The Fresh Perspectives Podcast Wed, 13 May 2026 17:05:09 -0400 en-us © 2026 The Fresh Perspectives Podcast yes 918c91d6-f168-5e68-94b6-3d74fbfc7133 Rachel Lauren episodic false Some questions don't have clean answers. What do you do when life looks different than you thought it would? How do you take the first step toward a lifelong dream? Who are you now, and how is that different than who you were then?
Fresh Perspectives is for anyone in the middle of becoming something new. Each week, host Rachel Lauren talks with guests who have navigated real transitions, built something from scratch, or changed the way they see the world — and asks them to be honest about how it happened. New episodes every Monday.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Rachel Lauren https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fl2091n85791yzltgecmz8rfsgxn?.jpg The Fresh Perspectives Podcast How to Find Your People (3 Practical Tips) How to Find Your People (3 Practical Tips) We're more connected than ever — and lonelier than we'd like to admit. In this episode, I share a practical framework for finding real, intentional community: how to get clear on what you're looking for, what to watch out for when joining online communities, and the best places to actually find your people. Whether you're new to a city or just craving more genuine connection, this one's for you.

]]> We're more connected than ever — and lonelier than we'd like to admit. In this episode, I share a practical framework for finding real, intentional community: how to get clear on what you're looking for, what to watch out for when joining online communities, and the best places to actually find your people. Whether you're new to a city or just craving more genuine connection, this one's for you.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-19154571 Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 584 full false The Pit of Despair: How To Get Through the Part of Any Project No One Warns You About The Pit of Despair: How To Get Through the Part of Any Project No One Warns You About Have you ever been in the middle of something you chose — something you were genuinely excited about — and hit a wall so hard you wondered if you'd made a mistake? That moment has a name: the pit of despair. And in this episode, I make the case that reaching the pit isn't a sign to quit. It's actually proof that you're doing something that matters.

Inspired by last week's conversation with Michelle Salerno about her IVF journey and the non-linear reality of any meaningful pursuit, I break down why the pit of despair shows up, why so many people lose themselves in it, and — most importantly — three practical ways to talk yourself through it and keep going.

Because the middle is where the real work happens. And if you're in it right now, this episode is for you.

The visual I mention will be posted on my instagram (@freshperspectivespod)

]]> Have you ever been in the middle of something you chose — something you were genuinely excited about — and hit a wall so hard you wondered if you'd made a mistake? That moment has a name: the pit of despair. And in this episode, I make the case that reaching the pit isn't a sign to quit. It's actually proof that you're doing something that matters.

Inspired by last week's conversation with Michelle Salerno about her IVF journey and the non-linear reality of any meaningful pursuit, I break down why the pit of despair shows up, why so many people lose themselves in it, and — most importantly — three practical ways to talk yourself through it and keep going.

Because the middle is where the real work happens. And if you're in it right now, this episode is for you.

The visual I mention will be posted on my instagram (@freshperspectivespod)

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-19118127 Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 696 full false Who Am I Now? Parenthood, IVF & Identity with Michelle Salerno Who Am I Now? Parenthood, IVF & Identity with Michelle Salerno What happens to your sense of self when becoming a new parent, especially when the journey to parenthood isn't what you thought it would be?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend & new mom Michelle Salerno for an honest conversation about parenthood, IVF and identity.

Michelle opens up about the identity shift that hit when her daughter Sadie was born, what it felt like to return to work as a new mom, and why going through IVF forced her to give up control in ways she never expected. 

We also get into how Michelle is approaching work-life balance, and why she choses to sit in discomfort instead of looking for silver linings.

If you're a new parent, thinking about starting a family, or navigating any season of life that is playing out differently than you thought, this episode is for you.

]]> What happens to your sense of self when becoming a new parent, especially when the journey to parenthood isn't what you thought it would be?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend & new mom Michelle Salerno for an honest conversation about parenthood, IVF and identity.

Michelle opens up about the identity shift that hit when her daughter Sadie was born, what it felt like to return to work as a new mom, and why going through IVF forced her to give up control in ways she never expected. 

We also get into how Michelle is approaching work-life balance, and why she choses to sit in discomfort instead of looking for silver linings.

If you're a new parent, thinking about starting a family, or navigating any season of life that is playing out differently than you thought, this episode is for you.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-19080039 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1392 full false 4 Ways to Create New Opportunities in Your Life 4 Ways to Create New Opportunities in Your Life Opportunity isn't something that happens to you — it's something you create!

 In this episode, host Rachel Lauren shares four personal lessons that opened unexpected doors in her own life: telling people what you want, starting before you know how, acting without permission, and embracing failure as part of the process. 

Whether you're stuck waiting for your moment or looking for a push to finally start, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to make things happen. 

Subscribe for more fresh perspectives!


]]> Opportunity isn't something that happens to you — it's something you create!

 In this episode, host Rachel Lauren shares four personal lessons that opened unexpected doors in her own life: telling people what you want, starting before you know how, acting without permission, and embracing failure as part of the process. 

Whether you're stuck waiting for your moment or looking for a push to finally start, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to make things happen. 

Subscribe for more fresh perspectives!


]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-19041924 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 699 full false Why Space Gives Me Hope for Humanity: What I Felt Watching the Artemis II Space Mission Why Space Gives Me Hope for Humanity: What I Felt Watching the Artemis II Space Mission In this episode of the Fresh Perspectives Podcast, I'm talking about NASA's Artemis II mission: the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, watched by over 18 million people worldwide. But more than the science and the history, I want to talk about what it made me feel — and why it gives me hope for humanity.

On this episode I talk about:

  • Why space puts everything in perspective (yes, even leg day)
  • What 18 million strangers watching together says about humanity right now
  • What space missions & marathons have in common
  • Why this mission gave me genuine hope

If you've been feeling disconnected, divided, or just a little burnt out on the world lately — this one's for you.

Tell me how you felt watching this historic mission! Reach out to me on:

📸 Instagram: @freshperspectivespod 

📧 Email: thefreshperspectivespod@gmail.com

#ArtemisII #NASA #MoonMission #FreshPerspectivesPodcast #Podcast #Hope #Humanity #SpaceExploration

]]> In this episode of the Fresh Perspectives Podcast, I'm talking about NASA's Artemis II mission: the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, watched by over 18 million people worldwide. But more than the science and the history, I want to talk about what it made me feel — and why it gives me hope for humanity.

On this episode I talk about:

  • Why space puts everything in perspective (yes, even leg day)
  • What 18 million strangers watching together says about humanity right now
  • What space missions & marathons have in common
  • Why this mission gave me genuine hope

If you've been feeling disconnected, divided, or just a little burnt out on the world lately — this one's for you.

Tell me how you felt watching this historic mission! Reach out to me on:

📸 Instagram: @freshperspectivespod 

📧 Email: thefreshperspectivespod@gmail.com

#ArtemisII #NASA #MoonMission #FreshPerspectivesPodcast #Podcast #Hope #Humanity #SpaceExploration

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18999298 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 499 full false This Episode May Contain Thoughts on Hope This Episode May Contain Thoughts on Hope In this solo episode of The Fresh Perspectives Podcast, Rachel Lauren gets honest about the moment she realized she hadn't felt truly hopeful in a long time — and what brought it back.

Inspired by Raye's stunning new album This Album May Contain Hope, Rachel explores what hope really means, why so many of us have quietly slipped into cycles of despair and why choosing and sharing hope can lead to a better world. 

In this episode:

  • Why despair becomes all-consuming if we let it
  • How hope is contagious — and how you can spread it
  • The Reddit definition of hope that will stick with you: "unwavering stubbornness"
  • Why hope isn't about ignoring the hard things — it's about choosing to keep going anyway

This one is for anyone who needs a reminder that hope is yours — and nobody can take it away from you.

🎙️ Subscribe to The Fresh Perspectives Podcast for new episodes every week.

🎵 And listen to Raye's new album This Album May Contain Hope.

]]> In this solo episode of The Fresh Perspectives Podcast, Rachel Lauren gets honest about the moment she realized she hadn't felt truly hopeful in a long time — and what brought it back.

Inspired by Raye's stunning new album This Album May Contain Hope, Rachel explores what hope really means, why so many of us have quietly slipped into cycles of despair and why choosing and sharing hope can lead to a better world. 

In this episode:

  • Why despair becomes all-consuming if we let it
  • How hope is contagious — and how you can spread it
  • The Reddit definition of hope that will stick with you: "unwavering stubbornness"
  • Why hope isn't about ignoring the hard things — it's about choosing to keep going anyway

This one is for anyone who needs a reminder that hope is yours — and nobody can take it away from you.

🎙️ Subscribe to The Fresh Perspectives Podcast for new episodes every week.

🎵 And listen to Raye's new album This Album May Contain Hope.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18926727 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 733 full false Fail Fast to Find Yourself: Alex Marshall on Authenticity and the Courage to Change Fail Fast to Find Yourself: Alex Marshall on Authenticity and the Courage to Change What if the key to becoming your most authentic self isn't success — but failure?

Alex Marshall is the kind of person who walks into a room and owns it. The haircut, the tattoos, the infectious energy — he is unmistakably, unapologetically himself.

In this conversation Alex opens up about what authenticity actually looks like from the inside — the discomfort, the self reflection, the moments of looking in the mirror and not liking who looks back. We talk about why failure is the fastest path to finding yourself, how the communities you surround yourself with shape who you become, and why being authentically you and being the best version of you aren't always the same thing.

He also shares the one word he has written on his desk every single day this year as a reminder of who he wants to become.

If you've ever felt like you were performing a version of yourself rather than actually living as yourself — this conversation will change how you think about what it means to be authentically you.

]]> What if the key to becoming your most authentic self isn't success — but failure?

Alex Marshall is the kind of person who walks into a room and owns it. The haircut, the tattoos, the infectious energy — he is unmistakably, unapologetically himself.

In this conversation Alex opens up about what authenticity actually looks like from the inside — the discomfort, the self reflection, the moments of looking in the mirror and not liking who looks back. We talk about why failure is the fastest path to finding yourself, how the communities you surround yourself with shape who you become, and why being authentically you and being the best version of you aren't always the same thing.

He also shares the one word he has written on his desk every single day this year as a reminder of who he wants to become.

If you've ever felt like you were performing a version of yourself rather than actually living as yourself — this conversation will change how you think about what it means to be authentically you.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18888610 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1233 full false I Quit Social Media for 6 Months — Here's What Happened to My Brain I Quit Social Media for 6 Months — Here's What Happened to My Brain When most people imagine quitting social media they imagine feeling free, productive, or less anxious. What they don't imagine is their world getting smaller — and actually loving it.

Two years ago I quit social media cold turkey. What started as a 40 day Lent commitment turned into nearly six months offline. And the most surprising thing I discovered wasn't what I lost — it was what I got back.

In this episode I reflect on what really happens to your brain when you step away from the scroll — the unexpected clarity, the free time I didn't know I had, the daily walks that gave my mind room to wander, and the moment I realized my thoughts might not be entirely my own.

This isn't an episode telling you to delete your apps. It's an invitation to get curious about how social media is making you feel — and whether the life happening inside your phone is crowding out the one happening right outside your door.

If you've ever wondered what your mind would be like with a little more silence, this one is for you.

]]> When most people imagine quitting social media they imagine feeling free, productive, or less anxious. What they don't imagine is their world getting smaller — and actually loving it.

Two years ago I quit social media cold turkey. What started as a 40 day Lent commitment turned into nearly six months offline. And the most surprising thing I discovered wasn't what I lost — it was what I got back.

In this episode I reflect on what really happens to your brain when you step away from the scroll — the unexpected clarity, the free time I didn't know I had, the daily walks that gave my mind room to wander, and the moment I realized my thoughts might not be entirely my own.

This isn't an episode telling you to delete your apps. It's an invitation to get curious about how social media is making you feel — and whether the life happening inside your phone is crowding out the one happening right outside your door.

If you've ever wondered what your mind would be like with a little more silence, this one is for you.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18851351 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 777 full false Tell Me Your Good News : How Signs with Meg Is Spreading Joy Online & IRL Tell Me Your Good News : How Signs with Meg Is Spreading Joy Online & IRL What if the antidote to doom scrolling wasn't another app or a digital detox — but a handwritten sign and sharing a joyful moment with a stranger. 

A few weeks ago Rachel was rushing through the Union Square subway station when she spotted a woman standing alone holding a sign that read "tell me your good news." 

That woman was Meg, the creator behind Signs with Meg. What started as a way to combat negativity online has grown into one of the most genuinely joyful corners of the internet.

In this episode Meg opens up about the courage it took to stand in public with her sign, what hundreds of strangers have taught her about joy and the human condition, and why she believes good news is one of the most radical acts of resistance we have right now. 

If you've ever felt worn down by doom scrolling or the weight of the world online, this conversation will change how you think about joy - spreading it, consuming it and being an advocate for it in your every day life.

]]> What if the antidote to doom scrolling wasn't another app or a digital detox — but a handwritten sign and sharing a joyful moment with a stranger. 

A few weeks ago Rachel was rushing through the Union Square subway station when she spotted a woman standing alone holding a sign that read "tell me your good news." 

That woman was Meg, the creator behind Signs with Meg. What started as a way to combat negativity online has grown into one of the most genuinely joyful corners of the internet.

In this episode Meg opens up about the courage it took to stand in public with her sign, what hundreds of strangers have taught her about joy and the human condition, and why she believes good news is one of the most radical acts of resistance we have right now. 

If you've ever felt worn down by doom scrolling or the weight of the world online, this conversation will change how you think about joy - spreading it, consuming it and being an advocate for it in your every day life.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18812072 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1792 full false How To Find Your Personal Style with Tannya Bernadette How To Find Your Personal Style with Tannya Bernadette If you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, “None of this feels like me anymore,” this episode is for you.

In this conversation, personal stylist Tannya Bernadette shares how to find your personal style, stop chasing fashion trends, and build a wardrobe that actually reflects who you are — and who you’re becoming.

With over 17 years in the fashion industry and as the founder of The Closet Edit, Tannya walks us through practical steps to define your style in three words, break out of a closet rut, modernize pieces you already own (yes, even skinny jeans), and reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed. We also talk about dressing for life transitions — new jobs, new decades, divorce, leveling up — and how what you wear directly impacts your confidence.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply ready to upgrade your wardrobe, this episode will help you feel more aligned, more intentional, and more confident in how you show up every day.

Connect with Tannya and The Closet Edit at www.myclosetedit.com

]]> If you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, “None of this feels like me anymore,” this episode is for you.

In this conversation, personal stylist Tannya Bernadette shares how to find your personal style, stop chasing fashion trends, and build a wardrobe that actually reflects who you are — and who you’re becoming.

With over 17 years in the fashion industry and as the founder of The Closet Edit, Tannya walks us through practical steps to define your style in three words, break out of a closet rut, modernize pieces you already own (yes, even skinny jeans), and reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed. We also talk about dressing for life transitions — new jobs, new decades, divorce, leveling up — and how what you wear directly impacts your confidence.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply ready to upgrade your wardrobe, this episode will help you feel more aligned, more intentional, and more confident in how you show up every day.

Connect with Tannya and The Closet Edit at www.myclosetedit.com

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18730422 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1984 full false Go Anywhere, Belong Everywhere: How Anne Scott Built a Global Women's Community from Scratch Go Anywhere, Belong Everywhere: How Anne Scott Built a Global Women's Community from Scratch What does it take to build real community — not just once, but across the world?

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, I sit down with GGI Founder Anne Scott, the visionary behind Girl Gone International — a global volunteer-powered community connecting women living, working, and starting over abroad in more than 300 cities worldwide.

What began as a small meetup between six women in Hamburg grew into a global movement built on culture, kindness, and belonging. Anne shares the deeply personal story behind GGI’s creation — from isolation and reinvention to scaling a values-driven community without losing its heart.

We talk about:

  • How to build community from scratch
  • Why culture matters more than growth
  • Delegating without losing your vision
  • Leaving what no longer serves you
  • Starting over in a new city (or a new life)
  • How to create belonging anywhere in the world

If you’ve ever felt alone, outgrown a version of yourself, or dreamed of building something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to trust your instincts — and maybe even create the community you’ve been searching for.

]]> What does it take to build real community — not just once, but across the world?

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, I sit down with GGI Founder Anne Scott, the visionary behind Girl Gone International — a global volunteer-powered community connecting women living, working, and starting over abroad in more than 300 cities worldwide.

What began as a small meetup between six women in Hamburg grew into a global movement built on culture, kindness, and belonging. Anne shares the deeply personal story behind GGI’s creation — from isolation and reinvention to scaling a values-driven community without losing its heart.

We talk about:

  • How to build community from scratch
  • Why culture matters more than growth
  • Delegating without losing your vision
  • Leaving what no longer serves you
  • Starting over in a new city (or a new life)
  • How to create belonging anywhere in the world

If you’ve ever felt alone, outgrown a version of yourself, or dreamed of building something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to trust your instincts — and maybe even create the community you’ve been searching for.

]]> Rachel Lauren Buzzsprout-18718224 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 2331 full false