Curveballs and Lemonade

Command Creative Studios
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals

Curveballs and Lemonade is a powerful podcast hosted by Judy Kogan featuring honest conversations with people who have faced life’s toughest moments and found a way to move forward. Each episode explores real stories of loss, trauma, heartbreak, illness, and unexpected life changes, while focusing on resilience, healing, personal growth, and hope. Judy sits down with guests to discuss how adversity changed them, what they learned through their experiences, and how their stories can help others navigate difficult seasons of life. These are conversations about rebuilding, rediscovery, and finding strength in the moments that shape us the most. If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side, Curveballs and Lemonade is for you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade Produced by Command Creative Studios Engineered by Robert Altschuler

  1. 18h ago

    Are You Financially Prepared for Life's Curveballs? | Brian Davis

    What happens when life throws you a curveball you never planned for? For Brian Davis, that moment came when his father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. As Brian stepped in to help his parents navigate the diagnosis, he also discovered financial hardships he hadn't fully understood. That experience ultimately changed the direction of his own life and inspired him to leave his previous career and become a financial advisor. In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Brian Davis, Financial Advisor and Retirement Income Certified Professional, for an important conversation about preparing financially for the expected and unexpected moments in life. Brian breaks down financial and retirement planning in a way that feels approachable, including why retirement is about more than reaching a certain dollar amount, how long-term care can affect an entire family, why taxes matter when planning for retirement income, and what to do if you're in your 40s or 50s and feel like you're already behind. They also discuss the "sandwich generation," balancing your own financial future while supporting children and aging parents, and why starting small today can make a meaningful difference years from now. Most importantly, Brian reminds us that financial planning isn't about predicting every curveball. It's about building a plan that gives you options when life doesn't go according to plan. Connect with Brian Davis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-davis-ricp%C2%AE-8451644/ Email: briandavis.nm.com New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #CurveballsAndLemonade #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness #Retirement

    Are You Financially Prepared for Life's Curveballs? | Brian Davis

  2. Aug 6

    Meningitis Nearly Took Her Life Twice | Lauren Rosaasen

    What would you do if doctors told your family you probably wouldn't survive the night? In this unforgettable episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Lauren Rosaasen, who has survived meningitis not once, but twice. Lauren's journey began at just six weeks old when she survived viral meningitis. Years later, during her junior year of high school, she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, followed by encephalitis, leaving her unable to walk, speak normally, or perform many basic daily tasks. Doctors weren't sure she would survive. Lauren shares her remarkable journey through months of hospitalization, intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, relearning everyday skills, graduating high school despite overwhelming odds, and rebuilding her life one step at a time. She also opens up about survivor's guilt, losing fellow patients during treatment, navigating long-term brain injury, finding purpose through adversity, and why she chooses to live every day with intention. Whether you've faced a life-threatening illness, supported someone through recovery, or simply need encouragement to keep moving forward, Lauren's story is a powerful reminder that resilience can be stronger than fear. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow Lauren Rosaasen: Instagram:@Lauren.rosaasen Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. Hashtags #CurveballsAndLemonade #Meningitis #BrainInjuryRecovery #Resilience #Hope #SurvivorStory

    Meningitis Nearly Took Her Life Twice | Lauren Rosaasen

  3. Jul 30

    IVF, Miscarriage & Finding Hope with Jennifer Satel | Curveballs and Lemonade

    Originally released as one of our very first episodes, we're bringing back this powerful conversation with Jennifer Satel because its message continues to resonate. Jennifer's honest story about secondary infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and healing has helped so many listeners, and we believe it's worth sharing again. What happens when the dream of growing your family becomes a journey filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and hope? In this heartfelt episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Jennifer Satel to share her experience with secondary infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, and the emotional roller coaster of trying to have another child. Jennifer opens up about fertility treatments, hormone injections, embryo transfers, devastating setbacks, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. She also shares how her husband supported her through every step, the emotional impact infertility can have on relationships, and the healing that came from finding hope during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. Together, Judy and Jennifer discuss the realities of IVF, miscarriage, fertility challenges, grief, resilience, and why no one should have to walk this journey alone. Whether you're navigating infertility, supporting someone through pregnancy loss, or searching for hope after disappointment, Jennifer's story is a powerful reminder that even life's hardest curveballs can lead to unexpected strength. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #IVFJourney #InfertilityAwareness #PregnancyLoss #MiscarriageSupport #FertilityJourney

    IVF, Miscarriage & Finding Hope with Jennifer Satel | Curveballs and Lemonade

  4. Jul 23

    Navigating Divorce, Career Transition, and Relocation with Amy Meshulam

    What happens when the life that looks perfect on the outside no longer feels right on the inside? In this heartfelt episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan welcomes her close friend Amy Meshulam for an honest conversation about navigating one of life's most difficult seasons. Amy shares how what appeared to be a picture-perfect life slowly began to unravel, leading to three major life changes at once: divorce, relocation, and a new career opportunity. Together, Judy and Amy explore what it means to trust your inner voice, embrace uncertainty, and rebuild a life rooted in authenticity rather than appearances. They discuss the emotional impact of divorce on families, parenting through major transitions, guilt, resilience, therapy, gratitude, the importance of a strong support system, and why taking one small step at a time can lead to life's most beautiful new beginnings. Whether you're facing divorce, a career change, a move, or simply a season where life isn't going according to plan, Amy's story is a reminder that healing doesn't require having all the answers. Sometimes it simply begins with taking the next step. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #DivorceRecovery #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #MentalHealth

    Navigating Divorce, Career Transition, and Relocation with Amy Meshulam

  5. Jul 16

    BRCA2, CHEK2, and Preventing Cancer with Dana Fletcher & Melissa Davis

    Have you ever wondered if genetic testing could change your future? In this powerful episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with close friends Dana Fletcher and Melissa Davis to share their deeply personal journeys after testing positive for hereditary cancer gene mutations. Dana was diagnosed with the BRCA2 mutation, while Melissa tested positive for CHEK2. Both women faced life changing decisions after learning they had significantly increased risks for breast cancer and other hereditary cancers. Together they discuss genetic counseling, what the testing process is really like, navigating family history, meeting with specialists, preventative double mastectomies, recovery, surgical reconstruction, surgical menopause, and the emotional weight of making proactive medical decisions before cancer ever develops. They also share practical advice for anyone considering genetic testing, why gathering information is empowering, how these decisions affected their families, and why they have no regrets about taking control of their health. Whether you have a family history of cancer, are considering genetic testing, or simply want to better understand hereditary cancer risk, this conversation offers education, encouragement, and hope. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Risk-Reducing Surgery (Preventive Surgery): https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/options-for-women-at-high-risk/preventative-surgery/ Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #GeneticTesting #BRCA2 #CHEK2 #BreastCancerAwareness #CancerPrevention

    BRCA2, CHEK2, and Preventing Cancer with Dana Fletcher & Melissa Davis

  6. Jul 9

    Losing a Loved One to Suicide with Anita Pressman

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide, addiction, grief, and mental health. What happens after losing someone you love to suicide? In this deeply moving episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with fitness and wellness professional Anita Pressman to share the heartbreaking story of losing someone she deeply loved, Sean, to suicide. Anita opens up about the warning signs she recognized, Sean's struggle with addiction and depression, the devastating days following his disappearance, and the unimaginable grief that followed. She also shares how that loss transformed her life, leading her to embrace healing through movement, mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and a renewed commitment to helping others. Together, Judy and Anita discuss suicide prevention, mental health awareness, addiction recovery, the importance of checking in on loved ones, and why kindness and compassion can change someone's life. If you or someone you know has experienced suicide loss, struggles with depression, addiction, or grief, this conversation offers hope, healing, and an important reminder that no one has to suffer alone. Surviving suicide of a loved one and grief: Help is just 3 digits away 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. 9-8-8 is available via call or text, and online chat. Follow Anita Pressman: @heartnsolfitness New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Curveballsandlemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #HopeAfterLoss

    Losing a Loved One to Suicide with Anita Pressman

  7. Jul 2

    Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Illness, and Parenting Jen Gitlin

    DESCRIPTION What do you do when your child is losing weight, sleeping constantly, and no one can tell you why? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with attorney, mom, and longtime friend Jen Gitlin to share her family’s journey navigating her son Trevor’s Crohn’s disease diagnosis. Trevor was just 10 years old when subtle symptoms during the COVID pandemic turned into something far more serious. What began as fatigue, weight loss, and stomach issues became a long and emotionally exhausting search for answers. After months of uncertainty, specialist appointments, invasive testing, and advocating for care, Trevor was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. Jen opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with an invisible illness, the challenges of navigating treatment, hospital infusions, insurance battles, medication changes, and the constant uncertainty that comes with chronic illness. She also shares how community, advocacy, and connection with other families helped transform isolation into hope. This powerful conversation explores what it means to trust your instincts, fight for answers, support a child through chronic illness, and find strength in the unknown. If you or someone you love is navigating Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune illness, chronic illness, or parenting through medical uncertainty, this episode offers insight, support, and hope. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Jen Gitlin: Instagram: @easton_jennifer Facebook: Jennifer Gitlin Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #CrohnsDisease #ChronicIllness #ParentAdvocacy #IBDAwareness #InvisibleIllness

    Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Illness, and Parenting Jen Gitlin

  8. Jun 25

    Navigating IEPs, Special Education, and Advocacy with Rachel Milman

    What happens when life’s earliest heartbreak becomes the foundation for your life’s purpose? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with special education and Regional Center attorney Rachel S. Milman to discuss the profound childhood loss that shaped her career and her mission to help families navigate some of life’s most challenging diagnoses. Rachel shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father at just five years old after a missed medical diagnosis, and how that experience created a lifelong drive for justice. That path ultimately led her to law school and, eventually, to a deeply meaningful career advocating for children with disabilities and their families. In this powerful conversation, Rachel breaks down what parents need to know about IEPs, Regional Center services, special education law, self-determination programs, and how to advocate effectively when schools or service providers are not meeting a child’s needs. She also shares practical advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis, including how to build the right support team, when to seek an advocate, and why trusting your instincts matters. If you are a parent navigating autism, ADHD, developmental delays, special education, or disability services, this episode is packed with valuable insight, guidance, and hope. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow Rachel Milman on: Instagram: @lawmamamilman. https://www.instagram.com/lawmamamilman/ Visit Milman Law's website:www.milmanlawapc.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #SpecialEducation #IEP #ParentAdvocacy #AutismSupport #DisabilityRights

    Navigating IEPs, Special Education, and Advocacy with Rachel Milman
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Curveballs and Lemonade is a powerful podcast hosted by Judy Kogan featuring honest conversations with people who have faced life’s toughest moments and found a way to move forward. Each episode explores real stories of loss, trauma, heartbreak, illness, and unexpected life changes, while focusing on resilience, healing, personal growth, and hope. Judy sits down with guests to discuss how adversity changed them, what they learned through their experiences, and how their stories can help others navigate difficult seasons of life. These are conversations about rebuilding, rediscovery, and finding strength in the moments that shape us the most. If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side, Curveballs and Lemonade is for you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade Produced by Command Creative Studios Engineered by Robert Altschuler

Information

  • Creator
    Command Creative Studios
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Judy Kogan
  • Show Website
    Curveballs and Lemonade