Different, Not Broken

Welcome to another episode of Different, Not Broken, the podcast that dives deep into the beauty of being different and the myth of brokenness. I’m Lauren Howard, and today I’m joined by the inimitable Cindy Gallop—renowned brand builder, outspoken public speaker, and founder of Make Love Not Porn. In this candid conversation, we talk about the challenges and triumphs of showing up authentically in a world that’s constantly trying to put us and our voices into boxes.You’ll hear us discuss what it means to speak your truth—and why the world desperately needs authentic voices now more than ever. From navigating criticism and resiliency to the unique struggles faced by women labeled as “difficult,” this episode is filled with practical wisdom and unfiltered encouragement. Plus, we tackle questions about emotional labor and the importance of asking for help, reminding all of us that being the “strong one” doesn’t mean carrying it all alone.Buckle up for some honest advice, permission to take a break, and a much-needed pep talk for anyone doubting the value of their voice.And in this week's Small Talk, Alison shares a question from Jenna in New York.

My kids were supposed to be gone for three days.Three days turned into eleven. I had the house to myself, figured out who I am without background chaos, and managed to function like an actual adult person.Then they came home. And then everyone got norovirus.This week I'm walking through the Mother's Day that was the Mother's Dayest Mother's Day of any Mother's Day ever recorded — and one that was so chaotic, I've only just recovered from it enough to talk about it!Then Alison joins for Small Talk with a question from Tammy in Montana — a florist who built a real, thriving business from scratch, but whose mom still calls it "a phase."

Here's the thing about asking for help: the ask itself is the labor. And I learned that the hard way during the two worst weeks of my life.My youngest came eight weeks early. I'd just had a C-section. We were running back and forth to the NICU, trying to care for a two-year-old at home, healing from surgery, and keeping an entire life running on fumes. People kept asking, "What can we do?" And we kept saying, "We're fine." Not because we were fine. Because figuring out what to ask for was just as much work as doing it ourselves.And then a woman showed up at my door without warning, without asking, and handed me a gift I'll never forget. And it was the most incredibly simple but caring one imaginable.This episode is also about what happens when I stop talking — which, if you know me, is significantly more terrifying than anything that comes out of my mouth.I talk about productive yelling, why silence in our house is a five-alarm situation, and the very Italian way my in-laws communicate.And in this week's Small Talk, Alison shares a question from Darnell in Atlanta.Mentioned in this episode:Join Quirky

I didn’t plan to talk about sandwiches this much.Or water.Or Sudoku.But here we are.Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.In this episode of Different, Not Broken, I talk about the strange, often ridiculous ways our brains create shame out of absolutely nothing. Eating the “wrong” food. Convincing yourself you hate water even though you love it. Feeling mortified because you’re slow at a logic puzzle no one else can see.I unpack why our brains invent rules that don’t exist, why invisible judgement feels so real, and why being seen trying can feel worse than actually failing.This episode is about shame that doesn’t make sense, fear of looking ridiculous, and the quiet pressure to only be visible once you’re already good at something.Later in the episode, for "Small Talk", I respond to a listener question about the fear of being seen trying, and why vulnerability feels so exposing even when no one is actually paying attention.You’ll hear:Why your brain makes up rules it then punishes you forHow harmless things turn into sources of shameWhy being slow doesn’t mean being brokenWhy feeling ridiculous is often a sign you’re doing something newHow to stop letting imagined judgement run your lifeOnce you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemailUseful stuffStuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwoMy grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Sudoku shame and the nonsense our brains create01:12 – Sandwich logic and internalised rules03:32 – Why I pretend I hate water06:08 – Invisible judgement and made-up leaderboards09:14 – Listener question: fear of being seen trying12:32 – Getting comfortable feeling ridiculous15:40 – Why most people are not paying attention18:05 – What I actually want you to hear before you goMentioned in this episode:Build Your Better courseBuild your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-betterWanna sponsor this podcasthttp://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/sponsorsSponsor Different Not BrokenJoin Quirky

I didn’t want to have this rant.I’m tired of needing to have this rant.Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.In this episode of Different, Not Broken, I talk about ICE raids, fear, and what it feels like when people are genuinely afraid to exist in their own communities.I tell a personal story about someone I rely on every day being too scared to drive six minutes across her own neighbourhood — despite being a citizen — because ICE was crawling the area. And I unpack why “just comply” is a lie that doesn’t protect people when power isn’t being exercised responsibly.This episode is about fear that makes sense, exhaustion that isn’t a personal failure, and why mental health can’t be separated from the political reality we’re living inside.Later in the episode, I’m joined by Myah Knight for a deeper conversation about queer faith, religious trauma, and the kind of community people need when institutions become unsafe.You’ll hear:Why fear is a rational response to what’s happening right nowWhy “just comply” doesn’t actually keep people safeHow power shifts the goalposts until you’re always in the wrongWhat allostatic load is and why you’re exhausted even when you’re not doing muchHow queer faith and community can exist alongside religious traumaWhy needing support doesn’t mean you’re brokenOnce you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemailUseful stuffStuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwoMy grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Why I’m talking about ICE and fear01:06 – Being too scared to drive six minutes03:20 – Why “just comply” doesn’t protect you06:37 – What federal overreach actually looks like10:00 – Fear, abuse dynamics, and moving goalposts15:45 – Why you’re exhausted even when you’re doing nothing19:50 – Why I wanted Myah in this conversation20:30 – Queer faith, religious trauma, and healing37:25 – Small Talk listener question: dissociation or burnout?40:15 – What I want you to hear before you goMentioned in this episode:Wanna sponsor this podcasthttp://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/sponsorsSponsor Different Not BrokenBrag on yourselfWanna brag on yourself for something you've done which you're proud of? https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemailBuild Your Better courseBuild your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-betterJoin Quirky

I have a habit of saying the obvious things most workplaces avoid.Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.In this episode of Different, Not Broken, I break down why basic human standards at work get treated like radical ideas, why return to office policies are deeply ableist, and why so much “innovative leadership” is really just common sense wrapped in better language.This episode is about simplifying what’s been overcomplicated for years.You’ll hear:Why psychological safety isn’t a perkHow bad management hides behind complexityThe real reason companies are pushing return to officeWhy clarity often gets mistaken for controversyWhat actually changes when you treat people like humansOnce you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemailUseful stuffStuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwoMy grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Why saying the obvious sounds “radical”02:08 – The bare minimum we’ve stopped expecting at work03:47 – Psychological safety isn’t a perk04:38 – Why return to office is deeply ableist06:36 – The real reason companies want people back in offices07:46 – Bad management disguised as productivity09:05 – Treat people like humans and they quit less10:36 – Listener brag: feeling on top of life11:15 – Why I hate “love languages”11:49 – The science and art of a crispy Coke13:49 – Big bubbles, bad Coke, and betrayal15:31 – Freestyle machines are not acceptable17:59 – Small Talk Listener Question: grieving a late neurodivergent diagnosisMentioned in this episode:Join QuirkyBrag on yourselfWanna brag on yourself for something you've done which you're proud of? https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemailWanna sponsor this podcasthttp://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/sponsorsSponsor Different Not Broken

Can somebody please explain this timeline to me?Because I have a confession.Last week — not even sure which day, definitely one of the days ending in “y” — something happened.And I have no idea how.