Afleveringen
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If your child had a different mind, how would your world change?
I sat down with the extraordinary Claire Khodara—mom, advocate, musician, producer, and a force of nature—to openly discuss autism and how it completely reshaped her outlook on parenting, life, and creativity. Claire’s son, Winston, was diagnosed at an early age, launching her into an incredible journey of advocacy, growth, and deep discovery about what it truly means to be different.
We dive into all of it—from the initial signs Claire observed in Winston to navigating a healthcare system designed around neurotypical norms, and how she turned heartbreak and uncertainty into a profound sense of empowerment. Claire gets candid about the transformative therapies that helped Winston find his voice, the reality of choosing the right educational paths, and the powerful insights autism brought to her entire family.
In our conversation, you'll hear about:
– Separating myths from realities when raising a child on the spectrum
– Claire’s honest and practical advice for parents facing a new diagnosis
– How Winston’s autism became a strength, reshaping family dynamics in the best possible way
– The critical importance of early intervention and fierce advocacy
– Tangible tips on navigating support systems without losing your mind
- Claire passionately reminds us that autism is not a limitation—it's a powerful, unique perspective that can illuminate and enrich our world.
If you’re at the start of your journey, Claire recommends these practical next steps:
* Call your local Regional Center. Brentwood is WestSide Regional Center. If in California, look HERE. Get friendly with your service coordinator and ask how the regional center can support.
* KIDSCONNECT at UCLA changed our son's life. Sign up immediately if age appropriate. Long waiting list, but game changer.
* Call your local public school if age-appropriate and sign up for an IEP. Sign up for Undivided or hire a lawyer to find out your rights.
* Next steps for all age groups
* MediCal (with regional center letter of exemption)
* IHSS (weekly $ support)
* Self Determination (community activity $ support)
Claire loves hearing from other parents navigating similar journeys. Connect with her directly via: – Email: [email protected] – Instagram: @clairekhodara – Podcast: You Good (Apple Podcasts) – Production Agency: StarRock Productions
This isn't just a conversation about autism—it's about truly seeing our children exactly as they are, quirks, strengths, and all. We hope this chat nudged your heart, cracked open your mind a little wider, and made you rethink those old, outdated ideas. After all, embracing difference is where the real magic happens
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.
Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed.
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If your jewelry box could talk, what would it say?”I sat down with Victoria Lampley, founder of The Stax—a visual love letter to sentiment, style, and sparkle, which she launched alongside her best friend Laurel Pantin - and we covered it all. From the grief that inspired her to start The Stax, to the bracelet she refused to take off while giving birth, this is about so much more than accessories.
We talk about how jewelry becomes a portal—into memory, into motherhood, into meaning. Victoria shares the story behind her green obsession, why she believes grief and joy are forever intertwined, and how a magic crystal may have led her to true love.
We also get into the good stuff:– Jewelry trends you’ll actually care about– The jewelry designers you need to know now– Why the “starter piece” shouldn’t be a status symbol– Lab-grown vs. mined (her take is refreshing)– The bracelet that might be haunted
And of course, we talk about The Stax: what it means, why it started, and how Victoria uses it to help others turn their most personal stories into wearable magic.
It's beautiful, it’s intimate, it’s like rummaging through someone’s jewelry box—except you're invited.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone or yourself - do yourself a favor and email her: [email protected] .
You should also subscribe to her Substack SubStax for a dose of pure joy
Now, as promised, some images of the pieces Victoria mentions during the interview - if you want more BTS and Context, please click HERE
MUSES
VICTORIA’S STAX
OTHER NOTEWORTHY BRANDS MENTIONED
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.
Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Today’s episode is one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations I’ve ever had—because it’s with someone I’ve known for over 15 years: Alana Hadid. From reverse ombrés and MySpace boyfriends to building fashion brands, becoming an activist, and redefining what motherhood looks like—this episode is a deep dive into identity, choice, and the beautiful mess of figuring it out.
We talk about what it was like growing up in a public family, how working retail shaped her, and why she calls herself an “accidental influencer.” But it gets deeper.
Alana opens up about making the decision not to have kids—something she always thought she’d do—and what it really means to grieve that choice. She shares how becoming a stepmom has shaped her in unexpected ways, and how she's navigating the pressure of public scrutiny in the middle of a political firestorm.
And yes, we talk about the CIA’s Hollywood pipeline, fashion’s broken business model, and why she’s doubling down on storytelling as a form of resistance through her work at Watermelon Pictures.
But there’s one thing she said that completely stopped me in my tracks—a moment where I actually got chills—and you’ll know it when you hear it.
Episode Breakdown
* 00:13 – Friendship flashbacks, pink hair, and the MySpace era
* 05:20 – Accidental influencer: Lanzy Bear, Instagram, and falling into fame
* 10:40 – Working retail, starting fashion brands, and not designing for buyers
* 19:15 – Choosing not to have kids: privilege, grief, and reframing motherhood
* 28:30 – Step-parenting with intention: respect, boundaries, and presence
* 36:45 – What the CIA is doing in Hollywood (yes, really)
* 40:10 – Watermelon Pictures, media bias, and reclaiming representation
* 47:30 – Why storytelling is resistance: Palestinian visibility in film
* 52:00 – Literacy in Gaza, hope as a revolutionary act, and future dreams
* 55:10 – On being a target: Alana opens up about doxxing, fear, and safety
* 58:00 – Alana’s next chapter: two books, a podcast, and a legacy in progress
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.
Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed.
Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe -
Jess Jacobs is the CEO of Coterie, a company quietly (but powerfully) transforming parenting essentials through thoughtful design, innovation, and safety. I've had a low-key girl crush on Jess for ages, and today we’re finally making our Insta friendship official—which, honestly, feels like a pretty big deal around here.
From her vibrant childhood in Boca Raton to building her life and career in New York, Jess’s journey is as inspiring as it is relatable. In this conversation, she opens up about the genuine importance of a truly supportive workplace for parents and how her upbringing shaped her views on legacy and family.
Jess also shares personal moments that made me love her even more—like navigating loss, the adorable story of how she met her husband, and the messy but charming realities of potty-training adventures. She's thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly real about the highs and lows that come with being a parent today.
This one feels special, and I'm excited to share it with you.
Summary
00:00 Introduction and Connection
01:35 Jess's Background and Move to New York
03:54 From Friendship to Romance
06:35 The Journey of Parenthood
10:25 Navigating Loss and Finding Support
12:13 The Challenges of Parenting
16:51 Potty Training Adventures
19:29 Career Path and Leadership
19:29 Leading with Innovation and Safety
19:29 Journey to CEO
22:03 Balancing Motherhood and Career Ambitions
24:23 Creating a Supportive Work Environment for Parents
26:02 Navigating Maternity Leave and Returning to Work
28:09 Productivity in a Flexible Work Culture
29:35 Parenting Lessons that Enhance Leadership
30:30 Unexpected Joys of Motherhood
33:46 Challenges of Parenting in a Digital Age
37:13 Advice for New Moms and Career Seekers
38:45 Dealing with Mom Guilt
40:51 Legacy and Leadership
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.
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Let’s talk about ambition, motherhood, and the complicated, ever-evolving relationship between the two.
Neha Ruch is the founder of Mother Untitled, a movement and community redefining what it means to take a career pause. A Stanford graduate with a background in branding and strategy, Neha left the corporate world when she became a mother, only to realize that the narrative around stepping back from work was… outdated at best, and guilt-inducing at worst. Instead of accepting the idea that ambition had to be put on hold, she started reshaping the conversation—one that eventually led to her book, The Power Pause.
In this conversation, we get into the big questions: What does success actually look like when you take time away from a traditional career path? How do we unlearn the guilt that comes with prioritizing family? And why does no one talk about the financial and strategic side of taking a pause? Neha shares the ways in which running a household is uncannily like running a business (with a much tougher board of directors—aka small children), plus tangible, practical advice for anyone considering a pivot, a pause, or just a redefinition of what ambition means to them.
This conversation challenged so much of what I thought I knew about ambition, motherhood, and success. It made me question old narratives, rethink my own choices, and see things in a completely new light. I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you—so trust me, you’ll want to listen all the way through.
SUMMARY:
00:00The Complexity of Parenthood
00:18-Navigating Career and Motherhood
02:43-Redefining Ambition in Modern Life
05:30-The Evolution of Feminism and Motherhood
08:11-Understanding the Stay-at-Home Mom Narrative
11:13-The Financial Dynamics of Parenting
14:07-Rebranding Dads and Modern Parenting Roles
17:08-The Importance of Communication in Partnerships
19:56-Ambition: A Personal Journey
22:47-Trusting the Process of Change
27:33-The Dual Nature of Social Media in Motherhood
27:33-New Chapter
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.
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America’s boys are not alright. We’re living in the middle of a full-blown boy crisis, and it’s not getting the attention it deserves. Let’s hit the grim stats: boys make up 60% of school suspensions and nearly 80% of all ADHD diagnoses (are they really hyper, or is school just not built for them?). The education gender gap is glaring—out of every 100 women earning a college degree, only 74 men cross the same stage. By eighth grade, 25% of boys score below basic reading proficiency, compared to just 17% of girls. Reading isn’t just fundamental; it’s a red flag waving loud and clear.
And then there’s the mental health crisis. Boys have a suicide rate three times higher than girls, and almost 20% report feeling persistently sad and hopeless. Economically, things are equally bleak. Workforce participation among young men aged 18-24 has plummeted to 72%, and 16% of these guys are what’s politely called “disconnected”—neither in school nor working, just floating in a void. Oh, and here’s a kicker: life expectancy for men in the U.S. is actually decreasing, largely thanks to overdoses, suicides, and diseases of despair. It’s giving “lost boys” energy, but this isn’t Neverland; it’s reality.
So, what’s going on here? Is it the system, the culture, TikTok, or something deeper? Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Ruth Whippman, author of Boy Mom, to get to the root of this crisis. Are boys really doomed, or is there hope?
SUMMARY:
00:00Introduction and Personal Reflections on Masculinity
05:57Cultural Narratives and the Crisis of Masculinity
10:11The Importance of Emotional Representation in Media
33:56Understanding the Complexities of Masculinity
41:32The Influence of Social Media on Masculinity
47:34Cultural Shifts and Future Generations
49:53New Chapter
PS: the podcast in Spanish mentioned is “Los Hombres Si Lloran”
P.S. You don’t have to watch to enjoy this—just hit play and listen like a podcast! Perfect for your commute, workout, or while pretending to be productive.
If this gave you even a mild chuckle, a knowing nod, or the urge to text it to a friend, go ahead and tap that little heart below—it helps more people (aka non-subscribers who are just lurking) see this.
Besos,
Victoria
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Today, we're thrilled to have Irene Liu, founder of Chiyo, a game-changing postpartum delivery service that's putting moms first. We'll explore Irene's journey as a scrappy entrepreneur, her unique approach to fundraising as a female founder, and how Chiyo is redefining postpartum care. Plus, we'll unpack her insights on the critical connections between nutrition, hormones, and fertility. Get ready for an inspiring, informative, and downright empowering conversation
Ps: If you want to try their food delivery service - they are giving our readers 10%Off HERE.
Ps: if you or your family have been affected by the California Fires Chiyo has created a fund of 10K, providing 20 families with a full week’s worth of postpartum meals. This support is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you would like to donate directly to families affected by the CA fires, I am leaving the updated list HERE. All families are verified, one by one.
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This episode is all about keeping it real while keeping it together. Ajiri and I dive into the messy, magical world of modern motherhood—less “soccer mom,” more “martini in hand, figuring it out.” We get into how the French make parenting look effortlessly chic (spoiler: no bento boxes) and talk about finding joy that isn’t just for Instagram. Ajiri shares her wisdom on sneaking in solo weekends, guilt-free hosting hacks, and why modeling joy for your kids is the ultimate flex. It’s part therapy, part pep talk, and honestly, it’s all the vibes you didn’t know you needed.
The books Ajiri refers to in the interview are :
Binging up Bebe - Pamela Druckerman
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari
You can buy Ajiri’s book HERE. It’s THE perfect gift for yourself or anyone.
Follow Ajiri on Instagram HERE ( plus follow Madame de la Maison HERE ), substack & shop her vintage curations HERE.
Besos,
Victoria
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I’m super excited for the 1st video installment of Zillion Trillion featuring Casey Fremont. Stay tuned to hear about Mothering in the art world, how to raise independent kids, what work-life balance looks like for her now, and the most surprising thing about becoming a mother.
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