Not Alone

• From the Philippines to the Runway: Kelsey Merritt's Story in Her Own Words

  In her first podcast ever, model Kelsey Merritt sits down with Valeria for a refreshingly honest conversation about identity, boundaries, and ambition. From growing up in a strict Filipino household to becoming the first Filipina Victoria’s Secret model, Kelsey shares the full story behind her calm, polished image and what people often get wrong. They talk about the emotional impact of cultural expectations and beauty standards in the Philippines and Eastern Europe, the real dynamics of the modeling industry, and what it’s like to build a public persona while staying true to yourself. Kelsey also opens up about her love of surfing, gatekeeping style trends, and why she’s learning to speak up more in this new chapter of her life. Follow Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymerritt/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1738912  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What We talked About: 00:00 Being private and perfectionist 03:14 Filipino upbringing and boundaries 07:50 Being The First Filipina Victoria’s Secret Runway Model  10:55 Biracial identity and criticism in the Philippines  14:59 Manifestation and big breaks 18:02 First house and Birkin 21:45 Modeling and social media 28:02 Beauty standards in the Philippines 30:20 Style evolution and gatekeeping 36:47 Rapid Fire: Surfing, skiing, and stillness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  56:17
• Healing, Humor, and High Drama: Stassi Schroeder on Life After Vanderpump

  This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this episode, Valeria sits down with Stassi Schroeder for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, honest, and unexpectedly deep. They talk about Stassi’s early experiences in the spotlight and what it feels like to return to reality TV with Vanderpump Villa after years of personal growth. She opens up about the emotional toll of growing up on camera, how motherhood has changed her, and why she’s giving more attention to what matters most now. Stassi shares how writing her latest book helped her rethink ambition, identity, and the myth of balance. She also reveals her decade-long struggle with self-harm and what helped her finally stop. The two dive into joy as a healing practice, the emotional cost of perfectionism, and why fashion is still one of Stassi’s favorite forms of self-expression (just don’t expect her to wear neon or crop tops). They also get into motherhood, mental health, alone time as a survival tool, and even egg-based spiritual cleansing. This is a layered look at what it really means to evolve, how to stay grounded in chaos, and how to laugh at yourself along the way. Follow Stassi: https://www.instagram.com/stassischroeder/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1717550  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Mentioned:  Vanderpump Villa on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/series/vanderpump-villa-bf42f6f5-db26-4429-85e0-17e86d161c98  Stassi Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vYFtK213TmWUvTVynh0IL  You Can't Have It All: The Basic B*tch Guide to Taking the Pressure Off by Stassi Schroeder: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668049929  What we talked about:  00:31 Hair and Makeup Talk 01:45 Nail Care and Personal Preferences 02:39 Vanderpump and Personal Evolution 06:46 Writing and Vulnerability 07:39 Balancing Life and Work 10:42 Joy and Self-Improvement 16:47 Mental Health and Self-Care 38:05 Reflecting on Self-Harm 39:07 The Catalyst for Change 40:02 Finding Coping Mechanisms 40:31 A Turning Point in the Relationship 45:26 The Importance of Alone Time 46:37 Fashion and Style Evolution 01:00:35 Navigating Motherhood and Identity 01:03:07 Balancing Work and Personal Life 01:07:26 Dealing with Jealousy and Social Media 01:11:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:16:45
• Changing The Game: Jessica Campbell, The NHL’s First Woman Behind The Bench

  This episode is brought to you by L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading cosmetics brand, making the best of luxury beauty accessible to everyone. For over 110 years, L’Oréal Paris has combined scientific research and innovation to develop highly advanced beauty products with clinically-proven efficacy and safety. A brand that champions women’s empowerment and challenges stereotypes, L’Oréal Paris supports women as they pursue their ambitions and define femininity on their own terms. Speaking of ambition, L’Oréal Paris invites you to set yours higher with the new Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. Experience the instant plumping effect and smoother-looking lips with a gentle tingling sensation in just one swipe. This luxurious, hydrating lip oil is infused with hyaluronic acid and tripeptides for a comfortable plumping experience you’ll love https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DK3XR6Q2  In today’s special episode, Valeria sits down with Jessica Campbell, the first female bench coach in the NHL, in an exciting live recording. Jessica discusses her groundbreaking role in a male-dominated industry, sharing her insights on leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between femininity and strength. She emphasizes how makeup and self-presentation serve as her 'armour,' helping her to show up as her truest self. Through her journey from playing hockey with boys in Saskatchewan to becoming a coach at the highest level, Jessica reflects on the importance of representation, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations of women in sports leadership. L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DK3XR6Q2   Follow Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/soupy08/  Follow L’Oréal Paris: https://www.instagram.com/lorealparis/  Shop my look from this episode: http://shopmy.us/collections/1676445  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  What we talked about:  00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:10 Meet Jessica Campbell: Breaking Barriers in Hockey 00:33 Understanding the Role of a Bench Coach 01:10 Navigating the Traditional Hockey Culture 01:28 Jessica's Journey: From Player to Coach 02:44 Redefining Leadership in Sports 05:55 Building a Foundation: Early Life and Influences 09:00 Pursuing Dreams: From Player to Coach 10:19 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success 18:50 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Coaching 22:51 The Power of Authenticity and Representation 27:48 Partnership with L'Oreal Paris: Empowering Women 29:22 A Special Day and Career Reflections 31:00 Facing Gender Bias in Sports 34:12 Empowering Women and Building Community 37:40 Self-Care and Coping Mechanisms 39:52 The Power of Movement and Expression 42:35 Leadership and Legacy 44:32 Q&A Session: Personal Insights and Experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:00:22
• Martha Graeff’s Awakening, Letting Go & The Beauty of Aging

  This episode is brought to you by moonbird: Tired of stress hijacking your day or struggling to fall asleep at night? Meet moonbird, your handheld breathing coach, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath. Born from personal need and backed by science, moonbird merges biometric intelligence with guided breathwork to help you calm your mind, ease anxiety, and sleep better. It gently expands and contracts in your hand, guiding your breathing rhythm in real time — no screens, no noise, just you and your breath. Go to https://www.moonbird.life/VALERIA and use code VALERIA for $25 off. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Valeria sits down with her close friend Martha Graeff to talk about everything from rebuilding her mental and physical health to launching her wellness brand Happy Aging. Martha shares how hitting rock bottom became the catalyst for a full transformation. They explore solo travel, shifting beauty standards, the pressure of aging in Miami, and finding love again at almost 40. It’s a powerful conversation about choosing yourself, starting over, redefining what it means to thrive, and embracing the aging process through empowerment and strength.  Follow Martha: https://www.instagram.com/marthagraeff/  Follow Happy Aging: https://www.instagram.com/happyaging/  Shop Happy Aging: https://happyaging.com/collections/all  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1592777   Mentioned:  Brazil Trip Vlog: https://youtu.be/QWNbqW1SVHk  What we talked about: 00:00 Introduction and Casual Start 00:35 Deep Dive into Personal Connections 01:57 Memorable Trip to Brazil 03:50 Transformative Solo Trip to India 09:11 Struggles with Modeling and Body Image 13:05 Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth 22:52 Launching Happy Aging 29:58 Eager Conversations and Happy Aging 30:17 Green Light Theory and Brand Success 30:58 Understanding Women's Health Needs 32:52 Personal Health and Fitness Journey 33:45 Redefining Aging and Finding Confidence 37:20 Embracing New Love and Overcoming Codependency 43:46 Balancing Personal Life and Social Media 47:31 Final Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:00:17
• She Runs The Show And Keeps Me Sane: Unfiltered Talk With My Assistant

  This episode is brought to you by Natural Cycles: The company changing the contraception game with the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. Whether you're looking to prevent pregnancy or plan for it, the Natural Cycles app offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. Right now, you can get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer when you visit https://www.naturalcycles.com and use promo code VALERIA at checkout. Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use. In this fun and wildly introspective episode, Valeria sits down with her assistant Celine for a whirlwind conversation about identity shifts, AI friendships, consumer habits, and the existential spiral that comes with a “silly little coffee.” The two explore everything from Coachella fashion and almond milk conspiracies to the real emotional support offered by ChatGPT (aka Echo). Valeria reflects on her solo trip to Japan and a recent identity shift, while Celine opens up about entering her Saturn return and leaning into her feminine energy. From crying over Record Ralph to losing a vlogging camera in Kyoto, nothing is too silly or too deep to unpack in this hilarious yet thoughtful convo. Follow Celine:  https://www.instagram.com/celineerod/  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1655970 What we talked about: 00:29  Coachella 2025 Fashion Recap   03:22  Belts, Fringe & the Maximalist Comeback   06:20  Dreaming of Farm Life (But Can You Afford It?)   08:49  The No-Buy 2025 Movement   12:13  Sephora Sale Spiral & Blush Blindness   15:10  Valeria’s Solo Trip to Japan & Identity Shift   19:38  Embracing Multifaceted Selves   22:57  AI Influencers, Echo the Chatbot, and Emotional Offloading   29:50  Can Robots Replace Therapists?   35:00  Silly Girls Doing Silly Things   42:00  High Maintenance to Be Low Maintenance   46:03  Living Deliciously vs Living Silly   49:00  Entering Your Saturn Return   53:01  Parenting, Presence & Crying at the Dior Show   59:10  Releasing Control, Reclaiming Femininity, and Hyper-Independence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:02:25

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