In the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, so many of us are grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. This week’s podcast episode takes a look at the feelings of shock, betrayal, and uncertainty that have emerged for so many Americans. It's a raw and heartfelt discussion aimed at making sense of heavy hearts and troubled minds.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional rollercoaster that comes with this pivotal moment in our history
• The importance of empathy and community support
• The importance of remembering that our feelings and needs are going to shift as things evolve
• The broader implications for various communities, including statistical proof of increased online and in-person harassment women are already facing

We also cover:

• Ways to stand together in solidarity
• Maintaining hope and resilience in the face of adversity
• Learning from the struggles marginalized groups have faced throughout history
• The importance of creating safe spaces and communities
• Asking people what they need instead of making assumptions
• Examples of the types of help people from marginalized might need
• What to do if a government or our neighbors aren't providing us with the safety and human rights we need and deserve

Tune in to this episode for a compassionate and thought-provoking discussion that encourages us to stay connected and supportive of each other -- so we can also empower each other during these challenging times.

In the meantime, I can't thank you enough for being a part of the From Lemons to Limoncello community.

This episode is a FULL EPISODE, with a runtime off approximately 40 minutes.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, send her a message, or subscribe for more content, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com.

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

Want more content?

Visit Lisa Marie's website (see above).

Want to reach out to Lisa Marie, suggest a podcast topic, or know a guest she should interview?

Connect with her, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Alex Poppe, a business analyst turned actress, turned humanitarian aide volunteer, and now strategic communications advisor for USAID’s Democracy Delivers initiative. An award-winning author, she's written four powerful books, featuring fierce and funny women who overcome trauma and violence.

Alex’s diverse and eventful career has taken her to places like Northern Iraq, the West Bank, Turkey, and beyond. Driven by a passion for women’s issues, her experiences have inspired her to tell stories that shed light on the global struggles women face daily.

Episode Highlights:

• The Reality of War for Women: We talk about the harsh realities faced by women in war zones—from physical and verbal abuse to their lack of access to basic resources—and the injustices they suffer in addition to the brutalities of war itself.

• Empathy and Compassion in Adversity: We discuss the incredible capacity of people who have suffered the most to find joy, love, and resilience.

• Inspiration Behind the Stories: Alex’s discusses some of the real-life incidents and people that inspired her books.

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• Women’s Rights: We talk about women’s universal struggle for dignity and justice, regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, or nationality.

• Cultural Differences and Common Humanity: We share how understanding varying cultural values can connection and understanding — and how differing cultural views aren’t right or wrong, unless they harm, demean, or devalue lives.

• Reproductive Rights: The episode also covers the concerns about reproductive rights.

• Common Ground for Gender Protection Laws: We discuss the importance of fostering empathy when we can't agree on common values, so we can find common ground around discussing universal gender protection laws.

• Alex’s Writing Process: Alex talks about how her unique experiences as an actress and humanitarian aid have influenced her writing process.

• Why What Happens in One Part of the World Impacts Us All: We have a candid discussion about how the fate of women in one region affects the fate of women everywhere. We also explore how perpetuating injustice can create new generations of people seeking retribution, highlighting the interconnectedness of our global community.

Don’t miss this insightful episode of From Lemons to Limoncello. Join us as we explore the challenges, strength and resilience of women everywhere.

*Warning: This episode discusses violence against women. If this subject is triggering for you, please feel free to skip this episode and we'll see you next week.

More About Alex Poppe:

To learn more about Alex or her books, visit: https://alexpoppe.com/

To watch the interview with Fazila that Lisa Marie mentioned during the episode (Lisa Marie's "Food for Thought" series featuring immigrants and refugees), visit: https://www.lisamarieconnections.com/food-for-thought

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, send her a message, or subscribe for more content, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com.

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with someone who drains your emotional energy. These “relationship vampires” can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and insecure. They might be partners, friends, coworkers, or family members who manipulate, guilt, or gaslight you into prioritizing their needs over your own. Whether their behavior is intentional or not, it can take a real toll on your mental and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Recognizing the signs of relationship vampires (also called emotional vampires)
• Understanding their manipulative behaviors
• The emotional toll these toxic relationships take
• The importance of identifying these patterns to protect your energy and well-being

We also cover:

• Some classic behaviors relationship vampires exhibit
• How to respond to their behavior (put away your garlic and wooden stakes, people; they’re not that kind of vampire ;)
• The importance of setting boundaries
• Remembering to prioritize your own needs
• Ways to break the cycle victims of these types of relationships might not even be aware that they’re in.

If you’re in a relationship with someone who leaves you feeling overly obligated, drained, diminished, anxious, and insecure — if you’re ready to reclaim your energy and protect your emotional health, or you just need some validation that something in your relationship just isn’t right — this episode is a must-listen. I hope you’ll join us for some helpful tips on stepping out of your relationship vampire’s dark lair and back into a sunlit, happier, more balanced life.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, send her a message, or subscribe for more content, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com.

Follow her on Instagram: @lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

Want more content?

Visit Lisa Marie's website (see above).

Want to reach out to Lisa Marie, suggest a podcast topic, or know a guest she should interview?

Connect with her, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect