JUST DO YOU.

Eric Nicoll

The JUST DO YOU. podcast is a vibrant space for authentic conversations designed to connect, inspire, and empower us. Through these conversations, we explore the journey to finding confidence, discovering our unique voice, and embracing our truth. Along the way, we just might uncover new perspectives that help us step into what I call the JUST DO YOU. sweet spot — the space where you're fully, unapologetically yourself.Each week, I’m honored to sit down for unscripted conversations with friends, family, colleagues, community leaders, and influencers as they share their personal stories. Together, we’ll laugh, maybe shed a few tears, but most importantly, we’ll remind ourselves that no one journeys through life alone. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I do. So, are you ready? WELCOME to the conversation!    

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 87 - When the Quiet Reveals Your Truth with Geneva Lake

    What happens when life finally gets quiet enough for you to hear yourself? For decades, Geneva Lake was moving. Building an extraordinary career in technology. Raising a family. Traveling the world. Achieving. Succeeding. Doing so many of the things she had been taught a successful life was supposed to include. Then life got quieter. And in that quiet, Geneva began asking different questions. What do I actually want? Who am I when I stop doing what I think I’m supposed to do? What feels true to me now? The answers led somewhere she never expected — out of a 19-year marriage, into a relationship with a woman, into the LGBTQ+ community, and toward a life she describes as more authentic, connected and joyful than ever before. This conversation isn't simply about coming out. It's about listening. Paying attention. And having the courage to follow what you hear. Welcome to the Conversation.   Because you have a story. And someone needs to hear it. Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    Episode 87 - When the Quiet Reveals Your Truth with Geneva Lake
  2. Sep 24

    Episode 86 - You're Ready As You Are with Lani Gobaleza

    What if you stopped waiting until you felt completely ready? In Episode 86 of JUST DO YOU., I sit down with Filipino American artist, playwright, filmmaker and entrepreneur Lani Gobaleza for a beautiful conversation about creativity, identity, belonging, love—and letting go of perfection. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Lani opens up about coming out, finding community, and her beautiful relationship with her spouse, Amy, whom she first met while studying abroad in Japan. We also explore how storytelling has helped Lani find her voice and create work that allows others to see themselves reflected in it. While studying Japanese tea ceremony, Lani once found herself frozen over what to do next. Her sensei simply told her: “You just need to move forward. It’s okay if it’s wrong.” And for anyone waiting to feel more prepared, confident or certain before taking that next step, Lani leaves us with this: You’re ready as you are. You can follow all of Lani's incredible work at: http://lanigobaleza.com Find out more about Lani & Amy's Tea Company at: https://paruteabar.com/pages/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com Welcome to the conversation.   Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    Episode 86 - You're Ready As You Are with Lani Gobaleza
  3. Sep 17

    Episode 85 - Rewriting His Hallmark Ending with Jonathan Bennett

    You may know Jonathan Bennett as Aaron Samuels from Mean Girls. But in this candid, funny and refreshingly personal conversation, I sit down with the actor, host, producer, creator, husband, and LGBTQ+ advocate to meet the man beyond the iconic role. Jonathan opens up about the extraordinary career he once dreamed about as a kid — from finally making his Broadway debut in Spamalot, to returning to daytime television on General Hospital, hosting Halloween Wars, and helping reshape what love and representation can look like on Hallmark. But behind the career is a much more personal journey. Jonathan reflects on growing up as the gay kid in Ohio who learned to chase perfection, the pressure of feeling like he had to be the best, and what changed when he stopped trying to fit the mold and began embracing the very things that made him different. He also shares the beautiful lesson his husband, James Vaughan, taught him about unconditional love — and how being truly loved by another person helped Jonathan finally learn to love himself. And yes… I finally get to confesses the decades-long crush that began the moment Aaron Samuels turned around in that math class. Jonathan’s behind-the-scenes story about filming that now-iconic Mean Girls moment makes the confession even better. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder from Jonathan: the parts of ourselves we sometimes try hardest to quiet may actually be our greatest strengths. “Be unapologetically yourself because the things that make you different are your superpower.” This is Jonathan Bennett — beyond the character, beyond the résumé, and very much in his JUST DO YOU. sweet spot. Catch him back in daytime as Detective Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital and bringing the fun, chaos and seriously impressive cakes to Halloween Wars on Food Network. Check your local listings for airing details and spend a little time with the endlessly entertaining Jonathan Bennett.  Because sometimes the best ending is the one you finally get to write for yourself. Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    Episode 85 - Rewriting His Hallmark Ending with Jonathan Bennett
  4. Sep 10

    Episode 84 - You're One of Us with Sarah Sather

    What if the thing you didn’t realize you were missing was simply a place to belong? For Sarah Sather, that place was a swimming pool in Carlsbad, California.  After years of surgeries, setbacks and seasons when joy felt out of reach, she returned to the water searching for something that might help her feel like herself again. What she found was a community … and four simple words that changed everything: “You’re one of us.” Today, Sarah is the person creating that feeling for others. Through music, movement, laughter and an infectious energy that has to be experienced to be understood, she has built something far more powerful than an exercise class. She’s created a place where people feel seen, celebrated and connected. And I know — because I became one of them. In a world where loneliness and disconnection have become far too common, this conversation is a joyful reminder that finding your people can change everything. This week on JUST DO YOU., Sarah and I talk about resilience, friendship, laughter, love, finding your way back — and the extraordinary power of knowing: You belong here.  … and trust me, you are going to fall in love with Sarah, as so many of us have!   WELCOME TO THE CONVERSATION ... and if you live in North County, San Diego, come join us at Alga Norte Aquatics Center ... you'll be glad you did!   Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    Episode 84 - You're One of Us with Sarah Sather
  5. Sep 3

    Episode 83 - When The World Gets Too Loud with Eric Nicoll

    What happens when the world becomes so loud that you can no longer hear your own voice? Chaotic headlines. Intense division. Fear. Uncertainty. An endless stream of things demanding our attention, our outrage, our worry — and sometimes, our response. But what happens when caring about all of it becomes so overwhelming that you no longer know what is yours to carry? In this deeply personal episode of I explore what it means to lose your voice in the noise — and what it takes to find it again. Drawing on powerful research about stress, loneliness and our growing crisis of connection, I reflect on something I've come to understand: we can be strong and scared. Grateful and grieving. Hopeful and uncertain. Two things can be true at the same time. We don't have to solve everything, respond to everything or carry everything. Maybe our job is simply to find what is ours to do — to speak up, create, listen, reach out, choose joy without pretending pain doesn't exist, and sometimes get quiet enough to hear ourselves again. Because when the world seems determined to divide us, perhaps one of the most powerful things we can do is remember: We still belong to each other. Welcome to the conversation. To follow JUST DO YOU. on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ To learn more about my work, visit:  https://ericnicoll.com/ Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    Episode 83 - When The World Gets Too Loud with Eric Nicoll
  6. Aug 6

    S3E13 with David Mont Virgen - Becoming Your Own Reflection

    What if the most important masterpiece you'll ever create isn't hanging on a gallery wall — but reflected back at you every morning? Artist David Mont Virgen doesn't simply create reflective sculptures—he creates moments that invite us to see ourselves with greater honesty, courage, and compassion. During this thoughtful conversation, David opens up about his extraordinary journey from growing up in Tijuana to discovering his authentic voice as an artist, designer, U.S. Army soldier, and creative visionary. Together, we explore what it truly means to embrace every part of who we are, why authenticity creates stronger opportunities than trying to meet other people's expectations, and how creativity can become a pathway to healing, transformation, and deeper human connection. David's polished stainless steel sculptures challenge us to look beyond the surface. They become mirrors — not simply reflecting our image, but inviting us to reflect on our lives, our values, and the people we're becoming. Along the way, we discuss coming out, faith, identity, resilience, the unexpected lessons of military service, and why surrounding yourself with people who celebrate you may be one of the greatest decisions you'll ever make. This isn't simply a conversation about creating art. It's a conversation about creating a life that reflects who you truly are. If you've ever questioned who you're becoming, wondered if it's too late to change, or needed a reminder that your life can become your greatest masterpiece, this conversation is for you. To follow David on Instagram, you can find him here:  https://www.instagram.com/davidmontvirgen/ Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    S3E13 with David Mont Virgen - Becoming Your Own Reflection
  7. Jul 23

    S3E12 with Dr Tsotso Ablorh - You are the Compass

    What if the beliefs you've carried your entire life deserve another look? In one of the most thought-provoking conversations we've ever had on JUST DO YOU., psychologist, educator, dancer, and newly minted PhD Dr. Tsotso Ablorh invites us to rethink identity, belonging, privilege, trauma, culture, and what it truly means to live authentically. From growing up as the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants in Minnesota to earning her doctorate while building a career that bridges psychology and movement, Tsotso shares a perspective that is both deeply personal and powerfully hopeful. Together, we explore why validation can become a trap, why human connection matters more than ever, how movement helps us heal, and why curiosity may be one of the greatest acts of courage. This isn't a conversation about having all the answers. It's an invitation to pause ... to question ... and to consider that some of the stories we've accepted about ourselves … and each other … may not be our own. If you've ever wondered how to navigate a divided world without losing your humanity ... if you've ever questioned where your beliefs came from ... or if you're simply searching for a little more hope in incredibly complicated times ... this conversation is for you. Why?  Because what Tsotso and I uncover during our time together is perhaps one of the most important lessons one can learn: YOU are the compass. Welcome to the conversation.  To follow Tsotso on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/dancingwithtsotso/ Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    S3E12 with Dr Tsotso Ablorh - You are the Compass
  8. Jul 16 ·  Bonus

    S3E11 with Eric Nicoll - The Journey to Pride: A Personal Reflection

    A replay of Season 1, Episode 17 - A MATTER OF PRIDE There are moments when the most important conversation isn't a new one ... It's the one we need to hear again. As San Diego celebrates Pride this week, I found myself reflecting on where this podcast journey began — not with a guest, but with my own story. A story of growing up in silence. Of believing I had to hide. Of carrying shame that was never mine to carry. And of discovering that the greatest freedom any of us will ever experience is the courage to become exactly who we were created to be. I recorded this episode during PRIDE week in Season 1, but listening back today, it feels more relevant than ever. Because Pride has never simply been about parades or festivals.   It's about reminding the person who feels invisible that they are seen. It's about reminding the person who feels afraid that they are not alone. It's about reminding every member of our LGBTQ+ community — and everyone searching for the courage to live authentically — that your life matters, your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. If you're feeling weary ... if you're questioning whether you belong ... if the weight of the world feels especially heavy right now ... this episode is for you. And if you're an ally, a parent, a friend, or someone who simply wants to better understand the human experience, I invite you to listen with an open heart. Because conversations create understanding.  Understanding creates compassion. Compassion has the power to change lives. Never let anyone convince you that you need to become someone else to be worthy of love. Happy Pride, San Diego and welcome to the conversation.  Visit me at http://www.ericnicoll.com or follow me on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/dericnicoll/ or the podcast at: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Send us Fan Mail Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!   Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates!  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts! To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/ Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll?  Visit:  https://ericnicoll.com

    S3E11 with Eric Nicoll - The Journey to Pride: A Personal Reflection
5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The JUST DO YOU. podcast is a vibrant space for authentic conversations designed to connect, inspire, and empower us. Through these conversations, we explore the journey to finding confidence, discovering our unique voice, and embracing our truth. Along the way, we just might uncover new perspectives that help us step into what I call the JUST DO YOU. sweet spot — the space where you're fully, unapologetically yourself.Each week, I’m honored to sit down for unscripted conversations with friends, family, colleagues, community leaders, and influencers as they share their personal stories. Together, we’ll laugh, maybe shed a few tears, but most importantly, we’ll remind ourselves that no one journeys through life alone. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I do. So, are you ready? WELCOME to the conversation!    

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