The Naked Truth with Lauren

Lauren Roche
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Lauren Roche spent over 5 years at Deloitte as a high-achiever hiding her struggles, then turned her vulnerability into a superpower. The Naked Truth with Lauren is the podcast for ambitious women in their 20s who are done pretending they have it all figured out. Every other week, Lauren strips away the highlight reel for raw, vulnerable conversations on mental health, adulting, career transitions, relationships, and building real community. If you're craving sisterhood, self-growth, and stories that make you feel less alone, you're home. Learn more at www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com.

  1. 5d ago

    What I Learned from Losing Myself in a Job I “Should Have Loved” | S2E13

    Lauren shares her personal journey of navigating her 20s, the challenges of balancing career ambitions with mental health, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain self-identity. She shares her experience navigating a high-pressure consulting job and the personal development lessons she learned throughout her career. If you’re looking for some relatable self-help content, you’ve come to the right place. Key Topics The trap of high-paying jobs and losing yourselfThe importance of mental health support and therapyStrategies for setting boundaries and avoiding burnoutThe impact of work environment on personal well-beingUnlearning attachment to job titles for self-identity Takeaways It's normal to seek therapy and medication for mental healthSetting strict work boundaries is crucial for well-beingHigh-stress jobs can leak into personal life and cause burnoutYour job does not define your worth or identitySmall daily actions can help reclaim your mental health Chapters 01:45 The trap of losing yourself in a high-paying job 02:51 Experience at Deloitte and the pursuit of stability 05:30 Working in a high-stress environment 09:20 Realizing the importance of boundaries and mental health 11:34 Practical steps to protect your mental health and identity If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Shout out to Kit for the sleek recording studio! If you wanna check it out, sign up for Kit here: https://partners.kit.com/nzfqdmp0mqo6?_gl=1*1mhx13u*_gcl_au*MTk2MjA1NDIwNi4xNzkxMjI3Mzg1 Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj  #mentalhealth #selfhelp #personaldevelopment #careerboundaries #therapy #wellness #selfimprovement

  2. Sep 22

    From People-Pleasing to Peace: Her Path Back to Herself | S2E12

    Lauren sits down with Mia, also known as phoodietings, for a candid conversation about queer identity, people-pleasing, and the mental load of hiding who you are. Mia shares how growing up Filipino and Catholic shaped her early experiences, how she came to understand her sexuality later in life, and how creating content helped her build confidence and community. They also get practical, discussing ADHD diagnosis, setting boundaries without guilt, and why authenticity matters in both relationships and content creation. Key Topics The origin story of Mia’s @phoodietings InstagramThe DMV Foodie Crew community of creatorsFilipino food and cultureADHD diagnosis in adulthood, including restlessness, trouble focusing, and trying different medicationsMia’s experience growing up in a Catholic home and masking her identityComing out later in life, including Mia’s first crushes, dating women privately, and the relief of finally living authenticallyThe emotional cost of people-pleasing, especially when there’s no queer community or safe outlet to process dating experiencesComing out publicly on social mediaMia’s advice on boundaries, self-trust, and choosing yourself even when fear is present Chapters 02:52 Starting with a breathing exercise 04:03 Highs and lows of the week, including entrepreneurship dreams and ADHD challenges 05:32 What led Mia to seek an ADHD diagnosis as an adult 10:04 Mia’s content creator origin story and how phoodietings began 11:03 Why Filipino content resonated and the role of food in love and hospitality 12:40 Family expectations, Catholic guilt, and early people-pleasing 14:12 Coming out later in life and realizing attraction to women 15:40 Masking, dressing to fit in, and the emotional strain of hiding identity 17:22 Lauren shares her own bisexual identity journey 20:59 Family reactions, internalized homophobia, and the path toward acceptance 22:23 Mia’s Hinge story and how she met her fiancé 25:33 Dating women in secret and what people-pleasing looked like in practice 27:24 The loneliness of hiding dating life from family and friends 30:54 How podcasts and a solo Miami trip helped Mia prepare to come out 32:31 Coming out to close people through Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” 34:21 Why Mia chose to come out publicly on social media 36:55 Letting go of outside approval and feeling truly happy 39:12 The mental health toll of forcing herself into a straight box 40:01 Therapy and feeling free 42:29 A practical boundary: waiting 24 hours before saying yes 44:50 Advice for people afraid to live authentically Action items Try a 24-hour delay before agreeing to plans or favorsAsk yourself whether a yes is coming from alignment or people-pleasingPost the creative thing, even if it feels cringe at first If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Connect with Mia: IG: https://www.instagram.com/phoodietings/ & https://www.instagram.com/toma_ventures/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phoodietings  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TOMAVENTURES  Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

  3. Sep 8

    How to Navigate Work Stress Without Spiraling | S2E11

    Lauren speaks with Raisa Martinez, the Regional Director of the David Lynch Foundation in DC and a certified Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher. They unpack what chronic stress does to the nervous system, how masking and imposter syndrome show up in work and life, and how meditation, gratitude, and basic routines can help people recover from fight-or-flight. In this episode, we discuss: How DC hustle culture and the transition from NY to DC shaped Raisa’s early career stressThe difference between imposter syndrome as a challenge and imposter syndrome as a sign of growthMasking as a woman of color and the hidden cognitive load it createsWhat happens in the fight-or-flight response when work stress becomes chronicWhy sleep, water, nutrition, and safe environments are still the foundation of stress regulationHow journaling, gratitude, and analog hobbies can help interrupt comparison and doomscrollingThe difference between concentration, contemplative, and transcendental meditationWhy transcendental meditation uses a private mantraA powerful story of a DC woman who found relief after years of grief and trauma3 practical steps listeners can use right away to reduce daily work stress Key frameworks and ideas: Fight-or-flight is no longer occasional - Raisa explains that modern stress keeps the nervous system in a heightened state far too oftenMasking as adaptation - changing how you speak, dress, or show up to fit a room can be protective, but it also drains energyGratitude as a daily reset - even 1 specific thing can shift perception and help counter negativity biasAnalogy of the ocean - concentration meditation stays on the surface, contemplative practice explores a guided layer, & TM goes beyond active thinking into quieter levelsThe sunglasses metaphor - stress distorts how we see life until a restorative practice helps clear the lensLobster growth analogy - discomfort can signal the need to shed an old shell and grow into a stronger version of yourself Chapters (02:45) High and low of the week, including Juneteenth and pregnancy sleep struggles (06:50) DC hustle culture and the pressure to prove yourself (12:30) What stress looked like after moving to DC (14:56) Defining masking and the cost of code-switching (18:30) What fight-or-flight does to the body in modern work life (22:28) Wellness practices for stress management (29:04) Getting out of the comparison trap on social media (35:47) The three types of meditation and how they differ (40:21) What transcendental meditation is and how it works (46:49) A transformational story from teaching a grieving woman in DC (53:09) Three practical steps for managing work stress Action items: Write down what is stressing you out instead of replaying it in your headIdentify what feels missing or non-nourishing in your lifePick 1 gratitude practice and do it at the same time every day Gratitude Plus App: https://gratitudeplus.app.link/nakedtruth  If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Connect with Raisa & Learn More: Email: raisa@thedavidlynchfoundation.org  Learn more about TM: https://tm.org/  Explore the David Lynch Foundation: https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/  Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

  4. Aug 25

    My Relationship with Comparison & Why I Had to Break Up With It | S2E10

    Lauren explores the realities of navigating your 20s, focusing on social media comparison, mental health, and embracing authenticity. She shares personal stories about comparison, practical tips to protect your peace, and mindset shifts to help listeners feel less alone and more empowered. Keywords: 20s, social media, comparison, mental health, authenticity, self-worth, mindset, personal growth Key Topics Social comparison theory and its impact on mental healthLauren's personal story of jealousy and prideThe curated nature of social media and its effectsStrategies for managing social media consumptionThe importance of presence and mindfulnessReprogramming scarcity mindset to abundance mindsetUnfollowing and muting for mental well-beingTaking social media breaks and digital detoxes Takeaways Social media is a highlight reel, not realityComparison can steal joy, but awareness helps manage itReprogram your mind to see abundance, not scarcityUnfollow accounts that make you feel less thanPresence and mindfulness are skills that help manage stressTaking breaks from social media benefits mental healthYou are stronger than your insecurities Sound Bites “Our brains are wired to compare ourselves to others.""Someone else's win isn't my loss." Chapters 02:01 Understanding social comparison theory and its origins 02:35 Personal story involving comparison  03:57 The curated nature of social media and behind-the-scenes reality 06:48 Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset 08:11 Curating your social media feed for positivity 08:56 The importance of presence and mindfulness activities 10:18 Taking social media breaks and digital detox tips 10:43 The mute and unfollow audit for peace of mind If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

  5. Aug 11

    How She Stopped Letting Her Anxiety Run the Show at Work | S2E9

    Shabnam Khan shares her journey from a high-stress nursing career to founding Khansciously Healing + Wellness Services. She discusses overcoming workplace anxiety, the power of sound therapy and breath work, and practical tools for self-alignment and resilience. Keywords: workplace anxiety, breath work, sound therapy, self-awareness, mental health, career pivot, healing, nervous system, self-care, wellness Key Topics Workplace anxiety and its impact on mental healthTools for managing anxiety: sound therapy and breath workThe importance of self-awareness and internal alignmentCareer pivoting and trusting your intuitionPractical self-care strategies for high-stress jobsThe role of community and environment in mental healthUsing visualization and affirmations to manifest changeThe connection between nervous system regulation and well-being Takeaways Self-awareness is key to aligning your career with your valuesTools like sound therapy and breath work can provide relief from anxietyYour breath is your life force and a direct connection to your higher selfCreating a routine for self-care helps manage stress and anxietyYour career and personal life are interconnectedTrust your intuition and be naive enough to take risks for growthSmall breaks and self-check-ins can significantly improve your dayYour nervous system needs evidence and repetition to change Sound Bites "Your breath is your life force energy.""You are enough as you are organically." Chapters 06:50 Experiencing anxiety in the early nursing career 10:21 Transition to travel nursing and new layers of anxiety 19:52 Breaking point: emotional struggles as a nurse in Atlanta 22:24 The interconnection of work and personal life 27:00 Understanding sound therapy and breath work 29:14 The power of breath work in calming the nervous system 34:58 Integrating mindfulness practices into daily work life 43:56 Advice for those feeling stuck in unfulfilling careers 47:44 Reflecting on the power within and self-confidence If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Connect with Shabnam: IG: https://www.instagram.com/khansciously/  Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj  A note from Shabnam: Dear listener, as you listen to this podcast and reflect on your experiences with anxiety in the workplace, I invite you to remember anxiety is an experience. It is information. Anxiety is not your identity. Invite yourself to detach from the “I have anxiety” and “I am anxious” storyline and rewrite it to “I am experiencing anxiety”. I hope in time you learn that anxiety is a normal human experience with something to offer. Oftentimes it comes to show you where your nervous system is and is not yet secure, and that in itself can open the door to the alignment you truly desire. But it’s hard to access this if you view anxiety as a problem to be fixed, numbed, or to escape from. You have to rewrite the story and become an observer. Observe when and how anxiety is showing up in your body and watch how it starts to give you wisdom. The more you do this, the more you can alchemize anxiety into power and a tool for direction. So the next time you feel anxious, I invite you to pause, breathe, turn inwards, and observe the messages that are coded within the anxiety.

  6. Jul 28

    How to Date with Self-Worth (Even When You’re Tired) | S2E8

    Today, we’re diving into the trenches of dating with Dr. Laura Finkelstein, a licensed psychologist who also serves as the Director of George Washington University (GW) Counseling and Psychological Services. We explore imposter syndrome in love, navigating the DC dating scene, relationships and breakups, and managing social media's impact on our self-esteem. Dr. Laura offers practical tools for healthier dating and relationship self-awareness. Keywords: imposter syndrome, dating, breakup, social media, self-esteem, mental health, relationships, therapy, self-care Key Topics Imposter syndrome in love and datingStrategies for healthy breakups and self-confidenceImpact of social media on self-esteem and comparisonTools for self-soothing after bad datesThe importance of self-awareness and therapy in relationships Takeaways Dating is a “piece of the pie,” and it’s important to maintain a balance with other activities in lifeWe’re all whole without a partnerSpending time single and being comfortable with yourself helps with dating“Dating is data” - you’re just learning information about others and yourselfTelling others that they’re being too picky is minimizingMuting social media connections that evoke negative feelings can help you feel betterWe’re all struggling in different ways, and it’s important to remember this Self-doubt is one of the biggest reasons people don’t end unhealthy relationshipsSound Bites "Dating is data, just learn about yourself""Don't think of yourself as being too picky""Chart your own course, don't follow societal timelines" Chapters 05:00 Dr. Laura’s high and low of the past week 06:26 Navigating dating in a high-pressure environment 10:46 Detaching self-worth from relationship status 15:04 Identifying dating non-negotiables 20:26 Managing the comparison trap in dating 23:09 Curating your social media to invoke positive feelings 29:44 Self-care after bad dating experiences 32:10 Split Decisions: Dr. Laura’s newsletter for breakup initiators 37:53 Advice for someone who feels like they can’t end a relationship 40:08 Advice for women who feel behind If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Connect with Dr. Laura: Website: https://www.drlaurafinkelstein.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@laurafinkelstein1  IG: https://www.instagram.com/splitdecisionsinsta/ Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

  7. Jul 14

    The Week I Realized My Burnout Wasn’t “Just a Busy Season” | S2E7

    Lauren shares her personal journey through burnout in January 2026, the importance of listening to your body, and practical strategies for managing stress and workload as a working professional. She also shares a quick AI tip to simplify your workload at the end. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to set a boundary. Keywords: burnout, self-care, entrepreneurship, productivity, mental health, delegation, AI tools, work-life balance Key Topics Burnout as a sign to pause and reflectThe importance of self-care and boundary settingDelegating tasks and outsourcing for growthUsing AI tools to simplify work tasksLessons from personal experiences with burnout Takeaways Burnout is often mistaken for a busy season but requires attentionListening to your body and mind is crucial for sustainabilityDelegating tasks that drain your energy can free up mental spaceAI tools can help simplify and delegate tedious tasksTaking time off can lead to renewed creativity and energy Sound Bites "I felt like I failed, but it was a lesson.""Saying no is a boundary that protects your energy." Chapters 01:38 The realization: burnout isn't just a busy season 03:11 January 2026: a month of intense activity and burnout 07:37 The breaking point: acknowledging failure 09:51 Recognizing burnout and the need for a break 12:18 Lessons learned: saying no and listening to your body 13:55 The importance of outsourcing and delegation 15:08 Helping people avoid burnout 15:55 Practical advice: say no and delegate using AI If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

  8. Jun 30

    The Quarter-Life Job Crisis: How She Decided to Start Over at 27 | S2E6

    Katie Thompson shares her journey from a government consultant facing burnout to a full-time creative entrepreneur. She discusses the signs that prompted her to leave her 9-to-5, the logistics of making the leap, and how she aligns her work with her core values of authenticity and community. She also leaves great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Keywords: career transition, entrepreneurship, burnout, financial planning, authenticity, community, side hustle, creative career, mental health, work-life balance Key Topics Signs of burnout and mental health awarenessLogistical steps for quitting a job responsiblyAligning work with personal values and authenticityBuilding savings and side income before quittingHandling family and boss reactions to career changeWork-life balance as a full-time creator Takeaways A lot of the burnout Katie experienced came from the misalignment between her 9-to-5 and her own goalsKatie started growing her affiliate income as a blogger to build up her savings before leaving her consulting jobNavigating family reactions can be tough when quitting your 9-to-5Work-life balance as an entrepreneur looks different for everyoneHaving the mindset that “everything is figureoutable” will help you thrive as an entrepreneurKatie’s biggest advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to breathe, take time to figure it out (rather than impulsively quitting your job), and give yourself space to feel all the emotions Sound Bites "I had a breakdown in the middle of the workday.""Everything on paper looks perfect, but my mind said no." Chapters 03:23 The Breaking Point: Realizing the Need for Change 06:08 Understanding Burnout and Misalignment 07:30 The Quarter-Life Crisis: A Turning Point 14:57 Preparing for the Leap: Logistics and Finances 22:24 The Unseen Challenges of Quitting a 9-to-5 31:10 Handling the “I’m Leaving” Conversation with Your Boss 35:34 Aligning Work with Personal Values 38:22 Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur 42:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact Connect with Katie: Website: https://pinkchickadee.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thepinkchickadee/  Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj

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About

Lauren Roche spent over 5 years at Deloitte as a high-achiever hiding her struggles, then turned her vulnerability into a superpower. The Naked Truth with Lauren is the podcast for ambitious women in their 20s who are done pretending they have it all figured out. Every other week, Lauren strips away the highlight reel for raw, vulnerable conversations on mental health, adulting, career transitions, relationships, and building real community. If you're craving sisterhood, self-growth, and stories that make you feel less alone, you're home. Learn more at www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com.

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