Right in Front of My Face

This podcast features conversations with real people going through real things happening in life all around us. The interviews contain honest, respectful discourse about the invisible battles people are fighting right next to us that don't make our Instagram and Facebook feeds. The goal to shed light on hidden issues that many of us are dealing with in secret, and how kindness and understanding can truly break barriers. Life is about more than politics and Twitter battles. Hopefully, we can all feel less alone by hearing that other people are sharing both their pain and joy.

Inside Seattle Politics: A Conversation with City Council President Sara Nelson 06/12/2025

Inside Seattle Politics: A Conversation with City Council President Sara Nelson This episode is a little different — and honestly, one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on the podcast. It all started when someone threw a rock through the window of my husband’s pediatric dental office in Green Lake. That incident led me down an unexpected path of navigating city programs, talking to local leaders, and eventually, sitting across from Sara Nelson, President of the Seattle City Council. Sara joined me in my home studio for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to lead in this city — and why she’s running for a second term. We covered a lot: the realities of public safety, support for small businesses, addiction treatment, housing, and the power (and limits) of what City Council can actually do. She didn’t dodge a single question, and nothing was edited out. What you’ll hear is an open, honest exchange between two people who care deeply about Seattle and want to see it thrive. In this episode: The Back to Business Fund and how it directly impacted my family What Seattle City Council members can and can’t control Sara’s approach to public safety, housing, and addiction treatment What it’s like to lead with integrity under constant public scrutiny Her biggest wins — and what she wants to accomplish next term A quote that stuck with me was: “I ran to fix the city — and I’m not done.” If you live in Seattle, I hope this episode helps you feel more informed and connected to the people shaping our future. And I hope it reminds you that your voice matters — not just on social media, but at the polls. Connect with Sara Nelson: Website: Instagram: You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don’t forget to look around—you never know what’s happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: /episode/index/show/rightinfrontofmyface/id/36961990

Let It Be Beautiful: Navigating Grief, Love, and Legacy with Sydney Mintle 05/29/2025

Let It Be Beautiful: Navigating Grief, Love, and Legacy with Sydney Mintle Sometimes the most heartbreaking moment of your life became your most beautiful lesson. In this episode, I sit down with fashion publicist, writer, and mom Sydney Mintle to talk about love, loss, and what it means to face death with presence and peace. Sydney’s husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with glioblastoma—an aggressive form of brain cancer—and within just over a year, he passed away. But this isn’t just a story about loss. It’s about how one family chose beauty over bitterness, honesty over fear, and how Jeff’s legacy continues to bloom—literally. From parenting through grief and embracing death doulas, to composting Jeff’s remains and traveling the world to spread his soil, Sydney shares a deeply moving journey of intentional living, radical acceptance, and spiritual grace. In this episode: Sydney and Jeff’s love story and their shared philosophy on living fully How they approached terminal illness with honesty and hope The impact of open conversations with children about death Why Sydney chose human composting—and how it brought comfort What it means to “walk someone home” at the end of life Finding signs, miracles, and meaning in unexpected moments This conversation will change the way you think about grief, death, and what it means to truly live. Whether you’ve experienced a personal loss or want to better support someone who has, this episode is a gift. Connect with Sydney: Instagram: Jeff's Obituary: https://www.sydlovesfashion.com/blog/jeff-mintle-obituary You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don’t forget to look around—you never know what’s happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/ /episode/index/show/rightinfrontofmyface/id/36762845

The Balanced Athlete: Mental Health, Bipolar, and Building Resilience with Dr. Jud Heugel 05/15/2025

The Balanced Athlete: Mental Health, Bipolar, and Building Resilience with Dr. Jud Heugel What happens when you spend your whole life performing at the highest level, only to realize, in midlife, that you've been quietly carrying a mental health condition that almost no one talks about? In this episode, I am joined by Jud Heugel: pediatrician, health tech CMO, father, ultra-endurance athlete, and now—mental health advocate. After years of living in silence, Jud opens up about his journey with bipolar disorder, why he kept it hidden, and what changed when he decided it was finally time to share his truth. What started as a casual chat about podcasting turned into one of the most powerful conversations this show has ever held—because Jud's story is not just about bipolar. It's about resilience, self-acceptance, and using your life experiences as fuel for something bigger. In this episode: His early struggles during medical residency—and what led to a full mental health breakdown The misunderstood highs of hypomania and how they impacted his life and career Why he believes sports—especially endurance sports—can be a tool for healing The stigma of mental health in medicine—and the long road to acceptance How middle age has become a time of radical self-actualization for him Jud, you’re forwarding progress in all ways and it’s very humbling that you chose Right in Front of My face to as your starting line to opening up about bipolar. Thank you. You can find Jud at and . You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don’t forget to look around—you never know what’s happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: /episode/index/show/rightinfrontofmyface/id/36572760

Will AI Save Us or Replace Us? Martha Brockenbrough on the Future We’re Creating 05/01/2025

Fail Big, Show Up, Stay Real: Cara Rosellini on Midlife, Motherhood & Making It in Comedy 04/09/2025

The Psychology of Power: Lessons from an FBI Agent with Maria Witkop 03/25/2025

Midlife Makeover: The Truth About Botox, Fillers & Skincare with Audi Padmasuta, SkinSpirit 03/07/2025

Midlife Makeover: The Truth About Botox, Fillers & Skincare with Audi Padmasuta, SkinSpirit OK everyone, as my favorite podcaster Danny Pelligrino says, pull over if you’re driving. This episode is one of my absolute favorites because we’re talking about something that seems to be of interest to a lot of middle aged people - how do I look my absolute best? With such an overwhelming amount of options on every spa menu, I figured more people than just me might want to know the details of every procedure out there. The are SO MANY OPTIONS available on how to fight the aging process - injections, lasers, threading, body contouring, GIVE ME IT ALLLLLL! Here we go. We also segue into skin care which is a super passion of mine, so buckle your seatbelt. If you’re a beauty junkie like me, this episode is for you. I invited Audi Padmasuta, Aesthetics Nurse Specialist at SkinSpirit in Seattle, to sit down with me and walk me through alllll the options for maximizing our snatched jawlines, eliminating our pigment, tackling our fine lines and ultimately feeling our best. We mention it all... procedures, facials, and home care. It’s quite literally my favorite topic so prepare for a deep dive. In our discussion, we chat about how we can present our best self, but we also discuss how skewed our desires are, how we foolishly compare ourselves to filtered social media images , and how we can all do a better job of presenting our real selves to the world in the healthiest way possible. A year has passed since this interview and I’m now 46, but this conversation has helped me make my decisions about my body and face in the most informed way possible and I hope it will help you too! I hope this conversation has prepared you for your next spa trip or treatment. I could literally talk about skin care all day and am going to post some of my favorite things that have worked for me on Instagram. I’m on a constant skin care journey and will share all I’ve learned. Have fun trying all these new products - let me know on Instagram what you like and what you’re trying! Find Audi on IG at beautiflow by nurse audi (all one word). Or in person if you’re in the area at SkinSpirit University Village. If you like this podcast, please give it five stars on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share it far and wide! The people need this information! Have a great day and remember this week to keep asking questions - you never know what’s happening right in front of your face. Audi’s IG: Dermalogica Moisturizer: Alastin tinted sunscreen: Clinique Take the Day Off Balm: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner: Revision Soothing Facial Rinse: ZO Exfoliating Polish: Sente Ultra Nourish: ColoreScience Tinted Moisturizer: Disclaimer: This info is for general knowledge and entertainment only and doesn't constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any significant lifestyle changes. Thank you to my sponsors Get to know them at their Get social and find me on Leave a 5 star review on Apple Pocasts and get a shoutout in the next few episodes! /episode/index/show/rightinfrontofmyface/id/35571155