Love, Laughs, and Lessons

Loves, Laughs, and Lessons

Dive deep into the heart of human connections with the Love, Laughs, and Lessons Podcast. Dr. Frankie and Denise Rai lead an extraordinary journey, unraveling the mysteries of intimacy, relationships, and self-discovery. With empathy, humor, and vulnerability, this podcast explores the joys, challenges, and the 'vanilla' moments in romantic relationships, family bonds, friendships, and our vital relationship with ourselves.

  1. 25 SEP

    If You Can’t Fix It, Forgive It: Give 3 F’s

    In this episode, we sit down with Delia Joseph, Certified Professional Coach, trained mediator, microaggression facilitator, and founder of Improveology Lifestyle Coaching. Known as a “quiet storm,” Delia brings a powerful blend of compassion, clarity, and experience to the often-overlooked conversation about forgiveness. We talk about the kind of forgiveness that isn’t performative. The kind you do alone, when you’re still angry, still tired, and still deeply hurt. Delia shares how resentment can trap you in cycles of pain, why being the strong one comes with an emotional toll, and how faith can be the only thing standing between you and emotional collapse. This is a real conversation about what it takes to heal while being honest about what broke you. We cover: Why forgiveness is not the same as reconciliationThe quiet grief of being the one others lean onWhat faith looks like when everything falls apartThe emotional toll of bypassing angerHow to release pain without losing your voiceWhat emotional safety truly means If you’ve ever needed to let go without pretending it didn’t matter, or needed to pause before being strong again, this episode will meet you there. Guest Bio Delia Joseph, CPCCertified Professional Coach | Mediator | Microaggression Facilitator Delia Joseph is the founder of Improveology Lifestyle Coaching, a trailblazing platform dedicated to helping individuals rebuild confidence and live with intention after emotional burnout or betrayal. Known as a “quiet storm,” Delia’s work blends behavioral science, spirituality, and deep personal insight. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, guest writer, and guide for those looking to reclaim their voice, boundaries, and belief in themselves. Guest Links Website: improveologycoaching.comEmail: improveologycoach@gmail.comInstagram: @improveologycoaching

    46 min
  2. 23 SEP

    Reclaiming Worth, Refusing to Shrink: A Love Letter to Daughters of Color

    In this episode of Love, Laughs & Lessons, we sit down with trauma therapist and coach Fanny Tristan for a powerful conversation about what it really costs to be "the strong one." Fanny shares her story as a firstborn daughter, the child of Afro-Peruvian immigrants, and someone who grew up navigating mental illness, code-switching, and high expectations. We talk about how perfectionism and over-functioning get baked in early, how race and gender shape our roles in family systems, and what it takes to stop centering our lives around being chosen. This episode is a deep dive into patriarchy, healing, and the ways women—especially women of color—are taught to carry responsibility for everything, even their own pain. Fanny names the harm, but she also shows us the path forward. Whether you are partnered or single, a mother or not, this conversation is an invitation to unlearn the rules that kept you small and start choosing yourself. In this episode, we explore: Birth order and the unspoken contract of being firstSinglehood as freedom, not failureWhy women are expected to absorb pain and solve it tooThe pressure to settle and the power in saying noWhat real community looks like beyond romantic validationThe role of travel, sisterhood, and coaching in breaking cyclesFanny’s work is not about fixing you. It is about helping you reclaim what was always yours. Your voice. Your worth. Your time. Guest Bio Fanny Tristan is a licensed trauma therapist, social worker, coach, and founder of Her Soul Supply, a wellness collective dedicated to helping single Black and Brown women reclaim their worth, restore their energy, and live on their own terms. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Fanny brings a trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and liberation-focused lens to everything she offers. She works at the intersection of emotional healing, identity, and systems—helping women unpack perfectionism, set boundaries without guilt, and stop performing to be chosen. Her work speaks especially to high-functioning daughters of color who have spent years carrying the emotional weight of others while deprioritizing themselves. Through therapy, coaching, and international retreats, Fanny supports women in shedding the roles they were taught to play and stepping into self-defined freedom. Offerings Mentioned in the Episode : 🔹 Single, Empowered, and Free A live monthly workshop designed for single women of color to explore how patriarchy, family systems, and cultural messaging have shaped their sense of worth. Fanny breaks down these systems and helps participants begin to unlearn the patterns keeping them stuck. Sign up: ⁠hersoulsupply.com/workshops⁠ Instagram: ⁠@hersoulsupply⁠

    53 min
  3. 28 AGO

    The Libido Doc on Desire, Dopamine and Lasting Intimacy

    What keeps passion alive after the honeymoon phase? In this episode of Love, Laughs & Lessons, Dr. Frankie and Denise sit down with Dr. Diane Mueller, known as The Libido Doc, to talk about the science and soul of lasting desire. Dr. Diane explains how dopamine drives attraction, why novelty fuels intimacy, and how flirting can rekindle connection. She clears up misconceptions about vibrators, shares her Yes/No/Maybe checklist, and highlights why open communication is the most powerful tool for lasting intimacy. We cover: Why desire fades in long-term relationships and how to reignite it The surprising benefits of vibrators for pelvic health and pleasure How novelty, play, and fantasy create excitement in monogamy Practical ways to bring flirting and curiosity back into daily life This conversation blends science, strategy, and heart, offering couples tools to reconnect, reignite, and rediscover intimacy. Guest Bio Dr. Diane Mueller, “The Libido Doc”Dr. Diane Mueller, ND, DAOM, is a board-certified sexologist with dual doctorates in Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is the founder of the sex education center MyLibidoDoc.com and host of The Libido Lounge podcast, where she helps monogamous couples create more passion, desire, better communication, and hotter sex.   Website: MyLibidoDoc.com Novelty Checklist (Yes/No/Maybe Tool): MySexDoc.com New Book Pre-Sale: Want to Want It: How to Want More Sex, Be Better at It, and Get More of It at WantToWantIt.com

    51 min
  4. 14 AGO

    Say What You Mean or Prepare to Be Misunderstood

    If you think love should feel natural, intuitive, or just “click,” you might be setting yourself up for confusion, resentment, and unmet needs. In this episode, licensed therapist and confidence coach Talia Bombola gets real about how communication—or the lack of it—is sabotaging modern relationships. She breaks down why so many ambitious women end up carrying the emotional weight in partnerships, what anxious and avoidant attachment really look like in practice, and why clarity is a love language. We unpack the myth of emotional mind reading, the pressure to shrink in dating, and how performance-based connection keeps us from being known. Whether you're tired of breadcrumbing, over-functioning, or just not getting what you need, this episode offers both clarity and strategy. You’ll learn: How vague communication creates chronic resentment Why anxious-avoidant dynamics are magnetic but unsustainable What “saying what you mean” looks like in practice The difference between emotional availability and emotional consistency How to stop dating with your potential and start dating with your actual self Talia Bombola is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, and the Confidence + Assertiveness Specialist™. She helps ambitious, self-aware women stop performing in relationships and start showing up with clarity, self-trust, and emotional power. Talia’s work bridges evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and subconscious rewiring. Her no-fluff approach helps clients unlearn the patterns of “too much” and “not enough” that sabotage both connection and career. She’s known for taking clients to the emotional deep end—not with overwhelm, but with insight that sticks. With over 16 years of personal and professional development, Talia offers more than credentials. She’s lived this work. Her coaching and clinical background help clients understand why they feel the way they do, what to do about it, and how to build relationships that match their emotional depth and ambition. In sessions, on stage, or behind the mic, Talia challenges the belief that love is intuitive and teaches that emotional fluency—not emotional performance—is the real flex. Guest Bio: Talia Bombola, LMFTLinks: @taliabombola

    41 min
  5. 7 AGO

    How to Get Laid on Tinder (for People Who Care)

    This isn’t just another dating episode. It’s a straight-talking, hilarious deep dive into sex, dating apps, rejection, and doing it all without losing your dignity. Our guest, Maureen Pound, is a solo parent by choice, self-made millionaire, and author of How to Get Laid on Tinder (for Men Who Care). She joins us to break down the emotional mess and magic of modern dating—offering real advice for anyone who wants to connect with confidence, kindness, and just enough cheek. We cover everything from better bios and smarter sexting to why most people swipe when they’re emotionally depleted. Maureen keeps it real with personal stories, practical tips, and a few hard truths about what it actually takes to be good at dating. Whether you're dating casually, fed up with flaky messages, or wondering if chemistry is supposed to feel like fireworks, this one’s for you. You’ll learn: What makes someone instantly swipe left Why effort is hotter than looks How to sext without being weird When to get off the app and into real life Why rejection hurts less when you're clear about what you want Guest Bio: Maureen Pound Maureen Pound is a self-made millionaire, solo parent by choice, author, coach, and unapologetic truth-teller when it comes to modern dating and human behavior. She built her wealth through property investment, entrepreneurship, and the kind of bold decision-making that doesn't ask for permission. At forty, Maureen became a parent on her own terms. Years later, she re-entered the dating world with curiosity, clarity, and zero fluff. That journey led to the creation of her book How to Get Laid on Tinder (for Men Who Care)—a sharp, funny, and practical guide for men who want to show up better in online dating. Maureen’s real genius lies in her ability to cut through performance and help people connect authentically, whether she’s talking about sex, dating, motherhood, money, or emotional intelligence. Her TikTok account earned a loyal following by tackling these topics head-on with humor, kindness, and a deep understanding of what makes connection feel real. Links: IG: @maureenpound @howtogetlaidontinder   Grab her book here: howtogetlaidontinder.com

    51 min
  6. 25 JUL

    Hooked on the Highs, Drained by the Drama

    How the Moving On Formula helps you stop chasing the chaos and start choosing yourself   What if the real breakup you need isn’t with your ex, but with the story that’s been keeping you stuck? In this honest and empowering episode, breakup and relationship coach Lucy Price joins Dr. Frankie and Denise to unpack what really keeps people locked in toxic relationship cycles. Lucy opens up about her own on-again, off-again relationship filled with emotional confusion, stonewalling, and self-abandonment. She shares how she spent years trying all the "right" things before finally learning how to choose herself. Lucy didn’t just heal. She built the Moving On Formula, a method that helps people stop obsessing, regulate their nervous systems, and start trusting themselves again. In this episode, we cover:• How to spot and break the cycle of toxic highs and lows• The real reason you keep checking their socials and replaying old conversations• Why self-trust matters more than closure• How people-pleasing and perfectionism keep you stuck• What it looks like to take your power back and lead in love Guest Bio: Lucy Price is a breakup recovery and relationship coach specializing in helping individuals heal from heartbreak, rebuild confidence, and create fulfilling lives—with or without a partner. Having supported over a hundred clients in the past three years, Lucy blends compassionate guidance with practical strategies to navigate breakups, foster self-love, and gain clarity for the future. Her approach empowers clients to move forward with confidence and embrace their next chapter. Connect with Lucy:Instagram: @lucy.m.priceTikTok: @lucy.m.priceWebsite: www.shiftyourstory.netPodcast: Breakups and Breakthroughs

    42 min
  7. 17 JUL

    Sacred Rage, Real Talk, and Radical Joy

    What happens when laughter meets the complexity of mental wellness, and you stop pretending everything is fine? Anastasia Lindsey, an expert in mental health and holistic wellness, joins Dr. Frankie and Denise Rai in an eye-opening discussion about the power of humor, emotional resilience, and embracing the messy, beautiful aspects of life. Anastasia candidly shares her journey through personal challenges and professional breakthroughs, highlighting why authenticity, humor, and emotional intelligence are essential in navigating life's inevitable ups and downs. This provocative conversation explores the intricate relationship between laughter and healing, offering a fresh perspective on mental wellness and practical tools for self-awareness and personal growth. You’ll walk away with: Strategies for integrating humor into your healing journey Insights into the power of emotional resilience and how to cultivate it An understanding of why authenticity is critical to mental wellness Practical advice for navigating life's complexities with grace and humor A renewed sense of optimism and clarity for life's challenges This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to deepen their emotional intelligence, embrace life's imperfections, and discover joy amidst adversity. Anastasia Lindsey is a dynamic professional deeply immersed in the realms of mental health, personal growth, and holistic wellness. With profound insights and practical strategies, Anastasia empowers individuals to navigate life's complexities, fostering resilience and self-awareness. Her unique approach seamlessly blends empathy, humor, and wisdom, making her guidance both impactful and refreshingly relatable. Links: https://summersolacehealing.com Instagram: @anamariepoetry X (Twitter): @anampoetry_  Both of Anastasia Lindsey’s poetry collections, O C E A N and Wildfire, are now available on Amazon. Guest Bio: Anastasia Lindsey

    49 min
  8. 4 JUL

    Stop Coping, Start Healing: Nat² on the Truth About Emotional Sobriety

    What happens when your body stops feeling like a safe place to be? Natalie Bedard, also known as Nat² (“Nat to the Second Power”), is a trauma-informed emotional healing expert who teaches folks how to reconnect with their nervous systems, regulate emotions, and reclaim a sense of inner safety. In this episode, Dr. Frankie and Denise Rai explore the power of emotional sobriety, what it really means to get honest with yourself, feel your feelings without numbing out, and move from coping to healing. Natalie shares how facing a life-threatening illness and raising a child on her own led her to embrace her calling. She breaks down what trauma really is, how ancestral pain lives in our nervous systems, and why “just be yourself” is not always realistic advice without safety and support. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply validating for anyone who feels disconnected from their body, their truth, or their emotional well-being. You’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of emotional sobriety and what it means to feel your feelings without judgment Tools to recognize nervous system dysregulation and begin healing from chronic stress Insights on why high-functioning people often struggle with intimacy and vulnerability The role of ancestral trauma and how it lives in our bodies A reminder that healing is not a destination... it’s a practice of returning to yourself This episode is for anyone who’s exhausted from “performing wellness,” tired of bypassing their truth, or simply ready to stop surviving and start feeling again. Guest Bio: Natalie Bedard (Nat²) Natalie Bedard, affectionately known as Nat² is a trauma-informed emotional healing expert, energy worker, and the creator of the Lift One Self platform and podcast. Known for her calm presence and powerful ability to hold space, Natalie guides people back to themselves through nervous system education, emotional regulation, and embodied healing. Her approach blends spiritual insight with deep respect for the raw human experience. After surviving a life-threatening illness and raising her child alone, Natalie embraced her innate gift for emotional alchemy. She helps clients move from shutdown and stress into what she calls “emotional sobriety”, a grounded, integrated state where authentic feelings are welcomed and healing begins. Natalie offers one-on-one sessions, workshops, and her signature Emotional Sobriety program through LiftOneSelf.com. Her upcoming book, The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper: The Untamed Power, is due for release soon.

    52 min

Acerca de

Dive deep into the heart of human connections with the Love, Laughs, and Lessons Podcast. Dr. Frankie and Denise Rai lead an extraordinary journey, unraveling the mysteries of intimacy, relationships, and self-discovery. With empathy, humor, and vulnerability, this podcast explores the joys, challenges, and the 'vanilla' moments in romantic relationships, family bonds, friendships, and our vital relationship with ourselves.