Ask Dr. Louise

Dr. Louise Stanger
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Ask Dr. Louise is a thought-provoking podcast where renowned interventionist and author Dr. Louise Stanger explores the complexities of addiction, mental health, and family dynamics. With decades of experience, she offers expert insight, compassionate guidance, and real conversations designed to educate, empower, and inspire lasting transformation.

Episodes

  1. Jul 16

    The Power of Feeling Beautiful: Makeup Artist Allison Elliott on Confidence and Self-Worth

    What if beauty wasn't about perfection—but about confidence? In this uplifting episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise sits down with celebrity and bridal makeup artist Allison Elliott for a heartfelt conversation about beauty, confidence, entrepreneurship, and discovering your true worth. While Allison has spent decades helping brides, celebrities, and women of all ages look their best, her greatest passion isn't makeup—it's helping people feel beautiful from the inside out. Allison shares her inspiring journey from earning a business degree at her father's encouragement to leaving corporate America, moving to New York City, and building a successful career in the beauty industry. From working at Sephora and learning under legendary makeup artist Laura Geller to New York Fashion Week, celebrity clients, and now owning a luxury bridal beauty agency, Allison's story is one of courage, creativity, and following your calling. Together, Dr. Louise and Allison explore why confidence begins long before the makeup brush, how positive self-talk changes the way we see ourselves, and why every woman deserves to feel radiant—whether it's on her wedding day or an ordinary Tuesday. In this episode, you will learn: Allison's journey from corporate America to becoming a professional makeup artist How following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career Why beauty starts with confidence and self-worth The emotional transformation makeup can create Working with brides, celebrities, and women of every age The importance of enhancing—not hiding—your natural beauty Building confidence through positive self-talk Why comparison steals confidence Starting and growing a successful bridal beauty business Lessons learned from entrepreneurship Finding purpose by reconnecting with what you loved as a child Why taking care of your health contributes to feeling beautiful Allison's experience getting married later in life and what it taught her about love Connect with Allison: Website: https://allisonvalebeauty.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.elliott.503 Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    The Power of Feeling Beautiful: Makeup Artist Allison Elliott on Confidence and Self-Worth

  2. Jul 2

    Comprehensive Healing: Finding the Root Cause of Trauma, Addiction & Mental Illness with Dr. James Flowers

    Dr. Louise introduces her podcast Ask Dr. Louise and interviews longtime friend and collaborator Dr. James Flowers, CEO of J. Flowers Health Institute in Houston, Texas. They recount meeting in Las Vegas and discuss why their work aligns: an academic, research-driven, precision-based approach that prioritizes deep empathy, selectivity with complex cases, and spending hours with patients rather than relying on time-limited group formats. Flowers explains the Institute’s comprehensive 360-degree diagnostic evaluation, which he describes as a “living MRI” to pinpoint root causes and prevent relapse, emphasizing the need to rule out medical issues. He shares cases where imaging revealed a pituitary tumor and a brain worm misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness. Flowers and Louise discuss trauma, including Flowers’ childhood losses and his “superpower” of compartmentalization, and he advises families to seek comprehensive, well-evaluated treatment beyond what is found via online ads. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Podcast Mission 00:54 Meet Dr James Flowers 02:01 How We First Met 03:06 Why Our Approach Works 06:16 Inside J Flowers Institute 10:03 Medical Mysteries Solved 18:21 Trauma Stories Shared 21:33 Choosing The Right Treatment 25:42 Superpower And Healing 27:44 Whats Next And Contact 30:18 Final Thoughts Connect with Dr. James: Website: https://jflowershealth.com/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Comprehensive Healing: Finding the Root Cause of Trauma, Addiction & Mental Illness with Dr. James Flowers

  3. Jun 18

    From Family Crisis to Global Impact: Jessica Sarowitz on Trauma, Healing, and Purpose

    On Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise Stanger interviews Jessica Sarowitz, who shares how a desperate call for help during her 17-year-old son’s mental health crisis led their family to unite, avoid triangulation, and support an intervention alongside peers, contributing to his progress and upcoming college graduation and his interest in helping others in mental health. Sarowitz describes her work as managing partner of 4S Bay Partners and the Julian Grace Foundation, spanning payroll/HR, real estate, investment analysis, film and documentaries, and philanthropy supporting immigrant children’s rights, an arts-and-technology center in Akko, Israel, and a major Stocker Street Creative development in Baldwin Hills. The conversation covers parenting values, transparency, learning from mistakes, curiosity across cultures, Sarowitz’s childhood abuse and reclaiming her story, travel and scuba diving, goals for the future, gratitude, and maintaining mental health support networks. 00:00 Podcast Preview 00:49 Meet Jessica Sarowitz 01:44 Crisis Call for Help 03:08 David’s Recovery Journey 04:26 Unified Family Support 09:20 Career and Foundation Work 13:00 Global Community Projects 15:47 Parenting Values and Curiosity 20:42 Owning Trauma and Healing 23:18 Travel and Scuba Adventures 26:49 What’s Next and Housing 32:03 Authenticity and Tough Stuff 33:39 Aging and Future Goals 37:19 Support Networks and Closing Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-p-sarowitz-48ba59142 Kennedy Human Rights Info: https://kennedyhumanrights.org/person/jessica-p-sarowitz/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    From Family Crisis to Global Impact: Jessica Sarowitz on Trauma, Healing, and Purpose

  4. Jun 4

    Trauma Is Your Superpower: Turning Pain into Purpose with Dr. Louise Stanger

    In this special episode of Ask Dr. Louise, the tables are turned as transformational coach and Fieldswell founder Lauren Fields interviews Dr. Louise Stanger about her powerful new book, Trauma Is Your Superpower. Together, they explore how life's most painful experiences can become the foundation for resilience, healing, personal growth, and purpose. Drawing from her own deeply personal experiences—including the suicide of her father when she was a child, multiple sudden losses, and decades of work helping others navigate adversity—Dr. Louise shares how trauma shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately offers opportunities for transformation. Rather than viewing trauma solely through the lens of suffering, Dr. Louise introduces a compelling new perspective: every superhero has an origin story, and our greatest wounds often become the source of our greatest strengths. Through storytelling, practical exercises, and compassionate insight, she encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, develop resilience, and discover the hidden gifts that emerge from life's most difficult chapters. In this episode you will hear about: Why every superhero has an origin story—and so do we The difference between trauma, resilience, and post-traumatic growth Dr. Louise's personal story of losing her father to suicide How hidden trauma shapes identity and behavior Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness The power of sharing your story with trusted people Moving beyond victimhood and into growth How grief evolves over time The importance of empathy versus sympathy Developing boundaries, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness How trauma can become a source of purpose and service Why healing isn't linear Learning to "fall up" after life's setbacks Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Trauma Is Your Superpower: Turning Pain into Purpose with Dr. Louise Stanger

  5. May 21

    Do We Still Matter? Beth Saunders on Identity, Purpose, and Life’s Next Chapter

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise welcomes swimmer, teacher, volunteer, mother, and wellness advocate Beth Saunders for a deeply meaningful conversation about identity, aging, purpose, resilience, and what it truly means to “matter.” Beth shares her journey from raising three daughters and navigating the empty nest transition to finding renewed purpose through substitute teaching, coaching swimmers, volunteering, and embracing lifelong learning. Along the way, she opens up about living with arthritis, undergoing two hip replacements, and continuing to thrive physically and emotionally through movement, connection, and service. Together, Dr. Louise and Beth explore how women can rediscover themselves after caregiving years, why community and authenticity matter more than perfection, and how simple acts of kindness can profoundly change lives. This episode is a beautiful reminder that every stage of life offers opportunities to grow, contribute, connect, and live fully. Connect with Beth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth2022/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Do We Still Matter? Beth Saunders on Identity, Purpose, and Life’s Next Chapter

  6. May 14

    Inside the Mind of a Hollywood Costume Designer with Ernesto Martinez

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise sits down with acclaimed costume designer Ernesto Martinez for an intimate conversation about creativity, courage, recovery, and living a life fueled by gratitude. From designing costumes for films and hit television series like Song Sung Blue, Physical, and Veep, to discovering the healing power of horses and the life-changing lessons of 12-step recovery, Ernesto shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped both his career and his character. Together, they reflect on their unforgettable friendship that began during the early SoulCycle days in Los Angeles, the collaborative magic behind bringing characters to life on screen, and the importance of remaining teachable no matter where life takes you. Ernesto opens up about caring for his mother during her final years, overcoming fear and self-doubt, and why listening may be the greatest superpower of all. This episode is a moving reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, walk through fear, and create a meaningful life filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. Connect with Ernesto: https://www.instagram.com/ernestito1/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Inside the Mind of a Hollywood Costume Designer with Ernesto Martinez

  7. Apr 30

    Unlocking Potential with Jack Vaughn: A Journey of Mentorship and Growth

    In today's episode of Ask Dr. Louise podcast, Dr. Louise interviews Jack Vaughn, COO of Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), about how he entered youth mentoring and case-support work. Jack describes struggling as a rebellious student, later pursuing self-understanding and psychology, and how caring for his father during a serious cancer battle and learning from his mother’s recovery coaching prepared him for high-acuity support roles. He recounts his first major YPM case—joining a barricaded young man using an invitational approach and motivational interviewing, ultimately accompanying him to a distant behavioral health treatment center—and how that work led to ongoing collaboration with Dr. Louise and Max. Jack also discusses a later case involving addiction recovery, traumatic loss, and academic collapse, which prompted him to develop an executive-functioning curriculum focused on initiation, follow-through, grit, and self-control. He shares plans to expand this work through Launch Go, a separate virtual coaching service paired with a productivity platform (currently soft-launched in beta) designed to support clients at the “point of performance,” and he provides a phone number for families seeking help. Connect with Jack: Website: https://www.youthpreventionmentors.com/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Unlocking Potential with Jack Vaughn: A Journey of Mentorship and Growth

  8. Apr 16

    From Photography to Storytelling: Cheryl Fox’s Artistic Journey

    Cheryl “She Fox” on Storytelling Through Photography, A Few Good Women, and Creative Joy Dr. Louise Stanger hosts her first podcast with photographer and storyteller Cheryl “She Fox,” recalling how they met through a photoshoot with Louise’s daughter Sydney and later collaborated at the Sunset Marquis, where their session led to Louise’s book Reflections on Aging and a signing at Morrison Hotel Gallery. Cheryl discusses her career path from a Hampton University suspension to studying sociology, learning photography in a darkroom, and training at the School of Visual Arts as a mother of two. She describes entering the fine art world with behind-the-scenes hip hop images and working with artists like Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, and Rihanna, while managing difficult sets by removing “outside noise.” Cheryl addresses being underestimated as a woman of color, her “happy heart,” advice to stretch imagination, and plans for A Few Good Women as a second edition and docuseries plus brand partnerships. She also shares illustrating her son Jamani’s children’s books using AI and collaborating with Louise on a “Trauma is your superpower” comic concept.   00:00 Meet Cheryl Fox 00:48 How We Met 02:59 Reflections on Aging 03:58 A Few Good Women 06:45 Finding Her Lens 09:46 From Hobby to Pro 11:15 Hip Hop Fine Art 15:09 Seeing Beyond Surface 18:15 Favorite Celebrity Shoots 19:35 Handling Set Drama 20:55 Breaking Into Galleries 24:13 Morrison Gallery Memories 25:00 Sunset Marquis Home Base 26:52 Underestimated Photographer 28:46 Finding Joy Daily 30:53 Creative Storytelling Advice 32:11 A Few Good Women Next 36:14 AI Kids Books Breakthrough 38:12 Trauma Superpower Comic 40:01 Closing Thanks Sponsors Connect with Cheryl: Website: https://www.cherylfoxphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfoxmorethanaphotographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfoxphotography/ X: https://x.com/cfoxphotog Threads: https://www.threads.com/@cfoxmorethanaphotographer Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    From Photography to Storytelling: Cheryl Fox’s Artistic Journey

  9. Apr 16

    A Journey of Resilience: Conversations with Shelby Stanger

    Resilience, Adventure, and Reinvention with Shelby Stanger On Ask Dr. Louise, Louise interviews her youngest daughter, journalist and podcaster Shelby Stanger Arthur (Will to Wild; Wild Ideas Worth Living), about launching a podcast and building a business from a women’s entrepreneurship accelerator after an Outside Magazine story about Wim Hof was cut; Shelby later sold the show to REI Co-op in 2020. They discuss how Louise taught Shelby curiosity, asking questions, and finding goodness in people, and how family trauma shaped their lives, including the sudden infant death of Shelby’s brother Eric and the sudden death of Shelby’s father at 46. Shelby reflects on anxiety, how water and Mission Bay Aquatics helped her heal, and choosing Emory for journalism mentorship (including Nathan McCall) and a reporting trip to South Africa. Shelby shares top “adventures,” advice on awe in nature, and the importance of reinventing yourself.   Connect with Shelby: Website: https://shelbystanger.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbystanger/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    A Journey of Resilience: Conversations with Shelby Stanger

  10. Apr 16

    Hope Interventions: Gino Galofaro's Journey in Addiction Recovery

    Dr. Louise interviews interventionist and recovery entrepreneur Gino Galofaro, recounting how they connected through the late Ian DePuy and later met at a networking event after Ian’s death. Gino describes getting sober in 1999, opening Rancho Coast sober livings in 2005 near Pathfinders, and building programs including Hope Interventions, Windansea Recovery (PHP/IOP in La Jolla), Grotta House/Grotta Ranch (detox/residential), House of Hope in Logan Heights for Medi-Cal clients, and a new Hope and Recovery Foundation to support housing and recovery for people coming from homelessness or incarceration. He explains his Johnson Model intervention training and preference for high-intensity, high-risk interventions, sharing a recent Texas case involving severe nitrous use. They discuss how insurance and fentanyl have changed treatment and why families must set boundaries while keeping hope. Gino provides websites for his services.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:18 How We Met Through Ian 04:08 Building Sober Living Homes 06:07 Why Interventions Matter 09:13 High Risk Intervention Story 11:45 Trust and Staying Calm 12:50 Celebrating 27 Years Sober 14:29 Addiction Landscape and Insurance 16:17 Fentanyl and Rock Bottom Rethink 17:39 Family Boundaries and Tough Love 19:58 New Projects and Nonprofit Plans 23:43 Hope Message and Where to Find Gino 25:43 Closing Thanks and Next Episode Connect with Gino: Website: https://windansearecovery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Windansea-Recovery-61568664017820/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windansea.recovery/ Connect with Dr. Louise: Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutinterventions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

    Hope Interventions: Gino Galofaro's Journey in Addiction Recovery
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ask Dr. Louise is a thought-provoking podcast where renowned interventionist and author Dr. Louise Stanger explores the complexities of addiction, mental health, and family dynamics. With decades of experience, she offers expert insight, compassionate guidance, and real conversations designed to educate, empower, and inspire lasting transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Louise Stanger
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Ask Dr. Louise