The After Call

The After Call

The After Call is a podcast and community for women navigating the messy chaos of life. We’re four women with bold perspectives having candid conversations about career, relationships, burnout, and everything in between. No filters, no perfection – just honest talk and a few laughs along the way.

Episodes

  1. 13 HRS AGO

    The Exit Strategy [Personal] : Is it over or are you just bored?

    The Exit Strategy No One Teaches You: Knowing When to Leave We talk about exit strategies in business all the time. But what about the relationships where we stay way too long—ignoring red flags, sacrificing boundaries, convincing ourselves "it'll get better"? In this raw, honest conversation, women get real about the relationships they should have left sooner. The warning signs they ignored. The boundaries they wish they'd set. And the hard-won lessons that changed everything. You'll hear: The moment they knew it was over (and why they stayed anyway)Red flags they can spot from a mile away now—but missed completely back thenHow to set boundaries that actually stick, without guilt or apologyWhy leaving isn't failure—it's the ultimate act of choosing yourselfHow these relationship lessons translate directly to your career, friendships, and every other area of lifeThis isn't about regret. It's about wisdom. Because the truth is, knowing when to leave—whether it's a toxic relationship, a dead-end job, or any situation that's draining you—is one of the most powerful skills you'll ever develop. If you've ever stayed somewhere longer than you should have, wondering "why didn't I leave sooner?"—you're not alone. This conversation will validate your experience, sharpen your instincts, and give you permission to trust yourself when it's time to go. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away. Let's talk about how. keywords exit strategy, relationships, boundaries, red flags, communication, personal growth, self-awareness, life lessons, dating, breakup stories key topics Recognizing red flags in relationshipsThe importance of boundaries and communicationLessons learned from staying too long in a relationship sound bites "I don't love you anymore." "We were just bored." "Go to the bar." Chapters 00:41 Alexia's Story: Moving to South America 04:54 The Realization: Recognizing the ick 06:03 The Breakup: A Dramatic Exit on a Plane 09:46 Reflections on Relationships and Travel 10:39 The Emotional Weight of Breakups 17:23 Nina's Experience: Conversations and Connection 19:05 Exploring Relationship Dynamics 20:00 The Role of Communication in Love 24:01 Setting Boundaries and Expectations 28:00 Lessons from Breakups 31:57 Creating an Entry Strategy for New Relationships 35:48 Aftercall Outro Update.mp4 resources Supergoop Glow Screen - https://supergoop.com/products/glow-screen South America Travel Stories - https://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-america Effective Communication in Relationships (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Effective-Communication-Relationships-Nonviolent-Communication/dp/1234567890

    36 min
  2. MAR 3

    Return To Work: Navigating Motherhood

    In a world obsessed with picture-perfect motherhood, Lex and Laurel reveal the raw, unfiltered truth about the chaos, exhaustion, and surprises no one talks about. If you're a new mom, contemplating parenthood, or just curious about what motherhood really looks like, this episode is your essential reality check and your inspiration. What happens when expectations clash with reality? Lex shares how her ambition evolved after becoming a mom, turning her survival mode into a thriving business. Laurel opens up about the unanticipated challenges of caring for two under three, plus, how her dreams for foster care and older kids shifted unexpectedly. Together, they dismantle the romanticized visions from Hollywood, exposing the sleepless nights, the emotional rollercoaster, and the moments of pure love that catch you off guard. You'll discover: the true weight of motherhood that no one warns you about like feeling responsible for tiny lives while barely sleeping, and navigating work after taking maternity leave. They break down the myths around instant maternal love, sharing candid stories from hospital postpartum to the messy, beautiful chaos of everyday parenting. Get honest insights on balancing ambition, the invisible labor that keeps families running, and why saying "it's hard" is actually enough.Why does all of this matter? Because ignoring the reality only isolates new moms or makes the journey harder than it needs to be. This episode offers practical advice like how to support a new mom without overstepping, and why the flawed myth of work-life balance needs to be replaced with honest prioritization. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or doubting your capacity, know you're not alone—these stories are your reminder that motherhood is as tough as it is transformative.Perfect for parents, aspiring parents, or anyone who wants a truthful peek behind the curtain. Whether you're navigating sleepless nights, career shifts, or simply seeking solidarity, this episode will equip you with the reality check and motivation needed to handle the chaos and find the joy in it.

    44 min
  3. FEB 27

    A*b!T*0^: Is it a dirty word?

    Most of us shy away from the word, often viewing it as a negative trait reserved for the few, the ruthless, or the overly driven. But what if A*b!T*0^ isn’t what we’ve been told? What if it’s actually a powerful force worth reclaiming and celebrating? In this provocative episode, the hosts unpack the true meaning, challenging its negative connotations and exploring why women are often penalized for aspiration while men are praised for it. They dive into the inspiring stories of champions like Lindsey Vonn and discuss how female athletes push through injuries, full-time jobs, and societal expectations all while fighting for visibility and respect. From the struggles of sponsorship and representation to the subtle ways A*b!T*0^ is weaponized against women, this episode reveals how society’s narrative needs a radical shift. You’ll discover: how A*b!T*0^ is universally linked to drive, tenacity, and passion, traits women are often discouraged from embracing publicly. We break down why the word gets a bad rap, how media and Hollywood portray A*b!T*0^ women as "bitchy" or "overbearing," and how redefining this word could unlock unprecedented levels of empowerment for women everywhere. With insights on leading confidently, instilling ambition in the next generation, and personal stories about overcoming stereotypes, this episode challenges you to reclaim your drive. It’s perfect for women who feel societal pressure to downplay their goals, entrepreneurs hungry for more, and anyone eager to understand why A*b!T*0^ is the secret ingredient to success and why it’s time to claim it back. Hit play and start your journey to owning your power, because ambition isn’t a dirty word; it’s your next level.

    34 min
  4. FEB 24

    The Exit Strategy: Navigating Loyalty & Career Chaos

    Ready to decode whether staying or leaving is the right move for your career and how to make that decision confidently? Discover the secret frameworks, honest insights, and emotional triggers that drive those tough choices. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just craving growth, this episode unlocks the mindset shifts that help you navigate career crossroads without regret. Imagine knowing exactly when it’s time to stay for stability or jump for opportunity. We break down the silent signals your gut is screaming at you like the “Sunday Scaries” or quiet discontent and share practical checklists to clarify your next move. From the truth behind loyalty, the impact of culture mismatch, to how pay raises can influence your decisions, you’ll learn how to rewrite the narrative around your career trajectory and value. You’ll discover: The different “species” of career stayers and leavers—including the loyalist, the escape artist, and the sampler—and how understanding these archetypes reveals your true motivation.The surprising stat that employees who stay over two years often earn 50% less, and what that means for your earning power.How to use visualization and external support to gain clarity on your “next.”The critical advice from career vets that simplifies the decision-making process: sometimes, it’s just one clear reason pushing you out the door.The nuanced difference between leaving in anger versus planning your exit with purpose, including how to handle counter offers and emotional blackmail.In a world where workplace loyalty is evolving, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, knowing when to fight, stay, or pivot could change everything. This episode is perfect for professionals feeling overwhelmed, women balancing emotional ties, and anyone ready to take control of their career story with confidence. Hosted by the four women of The After call, who’ve navigated the chaos firsthand, this conversation provides the tools, mindset shifts, and real-talk insights that empower you to make smarter, more authentic decisions, without regret. Trust yourself, avoid burnout, and step into your next chapter with clarity and courage.

    39 min
  5. FEB 24

    Identity: Formerly Known As…

    In this episode, the hosts dive into the messy, honest reality of identity including how it shifts, stretches, and sometimes gets completely rewritten as life evolves. What starts as a conversation about a hosts new hair changes, quickly unfolds into something deeper: who we are after transformation, redefining confidence, and letting go of the versions of ourselves that no longer fit. One host opens up about leaving her “pick-me” era behind and learning to show up without shrinking or performing for validation. Another calls out the complicated weight of the “mom” identity like how it can both ground you and quietly blur the edges of who you are outside of caregiving. And in true After call fashion, one of the women unapologetically shares that she’s never really struggled with identity at all, sparking a raw and honest debate about self-awareness, privilege, and personal evolution. Together, the hosts unpack how external shifts, from style to relationships to milestones like turning 40, often mirror deeper internal growth. They challenge societal labels, explore the pressure to stay the same, and reflect on the role of friendship and support systems in becoming who you’re meant to be next. It’s a conversation about reinvention, self-trust, and embracing the fluidity of identity, because sometimes the boldest thing you can do is outgrow the story people expect you to keep telling. Chapters 00:00 The Transformation: A New Identity 03:03 Embracing Change: Hair and Self-Perception 06:01 Confidence and Dating: A New Approach 08:58 Evolving Identities: The Sum of Our Parts 12:00 Authenticity vs. Societal Labels 17:33 Exploring Identity and Authenticity 19:12 The Evolution of Self 21:05 Midlife Reflections and Identity Crisis 23:02 The Role of Friendship in Identity 25:11 Navigating Motherhood and Personal Identity 27:18 The Challenge of Self-Discovery 29:21 Defining Identity Beyond Labels 30:45 Finding Joy in Simple Moments 32:47 Career Identity and Personal Growth 35:51 Embracing Change and Evolving Identity

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The After Call is a podcast and community for women navigating the messy chaos of life. We’re four women with bold perspectives having candid conversations about career, relationships, burnout, and everything in between. No filters, no perfection – just honest talk and a few laughs along the way.