This series began with a question I didn’t know how to answer for a long time:
What happens after something painful occurs—especially when the care, protection, or validation we needed never came?
Child and Woman is a six-part series inside the Shame Out Loud space, drawn from lived experience and creative writing, followed by intimate conversations about shame, emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and returning to love from within.
This work is not about reliving what happened or fixing what’s broken. It’s about understanding what we adapted to survive—and how curiosity, safety, and self-compassion can be relearned over time.
The series will be released in its entirety at the end of January.
You’re welcome to listen at the pace your body allows.
The series lives at loriclarkemedia.com.
In this episode of The Upside Down, Lori Clarke reads “Distasteful Honey,” a creative writing and exploration of memory, harm, and the long arc of healing. Through luminous storytelling and dreamlike symbolism, she reflects on how words coated in sweetness can conceal cruelty, how silence becomes a survival strategy, and how the body remembers what the mind cannot bear to hold.
As the narrative unfolds—angels appear in dreamtime, curses loosen their grip, and the long-buried voice begins its return. This piece is not about revenge; it is about reclamation. About naming what once felt unspeakable, and discovering the alchemy that turns bitterness into clarity and truth.
Lori closes with gentle, reflective questions to help listeners tune into their own inner landscape: the sensations, stories, and inherited silences that still shape them. If you feel stirred by this episode, let it meet you with curiosity, not pressure—an invitation to notice where healing might already be taking root.
Find more of Lori’s work at lorriclarkmedia.com or connect on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at The Lori Clark Show, and on her new channel Simply Gratitude Life for simple living and everyday joy.
What if your anxiety, PTSD symptoms, or burnout aren’t just “in your head”… but rooted in your sleep? Most people never learn how deeply sleep quality shapes their mental health—and how unresolved sleep-breathing issues can quietly sabotage healing.
In this episode, Lori sits down with Dr. Barry Krakow, world-renowned sleep specialist and author of Life-Saving Sleep, to unpack the powerful links between sleep, trauma, mental health, and the brain. Together, they explore why so many people struggle with insomnia, nightmares, nocturnal panic, dry mouth, frequent waking, and menopause-related sleep issues—and how often these symptoms trace back to undiagnosed sleep-breathing disorders like sleep apnea and UARS.
Lori shares her own journey through lifelong nightmares and perimenopause insomnia—and how discovering that sleep is a portal for healing changed everything. Dr. Krakow explains why sleep quality (not just hours in bed) influences mood, memory, emotional resilience, and trauma recovery.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How poor sleep quality can worsen anxiety, depression, PTSD, and brain fog
Why subtle sleep-breathing problems and mini-suffocations at night often fuel chronic exhaustion
The connection between menopause, hot flashes, insomnia, and non-restorative sleep
How Imagery Rehearsal Therapy can transform nightmares
Simple, realistic steps you can take tonight to begin improving your sleep.
If you’ve ever wondered, “I’m doing the work, so why am I still so tired?”—this conversation about sleep, mental health, trauma, and healing may be the missing piece.
The Midlife Skin Reset with Caire Beauty.
One day, you wake up, put on your makeup, and suddenly ask yourself, “When did my eyelids start behaving like this?”
Welcome to midlife skin — the stage no one warned us about.
Today I’m joined by Celeste Lee, co-founder of Caire Beauty, a science-driven skincare brand formulated specifically for women 35+. Together, we unpack what’s actually happening to our skin during perimenopause and menopause, why traditional “anti-aging” products miss the mark, and how nourishing and nurturing your skin can feel like taking your power back.
Fair warning: I’m overly excited in this episode. Truly. I tried to hide it… didn’t succeed. But when you finally discover a skincare routine that actually does what it says it will? Containing excitement becomes impossible.
In this episode, we explore:• The real science behind midlife skin changes• Why collagen, hyaluronic acid & ceramides drop so quickly• Why most beauty products aren’t formulated for women. 35+• How Caire’s Triple Lift Molecule Mask, Theorem Serum Boost & Grownup Moisturizer actually work• My own immediate, noticeable results (yes — immediate!)
If you’re ready for skincare that meets you where you are — not where you were at 22 — this conversation will feel like the missing piece you didn’t know you needed.
Introduction to Care Beauty and Its Mission
01:45 Understanding Women's Skin in Midlife
06:20 Cultural Shifts in Conversations About Aging
08:37 The Science Behind Skin Aging
14:40 Nurturing vs.Nourishing Skin
18:45 The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
24:58 Exploring the Triple Lift Mask
31:42 The Importance of Lipid Emulsion in Moisturizers
42:48 External vs. Internal Aging of the Skin
51:47 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Most of us carry wounds from childhood. Riana Milne helps you recognize yours, then gives you the tools to heal, date smarter, and build a life you actually want.
Global life & love coach and childhood trauma recovery specialist Riana Milne joins me to explore how our early experiences shape the way we love, work, and show up today. We talk through the 10 most common childhood traumas, even the subtle “bumps and bruises” that can echo into adulthood, and how understanding them can help you build healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Riana shares practical mindset tools: seeing failure as feedback, using her “cap and correct” method to shift negative thoughts, practicing a 15-minute daily meditation, and applying a yin/yang framework for choosing light on the hard days. We also explore abandonment (fault vs. no-fault), empowered communication, and what it really means to create the life you desire so the love you deserve can find you.
We’re going there — because everyone does it, but no one talks about it. Constipation, gut health, stress, emotions, and what your poop is trying to tell you. Lori and guest expert Melissa Klepacki, founder of www.startpoopingbetter.com, dig into the real root causes (and a few myths) of why you might not be pooping right — and how to finally start feeling lighter. Melissa shares her philosophy of “simple changes, better choices” and her mission to help people start pooping better. You’ll learn:
Why 3 times a week isn’t “normal”
What your poop type says about your gut health
How to test your intestinal transit time with corn
The daily motility habits that actually work
Why emotions (and even grief) can affect your gut
This episode is raw, informative, and surprisingly empowering. Because better gut health starts with awareness — and yes, it all begins with poop.
If you’ve ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will speak to your soul.
Lori sits down with Caitlin Morris, a holistic health and leadership coach and founder of coachingwithcaitlin.com, to explore how we can move from surviving to thriving.
Caitlin shares her “Rerouted” framework—four simple but powerful phases that help you rebuild alignment in your life: Rest: Redefine what rest really means and why your worth isn’t tied to productivity. Reset: Reevaluate your environment, set boundaries, and reclaim space for yourself. Connect: Learn how to ask for help, receive support, and reconnect to your inner voice. Act: Let go of what no longer serves you and begin living from authenticity.
They also talk about shame, self-compassion, motherhood, and what it means to show your kids how to rest—even when you’re still learning how.
“You are worthy of thriving in your life, even if you don’t know what it looks like yet.”
00:00 Navigating Life's Transitions
05:14 The Journey of Self-Discovery
08:48 Choosing Yourself: The Path to Compassion
15:29 Understanding the Four Phases of Change
22:04 Rest: The Counterintuitive First Step
29:15 Finding Worth Beyond Productivity
29:57 Finding Peace in Rest
32:34 Redefining Rest and Presence
35:27 Teaching Rest to Our Children
39:26 The Importance of Resetting
43:24 Creating Boundaries for Self-Care
47:15 Evaluating and Changing Our Environment
57:27 The Power of Breath and Mindfulness
58:26 Asking for Help: A Necessary Step
01:00:11 Recognizing Achievements and Self-Reflection
01:02:30 Connection: Checking In with Ourselves
01:06:25 The Importance of Action and Letting Go
01:08:16 Finding Alignment and Support
01:10:53 Embracing Worthiness and Thriving
01:12:41 Self-Care: Not Selfish, But Essential
Are you ready to rebuild your relationship with food from the inside out? Dr. Michelle May, recovered yo-yo dieter and founder of Am I Hungry?, joins Lori Clarke to share how mindful eating can help you escape diet culture and reconnect with your body’s wisdom. Learn how to trust your hunger signals, stop emotional overeating, and shift from control to curiosity. Discover the six mindful-eating decision points and why being in charge feels better than being in control.
Download her free chapter at amihungry.com/chapter1
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Mindful Eating and Yo-Yo Dieting
05:25The Impact of Body Image and Social Media
08:02Understanding Bloating and Food Reactions
09:45The Concept of Mindful Eating
11:54Trusting Your Inner Expert
13:10Messages from Childhood and Eating Patterns
15:31Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Secrecy
18:11The Mindful Eating Cycle Explained23:28Reconnecting with Body Signals
26:56Recognizing Hunger Signals
29:44Reconnecting with Our Body's Signals
34:48Understanding Emotional Eating
40:47Mindful Eating vs. Dieting
46:47Curiosity in Eating Decisions
A story about reflection, renewal, and the quiet alchemy of healing.
Through poetic prose and vivid imagery, Lori Clarke shares an original fable about a warrior who must face her own brokenness and meet what she once turned away from. The River and Eye is a symbolic journey through battle, loss, surrender, and the unexpected ways love and clarity can return.
In this creative reflection from The Upside Down, you’ll be invited to explore what happens when the towers of our old life fall—and how something new begins to grow in their place. This is a story for anyone who’s learning to slow down, to listen, and to let the ground teach its rhythm again.
✨ Sometimes the way isn’t left or right. Sometimes it’s up.
This is something new—different from my guest conversations. In The Upside Down, I share my own authentic words through creative writing.
Creative writing doesn’t always follow a straight line. These reflections may not be organized like an interview, but they’re meant to be experienced.
In this first piece, She Got Away, I share my journey through self-doubt, survival, and the courage to choose a new way forward. It may resonate with you—or it may not. And that’s okay. These words are my way of freeing my voice, with the hope that someone might see themselves in them.
If you’ve ever been told “your labs look fine” while your body loudly disagrees, this episode is for you. Lori sits down with Dr. Ali Chappell—nutrition scientist, reproductive endocrinology researcher, and registered dietitian—to reframe PCOS and beyond through the lens of the hormone most of us never test: insulin.
Together they unpack why A1C can look “normal” while fasting or post-meal insulin runs high; how that blocks ovulation, fuels acne and fatigue, and complicates pregnancy; and why menopause symptoms often escalate when insulin creeps up.
Ali breaks down low-insulin living without obsession or calorie counting, clears up the dairy/protein powder debate (yes, we’re looking at you, whey), and shares a simple script for getting your clinician to order the right labs.
You’ll walk away with practical food swaps, a clearer map of the metabolism–hormone connection, and—most importantly—more hope.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 PCOS and Its Impact on Women's Health
06:07 Ali Chappell's Journey with PCOS
08:48 Understanding Insulin Resistance
11:56 The Role of Hormones in PCOS
14:58 Pregnancy and Insulin Levels
17:52 The Importance of Testing Insulin
20:48 Metabolic Issues and Their Consequences
23:49 The Connection Between Insulin and Ovulation
26:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
32:01 Understanding Insulin's Role
33:50 The Genetic Influence on Insulin Resistance
36:33 Diet and Insulin Resistance
40:53 The Impact of Insulin on Health
44:37 Natural Remedies for Insulin Resistance
47:54 Rethinking Nutrition: An Insulin-First Approach
55:56 Men's Health and Insulin Resistance
01:02:14 The Need for Insulin Testing
01:05:32 Understanding Insulin and Food Choices
01:08:38 The Impact of Insulin on Weight Management
01:11:29 Navigating Dairy and Its Effects on Insulin
01:20:25 Mental Health and PCOS: Finding Support
01:24:26 Communicating with Healthcare Providers
01:27:20 Introducing the PCOS App and Its Features
Brandon Lee, founder of Discovering Your Genius, shares his journey through family pressure and loss with honesty and heart. At 12, he faced suicidal ideation. At 14, he lost his best friend. With no tools to process emotions, he struggled—until he began learning how to reframe self-talk and embrace emotional fluency. In this episode, we discuss:-How perfectionism and toxic parenting shape identity-Practical tools for processing emotions (journaling, crying, walking)-Why reframing the stories you tell yourself creates freedom-The surprising power of small daily resetsBrandon also shares https://geniusofyou.com/, and offers Redesign Your Life - a free assessment built to help people find not just their strengths, but what brings them joy. Whether you’ve felt broken, messy, or stuck in negative narratives, this conversation will give you hope and real-life tools to shift your story.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected, “not enough,” or weighed down by old stories, this conversation will give you hope. Lori Clarke sits down with psychotherapist, EMDR specialist, and speaker Tammy Valicenti to explore how trauma lives in the body—and how healing begins when we listen to it. Together, they reveal simple yet powerful ways to tune into your emotions, reclaim agency, and reconnect with the self you had before the world told you who to be.
Through real stories and practical tools, Tammy shares how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR help people move past old wounds, break unhealthy patterns, and find safety within themselves. You’ll discover how to stop minimizing your experiences, see pain as an invitation to heal, and finally give yourself the compassion you deserve.
Tammy’s wisdom reaches anyone ready to step into personal growth and wholeness. For more on her work or to watch her TEDx talk, visit tammyvalicenti.com
00:00 Introduction and Connection
07:24 The Journey of Reremembering
11:31 Understanding Internal Family Systems
15:42 Healing and Integration
19:00 Emotions as Messengers
22:49 Normalizing Pain and Suffering
26:25 The Role of the Nervous System
29:27 The Body as a Time Capsule
32:09 The Journey of Separateness and Connection
36:26 Healing Through Grounded Space
42:04 Reconnecting with the Inner Child
49:03 Transforming Trauma into Agency
54:22 The Power of Storytelling in Healing
59:29 Curiosity and Play as Pathways to Healing
01:00:54 Embracing Possibility in Adversity
01:01:04 The Spirit-Human Connection
Feeling stuck in the waiting space, holding dreams that won’t seem to arrive? In this episode, Lori Clarke shares one powerful story about returning to her authentic self, navigating self-doubt, and finding freedom in the process. With journaling prompts and gentle guidance, you’ll discover new ways to soften, reflect, and step into who you’re meant to be.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to a New Season
01:21 The Struggle of Manifestation
03:59 Rediscovering Authenticity
06:23 Personal Reflections on Authenticity
09:58 The Fear of Authenticity
13:48 Embracing Change at 50
15:33 The Invitation to Deep Conversations
17:09 Reflection and Journaling Prompts
20:45 Uncovering Blocks to Authenticity
27:19 Permission to Soften and Share
28:16 Closing Thoughts and Trusting the Process
✨ New Episode ✨
Laura Nelson of Sober Life Rocks joins us to talk about navigating alcohol-free choices at work events, conferences, and social gatherings—without guilt or pressure.
🎙️ We cover:
• Quiet pressures to drink
• How to make events more inclusive
• Why offering mocktails matters
• Supporting friends & coworkers who don’t drink
• Normalizing choice—not pushing sobriety
Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just want better options—this one’s for you 💛
🧃Grab Laura’s free guide + connect on LinkedIn via Sober Life Rocks
#SoberCurious #InclusiveEvents #MocktailMovement #SoberLifeRocks #AlcoholFree #ProfessionalWellness
Struggling with body image, food rules, and the sea of mixed messages around eating and weight? In this honest and empowering conversation, Dr. Jillian Lampert from The Emily Program joins Lori Clarke to break down the real story behind eating disorders and how they affect us all.
Dr. Lampert explains what leads to eating disorders, why genetics and personality matter, and how social media can shape our self-worth. She shares why parents and caregivers must pay attention to what they say (and don’t say) around food, bodies, and “healthy” living. The episode digs into high noticing, weight stigma, and what real support looks like—at home and in the world.
You’ll learn about the signs of disordered eating that often go unseen, why words carry power, and how to help yourself or someone you love build a peaceful relationship with food. Dr. Lampert shares the Emily Program’s game-changing motto: “Do what you want, but be able to explain it to a community of your peers.”
If you’ve ever felt not good enough, compared your meals or body to others, or worried about the next influencer diet, this talk gives practical steps and fresh perspective. Whether you’re a parent, support person, or someone rethinking your own food story, this episode will help you build trust with your body and each other.
Watch now to start changing the conversation around food, weight, and self-acceptance. Leave a comment with your thoughts, and make sure to subscribe for more real, impactful discussions.
Chapters:
03:00 Understanding Eating Disorders
06:08 The Role of Social Media
09:10 Parental Influence on Body Image
12:09 Navigating Conversations About Body Image
15:02 The Impact of Food Talk
18:00 Genetics and Eating Disorders
26:11 The Sensitivity Spectrum: High Noticing and Its Impacts
30:02 Genetics and Eating Disorders: The Role of Anxiety and Impulsivity
33:59 The Reinforcement of Body Image and Weight Stigma
39:07 The Influence of Social Media on Body Image
44:13 Weight Stigma: A Societal Challenge
50:06 Community and Family in Recovery
54:55 The Journey to Understanding Eating Disorders
01:05:54 Journey to Nutrition and Eating Disorders
01:08:36 Building a Program for Eating Disorders
01:10:00 Understanding Mental Health and Eating Disorders
01:11:53 The Complexity of Eating Disorders
01:15:11 Defining Disordered Eating
01:18:20 Emotions and Eating Disorders
01:21:30 The Role of Control in Eating Disorders
01:28:36 Empowerment Through Awareness
01:32:55 Final Thoughts on Healing and Support
Get practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and overwhelm with therapist J Cangialosi, LCPC from Relief Mental Health. This episode offers new hope for those facing mental health struggles. J shares why cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is such a powerful tool for changing thought patterns, building confidence, and helping you feel more in control of your life.
You’ll learn about the five key areas that often impact your wellbeing: physical health, professional life, home, social connections, and spirituality. J explains how even small steps can start to shift how you feel, whether you’re coping with recent loss, chronic pain, long-standing sadness, or anxiety. Discover practical ways to “dip your toe in” and move forward—even if it feels tough.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed, this episode offers simple ideas for getting unstuck and finding the next right step. You’ll leave with exercises you can use right away to reduce anxiety and start building resilience, one step at a time.
Subscribe for more helpful mental health conversations and simple tools that make a difference.
00:00 Therapeutic Approaches to Mental Health
02:33 Understanding Anxiety and Depression
03:41 The Impact of Life Experiences on Mental Health
06:02 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Change
08:38 Building Confidence Through Therapy
11:26 The Role of the Therapist in Change
14:23 Overcoming Overwhelm in Therapy
17:04 Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain and Trauma
30:01 Overcoming Overwhelm: A Personal Anecdote
31:58 Managing Anxiety: A Lifelong Practice
34:27 Understanding Emotions: Anxiety vs. Depression
38:58 Grief and Loss: Navigating Through Sadness
45:01 The Five Areas of Life: A Framework for Change
49:36 Taking Action: Steps Towards Resolution
Dating apps can leave you tired, frustrated, and feeling like you’re stuck in a loop. If you’ve been wondering why swiping left and right feels more exhausting than exciting, you’re not alone. Dating burnout is real—and you can break out of it.
In this video, coach and former matchmaker Caroline Millet joins Lori Clarke for a candid talk about dating burnout, how to find your way out, and how to build joy back into your search for connection. From her own story of divorce, heartbreak, and recovery, Caroline offers honest advice and steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by dating apps or drained by the pressure to find “the one.”
You'll hear real talk about:
What dating burnout feels like and why it happens
Why having clear boundaries matters, and when those lines can hold you back
How to know what you actually want vs. what you’ve been told you “should” want
Tips for resetting if dating has left you exhausted
Building stability and self-love before looking for someone else
Lori and Caroline discuss the difference between chasing connection and chasing approval. Caroline shares why loving yourself first is the only way to attract the kind of relationship you want, and how to spot red flags before you lose months of your time on the wrong match. You’ll also get a glimpse at her six-step approach to help people recharge and show up as their best selves—both for themselves and for future partners.
If you’re sick of endless swiping, struggling to feel hopeful, or just ready to find a better way to date, this episode will give you practical tips, encouragement, and permission to take a break. Reclaim your energy. Build your own happiness. Then, if you want, get back out there with clarity and confidence.
Learn more about Caroline Millet, find her free resources, and get the support you need at her website and Instagram (links below). Dating doesn’t have to drain you—there is a better way.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own stories or burnout tips in the comments.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Spaces
05:35 Transitioning from Matchmaking to Coaching
12:41 Challenges in Matchmaking and Client Dynamics
18:45 Understanding Relationship Expectations
23:20 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
29:11 Navigating Love and Relationships Post-Divorce
34:07 Understanding Narcissism and Avoidant Behavior
38:16 The Emotional Toll of Relationships and Divorce
40:12 Rebuilding Self-Identity After a Breakup
45:42 Navigating Dating and Building Connections
51:25 The Importance of Curiosity in Dating
56:35 Recognizing Red Flags and Communication in Early Dating
01:05:21 Meeting New People and Authenticity
01:07:19 Navigating Rejection in Dating
01:10:41 The Importance of Self-Sufficiency in Relationships
01:12:58 Parenting and Dating: Balancing Relationships
01:16:21 Identifying Red Flags in Relationships
01:19:47 Understanding Burnout in Dating
01:25:35 Radical Self-Love and Recovery
01:31:16 Overcoming Dating App Addiction
01:34:34 Recognizing Cheating and Validation Seeking
01:36:20 Unpacking Personal Patterns and Influences
01:39:06 Defining Honesty and Expectations in Relationships
01:40:30 Creating a Blueprint for Future Relationships
01:41:11 Embracing Change and Growth in Midlife
01:46:35 The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Reflection
01:49:54 Navigating Modern Dating Dynamics
01:56:01 Rewriting Your Story and Taking Control
02:00:01 Final Thoughts on Self-Love and Relationships
What if everything you know about eating disorders is incomplete?
Gretchen Wallace MS, RD, CD, joins Lori Clarke to break down the silent struggles many face, often hiding in plain sight. Gretchen explains why eating disorders go far beyond stereotypes, how social media stirs up confusion, and what signs families shouldn’t ignore. You’ll walk away knowing how to spot hidden risks and feel more ready to help, no matter who you are.
Ready to feel better every day? Hit play on this episode to get real answers about sleep from Dr. Lizzie Benge, Harvard Medical School sleep physician. We break down what makes you tired, the difference between fatigue and true sleepiness, and the science behind better rest. No jargon, just easy advice you can use tonight.
We cover sleep struggles for everyone—from parents with newborns, busy professionals, teens hooked on screens, to those navigating menopause or aging. Learn why your routine matters, how hydration and pre-bed rituals can change your nights, and the truth about melatonin, sleep devices, labs, and prescription fixes. Discover how stress, hormones, and daily habits shape your sleep.
You'll find guidance here if you snore, can’t shut off at night, or wonder if your exhaustion is medical. Dr. Lizzie gives straight talk about sleep apnea, snoring, sleep studies, and when to call a pro. We also talk about the mental toll of restless nights and why you should never feel ashamed if you’re struggling.
This isn’t just for people with insomnia—if you want to wake up clear-headed, have more energy, and put your well-being back on your list, don’t miss this conversation.