This Might Get Uncomfortable

Whitney, broadcasting from a Cracker Barrel parking lot in Illinois, shares her journey back to Colorado, following a trip to Cleveland for a family memorial. Discussing the nuances of van life, accessibility challenges at amusement parks, and considerations about carrying a gun for safety, Whitney delves into her experiences with neurodivergence and the complexities of public spaces. She also reflects on her nostalgic visit to Cedar Point and the discriminatory experiences faced by her family. She touches upon her plan to attend the Newtopia trade show in Denver and her deep emotions stirred by the Democratic National Convention.

Whitney opens up about her recent experience with ADHD management, including adjusting her medication with the help of her psychiatrist. She talks about the challenges, such as dealing with dysphraxia and the emotional impacts of feeling different. Whitney also shares her decision to buy a camper van for her upcoming annual road trip, detailing the extensive research and financial considerations involved. Additionally, she talks about the importance of self-acceptance and how her new ventures, are shaping her future. 00:26 ADHD Medication Update06:39 Exploring the Effects of Adderall10:21 Therapy and Neurodivergence19:57 Camper Van Journey Begins44:15 Preparing for Van Life53:32 Investing in Essential Gear Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Beyond Measure community today:https://podcast.wellevatr.com/beyond-measure

In this episode, Whitney recounts of her three-week trip exploring the national parks of Hawaii and American Samoa. She goes into detail on the planning process, the financial ease she experienced, and adventures had at nature spots like Maui's Road to Hana and American Samoa's island of Ofu. She also touches on personal milestones, such as paying off her car loan, and the importance of respecting local cultures. Reflecting on the balance between work and travel, Whitney discusses personal growth, connections made, and the dualities of feeling both relaxed and challenged. Join her for enriching stories and lessons on ease, spiritual connection, and the impacts of travel.07:05 Trip Preparations20:37 Exploring Maui: Road to Hana and Camping31:15 Big Island Adventures: Volcanoes and Spiritual Connections46:08 Oahu Surprises: Glamping and Pearl Harbor54:24 Adventures in American Samoa01:04:57 Cultural Immersion and Local Cuisine01:14:47 Final Island: Kauai01:23:12 Reflections on Travel and Personal GrowthMentioned (affiliate links used):Owen Beiny episode: https://podcast.wellevatr.com/life-changing-advice-on-credit-cards-celebrity-and-coffee-with-owen-beinyAmerica the Beautiful Pass: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=cb108bda-c46a-4843-be9f-40db97e01187&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F234584%2Famerica-the-beautiful-pass-20242025Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=cb108bda-c46a-4843-be9f-40db97e01187&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F215176%2Fpatagonia-torrentshell-3l-jacket-womensHiking Umbrella - https://amzn.to/4cksqO0Tevas: https://amzn.to/3KSJpv4 Snorkel Set: https://amzn.to/3XqsAPv HipCamp: hipcamp.com/r/whitneyelsa Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/ Car Phone Holder Mount: https://amzn.to/3RADVsF Cabeau neck pillow: https://amzn.to/4bdbzvt Aeropress: https://amzn.to/4eyr6Zt Porlex Mini Grinder: https://amzn.to/4cwqSR1 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Beyond Measure community today:https://podcast.wellevatr.com/beyond-measure

Whitney openly talks about her insecurities related to podcast length, body image, aging, and the judgments of others. Her exploration touches on the struggles with disordered eating, societal pressures, and the desire for authenticity in various aspects of life, including online dating experiences and societal metrics of success. Whitney reflects on the importance of self-acceptance and the difficulty of shedding the mental weight of others' opinions. The episode also touches on her passion for travel and potential future content, revealing her constant battle with balancing authentic expression and societal expectations.01:24 Exploring the Challenge of Keeping Episodes Short03:37 Navigating Personal Insecurities and Social Perceptions06:17 The Impact of Social Media and the Job Market on Self-Perception09:17 Facing Age and Body Image Concerns Through Personal Stories15:21 The Quest for Self-Acceptance Amidst External Judgments Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Beyond Measure community today:https://podcast.wellevatr.com/beyond-measure

Whitney shares some personal updates and insights, covering topics from health and sleep challenges to ambitions and self-exploration. She discusses the ongoing battle with tiredness and the journey of understanding the brain. Whitney mentions neurodivergence and the importance of forming one’s own opinions about health. She shares insights into an addictive pattern with social media, particularly TikTok and YouTube Shorts, and the connection to seeking dopamine hits. Additionally, Whitney talks about a renewed interest in hiking, the dream of climbing Mount Everest, and the continuous pursuit of feeling 'good enough.' Other updates include a deep dive into sleepwalking and dreams, physical therapy for long-standing leg pain, and plans for camping and visiting national parks. 02:07 The Social Media Spiral: From TikTok to YouTube Shorts04:45 Setting Sights on Mount Everest: Dreams and Realities08:26 The Journey Beyond Success: Insights from Jim Carrey12:01 Navigating Daily Life: Energy, Tasks, and Personal Goals15:39 The Anxiety of Planning and the Power of Last-Minute Motivation19:35 Decoding Dreams and Sleepwalking Mysteries23:08 Embarking on a Physical Therapy Journey28:35 The Quest to Visit All National Parks34:23 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Podcasting Vulnerabilities Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Beyond Measure community today:https://whitneylauritsen.com/beyond-measure/

The seventh session of the Well-Being Beyond Measure series focuses on the implications of social media and technology. Whitney explores the effects of social media burnout, mental health impacts, addiction to the constant infusion of content, 'Influencer Creep', and the subconscious challenge of always striving to do more. Drawing from published articles and studies, she emphasizes the strategic psychological designs of these platforms and their potential to incite polarity and unrest. The importance of understanding the platforms, setting solid boundaries, and diligent introspection of one's behavior while using social media is advised. Whitney advocates for personal authenticity and selective attention to elements that bring individual joy and meaning, prolonging wellbeing beyond numerical measures or social media validations.Resources mentioned: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now: https://amzn.to/4336fs4 Your Guide to Creating a Healthier Relationship with Social Media: https://www.healthline.com/health/social-media-and-mental-health?cmid=23304fe5-b3ae-4884-931a-0902fa32188d The social media diet: A scoping review to investigate the association between social media, body image and eating disorders amongst young people: https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0001091 Social media polarized America by making a big mistake: It introduced us to each other: https://www.businessinsider.com/social-media-twitter-facebook-political-polarization-mechanism-2022-10 Influencer Creep: https://reallifemag.com/influencer-creep/04:23 The Magic and Loss of Digital World05:15 Whitney's Personal Journey with Social Media07:00 Understanding the Mechanism of Social Media09:08 The Dark Side09:47 The Influence on Body Image11:14 Social Media Addiction15:50 The Polarizing Effect of Social Media17:38 The Impact on Career and Self-Esteem19:52 The Decision to Step Away 30:59 The Power of Selective Attention

The fifth session of the Well-Being Beyond Measure series delves into the importance of self-compassion. Whitney offers an honest account of her struggles with perfectionism, self-loathing, stress, and career transition. She discusses the critical nature of self-acknowledgement and positive self-perception, sharing psychological studies that validate the benefits of gratitude. Whitney suggests that the cultivation of self-compassion is an inner job through practices like yoga, positive self-talk, trying new things, and expressing gratitude. She encourages listeners to treat self-love, understanding, and acceptance as proactive roles in their lives.Resources and people mentioned:Princeton University tipsfurther.nethealth.harvard.edu: Giving thanks can make you happierHeather Havrilesky/Ask PollyWil SchroterLaurie Penny01:35 Exploring the Topic of Self Compassion02:08 Personal Experiences with Discomfort04:21 The Impact of New Work and Identity Questions11:42 The Struggle with Self Loathing and the Need for Self Compassion16:30 The Power of Gratitude and Self Esteem

In the third session of the Well-being Beyond Measure series, Whitney takes you on an introspective journey exploring strengths, values, and personal growth, with exercises and reflections to gain clarity and self-understanding. She emphasizes the significance of starting despite uncertainties and encourages active participation in this self-discovery process. The episode is a blend of personal insights, practical exercises, and motivational guidance, perfect for those looking to deepen their self-awareness and well-being practices.02:42 The Importance of Trying New Things03:40 The Vision Board Exercise and Its Impact06:53 Exploring Strengths and Values14:25 The Role of Strengths in Personal Wellbeing19:37 Understanding and Defining Personal Values25:21 Living in Alignment with Your ValuesResources & References:Vision Board Kit (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/47ZMFxNhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202111/what-are-your-valueshttps://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/core-values.htmlGet free access and join live sessions of Well-Being Beyond Measure (and the Beyond Measure community) here: https://podcast.wellevatr.com/beyond-measure