Heavy Topics With Lightweights

*UPDATE: we have taken down our last episode with Shana Yao. We do not want to spread any misinformation regarding COVID. Can you believe we've made it to the end of season 2? We started this season because we were in a pandemic and sadly we end this season *STILL* in a pandemic. We've talked about a wide variety of topics in season 2 but the only thing they all have in common is that the government has failed us. How doom & gloomy huh? We don't know what the world will look like when we come back for season 3 but we do know that we'll definitely still be drinking. Cheers! Hungry? To receive $80 off & free shipping your first GreenChef box, use code 'heavytopics80'. Go to GreenChef.com/heavytopics80 to redeem and for more details. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram!

Today we are talking to our friend Megan Jackson about race relations in America. We originally wanted to speak to Megan about being in a multiracial relationship and how she's feeling raising her child in our current political climate but it quickly progressed into something so much more. We hope the horrible audio doesn't district you from this conversation because Megan is so open about accepting her own white supremacy and how she is learning from mostly Black women about the subject of racism. SHOW NOTES: The 1619 Project: Magazine Issue, Podcast Roots Miniseries Color of Law: A Forgotten History Of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein "Multiplication Is for White People": Raising Expectations For Other Peoples Children by Lisa Delpit Other People's Children: Culture Conflict In The Classroom by Lisa Delpit Crips and Bloods: Made In America: documentary 13th: documentary If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram!

The interview we had with a sheriff didn't quite work out so today we drink! Laura gets very drunk on her Arizonian vacation and Aja gets drunk trying to get to Laura level drunk. We talk about ex boyfriends, our fun party days and what our new normal is. *trigger warning* We do jump into the episode quite intensely with a conversation about pedophilia. Not about our personal experiences but how we've both been watching Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich documentary on Netflix. If this is a topic you're uncomfortable with, please skip forward a 10 minutes.. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram!

At Heavy Topics with Lighweights, we pride ourselves on talking to people with different life experiences and beliefs as us. Today we are so excited to talk to our friend and life coach, Jo Encarnacion. For the past two years, Jo has been involved in a polyamorous relationship with her husband Jon, and her boyfriend Chris. We explore what ethical non monogamy is, how radical honesty transformed her relationship and what it means to redefine gender roles. To follow Jo and her journey - connect with her on Instagram at @GoFitJo and @HellaMarried, listen to her podcast Hella Married. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram!

We work hard to graduate school, find a meaningful job and be in a fulfilling relationship but as we go on living our lives, our chances of getting pregnant decrease every year. Egg freezing... let's talk about it. Whether we like it or not, some of us are at an age where this is a serious topic of conversation (and worry). We are so lucky to have our friend Rachel Rhee on this week's episode to talk about her experience, at age 36, of freezing her eggs. This conversation was so eye opening and Rachel did a fantastic job explaining and demystifying the process of egg freezing. For anyone who has additional questions about the process, please feel free to reach out to Rachel. Connect with Rachel on Instagram, on her blog, and her wellness community. show mentions: To try Care/Of, use our code HEAVYTOPICS50 for 50% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram!

The fact that Black people are STILL fighting this battle is absolute insanity. But we are currently in the middle of a movement towards changing the landscape to a more free and just society. Today we talk to Michael Ojo - a professional basketball player and photographer. Michael has been photographing the recent protests against police brutality in Los Angeles, and talks to us about why "Black Lives Matter" doesn't mean White lives don't, how he's more afraid of cops than gang members and the importance of voting. Check out more of Mike's photography here: @bellikemike To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram @heavytopics!

And in the most random podcast yet, we deep dive into how our parents shaped the way we look at relationships; Aja tries to convince Laura to dabble into the reality TV genre and we ask the question WHY WOULD YOU GET PLASTIC IF YOU CAN TELL IT'S PLASTIC SURGERY?! Basically the standard conversation ebb and flow of two drunk best friends. To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram @heavytopics!

We've had many people on our podcast who have overcome tremendous odds, but no one like TJ. TJ is a spinal cord injury survivor. He was paralyzed from the neck down from a car accident and basically willed himself to walk again. We know millions of people are going through tough times right now but TJ proves that a positive mindset can change anything. show mentions: Offset Med, Athlete Care & Education The Movement Maestro, Dr. Shantee Cofield One Day At A Time, TJ's blog To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram @heavytopics!

Remember the times of spa days, date nights and dining in? Welcome to January 2020, when we recorded our original first episode of the season. We decided to still use this episode in the season because it updates you on whats been going on in our lives since last year. LOTS of updates and some tea. You'll definitely want to grab some wine for this one. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Today we are joined by one of our best friends Amanda Nguyen. Amanda is a health economist on the research team of GoodRX and is breaking down what COVID-19 means for our finances - both on a global and personal scale. Many of you sent in question for Amanda to answer and we did our best to get to all of them. Below you can find the resources we talked about in this podcast: How The Coronavirus Emergency Stimulus Package Impacts Your Healthcare Where Can I Get A Drive Thru COVID-19 Test Near Me Telemedicine Has Surged During COVID-19: How Are Americans Using It? If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Can you imagine a world where women... run it? The pandemic has shown major flaws in the political system and some still believe women are incapable of leadership roles. Yet, New Zealand, Taiwan and Iceland, all lead by women, have coronavirus related deaths under 10. This episode isn't all about lack of female representation in politics (truth be told, it's only about 5 minutes of it) but it is an interesting thought. As we think about the group of women we surround ourselves with chances are they are: 1. queen multitaskers, 2. attentive and loving caregivers, 3. boss ass bitches, 4. constantly thinking about how to make life better for their family and community. ... sounds like great leader qualities to us. To try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

It only took us six months and a global pandemic but we're finally back with season 2! We really appreciate you sticking with us (...hopefully...). As mentioned in the episode, we previously recorded a few episodes before COVID-19 happened, but we didn't think it was appropriate to start season two without mentioning what was going on with the world. So think of this episode as an appetizer to the rest of the season. We hope you all are staying mentally and physically healthy and would encourage you to buy some wine next time you go grocery shopping so we can drink together every Wednesday. We really appreciate each and every one of you who have listened to us over the past year. Your comments, feedback and words of encouragement have meant so much to us. If you'd like to try BetterHelp, use our code LIGHTWEIGTHTS for 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Lightweights If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Holy cow - we made it. Our last episode of season 1! We wanted to make it a very special one so we answered some listener questions and talked about two MAJOR topics that everyone struggles with at some point in their lives: - how do you know you're with "The One"? - how do you know you're in the right career? YIKES! We really appreciate each and every one of you who have listened to us this season. Your comments, feedback and words of encouragement have meant so much to us. We hope to see you all in season two! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

This week Sophie from Urban Farms joins us for an hour long conversation about sustainability, reconnecting with Earth and how she went from the Vogue accessories closet to growing food for her community.  Urban Farms LA is an organic farming business that designs, installs and maintains edible, organic gardens. We are in the middle of an ecological crisis and Sophie has taken the lead in inspiring others to become more self-sufficient and take charge of their health.  If you'd like to follow Sophie on her journey or contact her to start your own garden, go to http://www.urbanfarmsla.com/ or follower her on Instagram @UrbanFarmsLA.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics! -- EPISODE MENTIONS -- To compost in the LA area: https://www.lacompost.org/ Apricot Lane Farms: https://www.apricotlanefarms.com/ Hollywood Food Coalition: https://hofoco.org/

Today we sit down with Cassidy Cousens - the founder of 1 Method drug and alcohol treatment center. We discuss what drives addiction, what it means to be an addict and what it's like to be in recovery. Cassidy shares his personal experience with addiction and talks about how his treatment center is based around fitness and living a healthy lifestyle and how the connection between fitness, mental health and addiction can lead to breakthroughs. In case you're wondering - we did drink wine while recording - and decided that Aja might be next in line for an intervention. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction you can contact 1 Method here: 1 (800) 270-1389 Visit the website here and follow them on Instagram here. If you'd like to learn more about the fitness/wellness program at 1 Method, call Jenna Morigi: (310) 694-4085

What happens when we don't have a guest scheduled? We drink. In today's episode we basically talk shit about everyone. From Lauren Conrad to Revolve, no topic is off limits. Plus, Laura indulges us in stories of eating edibles and being felt up at Bible camp (on two separate occasion btw). So pop your favorite bottle and enjoy listening to two girls who are truly out of their minds. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Death. It's a topic we tend to avoid talking about. What happens to your loved ones you leave behind when you die? If left with the task of pulling the plug on someone you love as they suffered could you do it? These are questions we discuss in this episode with Derek as he shares the beautiful story of his wife's life, the grueling road of her suffering, how he ended her life and his mission now that she's gone. Check out Derek's book Tea Time with the Reaper here. Follow along on Instagram Stay tuned for the Tea Time with the Reaper podcast coming soon If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

HIV. Turns out, it's not that bad. In today's episode we talk to Kelly Gluckman, a 32 year old activist living with HIV. Diagnosed in her 20's, Kelly has turned a heartbreaking diagnosis into a passion to educate. We talk about how she contracted the virus, the coping mechanism that saved her live and the major role Planned Parenthood played in her journey. Oh ya, plus we drank. A lot. To follow Kelly's journey, follow her on Instagram @KellyGluckman. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics! *episode notes* If you need sexual health and family planning services, please go to Planned Parenthood and/or Venice Family Clinic (Los Angles based) For more information about HIV & AIDS: https://www.poz.com/, http://www.hivequal.org/ and https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/ The Through Positive Eyes exhibit at the Fowler Museum at UCLA is going until Feb 16, 2020. If you'd like to see Kelly perform, head over to the website and check the dates and times.

Immigration. It's a hot topic these days. No matter what your political opinion is on the matter, here's our question: have you actually talked to someone who immigrated to America? Do you know their story? Today we talk to creative director extraordinaire Nicole Solissison. Her family fled the Philippines 20 years ago and are still having a hard time finding a pathway to citizenship. Every immigration story is different. With Nicole we talk about how an ICE agent helped her family, what it's like being a DACA recipient and how the overall system is just a cluster fuck of insanity. The only way the country will be able to find solutions to our immigration problem is to talk to people who know what's wrong with the system. We hope this episode starts a dialogue. To follow Nicole, follow her on Instagram @NicoleSolissison. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Is reiki actually healing? Are crystals just bullshit colored rocks? Join us as we deep dive into the world of “high vibe” frequencies and tarot cards. In today’s episode we chat with Frances Naude, a reiki healer, tarot card reader, yoga teacher and owner of Four Noble Holistic Health about what it’s like to be an energy channel and healer. To follow Frances, check out her website www.fournobleholistichealth.com and follow her on Instagram @four.noble.health If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Codependency and fear of abandonment.  Both issues we all have to work through in order to have successful relationships, but what if those were issues you inherited from birth? In today's episode we talked to Ali Jameson; a writer, speaker, creator, who was adopted at birth.  Ali talked with us about communicating with her birth mom, how being adopted has affected her relationships and how she is growing from heartbreak. Now, Ali is focusing on discovering her authentic self. This woman emanates strength. A must listen!   To follow Ali check out her podcast, Unraveling To Self, and follow her on Instagram @AlissaJameson and @ConsciousHealingCollective. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics! 

Who runs the world? Girls. Of all shapes and sizes, that is. This week we talk to Britney Vest, a health + wellness lifestyle blogger and Instagram influencer who shared her weight loss journey (she lost 80 lbs!). We talk about how Laura forced Britney to go to Bali, why Victoria's Secret sucks and photoshopping cellulite. To follow Britney check out her blog here and follow her on Instagram @fittybritty. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics!

Everything you thought you knew about cancer was wrong. Fuck. Annie Bond is on our show today, a talented comedian (and dog owner) who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at 26. Apparently you can do everything right and still get breast cancer?! Annie talks about navigating the American healthcare system (surprise, it's impossible), dealing with the loss of friends and how a look-a-like Bernie Sanders helped saved her life. To follow Annie on her journey or to see her next improve show, head over to her Instagram @TheAnnieBond If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on everything Heavy Topics! @HeavyTopics

In this incredibly raw interview with The Love Gurus LA we talk about SEX. Aila and Jonathan, the couple behind Love Gurus LA, emphasize our need for connection: Connection with our partners and connection with ourselves and our bodies. To say this conversation was eye opening would be an understatement. Have we been having sex wrong this whole time?? Thanks Jonathan and Aila for spending your afternoon with us. If you're interested in attending one of their courses, head over to their website or Instagram @TheLoveGurusLA. Here are the books that were brought up in the episode: Women's Anatomy of Arousal by Sheri Winston, Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you enjoyed this episode please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment on your favorite podcast platform. Until then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @heavytopics.

In today's episode we are talking to Jillian, who is a legal courtesan working in a brothel in Nevada. We break down the stigma of being a sex worker, the consequences of legalizing prostitution and how her work really affects her marriage. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on everything Heavy Topics!

Welcome to our first episode of Heavy Topics with Lightweights! This episode serves as an introduction into who we are, how our friendship began (hint hint, guy drama) and what listeners can expect from our new podcast. During this episode we talk about KKK members, not being married at 30 and trying to make a difference in a world where likes and followers rule. If you have any suggestions as to who we should talk to during our podcast, email heavytopics@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, please remember to leave us a comment on your favorite streaming platform. It would mean so much to us!

Welcome to Heavy Topics with Lightweights! We are best friends Aja Dang and Laura Varney and are launching our very first podcast episode on July 3. We take happy hour to a whole new level with unfiltered discussions about politics, popular culture, sex and real life struggles - all while drinking a glass (or two). Stay up to date with all our shenanigans on Instagram and Facebook and we hope to see you on July 3.