Life Talks with Lauren

Ep. 178-Ditching Nonchalance and Learning to be more Thoughtful

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

 

Ep. 177- How Body Acceptance Impacts my Pregnancy

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.

Ep. 176- The Lonely Side of Pregnancy: What I didn't understand until now

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.

Ep. 175: The Plot Twist I Never Expected: Finding Out I’m Pregnant

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.

Ep. 174: An Epic Fail, Toxic Positivity, and a Goodbye

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. 

Ep. 173: Random Q&A: Life Lessons, Mental Health, and Comfort Foods

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 :)

Ep. 172: What Happened When I Sat Down with No Notes

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

Ep. 171: How to Want More Without Hating Where You Are

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?

Ep. 170: This or That Got Personal… Oops

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.

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.