Catherine Connors went from Academia (Sessional Lecturer at University of Toronto) to Disney Executive (Head of Content and Editor In Chief of Disney Interactive). I have shivers as she shares her story. We talk about why myths and stories matter. Is the Disney Princess Good or Evil? This is a complex question for so many reasons, but all I can say is that she changed my mind.  Catherine writes the Her Bad Mother blog (named one of TIME’s Top 25 Blogs of 2012.) She co-authored The Feminine Revolution with Amy K. Stanton (who I interviewed a few episodes ago.) I could listen to Catherine talk All Day Long.  Her Bad Mother has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, the American Prospect, the London Times, and sundry other publications, as well as on CNN, ABC, CBC and the BBC online. Catherine has made appearances on most major media outlets, including CNN, NPR, and Good Morning America, addressing all variety of topics related to motherhood, feminism, media, and femininity — sometimes all at once.  Show Notes: Her Bad Mother Blog  http://herbadmother.com/  The Feminine Revolution   Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580058124/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=herbadmother-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1580058124&linkId=f02e3b38324282e3fc3f94721f48e0f6  The CSI Effect  https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=5593372&page=1  This Changes Everything (2019, On Netflix)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPGwJmSMoPs  History of Cinderella  https://www.vox.com/2015/3/15/8214405/cinderella-fairy-tale-history  Follow Catherine at: https://www.instagram.com/herbadmother/  Follow Flipflops at: https://www.instagram.com/flipflops_podcast/

I first "met" Leslie Stephens when she 24 years old and newly hired at the lifestyle blog Cupcakes & Cashmere. She was introduced to us readers as an adventurous person with a multitude of interests. During her time at C&C, she created "The List" that came out every Monday. It became a must-read for recipe, music, movie, podcast and tv show recommendations. She organized events that connected the audience to the team at C&C. She also created the sponsored content that helped grow the brand.  In August, Leslie announced she was leaving her role as VP Content at Cupcakes & Cashmere to pursue her Master's Degree. "The List" has since evolved into her NEW newsletter "Morning Person", which is what you are missing in your inbox.  I have been fortunate enough to create a personal relationship with Leslie through my interview with the brilliant writer Thao Thai. (listen to our chat here!) When that episode came out, I shared it with Leslie. In a massive act of generosity, she volunteered to help me with this podcast. This act of generosity is a great example of her character, and testament to the fact that she is fueled by helping others. In this episode, we talk about why she left C&C to go back to school to study psychology, and how she is navigating all the feelings that come with such a huge career pivot. She shares why she decided to study social media addiction and eco-psychology through a social justice lens. We also talk about what she learned at C&C, capsule closets and what is currently on her nightstand. Show Notes: Sign up for Morning Person here at www.morningpersonnewsletter.com Follow Leslie on Instagram @LeslieSteph Follow me on Instagram @flipflops_podcast Leslie's Recommendations: Amor Towles Jia Tolentino Sex Education The Alpinist On The Verge

You know Rafferty's dad as "Richard from Texas" from the book Eat, Pray, Love written by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book took the world by storm when Liz (and later Richard) appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show". The popularity of the book propelled Gilbert into the international spotlight. Richard nicknamed her "Groceries" and gave Liz the wisdom to find inner peace, using his signature sense of humor. Richard could break down even the most esoteric spiritual guidance, into bite-sized treats. Sadly, Richard passed away in 2010. Rafferty has his father's wit and humble charm. We chat about how meditation and yoga saved his life. He breaks down his spiritual practices, and shares how he and his dad repaired their relationship. We talk about how he digests the media and approaches life during uncertain times. I was so moved by his powerful words and life force that I didn't even ask him about meeting the stars of the movie, but maybe that will be for another day. Show Notes: Rafferty's Guru and his yoga programs.  Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Isha Foundation You can find Rafferty on IG @meat_raff You can find me @Flipflops_podcast Thank you Jennifer Ettinger for this very special introduction. xx

When I grow up, I want to be this woman. Amy K Stanton owns a PR agency that promotes female athletes. She co-authored the book The Feminine Revolution. She is a TEDx speaker. She was the first-ever chief marketing officer (CMO) for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She has travelled the world. She is the coolest, most laid-back powerhouse I've ever met. We talk transitions, finding our super powers, and why she wrote a book about femininity. We also talk about the passions that saved her during the pandemic. I salivate while we talk about her life in Venice and NYC.   Amy recently co-authored The Feminine Revolution with Catherine Connors, challenging the idea that femininity is weak, and encouraging women to redefine and embrace their feminine qualities as sources of power. Everyone from People to Cosmo to Ms. Magazine liked it (yes, Cosmo AND Ms. Magazine.) Buy it here.  Follow Amy K Stanton on IG @Amykstaton  Follow Angelique on IG @Flipflops_podcast Dance teacher Kiari Kirk (Kiki)

To say this conversation went to an unexpected place is an under statement. Jennifer has had a magic carpet ride of a career while remaining grounded and generous. She shares her story that starts in New York City and goes all the way to the Oscars red carpet. From her health struggles, insecurities, and crisis, she shares it all and inspires us to share our backstage experience. Jennifer leads by example - be authentic, and step into your power. What does all of that actually mean? Listen, and find out. She definitely changed how I see my current situation.  Jennifer amplifies brand voices and shares the 3 secrets she has successfully used to connect to, and grow an audience.  Follow Jennifer at Fit Your Style  Follow Pink Dreams at Pink Dreams.Inc Follow Flipflops at Flipflops_podcast Follow me Angelique D G

LA-based podcaster, chef and mother of two, Lauren Lobley is a savvy ambitious entrepreneur. I discovered her podcast The Mom Feed while doing research on Cassandra Troy Walker for my Creative Couples series. Lauren's ease behind the microphone makes her feel like a long-time friend.  I chat with Lauren about her transition into motherhood, and her journey from boxed cake maker, to red velvet cake baker to Barbra Streisand. We talk about why Lauren is on a mission to provide support to millions of mothers. I also pick her brain about how she is growing her audience, and what she has learned after one year of podcasting. Her fearless desire to share her raw emotions that come with motherhood makes me laugh, cry and share like we are besties. Lauren's extensive research on the topic of motherhood makes her a teacher and a necessary resource. Lauren is a mother of 2 on a mission to support other mamas in this enduring journey through motherhood! A certified health coach, published cookbook author and yoga studio co-owner of 5 Point Yoga in Malibu, CA, Lauren's world was rocked off its axis when she became a mom in 2016 to her daughter, Madison Grace. She knew it would be challenging, but she wasn't prepared to be met with feelings that didn't seem welcome: resentment, anger, fear, a deep sense of loss and grief over her identity pre-child, and a sense of confusion as she tried to navigate who she was now. She identified an inexcusable lack of support by her care providers as a new mother and after the birth of her second child, Liam Edward, in 2019, she decided she wanted to be a part of a movement to change that. The Mom Feed Podcast was born just 6 months after her son was, and with it came raw, honest conversations with experts in all fields pertaining to motherhood and parenting. With new episodes every Thursday, The Mom Feed aims to be the virtual village that every mother needs as she steps into her role and navigates the inevitable transitions that come with motherhood. You can follow Lauren Lobley at The Mom Feed blog and on IG at The Mom Feed Podcast. You can follow me on IG and Flipflops on IG.

I jumped off the couch when I saw Mark O'Brien walk onscreen in Marriage Story starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. I had interviewed Mark back in 2018 when he was fresh off the set of the Oscar-nominated Arrival, starring Amy Adams, and I've been following his career ever since.  Mark plays the unstable Jimmy Ryan in the Ben Affleck/Matt Damon produced City on a Hill starring Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge. Georgina also has a recurring role in the Boston-based drama, but I truly fell for her in Baker and the Beauty. She plays Piper, best friend to Noa (Nathalie Kelley) in the Netflix show that rated number 1. She is pure light. It was such a joy chatting with them about their marriage story, their hilarious proposal mix-up, and the trick they played on their wedding guests. We talk parenting, red carpets, A-list Hollywood parties and skincare hacks Georgina picked up from Nathalie Kelley.  Mark wrote and directed his first film THE RIGHTEOUS, which will make its World Premiere at Fantasia Festival August 15 & 18th 2021. Get info and tickets here. Mark is also upcoming in the highly anticipated feature BLUE BAYOU (opposite Alicia Vikander and Justin Chon). The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival this summer and will be released in the US on September 17th. BLUE BAYOU is a moving and timely story of an American family fighting for their future. Mark plays Ace, a police officer, whose moral compass drives the film’s central conflict- choosing between family or what he’s legally bound to do.  Mark’s performance in this film is incredibly moving and some of the most gut-wrenching and impactful moments. Watch the trailer here. CSI: Vegas is set to debut on CBS on October 6, 2021 so stay tuned! Follow Georgina and Mark on IG. Follow Flipflops on IG. Follow me on IG.

Toni Purry ran a successful LA-biased PR company for 10 years during a recession. After about 8 years, the PR rock star fell out of love with her company, but didn't know why. After she shut down her business, located in a gorgeous space in LA, she felt like "the biggest loser". Inspired by a documentary on Mohammed Ali, she took two days to write down all her life wins. The process was life-changing. Toni decided to write "My Hype Book', a motivational guided journal that will change the lens through which you see yourself. The book helps readers give themselves much needed grace in a world that pushes us to constantly chase arbitrary carrots. She ran a successful Kickstarter campaign that funded  the printing of the book. Toni has generously offered 5$ off the book to us! (Use the code: FLIPFLOPSHYPE when you buy the book here.)  Toni and I talk about why she fell out of love with her business, how she robbed herself and her employees by not celebrating their wins, and how she suffered in silence when she was uncertain about whether or not to make a career pivot. Toni shares how journaling through her book will not only shift your mindset by turning your perceived failures into wins, but help you surrender to the journey, instead of constantly setting the barre so high you exhaust yourself, and lose sight of how amazing you are.  Toni is one of the warmest women I have had the chance to speak to. She is a Positioning & Visibility Strategist available to speak at events, facilitate workshops, and work one-on-one with clients who need strategic help hyping their brand. You can purchase the book here. Just use the code FLIPFLOPSHYPE to receive 5$ off.  Toni Purry IG  My Hype Book IG  Flipflops IG

I love this woman! Formerly a Hollywood Marketing Executive, Celebrity Chef Katie Chin pivoted her career when her mother reintroduced her to cooking (and eating!) Together they wrote a cookbook and had their own PBS cooking show filmed in Hawaii. Sadly, her mother passed but Katie kept going. She started her own catering business called Wok Star Catering and has cooked for Cyndi Lauper, Nate Berkus, Anna Sui, Sandra Oh and a host of other celebs. She has been a judge on Iron Chef! She has cooked at the White House and met the Obamas. (What a cute encounter she had with them!) In March of 2020 when the pandemic hit and events stopped, Katie started a virtual cooking show with her daughter on a whim. This led to a whole new business. Katie has written 5 cookbooks. Her latest "Katie Chin's Global Family Cookbook" just came out on June 22nd. The book is a celebration of diversity and inclusion with food. I can't wait for you to hear her story and find out what she has learned along the way. SHOW NOTES: Katie Chin Website Katie Chin Instagram Buy "Katie Chin's Global Family Cookbook" Flipflops Podcast IG

Ever since I saw Andrew Walker and Cassandra Troy Walker post that they succeeded in getting their juice company Little West into the fridges at Whole Foods, I have wanted to chat with them about their story. Andrew and Cassandra live in LA but they met in Montreal, Canada. Andrew is a successful actor and a Hallmark movie star who has been living in LA since he was 20 years old. He is also an entrepreneur who whips people into a frenzy with his ideas and passion. Cassandra is an equally magnetic entrepreneur and a passionate foodie. Both are the epitome of an approachable healthy lifestyle. This episode is the first in a new series I am launching called Creative Couples. I want to celebrate romance, marriage and real partnership. We have all had a challenging time the last year and a half, so let's all pat ourselves on the back for getting through! We talk about how they met, their engagement and wedding story, Cassandra's transition to LA, why they spontaneously decided to open a juice bar and why Little West is so special. They also make a HUGE announcement that I am so excited to share with all of you. We also talk about why their marriage works, and the meaning they both derived from the pandemic experience. Little West juice is an Ultra Premium Cold Pressed Juice. Farm to Bottle in 48 Hrs. 2-4 lbs of Raw Produce per Bottle. No Added Sugar or Preservatives. SHOW NOTES: Little West Juice Company Big Green Learning Gardens Eco Drive Build On  Andrew Walker IG Cassandra Troy Walker IG Little West IG