Life Talks with Lauren

Ep. 169: Reclaiming Confidence, Redefining Worth

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.

Ep. 168: Banana Fires, Mental Health Wins, and Why Empathy Isn’t Weak

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

Ep. 167: I Am Not Okay--But I Will Be

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: @laurenmkepler
Email: 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:

🧠 BetterHelp
https://www.betterhelp.com
Online therapy with licensed therapists. Flexible scheduling, virtual sessions, and financial aid available.

🧠 7 Cups
https://www.7cups.com
Free emotional support from trained volunteer listeners and affordable online therapy options.

🧠 Mental Health America (MHA)
https://mhanational.org
Free mental health screening tools, resources, and support information.

🧠 Therapy for Black Girls
https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com
A space for Black women and girls to find culturally competent therapists and mental health content.

🧠 The Loveland Foundation
https://thelovelandfoundation.org
Provides free therapy support to Black women and girls through its therapy fund.

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🇺🇸 U.S.-Based Crisis Support:

📞 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7):
Call or Text: 988
https://988lifeline.org
Free and confidential support for anyone in distress.

📱 Crisis Text Line (24/7):
Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor via text.

Ep. 166: Wearing Less, Stressing Less: Body Acceptance in Summer

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.

Ep. 165-Upgrade Your Discipline From Self-Criticism to Self-Care

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

 

Ep. 164-Not Where I Thought I'd Be - And That's Okay

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.

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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

 

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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."

Ep. 163-Confidence, Freedom, and Embracing Aging as a Woman with Sami

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!

Ep. 162-Managing Goals and Habits When Motivation is Low

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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!

Ep. 161-Hi, I'm a Recovering Perfectionist

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!

Ep. 160-What Makes Women Feel Beautiful?

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.