Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life

Obsessors, this one’s a treat (not a trick). For Halloween, we’re sharing an episode from Julie’s other show, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosted with Dominick Domasky. If you love a deep dive into what makes people tick, especially the darkest corners of the human mind, you’re going to be obsessed with this conversation.

Julie and Dom sit down with Karen Conti, veteran Chicago trial attorney, host of The Karen Conti Show on WGN Radio 720, and award-winning author of Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row.

Karen served on the final death row defense team for John Wayne Gacy, the “Killer Clown” who murdered 33 young men and boys and buried most of them beneath his Chicago-area home. She takes us inside the lockup where she first met him, explains how a sociopath and narcissist can mask his sickness so convincingly, and shares why she fought his execution even knowing he was guilty. Then she reveals how the death threats that followed turned into a 30-year media career on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and WGN.

Plus, a spooky-season round of Jules’s Rules: the most infamous serial killers of all time, from Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy to Ed Kemper, Ed Gein, the Green River Killer, and Karen’s all-time pick, Jack the Ripper. Yes, Julie confesses she couldn’t finish the Gacy or Ed Gein series on Netflix.

Why Obsessors Will Love This Episode

• What John Wayne Gacy was really like face to face
• The psychology of masking: how the most dangerous people can seem ordinary, even likable
• Why someone would choose to defend “the boogeyman” of Chicago
• How Karen turned the darkest chapter of her career into a spotlight
• Why our fascination with true crime never fades, from Jack the Ripper to today’s Netflix hits
• Karen’s media tips on being camera ready, finding your lane, and why likability is everything

️ Quotes From the Episode

“Stretch your abilities, have confidence, and then work hard to prove that you can do what you say you’re going to do.” — Karen Conti

“My father always told me, ‘I can’t make people laugh unless they like me.’” — Karen Conti

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Karen Conti? A Chicago trial attorney, legal analyst, host of The Karen Conti Show on WGN Radio 720, and author of Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy.

Did Karen Conti defend John Wayne Gacy? Yes. She was part of his final death row appeals team in the early 1990s. Her goal was never to free him, but to stop the execution because she opposes the death penalty.

What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? A top-ranked business news podcast hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, where entrepreneurship, media strategy, and pop culture collide.

Why is this episode on the Get Obsessed feed? Because Obsessors love a deep look at human behavior, true crime, and the stories behind the headlines, and this Halloween conversation delivers all three.

Connect With Karen Conti

• Website: https://www.karenconti.com
• Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/egZPLpV
• Audiobook (narrated by Karen): Audible
• The Karen Conti Show, WGN Radio 720: https://wgnradio.com/karen-conti/
• 𝕏 X/Twitter: @Kcontilaw

️ Follow The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast

• Podcast home: https://www.cre8tiveconpod.com
• Julie Lokun, JD: https://www.julielokunconsulting.com | julie@cre8tivecon.com
• Dominick Domasky: https://www.motivationchamps.com | dom@cre8tivecon.com

️ Join Us Live

• Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando: https://www.cre8tiveconotr.com
• Cre8tive Con Chicago: https://www.cre8tivecon.com

Stay Obsessed

• Watch Get Obsessed on YouTube: @obsessedpodcast

If this episode gave you chills, follow The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast wherever you listen, then come back here for more Get Obsessed with Julie and Mika. Stay obsessed, Obsessors, and happy Halloween!

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun and Mika sit down with Tiana Locke, founder and host of The Petty Headquarters, to dig into reality TV, the drama on screen, and the choices made behind the scenes.

Tiana shares how growing up on shows like Bad Girls Club and Flavor of Love led her to build a podcast around recaps and the deeper meaning of messy entertainment. She explains how networks like TLC market a polished image, why drama keeps audiences watching, and how pressure, producers, and social media can strain the families and couples who appear on these shows.

The conversation also looks at where producers should draw ethical lines, using the America’s Next Top Model documentary as an example. Tiana talks about how casting is shifting toward influencers, what she notices as an editor, and the villain and hero archetypes that drive a story. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire reality TV round and a look at what episode one of The Petty Headquarters would be if it became its own reality show.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 01:30 How growing up on reality TV led Tiana to start The Petty Headquarters
• 06:48 Why networks like TLC market a polished brand while drama stays behind the scenes
• 10:14 Whether celebrity couples are real or a PR stunt, and how the spotlight strains families
• 16:16 When producers cross boundaries, and what their ethical duty should be
• 21:14 Why conflict, villains, and heroes make a good reality TV story
• 23:36 The shift toward influencer casting and what it means for “reality”
• 27:14 A rapid-fire round on Bravo housewives, Bachelor villains, messy breakups, and more
• 34:07 What episode one of The Petty Headquarters reality show would look like

ABOUT THE GUEST: Tiana Locke is the founder and host of The Petty Headquarters, a podcast covering reality TV recaps, celebrity drama, and pop culture. Rather than just gossiping, she analyzes how women perform identity, power, love, and survival on camera, and what that says about the people watching at home.

Tiana is also a podcast brand strategist who helps creators grow and monetize their shows. She has been editing for over 12 years and co-hosts The Petty Headquarters with her girlfriend and business partner.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Episode) Julie’s conversation with Keandra Jackson, an accredited family therapist who analyzes pop culture and has served as an on-hand therapist for reality TV shows on Oprah Winfrey’s network
• (Episodes) Past Get Obsessed reality TV guests: Janelle Brown of Sister Wives, David Toborowski of 90 Day Fiancé, Savannah Louie (winner of Survivor 49), and Hardy of The Golden Bachelor
• (Netflix documentary) Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model - https://media.netflix.com/en/only-on-netflix/81928842

CONNECT WITH TIANA LOCKE:

• Website: https://thepettyheadquarters.com
• Instagram (Tiana): https://www.instagram.com/its.tianalocke
• Instagram (The Petty Headquarters): https://www.instagram.com/thepettyheadquarters
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianalocke/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePettyHeadquarters
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pettysimproductions
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ThePettyHeadquarters
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-petty-headquarters/id1703678575
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrqHPYkRrEe65VtrsRgCx

ABOUT GET OBSESSED Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun sits down with Kim D, the Bravo personality, boutique owner, and author, for a candid conversation about power, love, and fear. The discussion draws on her memoir My Life with the Big Boys, which Julie co-authored.

Kim describes growing up in New Jersey with a mother who clawed her way out of poverty and a stepfather she says held a high-ranking role in the Gambino crime family. She recalls a childhood of fur coats, expensive dresses, and nights at the Copacabana, alongside the moment her mother realized the true cost of that life. She also shares how fashion and animals became lifelong sources of comfort.

The conversation moves through Kim’s relationships, from her high school love to a dangerous marriage and her escape from it, to the partner she calls the love of her life. Kim offers frank advice on choosing the right person to have children with, explains why she is happy living on her own terms today, and encourages listeners who are struggling to reach out for support.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Kim’s mother rose out of poverty and shaped her strength
• Growing up in the orbit of her stepfather’s world and what she understood about it as a child
• The confirmation and communion weekend that changed her mother’s view of that life
• Why clothes and animals became Kim’s refuge, plus the story of Rocco-turned-Coco
• A high school love story and the choices that led to a very different kind of relationship
• Advice on how to tell a great boyfriend from a good husband and father
• Leaving a violent marriage and why preparing before you leave matters
• Kim’s soulmate, the life they built, and why she now enjoys her solitude
• Why getting the right professional help matters, and where to find support

ABOUT THE GUEST: Kim DePaola, known to fans as Kim D, is a television personality, entrepreneur, and author best known for her recurring role on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

She is the founder of Posche, a women’s fashion boutique established in 2007 and featured on the show. Kim is the author of the memoir My Life with the Big Boys, co-authored with Julie Lokun, and the host of the podcast Get Real with Kim D, where she covers reality TV and the cases making headlines.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) My Life with the Big Boys by Kim D and Julie Lokun - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Life-Big-Boys-Kim-Paola/dp/B0D6LTQT5V
• (Podcast) Get Real with Kim D
• (Book) My Life in the Mafia by Vincent Teresa
• (Support) Call 988 if you are struggling emotionally and need someone to talk to

CONNECT WITH KIM D:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimdposche Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kim-DePaola-100078877961747/ X:https://x.com/KimDPosche Podcast, Get Real with Kim D: https://www.patreon.com/cw/GetRealwithKimD Shop Posche & the book: https://www.poschebykimd.com

ABOUT GET OBSESSED Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun and co-host Mika sit down with Markus Kaulius, author of Play a Bigger Game, to explore how a 15-year-old with no confidence made a decisive choice to change the direction of his life.

Markus shares what rock bottom looked like for him, why habits and daily action matter more than long hours, and why changing the people around you can transform how you think and what you believe is possible. He also takes on the excuses of money and time, and explains why consistency over years, not overnight success, is what builds a bigger life.

The conversation also covers how to handle setbacks when life gets in the way, how to choose mentors and role models who reflect the values you want for yourself, and how Markus came to see growing up without a father as a gift. He challenges listeners to find one answer to the question “what if my biggest scar was actually my greatest gift?”

In this episode, we discuss:

• Markus’s rock bottom at 15 and the decision that changed his trajectory
• What rock bottom looks and feels like, and why habits and same-day action matter
• Why changing your environment and surrounding yourself with growth-minded people accelerates change
• Moving past the excuses of money and time
• Consistency, the myth of overnight success, and how to handle setbacks
• Choosing role models and mentors with integrity and the life you want
• Reframing family trauma and a father’s absence as a gift

ABOUT THE GUEST: Markus Kaulius is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of multiple eight and nine-figure businesses. He is a USA Today top 10 best-selling author and a speaker who mentors CEOs and executives on growth, mindset, health, and faith.

He is best known as the founder of Magnum Nutraceuticals, the supplement brand he grew from a startup to over $170 million in global sales before selling it in 2023. His work and insights have been featured on major media including PBS, Fox News, and CNN.

Markus is the author of Play a Bigger Game: Seven Universal Principles to Experience True Fulfillment and Win at Life. His latest venture is Five Talent Capital, an investment fund that pairs uncorrelated investing with a mission to pull one million children out of the sex trade.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) Play a Bigger Game - https://playabiggergame.com

CONNECT WITH MARKUS KAULIUS:

• Website: https://playabiggergame.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markus.kaulius
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuskaulius/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskaulius/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkusKaulius

ABOUT GET OBSESSED Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

Timestamp:

00:00 Cold open: “are you ready to play a bigger game?”

01:03 Introducing Markus Kaulius and Play a Bigger Game

01:55 How Julie and Mika met Markus at the Bookthinkers event

03:23 Hitting rock bottom at 15 and deciding to change

04:37 What rock bottom looks and feels like, and why habits matter

06:43 Keeping the change going when your environment stays the same

10:25 What to do when money, time, or a bad situation feel like blockers

14:21 What happens when life gets in the way of the steps you take

16:28 The myth of overnight success and why consistency wins

18:36 The “excuse generation” and who to trust for guidance

19:45 Finding mentors with integrity (and the values you want)

23:32 Why growing up without a dad became Markus’s greatest gift

25:59 Julie and Mika’s closing message

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun sits down with Janelle Brown, a mother of six, farmer, life coach, and one of the best-known faces of reality TV, to talk about 25 years of plural marriage, the decision to leave, and the new chapter she is building on her own terms.

Janelle looks back at why her family went public, what it was like to live on camera for years, and how she learned to manage jealousy by understanding her own worth. She talks about raising children in the spotlight, loving her stepchildren as her own, and how the family's approach to mental health changed after the loss of her son Garrison. She also reflects on his legacy, including a room dedicated to him at a local Humane Society.

The conversation then turns to the unraveling of her marriage, the moment she knew it was truly over, and her views on empowering women through education, choice, and legal protection. Janelle shares her coaching work, her cross-country move to North Carolina to build a farm with her daughter Maddie and son-in-law Caleb, and her advice for anyone afraid to leave what feels familiar and start a second chapter.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Life before the cameras and the ideal of the big, loving family
• Why the family went public and what it meant to be unscripted on TV
• Learning to move past jealousy and build self-worth
• Raising children in the spotlight and loving stepchildren as her own
• Garrison's legacy and normalizing open conversations about mental health
• The unraveling of the marriage and what made the final break permanent
• Why empowering women changes everything
• Starting over with a coaching business, a North Carolina farm, and a peaceful new life
• Advice for women who are afraid to leave and start a second chapter

ABOUT THE GUEST: Janelle Brown is best known as one of the stars of TLC's Sister Wives, which premiered in 2010 and followed her family for more than a decade. She is a mother of six who left a decades-long plural marriage and rebuilt her life on her own terms.

Janelle holds an accounting degree and has worked in financial services and real estate. In 2019 she became a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and founded the wellness and coaching business Strive with Janelle.

Her work now focuses on women in their second chapter, including empty nesters and women navigating major life transitions, helping them reclaim confidence, rediscover their passions, and design a life that feels like their own through Second Chapter Coaching. Janelle also co-founded Taeda Farms, a flower farm in North Carolina, with her daughter Maddie and son-in-law Caleb.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (TV show) Sister Wives (TLC) - https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/1390/sister-wives
• (Coaching business) Strive with Janelle - https://www.secondchaptercoaching.com/
• (Netflix documentary) Trust Me: The False Prophet - https://www.netflix.com/title/81758532

CONNECT WITH JANELLE BROWN:

• Website: https://www.secondchaptercoaching.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STRIVEwithJanelle
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/JanelleBrown117
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellebrown117/

ABOUT GET OBSESSED Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Cold open and guest introduction 0:34 Life before the cameras and chasing the ideal family 2:05 Why the family went public 3:21 Learning to move past jealousy and build self-worth 7:03 Was the scrutiny worth it? 7:59 Raising children in the spotlight 9:06 Loving stepchildren as her own 11:15 The fear before the show premiered 11:58 Garrison's legacy and normalizing mental health conversations 15:36 The unraveling of the marriage 17:16 The on-camera fight that fans cheered 19:09 The moment she knew it was over 21:24 Why empowering women changes everything 23:17 Becoming the family bookkeeper 24:27 Life after divorce and starting her coaching business 25:34 The move to North Carolina and building a farm 27:41 Dating, peace, and what's next 28:35 Advice for women who are afraid to leave

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun and Mika sit down with Gina Cloud, who has spent more than 25 years teaching women to strip away the lies they've absorbed about their bodies, sex, aging, and worth.

Gina opens by reframing the idea that a woman's power expires at 40, explaining that her work spans every stage of a woman's life starting with her first period, and that women actually grow more powerful with age once they stop absorbing the messaging fed to them since girlhood. She and Julie trace that conditioning back through generations of mothers, media, and advertising, and touch on the added layer that racialized beauty standards place on women of color. The conversation then moves into the shame surrounding menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause, the medicalization of women's bodies, and a ritual Gina teaches for honoring menstrual blood rather than treating it as something to hide.

Gina and the hosts also dig into what she calls the masculinization of women in corporate life and modern dating, the loneliness she sees in how men and women relate to each other now, and her frustration with a version of feminism she feels has drifted into resentment rather than partnership. The conversation turns personal as Gina reflects on raising her daughter Alana, the values she tried to model rather than simply lecture about, and closes with a call for listeners to honor both their feminine and masculine sides instead of choosing one over the other.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why a woman's power has no expiration date, starting with her first period
• Generational conditioning around beauty, aging, and self worth
• The added layer of racialized beauty standards for women of color
• Shame and stigma around menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause
• The medicalization of women's bodies and a ritual for honoring menstrual blood
• The masculinization of women in corporate life, dating, and modern relationships
• Rethinking feminism, independence, and wanting to be protected and provided for
• Raising her daughter Alana and modeling rather than lecturing about self worth

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Gina Cloud has spent more than 25 years teaching women, working across every stage of a woman's life beginning with her first menstrual period. She has appeared on the Ricki Lake Show, been interviewed on Playboy Radio, delivered a TEDx talk, and written a book called WOMAN that reframes what it means to be a woman.

Her work focuses on helping women release the shame attached to their bodies, sexuality, and aging, including the stigma surrounding menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. She created the Sacred Facts of Life workshop to give young girls an honoring framework around their bodies before they get their first period, and she coaches women, including executives and former military service members, on reconnecting with their feminine power.

Gina also hosts her own podcast, where she has been doing deep personal work with her daughter Alana ahead of a mother daughter episode the two of them are recording together.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) WOMAN by Gina Cloud - https://ginacloud.com/book/
• (Book) Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret - https://judyblume.com/middle-margaret/

CONNECT WITH GINA CLOUD:

• Website: https://ginacloud.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Gina-Clouds-All-Things-Women/61560726219305/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/GinaCloud
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginacloud/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/redefiningwoman/videos

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com

Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com

Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:01 - Welcome to Gina Cloud, and why a woman's power has no expiration date
• 02:36 - Generational conditioning around beauty, aging, and self worth
• 05:21 - The added layer of racialized beauty standards for women of color
• 05:59 - Shame and stigma around menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause
• 07:52 - The medicalization of women's bodies and a ritual for honoring menstrual blood
• 13:20 - The masculinization of women in corporate life, dating, and modern relationships
• 15:51 - Rethinking feminism, independence, and wanting to be protected and provided for
• 29:05 - Raising her daughter Alana and modeling rather than lecturing about self worth

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun and co-host Mika talk with Emily Bouchard, a family dynamics coach who has spent over two decades inside the private conversations of ultra wealthy families, about the money secrets that quietly wreck families and the trust that keeps them from unraveling.

Emily opens with one of the more explosive cases from her career, an adult child who embezzled millions from trusting parents to fund an online subscription based addiction, and uses it to unpack how communication breakdowns, not the money itself, let the situation spiral for so long. She and the hosts talk about why wealth tends to amplify whatever is already present in a family rather than create new problems on its own, the difference between being brought in proactively (sometimes with children as young as five) versus after a crisis has already hit, and how sudden wealth events compare to generational wealth when it comes to raising children with values and work ethic.

The conversation turns to death, inheritance, and estate planning, where Emily explains that a lack of relational trust, more than the money itself, is usually what causes families to fracture after a parent passes away, a theme she explores further in her upcoming book The Little Book of Trust and Money, co-authored with Charles Feltman. She also shares candid examples of financial infidelity between romantic partners, from hidden accounts that quietly fund children from a prior marriage to spouses discovering they are legally responsible for a partner's premarital debt or child support, and offers practical advice on prenups, separate versus joint accounts, and paying attention to how a partner responds to hard conversations before marriage.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A recent case of an adult child embezzling millions from parents to fund an online subscription based addiction
• How wealth amplifies existing family dynamics rather than creating new ones
• Being brought in proactively, sometimes with children as young as five, versus after a crisis hits
• Sudden wealth events versus generational wealth and the different challenges each creates for kids
• Why estate planning conversations get missed and how unprepared inheritance can hit like a meteor
• The real root cause behind inheritance conflict: a lack of relational trust, not the money itself
• Financial infidelity in relationships, from hidden accounts to undisclosed debt and child support
• What to watch for in how a partner responds to hard conversations before marriage

ABOUT THE GUEST: Emily Bouchard is a family dynamics coach, former marital and family therapist, and fractional chief learning officer to family offices, with more than two decades of experience working directly with ultra wealthy families.

Her work focuses on family communication, trust, and inheritance, including helping blended families navigate prenups and sudden wealth events. She has given a TEDx talk on how to talk about inheritance without talking about money, addressing the fear many families have around discussing wealth openly.

Emily is the co-author, with Charles Feltman (author of The Thin Book of Trust), of the upcoming The Little Book of Trust and Money: An Essential Primer for Families, which draws on the trust building principles she has used with families for the past 20 years. She has also written The Beginner's Guide to Purposeful Prenups, a resource to help couples work through their values before marriage. The Little Book of Trust and Money is currently available for presale.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (TEDx Talk) How to Talk About Inheritance Without Talking About Money - https://youtu.be/tgtReUS15l8
• (Book) The Little Book of Trust and Money: An Essential Primer for Families by Emily Bouchard and Charles Feltman, in presale - https://trustmoneyfamilies.com/
• (Book) The Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman - https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-thin-book-of-trust-third-edition
• (Book) The Beginner's Guide to Purposeful Prenups by Emily Bouchard - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947341154

CONNECT WITH EMILY BOUCHARD:

• Website: https://emilybouchard.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.bouchard.391/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily4families/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bouchard-5a9a049
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emilybouchard1111
• Substack: https://substack.com/@emily4families

ABOUT GET OBSESSED Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future. LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-obsessed-with-living-your-best-life/id1559480972

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What happens when childhood trauma doesn't stay in the past—but becomes something your body continues to carry?

In this powerful episode of the Get Obsessed Podcast, host Mika Altidor sits down with Simone Gisondi, host of the Health Confidential Podcast, for an extraordinary conversation about childhood trauma, nervous system regulation, emotional healing, survival mode, self-worth, and the connection between trauma and physical health.

Simone grew up in communist Romania in an environment marked by horrific physical and emotional abuse, scarcity, fear, and oppression. After her father escaped to Canada and eventually reunited the family, Simone faced an entirely new struggle: adapting to a new country while carrying the invisible effects of what she had survived.

But survival has a cost.

Years later, at just 35 years old, Simone suffered a major stroke. Her recovery became the beginning of a deeper exploration into trauma, stress, emotional health, the nervous system, and the ways our experiences can continue to affect us long after the danger has passed.

Simone shares what she has learned about understanding and regulating the nervous system, recognizing survival responses, rebuilding self-worth, and creating healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up amid abuse and oppression in communist Romania • Simone's family's journey from Romania to Canada • How childhood trauma can affect us long into adulthood • Understanding the body's stress and survival responses • Nervous system regulation and emotional health • Simone's major stroke at age 35 and the journey that followed • The connection Simone discovered between her past experiences and her health • Relationships, identity, boundaries, and self-worth • Moving beyond survival and toward a more empowered life • Turning personal pain into purpose through Health Confidential

CHAPTERS

00:00 — Introduction & Simone Gisondi 00:52 — Simone's Early Life and Childhood Trauma 03:42 — Growing Up in Communist Romania 12:58 — Immigrating to Canada 17:40 — Trauma, Stress and Physical Health 25:45 — Healing, Relationships and Self-Worth 27:56 — Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH SIMONE GISONDI

Find Simone, Health Confidential, and her platforms here: https://linktr.ee/simone.gisondi

If you've ever wondered why your body reacts even when your mind knows you're safe, why old experiences continue to influence present relationships, or what nervous system regulation actually means, this conversation is for you.

GET OBSESSED with understanding yourself—not judging yourself.

SEARCH TOPICS: nervous system regulation, childhood trauma recovery, trauma healing, survival mode, emotional regulation, nervous system dysregulation, stress response, trauma and physical health, self-worth after trauma, childhood abuse recovery, somatic healing, emotional health, healing from trauma, Simone Gisondi, Health Confidential Podcast, Get Obsessed Podcast, Mika Altidor, Julie Lokun

#NervousSystemRegulation #TraumaHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #EmotionalHealing #SurvivalMode #TraumaRecovery #MentalWellness #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #GetObsessedPodcast

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun continues her conversation with Dr. Christine Marie, going behind the scenes of Trust Me The False Prophet and the years she spent building trust inside the FLDS community.

Dr. Christine explains how vulnerability and the need to belong can make people susceptible to religious cults, how destructive groups can control thoughts, relationships, information, behavior, and emotions, and how she began recognizing troubling behavior surrounding Sam Bateman.

She also shares what happened after recording evidence of abuse, the challenges of working with law enforcement, and the eventual investigation that led to Sam Bateman’s arrest and 50-year sentence. The conversation also explores the impact on women and families, the importance of speaking up when someone is being harmed, and why survivors should have the freedom to tell their stories in their own time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How vulnerability and the need to belong can make people susceptible to cult control
• Cult control and its influence on thoughts, relationships, information, and behavior
• Early rumors about Sam Bateman and his relationships with underage girls
• A confession that revealed ritualistic sexual abuse within Sam’s group
• The investigation, law enforcement challenges, and the events that led to Sam’s arrest
• The lasting effects on women, children, and families connected to the community
• Why speaking up against harm matters and how survivors can reclaim their stories

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Christine Marie holds a PhD in Psychology specializing in media psychology, along with an MBA and a specialization in Positive Psychology. She is an author, speaker, researcher, educator, kindness advocate, and certified Trauma and Resiliency Life Coach.

Her work focuses on coercive control, cult psychology, media trauma, public shaming, critical thinking, kindness, and resilience. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division of Media Psychology and Technology.

Christine is the founder of Voices for Dignity, a nonprofit supporting marginalized communities and survivors. She has spent the past decade doing humanitarian and dignity work in Short Creek and has extensive experience working with members of the FLDS community. In 2026, she was featured in the Netflix documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Netflix documentary) Trust Me: The False Prophet - https://www.netflix.com/title/81758532
• (Episode) Inside the Cult of Scientology with Anne Gollert Hill Part 1: https://www.getobsessedpodcast.com/podcast/episode/2d75b703/inside-the-cult-of-scientology-with-anne-gollert-hill-part-1 Part 2: https://www.getobsessedpodcast.com/podcast/episode/4aeb558d/inside-the-cult-of-scientology-with-anne-gollert-hill-part-2

CONNECT WITH DR. CHRISTINE MARIE:

• Website: https://christinemarie.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinemariePhD/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/christinemariek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christinemarie

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com

Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com

Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE -Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Julie Lokun sits down with Dr. Christine Marie to unpack the story behind Trust Me The False Prophet and her years living in Short Creek, an FLDS community.
Christine explains why she moved to Short Creek in 2016, how her own experiences with polygamy shaped her initial perspective, and how getting to know FLDS families challenged some of the assumptions she had formed through sensational media coverage.

The conversation explores how cultic influence works, why Christine believes it is important to look at coercion rather than stereotypes, and how she and her husband Tolga gradually built trust within the community. She also discusses the role of media in giving people the opportunity to tell their own stories, the impact of Warren Jeffs remaining influential while imprisoned, and how Sam Bateman used that loyalty to establish his own authority.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Moving to Short Creek and challenging assumptions about the FLDS through firsthand experience
• Christine’s experience with polygamy and trauma and how it shaped her work with survivors
• Understanding cultic influence and coercive control through different forms of control
• Building trust within the FLDS community and connecting with people in Short Creek
• Using media to give people a voice and let FLDS members share their own stories
• Warren Jeffs and Sam Bateman’s influence and Bateman’s rise to authority
• Why people enter high control groups and how belonging and love bombing can lead to coercion

ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Christine Marie holds a PhD in Psychology specializing in media psychology, along with an MBA and a specialization in Positive Psychology. She is an author, speaker, researcher, educator, kindness advocate, and certified Trauma and Resiliency Life Coach.

Her work focuses on coercive control, cult psychology, media trauma, public shaming, critical thinking, kindness, and resilience. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division of Media Psychology and Technology.

Christine is the founder of Voices for Dignity, a nonprofit supporting marginalized communities and survivors. She has spent the past decade doing humanitarian and dignity work in Short Creek and has extensive experience working with members of the FLDS community. In 2026, she was featured in the Netflix documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
(Netflix documentary) Trust Me: The False Prophet - https://www.netflix.com/title/81758532

CONNECT WITH DR. CHRISTINE MARIE:

• Website: https://christinemarie.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinemariePhD/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/christinemariek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christinemarie

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Janelle Brown joins Julie Lokun to discuss her life after Sister Wives, from her years in polygamy and plural marriage to her new boyfriend, life after divorce, and her decision to leave Kody.

Janelle reflects on what everyday life looked like before the cameras, why the family chose to go public, and how living in a plural marriage taught her to examine jealousy, comparison, and her sense of self. She also shares how public scrutiny affected her, how her children experienced growing up on television, and how the loss of Garrison changed the way her family talks about mental health.

The conversation also explores the changes in her marriage and family dynamic, and what ultimately allowed her to move forward. Janelle discusses coaching, self-discovery, building a farm in North Carolina, and finding peace and possibility in her new life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Life inside polygamy and plural marriage before Sister Wives
• Bringing Sister Wives into the public eye and challenging negative narratives
• Self-worth and managing jealousy while learning her own value
• Mental health, grief, and Garrison’s legacy within the family
• Why did Janelle leave Kody amid family and relationship changes
• Janelle’s life after Sister Wives and building a life of her own
• Life after divorce and embracing change through independence and growth

ABOUT THE GUEST: Janelle Brown spent years in the public eye as one of the women featured on Sister Wives, while also working full-time and raising her children. She spent 25 years in plural marriage before eventually leaving the relationship and beginning a new chapter of her life.

Janelle became a certified coach after experiencing coaching herself and discovering how much it helped her understand her own thoughts and choices. She now helps women recognize the thoughts influencing their lives and explore the possibilities available to them.

Today, Janelle is building a new life in North Carolina, where she is developing a farm with her family. She is also focused on coaching, wellness, and embracing the possibilities of her next 30 years.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (TV Show) Sister Wives - https://www.tlc.com/shows/sister-wives
• (Reference) People on Janelle Brown’s New Boyfriend - https://people.com/sister-wives-janelle-brown-shocks-fans-new-boyfriend-12062407
• (Reference) Taeda Farms - https://taedafarms.com/
• (Reference) High Country Humane Animal Shelter in Flagstaff - https://highcountryhumane.org/

CONNECT WITH JANELLE BROWN:

• Website: https://www.secondchaptercoaching.com/free-resource-hub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STRIVEwithJanelle
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellebrown117/

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Dan Millman joins Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor to explore the ideas behind The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and how they have shaped his approach to Personal development.

A former world champion athlete, coach, martial arts instructor, and author, Dan shares the experiences that inspired his most famous work and the real story behind Socrates.

From surviving a devastating motorcycle accident to building a 50-year marriage, Dan explains how adversity can become a source of strength, why Happiness is something we practice rather than wait for, and how small steps can create lasting change. He also explores purpose, comparison, meditation, stress, and the importance of trusting your own path rather than following someone else's.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The truth behind Socrates and the story of Way of the Peaceful Warrior
• What it really means to live as a Peaceful Warrior through everyday challenges
• How adversity can become a source of strength, wisdom, and personal growth
• Finding your own path through experimentation, self-discovery, and personal growth
• Moving beyond comparison and learning to trust your own path and progress
• Understanding happiness as a practice rather than something we have to wait for
• Living with purpose by focusing on the small steps we can take today

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dan Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor who has spent decades teaching principles of personal development and purposeful living. He is the author of 18 books, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, which has inspired millions of readers and was adapted into the feature film Peaceful Warrior.

After a 20-year period of studying with different mentors and teachers, Dan developed what he calls the Peaceful Warrior’s Way. His work focuses on practical approaches to personal growth, purpose, resilience, and living with greater awareness. His books have been published in 29 languages, and he continues to speak through keynotes, seminars, workshops, and other educational programs.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) Way of the Peaceful Warrior - https://peacefulwarrior.com/way-of-the-peaceful-warrior/
• (Book) Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit: The True Story of My Spiritual Quest - https://peacefulwarrior.com/peaceful-heart-warrior-spirit/
• (Book) The Four Purposes of Life - https://peacefulwarrior.com/the-four-purposes-of-life/
• (Book) The Life You Were Born to Live - https://peacefulwarrior.com/the-life-you-were-born-to-live/
• (Film) Peaceful Warrior - https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Warrior-Widescreen-Scott-Mechlowicz/dp/B000QEIOSU

CONNECT WITH DAN:

• Website: https://peacefulwarrior.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialpeacefulwarrior/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmillmanpw/

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Dr. Nicki Monti joins Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor to share how childhood trauma, addiction, and the search for self-love shaped both her life and her decades of helping others heal.

An experienced therapist, author, and speaker, she draws on both professional expertise and personal experience to challenge the stories that keep people stuck.

Drawing from more than four decades of sobriety, Dr. Nicki explores core wounds, emotional defenses, authenticity, and self-worth. She also reflects on caring for her late husband, working with public figures, and why healing begins by replacing old survival stories with the truth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What inspired Dr. Nicki to use her own life story instead of hiding behind professional credentials
• Why sobriety marked the beginning of emotional healing rather than the end of addiction
• How core wounds formed in childhood shape self-worth and lifelong beliefs
• Why emotional defenses can protect people while quietly preventing genuine connection
• The process of replacing old beliefs with personal responsibility and lasting emotional change
• Lessons from working with celebrities and why healing follows the same principles for everyone
• How projection shapes the way people judge themselves and others

ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Nicki J. Monti is a licensed marriage, family, and child psychotherapist, author, speaker, and podcast host known for her no-nonsense approach to lasting change. Combining clinical expertise with lived experience, she helps people move beyond limiting stories through compassion, humor, and practical insight. She is the author of The Divine Traumedy of Nikki Joy: A True Grime Tale and the Stuck in the Story No More series, and shares her work through books, podcasts, media appearances, and educational programs.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) The Divine Traumedy of Nikki Joy: A True Grime Tale – https://stucknomore.com/the-divine-traumedy-of-nicki-joy/
• (Book) Stuck in the Story No More – https://stucknomore.com/books/
• (Video) Dr. Nicki Monti TEDx Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihollwRf9tU
• (Reference) Margaret Cho (referenced in the discussion about Dr. Nicki's first book) – https://margaretcho.com/

CONNECT WITH DR. NICKI:

• Website: https://stucknomore.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Nicki-J-Monti/179364015418429
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrNicki
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user15974785
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnickimonti/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnickimonti/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drnickimonti

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Grace joins Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor to share the extraordinary story behind more than two decades of sobriety after years of severe drug addiction, alcohol addiction, sex addiction, and self-destructive behavior. He reflects on childhood behavioral issues, family history, enabling, privilege, and the early experiences that fueled his substance abuse.

Matt explains how accountability, firm family boundaries, and service to others became the foundation of his addiction recovery after countless opportunities to avoid consequences.

He also discusses why many families unintentionally prolong addiction, how his work shaped his views on addiction treatment, and why making amends is essential to lasting change. The conversation offers an honest recovery story filled with practical insight and hope for anyone striving to live your best life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The long road from addiction to lasting sobriety and hope for recovery
• The family history and early experiences that contributed to addiction
• Childhood behavior, therapy, and escalating problems before substance abuse took over
• How divorce, privilege, and enabling shaped years of destructive behavior
• Working with families affected by addiction and the importance of healthy boundaries
• The stories behind Matt’s most destructive decisions and the impact they had on his life
• Service, making amends, and the principles that sustain long-term recovery

ABOUT THE GUEST: Matt Grace is an author, speaker, and transformational recovery expert with more than 20 years of sobriety. Holding a bachelor's degree in Addiction Studies with a concentration in Integrative Healing, he has spent over 10,000 hours mentoring individuals and families affected by addiction. He is the author of God Doesn't Relapse: Sex, Drugs, and the Life That Almost Killed Me and the founder of Saving Grace, where he has helped families navigate addiction, recovery, and generational trauma through practical guidance and accountability.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) God Doesn't Relapse: Sex, Drugs, and the Life That Almost Killed Me - https://www.amazon.com/God-Doesnt-Relapse-Almost-Killed/dp/1637635508
• (Organization) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — https://www.aa.org/
• (Organization) Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — https://na.org/

CONNECT WITH MATT GRACE:

• Website: https://mattgrace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsavinggrace/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattSavingGrace/
• Tiktok: http://tiktok.com/@mattsavinggrace

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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Get Obsessed with... doing the thing that scares you.

This week on Get Obsessed, Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor sit down with Tracy Heisler Drost, Mrs. Illinois 2025-26, for a conversation that goes way beyond the crown. Tracy pulls back the curtain on the world of pageantry — not the stereotype, the reality: the platform it builds, the doors it opens, and the personal growth that happens when you stop avoiding the things that make you uncomfortable and start leaning into them.

Tracy shares how competing as Mrs. Illinois became less about the title and more about the megaphone it gave her — a platform to advocate, connect, and show other women what's possible when you bet on yourself. Julie and Mika dig into the mindset shift that made it all possible: the moment you decide discomfort isn't a red flag, it's a green light.

If you've ever talked yourself out of something because it felt scary, unfamiliar, or "not really you" — this episode is your permission slip to do it anyway.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it's really like to compete for a title like Mrs. Illinois — and what nobody tells you going in
• How pageantry functions as a platform-building tool, not just a beauty contest
• The confidence Tracy built by choosing discomfort on purpose
• Why "just try it" might be the most underrated growth strategy that exists
• How to turn any title, role, or opportunity into a bigger platform for your voice
• Advice for anyone standing at the edge of something that scares them

Quotable moment: Tracy on why growth lives on the other side of uncomfortable — and why she keeps choosing it anyway.

FAQs

Who is Tracy Heisler Drost? Tracy Heisler Drost is Mrs. Illinois 2025-26, using her title as a platform to inspire women to embrace growth, confidence, and opportunities that push them outside their comfort zone.

What does Mrs. Illinois 2025-26 talk about on Get Obsessed? Tracy talks about the power of pageantry as a platform, how competing built her confidence, and why intentionally choosing uncomfortable situations is one of the fastest ways to grow personally and professionally.

What is the Get Obsessed Podcast about? Get Obsessed is hosted by Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor, delivering bold, unfiltered conversations on confidence, personal brand, entrepreneurship, and becoming obsessed with the life you're building.

Where can I listen to this episode? You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts stream, or visit http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com for the full episode and show notes.

How can I be a guest on Get Obsessed? Visit http://www.getobsessedguest.com to apply to be featured on the show.

What is pageant "platform" and why does it matter? A pageant platform is the cause, message, or mission a titleholder champions during her reign — Tracy's story shows how a platform can extend far beyond the stage into real influence and impact.

Links Mentioned

️ Listen to the full episode: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com Apply to be a guest on Get Obsessed: http://www.getobsessedguest.com

About the Hosts

Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant, and the founder of The Mediacasters LLC and co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Cre8tive Con. Her podcasts rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 weekly on Apple Podcasts. Learn more at julielokunconsulting.com and bigbetterbrand.com.

Mika Altidor co-hosts Get Obsessed Podcast alongside Julie, bringing bold energy and real talk to every conversation about confidence, growth, and getting obsessed with your own life.

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In this solo episode of Get Obsessed, host Julie Lokun opens up about the routines, rituals, and rabbit holes currently running her summer. She walks listeners through her non-negotiable morning routine — a one-hour walk, meditation, and setting a daily intention — and explains why mindset work has to happen before the to-do list. From there, Julie dives into her self-proclaimed identity as a "conference junkie," reflecting on her recent experience at BookThinkers and why in-person networking still drives more business growth than almost anything else available to entrepreneurs and content creators today.

The episode also covers Julie's current skincare obsession with The Ordinary, available at Sephora, and why affordable, high-impact skincare ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are changing the beauty industry's cost conversation. Of course, no episode is complete without an update on her two French Bulldogs, Axl and Violet.

The back half of the episode shifts into one of Julie's long-standing fascinations: cults, coercive control, and high-control groups. She previews three major interviews coming to the show in the next month: Janelle Brown from Sister Wives, discussing life after leaving a plural marriage; Anne Gollert Hill, a former Sea Org member of Scientology; and Dr. Christine Marie, featured in the Netflix documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet. Julie closes the episode with a call-to-action for listeners to leave a review for a chance to win an exclusive Get Obsessed trucker hat.

Topics Covered

• Morning routine for entrepreneurs: walking, meditation, and setting intentions
• Why conferences and in-person events fuel business growth
• BookThinkers conference recap and takeaways
• The power of authentic networking (not transactional networking)
• The Ordinary skincare review: affordable, high-impact skincare from Sephora
• Life with French Bulldogs Axl and Violet
• Preview: upcoming interviews on cults, coercive control, and high-control groups
• Janelle Brown (Sister Wives) on leaving a plural marriage
• Anne Gollert Hill on life as an ex Sea Org member of Scientology
• Dr. Christine Marie from Netflix's "Trust Me: The False Prophet"
• How to win a Get Obsessed trucker hat

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Cold open: Julie's summer obsession list
• 01:15 — Morning routine: walking, meditating, setting an intention
• 04:00 — Conference junkie confession + BookThinkers recap
• 06:30 — The real ROI of networking
• 08:15 — Skincare obsession: The Ordinary from Sephora
• 10:00 — Axl and Violet (the French Bulldog segment)
• 11:00 — Cult obsession + upcoming guest preview
• 13:30 — Listener CTA: leave a review, win a Get Obsessed trucker hat
• 14:15 — Outro

Links Mentioned

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: Get Obsessed: With Living Your Best Life
• The Ordinary skincare (Sephora):The Ordinary | Sephora
• BookThinkers Conference:www.bookthinkers.com
• "Trust Me: The False Prophet" (Netflix): Watch Trust Me: The False Prophet | Netflix Official Site
• "Sister Wives" (TLC): Sister Wives Returns for Season 20: The Most Powerful Season Yet | TLC.com
• Follow Julie: julielokunconsulting.com
• ️ Dragonfly Podcast Academy: www.dragonflypodcasting.com

FAQS

What is Julie Lokun's morning routine? Julie Lokun's morning routine includes a one-hour walk, meditation, and setting a daily intention before starting work. She credits this routine with providing the mental clarity and energy behind her business and podcasting work.

What skincare brand does Julie Lokun use? Julie Lokun is currently using and recommending The Ordinary, a skincare brand available at Sephora known for offering high-impact, dermatologist-grade ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid at an affordable price point.

Who is being interviewed on Get Obsessed about cults? Upcoming Get Obsessed guests discussing cults and high-control groups include Janelle Brown from Sister Wives, Anne Gollert Hill (a former Sea Org member of Scientology), and Dr. Christine Marie, featured in the Netflix documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet.

How can listeners win a Get Obsessed trucker hat? Listeners can win a Get Obsessed trucker hat by leaving a review for the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If the review is read on air during an episode, that listener receives a hat.

What conference did Julie Lokun recently attend? Julie Lokun recently attended BookThinkers, a conference for authors and entrepreneurs, and describes herself as a "conference junkie" due to the networking and business growth opportunities these events provide.

What names are Julie Lokun's French Bulldogs? Julie Lokun's two French Bulldogs are named Axl and Violet.

LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE OR REACH OUT TO US ON INSTAGRAM @getobsessedpodcast

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In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor welcome Dr. Sherrie Campbell for a powerful conversation about trauma healing, overcoming family trauma, recognizing emotional abuse, and finding freedom from a toxic family dynamic.

Inspired by her new book You Are Home, Dr. Campbell explains how survivors can recover from emotional neglect and childhood trauma by rebuilding their sense of safety, strengthening self-worth, and establishing healthy boundaries.

She shares why therapy, self-healing, and inner child healing are essential to improving mental health and breaking cycles of generational trauma. This episode also explores protective estrangement, learning to trust yourself again, and finding peace without waiting for family members to change.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the idea behind You Are Home reframes trauma healing
• Why leaving a toxic family can be an act of protection instead of rejection
• Recognizing family trauma and why emotional abuse often becomes clear in midlife
• The realities of protective estrangement and navigating life after no contact
• Breaking generational patterns through love, respect, and intentional parenting
• Practical strategies for healing while still living with emotionally unhealthy family members
• Reclaiming self-worth by building an emotional home from within

ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Sherrie Campbell is a licensed psychologist, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of the globally ranked Sherapy Sessions podcast. She specializes in helping survivors of toxic family systems heal from emotional abuse, establish healthy boundaries, and rebuild self-worth. Inspired by her newest book, You Are Home: Heal from Family Trauma, Establish Boundaries, and Find a Place of Peace and Safety, Dr. Campbell combines decades of clinical experience with her own personal journey to help people reclaim safety, peace, and belonging within themselves.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Book) Children of the Self Absorbed by Nina W. Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Children-Self-Absorbed-Grown-Ups-Getting-Narcissistic/dp/1572245611
• (Video) Dr. Sherrie Campbell TEDx Talk on toxic family relationships - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deyHwDkG7oc
• (Video) Academy of Self Help interview featuring Dr. Sherrie Campbell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpusILQxBu0
• (Reference) Susan Forward and her books on toxic family relationships - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-Forward/author/B000AQ1NCI

CONNECT WITH DR. SHERRIE CAMPBELL:

• Website: https://drsherriecampbell.com/
• Book: You Are Home: Heal from Family Trauma, Establish Boundaries, and Find a Place of Peace and Safety - https://drsherriecampbell.com/self-esteem-relationship-counseling-in-yorba-linda/
• Podcast: Sherapy Sessions: https://drsherriecampbell.com/the-hows-of-healing-hidden-family-trauma-podcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrieCampbellPhD
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr.sherrie
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.sherrie

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

• Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
• Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
• Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet the country star who is singing the anthem for single girls everywhere! Today we're getting obsessed with rising country star Maddye Trew — a Memphis-born singer-songwriter whose voice is as bold as her spirit.

From her roots in Memphis to her journey to Nashville, Maddye brings heart, humor, and honesty to her music. Her breakout banger — "Single of the Year" — is not just a song. It's an anthem for single women everywhere: raising a glass, owning independence, and celebrating life with a beer in hand instead of wallowing over a broken heart.

But Maddye's road wasn't all smooth. She once stood face-to-face with superstar diva Mariah Carey during an American Idol audition — a moment that could have shattered any young artist's dream. Instead, she used that rejection as rocket fuel.

In This Episode We Talk About:

• How to reclaim your narrative and transform rejection into resilience
• The story behind "Single of the Year" — how it captures a generation of women navigating singleness and waiting
• Why being 30, single, and unapologetically chasing a music dream is powerful — and how the need for control plays into it
• Maddye's musical influences, including Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, and the traditional country lineage she honors
• The importance of mentorship, giving back, and being the person you once needed to meet
• What's next: her new EP Here Goes Nothing (coming 2026) and how to follow her journey at https://www.maddyetrew.com

Key Takeaways:

• You don't have to be defined by your relationship status — raise your glass, tie one on, and toast your independence
• What often looks like "falling behind" (friends getting married, society ticking boxes) can actually be your runway
• In music, as in life, the mindset shift from "talent-show contestant" to professional artist changes everything
• Mentorship and paying it forward matters — Maddye isn't just chasing a dream in Nashville, she's returning to her high school to encourage the next generation
• Being single isn't a pause; it can be a season of empowerment, growth, and the lead-in to bigger things

Learn More About Maddye Trew:

• Website: https://www.maddyetrew.com
• Listen to "Single of the Year" on Spotify
• Follow Maddye on Instagram: @maddyetrew

If you're navigating fears around control, waiting, or career vs. personal life, this episode is for you — share it with the "singledom" warriors in your life!

Subscribe to the Get Obsessed Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

About Get Obsessed Podcast

Hosted by Julie Lokun, JD and Mika Altidor, Get Obsessed is a globally acclaimed podcast that dives deep into transformation, resilience, and the human spirit. Each episode spotlights bold thinkers, change-makers, and survivors who turn adversity into advantage. Whether you're obsessed with self-growth, mental wellness, or real-life comeback stories, this is your weekly dose of empowerment.

MEET US LIVE IN CHICAGO AT CRE8TIVE CON: www.cre8tivecon.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, David Toborowsky and Annie Suwan of 90 Day Fiancé join Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor for a candid 90 Day Fiancé cast interview about love, resilience, family, and the realities of life beyond reality television.

From their unconventional beginning to becoming one of the most recognizable couples in the franchise, David and Annie share the experiences that shaped their relationship both on and off screen.

The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural marriage, navigating public scrutiny as TLC reality TV personalities, and overcoming the doubts that surrounded their relationship from the very beginning. David and Annie also open up about their IVF journey, becoming parents later in life, raising their daughter in Thailand, and the lessons they have learned about commitment, growth, and staying connected through every stage of life after 90 Day Fiancé.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Building a lasting relationship despite cultural differences and early challenges
• Life in Thailand and the lifestyle changes that came after leaving the United States
• Looking back at their difficult beginnings on 90 Day Fiancé and the doubts surrounding their relationship
• The realities of fame, online criticism, and living life in the public eye
• Sharing their IVF journey and becoming parents later in life
• Why they continue sharing their lives with fans and the impact of the 90 Day Fiancé community
• Parenthood, future family plans, and building a life together beyond 90 Day Fiancé

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

David Toborowsky and Annie Suwan are best known for their appearances on TLC's 90 Day Fiancé, where viewers followed their international love story from Thailand to the United States. Despite skepticism surrounding their age difference, financial struggles, and cultural differences, they became one of the franchise's most beloved and enduring couples.

Since their debut, David and Annie have appeared across the 90 Day Fiancé universe, including Pillow Talk and David & Annie: After the 90 Days. Today, they share their experiences with marriage, family, travel, and parenthood while raising their daughter, Minthira, and splitting their time between Thailand and the United States.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Video) David and Annie's 90 Day Fiancé Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUjEDGI2kTM

CONNECT WITH DAVID & ANNIE:

• Website: https://david-annie.com/ & https://cookingwithdna.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Real.DavidandAnnie.page/
• David’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toborowsky_david/
• Annie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annie_suwan_toborowsky/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toborowsky_david

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

• Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
• Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
• Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE - Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Dr. Robert Epstein, psychologist, author, and Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, joins hosts Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor to discuss the growing influence of Google and other technology companies on privacy, behavior, and society.

Drawing from years of research, congressional testimony, and investigations into online manipulation, Dr. Epstein explains how search engines, online surveillance, and algorithmic systems can shape decisions without users realizing it. The conversation explores digital hygiene, election interference, artificial intelligence (AI), internet addiction, and practical ways individuals can protect their data privacy in an increasingly connected world.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Dr. Epstein's research initially showed Google's unexpected power to shift voters
• Why Google's reach extends far beyond search and what that means for everyday users
• Practical digital hygiene habits and tools that can help protect privacy online
• Research showing how search results can influence opinions, decisions, and elections
• How phones, smart devices, and connected technology contribute to online surveillance
• Why artificial intelligence may increase the power of tech companies to monitor and influence behavior
• Concerns about children, internet addiction, AI-generated content, and the future of digital autonomy

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Robert Epstein is an author, editor, professor, and Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology. A former Editor in Chief of Psychology Today, he has spent decades researching human behavior, technology, and online influence.

He earned his PhD in psychology from Harvard University and is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. His research has appeared in Science, Nature, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and he is widely known for identifying the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME), which explores how search rankings can influence opinions and voting behavior.

Dr. Epstein has testified before the United States Congress on election interference, Big Tech influence, and digital manipulation. He has authored or edited 15 books and has appeared on major media platforms including The Joe Rogan Experience, NPR, Voice of America, and SiriusXM.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• (Podcast) The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Dr. Robert Epstein (2022) - https://epsteinonrogan.com
• (Podcast) The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Dr. Robert Epstein (2023) - https://epsteinonrogan2.com
• (Video) Dr. Epstein's 2023 Congressional Testimony - https://2023epsteintestimony.com
• (Video) Dr. Epstein's 2019 Congressional Testimony - https://epsteintestimony.com
• (Website) My Digital Hygiene - https://mydigitalhygiene.com
• (Website) America's Digital Shield - https://americasdigitalshield.com/
• (Website) My Privacy Tips - https://myprivacytips.com/
• (Website) Epstein Addiction Inventory - https://areyouaddicted.org/

CONNECT WITH DR. ROBERT EPSTEIN:

• Website: https://drrobertepstein.com/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrREpstein
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-epstein-drrepstein-0658b2/

ABOUT GET OBSESSED

Website: http://www.getobsessedpodcast.com

Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com

Reach Out To Us! hello@getobsessedmedia.com

The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.

LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE -Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.