Very Nearly Almost

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Kelsey Logan (she/they), LMSW. Now a psychotherapist for individuals and couples with a clinical focus on sexuality and gender, Kelsey opens up about pivoting from the music and theatre goals that felt expected of her--by others and more importantly, by herself. Plus, she shares her experience advocating for herself when her doctor brushed off what turned out to be endometriosis. 

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with bald baddie, alopecia advocate, physical therapist and recent newlywed Sarah Guenzburger. The ladies get honest about the ups and downs of dating with alopecia, navigating being a bald bride–or being a bald girlie in a wedding party!–and finding true, authentic love–just as Sarah did with her husband Marcus. Plus, Sarah shares how alopecia was even part of her and Marcus' special wedding day.

In this episode, Lindsey interviews Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Armani Latimer about rocking her baldness on live TV at a Monday night football game in a stadium of 80,000 people this past December. Latimer shares her alopecia journey, discusses the healing and hardship of being a professional dancer when it comes to self-image and even reveals her tips for keeping her wig secure--even during the show-stopping, hair-whip-worthy "Thunderstruck" routine. Plus, Latimer touches on whether fans will catch her on the second season of Netflix's hit docuseries, America's Sweethearts.

In this episode, Lindsey interviews award-winning journalist, menopause advocate, filmmaker and content creator Tamsen Fadal. She is a co-producer on the documentary The M Factor: Shedding the Silence on Menopause, set to premiere on PBS on October 17 ahead of World Menopause Day on October 18. In March, she will publish her newest book How to Menopause. Tamsen opens up about her own experience entering menopause and midlife and how gaps in guidance inspired her to seek out answers and support, not just for herself but for all women. This is a powerful conversation about rewriting narratives for yourself and others.

In this solo episode, Lindsey opens up about her history with alopecia treatment, the over-a-decade pause she took and coming back to it in the form of taking the JAK inhibitor Lifulo by Pfizer. She also discusses the healing process of penning a piece in The Cut about recalibrating her identity as a woman pursuing treatment for her hair loss.

In this episode, Lindsey takes you inside the 2024 National Alopecia Areata Foundation conference. It took place this past June in Washington, D.C. The D.C. setting is an important one for alopecia advocacy work. As listeners know all too well, it's an election year. It feels like government and public policy are at the forefront of minds and memes, but all that stuff can also feel so divisive and simply out of reach. And what might any that have to do with alopecia? Well, as it happens–a lot! NAAF has an entire Legislative Liaison program in which people with alopecia all across the country–and members of their support squad–aim to meet with their local legislators to implement real, tangible change for those with hair loss. Don't worry – Lindsey and special guests from this year's conference -- including NAAF co-founder Donna Murray and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley -- are going to break it all down for you.  Plus, head to Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day and learn all about the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act.  Next year's NAAF conference will take place in Chicago on June 26, 27, 28 and 29th. 

Happy Alopecia Awareness month! In this episode, Lindsey interviews Simon Rubenstein. He's the youngest board member on the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Board of Directors. He's also a film director, a producer, a writer, a photographer, a multicam operator, a community organizer and a business entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of empowering others in the community through choice, be that treatment access, wigs or rocking what you've got. Simon also shares about his experience navigating purchasing and wearing a wig as a guy and curating confidence through activity and community as opposed to looks that can't be controlled. He really puts the highs and lows of hair loss life in perspective, both personally and as a front-facing NAAF board member and role model for the alopecia community. Plus, he shares his thoughts on recently FDA-approved treatments.

In this episode, Lindsey is combining her passions for theater, hair and self-image in a conversation with 2024 Tony honoree Nikiya Mathis. The ultimate multi-hyphenate, Nikiya is a classically trained actress with an MFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts as well as a wig and hair designer who has lent her talents to shows like Chicken & Biscuits, Death of a Salesman, Topdog/Underdog, Once Upon a One More Time, The Heart of Rock and Roll, Home, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and of course, Jocelyn Bioh's 2024 Tony-nominated play, Jaja's African Hair Braiding. She opens up to Lindsey about what called her to performing, the experiences that inspired her to take on supporting her peers with their hair and ultimately, becoming an acclaimed Broadway wig and hair designer. Nikiya even shares some great tips and questions to consider when purchasing a wig.  

In this episode, Lindsey has the opportunity to combine her passions for theater and connecting with others via Very Nearly Almosts. She spoke with Becca Schneider. Her solo show TRICH, which chronicles her experience with trichotillomania, was the top-selling play at the 2021 United Solo Theatre Festival at Theatre Row in NYC, winning both the Best Actress and Audience Choice Awards. It's now performing regionally and is headed to Allentown later this month. Becca and Lindsey connected over their enthusiasm for the arts–but also over the interesting similarities between these two very different types of hair loss.

In this episode, Lindsey deep dives into hair loss with Baldie Con creator Felicia Flores. The ladies discuss dating with alopecia, how Flores' hair loss journey inspired her to create Baldie Con and what exciting developments are on the way for the annual event down the road. 

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Joyel Crawford. She is a TEDx speaker and the best-selling author of Show Your  Ask! She is also the CEO and Founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies and the host of the Career View Mirror podcast. The ladies discuss Joyel's alopecia journey and how she's turned her own process of sharing her shine into a practice with her clients. Plus, she offers insight for disclosing alopecia in the workplace and an adorable story about her husband. 

Happy Alopecia Awareness Month! Lindsey kicks it off with Morgan a.k.a. Bald Baddie. Though she strikes a power pose like no other and has amassed nearly 30,000 followers, she--like many!--had a hard time dealing with bullying when she first lost her hair at age 16. Morgan talks about honing her confidence and how those painful experiences drove her to transform into Bald Baddie. She opens up about finding one's own "sexy," educating others about hair loss and even reacts to some recent regrowth she's had. 

Meredith Lesley is back to open up about the latest chapter of her weight loss journey: having surgery to get her extra skin removed! After experiencing a tummy tuck as well as breast and arm lifts, she is here to offer perspective on an often stigmatized part of the weight loss process. Plus, she and Lindsey talk about the problem with insurance and "cosmetic" conditions, what "summer body" really means and what Meredith thinks about plastic surgery doubters. A National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer, weight loss specialist and nutritionist, Meredith guides and supports her clients in defining, sustaining and maintaining their own personal best bodies. Head here to work with her.    DISCLAIMER: Neither Lindsey Sullivan or Meredith Lesley are medical professionals. Please consult a medical professional if interested in plastic surgery.

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Devin Tomb regarding her hair loss and ultimate regrowth journey. They dive into her Hearst-nominated essay, "As 100,000 Strands Fell," which she wrote for Good Housekeeping in 2017. She looks back on losing her hair, dating as a bald woman and regrowing her hair completely using JAK inhibitors.  

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with award-winning director and writer Rachel Fleit, who most recently directed BAMA RUSH about sorority women at the University of Alabama. In the documentary, Fleit turns the camera on herself and addresses her lifelong journey with alopecia. Lindsey and Rachel take a deeper dive into that journey, her intentions for her next project, why she was drawn to filmmaking, dating as a bald baddie lifer and more. In addition to BAMA RUSH, Rachel's first documentary feature was the critically acclaimed Introducing, Selma Blair, which follows Selma Blair as she attempts to adapt to new ways of living after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Both documentaries are available on Max. 

Lindsey's back with a vulnerable update and an exciting inside look at her very first NAAF Conference in Denver, Colorado! The National Alopecia Areata Foundation has an annual conference for those with alopecia and their supporters. Hear from first-time attendees and returners about what it's like to spend an entire weekend with people who truly understand what they're going through.

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Elizabeth "Ellie" Haney, the founder of Hanesie, a clothing company that promotes mental health awareness. Though they are both from the same picture perfect Connecticut town, she chronicles her journey with anxiety. From not being able to get out of bed in college to feeling fueled by creating clothing, Haney now celebrates her purpose of serving others with her story and offering comfort both physically and mentally with her products. Very Nearly Almost listeners can receive 20% off using the code "verynearly20" at checkout at hanesie.com. 

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Rachel Estabrook, who opens up about the skin insecurities she had growing up and how they ultimately led her on a path of becoming a professional makeup artist. She gets candid about how her definition of "beauty" has changed throughout her life.

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Marie-Blanche Castagne, a college student from France, about navigating alopecia areata from an early age. From dating to now cutting her friends' hair, she dishes on what it's really like to be a college lady with hair loss. Plus, she shares the best wig tips!

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Amara Aleman, who her Instagram and TikTok followers know as Amara ArtSpots. Following a vitiligo diagnosis back in 2017, Amara hid her body away, staying home and covering up with makeup and long sleeves. Here, she and Lindsey discuss using self-care to reclaim one's identity, building a support system and taking good risks to propel one's self-acceptance forward.

In this episode, actor Jillian Sayegh joins Lindsey for a conversation about the struggles she's experienced accepting her curly hair and paving a professional and personal path that refuses to be built on people pleasing. Sayegh has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Orange Is the New Black, Gotham and more. She's done print work for brands such as Dr. Teals and has partnered with DevaCurl. Sayegh has also been a stand-in for stars on shows like Quantico, Search Party and more. Follow her @jilliansayegh and @mysmallbiteofthebigapple. 

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Julie Yoo, a fellow co-founder of the Alopecia Justice League. She has two daughters with alopecia and details her family's journey in navigating their hair loss. Plus, Julie shares her own story of having doors opened for her and why those experiences have shaped her into the advocate she is today.

The teen years can be some of the toughest to face having alopecia, but Alison Lee has taken her story of self-love and turned it into a mission to advocate for others. In this episode, Lindsey speaks with the 16-year-old about co-founding the Alopecia Justice League together, her early alopecia days and even the alopecia rom-com she wrote.

In this episode, Lindsey gabs with her alopecia pal Anja Bandulj. She shares the story of discovering she had alopecia on the evening of her junior prom and chronicles the emotional process behind deciding to eventually shave her head. She and Lindsey talk in-depth about the fluctuation of acceptance with their alopecia.

National Alopecia Areata Foundation support group leaders unite in this latest episode! Lindsey speaks with New Jersey leader Lasandra Johnson about her unexpected hair loss journey, hitting rock bottom and coming out of it triumphant and flourishing with self love. Johnson discusses the process of getting her mother to understand and accept her alopecia and shares insight about rocking one's crown proudly.

In this episode, Lindsey speaks with Abby Andrew, who uses her incredible YouTube channel and sizeable social media following to express herself, offer insight about alopecia and rock some truly gorgeous wigs. The ladies spoke about discovering their alopecia at an early age as well as their respective emotional turning points in their journeys of acceptance and eventually advocacy. Abby really dove into the pros and cons of having a platform to tell her story, and even shared a scenario where a publication unfairly redirected the narrative about her alopecia journey.

It would be untrue and frankly harmful not to point out that there are numerous factors at play with the situation that happened between Chris Rock and Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. In this bonus episode, host Lindsey Sullivan is joined by previous VNA guests Supriya Surender and Suhani Parikh to take a deep dive into the alopecia side of the story. They continue to bring the conversation back to Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia journey and explore the power of platforms, why alopecia and most appearance jokes make for lazy comedy at best and even broaching Sunday's sitch with the men in their life. Whether you Googled "alopecia" for the very first time on Oscar night, are supporting a loved one with the condition or are a member of the alopecia community yourself, they hope to play a part in paving the path forward.

Lindsey reacts to what happened between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars and offers her support to Jada Pinkett Smith.

In this episode, Lindsey Sullivan speaks with Ozzie Martinez about his alopecia journey. In this the first VNA sit-down with a dude, he provides insight about why the condition can be so difficult for men to experience--especially in a world where the harmful general narrative is that only women must worry about their appearances. In addition, they discuss the rarity of vulnerable sharing within male friendships, the power of sports and even dating. 

Suhani Parikh  is a mother of three and the founder of Modern Marigold Books. In this two-part episode, she and Lindsey discuss her alopecia journey and how it inspired her book Shreya's Very Own Style.  Children's books are powerful ways to teach kids values and acceptance of others. This episode is full of advice and resources for both parents and teachers about navigating a child's alopecia--or talking about their own alopecia experience with young children.

Velena Jones is a reporter for CBS Sacramento. In her early 20s, a mysterious illness and the medications it called for caused her hair to fall out. Here, she and host Lindsey Sullivan discuss navigating her identity as as not only a Black woman but as an on-camera journalist during that tumultuous time and how she's arrived at a place of acceptance where she can recognize the power in sharing her own story.  

Alopecia is not the topic at hand in this holiday bonus episode of Very Nearly Almost. Meredith Lesley opens up about her weight loss journey and the moment she felt called to become a certified personal trainer and inspire others to map out what wellness means for them.  Plus, Meredith shares her tips for navigating holiday time, when negative self talk around food and New Year's resolutions can feel exceedingly overwhelming.

Lindsey marks her tenth episode of Very Nearly Almost with reading an essay she wrote a few years ago about dating with alopecia. 

Lindsey sits down with Lily Hakim to talk about her early alopecia diagnosis, the restricted diet she grew up with as a result and even being mistaken as a boy by a teacher growing up. Lily is now the Director of Executive Operations at Pfizer. She shares about struggling with autonomy as a young alopecia patient who could not make an informed decision about her healthcare (with an already limited field of treatment options) and why it means so much to play a role in getting others the care they need today. Plus, the turning point where she decided to take charge of her own identity.

In this week's episode, Lindsey sits down with Darlenys Rosa. She graced the pages of Allure this past September to share her story and her shine for Alopecia Awareness month. Darlenys speaks in-depth with Lindsey about the bullying they both experienced growing up and how far she has come in embracing her baldness and speaking to herself move positively. Plus, she discusses meeting her husband and getting ready to welcome their first child.

Alopecia isn't just hard for those facing it; it can also be hard to navigate for those in their support systems. In this week's episode, Lindsey sits down with her mom and dad for a conversation about becoming first-time parents to a daughter with alopecia areata and supporting her to become the strong, beautiful, podcast-hosting, pug-enthusiast woman she is today. In addition, Lindsey's father, who also has alopecia areata, speaks candidly about his own experience with the condition. The couple also offers insight to other parents who may be struggling to support their own child with alopecia. 

Lindsey loves when people ask her how she met her friend Katherine Sarci-Tucker. In this episode, Lindsey and Katherine discuss how their very different alopecia journeys brought them together. Katherine opens up about how alopecia's unwelcome return to her life brought her closer to her support systems, choosing to pursue treatment and how far she's come in terms of self-acceptance. Plus, Lindsey and Katherine officially dub Schitt's Creek icon Moira Rose THE wig queen.

The latest interview episode starts not with a question, but with a story. For years, Nicole Arzoomanian and Lindsey Sullivan thought the friendship circles they ran in were the only thing they had in common. In this sit-down, the ladies talk about their respective alopecia journeys. Plus, Arzoomanian shares where she purchased her superwoman wig and tips for selecting yours.

Dominique Claire is a coach, blogger, dancer and so much more. In this week's episode, she opens up to Lindsey about being called an "alien" as a kid, growing up with an identical twin who doesn't have alopecia areata, her relationship with her husband and the baby they have on the way. They also talk about the differences between living with alopecia areata in Australia versus New York City, the insanity of the beauty industry and how hair loss brings a certain type of grief for those experiencing it. Both Lindsey and Dominique opened up about how the loss of loved ones in their lives inspired them to put their moments of self-acceptance and self-confidence into action for the benefit of others.

Supriya Surender a.k.a. Baldie Boo joins Lindsey to talk about her journey from suddenly losing her hair at age 32 to completely dreading her 35th birthday to becoming a beacon of light and positivity for the alopecia community.  Supriya discusses the treatments she initially tried, why she decided to stop treating her alopecia, opening up to her boyfriend about her hair loss, starting Baldie Boo and more.

Hair loss doctor Kristen Lo Sicco joins Lindsey for Very Nearly Almost's very first interview episode. In this one, hair loss gets broken down to basics. But there's nothing basic about this interview. This is an amazing episode for those newly diagnosed with alopecia, those who may want to know about the latest treatments available, where to go for info on participating in clinical trials and for those who may be supporting someone with alopecia areata and want to know more. Kristen and Lindsey talk about everything from what is going on in the body when alopecia areata happens to all of the current treatments available and what inspired someone with THE MOST gorgeous hair to dedicate her life to advocating for those with hair loss.

Lindsey Sullivan very nearly almost has a full head of hair. Or she's very nearly almost bald. It all depends on how you look at it. The New York-based writer, content producer and National Alopecia Areata Foundation support group leader shares her story about being diagnosed with alopecia areata at age two. In this podcast, she chronicles her experience with alopecia, journeys towards self-love and encourages you to do the same.