Not Alone

In this solo episode, Valeria shares why she’s intentionally choosing a quieter year, and what that really looks like in a world that constantly asks us to be louder, faster, and more visible. She reflects on her approach to 2026 - why she doesn’t want it to be a “bigger” year, and how focusing on less distraction has brought her more clarity and joy. She also recaps a recent trip to the Dominican Republic with her boys, opening up about how different traveling feels now that her kids are older. And how those slower, more present moments reminded her of what truly matters. Throughout the episode, she shares practical shifts she’s making - like using the Be Present app, protecting offline moments, and choosing opportunities that expand her life, not just her calendar. From living more offline and rethinking her relationship with social media, to finding balance as a creator whose work exists online, Valeria explores the tension between visibility and peace. And why not everything meaningful needs an audience while it’s forming? This is a good listen for anyone craving more calm, fewer distractions, and a slower, more intentional way of living. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3768639?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ Reel By Jasmine Darke: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQBSaPWElUe/ The Art of Spending Money: https://amzn.to/4rmMF4U What I talked about: 1:00 - Living offline as a modern status symbol 1:55 - Traveling with older kids 4:00 - Reconnecting through simple moments 5:00 - Be Present App & & limiting social media 6:40 - It’s officially 2026 7:25 - Why 2026 is about quiet, not “more” 9:25 - Finding balance & cutting the noise 10:30 - Why not everything meaningful needs an audience 12:10 - Joy, hobbies, and staying in a student mindset 15:00 - Offline Living 20:40 - How we accomplish this 21:27 - The Art of Spending Money 24:08 - Thinking Outside the Culture Bubble 26:02 - Protecting your mind as a form of wealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with one of the original social media influencers and SAME founder & CEO Shea Marie, for a candid conversation about evolution, personally, publicly, and professionally. Shea opens up about entering a new season of life, from ringing in the New Year in Aspen and sharing her engagement story to navigating what it really means to keep a relationship both public and protected. Together, they talk about dating in the spotlight, why Shea has intentionally chosen to share less online, and how her relationship with the internet has changed over time. Shea reflects on her early move to LA, her first tough job in PR, and the lessons that ultimately led her to start blogging at a time when influencers weren’t taken seriously. She dives into the realities of being an OG in the space, from doing unpaid campaigns and being underestimated, to learning how to separate herself as a creator from the brand she built. Shea also talks about the journey of building and scaling SAME, what the future holds for the brand, and the one belief she had to unlearn along the way. This episode is about growth, boundaries, and building something that lasts. Follow Shea Marie on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheamarie/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheamarieofficial?lang=en Shop SAME: https://www.samelosangeles.com/collections/shop-all Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3622996?tab=collections Follow me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod?lang=en What we talked about: 0:29 - Valeria’s 2026 energy 2:53 - Introducing Shea Marie 3:52 - Start of interview 4:29 - Shae’s New Year’s in Aspen 7:07 - Engagement story 8:13 - Making your relationship public vs private 11:05 - Dating as a public figure 12:45 - The shift to sharing less online 18:15 - Her move to LA and terrible first job 19:50 - Lessons learned from PR job 20:45 - Starting her blog 24:00 - No respect for early-day influencers 24:55 - Separating the influencer from the brand 27:27 - Creating SAME 29:15 - Highs and lows as an OG influencer 32:53 - Doing a free campaign for Forever21 35:55 - Running and growing a brand 40:47 - The future of SAME 44:01 - One belief she had to unlearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Little Saints, a zero-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail and spirits brand created for people who love the ritual of drinking but not the aftermath. Use code VALERIA for 15% off at https://littlesaints.com In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, a non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand, for a candid conversation about sober curiosity, reinvention, and building a business that challenges the way we socialize. Megan shares her unconventional career path and what she discovered after testing nearly every non-alcoholic drink on the market. They dive into betting on yourself, her Shark Tank experience (and why she walked away from the offers), and her complicated relationship with the word “sober.” The conversation goes deeper into the physical and emotional effects of alcohol, why so many of us drink to numb, and what dating without alcohol can look like. Megan also opens up about how her personal experiences, including extensive work with ayahuasca, shaped her outlook on wellness, presence, and connection. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode about choosing clarity, building something meaningful, and redefining what it means to feel good. Follow Little Saints on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintsco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlesaintsco Shop Little Saints drinks here: https://littlesaints.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruaDMYXrtdiYTR7lCR2iMKX2fpyV74KyHXDhxcv7bg1zQ7Omza Megan’s Book Recs: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://amzn.to/498dvYq A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/44QVHys Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3446096?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:20 - Dry January & Sober Curiosity 2:35 - Introducing Megan Klein 4:19 - Start of interview 6:55 - Her common thread through careers 9:55 - Pivot from farming to a food brand 12:04 - Birth of Little Saints during Covid 13:18 - Testing all the non-alcoholic drinks 15:03 - Explaining Little Saints 16:50 - Decision to invest her own money 17:28 - Selling Little Saints out of a trailer 19:18 - Megan’s Shark Tank experience 21:57 - Why she didn't take the deal 22:40 - After the tank 23:40 - Why she dislikes the word ‘sober’ 27:30 - The side effects of drinking alcohol 31:30 - Drinking to numb ourselves 33:00 - Personal benefits from not drinking 35:54 - Doing Ayahuasca 60 times 38:16 - Lessons learned from Ayahuasca 39:42 - Data about the impact of alcohol 41:14 - Dating without alcohol 43:50 - What’s next for Little Saints 48:10 - Megan’s book recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of Valeria’s conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz, the focus shifts from understanding menopause to actively working with it to improve your life. Dr. Mindy introduces the concept of “microdosing menopause,” breaking down simple, daily habits women can use to support their changing brains and bodies, from metabolic markers like hemoglobin A1C to lifestyle shifts that ease anxiety and improve energy. They dive into why menopause often acts as a mirror, revealing what’s no longer working in your life, while reframing this phase as a powerful leadership chapter rooted in the “grandmother hypothesis.” The episode also covers how to communicate changes with partners, which hormones to check at different ages, how to build a true alliance with your doctor, and a clear-eyed discussion of peptides and hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately, Dr. Mindy reframes menopause not as something to “get through,” but as a strategic, self-aware upgrade, one that gives women the tools, clarity and confidence to step into the most grounded and powerful phase of their lives. Follow Dr. Mindy on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/?hl=en TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@drmindypelz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz Shop her new book, AGE LIKE A GIRL, and others: https://www.drmindypelz.com/books Listen to her podcast: https://www.drmindypelz.com/resetter-podcast Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/3269976?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:24 - End of Hanukkah 0:42 - Setting up Part 2 with Dr. Mindy 1:35 - ‘Microdosing Menopause’ concept 3:15 - Start of conversation 4:02 - Make sure hemoglobin A1C is close to 5 4:45 - Daily habits you can do to support the changes 6:15 - Communicating changes with partners 10:50 - What’s causing anxiety 13:28 - Menopause is a mirror of what is & isn’t working 16:10 - The grandmother hypothesis 19:16 - The leadership phase 26:00 - What hormones women should check at certain ages 30:15 - Form an alliance with your doctor 32:45 - What we need to know about peptides 34:22 - Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special “Miami Besties” episode of Not Alone, Valeria brings together the most memorable, honest, and vulnerable moments from her conversations with the women closest to her. The episode begins with friend Vita Sidorkina, whose conversation dives into raising resilient kids, the value of honesty with children, and the Russian cultural principles she still carries. Plus, an open conversation about how “daddy issues” can shape who we choose to marry and life with a husband who is 20 years older. Next, Isabela Grutman reflects on what marrying young taught her, navigating the early modeling world, and the reality of “high-value” men. We also get into long-term partnerships, and what it means to renegotiate your marriage as you evolve. Then, Martha Graeff opens up about her first marriage, the courage it took to prioritize her mental health, and the financial realities of leaving, including why she believes prenups are empowering, not limiting. Finally, Camila Coelho shares her deeply personal experience growing up with epilepsy, from getting diagnosed as a child to managing her condition as an adult, and the stigma that still surrounds it. Together, these conversations reveal the raw, real, and resilient sides of womanhood, friendship,and the stories that shape us. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3190104 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky?lang=en Follow Not Alone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notalone.pod What we talked about: 0:26 - Setting up the “Miami Besties” Episode 1:53 - Introducing friend Vita Sidorkina 3:22 - Start of Vita 3:26 - Bringing back honest communication with children 5:09 - People being too soft 7:28 - Russian values Vita holds on to 9:50 - Not growing up with childhood trauma 11:15 - Daddy issues & marital age-gaps 15:21 - Introducing friend Isabela Grutman 16:22 - Start of Isabela 16:26 - Wasting people’s time 18:06 - Marrying young vs. later in life 21:47 - Modeling at a young age 22:57 - Women looking for high-value men 23:53 - Lessons from marriage 25:15 - Not taking everything personally 26:18 - Renegotiating the marriage terms 30:01 - Introducing friend Martha Graeff 31:07 - Start of Martha 31:28 - Early days with her ex-husband 33:35 - Prioritizing mental health 35:16 - Financial aspect of leaving your marriage 36:09 - Importance of a prenup 38:25 - Introducing friend Camila Coehlo 39:41 - Start of Camila 40:19 - Getting diagnosed with epilepsy as a child 44:00 - Managing her type of epilepsy 45:55 - The stigma around epilepsy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with content creator, entrepreneur, and Aureum co-founder Cass DiMicco for a deeply relatable conversation on ambition, creativity, and the evolving meaning of success. Cass opens up about the early signs that hinted at her creative future, her leap from fashion buyer to full-time influencer, and the vulnerability that came with putting herself online. She shares how Aureum was born from intuition, grit, and a little bit of impulsiveness, and opens up about what it took to run the business during its first year ‘til now, and how she stays connected to her “why” while navigating pressure, growth, and creativity - all while trying to start a family. Cass and Valeria also dive into the truth behind the “Girl Boss” era, the myth that women need to choose between career and motherhood, and the importance of carving out solitude to stay grounded and creatively aligned. From delegation and leadership to letting go of control and imagining what’s next for Aureum, this episode is an honest look at womanhood, work, and the freedom that comes from paving your own path. Follow Cass on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassdimicco/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cassdimicco?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CassDiMicco Shop Aureum Collective: https://aureumcollective.com Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2984674?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:28 - Debrief on Valeria’s Nashville Girls Trip 2:56 - Cass DiMicco intro 4:10 - Start of interview 4:23 - Their inspiring female entrepreneur event with Emma Grede 9:10 - Childhood signs that led to Cass’s creative future 12:02 - Early days as a buyer 13:09 - Starting her blog 13:35 - Quitting her job, influencing full time 16:14 - The difficulty of putting herself out there 19:45 - The “no plan” plan 21:00 - Starting Aureum 25:07 - The need to delegate 30:38 - Huge success the first year 32:32 - Pressure to scale the business 35:45 - “Connected to my why” 36:27 - Being ready for motherhood 37:48 - The “Girlboss” Era 39:10 - Career & Motherhood, no right answer 41:35 - Being creatively vulnerable 43:58 - The importance of being alone with your thoughts 45:00 - Using her environment to level herself up 48:04 - Ready to loosen the reigns 49:16 - What’s next for Aureum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaf Botanical Tea at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20. In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria is joined by Gary for a fun, unfiltered, not-so-deep chat about the latest pop culture headlines, and a few real-life reflections along the way. Fresh off Valeria’s dream trip to Peru, the two unpack everything from “Nobody Wants This” Season 2 and Kristen Bell’s Instagram backlash, to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s surprising split. They debate modern marriage, from separate bedrooms to taking your spouse’s last name, and share their thoughts on chivalry, “the princess treatment,” and who should pick up the bill. Valeria challenges Gary on talking about pop culture (who proudly doesn’t keep up) and why sometimes, it’s okay to care about the “dumb stuff.” It’s a light, honest, and hilarious peek into how two very different minds see love, fame, and everyday life. Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2843418?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What I talked about: 0:18 - Start of the episode 0:25 - Follow @notalone.pod on TikTok 0:38 - Dream trip to Peru debrief 2:09 - Trying something new in today’s episode with Gary 4:05 - “Nobody Wants This” season 2 6:30 - Converting to Judaism 8:33 - People criticizing the show 10:58 - Fortuna Skin Ad 12:35 - Kristen Bell IG post backlash 16:20 - Married couples with separate bedrooms 20:11 - Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban ending 19-year marriage 21:30 - “Babygirl” Movie 24:30 - Defining a successful marriage 27:29 - Thoughts on Katy Perry & Justin Trudeau dating 29:44 - Husbands taking wives’ last name 31:15 - Gary’s vintage kick 32:38 - Confusion around Katy & Justin 34:59 - Is Chivalry dead? 36:39 - Splitting the bill 39:15 - Bringing back the “Princess Treatment” 41:29 - Landlines are back 43:08 - Dumb phones vs. smart phones for kids 45:15 - Not easy talking to Gary about pop culture 47:10 - Advice from Amanda Hirsch 47:33 - Caring about dumb stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50. In this revealing episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with an OG digital creator, entrepreneur and mom Brittany Xavier, for an honest conversation about faith, motherhood, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing online world. Brittany opens up about her early start on social media, the business behind her brand, and the journey from being a young single mother to one of the most recognizable figures in the influencer space. She shares how trusting in God’s plan guided her through life’s biggest turning points, from choosing to keep her baby and balancing school, work, and motherhood, to navigating a difficult custody battle and ultimately finding her voice through content creation. Together, Valeria and Brittany explore what it means to live authentically online, the lessons she’s passed down to her daughter about social media and technology, and how her family’s move from California to Tennessee brought both public scrutiny and peace. It’s a conversation about growth, resilience, and choosing faith and family over everything, and a reminder that the most powerful influence comes from being true to who you are. 📱Follow Brittany: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyxavier/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittany.xavier?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brittanyxavier Website: https://brittanyxavier.com/ Brittany’s Book Recommendations: The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus: https://amzn.to/4o4sZ4B I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist: https://amzn.to/4ob6B9S Shop my looks from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2702040 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:29 - Valeria’s upcoming trip to Peru 0:47 - Introducing Brittany Xavier 2:12 - Start of interview 2:45 - Brittany’s start on social media 4:39 - The business behind the posts 6:33 - Brittany’s early motherhood days 7:30 - The decision to keep her baby 13:02 - Being a young mother 15:06 - Floatley Ad 16:15 - Balancing school, work and motherhood 18:42 - The decision not to pursue law school 20:42 - Trusting her faith in God and his plan for her 22:25 - Her custody battle 23:14 - Signs from God 24:33 - Her community 25:26 - Her daughter and social media 27:25 - Children and technology 28:22 - Teaching her daughter the business side of TikTok 29:31 - Brittany’s shift in content 32:16 - The shifting of priorities 33:52 - The decision to leave California 36:26 - Backlash on their move to Tennessee 39:49 - Dealing with the online hate 43:36 - Being her most authentic self online 48:13 - Bringing faith to the forefront 49:50 - Brittany’s book recommendations 52:22 - Her biggest regret Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75. This episode is brought to you by Floatley - A bra brand offering feel-good basics that combine cloud-like comfort with reliable support. Try our bestselling Cozy Adjustable Bra at https://www.floatley.com/products/cozy-adjustable and get 20% off your order with code VALERIA20, plus free shipping on US orders over $50. In this heartfelt episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with her husband Gary for an intimate and honest conversation about family life, parenting, and the values that shape their home. Together, they open up about raising their three boys and reflect on how their approach to parenting has evolved over the years. From Gary’s “clairvoyant” instincts about their kids’ genders to navigating the early days of parenthood and finding patience along the way, the couple shares stories that are both funny and deeply touching. They discuss teaching their sons critical thinking in the digital age, the importance of leading by example, and how they stay intentional about what they allow into their home. With moments of laughter, reflection, and even tears, Valeria and Gary discuss what kind of parents they want to be for their boys, and why, in the Lipovetsky household, accountability, integrity, and love are always at the core. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2558840 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ Books I Mentioned: The Sovereign Child - https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Child-Forgotten-Philosophy-Liberate/dp/1544547978 What we talked about: 0:20 - Valeria sets up episode with Gary on raising boys 2:48 - Gary and Valeria start chatting 3:04 - Gary noticing their kids seem smarter 3:58 - Max’s magical birth 4:55 - Finding out the gender of their babies 5:07 - Gary’s clairvoyancy with Jake 6:33 - Max’s gender reveal story 8:46 - Valeria’s mother wanting a girl 9:43 - Experiencing no gender disappointment 10:16 - Honeymoon stage with the boys now 11:52 - Valeria thinking Gary’s takes the lead on parenting 13:08 - Vuori Ad 14:05 - Floatley Ad 17:09 - Finding your parenting style 17:27 - Gary’s motivation when it comes to the kids 20:52 - Not limiting access to the internet, teaching critical thinking 23:46 - “The Sovereign Child” Book 24:45 - Regretting lack of patience with the first child 27:12 - The different relationships with each child 28:25 - Valeria wanting to see more role model dads 30:14 - Lipovetsky core family values 31:16 - Most repeated phrase in the household - “that’s not fair” 35:37 - External validation is very short-lived & won’t make you happy 37:29 - What the boys will say about their dad in 20 years 39:54 - Open House night at the kids’ school 40:48 - Non-negotiables in the household 42:11 - Gary’s favorite “Just the two of us” lyrics 44:27 - Gary preparing kids for the day he won’t be around 47:00 - Crying on the podcast 48:08 - Talking about the business in front of the kids 49:40 - Evolving as parents 50:20 - Gary’s focus on leading by example Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with Amanda Hirsch, the voice behind the hit podcast and Instagram account Not Skinny But Not Fat. Known for her witty, unfiltered takes on pop culture and reality TV, Amanda opens up about her journey from acting and odd jobs in Israel to becoming one of the internet’s go-to voices on celebrity culture. They dive into everything from boy-mom life and her unapologetic obsession with pop culture (yes, the Britney and Justin breakup was a turning point) to the behind-the-scenes of launching Not Skinny But Not Fat. Amanda shares how she went from a meme page to interviewing A-listers, how becoming a mom didn’t change things, and how she balances sharing opinions while navigating the sensitive side of gossip. From her first big celebrity interview to the moments that made her spiral, her reality TV recs, and what it’s really like meeting your icons, Amanda proves that loving the “silly stuff” can build a serious career. It’s a funny, honest, and refreshing conversation about building something on your own terms, and how you can feel truly content when you embrace what you love. Follow Amanda on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notskinnybutnotfat/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notskinnybutnotfat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@notskinnybutnotfat Get Tickets to Amanda’s Live Show: https://www.livenation.com/event/k7vGFbiQbfwrP/one-night-only-with-amanda-hirsch Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2478422 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:26 - Episode Intro 0:30 - Valeria on work trips and being away from home 1:24 - Intro to Amanda Hirsch 2:58 - Start of Interview 3:01 - Being a boy mom 5:02 - Amanda’s current show obsession 7:40 - The start of the pop culture obsession 8:02 - The Britney and Justin breakup 9:52 - Media-trained celeb culture 11:06 - Loving ‘Love Thy Nader’ 12:06 - Amanda Hirsch’s acting career 15:10 - Working odd jobs in Israel 17:41 - Being content with life 20:15 - The hard move back to New York 22:32 - Starting ‘Not Skinny but Not Fat’ 23:26 - Interacting with the OG Meme Accounts 24:20 - Bringing Amanda and her opinion to the account 26:51 - Knowing something would come of it all 27:45 - Not being aesthetic, being approachable 30:02 - Kids don’t stop your career 31:07 - Loving the same dumb things after kids 32:35 - Getting nitty gritty DMs & not posting 33:45 - Connecting on pop culture for water cooler talk 35:35 - Knowing all the pop culture gossip in Israel 36:50 - Sensitivity with sharing information 40:50 - Interview moments that made her spiral after 42:59 - Watching cringey celebrity interviews 44:13 - Amanda’s first big celebrity interview with Erin Foster 46:30 - Still excited to do her job 48:27 - Getting cancelled on 3 times by her idol 50:00 - Meeting her pop culture heroes 51:05 - Meghan Markle 51:51 - Amanda’s first live show 54:35 - Wanting to quit ‘Love Island’ 55:50 - Amanda’s reality TV recommendations 56:54 - Valeria’s pop culture obsession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM: My favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/Valeria with code VALERIA. In this special solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria reflects on turning 35 and what this milestone means to her. She opens up about the lessons she’s carrying forward, the habits and pressures she’s choosing to leave behind, and the aspirations guiding her next chapter. From learning to be more present and putting herself first, to accepting that not everyone will like you, Valeria shares the mindset shifts that have shaped her growth. She talks about aging in a culture obsessed with youth, embracing contradictions as part of evolution, and the importance of pausing before reacting. With honesty and vulnerability, she explores her own “hero’s journey,” reflects on her children and mother getting older, and why success is about feeling, not chasing. It’s an intimate, thoughtful conversation on awareness, boundaries, and stepping into your mid-thirties with clarity and confidence. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2367051 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ Books I Mentioned: The Art of Thinking Clearly: https://amzn.to/3Iiy9ds The Power Pause: https://amzn.to/4mYaM88 The Hero's Journey: https://amzn.to/3JYXBoY What we talked about: 0:24 - Start of the conversation 0:30 - Turning 35 2:40 - Sharing the things Valeria knows now 2:46 - Life is all about evolution and contradicting yourself 4:25 - Learning how to be more present 7:15 - The importance of putting yourself first 8:50 - Pausing 10:55 - Most things don’t need a reaction 11:50 - Being “okay” with not being liked by everyone 13:40 - Choosing your own lens on life 15:11 - Clearstem Ad 16:25 - “The Hero’s Journey” Breakdown 20:26 - Things she may never figure out 20:39 - The idea of time 22:14 - Feeling success instead of chasing the next goal 23:15 - How to age in a world obsessed with youth 26:33 - Being kind vs. being nice 29:30 - Taking more time to process emotions 30:49 - Leaving behind having answers for everything 31:54 - Overexplaining my boundaries to get approval 33:04 - Moving away from sharing too much, too fast online 36:02 - Sharing things that took a long time to process 37:10 - Admiring Pamela Anderson 38:00 - Igniting Awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by CLEARSTEM - my favorite skincare brand that fights acne and aging at the same time, with zero pore-clogging ingredients, ever. Get 15% off at https://clearstem.com/valeria with code VALERIA. This episode is also brought to you by Vuori: Versatile athletic and performance clothing. Head to https://vuori.com/notalone for 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on US orders over $75. In this week’s episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with clinical psychologist and friendship expert Christie Ferrari to unpack the complicated world of adult friendships. They explore why friends can feel so different after childhood, and why we sometimes fight to keep certain people in our lives while letting go of others. Christie introduces the concept of growth flags vs. red flags and helps us identify what healthy, evolving friendships look like versus the ones that may be holding us back. Together, Valeria and Christie dive into questions we all face: What kind of friend am I? Am I a fringe friend? How do I deal with “mean girls” even as an adult? From cultural differences in how friendships form, to tips for approaching conflict, to understanding when it’s time to quietly distance yourself, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools for navigating relationships. If you’ve ever questioned your place in a friend group or wondered how to deepen your connections, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Christie on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_ferrari/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christieferrari?lang=en Website: https://www.christieferrari.com/ Subscribe to Assertive You: https://www.christieferrari.com/assertive-you Book a session with Christie: https://www.christieferrari.com/services Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2205029 Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/ What we talked about: 0:38 - Valeria sets up the episode about friendships 3:52 - Start of the conversation 4:01 - Introducing Christie Ferrari 6:33 - Why adult friendships seem so different 8:28 - Why we work for friendships & why we let them go 9:48 - Growth flags vs red flags 12:38 - Understanding what kind of friend you are 15:12 - Clearstem Ad 16:35 - Vuori Ad 17:57 - Christie’s draw to studying friendships 18:49 - The importance of being assertive 20:28 - What is a fringe friend? 23:18 - Helping a fringe friend 25:35 - Tips to find good friends 27:42 - Christie’s story on being a fringe friend 28:17 - Dealing with Mean Girls 29:29 - Why Mean Girls exist in adulthood 31:03 - Cultural friendship differences 32:05 - How Mean Girls lose power 34:10 - Approaching a friend with an issue 36:36 - When to let a friendship go 37:25 - Quiet distancing 40:14 - Mourning friendships 41:07 - Having more than one “best friend” 43:56 - Trying a friendship reset 44:48 - What healthy friendships look like 45:34 - Men’s reactions to female friendships 47:46 - Why friendships are easier in your 20s 48:35 - Underrated green flags 49:01 - Rapid Fire Questions 51:19 - Christie’s Reading Rec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices