Having It All & Other Lies

Sara talks to Optimism Doctor , Dr. Deepika Chopra, about the difference between focusing on optimism vs. the unrealistic expectation of being happy all of the time, what she refers to as “toxic positivity”and why its damaging as well as some of her helpful tricks to keep things balanced and “looking up” and how you can apply them to your own life.

Sara talks to Co-Founder and President of HOMER Learning Stephanie Dua about the most important things kids learn from their parents, her approach to balanced screen time and why she's confident our kids are going to still be ok even if they were homeschooled over the last year by their parents.

Sara talks to entrepreneur, journalist, photographer and advocate Amanda de Cadenet about why she thinks the idea of “Having It All” is a lie and a dangerous one at that, the private community and safe space she is developing for women and why building bridges between genders is the most important path forward.

Sara sits down with Shelly Bell, Founder and CEO of Black Girl Ventures, about her efforts to reimagine the way black and brown women get access to financial and social capital, reinforcing a positive mindset to receive all that the universe has intended for you and how she resists being average and wants you to do the same.

Sara sits down with Vice President of Product and Social Impact at Facebook, Naomi Gleit about her trajectory from one of Facebook's first employees straight out of college to one of the most powerful women in Tech, dropping out of Harvard because it wasn't the right fit for her despite how hard she worked to get there and how what messes you up most in life is the story in your head of what it's supposed to look like.

Sara is joined by Co-Founder and Chief Creative Office of NuFACE, Tera Peterson, to educate on microcurrents, creating NuFACE with her mother and sister and the pivot from business school to pursue esthetician school and what's surprised her most in running a business.

Sara talks to CEO and Co-Founder of Blended Strategy Group, Allison Statter, about growing up in the entertainment business, the evolution of the management business, transitioning from the family business to starting her own company and asking ourselves what we are working towards, realizing that we should forget about having it all and ask ourselves what is enough?

Sara talks to Genevieve Padalecki, Actress, Creator, and Urban Homesteader, about launching Townn, a community for people looking to rethink the way we live and grow together, and how sustainability is not only important for the environment but for ourselves, realizing her tendency towards perfectionism was preventing her from moving forward, the importance of setting time aside for ourselves and rebranding the word ‘selfish'. The podcast is a production of Embassy Row. Host: Sara Riff Producer: Alexa Macchia Editor: Charlotte Councill Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson

Sara talks to celebrity (and her own) Hair Colorist Tracey Cunningham about how she went from being Bette Midler's nanny to the most sought after hair colorist in the industry, her best selling book “True Color” and why getting highlights can feel like turning on a lightbulb for your soul. The podcast is a production of Embassy Row. Host: Sara Riff Producer: Alexa Macchia Editor: Charlotte Councill Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson

Sara sits down with Latham Thomas, Celebrity Doula, Maternal Wellness Expert Author and Founder of Mama Glow, to talk about advocacy and equity during the birthing process and beyond, learning to make space for radical self care and sustenance and how we can structure our lives to more authentically reflect our values.

Sara catches up with Dr. Edith Eger, Psychologist, Lecturer, Holocaust Survivor and Best Selling Author, about why we can't heal what we don't feel, what being forced into a death camp taught her about truly living and why we must free ourselves from the need to please other people and focus instead on finding true JOY.

Sara talks to Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Television Personality Lisa Vanderpump about the reality of her time spent on reality television, why life is all about incremental progress and the compromises we must learn to make in our pursuit of “Having It All”. Special thanks to our sponsor, Ritual Vitamins. Visit ritual.com/OTHERLIES for 10% off during your first 3 months.

Today's guest is one of those modern cases of our virtual existence where by you think you are friends with someone because you follow all their stories, feel invested in their life and know more about what's going on with them than some of your own friends but you actually don't know them IRL. Sara sits down with her online friend Pia Baroncini to learn about what its really like being pregnant during a pandemic while living in her childhood home with her adorable husband AND her mom as well as catch up about lessons in surrendering control, how losing her dad taught her faith and grace and why success with her namesake line LPA came with a lot of haters and a cost to her mental health.

Sara sits down with actress Punam Patel to talk about the hormonal madness and magic involved in being a woman, learning to develop her sense of humor as a coping mechanism to never feeling like she fit in as a kid and why operating from a place of abundance helped her to begin an acting career in her thirties.

Sara talks to acclaimed interior designer Brigette Romanek, founder of Romanek Design Studio, about how a person's surroundings can have a profound impact on their well being, learning to trust your own taste and stepping into the spotlight as a judge on Ellen Degeneres's new show “Design Challenge”.

Sara sits down with Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Honest Company, Jessica Alba, to talk HONESTly about rushing through childhood as a young actress focused on contributing to her household, working hard to create a seat for herself at the table previously reserved for white men only, tricks for keeping centered while being pulled in a million directions and how the universe has stepped in to make sure she takes time to stop and smell the roses along her journey. Special thanks to our sponsor, Ritual Vitamins. Visit ritual.com/OTHERLIES for 10% off during your first 3 months.

Sara talks to Influencer and co-founder of Summer Fridays, Marianna Hewitt about learning to be easy on herself when it comes to her routine, destigmatizing the idea of women putting off having children to focus on their careers and that everyone's timeline is different, and using social media to feel inspired rather than a comparison tool.

Sara sits down with Kind Campaign Co Founders, Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson about making their documentary and finding their mission, how bullying is still prevalent in many adult female relationships and why kindness to ourselves and others is more important than ever.

Sara talks to Reshma Saujani, Author and Founder of Girls Who Code about why she gets off on failure, how living through 10 years of infertility taught her resilience and strength and why we need to address the national conversation around the unpaid labor women are doing with a Marshall Plan for Moms yesterday. To find out more about Marshall Plan for Moms visit https://marshallplanformoms.com.

Sara talks to Actor, Activist and Founder of Kind.est about how the challenge for growth will always override whatever is holding her back, learning to not absorb the rejection that comes along with acting and how she's redefined what real success looks like in her life. To learn more about Kind.est, visit https://www.kind-est.com and follow Kate at @katebosworth. Special thanks to our sponsor, Ritual Vitamins. Visit ritual.com/OTHERLIES for 10% off during your first 3 months.

Sara talks to stylist, fashion and interior designer, author and entrepreneur Estee Stanley about the daily hack she uses to focus on everyday blessings, the extravagant highs and comedic lows of being a celebrity stylist, why she could never be satisfied pursuing just one career path and how she’s channeled “Going Bananas” during quarantine into a charitable endeavor.

Sara talks to Noura Sakkhija, CEO and Co-Founder of Cult Favorite Jewelry Brand MEJURI about why women shouldn't wait around for someone else to buy them jewelry or anything else for that matter, how she had to work even harder during fundraising while 7 months pregnant with twin girls and why trying to incorporate meditation into her daily routine can feel like additional stress

Sara talks to CEO + Founder of LIVE TINTED Deepica Mutyala about forging new paths for inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry, freezing her eggs and not her options despite cultural taboos and how transitioning from influencer to CEO taught her the difference between being “liked” and being respected.

Sara talks to entrepreneur, author, restaurateur and owner of Olivetta and The Draycott, Marissa Hermer, about being a professional thrill seeker, the unique challenges of running a restaurant business during pandemic closures as well as launching a program to provide meals for first responders and the reality of what being on a “reality show” really looks like behind the scenes.

Sara talks with actress, activist, entrepreneur, global education access advocate and podcast host Sophia Bush about why maintaining a facade that everything is ok is a detriment to our society and ourselves, questioning the limits of what defines ENOUGH and why Grey’s Anatomy is the ultimate comfort companion she needed during a recent mandatory quarantine on location.

Sara talks with Daphne Oz,  Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, chef, and co-owner and Chief LOUMinary of LOUM Beauty, about realizing the importance of protecting your own happiness, three habits she’s found have dramatically improved her take on life, setting boundaries for yourself and setting expectations appropriately, and LOUM Beauty, a cruelty-free and vegan brand with a premise to undo the effects of stress on skin.

Sara sits down with Actress, Producer and Social Activist Debra Messing and Creator and Co Founder of I AM A VOTER Mandana Dayani to talk about what they’ve learned about themselves through advocating for others, how they’ve become braver in their pursuit of living according to their own value system and why they think “Having It All” isn't possible no matter how hard you work. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Called “The next great figure of poetry in the US”, Amanda Gorman is a young force to be reckoned with. Sara talks with the writer, poet and Harvard Class of 2020 graduate about using spoken word poetry as therapy to overcome her speech impediment, wielding weapons of words to deconstruct the way we perceive social injustice and broken systems and what it was like to have to choose between getting to class and accepting Michelle Obama’s invitation to the White House. This episode was released in July 2020.

Sara sits down with the Entrepreneur to talk about finessing the truth en route to your dream job, asking friends to hold space for helping you to identify your talents and affinities and why we need to reduce the stigma around medication used for mental health.

Sara and board certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss discuss her path to dermatology, having it all and, of course, all about skin care.

Sara sits down with human rights attorney, Chief Advocacy Officer at REFORM Alliance and co-founder of #cut50, a national bipartisan effort aimed at reducing America's incarceration rate, Jessica Jackson to talk about going back to school as a single mom with a young daughter in tow, becoming a lawyer to change the policy that put her husband in jail for a nonviolent crime and what its like mentoring Kim Kardashian to follow in her footsteps and do the same.

Sara sits down with Author and Cystic Fibrosis advocate Lauren Molasky to talk about the realities of living with a chronic health condition, the stakes that are raised for someone already immunocompromised waiting for a  double lung transplant during a global pandemic and the clarity of purpose she has found by living each moment to the very fullest.

Sara sits down with Rosie Huntington Whiteley to talk about the impact of creative visualization and clearly defined goals in her life, the imposter syndrome she sometimes feels when launching a new endeavor and why it's important to find the time to take victories along the way. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Sara sits down with jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer to discuss her tools for focusing on gratitude even during trying times, the many leaves we will turn over on our journey to our best selves and how knowing who you are and what you want is the best position to be in for dating and beyond. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Sara and Bee Shapiro, long-time New York times beauty columnist and founder of Ellis Brooklyn, a clean luxury fragrance brand, discuss Bee's transition from a law career to founding a clean fragrance line, taking risks when figuring out your career path and using your successes to fuel your self worth.

Sara and Brandon talk about his desire to achieve to prove his own inherent value, the paralyzing fear that can come with success and the strength you find in the moments when you risk losing it all. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Sara sits down with entrepreneur, stylist, designer and author Rachel Zoe to discuss how she has been able to thrive in the spotlight even as a natural introvert, why she chose not to bifurcate her work life from her family life and how she’s adapting to her new normal in the midst of the pandemic. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

JJ Martin, Journalist and Founder of the Italian lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, talks to Sara about how moving to Italy on a whim with no job or grasp of the language and a 7 year unsuccessful journey with IVF ultimately led her to birth a lifestyle brand celebrating the many women that had inspired her as well as deliver her a higher spiritual calling instead.

Chriselle Lim, Entrepreneur and Digital Content Creator talks to Sara about the importance of transparency and open conversations with her community, the ability to be flexible with the unexpected as an entrepreneur, pivoting from fashion to educational technology, and launching BUMO, an online destination offering virtual programming for both parents and kids during the pandemic when it is needed most. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Anita Ko, LA based jewelry designer, whose pieces are coveted by everyone from Rihanna to Hailey Bieber, sits down with Sara and shares that not all that glitters is gold and how much grit and tenacity are needed to not only launch a business but keep it thriving during wild card events like the one we are currently experiencing. She also drops gems along the way about her early foray into designing bags after having all of hers stolen during a break in.

Lauren Wasser, Model, Activist and Toxic Shock Syndrome Survivor talks to Sara about what she learned through the harrowing experience of almost losing her life and ultimately both of her legs to complications from Toxic Shock Syndrome, pushing the boundaries of beauty and inclusivity in the fashion world and why women must demand greater transparency around feminine hygiene products for the sake of their health.

Mirtha Michelle is a poet, author, actress and artist. In her newest book, “Eighteen Inches - The Distance Between the Heart and Mind”, she explores the challenge we all know of leaning too far into one or the other in our attempt to find the right balance, the catharsis of going through a break up and coming out the other side and why LA can be a hard place for dating even when you’re a love poet.

Sara talks to Randi Christiansen, Co-Founder of Personal Care Nécessaire, about how growing up in Scandinavia taught her reverence for nature and motivated her to live a life with impact, creating clean products with regard for the environment as the biggest stakeholder and how even a self care maven like herself ends up in a hurried shower more often than the luxurious bath she aspires to.

Sara sits down with Geri Hirsch, creative director of Saie Beauty and owner of Neighborhood coffee to discuss being at the forefront of social media influencing with her first platform LeafTV, how the near death of her husband shifted her priorities and tolerance for toxic relationships and behavior and building a family and a second act of her career at the same time.

Sara talks with jewelry designer and founder of the The Last Line, Shelley Sanders, about transitioning from designing jewelry for brands like House of Harlow and Heidi Klum to building her direct to consumer business, learning to relish her victories as they come and why women should adorn themselves with jewelry rather than waiting on someone else to buy it for them.

Sara talks to fashion and interior designer, Erin Fetherston, about her journey to starting her own fashion line, how her priorities shifted when she found out she was pregnant and how she has finally found a balance with her career and being a mother.

Sara talks with entrepreneur, former COO of Kardashian West Brands and founder of the digital climate education platform Future Earth, Stephanie Shepherd, about leveraging her social influence for social activism, finding the confidence to pivot towards her next career aspiration and what she learned about both business and setting higher standards working alongside Erika Jayne and Kim Kardashian West.

Sara talks to Emily Current + Meritt Elliott, Founders of The Great about learning to trust your instincts, knowing when to pivot without fear and how launching a denim line on a whim disrupted not only the fashion industry but also empowered women to lean into comfort without sacrificing style. Emily & Merritt have been business partners for almost two decades. Their journey as entrepreneurs, brand builders, stylists and designers have led them to their most proud achievement to date - a fully realized women's wear collection, aptly called, THE GREAT. Champions of supportive female friendships and the spirit of creative fearlessness, Emily and Meritt are known for their authentic, kind and optimistic approach to both design and life. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Sara sits down with Jamie Mizrahi and Simone Harouche, Co- Founders of cult favorite Kit Undergarments. The fashion stylists, who have dressed everyone from Katy Perry, Jessica Alba and Miiley Cyrus talk about the non stop chaos that is launching a business, the perils of social media comparison and why no two size 34B breasts will fill out a bra in the same way. In honor of Women’s Equality Day, Kit Undergarments will match every purchase with an undergarment donation to the Downtown Women’s Center, the only organization in LA that focuses on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness. Join the Titty Committee and support your girls!

Sara sits down with Erin & Sara Foster, Co-Heads of Bumble, Advisors to The Mirror, Creators and Stars of the cult classic mockumentary “Barely Famous”, writers & producers, to discuss how they became self generators rather than waiting for the phone to ring. They talk overcoming imposter syndrome, prioritizing their purpose and what it’s like to balance so many slashes in their professional bios. We want to give a special thanks to our partner Monkey 47, the gin with an international cult following. To learn more about Monkey 47 Gin, visit their website at monkey47.com or Instagram @monkey47.

Organizational Management Specialist and Harvard Educated Lawyer Eve Rodsky was compelled to investigate the domestic imbalance affecting so many households when an incident involving her failure to remember blueberries triggered an awareness of the gender disparity in her own relationship and home. Eve tells Sara how a crowd sourced “Shit I Do” List initially sent to her husband became the basis for her New York Times Bestselling Book ‘Fair Play’. Rodsky takes us through the fun and easy to tackle set of systems she's created to find a better rebalance and quell domestic encroachment on our innate right to singularity of thought and finding our Unicorn Space, which she defines as the allowance to pursue the things that make you YOU!