Beyond the Cover Lauren Cobello

Ever felt like your love life was straight out of a romantic comedy, only with more awkward moments and less cinematic sparkle? Carrie Berk, the social media sensation and author of "The Real-Life Rom-Com," joins us to unravel what it’s like to navigate relationships as a teen with social media.  
With a colossal following that's nearly hit the 5 million mark, Carrie shares her journey from fashion blogger to TikTok and Instagram star, and what it's been like to juggle being a humble student and a freelance writer.   
Authentic Connections in A Digital World – Highlights  
(13:29) What’s it Like to Have 5 million Followers? - Carrie’s considerations for and protectiveness of her teen audience. Authenticity, responsibility, and relatability in social media for young fans. 
(33:12) Navigating Teenage Emotions and Relationships - Teenage breakups, healing through storytelling, parental support, therapy, and navigating adulthood and career aspirations.  
(40:20) Selling Your Book with Social Media Features - TikTok & Instagram’s impact on book marketing, ethical considerations, and the emotional impact of social media on young audiences. 
The Intersection of Online Fame and Personal Relationships 
Carrie's literary success isn't just measured in sales—it's in the conversations her book opens within parent/daughter relationships, providing us insight into our teens lives. We get real about the less-than-polished moments of our lives, the kind that don't always make it to the 'Gram, and how keeping it authentic can be the most powerful brand of all. 
The Importance of Creating a Platform of Your Own 
Lauren and Carrie discuss the responsible creation of content for young, impressionable minds, plus the unreliability of social platforms when it comes to building a personal brand. Sure, she’s acquired her followers on social media, but she’s also been building a presence on her website and through her book, outside of social media. 
Key Takeaways: 
Responsibly creating content for a young audience Ethical challenges and opportunities of being a social media influencer  The crucial role of empathy, validation, and parental support for teens as they grow into adults 
 
Follow Lauren for more:  
Instagram: @lauren_cobello 

Website: www.laurencobello.com 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencobello 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LaurenCobello 

PR for Authors: https://leveragewithmedia.com/ 

Follow our guest, Carrie Berk 

Website:  https://www.carrieberk.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrieberkk 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carrieberkk 

Buy the Book, “My Real-Life Rom Com” at a href="https://www.carrieberk.com/books" rel="noopener...

New Year’s Eve is often synonymous with blowout parties and champagne toasts, but for Hillary Sheinbaum, a serendipitous New Year’s Eve bet threw her into a sober curious lifestyle that’s both hilarious and enlightening.    
Hillary, a New York Times journalist and author of "The Dry Challenge," shares her accidental yet transformational journey into a world where non-alcoholic beverages are rapidly gaining popularity. Throughout the episode, we sip on non-alcoholic treats like the craft cocktail Curious Number One Pomegranate Negroni and a raspberry gin alternative, and we explore the role they play in redefining social drinking norms.  
Laughter and Libations: A Look into Dry Socializing 
[10:57] - Navigating Sobriety and Dating - Challenges and strategies of giving up alcohol, addiction transference, sober months, dry dating, and societal reactions. 
[24:24] - Changing Perspectives on Alcohol and Culture - Exploring the Sober Curious movement, social media’s influence on the rise of sobriety awareness among youth, acknowledging changes in social habits and a trend towards kindness and political awareness. 
[30:51] - Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Trends and Events - Catering to the non-alcoholic trend, creating inclusive social settings, business investments and ethical journalism in the zero-proof market. 
 [41:06] - Enjoying Specialty Drinks and Sober October - Enjoying non-alcoholic spirits, Sober October challenge, and positive experiences of taking a break from alcohol. 
Navigating the Social Labyrinth of Society  
We share insights on managing social pressure around alcohol, the significance of a support network, and the mixed reactions one might face when opting for a sober lifestyle. Exploring the notion of 'dry dating' as a litmus test for compatibility, we shed light on the potential red and green flags that become more apparent in the absence of alcohol's influence.  
 We delve into the cultural shift surrounding alcohol consumption, especially among the younger generation, and the rise of non-alcoholic cocktail trends. We spotlight businesses and establishments that are innovating within the non-alcoholic space, along with the impact of social media influencers and public figures in amplifying sobriety awareness. Finally, we emphasize the need for self-kindness and how taking a break from alcohol through events like Dry January and Sober October can lead to a refreshing and eye-opening experience.  
Key Takeaways of this episode include:   
The Sober Curious movement is changing the landscape of drinking.   It is crucial to have a support system and self-acceptance when dealing with peer pressure surrounding alcohol.   Sobriety awareness can influence a societal shift towards inclusivity and investments in a zero-proof market.  
 
Follow Lauren for more:   
Instagram: @lauren_cobello  
Website: www.laurencobello.com  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencobello  
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LaurenCobello  
PR for Authors:...

Imagine sharing the stage with comedy legends before they were legends, and feeling stuck, wondering why you’re not getting big breaks too. Steve Rizzo, the Mindset Adjuster, shares how he not only survived the comedy trenches alongside the likes of Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld but also how he turned comedy into a tool for personal growth.  
Through the rollercoaster of a comedy career and poignant moments of self-discovery, Steve's journey is a compelling testament to the power of following your heart. His chronicles provide an intimate glimpse into the resilience required to make bold choices, stay authentic, and chase what resonates with the core of one's being. 
Finding Joy and Success Beyond the Stage 
Steve offers golden nuggets of wisdom on the significance of internal happiness and how our self-talk shapes our reality. As he recounts the honor of being inducted into the Speaker's Hall of Fame, he reminds us to appreciate the steps along the way, not just the accolades. 
From shedding negative labels to wrestling with self-doubt and fear, Steve opens up about his personal struggles. He shares his pivotal moments, including the heartfelt realization that led him to walk away from a burgeoning comedy career to follow his heart towards motivational speaking. 
Humor’s Role in Empowering Success 
[12:24] - Following Your Heart Toward Success - How Steve transitioned from comedy to motivational speaking, finding unexpected opportunities and the power of inner callings. 
[27:26] - Journey to Finding Authentic Self – Transformative journey of personal growth, ending a marriage, cathartic breakdown, divine guidance, self-belief, embracing passions. 
[32:34] - Shifting Mindsets for Success - Power of therapy, mindful communication, resilience, common sense success strategies, creating one's own miracles. 
[38:45] - Journey to Internal Happiness – A reminder to never put our happiness on hold, focus on personal progress, and be grateful for life's blessings. 
Laughter-Laced Lessons in Resilience and Happiness 
Steve explores the pivotal role of mindset in overcoming life's hurdles and the joy that comes from pursuing one's passion. His story exemplifies the profound impact of listening to one's inner callings and the strength found in authenticity. 
Steve sheds light on the importance of internal happiness and the dangers of becoming fixated on regrets, offering a poignant reminder to cherish the journey and not just the destination. He proves that even when the spotlight fades, the echoes of authentic choices and heartfelt messages carry on. 
Key Takeaways of this episode include:  
Toxic beliefs and negative labels will always exist, but you don’t have to let them dominate your mindset.  Each of us has the capacity to choose gratitude and enjoy our voyage through life. Make the choice to shift your mind to focus on what is working instead of what isn’t.   
 
Follow Lauren for more:  
Instagram: @lauren_cobello 
Website: www.laurencobello.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencobello 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LaurenCobello 
PR for Authors: a href="https://leveragewithmedia.com/" rel="noopener...

Struggling with mental health can feel like an isolating journey, but Natasha Bowman's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her tale is one of vulnerability and strength, as she navigates the precarious waters of professional identity, self-worth, and mental health, particularly under the harsh spotlight of the pandemic. 
As we explore the pages of Natasha's eye-opening book, "Crazy AF: How to Go from Being Burnt Out, Unhappy and Unmotivated to Reclaiming Your Mental Health at Work," we uncover the stigmatized world of mental illness in the workplace and the importance of self-care over the glorified hustle culture. Natasha's experience provides a roadmap for balancing our personal and professional lives, advocating for a work-life harmony that prioritizes our health and relationships.  
Shattering the Silence on Corporate Mental Well-being 
Natasha doesn't shy away from the less spoken truths of the corporate world, as we unwrap the significance of her viral LinkedIn post that shattered the silence on mental health struggles. Natasha's insights into the transformation that follows public vulnerability, coupled with her push to redefine work-life harmony and the art of boundary-setting, are nothing short of empowering.  
Our discussion broadens to include practical advice for anyone feeling the weight of juggling life's demands, highlighting why it's crucial to discern which balls are glass and which are plastic in the juggle of life's responsibilities. 
From Burnout to Balance with Bipolar Disorder 
[04:54] - Embracing Mental Wellness - Confronting stigma around mental illness, advocating for self-care, and setting boundaries for mental health in the workplace. 
[24:31] - Self-Care Over Hustle Culture – How personal crisis led to reevaluating success, embracing self-care, and valuing moments and relationships over material possessions. 
[37:52] - Book Launch Strategies and Mistakes -  Pitfalls in book marketing, pre-launch strategy, provocative titles, leveraging networks, creative control, and the necessity of strategic sales. 
[49:38] - Success and Self-Care in Business - Celebrating the incredible journey and success following the release of Natasha’s influential book and the opportunities it created for her. 
Crafting Success Through Vulnerability and Self-Care in Business 
Beyond personal battles, Natasha discusses the strategic side of using books as a vehicle for professional growth. She candidly shares the ups and downs of book launches, the benefits of self-publishing, and how her writing journey has intertwined with her speaking and consulting career.  
Whether you're a mental health advocate, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to find balance in the chaos, this episode is a profound exploration of how embracing our struggles can forge a path to success and fulfillment, both in and out of the office. 
Key Takeaways of this episode include:  
A mental illness diagnosis doesn’t mean your career is over. It can be a source of strength rather than a setback. It’s okay to “be more disappointing” and redefine what work-life harmony looks like for you.  Self-advocacy and creating spaces for employees to share their story is key to normalizing mental health conversations in the workplace.  
 
Follow Lauren for more:  
Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauren_cobello/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Sonia Satra traded her soap opera scripts for the pen of a thought leader by sharing the transformative question that can redefine our journey to success: Her book, "What If It Were Easy," unravels this concept.  
A simple shift in perspective might be all you need to unlock your hidden potential. Our conversation begins with the story of her husband's entrepreneurial ventures and leads us to the inception of 'Moticise', a unique blend of mindset work and exercise.
Humble Logos to Powerful Affirmations Sonia's insights on the power of embracing imperfection reveal her approach to creating Moticise.  It's a testament to the idea that we can grow and adapt through the challenges that entrepreneurship throws our way.
The Journey From Soap Opera Star to Author  [08:44] Embracing Growth Through Imperfection - Starting small, making difficult choices, book writing and marketing, and Moticise coaching method are discussed in this chapter.
[20:46] Overcoming Fear and Building Strength - Physical activity and positive affirmations can enhance mental resilience and confidence to achieve ambitious goals.
[32:40] Navigating the Publishing Process - Embracing past experiences, choosing one's path, and publishing a book are discussed in relation to personal and professional growth.
[44:02] Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth - Positive thinking's transformative power in personal and professional settings, entrepreneurship, and the impact of a 'what if' mindset. 
Overcome Fear and Seize Your Potential The strength we build to surmount fear and step into our power becomes palpably clear as we explore Sonia's potent combination of pushups and positive affirmations.  
Discussing the reality of navigating the publishing industry, we reveal the diligence and decision-making that creates a book like "What If It Were Easy."  
Key Takeaways include:  
Instead of thinking of your goals as these large, nearly unattainable feats, they may be more achievable than ever with a simple perspective shift. It's going to be imperfect when you start, no matter how much time you spend (procrastinating) trying to make it perfect. All of our businesses and creative works must be allowed to grow and change over time.  What can you do to build both physical and mental strength 1% at a time? Your business can't outgrow your personal development.  
 
Follow host, Lauren Cobello:  
Instagram: @lauren_cobello 
Website: www.laurencobello.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencobello 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LaurenCobello 
PR for Authors: https://leveragewithmedia.com/
Follow guest, Sonia Satra: 
Instagram: @soniasatra_moticise 
Website: soniasatra.com 
YouTube: a href="http://www.youtube.com/@SoniaSatraMoticise" rel="noopener...

Dreaming what it would be like to participate in New York Fashion Week? Or perhaps imagining the luxurious life of a most recognized impact fashion brand owner? Maybe you’ve had a life-long dream of becoming a HarperCollins author? 
Well, Stacy Igel of Boy Meets Girl clothing and author of “Embracing the Calm in the Chaos” has rocked the socks off all of those things! 
Entrepreneurial Grit Meets Literary Wit 
In this episode you hear about her journey from impact fashion mogul to author, what the writing and publishing process was like with HarperCollins, and her experiences in some of her most frenzied and serene moments.  
Stacy and I dissect the strategy behind her unique book debut at Bloomingdale's, and the subsequent whirlwind of events and supportive friends and vendors that helped her become a best seller.  
Turning Fashion Expertise into Literary Success  
[19:05] Seven-Year Journey to Writing Business Book 
Entrepreneur's journey to writing business memoir with ghostwriter and agent, including personal stories and interviews, securing deal with HarperCollins Leadership. Personal connections and creative strategies enhance book launches. 
[33:03] Book Launch Strategy and Promotion 
A fashion designer's transition to author, strategic book launch at Bloomingdale's, turnout and ongoing promotion, upcoming event in Chicago. 
[42:00] Book Launch Strategies and Branding 
Entrepreneurship, personal branding, speaking engagements, community support, book promotion, collaboration, and strategy for success. 
Key Takeaways:  
Rally and rely on your community to reach your goals Build a platform first to launch big Trust the advice from your editors and publishers 
 
Follow Lauren for more:  
Instagram: @lauren_cobello 
Website: www.laurencobello.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencobello 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LaurenCobello 
PR for Authors: https://leveragewithmedia.com/ 
Follow our guest, Stacy Igel: 
Instagram: @stacyigel 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyigel/ 
Website: www.stacyigel.com 
Shop: https://www.boymeetsgirlusa.com/collections/shop-all 
Podcast audio and show notes by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services