In My Shell

Ludovica Ballou

5.0 (3)
PERSONAL JOURNALS
UPDATED WEEKLY

In My Shell is about growth — the quiet kind that happens when we start asking honest questions. Host Ludovica Ballou talks with creators, dreamers, and community voices about creativity, change, and the courage it takes to be seen. Through raw, meaningful conversations, the podcast reminds us that coming out of your shell isn’t about reinventing yourself — it’s about returning to who you’ve always been.

2D AGO

Scaping the Way Through the Future

Nicholas Sciambra, owner of Nicky’s Nice Plants joins In My Shell to talk growth in every sense — building a landscaping business in New Orleans, finding purpose through plants, and rebuilding life through sobriety, running, and community. This episode explores how tending to something living can become a form of healing, discipline, and self-trust. A conversation about patience, resilience, and creating a future from the ground up. Follow Nicholas Instagram: @nicky_wolves.4k @ nickys.nice.plants

38 min
5D AGO

Behind the Image: A Model's Perspective

This week, I sit down with Emma Burg for a special bonus episode of In My Shell, closing out the month with an extra conversation. We talk about how modeling first entered her life, what the industry has taught her, and her experience working internationally, including Milan Fashion Week. Emma shares the moments that challenged her most, the growth that came with them, and what life is really like behind the scenes of creating the ‘perfect’ image. Follow Emma Instagram @emmakateburg TikTok @emmakateburg

54 min
JAN 28

From Music to Real Estate Videography

Ludovica sits down with Gibran Nassif, founder of House of Lens, a New Orleans–based company creating luxury real estate and business video content. Gibran shares his path from music to film, including touring with Awolnation and Imagine Dragons, the philosophy behind his work, and what it takes to build a creative brand with intention. Gibran is also the creator of Keyed Up and founder of Claryn, an AI tool focused on helping businesses gain clarity. Special thanks to Gibran for editing this episode! Follow Gibran Instagram: @ itsgabrinnassif @ itshouseoflens

29 min
JAN 21

New Orleans Native Spotlighting Food and Events

Ludovica sits down with Caitlin Minshew, a New Orleans–based digital creator known for spotlighting the city’s best restaurants and events. Caitlin shares how she turned her love for local food into a content career, what it really means to be an entrepreneur in today’s digital landscape, and how community plays a role in everything she builds. Caitlin is also the co-founder of the New Orleans Girls Club, a space designed for women to connect, collaborate, and grow—both personally and professionally. Follow Caitlin Instagram: eatingwithcaitt Tik Tok: eatingwithcaitt

48 min
JAN 14

From Newsrooms to Food Creator

In this episode, we sit down with Carla Pesono, a Buffalo, NY–native and New Orleans–based food creator and host of Say More, to talk about identity, career pivots, and what it really means to build a life that feels meaningful. Carla reflects on how her Italian roots shaped her relationship with food, why her time in broadcast news ultimately felt limiting, and the moment she realized fulfillment mattered more than a career in the news industry. We explore her experience on MasterChef, the pressure of visibility, and how intuition—both in eating and in life—has guided her transition into full-time content creation. Carla also shares her reflections on staying grounded while navigating growth in the public eye. This conversation is about longevity, self-trust, and choosing alignment over expectation. Instagram: @carlapesono TikTok: @carlapesono

34 min
12/24/2025

Where Discipline Is Built

In this episode, we sit down with MMA fighter Harley “Heartbreak” Grandstaff for an honest conversation about what it really takes to step into the cage — and the mindset that starts long before the fight. We dive into: Understanding MMA for newcomersWhat training looks likeMental and physical prepThe story behind “Heartbreak”Advice for those curious but hesitant to start Follow Harley Grandstaff Instagram: @harleyg_jr

27 min
12/17/2025

The Rhythm of Resilience

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dustin Gaspard as he shares the story behind his music, the dedication it took to pursue his passion, and the lessons learned along the way. Dustin opens up about building a career, how he stayed motivated when he was just beginning, and the role music plays in bringing people together. We dive into: His early musical journey before The VoiceHow he blends cultural roots and personal experiences into his soundThe mindset and routines that keep him grounded and focusedHis thoughts on the evolution of his music and artistic directionAdvice for emerging artists looking to build a career in musicThis episode is a must-listen for music lovers, aspiring artists, and anyone curious about the passion and perseverance behind a rising musician. Follow Dustin Gaspard:Instagram: @dustindalegaspardTikTok: @dustindalegaspard

30 min
12/12/2025

The Voice Behind the Game

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Mauricio Pedroza, Mexican sports commentator for ESPN, as we explore his journey from winning ESPN Deportes’ Dream Job: El Reportero in 2006 to covering major global sporting events today. Mauricio shares his insights on sports journalism and the ways sports bring people together across cultures. We dive into: His early steps and preparation as a sports journalist How he informs fans Memorable moments from his career covering events worldwide Thoughts on the evolving landscape of sports media His anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what excites him most This episode is a must-listen for sports fans, aspiring journalists, and anyone curious about the impact of commentary on players, teams, and the culture of sports worldwide. Follow Mauricio Pedroza: Instagram: @mauricio_espn X: @mauriciopedroza TikTok: Mauricio.pedroza

41 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

In My Shell is about growth — the quiet kind that happens when we start asking honest questions. Host Ludovica Ballou talks with creators, dreamers, and community voices about creativity, change, and the courage it takes to be seen. Through raw, meaningful conversations, the podcast reminds us that coming out of your shell isn’t about reinventing yourself — it’s about returning to who you’ve always been.

Creator

Ludovica Ballou
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Ludovica Ballou
Show Website

In My Shell