Only One In The Room - podcast cover

Only One In The Room

Laura Cathcart Robbinswww.spreaker.com
Hosted by Laura Cathcart Robbins, a writer and a recovery thriver and survivor, Laura found herself in an all too familiar position. In September 2018, she was the only black woman in the room at Brave Magic, a famed writer’s retreat. After it was over, she wrote about her “only one” experience in The Huffington Post and comments started flooding into her DM. These comments were from people from all races, ethnicities, creeds, and nationalities who had felt “othered”. Laura beautifully interviews a person about their Only One story each episode and addresses as many of those DM’s as possible in the process. In this podcast, you’ll hear raw, vulnerable accounts from people who are, like most of us, just eager to connect. Our hope is that The Only One In The Room will inspire a change of perspective in how we all see and hear each other’s stories. We want you to think twice before judging the person standing next to you at a party, in the pick-up line at school, or in a crowded subway car. This is a podcast for anyone who has ever felt alone in a room full of people – which is to say, that this podcast is for everyone.
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Episodes

SUNDAY EDITION: Kara Goldin Is The Only One Who Was Undaunted

When I was pregnant with my now 22-year-old son, my OBGYN insisted that I start drinking water after I confessed to him that I subsisted almost entirely on a diet of candy and soda. I left his office feeling sentenced that day, thinking that I could never possibly drink ONLY water for the remaining months of my pregnancy, as it had no flavor. Perhaps if Hint Water had existed then, I might have had an easier time. We are absolutely thrilled to have with us, Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., Kara Go...

Nov 29, 202040 min

RE-RELEASE: Tony Spatafora is The Only Fifty Year-Old Gay Father In The Room

Season seven was our most downloaded season EVER! Thank you all so much for listening and sharing. Please enjoy this fan-favorite from season six, while Laura and Scott continue to record brand-new episodes for season eight of The Only One In The Room. Producer and writer Tony Spatafora has a wicked sense of humor and a heart of gold. Known for Socket, Dish it Out!, and The Lees of Los Angeles. Tony Spatafora is The Only Fifty Year-Old Gay Father In The Room. Instagram: @tonyspats Be sure not to...

Nov 26, 202046 min

RE-RELEASE: Scott Talks To Tracy McMillan

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Tracy McMillan right after the show. Don't miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. If you'd like to ask a question on the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal be sure to join our Facebook Group . You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the late...

Nov 25, 202014 min

RE-RELEASE: Tracy McMillan Is The Only One Who Grew Up In Foster Care While Her Father Was In Prison

Season seven was our most downloaded season EVER! Thank you all so much for listening and sharing. Please enjoy this fan-favorite from season six, while Laura and Scott continue to record brand-new episodes for season eight of The Only One In The Room. What if your white mother couldn’t raise you and your black father, who adored you, was in and out of prison for most of your life, leaving you to child services in Minnesota where you were one of the few mixed race children entrusted to their fos...

Nov 24, 20201 hr 1 min

The NOW Normal: Erica Mandy Is The Only One Keeping You Informed In Just Ten Minutes A Day

We close out our seventh season with our friend and podcaster, Erica Mandy. Erica helps people stay informed without the overwhelm with the daily news podcast, The NewsWorthy. Erica is an award-winning broadcast journalist and former TV news reporter. Erica spent the last decade -- on TV, radio, and online -- reporting news and sharing stories around the country. As a TV news reporter, she was live on the scene during terrorist attacks, wildfires, and federal court rulings, to name a few. She's ...

Nov 19, 202037 min

Scott Talks To William Fitzsimmons

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest William Fitzsimmons right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbin...

Nov 18, 202020 min

William Fitzsimmons Is The Only One Celebrating The Culture Of His Black Daughter Episode 70

What if, while looking to adopt, two babies stole your heart, one white and one Black. And when you looked at them, you just knew that they were both your daughters. William Fitzsimmons, singer, songwriter and producer, adopted his two daughters with his now ex-wife, knowing that as a White man, it would be important to learn to take care of his Black daughter’s hair and educate himself about her African-American culture. But what would you do, if a cultural reckoning swept across America and pu...

Nov 17, 202058 minSeason 7Ep. 70

SUNDAY EDITION: Robyn Crawford Is The Only One Standing Up To Amazon

Romance novels are big business. According to the Romance Writers of America, the romance fiction industry is worth $1.08 billion dollars a year, which makes it about a third larger than the inspirational book industry, and about the size of the mystery novel genre and science fiction/fantasy genre markets combined. Look up the top selling romance novel authors and you’ll find a long list of mostly white women. Pick up a romance novel at the airport or your local book store and you’ll most likel...

Nov 15, 202037 min

The NOW Normal: Nickolas Wildstar Is The Only Black Libertarian Republican Running For Governor In 2022

“The historical pattern of government programs that have failed the American people and Black communities in particular. We need to be our own strength, and we can’t just rely on the government to save us. But, if they really do want to help, they can do one simple thing- get out of the way.” Nicholas Wildstar Nickolas Wildstar is one of the first major candidates to formally announce a gubernatorial campaign for California 2022. Libertarian activist Wildstar was a candidate for Fresno Mayor in ...

Nov 12, 202038 min

Scott Talks To Lisa Jakub

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Lisa Jakub right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like li...

Nov 11, 202016 min

Lisa Jakub Is The Only One Who Embraced Her Weird Episode 69

What if you were a child actor with more than forty film and television credits to your name and had starred alongside A-list celebrities, such as Will Smith and the late, great, Robin Williams? Lisa Jakub, author, therapeutically focused yoga teacher and mental wellness educator, left Hollywood for Virginia when she was twenty-two, hoping that it would be the panacea for the awkwardness and insecurities she’d been dealing with since her acting career started at age four. But what would you do i...

Nov 10, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 69

The NOW Normal: Election Week Special

Scott checks in with Laura from Troncones, Mexico on USA election day. The two of them discuss everything from American's two-party system to whether or not the electoral college is helping or hurting Americans. Be sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays and Scott Talks now released on Wednesdays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also...

Nov 05, 202027 min

Scott Talks To Shelley Paxton

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Shelley Paxton right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins lik...

Nov 04, 202015 min

Shelley Paxton Is The Only One Who Made It To The Top And Was Still Dead Inside Episode 68

What if you excelled at ladder climbing, and were one of a handful of women at your level to garner accolade after accolade and to get promotion after promotion? Shelley Paxton, author, speaker, transformational coach and podcaster found herself breathing rare air when she was made the CMO of Harley Davidson, becoming one of six women in the executive ranks at a Fortune 500 company. But what would you do if you’d made it to the top and found that you felt dead inside? Would you continue on, hopi...

Nov 03, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 68

SUNDAY EDITION: Autumn Noel Is The Only One Who Was Unwanted

My phone call with Autumn Noel was unlike any conversation I’ve had before. This nineteen year old actress opened up to me about being born into a family that wasn’t prepared to take care of her and not feeling seen or valued until her grandmother won guardianship of her when she was fourteen years old. She spoke about an abusive boyfriend and her dealings with depression, we talked about mental health issues and her suicide attempt. I did my own research and found that studies have shown how un...

Nov 01, 202036 min

COVID WARRIORS Follow-Up: Gregg Garfield Is The Only One Who Was Patient Zero

When we first interviewed Gregg Garfield in June of this year, Covid 19 had just claimed the lives of over 100,000 Americans. But as of today, just over four months later, COVID 19 has claimed the lives of more than 224,000 American souls, with more than eight and a half MILLION cases being reported. Despite the fact that President Trump himself was recently hospitalized for COVID 19, one fifth of people polled here in the US still believe that COVID 19 is a hoax. Today’s guest, Gregg Garfield’s...

Oct 29, 202041 min

Scott Talks To Naomi Clark

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Naomi Clark right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like l...

Oct 28, 202018 min

Naomi Clark Is The Only One Who Was Scared To Use Her Debit Card Episode 67

What if you have a degree in finance, but you can’t pay your light bill and you’re afraid to use your debit card at Walmart for fear that it will be declined? Naomi Clark, host/creator of The Outspoken Girlfriend Podcast and CEO of Her Money Map, had achieved her goal of making over six figures per year, but still found herself dealing with depression and feelings of shame about her relationship to money. But what would you do if you discovered that the system to which we all subscribe was desig...

Oct 27, 202059 minSeason 7Ep. 67

The NOW Normal: Leila Marchbanks Is The Only Teacher Rewriting History

Leila Marchbanks is a fifth grade teacher in Los Angeles and the creator of the website, A Book At The Table. Leila was able to restructure the 5th grade Language Arts program at her school to remove stories of traditional protagonists that excluded people of color and include literature that reflected diverse children along with their complex experiences. Her curriculum evaluates race, systemic racism, gender spectrum, and eliminating microaggressions and biases. Leila now wants to share her re...

Oct 22, 202040 min

Scott Talks To Clifton Powell

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Clifton Powell right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins lik...

Oct 21, 202017 min

Clifton Powell Is The Only One Who Didn’t Get The Manual Episode 66

What if, when it came to marriage and raising kids, you felt like the only one who never got the manual? Clifton Powell, the award-winning actor who’s appeared in over 100 films and countless television shows, lost his mother at age four and was raised by a father who was dealing with his own struggles. But what if one day, a stranger handed you a book that changed the way you saw everything, Would you dismiss the experience as a fluke and keep it moving? Or would you consider the possibility th...

Oct 20, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 66

SUNDAY EDITION: Ron Thompson Is The Only Actor Making A Comeback At Age 79

What do Michael Caine, Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman all have in common? Besides the fact that they’re seasoned, well-respected actors, they are also all in another category as well; working actors over 75. In a 2017 Backstage Magazine article, journalist, Stephanee Forshee wrote, “There’s no age that’s too old when it comes to acting. In fact, those that are able to work later into their lives find themselves in a much smaller pool of talent then when they were younger.” Here with us today ...

Oct 18, 202037 min

The NOW Normal: Hailey Udobor Is The Only One Who Sees Both Sides

At this time in our history, our nation is more polarized than it’s ever been. The divide between our political parties, between genders and between races is growing wider and more dangerous by the minute. Here with us today we have 24-year old, Hailey Udobor. Hailey is a Black woman who was adopted by a white family in Sandy Utah. Hailey’s Only One story surprised me, as I expected it to be more about feeling isolated and alone in her family because of her race. But actually her story is much m...

Oct 15, 202036 min

Scott Talks To Pam O'Donnell

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Pam O'Donnell right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like...

Oct 14, 202015 min

Pam O’Donnell Is The Only One Who Lost Half Her Family To A Distracted Driver Episode 65

Can you picture surviving cancer and feeling like you’ve been given a second chance at life? A chance to really cherish the time you spend with your beloved husband and your two beautiful daughters? Pam O’Donnell, wife, mother, cancer survivor and founder of the Catch You Later Foundation, spent the year after her last chemo treatment, giving thanks for the fact that she was alive and she didn’t have to leave her husband wifeless and her children motherless. But what would you do if one ordinary...

Oct 13, 202057 minSeason 7Ep. 65

Wedding Bells: Cynthia Bailey and Mike Hill Tie The Knot

We couldn’t be happier to celebrate the wedding day of two of our all-time favorite guests, with two of our all-time favorite episodes. First you’ll hear entrepreneur and Real Housewife of Atlanta, Cynthia Bailey, tell the story of how she met the love of her life in episode 24, Cynthia Bailey: The Only Real Housewife Keeping It Classy. Then, in episode 40, Mike Hill: The Only One Who Was Afraid To Fall In Love, you’ll hear this best-selling author and television personality tell the story of ho...

Oct 10, 20202 hr

The NOW Normal: Alexandra Owensby Is The Only One Speaking Up For Kentucky’s Fourth District

Dr. Alexandra M. Owensby is running for congress in Kentucky. She believes fervently that the role of a Congressional Representative is to promote the voice and the will of the people through her own. Alexandra will work daily to ensure that Kentuckians and all Americans receive honest, unfiltered, dedicated representation in Congress. Visit the website: www.amowensby.com Instagram & Twitter : @amowensby Facebook: Alexandra Owensby Be sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays and...

Oct 08, 202042 min

Scott Talks To Robinne Lee

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Robinne Lee right after the show. Don't miss our Now Normal series releasing every Thursday. Be sure to join our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date info on guests, episodes and more. You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.com Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like l...

Oct 07, 202015 min

Robinne Lee Is The Only One Who Refuses To Be Put In A Box Episode 64

What if your Jamaican born parents immigrated to the United States and expected you to uphold the morals and codes with which they had been raised, but placed you in a diverse environment where many of those rules simply didn’t apply? Robinne Lee, actress, author, producer, grew up in Westchester County New York and was often the only Jamaican American in the room. But what would you do if one day you realized that your peers weren’t comfortable unless they could put you in a category; Black or ...

Oct 06, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 64

SUNDAY EDITION: Rocky Singh Kandola Is The Only Institutionalized Indian In The Room

The "troubled teen industry" is a mostly unregulated collection of for-profit programs that claim to rehabilitate out-of-control youth. Between 50,000 and 100,000 adolescents currently spend at least part of the year in these facilities. The hopes are that their enrollment – or confinement, depending on the arrangement or their perspective – can prevent these relatively privileged kids from joining the 48,000 youth caught in the U.S. juvenile justice system. Some are boot camps or ranches or wil...

Oct 04, 202046 min
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