The Real and The Woo with Lauri Stern

Lauri Stern
  • 5.0 (14)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Real and the Woo, a podcast designed to bring you authentic conversations covering a range of topics from the factual and practical to the mystical and magical. Join Lauri as she invites experts and friends to engage in some raw, meaningful and informative discussions, combined with light-hearted, humorous and silly chats. Consider this your virtual happy hour, where no subject is off the table and everyone leaves feeling a little more joyful, supported and inspired. As a life-long lover of learning and a true Gemini, Lauri is genuine in her desire to apply her years of experience and expertise in fitness, yoga, and other energetic wellness modalities, combined with her roles as wife, mother of four adult children, and dog mom, into relatable and understandable ways. Lauri’s indefatigable spirit drives her passion: to help all guided to work with her to understand themselves better from the inside out so they enjoy their lives from the outside in. Lauri envisions a world of oneness and aims to connect people to people and people to information that ignites their own light. Whether you are very real or super woo, this podcast is just for you! *This is podcast is for entertainment purposes only and meant to inform and inspire. If you need or you know someone in need of professional medical help and attention, please consult with qualified professionals specific for your situation. The opinions and ideas expressed in this show are those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organizations or entities they represent. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Parenting in May: Stress, Self-Compassion, How to Be YOU - Not Your Kids!

    May can feel like a pressure cooker for parents—school endings, summer planning, shifting routines, emotional kids, and exhausted moms trying to hold it all together. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Lauri Stern dives into the emotional reality of motherhood and parenting during seasons of transition. She shares personal stories, practical wisdom, and compassionate truth about anger, guilt, perfectionism, resilience, and how to lead your family without losing yourself. This episode is for the mother who loves deeply but feels stretched thin... and wants to parent from power instead of pressure. And who wants to finally stop living by the adage: You're only as happy as your least happy child. In This Episode: Why May can be one of the hardest months for familiesMom rage, resentment, burnout, and what’s really underneath itHow vulnerability builds trust with your childrenWhy your child’s mood does not have to control your lifeParenting without losing your identitySchool transitions, camps, schedules, and managing chaosPregnancy loss, grief, resilience, and healingWhy kids need boredom, freedom, and room to failHow mothers lead the emotional energy of the homeChapters: 00:00 Welcome + Why May Is Intense for Parents 03:00 Mom Burnout, Anger & Self-Compassion 07:20 Honest Conversations With Kids 11:10 Parenting Without Losing Yourself 16:30 Pregnancy Loss, Resilience & Healing 23:45 Kids Need Structure + Freedom 28:35 Stop Living Through Your Children 33:00 Moms as Leaders of the Family Energy Blog post mentioned - Read Here Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    40 min

  2. APR 23

    The Bridge of Everything - The Heart Chakra

    In this episode, Lauri Stern introduces the fourth in her Custom Designed Wellness Chakracademy© Chakra Series, focusing on the Heart Chakra (Anahata). Lauri guides you through understanding and balancing this chakra—the bridge between the lower three and upper three chakras - located at the center of our chest. The heart chakra governs our ability to give and receive love, and how we can or cannot forgive ourselves and others. This is also where jealousy, conditionality and grudge-holding reside.  Our ability to take deep breaths is also affected by imbalances in the heart chakra, especially for those dealing with or stuck in grief.  Lauri guides listeners through ways to understand their own habits, imbalances and more in this episode! Substacks mentioned:  Heart Chakra and the Grinch The Road is Yellow for a Reason Blog Mentioned: The Heart Drop Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Heart Chakra 02:15 Understanding the Heart Chakra 07:32 The Impact of Love and Grief 13:48 Conditional Love and Self-Love 21:35 Healing Through Sound and Breath 28:03 The Grinch: A Lesson in Love 35:26 Practical Exercises for Heart Chakra Balance #energeticwellness #chakrabalancing #youmatter #podcast  Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    44 min

  3. APR 16

    Gregory Zarian-On Acting, Bullying, Recovery, and Being Kind

    Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations around addiction, suicide, and bullying. Please take care while listening and use the resources below if you or someone you love needs support. I sit down with my friend, Emmy-nominated actor, model, and advocate, Gregory Zarian. Known for his Emmy-Nominated role on Venice the Series and his award-winning performance in 86 Melrose Avenue, you may also recognize him from Westworld, Counterpart, and films like That’s Amore. We discuss his advocacy work around bullying and recovery, including his involvement with organizations such as free2luv.org and The Trevor Project. This episode is a reminder that healing is an inside job, connection matters, and sometimes the simplest question, “How are you?” can change everything. Resources & Support 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988The Trevor Project – 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youthGLAAD – Education, advocacy, and resourcesfree2luv – Bullying prevention and empowermentProject Angel Food – Support for individuals facing critical illnessChapters 00:00 – Opening + Boundaries Setting the tone: honesty, sharing responsibly, and respecting others’ stories 02:00 – Meet Gregory Zarian Actor, twin, and advocate + stepping into identity 07:00 – Acting, Twins + Identity Blending roles, real life parallels, and storytelling as healing 11:30 – Bullying + Advocacy Work From personal experience to purpose and impact 18:30 – Addiction + Recovery Conversations Breaking stigma, speaking truth, and finding support 28:30 – Relationships + Living Without Secrets Commitment, trust, and emotional accountability 39:00 – Career Highlights + Creative Path Award-winning roles, meaningful work, and artistic growth 49:30 – Joy, Letting Go + Perspective Shifts Egypt, gratitude, and choosing how to live now Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    52 min

  4. APR 9

    What is a Southside? Find out from Meredith Mills

    In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Mills, founder of The Original Southside. Meredith has an inspiring story that reflects her passion for cocktails and the art of mixology. Raised in Oklahoma, Meredith grew up enjoying her mother's recipe for the Southside cocktail during the hot summers. After a career in the beauty industry, she decided to turn her family recipe into a commercially viable product during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on high-quality, organic ingredients, non-GMO and organic! Discover the rich history of the Southside cocktail, the process of creating a clean, organic RTD beverage, and insights into leading with integrity in the alcohol industry. And learn how mindfulness and education impact and inform not only how we treat our bodies but what happens inside of them! Find out more on Instagram Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:18 The Origin and History of the Southside Cocktail 03:15 Meredith's Inspiration and Journey into Beverage Industry 06:21 Developing the Recipe and Product Focus 11:52 Creating the Can and Production Challenges 15:45 Distilled vs. Compound Gin Explained 19:12 Future Product Ideas and Delivery Formats 19:31 Work-Life Balance and Family Business 21:26 Handling Stress and Self-Care Practices 26:22 The Vice Category and ABV Considerations 37:34 The Clean Alcohol Collective and Industry Transparency 40:31 Drink Smarter Not Harder: Industry Insights 42:50 How to Find and Support Southside 44:01 Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    46 min

  5. MAR 19

    Evan Cudworth- The Party Coach - Redefining Partying as a Modality

    I sit down with Evan Cudworth, the world’s first Party Coach, to explore what it really means to “party” in a more conscious, connected, and meaningful way. We talk about how party culture can be more than escape—it can become a pathway to authenticity, community, healing, and even spiritual growth. Evan shares his journey from the underground rave scene through addiction and recovery, and how that led him to create his “Party Within” framework. We discuss the deeper meaning of celebration, the role of ego and belonging, and why true connection starts from within. If you’ve ever wondered how to create more joy, courage, and real community in your life, this conversation offers a fresh perspective. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Evan Cudworth, the Party Coach 02:25 – Party as a spiritual modality and collective healing 03:57 – The deeper meaning and etymology of “party” 06:17 – Ego, oneness, and why parties are meant to be temporary 09:09 – Evan’s “Party Within” seven-stage framework 12:22 – Making peace with past identities and old versions of yourself 15:22 – Why spiritual practices like yoga support the journey 21:13 – Evan’s story of addiction, purpose, and transformation 28:34 – Authenticity and listening to your body in social spaces 36:03 – How to create meaningful, sustainable social gatherings 41:45 – Recharging, boundaries, and honoring your energy Connect with Evan Cudworth Instagram: @Even_Cudworth Website: thepartycoach.com Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    41 min

  6. MAR 17

    Mindfulness Mondays - Worrying Much? Try This!

    In this episode, Lauri Stern shares practical, grounded strategies for managing worry in a world that often feels overstimulating and uncertain. Through a blend of mindfulness, meditation, and intentional boundary-setting, Lauri explores how anxiety can show up in both the mind and body—and what we can do to interrupt the spiral. She introduces her unique concept of Chaos Meditation, a powerful practice designed to help listeners face their worries head-on, contain them, and create more spaciousness in their nervous system. Rather than pretending stress isn’t there, this episode offers a compassionate and actionable approach to working with it. Listeners will also learn why setting boundaries isn’t just about protecting your time—it’s a vital tool for supporting mental and emotional well-being. From limiting exposure to negativity to recognizing the physical signs of stress before they escalate, this conversation offers simple but meaningful ways to reclaim peace and cultivate more joy. Substack mentioned:  Understanding Your Hamster Wheel Heart Drop Process mentioned00:00 Navigating Worry in Today's World Youtube Channel mentioned 01:55 Introducing Chaos Meditation 06:44 Scheduling Worry Time 11:17 Training the Mind to Manage Worry 16:54 Conclusion and Call to Action Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    19 min

  7. MAR 9

    Solar Plexus Chakra - Your Wheel of Power, Confidence and Decision-Making

    Moving Up to the Solar Plexus Chakra: Unlock Your Personal Power In this episode, Lauri Stern introduces the third in her Custom Designed Wellness Chakracademy© Chakra Series, focusing on the Solar Plexus (Manipura). Lauri guides you through understanding and balancing the solar plexus chakra—your center of personal power, decision-making, and confidence. Learn how to harness your internal fire, trust your gut, and step into your true authority with practical insights and exercises. She also offers a guided meditation towards the end to help you tap into your power center. Substacks mentioned:  The Yellow Brick Road Showing Up - Love Letter to My Friend Lisa  Blog Post mentioned:  When Tragedy Feels Close but Isn't Ours to Carry Timestamps: Introduction to the Solar Plexus Chakra - 00:42Symbolism and Fiery Nature - 0:55Balancing Your Internal Fire - 1:20Imbalances: Burnout and Indecisiveness - 2:08The Affirmation "I Do" - 3:08Showing Up Authentically - 6:38Trusting Your Gut Feelings - 8:58The Yellow Brick Road Allegory - 12:26Shadow Side: Performative Power - 14:44Guided Meditation and Reflection - 24:26 Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    37 min

  8. FEB 26

    Ronna Belinky-Founder of Workflows by Ronna

    In this episode, I sit down with Ronna Belinky, founder of Workflows by Ronna. Ronna has developed workshops and processes designed to help busy moms and parents streamline tasks, keeping their lives running more smoothly and stress-free.  She shares her founder's journey and her 'why,' along with other aspects of growing a business with intention and authenticity. Ronna's tips and insights, drawn from her experiences, are invaluable. We share stories about finding confidence to 'put ourselves out there', figuring out service pricing, and even connecting on the practice of yoga. While we have different businesses, we connect through our shared desire to help people understand themselves better.  If you're running a busy household and/or a business, you'll get a lot out of this episode! And for anyone struggling a bit to understand what I do, Ronna provides a spot-on definition!   To find Ronna: Check out her website To work with me: Check out my website and schedule a chat! To read my Substacks, click HERE (and please subscribe!) I'd be grateful if you'd leave a comment, a rating and would of course, help you out with any energetic wants and needs you may have to help you feel your most empowered and joyful self! 00:00 Introduction to Workflows by Ronna 02:06 Evolution of Workflows: From Digital to Personal Planning 05:15 The Importance of Streamlining Tasks for Busy Parents 08:05 Creating a Teachability Moment: Aha Moments in Planning 15:00 Navigating Feedback and People-Pleasing 19:48 Confidence in Pricing and Valuing Services 24:04 Workshops and Group Planning: A New Approach 28:35 Empowering Couples Through Task Management 29:56 Finding Joy in Small Moments 33:13 Pushing Comfort Zones: The Power of Cold Pitching 36:30 Understanding Yourself for Better Planning 40:48 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners Send us Fan Mail Connect with Lauri: Lauri is an Energetic Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive, and Healer who alchemizes her experience and expertise to design customized pathways that help people feel more understood, aligned, empowered, and joyful. She offers 1:1, group, and corporate sessions, programs, workshops, and retreats.  Her Website - Custom Designed Wellness: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/ Email her directly: lauri@customdesignedwellness.com Want to be on the show or have questions or comments about it? Email: podcast@customdesignedwellness.com InstagramFacebook-Business Facebook-PodcastLinkedInYouTubeSubstack To receive her free newsletter, updates, and exclusive content, join her mailing list: www.customdesignedwellness.co...

    43 min
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About

Welcome to the Real and the Woo, a podcast designed to bring you authentic conversations covering a range of topics from the factual and practical to the mystical and magical. Join Lauri as she invites experts and friends to engage in some raw, meaningful and informative discussions, combined with light-hearted, humorous and silly chats. Consider this your virtual happy hour, where no subject is off the table and everyone leaves feeling a little more joyful, supported and inspired. As a life-long lover of learning and a true Gemini, Lauri is genuine in her desire to apply her years of experience and expertise in fitness, yoga, and other energetic wellness modalities, combined with her roles as wife, mother of four adult children, and dog mom, into relatable and understandable ways. Lauri’s indefatigable spirit drives her passion: to help all guided to work with her to understand themselves better from the inside out so they enjoy their lives from the outside in. Lauri envisions a world of oneness and aims to connect people to people and people to information that ignites their own light. Whether you are very real or super woo, this podcast is just for you! *This is podcast is for entertainment purposes only and meant to inform and inspire. If you need or you know someone in need of professional medical help and attention, please consult with qualified professionals specific for your situation. The opinions and ideas expressed in this show are those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organizations or entities they represent. 

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