truth about wanting more while still being grateful Reflection Question:Where in your life could you be a little more gentle with yourself while still honoring your desire to grow?

In today’s episode, we’re keeping it light, fun, and just a little reflective as I go through a round of “This or That” questions — but with a twist. From pancakes vs. waffles to questions about growth, love, and legacy, I’m sharing my honest picks, stories behind them, and maybe a few unexpected hot takes. If you’re in the mood to get to know me better in a laid-back way (or just want to play along in your head), this one’s for you. ✨ In this episode: The everyday things that bring me joy Why I’ll always choose love over money Thoughts on adventure, stability, and self-growth What I’d pick: true love or winning the lottery Deep life choices… disguised as a fun game Let’s make it a two-way convo — DM me your answers or tag me on socials @laurenmkepler if you play along!🎧 Rate & review the show if you enjoy it, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

In this week's episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey of regaining confidence in myself and my body. I share how I’ve come to realize—deep in my soul—that my appearance and body size do not determine my worth, my ability to be loved, or the quality of friendships I deserve. This episode is part of a larger shift I’m on—a confidence journey that’s not only transforming the way I move through the world, but also laying the foundation for the book I’m writing about women’s self-worth and confidence. I also talk about how I’m becoming more intentional and selective with the people I allow into my life—surrounding myself with those who are equally committed to inclusivity, empowerment, and mutual support. Because confidence isn’t just about how we see ourselves—it’s about how we allow others to treat us, and how we show up for one another. Together, we’ll explore: Letting go of the belief that thinness or aesthetics equals value Why we must challenge the idea that one body type is superior How to build friendships that are rooted in empowerment, not competition The importance of accountability in our circles when it comes to inclusivity If you’re on your own confidence journey—or ready to start one—this episode is for you. Let’s glow up from the inside out, together. Let’s connect: 📸 Instagram @laurenmkepler✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re talking about everything from flaming bananas to personal breakthroughs. Yes, you read that right—my boyfriend lit a banana on fire, set off the fire alarm, and the fire department actually showed up. It’s funny now... but it definitely wasn’t at the time. I’m also opening up about my mental health journey lately—how things have been improving, what’s been helping, and why a simple girls' day out turned out to be exactly the healing energy I needed. Sometimes laughter, connection, and a little martini therapy are just what the soul ordered. And because we don’t shy away from real talk here, I’m also sharing my take on Elon Musk’s recent comment that empathy is a weakness. (Spoiler: I couldn’t disagree more.) Let’s talk about why empathy is actually a superpower—and how it can change how we lead, connect, and show up in the world. Grab your tea (or your fire extinguisher 😅) and let’s dive in. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🔥 The hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story of the flaming banana incident🧠 An honest update on my mental health and what’s been working👯‍♀️ The healing magic of quality time with your girls💭 My thoughts on Elon Musk’s “empathy is a weakness” take—and why I see it so differently💖 A reminder that softness is strength, and connection is power Let’s Connect:Instagram: @laurenmkepler

Episode Description:In this deeply personal episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the mental health challenges I’ve been navigating over the past month. From feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained to moments where it felt hard to show up at all—I share what it’s been like behind the scenes, in hopes that someone out there feels a little less alone. This isn’t a polished, picture-perfect episode. It’s raw, real, and from the heart. Because the truth is: it’s okay to not be okay. And it’s more than okay to ask for help when you need it. If you’re in a tough season right now, I see you. You are not alone. You are not a burden. And this low point does not define your worth. Let’s talk about what it means to give ourselves grace, to reach out when we need support, and to hold on to hope—even when it feels far away. Healing isn’t linear, but better days are coming. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: An honest check-in on my mental health this past month The shame we often carry around not being “okay” Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness Simple reminders for anyone struggling with their mental health How I’m starting to feel a little better, day by day Connect with Me:Instagram: @laurenmkeplerEmail: lauren.m.kepler@gmail.com If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps the show reach more people who might need to hear this message today.   🌍 Global & Online Resources: 🧠 BetterHelphttps://www.betterhelp.comOnline therapy with licensed therapists. Flexible scheduling, virtual sessions, and financial aid available. 🧠 7 Cupshttps://www.7cups.comFree emotional support from trained volunteer listeners and affordable online therapy options. 🧠 Mental Health America (MHA)https://mhanational.orgFree mental health screening tools, resources, and support information. 🧠 Therapy for Black Girlshttps://www.therapyforblackgirls.comA space for Black women and girls to find culturally competent therapists and mental health content. 🧠 The Loveland Foundationhttps://thelovelandfoundation.orgProvides free therapy support to Black women and girls through its therapy fund. 🇺🇸 U.S.-Based Crisis Support: 📞 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7):Call or Text: 988https://988lifeline.orgFree and confidential support for anyone in distress. 📱 Crisis Text Line (24/7):Text HOME to 741741https://www.crisistextline.orgConnect with a trained crisis counselor via text.

As the weather warms up, so does the pressure to achieve the so-called “summer body.” Social media is once again flooded with weight loss tips, body “fixes,” and the outdated idea that only certain body types are worthy of showing up in the sun. In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and talking about body acceptance and neutrality—practices that can help you show up confidently and comfortably, no matter your size or shape. I’ll share my thoughts on the resurgence of 90s-style body messaging, the impact of comparison, and the ways I navigate dressing for my body while prioritizing confidence and comfort. Plus, we’ll get into practical strategies for shifting negative self-talk, setting boundaries with body commentary, and embracing the experience of summer without body-related anxiety taking over. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌞 Why summer tends to bring up body insecurities🌞 How to shift your focus from appearance to functionality🌞 The power of body neutrality and actionable mindset shifts🌞 How to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident🌞 Tips for handling unsolicited comments and setting boundaries🌞 How to curate a social media feed that supports your body journey Key Takeaways:✨ Your body is not a problem to be fixed—every body is a summer body.✨ Comparison is natural, but admiration is a powerful alternative.✨ Body acceptance is a daily practice, not a final destination.✨ You deserve to enjoy summer fully—without shame, stress, or restriction. Resources & Links:📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: @laurenmkepler💌 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend! Word of mouth helps this podcast grow and reach those who need it. 💛 Thanks for listening, and remember: your body deserves kindness, no matter the season.

What if discipline wasn’t about punishment, but about self-respect? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, we’re rethinking the way we approach discipline—shifting from shame to self-love. Inspired by a quote from @bluewmist, I’m sharing how this mindset shift changed my life and how it can transform yours, too. In This Episode, We Cover: Why discipline rooted in shame leads to guilt, burnout, and inconsistency. How reframing your habits as acts of self-care can make them more sustainable. My personal experience with exercise—from using it as a punishment to embracing it as self-love. The emotional toll of a “no excuses” mindset and how to break free from it. Practical ways to shift your mindset and build habits that feel good and last. Reflection Questions for You: What’s one area of your life where discipline feels like punishment rather than self-care? How do you typically talk to yourself when you don’t follow through on a habit or goal? Can you reframe one of your “I have to” statements into an “I deserve to” statement? How would your daily habits change if you approached them from a place of love rather than obligation? What’s one small act of self-discipline you can commit to this week that feels like self-respect rather than self-punishment? Let’s Continue the Conversation:I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your takeaways on Instagram and tag me @laurenmkepler. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Listen Now: https://open.spotify.com/show/62EFL7WqMBBy83zcRDNmyH?si=61e3b4cb30ec4883  

Turning 35 brings up a lot of emotions—gratitude, reflection, and sometimes, self-doubt. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m opening up about the expectations I had for my life by this age versus the reality of where I am. We’ll talk about societal pressures, personal growth, and learning to embrace the journey, even when it looks different than expected. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind in life, this episode is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✅ The pressures and expectations around aging and milestones✅ My personal journey: where I thought I’d be vs. where I actually am✅ How I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and redefine success✅ The importance of gratitude, personal growth, and self-acceptance✅ Encouragement for anyone feeling "behind" in life   Listener Reflection & Engagement:📢 What were your expectations for yourself by this age? How has your reality been different? Share your thoughts on social media and tag me @laurenmkepler!💌 Subscribe & leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!🎙️ Stay tuned for next week’s episode: "How Shame Influences Our Habits and Behaviors—And What We Can Do About It."

Turning 40 can feel daunting for many women, but what if this milestone is actually a gateway to greater confidence, freedom, and self-acceptance? In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I’m joined by Sami from SHE Unbound to explore how women can embrace aging with empowerment rather than fear. We dive into the myths surrounding aging, the newfound confidence that comes with life experience, and why midlife can be one of the most exciting chapters yet. Tune in as we discuss:✔️ Why so many women fear aging—and how to shift that mindset✔️ The confidence and freedom that come with turning 40✔️ Body acceptance and self-care in midlife✔️ Reinventing yourself at any stage—career, passions, and relationships✔️ Practical tips for embracing 40 with joy and empowerment If you’ve ever worried about getting older, this conversation is here to inspire and uplift you! ✨ Let’s connect!📲 Follow me on Instagram: @laurenmkepler You can also connect with Sami @sheunbound💬 Join the conversation and share your thoughts on aging! Tag me on social media or use #LifeTalksWithLauren📩 Have a topic you’d love me to cover? Send me a DM!

Ever have those days—or even weeks—when motivation is nowhere to be found? You’re not alone. In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I dive into practical ways to stay consistent with your goals and habits when you’re feeling low on energy or motivation. I’ll share personal stories, simple strategies for maintaining progress, and tips on when it’s best to push forward versus when to rest. Whether you’re working on personal goals, wellness habits, or creative projects, this episode will help you navigate those tough days with kindness and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How I use motivation to structure my daily flow + how I adjust my goals when I'm not feeling my best✅ Practical strategies to maintain habits during low-energy periods✅ The importance of self-compassion in staying consistent✅ How small wins can build momentum on tough days✅ Mindset shifts to overcome all-or-nothing thinking Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever felt guilty about taking a break or wondered how to keep moving toward your goals when life feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to manage habits and goals—even when motivation is low—without sacrificing your well-being. Resources & Links: ✨ Follow me on Instagram: @laurenmkepler🎧 Listen to more episodes of Life Talks with Lauren: Click here 📖 Check out the Body Acceptance Workbook: Click here Other links mentioned in the episode: Resource 1, Resource 2, All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen Let’s Connect: What’s your go-to strategy for staying consistent when motivation dips? DM me on Instagram or share your thoughts using #LifeTalksWithLauren—I’d love to hear from you!

It was a typical Wednesday evening roller derby practice. We had split into groups where half the skaters were doing laps while the other half stayed in the middle to do push-ups, squats, arm circles, etc. while waiting their turn. I was with the group in the center, and we were doing our usual chatting between sets. We started talking about comparison and how it affects us on the track - both during practice, and in bouts. Derby is a community where we make it a point to uplift and encourage each other, because we recognize how hard we can be on ourselves. It isn’t a sport by any means. Simply learning the basics of skating took me months and was something I agonized over for a long time.    My teammates and I started talking about how easy it is to compare where we are in our skating and derby journey, and how discouraged we can feel when we aren’t “far enough” along. I especially felt that way after breaking my ankle and getting surgery at the start of 2023. I had worked so hard to build up my skills, and in an instant I was back to square one. When I finally made it back onto the track six months later, I had watched my peers grow in skill exponentially. And I felt left behind. It was as if I was learning to skate again for the first time. I had to be patient with myself and learn to embrace the imperfection within the journey. Thankfully, I had my derby family there to lift me up and remind me what I had overcome in the early days back. And still -- my desire to be perfect often holds me back from being the best player I can be. There are times when I get embarrassed at practice when I suck at something and I feel like…oh, I’ve been doing derby for over 2 years now and I make it a point to exercise so often outside of practice. I shouldn’t feel so behind or tired. But then I have to remind myself that struggling as I’m learning or gaining experience in something I care about isn’t something to be embarrassed of. Even now as I’ve picked up bowling as a hobby with my boyfriend, and he’s teaching me how to hook the ball and completely revamp my technique - some days it feels impossible not to beat myself up or feel discouraged.    After sharing with my derby fam about these things, I began to wonder - where does perfectionism, especially in women, usually stem from? In what ways do we tend to allow it to hold us back from doing what lights us up? Are there tangible ways we can learn to work with our perfectionistic tendencies so they don’t hold us back as much? That’s what I intend to explore in this week's episode.   If you enjoyed the episode, hit that subscribe button! I'd also love to connect with you on IG. You can find me there @laurenmkepler.    Talk to you soon!

On November 12, 2024, I journaled about my confidence wavering. I wrote that I felt neutral about my body and not-so-confident in my social abilities. BUT that I felt good about that day’s work out, because it left me feeling strong and capable. At one point, I wrote: “I feel most beautiful when I feel most connected to myself.” Then, I elaborated:   When I’m taking care of myself (i.e. walking, working out, eating well--and by that I don’t mean eating “perfectly,” I mean eating regularly and feeling satisfied with my choices). When I’m connecting to the way my clothes fit. And taking the time to put on makeup. Maybe doing my hair. Putting on lotion. Setting aside quality time for me. Journaling. Being present with the people I care about. Showing up for myself and others through fear and doubts and “I don’t wanna’s.” Beauty feels holistic to me. It’s an inner and outer thing. I know that’s cliche, but it really makes a difference.   And it is a cliche statement to make. But it’s popular for a reason. And why do I think this? Because I checked Google. And a popular online forum. Then, I consulted a blog post written by the owner of a bath & body care company. Finally, I asked my online community to share their thoughts. The responses were mixed yet cohesive.    Here’s what I discovered: Every woman has a unique blend that makes her feel like a baddie. And each formula contains a combination of actions any woman can take to radiate from the inside out. I'll tell you all about what I learned in today's episode.    To access the blog version, check out my Substack. 

What does it even mean to be a “girl’s girl?” Does it mean we only respect women, and we hate on men? Do we have to unfailingly support each other, even when we’re in the wrong? And also - what can we do to celebrate and show up for the women in our lives? Those are questions I had, so I did some research. Listen to the episode now to find out what I discovered, or if you prefer you can read the blog post version here.  And as always, subscribe to stay in the know for future episodes and connect with me on Instagram @laurenmkepler!