Brutally Anna

This week, I’m closing the chapter on Brutally Anna by talking about mile 20—of the New York City Marathon, yes, but also of life. I ran that race back in 2017, and the thing about a marathon is you always know how far you have left. In life, you don’t. And this year felt like mile 23 for me: mentally brutal, spiritually draining, career-wise confusing, and laced with the kind of disappointment that makes quitting look like relief. But pushing through reminded me that the breakthrough always comes after the part where you think you can’t keep going. I get into the messy middle of my career, how I’m retraining my brain, why I’m stepping back from podcasting for now, and why giving up the right things is sometimes the smartest, bravest way to get to your own finish line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, I’m talking about why I think the word “soulmate” is kind of bullshit—not because love isn’t real, but because we use that word to trap ourselves in relationships that aren’t actually right for us. I share how I once assigned the title “soulmate” to practically every man I dated in my twenties, what finally shifted when I met my husband, and why I now believe the strongest, healthiest relationships aren’t about fate or twin flames or being “meant to be”—they’re about two people choosing each other on purpose, every day, especially when life gets hard. I also get into how the soulmate label often keeps women stuck, why our culture rewards “pick me” behavior, and how the real work of love is not finding the missing half of your soul, but becoming whole yourself first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode is about how I think I accidentally found the cure for doom-scrolling: doing nothing—on purpose. Lately I’ve been trying to detach from my phone because I realized that constant productivity and comparison are killing my joy. Somewhere along the way, “rest” got rebranded as “laziness,” especially for women, and I’m done with that. So instead of polishing hardware or checking off my to-do list, I’ve been wandering around HomeGoods, calling it meditation. I talk about how the obsession with progress keeps us on the hamster wheel of capitalism, how my dad can go on a 14-hour flight with nothing but his thoughts, and how learning to simply exist—to be gentle, unproductive, and occasionally stupid in the best way, might actually be the most radical kind of self-care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I talk about what it’s really been like trying to get pregnant after spending my entire twenties doing everything in my power not to. I share how I went from never tracking my period to obsessing over ovulation sticks and smiley faces, and how coming off Zoloft for the first time in years forced me to actually face my hormones head-on. I get into my PMDD, the endless trial-and-error of antidepressants, the small lifestyle changes that finally helped me feel stable again, and the deeply unsexy logistics of “timed sex.” Mostly, I wanted to be honest about how no one prepares you for how hard this process can be—or how much it messes with your sense of control. It’s equal parts confessional, fertility crash course, and reminder that wanting a baby doesn’t automatically make it easy to have one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that if no one saw it, it didn’t happen — that joy requires an audience and meaning needs proof. In this episode, I talk about the psychological cost of living life through a camera roll: how documenting our memories actually weakens them, how performance has replaced presence, and why so many of our “best days” — including my wedding — end up feeling hollow when we live them for others. From weddings to friendships to social media validation, this is about reclaiming your life from the witnesses. Because the moment doesn’t become real when you post it — it becomes real when you let it belong only to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’ve ghosted more people this year than any other year of my life — and I don’t feel bad about it. The truth is, when you start building something of your own, people come crawling out of the woodwork. Old acquaintances suddenly want to “catch up,” but what they really want is a favor, a contact, a shortcut. For a long time, I said yes to everyone because I thought it made me kind. I thought giving without limits was the price of being a good person. But generosity without discernment isn’t kindness — it’s self-abandonment. In this episode, I talk about the difference between being needed and being wanted, and why it’s okay if people think you’re a “shitty person” for having boundaries. Because sometimes protecting your peace means disappointing everyone who only showed up to take a piece of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I’m talking about the art of dining alone, and why sometimes community is just you, your fork, and the courage to sit there unapologetically. Spoiler: I went out for sushi by myself, got seated in the middle of strangers’ dates, and somehow ended up in an accidental fake date with a man named Brad. We’ll also get into why friendships fade, why I don’t want a “big circle,” and why a Friday night on the couch with Dave, Sawyer, and Dateline might be the ultimate dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a couple months since I dropped into your ears, and I wanted to be honest about where I’ve been. I hit pause on podcasting to rethink my career, launch my Substack (maybe both), and figure out if this mic was really the best place for me to share. In that break, I realized two things: one, I hate editing video clips more than anything in the world, and two, I still love the freedom of just talking to you like this. So, I’m back for an eight-episode run—no promises beyond that, but I’ll be upfront with you when we get to the end. Today’s episode is about death and how losing people too soon has reshaped the way I live. I talk about stripping away the performance in friendships, birthdays, even social media, and focusing on the quiet, un-Instagrammable parts of life that actually make it worth living. If you’ve ever felt caught in the grind of “what’s next,” this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I respond to a listener who knows her marriage is over—but can’t shake the guilt of being the one to end it. We talk about why women are taught to feel like the villain when they choose themselves, how shame is inherited, and what it really means to leave a life that was never built for you. If you’ve ever thought, “But he’s not that bad,” or “Who will I be if I walk away?”—this one’s for you. Also: why toilet paper holders are a metaphor for personal growth. Sort of. Just listen. ALL MY CHANNELS Newsletter: https://maybeboth.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode is brought to you by: the delusion that a man who lies to you repeatedly is still somehow “99% amazing.” In this episode, I unpack: Why 99% perfect still isn’t enough when the other 1% is gaslighting What it really means when you say “he’s so great, except…” Why “second chances” are often just “I’m scared to be alone” in a trench coat The emotional equivalent of playing a rigged slot machine with your self-worth And how to know when you’re not actually confused — you’re just stalling If you’re currently debating whether to leave a man who keeps texting other women — this episode is for you. Because you deserve more than 99%. You deserve 100%, or at the very least, a boyfriend who doesn’t flirt with married women behind your back. ALL MY CHANNELS Newsletter: https://brutalbanter.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s talk about thongs, grief, people-pleasing, and the radical act of not going to the damn party. In this episode, I unravel why I stopped molding myself into someone else’s ideal — whether it was for a man, a friend, or an aesthetic. I also talk about loss, what a photographer taught me about timing, and why your “no” doesn’t need an excuse (or a follow-up text). If you’ve ever contorted yourself to be chosen, approved of, or invited — this one's for you. Also, RIP to the thong I wore once in 2014. ALL MY CHANNELS Newsletter: https://brutalbanter.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m talking about what it feels like to be unwanted—by men, by friendships, by jobs, by the popular girls with the trendy names who never wanted to sit with you at lunch. I share what growing up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants taught me about invisibility, advocacy, and watching my mom try to return a pot to Kmart in broken English while I stood there, 7 years old, already learning what it means to feel small. I talk about how I’ve slowly learned that just because someone doesn’t want you doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It might just mean they’re not the right person, not the right door, not the right moment. I also get into rat metaphors, George Eliot, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop running and let what’s meant for you catch up. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink to be chosen—this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She’s 32, never had a boyfriend, and just dropped thousands to fund her own proposal — hotel, flowers, the ring he gave her. Meanwhile, he’s out here liking thirst traps and asking her for money for designer watches. In this episode, I unpack the heartbreak of watching someone you love choose delusion over dignity — and why trying to save them might actually be a way of avoiding your own sh*t. Also in this episode: • The difference between generosity and desperation (and how thin the line can be) • The ex-boyfriend I tried to impress with an espresso machine I couldn’t afford • Why today — some random Tuesday in June — might be your new beginning • The illusion of arrival — what happens after you get the life you begged for This is Brutally Anna 2.0 — where it's us just now, and nothing's off limits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, former director of Betches Media turned content creator Nicole Pellegrino shares her journey as we delve into her candid and often humorous takes on marriage, millennial life, and her rescue doLouie. She opens up about the impact of her mom's passing, her parents' divorce, and why she strives never to take life too seriously, because, in her words, "we're all just floating on this rock." Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Nicole: https://www.instagram.com/nicolepellegrin0 https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolepellegrin0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fashion and beauty influencer, Kristina Zias, dives into her 13-year journey from being called 'cringe' to becoming a body positivity queen featured on The Drew Barrymore Show and People Magazine. We discuss juggling motherhood, cross-country move, and running her own business and why her delusional confidence has led her to achieving (and running!) races and experiences she never thought she once could. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Kristina https://www.instagram.com/kristinazias/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinazias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I'm joined by comedy powerhouse Zarna Garg as she recounts her transition from practicing law (where her clients mostly ended up in jail) to becoming one of Variety’s '10 Comics to Watch.' Known for her razor-sharp wit, cultural insights, and brutally honest takes on life as an immigrant mom, Zarna dishes on her zig-zag journey. Imagine litigating to realizing you’re better at telling jokes about your mother-in-law than getting people out of jail. Add 16 years as a stay-at-home mom in NYC (three kids and a soul-crushing shoe-box apartment), and you have the perfect recipe for a comedy. Listen as Zarna talks about her stumble into a comedy club, where she hilariously tore into her mother-in-law and had an epiphany: 'Hey, I’m good at this!' She also doles out practical advice: dreams can change (now she’s got someone else getting her cilantro), persistence beats proof, and even gives a shout-out to her 'world-class ego destroyer' mother-in-law. Zarna's story is as inspiring as it is hilarious, packed with eye-openers on motherhood, chasing dreams, and making audiences—and mother-in-laws—laugh out loud. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Zarna https://www.instagram.com/zarnagarg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@zarnagarg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From his humble beginnings playing with Barbies, dealing with bullies, and rocking TJ Maxx instead of Abercrombie, Bran shares how he went from the "fat, poor, gay kid" to our internet gay bestie. Bran recounts his first Grindr hookup (complete with crabs) and dishes on his modern-day love life: think more situational-ships than relationships. We get real about his epic mental health breakdown, panic disorders, and how therapy and meds turned things around. Now, he's all about self-love, spreading good vibes, and focusing on making bank before worrying about love. My guest this week, Noelle Downing, shares her journey of finding joy and purpose after experiencing significant loss at a young age. Despite the loss of her mother to cancer at age seven and her father to a heart attack at age sixteen, Noelle has cultivated a life filled with optimism and creativity. She talks about her early beginnings as a content creator, her side hustles, and the perseverance that led to her success. Noelle also discusses her spiritual beliefs, the impact of her parents' deaths on her life, and the importance of rejection and resilience in shaping her path. Throughout the conversation, her optimism and self-love shine through, offering inspiration and a reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest times. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Bran: https://www.instagram.com/bran_flakezz https://www.tiktok.com/@bran_flakezz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest this week, Noelle Downing, shares her journey of finding joy and purpose after experiencing significant loss at a young age. Despite the loss of her mother to cancer at age seven and her father to a heart attack at age sixteen, Noelle has cultivated a life filled with optimism and creativity. She talks about her early beginnings as a content creator, her side hustles, and the perseverance that led to her success. Noelle also discusses her spiritual beliefs, the impact of her parents' deaths on her life, and the importance of rejection and resilience in shaping her path. Throughout the conversation, her optimism and self-love shine through, offering inspiration and a reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest times. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Noelle: https://www.instagram.com/noelledowning/ https://www.tiktok.com/@noelledowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian, social media sensation, and bestselling author Anna Akana joins me this week as she discusses her journey from dealing with the tragic loss of her sister to suicide to becoming a comedian where she found solace in making others laugh. We dive deep into the challenges of dating in LA, dealing with grief, the quirks of menstrual products, and the importance of allowing yourself to be bad at something before you get good. Plus, you'll laugh at some truly unexpected places, like when we discuss leaving a menstrual disc in for three months (yes, really). It's about turning your pain into your power and remembering to enjoy the process—even when life’s a bit of a mess. Follow Anna Kai: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Anna Akana: https://www.instagram.com/annaakana https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnaAkana https://www.tiktok.com/@annaakana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Creator of Pilates Body Hotties and former Love Is Blind cast member Raven Ross joins me this week to talk about her transformative journey from a self-described shitshow to the wellness maven she is today. Raven reflects on life in her early twenties working three jobs, the impulsive decision to join 'Love is Blind,' and navigating public scrutiny while staying true to herself. She delves into her early passion for pilates, her struggles with body image and eating disorders from her dance career, and the profound impact of losing her father suddenly last year. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Raven: https://www.instagram.com/pilatesbodyraven https://www.youtube.com/@pilatesbodyraven https://www.tiktok.com/@pilatesbodyraven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Picture this: I'm chilling (or warming really) in a swanky Utah hotel room, staring at a scenic snowy mountain while my outdoor gas fireplace blazes away because I couldn't figure out how to turn it off. I'm here on a brand trip, but before this, I was in LA for a memorial. Some heavy stuff has been on my mind: the sudden loss of loved ones, the meaning of life, and what's truly important. Spoiler: It's not meeting work deadlines. I'm also grappling with our existence, the supernatural, and what's out there after our brains clock out. There's even a spooky story about a kid seeing a deceased 'Uncle Jack'. Major existential vibes. Oh, and plot twist: this will be my last solo podcast episode for a bit. I'm launching a fantastic newsletter called Brutal Banter, so find me there for all the inspo and skincare deets. Exciting stuff, right? Catch you on the flip side! Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter: https://brutalbanter.beehiiv.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenny Yang has tried to save the world in many ways, but for now, she's saving us all with a little bit of humor. Named as one of Variety's top 10 comics to watch. Jenny talks about her transition from her slam poetry days and a high-stress career in politics to comedy. She shares how her upbringing as an Asian American immigrant shaped her path and her passion for representation in Hollywood. Jenny opens up about personal struggles during the pandemic, including the loss of her father and coping with mental health. We also dive into her love story with her fiancé, how they met on a dating app during the pandemic, and what he said to her after she mixed up her dad's grave with a stranger's. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Jenny: https://www.instagram.com/jennyyangtv https://jennyyang.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm scared of K-12 kids, having kids, and having kids who might get bullied. Unpacking all of the above on this week's solo episode after an encounter with Girl Scouts selling cookies and why I think I'd be capable of murder (under the right circumstances! It's a joke - don't come after me FBI!). I tackle listener voicemails about toxic friendships (not all friends are forever) and family dramas. Stick around for my reflections on death and celebrating life, and why flying back to LA for a family event made me rethink the grind. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, podcaster and wellness coach Ashley Lemieux opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her unborn son to sepsis in 2020 and how she turned her grief into a mission to help others. Ashley talks about her hit podcast 'Healing Her,' her social media channels, and her bestselling books, all aimed at supporting people navigating some of the most heartbreaking moments of their lives. She also shares personal stories about her faith journey, body positivity, and how her relationship with her husband changed as they navigated losing a child together. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Ashley https://www.instagram.com/ashleyklemieux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're talking DIY pest control, why owning a home is (kind of) a scam (that I willingly participate in and have a love/hate relationship with), and why it's a privilege to be able to try at all, even if you fail. I discuss why we need to make it more socially acceptable for women not to be motivated by some higher "purpose" other than making a living, and I answer a listener's question about what to do when you're tired of dating and don't feel like you're making any progress. Lastly, I rant about getting enough sleep, because it's not a badge of honor to deprive yourself of what your body needs. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I'm joined by founder and self-proclaimed candle snob, Lindsay Silberman. From her ambitious beginnings as a magazine editor to pivoting into the world of social media influencing and entrepreneurship. Lindsay reflects on her career in the evolving magazine industry and how being hit by a car in 2018 gave her a new lease on life. She takes us through the highs and lows of launching her candle brand, Hotel Lobby Candle, during the pandemic and how she met her husband and business partner in one of the most unexpected places. We dive into her decision not to become a mother (at least for now), freezing embryos, and why these days, Lindsay is more focused on building a business than she is building a family. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Lindsay https://www.instagram.com/lindsaysilb https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsaysilb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's solo episode, I'd like to remind that you that for every time I thought my life was ending in my twenties, it didn't. And so, if my dramatic ass can recover from every breakup, career failure, and cringeworthy moment I've lived through, so can you. I welcome you into the chaos of my inner world because even your queen biddie can get caught up in what's next versus what is now. I read some juicy secrets from you guys on this week's IG stories (a 51-year-old educator turned luxury escort, anyone?) and tackle your dilemmas—like moving away from family and why becoming a 'failed' singer-songwriter was the best thing that ever happened to me and why maybe your dreams don't have to die, they just need to change. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, we dive into the life of powerhouse entrepreneur and NYT bestselling author, Loren Ridinger, who shares her story of building a global business empire with Market America and Shop.com alongside her late husband, JR. The conversation explores 'Life After Rejection,' as Lauren recounts their early years, falling for JR despite his initial disinterest, and their shared vision that transformed into a legacy. Lauren recounts meeting JR at the age of 18, the challenges they faced, how JR's vision of an online shopping future defied skeptics, and how he instilled confidence in her to speak publicly despite her fears. She provides a raw and heartfelt account of the grief process, describing the early days of loss as a foggy and dark period, and also discussing the spiritual signs that have helped her feel JR’s presence after his passing. Her memoir, 'Scrambled or Sunny Side Up,' details her journey of rediscovery following the sudden and immense loss of JR. Lauren discusses finding strength, navigating grief, and ultimately reinventing herself, offering relatable advice on dating yourself and learning to love yourself first in the face of societal expectations. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Loren: https://www.instagram.com/lorenridinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It turns out I didn't need a higher dosage of my Zoloft, I just needed eight hours of sleep. Speaking to you from Florida, I'm sharing all my thoughts this week on prioritizing yourself and why taking a step back can sometimes be the only way forward. We're taking a deep dive into the awkward realm of friendship breakups, why it's important to know the difference between someone who wants to be friends with you and someone who wants to be friends with you in order to use you, and why learning to enjoy your own company is the only way to keep yourself from staying in toxic friendships. I'm answering voicemails from a biddie torn between staying in Italy with her super supportive, boyfriend or taking her dream job in Sydney. Hint: I might have told her to 'choose herself', but you'll have to listen to find out. I also discuss why you should find a partner who loves the current you—not some 'improved version' of you. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I sit down with Radhi Devlukia, a New York Times bestselling author, wellness influencer, and entrepreneur, about her journey from being a dietitian to becoming a holistic wellness advocate. Radhi delves into her upbringing in the UK, her career transition from aspiring pediatrician to dietitian following her mother’s advice, and her subsequent interest in Ayurveda. She highlights the importance of making small, sustainable changes for better health, discussing practices like breathwork, meditation, and dietary modifications. Radhi also opens up about struggling with emotional eating and how she overcame her sugar addiction. We get a peak into how she navigated the early days of her relationship with her husband, Jay Shetty, marked by Jay’s transition from monkhood and their subsequent move to New York for his career. Despite the challenges, Radhi emphasizes the importance of personal identity and shared spiritual growth in their partnership. She candidly discusses the complexities of maintaining her unique identity while being associated with a well-known spouse and stresses her preference for being known by her maiden name, Radhi Devlukia. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Radhi: https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a mini solo this week because I not only left a coffee curdling in my closet for four days, I'm also losing my voice. We're diving into the madness of weddings this week - from extortionate bachelorette parties to bridezilla friends and how to handle those years when you feel like you're blowing all your free time and life savings on wedding-related events. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries and the liberating joy of saying 'no,' which reminds me to also, say 'no' to recording more and to get some f*cking rest. I'll be back next week with a full solo and answers to your voicemails! Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's guest episode, I'm joined by Joanne Lee Molinaro, aka The Korean Vegan, who reveals her journey from courtroom drama to cooking fame. With nearly 5 million followers, she's not just whipping up vegan delights but also running marathons, publishing NYT bestsellers and winning awards (ahem, hello James Beard). Joanne gets real about growing up as a child of North Korean immigrants in suburban Illinois, feeling like an outsider, and why she chose her first career in law. She opens up about her past marriage, sharing how she eventually 'Googled how to stop crying' and found the courage to leave an abusive relationship. Joanne discusses navigating the world of online for the first time at 35, meeting her now-husband, and how going vegan and becoming a marathon runner reshaped her life, turning food from a frenemy to a source of empowerment. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Joanne: https://www.instagram.com/thekoreanvegan/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@TheKoreanVegan/featured https://www.tiktok.com/@thekoreanvegan?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We lost power for 40 hours in 18 degree weather! On this week's solo episode, I muse on how losing power reinforced the fact that I will never like camping and why my version of being "outdoorsy" involves a screened-in porch and a temperature controlled room nearby. We dive into why your comfort zone is killing your potential, and why you shouldn't settle for what's familiar just because the unfamiliar gives you heebie jeebies. I dive into your voicemails on whether you might be mistaking drama for romance, and why you're really not as old as you think you are. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our favorite influencer who makes us all feel better about sh*tting on influencers, Hayden Cohen (aka @hayderz), shares his journey on this week’s episode from handling social media for brands to becoming a social media sensation himself. Since 2020, Hayden has been known for his humorous and all-too-accurate impersonations of influencers, reminding us that it pays to take life a little less seriously sometimes. Hayden discusses his early days of content creation, the chaos of his days behind-the scenes managing influencers, and his experiences with influencer culture. He also touches on his life before Instagram-fame, including his close-knit family, his experiences growing up gay, and his first (and last!) relationship with his boyfriend, Aaron. Our conversation sheds light on the balance between online personas and real life, the wild world of influencing, and the importance of remaining grounded despite newfound internet fame. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Hayden: @hayderz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's solo episode of 'Brutally Anna,' I'm spilling the tea (or at least, half spilling the tea) on the highs of strutting at Fashion Week to the lows of some unexpected personal drama. We're DIY-ing over in our house as I talk about everything I learned from teaching myself how to replace light fixtures and why you're probably more capable than you're giving yourself credit for. I dive into the unpredictability of life, the Philly Eagles' epic Super Bowl win, and why you don't have to believe in yourself to achieve great things. Lastly, I tackle a listener's question about friendships, sharing my thoughts on why quality beats quantity and why you should always be your own bestie. Tune in for laughs, life lessons, and a whole lot of oversharing. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, I sit down with influencer and reality TV star Joey Zauzig, about navigating life’s toughest challenges and why sometimes, a six-pack is the best cure for heartbreak. Joey shares his journey from growing up in Fairfax, Virginia, to coming out in high school, facing and leaving an abusive relationship, and eventually establishing a successful career as an influencer and dating advice guru. Joey brings us into his current struggles after dealing with a traumatic home invasion and the emotional turmoil of his divorce. We dive into the complexities of public life, the importance of authenticity, and the need for resilience. Joey emphasizes the significance of personal growth, staying grounded, and the powerful belief that even amidst hardships, the future holds better opportunities. This episode is a raw and insightful look into overcoming personal and professional challenges, highlighting the importance of self-belief and the journey toward becoming one's best self. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Joey: @joeyzauzig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's solo episode, I dive into the fundamental difference between wanting a man rather than feeling like you need one. From my early misconceptions about needing a man to teach me how to handle personal finances to being forced to learn how to handle my own sh*t, I outline the ways in which confidence is an active practice and not something you need to be born with. I answer your voicemails on how to deal with getting over a man who lied to you about his identity and differentiating between intuition and anxiety. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined by lifestyle influencer and podcast host, Aurora Culpo, this week as she discusses navigating her divorce and how she learned that you really can’t change a man, no matter how many hall passes you give him or how much you spend on lingerie. As always, we love a no-filter, brutally honest woman, and Aurora shows us that there is life after divorce and heartbreak, and there is freedom in the truth after living a lie. Aurora dishes on whether she believes “once a cheater, always a cheater” and how she realized that she wasn’t the exception, she was the rule. We navigate our experience with men who wanted to chase us, but didn’t want to be with us, why we think they do this, and how Aurora’s competitive upbringing affected her relationships as an adult. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Aurora: @auroraculpo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's solo episode, I'm diving into exposure therapy, how I got over my deep fear of flying, and why I'll always be an aisle seat biddie over a window seat biddie. I overshare about my EDM club days as an NYU college student, what the Avicii documentary can teach us all about why you're not untalented, you're just not in a space that appreciates your talent, and the endless saga to pick a new toilet for our master bathroom. I answer one of your voicemails on how to feel a sense of belonging when all you've grown up with is the feeling of being othered, and why it's important to go granular versus big picture when we're tackling the biggest challenges in our lives. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast legend Mel Robbins joins me this week to discuss how to let go, let it be, and why her new book, “The Let Them Theory” will change your life. Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, date yourself, being behind, love and money, marriage advice A multiple New York Times bestseller, in-demand public speaker, and the host of the chart-topping Mel Robbins Podcast, Mel answers all of our most pressing questions in life from how to feel worthy, why we need to rebrand our relationship to anxiety, and why feeling “the spark” in a relationship is overrated. We dive into why it’s so difficult to leave a relationship, why women have been conditioned into being people pleasers, and why failure is often the impetus we need to change our lives. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Mel: @melrobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, it's the mini(est) of all solo episodes as we move into our forever home. I break down why it's important to show up, even when you're tired and feeling oogly moogly, and why we should all place a little less importance of milestone birthdays and start giving ourselves more milestone moments, regardless of what age we are. I'll be back next Thursday with a full solo episode where I answer your voicemails, so head on over to speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast to leave me a message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If there's anything Mathilde Thomas' life can teach is, it's that we don't need to be ready in order to start. Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, date yourself, love and money, marriage advice The co-founder of the viral French skincare brand, Caudalie, Mathilde joins me in the studio to discuss how she met her husband and his decidedly unconventional "pick-up line", why sometimes, taking a break from your relationship can ultimately strengthen it, and how she and her husband managed to take a struggling start-up to an internationally renowned skincare brand. Mathilde shares why believing in yourself and your product, even if no one else does, can lead to great results, and why picking your life partner also determines your life's work. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Mathilde & Caudalie @mathildethomas @caudalie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I'm discussing the LA fires, the devastation of losing your home and why insurance doesn't cover the most important parts of what made a house our home. And, since I'm just freezing in sub-zero Connecticut temperatures rather than experiencing the hellfire in LA, I decide my pride is fair game to take shots at in a feeble attempt to make you all chuckle a little by divulging way too much information about my most humbling experience ever (hint: diarrhea in a fridge). I answer your voicemails on how to mourn the loss of platonic friendships you thought would last forever, and where to start when you're trying to break the cycle of generational trauma. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Miss New York, social media star and TV host Taryn Delanie Smith’s life could’ve gone in a very different direction if it wasn’t for the power of her single mother and the community of women who raised her. Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, date yourself, being behind, love and money, marriage advice On this week’s episode, we unpack the ways in which Taryn’s life worked out exactly the way it was supposed to, even when it wasn’t going according to her plans. From her days as an aspiring U.N. diplomat to competing in Miss America, Taryn unpacks all the reasons why it took her eight years of dating before marrying her husband and why she thinks that sometimes, the best advice to take is your own. For anyone who has ever wondered when their life is going to begin, my conversation with Taryn shows us all that sometimes, the best things in life happen to us while we’re waiting to start living. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Taryn @taryndelaniesmith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't do as Bernie Madoff did (ie. commit history's largest Ponzi scheme), but you can learn from why he was able to do what he did. This week, I'm discussing why sometimes, gaslighting yourself into believing you're capable of something well before you actually do it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy that snowballs into others believing in you, too. If you've ever written yourself off, tune into this episode and hear the stories that inspired me to create possibility where I once found impossibility. I answer your voicemails on why you're still feeling heartbroken after a breakup even when the rest of your life is getting better, and what to do when he says he still loves you, but just can't be with you. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined this week with Vivian Tu as she doles out the advice we all need to hear on how to stop settling for less than what you deserve whether that's at work or in your love life. Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, date yourself, being behind, love and money, prenups, marriage advice Vivian's story shows us all how to stop letting other people write the narrative to your life and why you shouldn't avoid doing things just because they're hard. On this week's episode, we discuss harmful stereotypes and narratives about Asian women, why she left her first career on Wall Street and then her second career at BuzzFeed, and why she thinks everyone should get a prenup before getting married. We talk about that time she moved in with her boyfriend after one month of dating, whether she thinks money can actually make you happier, and why you can tell a lot about a person from the way they treat money. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Vivian: @yourrichbff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year to all my biddies! This week, I'm breaking down how to appreciate your year-in-review, even if nothing profound or life-changing happened in 2024, and why you probably made more progress than you think you did. We're discussing how to handle those *weird* feelings you get when it feels like everyone around you cured cancer and went to the moon and you, on the other hand, managed to barely survive the year that just passed. I discuss how my faith and trust in God has helped me help myself and why we should embrace and claim the bad days that lie ahead in the new year just as much as the good days. You asked, I answered - how do you handle retroactive jealousy when your partner is the most wonderful non-Chad ever, but you can't seem to get over your feelings about his ex? Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If it’s not love at first sight…try again. Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, single at the holidays, date yourself, being behind, love and money With decades of professional matchmaking wisdom, Netflix-star Aleeza Ben Shalom sits down and answers my questions on whether soulmates exist, why it doesn’t have to be love at first sight in order for it to be everlasting love, and whether there is someone out there for everyone. What first started out as a hobby has now turned into a full-fledged business for Aleeza, who has focused on pairing marriage-minded individuals since 2007 first in the U.S. She offers her advice on how couples should handle conversations around money, religion, and how to handle awkward questions from family members at the holidays. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Aleeza: @aleezabenshalom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's solo episode, I'm breaking down my thoughts on our collective obsession with Luigi Mangione, the psychology behind why women fall in love with prisoners and how those theories apply to why you just can't seem to quit your situationship. I'm bringing it back to the only class I'll really ever remember from my days at NYU, the relativity of morality, and whether all is fair in love and war. On this week's voicemails, I answer your questions on how to rebuild your life from ground zero and what it truly means to be a man when your definition of manhood doesn't fit everyone else's definition. Leave me a voicemail: speakpipe.com/brutallyannapodcast Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s the difference between a narcissistic person and a selfish person? Keywords: dating, society, culture, relationships, love lessons, dating advice, toxic relationships, overcoming failure, single at the holidays, date yourself, being behind, love and money This week, I’m joined by Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist and narcissistic abuse expert to discuss all the ways we can spot narcissistic personality disorder early on a relationship, how to deal with a narcissistic family member, and finally, Dr. Z answers whether it’s possible to marry and live happily ever after with a narcissist. For those struggling with depression, Dr. Z offers her practical and actionable advice on what you can do to start to feel good again and why healing has nothing to do with gratitude. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/maybeboth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maybeboth https://www.youtube.com/@maybeboth Follow Dr. Z @dr.z_psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices