13 episodes

YOU’RE not f**cked up - the WORLD is. As women (as humans, really) the world can trick us into believing we’re doing life wrong, which keeps us small and siloed. But we don’t have to play along. Let’s make a plan together, shall we?

We’re Ginny Gay and Brandi Lust - best friends and experts in mindfulness and adult learning. We’ve done the hard work of courageously engaging in self-exploration, healing, and expression— and in our pod you’ll be a fly on the wall for intimate, safe conversations where we share our life experiences, research from experts, and collective wisdom to help you breathe that big sigh of relief that comes from feeling seen and understood.

When we join forces in honest conversation, we find the very thoughts, experiences, and feelings we often keep to ourselves are the very ones that are most likely to connect us. This leads to more self-trust and greater connection; this is the power of NORMALIZING.

Join us— there’s nothing off limits— it’s all just Something To Normalize.

Something to Normalize Ginny Gay & Brandi Lust

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 10 Ratings

YOU’RE not f**cked up - the WORLD is. As women (as humans, really) the world can trick us into believing we’re doing life wrong, which keeps us small and siloed. But we don’t have to play along. Let’s make a plan together, shall we?

We’re Ginny Gay and Brandi Lust - best friends and experts in mindfulness and adult learning. We’ve done the hard work of courageously engaging in self-exploration, healing, and expression— and in our pod you’ll be a fly on the wall for intimate, safe conversations where we share our life experiences, research from experts, and collective wisdom to help you breathe that big sigh of relief that comes from feeling seen and understood.

When we join forces in honest conversation, we find the very thoughts, experiences, and feelings we often keep to ourselves are the very ones that are most likely to connect us. This leads to more self-trust and greater connection; this is the power of NORMALIZING.

Join us— there’s nothing off limits— it’s all just Something To Normalize.

    BONUS!! A Guided Practice: Connect to Your Inner Wisdom and Hope

    BONUS!! A Guided Practice: Connect to Your Inner Wisdom and Hope

    Join our Patreon community to listen to the full episode. 
    In this special bonus episode, Brandi offers a guided practice that will help you connect with your inner wisdom and deep sense of hope.
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    • 15 min
    Practices and Tools for Building Hope in Difficult Times (Part 2)

    Practices and Tools for Building Hope in Difficult Times (Part 2)

    Join our Patreon community to listen to bonus episodes. 
     In this episode, Brandi and Ginny share practical tools and strategies for cultivating hope. This deep and meaningful exploration of the multifaceted nature of hope emphasizes its role in fostering resilience and growth - not by skipping over but rather by facing and embracing our pain. Join Ginny and Brandi as they explore the power of hope in challenging times.
    They help listeners to: 
    Discover the Power of Hope to Unlock Your Resilience
    Cultivate Realistic Hope in Difficult Situations 
    Ground Yourself in Possibility and Embrace the Importance of Hope in Challenging Times
    Experience Personal Transformation and Post-Traumatic Growth Through Adversity
    Hold Hope for Others in Challenging Times and Foster a Community of Resilience
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    • 1 hr 14 min
    How to Build Realistic Hope in Difficult Times (Part 1)

    How to Build Realistic Hope in Difficult Times (Part 1)

    Join our Patreon community to listen to bonus episodes. 
    In this episode, Brandi and Ginny debunk common misconceptions about hope, emphasizing that it is not the same as Pollyanna optimism or wishful thinking. They highlight the active nature of hope, which involves a commitment to making the world better together. They also discuss how hope is not always about striving for something more, but rather finding satisfaction in the present moment while still holding a desire for future change. 
    They help listeners to: 
    Understand the transformative power of hope and how it can positively impact your life
    Learn the key differences between hope and wishful thinking to cultivate a realistic perspective 
    Discover the active process of fostering hope, empowering you to take control of your emotions 
    Uncover practical strategies for cultivating hope even in the face of difficult circumstances
    Realize the incredible power of hope for driving positive change in your life and mental well-being 
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    • 1 hr 3 min
    Responding to Gaslighting in Communities (Part 2)

    Responding to Gaslighting in Communities (Part 2)

    Join our Patreon community to listen to bonus episodes. 
    In this episode, Brandi and Ginny discuss how gaslighting happens in communities, alienating individuals who attempt to disrupt the status quo. Brandi tells the story of systematic gaslighting in a graduate program, which ultimately led to her leaving the school without a degree. In reflection with Ginny years later, she’s able to unpack the strategies used to dismantle self-trust so that others can recognize and respond to this type of abuse effectively in their own lives. 
    They help listeners to: 
    Recognize and confront gaslighting in their lives, empowering them to create healthier relationships.
    Understand the impact of gaslighting on individuals, and learn strategies to reclaim power and self-esteem.
    Explore the connection between systemic gaslighting and misogyny, racism, and homophobia in order to understand how these dynamics perpetuate unhealthy environments and increase power differentials that already exist.
    Learn effective strategies for navigating gaslighting, giving you the tools to protect yourself and maintain your autonomy.
    Understand the importance of support and validation in healing from gaslighting, and discover resources to help you on your journey.
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    Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Show (wherever you listen!)  
    Share the Podcast with a Friend (just send them this link!)
    Stuff to Explore: 
    Gaslighting Strategy Map referenced in the episode

    • 1 hr 19 min
    How to Recognize Gaslighting in Families (Part 1)

    How to Recognize Gaslighting in Families (Part 1)

    Join our Patreon community to listen to bonus episodes  
    In this episode, Ginny and Brandi dive deep into the topic of gaslighting within family relationships. Drawing from Ginny’s personal experience and their collective research, they explore the impact of gaslighting on individuals' self-trust and identity formation. 
    They help listeners to:
    Gain insight into gaslighting in family dynamics: Understand the manipulative tactics that can occur within family relationships and how they can impact your sense of self. dentify strategies used in gaslighting: Learn to recognize the common techniques used to distort your perception and manipulate your reality. Rebuild self-trust and empowerment: Discover practical ways to rebuild your self-trust and empower yourself in navigating gaslighting dynamics. Understand the impact of gaslighting on self-trust: Realize how gaslighting can erode your confidence and self-belief, and explore tools to reclaim your trust in yourself. Develop coping mechanisms for gaslighting in family relationships: Explore effective strategies to cope with gaslighting in family settings and maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Follow Us:
    On Instagram Sign Up for Emails with Exclusive Content   Spread the Good Word:
    Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Show (wherever you listen!)   Share the Podcast with a Friend (just send them this link!) Stuff to Explore:
    The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life by Dr. Robin Stern  

    • 1 hr 4 min
    How to Survive the Pregnancy from Hell

    How to Survive the Pregnancy from Hell

    Join our Patreon community to listen to bonus episodes  
    In this episode, Ginny, Brandi and Jen Kemper (Brandi’s sister!) talk about how isolating the pregnancy experience can be - especially when it’s a difficult pregnancy. Jen struggled with an illness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and in this conversation she shares her personal experience with pregnancy, motherhood and this disease. 
    They help listeners to:
    Discover the joys and challenges of motherhood and gain valuable insights on navigating the journey.
    Find solace in the shared experiences of other pregnant women and realize you're not alone in the isolating nature of pregnancy.
    Explore the societal misconceptions surrounding motherhood and gain a deeper understanding of the lack of support and understanding for mothers.
    Learn strategies for balancing self-sacrifice and personal interests, empowering yourself to prioritize self-care and maintain your personal identity while navigating motherhood.
    Gain practical tips and advice for finding a supportive community and building connections with other mothers.
    Follow Us: 
    On Instagram
    Sign Up for Emails with Exclusive Content  
     
    Spread the Good Word:
    Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Show (wherever you listen!)  
    Share the Podcast with a Friend (just send them this link!)
     
    Stuff to Explore: 
    Hyperemesis Gravidarum: HER Foundation
    To connect with Jen about HG, email us.

    • 1 hr 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

A Policyholder ,

Empowering!

So many things ARE normal - we just don’t talk about them in society…until now! Each episode leaves you inspired, confident, and confirms that we are all in this together. ♥

MDPMom58 ,

Relatable and hits all the feels

Listening to this podcast feels like eavesdropping on the conversations women usually have in private. Brandi and Ginny bring their whole selves to tough topics, giving the listener insights and plenty to think about.

Amy JLin ,

Connection with a friendly vibe

Lovely back and forth from two women patient enough to really listen to each other. Information I can take in while cooking, cleaning or drawing. Good recommendations for books or other deeper dives. Nice overlap of style and knowledge between them.

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