The Dr. Random podcast

Dr. Sarah Laverone

No scripts. No boxes. Just real conversations with a mind of their own. The Dr. Random podcast explores a wide range of topics with honesty, curiosity and emotion. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Laverone, this is where intellect meets unpredictability–and nothing is off the table.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 27: "Midway" Dallas DJ Sam Reedy - The Christian DJ Who Hides Monk Chants in Club Sets - And Why It Works

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Sam Reedy, a Dallas-based DJ and producer who goes by the moniker Midway. Sam shares how his faith as a former missionary shapes every aspect of his work in the underground electronic music scene, and how he navigates the tension between artistry, commerce, and calling. - How Sam discovered electronic music in middle school and taught himself to produce using Ableton before he ever played a real DJ set - The loss of a close friend and fellow musician that became the turning point pushing Sam to commit fully to music in Dallas - What the underground electronic music scene in Dallas actually looks like and why most serious artists leave for bigger cities - How Sam weaves faith into his sets through Gregorian monk chants, old sermons, and prayer during live performances - The Sawyer Effect and how the shift from passion to paid work can quietly kill an artist's creative drive - Why Sam believes the best art, like the best faith, requires dying to yourself and making room for something beyond your own ego - The challenge of being an openly Christian creative in secular nightlife spaces and how genuine relationship-building matters more than direct evangelism - Practical advice for aspiring DJs and Christian creatives on finding like-minded collaborators and staying rooted in intrinsic motivation Resources and People Mentioned: - Mimosa and Deadmau5, artists who first introduced Sam to electronic music - Ableton, music production software Sam learned at age 15 - Pioneer and Allen and Heath, industry-standard DJ hardware - Moodyman, Detroit house music legend, track recommended: "The Thief That Stole My Sad Days" - Maceoplex, Dallas-connected underground electronic artist - Back to the Underground Network, a private party concept started by Sam - Techno Rotica and Balam's Den, Dallas DJ collectives - Boogies, It'll Do, and Silo, recommended Dallas venues for live house music - Hebrews 6:19, Bible verse Sam references around hope and prayer - Book mentioned: How to Heal Your Brain, touches on Gregorian chants and neural health - Kanye West's album Jesus Is King, cited as a cultural touchpoint for faith in mainstream music - Sam Reedy on SoundCloud and YouTube under the name midway_dj midway_dj: https://linktr.ee/midway_dj?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=39908851-11f2-49d7-ba67-82c55eecdb8d Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Sam Reedy, Christian DJ(00:02:15) - Getting into electronic music and early DJ days(00:05:20) - Moving to Dallas and the loss of friend Drake(00:07:59) - Back to the Underground Network and Techno Rotica(00:10:40) - Faith, consecration, and being a missionary-artist(00:14:19) - Art, creativity, and dying to yourself as an artist(00:17:23) - Dallas music scene and DJ identities(00:20:37) - Faith in the club scene and mom's healing story(00:22:40) - Monk chants, vibration, and healing through music(00:27:40) - Production process, gear, and studio economics(00:31:55) - Believing in yourself and the Sawyer effect(00:35:35) - Reading the crowd and DJ sets guided by prayer(00:38:07) - Upcoming events and connecting with the audience(00:40:53) - Purpose, faith, and aligning with God's will(00:44:39) - Advice for Christian creatives in secular spaces(00:47:52) - Fear of God, favorite verse, and dream collaborations(00:53:04) - Blending darkness and light in DJ sets(00:58:49) - Where to find Sam's music and final reflections(01:02:19) - Closing words of encouragement and wrap-up

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 26 - Pure Discipline Duo - Rich & Toni Soto - Fit, Faithful, and Still Married at 63: The Sotos Share Their Blueprint

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Rich and Toni Soto, a married couple of 37 years, to explore Rich's career in law enforcement, their shared passion for fitness, and the principles that have kept their marriage and health thriving well into their 60s. - Rich's unexpected path from high school dropout and truck driver to law enforcement officer, field training officer, SWAT team member, and Marine Patrol supervisor - The psychological and personal toll a law enforcement career takes on officers and their families, including the high divorce rate and emotional hardening that comes with the job - How Rich earned a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt from a Gracie school starting at age 42, alongside a decades-long commitment to weightlifting - The founding of their YouTube channel, Pure Discipline Duo, and their mission to inspire older adults to pursue serious fitness - Their approach to nutrition, including a biblically based whole foods diet, strategic cheat meals, creatine, peptides, and hormone therapy - The mindset behind staying consistent in fitness, including treating gym time as a non-negotiable daily habit - Key pillars of their 37-year marriage, including shared faith, mutual respect, commitment over comfort, and protecting time together - Their philosophy on living fully now, fueled by the loss of Rich's sister and the understanding that health and time are never guaranteed Resources and People Mentioned: - Pure Discipline Duo (YouTube channel by Rich and Toni Soto) - Dr. Kathy Platoni, retired Army colonel and previous podcast guest - Dr. Lee Baucom, marriage expert referenced from a previous episode - Gracie jiu jitsu lineage and Royce Gracie's early UFC appearances - Nick and Nate Diaz, UFC fighters connected to Dr. Sarah's family - BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu peptides for injury recovery - Ezekiel bread as a whole food alternative to processed bread - DEXA scan as a health assessment tool - Iron Faith music on YouTube for faith-based workout motivation - Ethos Gym Charleston, South Carolina  Link to Pure Discipline Duo: https://m.youtube.com/@Pure_DisciplineDuo Chapters (00:00:01) - Dr. Sarah Laverone(00:00:31) - Dr. Sarah on Rich and Toni Soto's Wedding(00:02:22) - Retired Law Enforcement Officer Rich on His Journey(00:09:27) - How to Get Back In To Working Out(00:10:38) - The Transition from Patrol Officer to Field Training Officer(00:17:50) - Marine Boat Patrol(00:22:30) - Retired Law Enforcement Officer on Being Safer Today(00:25:18) - Marriage after serving in the Police Department(00:31:40) - 37 Year Married Couple on Their(00:32:35) - Black Belt Jiu Jitsu at 42(00:37:26) - Nick and Nate Diaz Talk Jiu Jitsu(00:38:47) - Toni and Sarah on Their Weightlifting(00:43:30) - Rich on Creatine and PEPTIDES(00:47:59) - Lady's On Their Testosterone(00:51:18) - Americans Get Leaner With A Biblically Based Diet(00:54:55) - The Dieticians on Vacation(00:57:50) - Married Fitness Stars on YouTube(01:00:29) - I Should Have Married My Crush At 14(01:03:59) - Are You Ready for Your Wedding?(01:04:23) - Toni and Rich on Their Marriage(01:08:42) - How To Protect Your Time With Your Partner(01:09:27) - Is Your Couple More Social Than Others?(01:13:37) - Charleston resident talks about her time in Paris(01:15:30) - Spending More Time With Your Wife(01:20:02) - What's A Couple Should Do For Love?(01:23:18) - Married Couple's Definition of Success(01:26:59) - Healthy Living(01:29:20) - Exercising With Family(01:34:24) - milo on traveling with his dog(01:35:56) - Quick Fire Questions for Lifters(01:36:46) - Iron Faith(01:39:05) - Dr. Random Podcast

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 25 - Leadership & Innovation During the AI Era with Emma Arakelyan - 27 Companies in 6 Years: The Leadership Formula Behind Her Venture Empire

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Emma Arakelyan, a venture capitalist, CEO and founder of Orion Worldwide Innovations, author of The Business Caring Formula, and a former partner at Ernst & Young with over two decades of global consulting experience. Emma shares the philosophy and frameworks behind her remarkable career, her investment ecosystem, and the leadership principles that drive everything she builds. - How Emma transitioned from 20-plus years in global consulting at Ernst &Young and Accenture to founding her own venture capital ecosystem - The vision behind Orion Worldwide Innovations and what it means to build trust-centered innovation ecosystems globally - Digital Julfa Network and how a 350-year-old Armenian trade network rooted in trust is being reimagined for the modern startup economy - Emma's layered definition of success, spanning the individual, family, community, country, globe, and space - The two foundational pillars she uses with every mentee regardless of age or career stage: identity and strengths - What caring leadership actually looks like as a daily lifestyle and how accountability, responsibility, and consistency make it real - Practical advice for women navigating entrepreneurship, including how to build support systems and redefine work-life balance around happiness rather than percentages - Portfolio highlights including Scylla AI, Cognaize, Gecko Robotics, Picsart, and upcoming opportunities in Anthropic and OpenAI secondaries Resources and people mentioned: - Emma Arakelyan: mrakelian.com - Orion Worldwide Innovations: orionworldwideinnovations.com - Orion Score (free startup investability scoring tool): orionscore.com - Digital Julfa: digitaljulfa.com - BAJ Accelerator: bajaccelerator.com - Mount Global Angel Syndicate: mountglobal.com - Covenant Venture Capital - The Business Caring Formula (book and podcast) by Emma Arakelyan - Cornell Tech, New York University, Columbia University - Scylla AI: scylla.ai - Cognaize: cognaize.com - Gecko Robotics - Earth Grid - Picsart (pre-IPO secondaries available) - Dr. Zarik Boghossian, previously featured on the Dr. Random Podcast

  4. Aug 18

    Episode 24 - Esthetician Lysandra Joy 'House of Vine' in Atlanta - Entrepreneur of Wellness & Beauty

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with her friend and licensed esthetician Lysandra Joy, founder of House of Vine, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about skincare, entrepreneurship, and living boldly in your second act. The two cover everything from building a beauty routine that actually works to the emotional realities of running a business as a single woman, all wrapped in the kind of honest, warm conversation that only real friends can have. - The skincare philosophy every woman over 40 needs to hear, including why consistency beats perfection every time - How to correctly layer your skincare products, from cleanser to sunscreen, for maximum results - The truth about LED therapy, clinical-grade products, and when it is worth spending the money - Lysandra's journey from US Navy veteran and VA healthcare administrator to licensed esthetician and beauty entrepreneur - The story behind House of Vine and how her grandmother's 25-year career/relationship with Frank Sinatra shaped the brand - What it really takes to build a business as a single woman, and why baby steps are not the same as giving up - How surviving triple-negative breast cancer deepened Lysandra's approach to self-care and serving others - The one mindset shift that will change how you make every financial and business decision Resources and People Mentioned: - House of Vine / Lysandra Joy: lysandrajoy.com - Epicuren Discovery skincare line - SkinCeuticals (vitamin C serum) - Sorella Apothecary (professional esthetic line) - Dennis Gross LED device - Revision Skincare and Obagi (clinical grade product lines) - Yonka Paris toner - Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - Mary Kay concealer - Dermalogica - Blue Mercury (retailer) - Joel Osteen (mentioned as a source of faith and encouragement during cancer treatment) - Veterans Future Foundation and Johnny Martin (referenced podcast episode) - Dr. Karin Luise and Alive Collective (Atlanta event) - Frank Sinatra (Lysandra's grandmother worked as his personal caretaker for 25 years) - South City Kitchen, Atlanta Her tagline—“Beauty is the ritual, style is the language, and joy is the destination”—captures the spirit of the episode. Whether you’re new to skincare, building a business, navigating a second act, or simply looking for encouragement to take better care of yourself, this conversation is equal parts practical, personal, and uplifting. Find Lysandra at lysandrajoy.com for virtual and in-person offerings, her blog, and more. Chapters (00:00:01) - Dr. Random Podcast: Skin Care(00:01:35) - Lysandra Joy on Her First Time in Atlanta(00:03:24) - Skincare by Lissandra: Beauty Is the Ritual,(00:07:27) - Serving in the Navy and Working as a VA Healthcare Administrator(00:09:17) - What ultimately made you leave the federal government to pursue beauty and sk(00:10:08) - House of Vine is named after Frank Sinatra's personal assistant(00:13:52) - Are You Single Enough to Start a Business?(00:17:33) - House of Vine: A Salon Studio in Atlanta(00:19:07) - Skin Care for Women in Their 40s(00:25:31) - How to Detox Your Face(00:29:01) - LED Therapy for Acne(00:33:37) - Mary Kay on Skin Care and Personal Style(00:37:10) - How to Change Your Skincare(00:38:56) - Glow reset: Starting a Business on Your Own(00:41:05) - Veteran Businesswoman on Being a Viral Entrepreneur(00:43:07) - Five years cancer free: How does it shape your relationship with self(00:46:14) - Maven on Success and Being Hard on Yourself(00:50:06) - How to Clean Your Skin(00:51:29) - Favorite skincare product and treatment(00:54:45) - How To Cleanse Your Face(00:57:04) - Best Piece of Business Advice Ever Given(00:58:38) - Lissandra on Collaborating With Beauty Brands

  5. Jul 24

    Episode 23 - Lauren Hall Music - Country Music Star - From Charleston Bars to Nashville Studios: Building a Music Career on Your Terms

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Charleston-based country artist Lauren Hall to talk about her journey through the local music scene, the Nashville recording world, and the deeply personal stories behind her songs. Lauren brings warmth, honesty, and a grounded perspective on what it really takes to build a music career on your own terms, and she closes the episode with a live acoustic performance of her newest single, Denim. - How Lauren developed her 90s-inspired country sound and what sets her apart in today's market - The story behind her most personal song, Backwards, written during a vocal health crisis that nearly ended her singing career - What she learned about professionalism and kindness from sharing the stage with artists like Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce - The Nashville recording process and what it is like to hear session players bring a song to life for the first time - Why she believes local, in-person fan relationships matter more than social media follower counts - How faith keeps her grounded in a competitive and unpredictable industry - Balancing her music career with marriage and an upcoming first pregnancy - Advice for young artists in the Carolinas looking to build a career in music Resources and People Mentioned: - Lauren Hall Music (website and social media handle) - SC250 Fourth of July event in Charleston - Travis Tritt, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Lauren Alaina (artists Lauren has opened for) - Lee Brice (producer connection referenced) - Dan Frizzell (Lauren's Nashville producer) - Kicking Country 92.5 Charleston (radio station where Lauren co-hosted) - TJ Phillips (late Charleston radio personality) - Nate Smith (country artist referenced in discussion about social media pressure) - Haley Mae Campbell (Charleston artist making her Opry debut) - The Nashville TV series - Paul Sidoti (Taylor Swift's longtime guitarist) - Red's Ice House and the Windjammer (Charleston venues) - Carolina Country Music Festival and Riverfront Revival (festivals mentioned) - Seacoast Church (church community connected to Lauren's band members) Chapters (00:00:01) - Dr. Random Podcast: Lauren Hall(00:00:52) - Talent Escort(00:02:49) - Charleston's Own Kelsey Grammar on Her Sound(00:04:35) - Bachelorette Meets Country Artist in Nashville(00:06:29) - Charleston's Travis Tritt Opens for Local Band(00:08:04) - Openers for Lauren and Carly on(00:14:52) - Your song 'Backwards' has national exposure(00:19:23) - Charleston Country Vocalist on Local Support(00:25:30) - Are You A Country Artist?(00:27:43) - Taylor Swift Tribute at the Windjammer(00:30:17) - KICKIN' COUNTRY co-host(00:32:40) - "Would You Want to Play a Song?"(00:33:15) - Favorite Country Music Movies(00:35:35) - Charleston singer-songwriter talks about the Low Country culture(00:39:57) - Pregnant Amy on Music and Family Life(00:43:34) - Taylor Swift Reveals Gender of Her Band Member(00:48:26) - How I Met My Husband(00:51:48) - Have Faith Made Your Music Successful?(01:00:32) - Charleston singer Lauren Harris on her path to success(01:05:41) - Duet with Dolly Parton(01:06:54) - Elsa in The Princess Diaries(01:08:56) - Lauren Hall on Her New Music(01:13:08) - Pregnancy Song(01:17:47) - Lauren Hall Plays "" On The Dr. Random Podcast

  6. Jul 20

    Episode 22 - Johnny Martin of Veterans Future Foundation - The Mental Tools Helping Veterans Reclaim Purpose After Service

    In this episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Johnny Martin, National Director of Performance at Veterans Future Foundation, to explore the real challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life and what it takes to help them thrive. Johnny draws on his background in educational psychology, mental performance coaching, and years of working with elite athletes and corporate leaders to share what truly empowers veterans to own their next chapter. - The identity and purpose crisis many veterans experience after leaving the uniform behind - How Veterans Future Foundation uses community, continuing education, and career advancement to support transitioning service members - Why the "soft skills" veterans carry are exactly what civilian employers say they need but struggle to find - The role of the Dirt Therapy Project and outdoor recreation in rebuilding connection and peace for veterans - How limiting beliefs hold veterans back and what daily wins and values-based action can do to break through them - Why vulnerability is not weakness but a form of strength, and how psychological safety makes deeper growth possible - The damaging misconception that veterans are broken and why Johnny pushes back on that narrative every day - Three powerful self-audit questions: Who am I spending time with? What am I consuming? What am I allowing? Resources and People Mentioned: - Veterans Future Foundation: www.veteransfuture.org - The Dirt Therapy Project: Jonathan Hagerman, founder and executive director - UHP Unlock Human Potential: 800-acre campus in northwest Arkansas, founded by Matt Hessey - Ignite America: First-of-its-kind residential veteran trade school at UHP - Team Red White and Blue (Team RWB): Veteran health and wellness community with over 300,000 members - Devon Levesque's Behind Closed Doors: Small business and entrepreneur networking group/master chats where Dr. Sarah and Johnny connected Chapters (00:00:01) - Dr. Random Podcast: Johnny Martin's Master Chat(00:01:51) - Johnny Martin(00:11:16) - Sarah on her passion for veterans' mental health(00:16:16) - Understanding the challenges of transitioning veterans(00:20:41) - Veterans Future Foundation(00:31:16) - Getting Out There: Hiring Veterans(00:31:49) - The Dirt Therapy Project(00:37:04) - What Role Does Accountability Play in Veterans Future Foundation?(00:40:23) - How to Lead with a Winning Mindset(00:48:43) - Veterans Coaching: The Real Workout(00:54:17) - Why Vulnerability is So Important in Veterans' Training(00:59:07) - What misconceptions about veteran transitions have people(01:01:47) - Three Questions for Your Life(01:02:42) - Working with Veterans

  7. Jun 15

    Episode 21 - Art of Bing - Artist Demetrius Bing - Conversation with local Charleston Artist

    Demetrius Bing (Art of Bing) In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of the Dr. Random Podcast, host Dr. Sarah sits down with Charleston native and rising contemporary abstract artist Demetrius Bing (known as Art of Bing). The conversation flows naturally through art, resilience, community, faith, and the raw realities of building a creative life. Dr. Sarah is an artist herself; they both paint abstract and contemporary art.  Demetrius shares his journey from a young boy who loved drawing but pursued athletics and other paths, to discovering painting as a powerful outlet for processing trauma, emotion, and daily life as a young Black man. He discusses his abstract expressionist style, influences like Jean-Michel Basquiat (his “Michael Jordan”), Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, and Keith Haring, and how symbolism, color, texture, and personal storytelling shape his work. Highlights include: The deeply personal piece “Mother’s Tears” and its commentary on police interactions and fear. His breakthrough solo show “Full Circle” at Starrett Hall / The Drop In, which drew over 300 people and felt like a full-circle moment for his neighborhood. Resilience after a serious car accident that left him painting murals while still rehabilitating. Exciting career milestones: seven pieces featured in the final season of Outer Banks, features in Charleston Magazine and upcoming Peninsula Magazine, gallery representation, and school visits inspiring the next generation. Honest talk on imposter syndrome, the business side of art (prints vs. originals), networking, vulnerability when sharing work, and the “itch” to create. Faith, mindset shifts, community building, and future dreams (including potential studio spaces, collaborations, and traveling with Charleston’s spirit). The episode celebrates the fulfilling yet challenging path of being an artist—balancing day jobs, creative drive, emotional depth, and the joy of seeing your work resonate in people’s homes and lives. Both host and guest emphasize staying true to your voice, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of community support for local creatives. A must-listen for artists, collectors, and anyone who values authentic stories of transformation, purpose, and creative persistence. Demetrius Bing’s work can be found at artofbing.com and on Instagram @artofbing. Perfect for fans of expressive, message-driven art with heart and cultural resonance. Chapters (00:00:01) - Dr. Random Podcast: Demetrius Bing(00:02:24) - Charleston Artist on Becoming An Artist(00:08:51) - NFTs: Art Scam?(00:10:00) - "Full Circle": Working as a Solo Artist(00:15:53) - Local Art on Sewing Down South Pillows(00:16:34) - Becoming An Artist(00:20:46) - "One Voice for Kids"(00:23:32) - Dr. Sarah on Imposter Syndrome(00:28:24) - Paintings on Outer Banks(00:31:46) - Charleston artist talks about the Charleston scene(00:35:25) - Charleston artist talks about her art journey(00:40:32) - "Most Common Thing" People Say About My Art(00:42:29) - "The Vulnerable Part of Being an Artist"(00:46:45) - Charleston artist shares advice for creatives(00:51:44) - "Don't Be A Prince"(00:56:40) - Print Artist on the Business of Painting(01:00:49) - The Art of Reflections(01:05:23) - Pedro Kucha: Any Stories to Tell(01:09:47) - How Faith Has Played a Role in My Life(01:15:49) - Demetrius Bang on Collaborating With Nike and Other Companies(01:20:21) - Charleston Artist Shout Out My Mom On The Dr. Random

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

No scripts. No boxes. Just real conversations with a mind of their own. The Dr. Random podcast explores a wide range of topics with honesty, curiosity and emotion. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Laverone, this is where intellect meets unpredictability–and nothing is off the table.