A society and culture podcast exploring current events, pop culture, politics, trends, and more through candid interviews and solo episodes. Whether it's dissecting the latest headlines, delving into cultural phenomena, or exploring the intricacies of modern parenting, Laura Max brings her signature empathetic approach to every episode.
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Author Cara Bastone shares insights into her USA Today bestselling novel "Promise Me Sunshine," exploring how she weaves deep themes like grief and realism into her romance stories. She delves into her disciplined daily writing routine, the collaborative editing process, and her philosophy on professional fulfillment. The episode also highlights the powerful community built around books on platforms like Bookstagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a successful author's life and her valuable advice for aspiring writers.
Join me for my second interview with author Matt Brand as we dig into the life-altering moment he experienced that prompted him to transform his health, which he once thought of as "fine." If you're wanting to transform or improve your own health and are unsure of where to start, this episode is a great place to begin your journey as Matt shares exceedingly practical tips for increasing vitality and making the most of this life we've been given.
Can you really talk to God? Does he really answer you? According to Neale Donald Walsch, it's an abounding "yes. " Join me and bestselling author of " Conversations with God", Neale Donald Walsch, as we delve into his most recent book, " GODTALK ", and what it really means to have a real dialogue with the divine in modern times. To learn more about Neale and his 40 published books, click here.
You might be used to coming to this podcast for spiritual wisdom and parenting advice (and the occasional book review), but please stop everything because we have to discuss Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. On this episode on IJHTS with Laura Max, Attorney Taly Thiessen from Thiessen Law Firm weighs in on the legal drama none of us can stop reading about: what's happening now, and what we can anticipate happening next. Plus, her opinion (and mine) on what really happened behind the scenes....
75% of Americans are overweight or obese. The problem according to Justin Nault? We aren’t eating enough. With nearly half a million followers on TikTok, nutritional therapist Justin Nault has acquired a massive following by relaying simple, mind-blowing truths about what we’re really putting in our bodies, why we really can’t lose weight and why our collective health is in crisis. If you think you’ve heard it all when it comes to obesity and our health as Americans, listen to this episode. We a...
Why is it so important to have a present father? What makes a good, present father in the first place? What is the biggest reason we get into toxic relationships as an adult? What do we lose control over when it comes to our own children if we don't do this one thing? How do we learn to embrace our own worth and value if we had broken relationships with one or more parents? In this conversation with Rabbi Shais Taub, we discuss the connection and difference between spirituality and religion, the...
I might have reached out to Marianne only a few days ago to ask her to be a guest on this show, but anyone who’s known me for a long time knows that I’ve been prepping for this interview at least a decade and a half - in 2012, my byline for an online magazine I was writing for read “Laura Max is a lover of big shoes, dark chocolate, and Marianne Williamson.” Beginning her career known as the spiritual advisor to Oprah Winfrey, Marianne is the author of 16 books, four of which became #1 New York ...
Feeling a little anxious? Wondering what's going to happen tomorrow or worried about next month or next year or even life after death? Join me for a conversation with Rabbi Mendel Mintz as we dive into Jewish wisdom that helps us navigate fear of the unknown and abounding complex dynamics within our country. In this episode, we discuss: Election Day Life after death according to Judaism Why what we do here on earth really matters What we can do every day to lift feelings of depression and anxiet...
This week, I sit down with designer and entrepreneur David Peck, whose story has roots in churches associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) — yes, the same fundamentalist Christian organization made famous by the Duggar family. Known for its rigid beliefs around patriarchy, authority, and gender roles, IBLP shaped a very particular worldview for those who grew up in its teachings. David and I dive deep into our personal journeys, moving beyond the beliefs we were raised with...
It's not every morning I feel like I need to grab my microphone as quickly as possible so I can tell everyone who will listen about a new line of skincare products that I'm obsessed with...but this morning was that morning. After coming across some very persuasive instagram ads for Prequel Skincare that featured videos of their founder, Dr. Samantha Ellis, raving about their Multi Quench serum, I was finally convinced and knew I had to try the product out for myself. But, here's the thing: becau...
In this solo episode, I lighten things up with a fun comparison between Botox and Dysport before diving into something more profound—Yom Kippur. I share my own miraculous story from last year and unpack the true meaning of atonement for anyone who feels weighed down by guilt or shame. Whether you're Jewish or not, tune in for a fresh perspective on how to approach the year ahead with hope, real possibility, and a plan to make time for what matters most (even if you're juggling kids and a career)...
Megan Birkel - a fan-favorite guest of mine and a fan-favorite in general - is used to asking her followers if they have any questions for her throughout the week. There's a reason for that: there's practically nothing this woman can't sell me, and following her has totally eliminated my need to spend hours scrolling through product reviews as Megan has proved herself as one of the most reliable sources for everything homegoods and homemaking (among many, many other things.) Her followers are us...
A few weeks ago, my mom got me one of the best presents I've ever received: an Oura Ring! If you don't know what the Oura Ring is, it's a smart ring that serves as a wellness tracker and helps you understand vital info about your sleep patterns, daily readiness, fertility + cycle, stress levels + more, and in this episode I'm talking about all of the ways in which mine has truly CHANGED MY LIFE! This episode is NOT sponsored (I just genuinely love this ring), but if you want to get one after lis...
Tune into this episode for my thoughts on several AMAZING recent reads, including: Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica (Mystery) Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Romance, Mystery) The Things we Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros PLUS: I've read all 24 books written by Colleen Hoover. Tune into this episode for the five books you MUST read by her!...
Yep, you read that right: I have three daughters, and each of them is in a different school. I spent a long time this summer thinking about how I would make it work, and this morning, I pulled off the first drop off succesfully and have so much to share with you on how I'm doing things differently this year. Links I mentioned: The Five Minute Journal (if you buy nothing else this year, buy this.) My episode on David Peck's podcast about the Justin Baldoni/Blake Lively Drama + Book Review of "Ver...
I've been waiting to see the movie adaptation of "It Ends With Us" starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni for what feels like forever and last night, I finally got to see it on the night it came out! In this episode, I'm sharing my completely candid and detailed review (spoiler alert!) as someone who has read all 24 of Colleen Hoover's books. Watch the movie, then listen to this episode and send me a DM with your thoughts - I would love to hear them!
It's a widespread millennial parenting hack: kids who won't sleep? Give them some melatonin. But is it good for them? Is it bad for them? Does anyone know the answers? In this week's episode of IJHTS, Dr. Josh Tal, a sleep psychologist, is weighing in on the role melatonin can play in our sleep cycle and habits, plus how to build healthy sleep habits for yourself and your family members. This episode was inspired by the article "Passed Out on Gummies" in The Cut. You can read the article here. C...
Parenting is full of pivotal moments that ask us to summon the highest version of ourselves (and all of our courage) without warning. From ushering his daughter through her first day of Kindergarten to giving the sex talk, Matt Brand, the author of "Nature and Nurture: one father's journey through the fog of parenting," is talking all about what it's been like to raise two daughters in a world of countless outside influences, and how he's made it through some of parenting's biggest challenges. B...
Have you ever been to a psychic? Do you think it's all just a bunch of hocus pocus or are you a true believer? Either way, Psychic Julee is here to help you hone your own psychic abilities and really get what you want out of life (hint: it's not about "wanting.") In this episode, we discuss: How Julee sees the future How you can see your own How to really listen to your intuition and know how you feel about things How to get what you want out of life Auras and what they mean How we're really doi...
I originally shared this podcast on 5/23/24, and I'm re-broadcasting it so it's available on this feed as I switched feeds from the original about a month ago. Here's the original summary: This is my first official interview on this podcast and trust me, you don't want to miss it! Listen the whole way through to hear one of my most beloved podcast guests from my previous podcast, Look Ma' No Hands, weigh in on: Harrison Butker What she wishes she could tell her younger-mom self What she wants yo...
I know I've said it before, but DO NOT MISS this one-of-a-kind episode of "I Just Have to Say with Laura Max." Matchmaker Gaby Aratow of Keeper Introduction Services (KIS) here in Aspen, Colorado isn't wasting one minute of our hour-long episode with boring conversation. In this densely-packed exchange, we discuss: What makes people a great match Why some great matches don't stay together Why some great matches do The power of monogamy and commitment The two types of people who choose to get div...
I met Catalina Gallegos on my first day of freshman year at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. 21 years later (!!!) she's coming on the podcast with her 10+ years of experience in research and the field of psychology to talk about how habit stacking and other happiness and productivity hacks have optimized her joy in life as a mother of three. In this episode, we discuss: How to really let go of "bad" habits How to support ourselves in starting new, positive habits Giving oursel...
About a week ago, half of my social media shared the now-viral AI image with text that read "All Eyes on Rafah." The other half shared another viral AI image, "Where were your eyes on October 7th?" This contrast underscored our state of division as we find ourselves injesting more and more conflicting news on the war in Israel each day. My guest on this podcast, Daniel Farber, lives in Jerusalem, Israel, and was there with his family on October 7th and on each day since. His commentary on how so...
"What Season am I in?" It's a quiz I've taken way too many times, and I always come out with a different answer! Natalie is on the show to set the record straight and help me get closer to the answer, and to help anyone listening know how to dress their best each day. Even more, we go into: How to look your best and gain the TRUST of your audience on Zoom with one very surprising trick (I was shocked by this one, and by how important it is!) How to use social media to your benefit (and not your ...
Do you struggle to make big and small decisions? Are you wondering if those signs life is giving you are real or imagined? Have you gone through a major life change and want to hear about what you can look forward to in your next chapter? In this chat with Julie Lauren, host of Hashtag No Filter, we're talking about signs from above, growth after major change, and how our lives have changed - and changed us - in the last few years.
I'm officially saying goodbye to Look Ma' No Hands - come join me and subscribe to 'I just have to say by Laura Max" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen here.
Smiling, happy siblings are the picture we see often when presented with family snapshots on social media and in holiday cards, but are siblings who get along really imperative to a functioning family? If your kids don't like each other, is there anything you can do about that? Blimie Heller returns to Look Ma' No Hands to give her perspective.
"You were two before, and now, you are three. And yes, you wanted to become three, but that still doesn’t mean that you aren’t grieving the loss of when you were just two. This is completely normal and many couples don’t allow themselves the space to go through this transition and acknowledge both the complex emotions that accompany it, as well as the very real changes that happen to the relationship." Sally Maxwell, Max-Well Coaching Join me for a gripping interview with my friend Sally Maxwell...
Whether you identify as religious or not, there's little room for doubt that many of us millennial parents were heavily influenced by religious philosophy in our youth and continue to question it in our adulthood. While it's a straighforward commandment on its face, "Honor Thy Mother and Father" can be complicated if your relationship with your parents was strained, challenging, or abusive. In this very special episode of Look Ma' No Hands, I'm sitting down with my very own Rabbi, Rabbi Mendel M...
