The Upgrade with L

Lauren Hayes
  • 5.0 (24)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Upgrade with L is where faith, growth, and execution come together. Hosted by Lauren Hayes—entrepreneur, content creator, and strategist—this podcast is about stepping fully into who you were always meant to be. No more playing small. No more staying stuck.Healing, success, reinvention—it’s not always pretty, and it’s definitely not easy. The journey will test you, but every challenge is shaping you for more. This is where we have the real conversations—about discipline, setbacks, breakthroughs, and trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.If you’re in a season of transition, building something new, or simply tired of standing in your own way, this space is for you. Let’s do the real work—together.You in? Let’s elevate. Join the community: Follow @TheUpgradewithL on Instagram and YouTube for more content & exclusive updates.

Episodes

  1. 05/27/2025

    How Visionaries Keep Going Before the Results Show Up

    Are you building something powerful—a podcast, business, brand, or new version of yourself—but feel like no one else sees the vision yet? This episode of The Upgrade with L is for every visionary, content creator, entrepreneur, or dreamer who’s tired of showing up without applause. Lauren Hayes breaks down what it means to stay committed when the results haven’t arrived, and how to protect your belief in something only you can see—for now. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, launching your next offer, building your audience, or stepping into your soft rebrand—Lauren walks you through: •How to keep going when nobody believes in you •Why building a brand, podcast, or movement often feels lonely at first •What silence really means during your growth season •The mindset shift required to stay consistent without external validation •How to lead with vision—not metrics This episode blends motivational insight, real-world content strategy, and mindset coaching for women navigating the early (and often quiet) stages of building something real. If you’re ready to build in alignment—not just for validation—this episode will re-energize your journey. If you loved this episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps The Upgrade with L grow and reach more people who need these conversations. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    14 min

  2. 05/20/2025

    I Said ‘I’m Grateful’ When I Should’ve Said ‘I’m Good’

    Episode 11: “I Said ‘I’m Grateful’ When I Should’ve Said ‘I’m Good’” Subtitle: Outgrowing Workplaces That No Longer Grow You Are you stuck in a job that looks good on paper—but feels misaligned in your spirit? In this episode of The Upgrade with L, Lauren Hayes breaks down the silent ways high-achieving women—especially Black women—shrink themselves in workplaces that no longer serve their growth. From polite office politics to being praised but not promoted, Lauren unpacks how we mistake gratitude for guilt, loyalty for self-abandonment, and humility for silence. She shares personal stories, tangible signs that your role may be keeping you small, and powerful reframes to help you leave with peace—not panic. Whether you’re quietly battling burnout or finally ready to walk away from a job that doesn’t honor your potential, this episode is your permission slip to move from survival to alignment. What You’ll Learn: The subtle signs you’ve outgrown your roleHow to separate gratitude from guiltWhat it means to choose growth over loyaltyA powerful framework to help you know when it’s time to move on Keywords: career growth, burnout, job alignment, workplace toxicity, leaving a job, women in leadership, Black women in corporate, personal development, boundaries at work, knowing your worth, high achievers Listen now to upgrade your mindset—and your professional future. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    12 min

  3. 05/13/2025

    Unapologetically Misunderstood

    When you start healing… when you stop performing and start aligning with who you really are—something shifts. You begin to outgrow people, places, and patterns that once felt like home. You stop shrinking to stay accepted. You stop bending to be palatable. And suddenly, you’re misunderstood. In this episode of The Upgrade with L, host Lauren Hayes unpacks the emotional cost of personal growth and identity shifts—especially for Black women who are navigating healing in real time. This is for anyone who’s ever been labeled dramatic, distant, or different just for choosing peace over people-pleasing. Lauren explores how outgrowing friendships, shedding survival patterns, and embracing emotional clarity can feel isolating—but ultimately liberating. She speaks directly to the woman standing in the in-between: no longer who she was, not yet fully where she’s going. If you’ve ever felt like freedom made you unrecognizable to the people who once loved you—this episode will hit home. This isn’t a breakdown. It’s a breakthrough. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    12 min

  4. 05/06/2025

    WTH: How to Rebuild When You Weren't Ready To Start Over

    What do you do when life forces you to start over—and you didn’t ask for the reset? In this episode of The Upgrade with L, we’re talking about the gut-wrenching moments no one prepares you for: the unexpected layoff, the breakup you didn’t see coming, the dream that disappeared overnight. This isn’t a glow-up. This is ground zero. Lauren gets real about the emotional spiral that comes with losing your identity, your plan, and your sense of direction. You’ll hear how to rebuild your life when the timing feels unfair, the silence feels loud, and your self-worth is hanging by a thread. This episode is for anyone navigating: •A life reset you didn’t see coming •Identity loss after a layoff, breakup, or transition •The quiet grief of starting over •How to rebuild when you don’t feel ready •What healing really looks like when the world stops clapping Whether you’re deep in the wreckage or trying to find your footing again, this conversation will remind you: you’re not behind. You’re being rebuilt. And what you’re becoming is more aligned than anything you’ve lost. Ready for support as you rebuild? Apply for 1:1 coaching with Lauren or explore her latest offers at: www.theupgradewithl.com Your next chapter deserves intention—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    16 min

  5. 04/29/2025

    I Know How To Do It Alone. I'm Choosing Not To.

    Hyper-independence can feel like a badge of honor — but often, it’s just survival in disguise. In this episode of The Upgrade with L, host Lauren Hayes dives deep into the real story behind hyper-independence, emotional healing, and learning to trust again. We’re unpacking: •How hyper-independence starts as protection but eventually leads to isolation •Why emotional healing challenges your relationship with control, vulnerability, and support •The hidden costs of carrying everything on your own This conversation is for anyone navigating healing journeys, rebuilding self-trust, setting boundaries, and redefining personal growth after trauma or burnout. If you’ve been carrying it all alone for too long, this one’s for you. Healing doesn’t mean losing your strength — it means learning a new kind. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    15 min

  6. 04/22/2025

    The Lonely Side of Leveling Up

    Nobody talks about the part of growth that feels like grief. The part where choosing yourself costs you comfort first. The part where silence replaces applause, and distance replaces connection. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the lonely season of leveling up — and why it’s not a sign you’re failing, but proof that you’re moving forward. If you’ve ever felt lost, isolated, or questioned everything after choosing yourself… this conversation is for you. We’re talking about: •Why friendships shift when you start healing •What you’re really grieving when you choose growth •How loneliness is actually preparation — not punishment •And how to survive the season that most people don’t make it through This is your reminder: You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. Let’s get into it. •Growth journey •Healing and loneliness •Choosing yourself •Self-worth journey •Identity shift •Leveling up •Reset season •Healing podcast 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    12 min

  7. 04/15/2025

    You Don't Have to be Palatable to be Powerful

    We aren’t here to be relatable. We’re here to be real. This episode is a call-out and a call-home—for every woman who’s ever dimmed her light, softened her confidence, or edited her voice just to be accepted. We’re unpacking the quiet pressure to stay likable, the cost of being “digestible,” and why showing up as your full self will always be the most powerful thing you can do. Because at some point, you have to ask yourself: Are you performing for connection? Or are you rooted in your truth? In this episode, Lauren dives deep into the tension between being palatable and being powerful—and why so many women, especially Black women, are expected to be humble, safe, and “relatable” in order to be respected. She shares her own moments of shrinking, second-guessing, and ultimately deciding to stop performing and start leading. You’ll walk away with: — A new definition of authenticity that doesn’t require over-explaining — Permission to stop curating your confidence to make others comfortable — A powerful reframing of what it means to be “too much” — Real strategies to move from performance to leadership This isn’t just another motivational pep talk. It’s a reckoning with every version of yourself that stayed quiet to stay liked. And by the end, you’ll understand this one truth: The cost of playing small is far greater than the risk of being real. If this episode spoke to you, leave a review, share it with someone who needs it, and tag @theupgradewithl on socials. Let’s stop shrinking. Let’s start showing up fully. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    17 min

  8. 04/08/2025

    There Are Two Types of People In This World

    This episode isn’t about healing. It’s about calling it what it is. There are people who grow—and people who perform like they’re growing. People who welcome accountability—and people who curate comfort and call it peace. People who want alignment—and people who just want applause. In this episode, I’m breaking down the subtle but powerful split between two types of people: the ones who are willing to be stretched, challenged, and changed—and the ones who avoid anything that threatens the version of themselves they’re comfortable performing. No fluff. No vague inspiration. Just the truth. Because you don’t build the life you really want by protecting who you used to be. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    18 min

  9. 04/01/2025

    The Hidden Cost of Being Convenient

    Have you ever been called “low-maintenance,” “easygoing,” or “the chill one”—and wondered why it didn’t feel like a compliment? In this episode, Lauren breaks down what it really costs to be the convenient one. From the silent sacrifices to the self-abandonment we normalize in the name of keeping the peace, The Hidden Cost of Being Convenient is an unfiltered conversation about the patterns we learn to survive—and how to unlearn them so we can actually live. You’ll hear hard truths about: •Why people-pleasing is fear disguised as kindness •The emotional and identity “taxes” you pay by shrinking yourself •How being needed can feel like love—but isn’t the same as being valued •And what it takes to stop performing for acceptance and start showing up as your full self If you’ve ever swallowed your voice, said yes when you meant no, or carried the weight of everyone else’s comfort—this one is for you. It’s not about becoming difficult. It’s about becoming whole. Listen now and start unlearning the patterns that kept you “convenient.” You don’t have to keep being the most convenient person in the room. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    20 min

  10. 03/25/2025

    Why The Middle Breaks Most People

    Why the Middle Breaks Most People Everyone loves the beginning—the energy, the vision, the excitement. And everyone praises the finish line—the success, the celebration, the spotlight. But what about the middle? The middle is where most people give up. The motivation fades. The results don’t come fast enough. And the silence starts to feel like a sign that you should quit. In this episode of The Upgrade with L, we’re talking about the part of the journey no one prepares you for: the middle. I’m breaking down why so many people get stuck here, what actually causes people to quit, and most importantly—how to survive it. If you’re building something right now, navigating uncertainty, or wondering if your efforts are even worth it… this one’s for you. You’ll learn: •Why motivation won’t carry you through •How overthinking and validation-seeking are secretly keeping you stuck •What to focus on instead so you can keep going without burning out This episode is short—but it’s sharp. Let it be the push you didn’t know you needed. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    13 min

  11. 03/18/2025

    Betting On Yourself Is The Hardest Job You'll Ever Have

    Everyone says, “Bet on yourself.” But no one tells you what that really means. The truth? It’s the hardest job you’ll ever have. No roadmap. No guaranteed applause. No one checking in to see if you need a pep talk. Just you, your vision, and the uncomfortable work of showing up—before the proof shows up. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it actually takes to choose yourself.  We’ll break down: ✅ The identity shift that happens when you stop waiting for approval ✅ The loneliness of walking your own path—and why most people quit here ✅ Why playing small is more expensive than taking the risk If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or scared to move without certainty—this is your sign. Because at the end of the day, the only real bet worth making is on YOU. Hit play, take notes, and let’s upgrade accordingly. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    21 min
  12. The Hardest Part of Healing That No One Talks About

    03/10/2025

    The Hardest Part of Healing That No One Talks About

    Healing is one of the hardest journeys you’ll ever take—not because of the work itself, but because of what it demands. People talk about healing like it’s a glow-up, like it’s peaceful and full of positive affirmations. But what they don’t tell you is that healing can be lonely, painful, and deeply uncomfortable. In this episode of The Upgrade with L, we’re getting into the real side of healing—the part no one posts about. The part where you have to sit in the quiet. Where you lose people you thought would always be there. Where you start questioning everything you once believed about yourself and the world around you. I’m going to tell you exactly why this is where most people quit—and why staying in it is the only way to truly heal. Because the truth is, healing isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about becoming someone new—someone who doesn’t settle for what they once tolerated. Someone who chooses themselves fully, even when it hurts. This is your sign to keep going. The loneliness is part of the process—but it’s not the end of the story. ✨ Listen now and step into your next level. 📲 Follow @theupgradewithL on Instagram & YouTube for more daily motivation. 💡 Share this with someone who needs to hear it. 💡 Stay Connected & Keep Upgrading: 📩 Sign up for first access & exclusive content → www.theupgradewithl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @theupgradewithl 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube → @theupgradewithl Subscribe to Upgrade Letters on Substack → theupgradewithl.substack.com 💬 Join the conversation using #TheUpgradeWithL ✨ Want to support the show? • Share this episode with a friend who needs this message. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps us grow! • Tag me on social media when you’re listening—I love seeing how The Upgrade with L is impacting you! 📧 For business inquiries & speaking engagements: lauren@theupgradewithl.com 🚀 The best investment you’ll ever make? Betting on yourself. Upgrade accordingly.

    20 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

The Upgrade with L is where faith, growth, and execution come together. Hosted by Lauren Hayes—entrepreneur, content creator, and strategist—this podcast is about stepping fully into who you were always meant to be. No more playing small. No more staying stuck.Healing, success, reinvention—it’s not always pretty, and it’s definitely not easy. The journey will test you, but every challenge is shaping you for more. This is where we have the real conversations—about discipline, setbacks, breakthroughs, and trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.If you’re in a season of transition, building something new, or simply tired of standing in your own way, this space is for you. Let’s do the real work—together.You in? Let’s elevate. Join the community: Follow @TheUpgradewithL on Instagram and YouTube for more content & exclusive updates.

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Hayes
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Upgrade with L
  • Show Website
    The Upgrade with L