SheSez with Linda Grasso
Journalist Linda Grasso hosts candid conversation with fascinating women about the things in life that matter most: health, happiness and purpose. Guests—in all life stages—include forward thinkers, high achievers, women defying the odds and others who just seem to have it down. From Fortune 500 entrepreneurs to Oscar winners to groundbreaking health & wellness practitioners, Linda deep dives into the topic at hand and her guests' lives, asking the things women are curious about. The result? A riveting and unique master class for the modern woman.
info_outline
Lessons in Chemistry Co-star Stephanie Koenig
09/26/2023
Lessons in Chemistry Co-star Stephanie Koenig
When you see Stephanie Koenig on the screen, you might do a double take. You might have seen her before on the TV series The Flight Attendant or The Offer. But with her role in the upcoming Apple+ series Lessons in Chemistry (debuting October 13), you'll soon not just recognize the face but the name as well. Indeed, Stephanie is a star on the rise and defeating the odds of being a working actress in Hollywood (you all know how much I love it when people defy odds). But the real thing that made me ask her to be on the show: she is a Michigan native (both parents work in the automotive industry) who is earthy, self-deprecating and funny. And she doesn’t have a self-important bone in her body. She's a girl's girl who I think you'll enjoy getting to know—before everyone else does.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/28139597
info_outline
The Amazing, Against-All-Odds Career of Best Selling Author Anna Todd
08/01/2023
The Amazing, Against-All-Odds Career of Best Selling Author Anna Todd
34-year-old Anna Todd, author of the best selling fan fiction series After, shares the story of how she went from being a military wife, working a minimum wage job with a special needs son, and living in Ft. Worth, Texas to a best selling author and movie producer in Hollywood.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/27582333
info_outline
Linda's Sister-in-Law Ginge Cabrera on Turning Pain Into Passion
06/08/2023
Linda's Sister-in-Law Ginge Cabrera on Turning Pain Into Passion
A heartfelt and personal discussion as Linda talks with her sister-in-law Ginge Cabrera about how she turned her pain over her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease into a passion for advocacy. Ginge’s grandmother was struck with the disease at age 75; and then—in a cruel twist of fate—her mom years later, at the exact same age. Ginge recounts how helpless and despondent she felt at not being able to help her mother. The relief—coupled with an intense desire to make a difference—only came when she began working with her local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to get more money for research, better laws on the books and better, more effective and accessible drugs for the estimated 6 million Americans who have the disease. Ginge, who receive the Passion Award by the Connecticut chapter of the Association this past spring, touches on the latest pharmaceuticals that have been approved by the FDA, and offers numerous resources for families and caretakers of patients including: *the website Alz.org *the help line: 1-800-272-3900 In addition to raising funds, chairing events, and attending Alzheimer’s Association regional conferences, Ginge has also volunteered to take part in clinical trials. Anyone interested in doing that can go for more info.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/27066177
info_outline
Injectables vs. The Mini Facelift w/Dr. Carolyn Chang
03/28/2023
Injectables vs. The Mini Facelift w/Dr. Carolyn Chang
There’s a little question being tossed around among my girlfriends right now: are you going to stick to injectables? Or—at some point—do you think you’ll consider a a facelift? The consensus seems to be: why go under the knife, when you can achieve the same results with injectables? But can you really? And from a cost standpoint, does a facelift—particularly the popular lower aka mini-facelift—make more sense? In this episode, I interview Dr. Carolyn Chang to shed some light on the comparison. Dr. Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in San Francisco. Her areas of expertise include the natural SMAS facelift and preventative facial surgery for the younger patient. She also specializes in breast surgery and body contouring and currently performs one of the largest volumes in the area of: post-pregnancy rejuvenation, short scar breast lifts and reductions, as well as breast augmentation. For more go to
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/26331678
info_outline
The Fight-or-Flight Response w/ Dr. Kim D'Eramo
03/04/2023
The Fight-or-Flight Response w/ Dr. Kim D'Eramo
A deep dive into that strange phenomenon known as fight-or-flight—when you have all the physical signs of stress and anxiety but are in no immediate danger. Research has shown that repeatedly having the fight-or-flight response is bad for your health. In this episode, Dr. Kim D’Eramo, founder of , breaks down the how and why—and offers some concrete advice for controlling it. Dr. D’Eramo is a physician and author of The Mind Body Tool Kit. At The American Institute of Mind Body Medicine she assists individuals and practitioners all over the world to resolve illnesses and achieve optimal health.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/26126163
info_outline
The Depression/Anxiety Epidemic In Girls w Science Journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa
01/02/2023
The Depression/Anxiety Epidemic In Girls w Science Journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa
Award-winning writer and science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa shares what she has discovered in her new book: Armed with an extensive amount of research, Donna examines the alarming increase in numbers (1 out of 4 adolescent girls reports suffering from symptoms of major depression; suicide attempts have recently increased 51% among girls) and the reasons that account for the rise. She also shares some well supported suggestions and counsel for parents with a child who is suffering.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/25443330
info_outline
The Grit & Resilience Comeback of Geralyn Ritter
11/09/2022
The Grit & Resilience Comeback of Geralyn Ritter
The grit and resilience-filled comeback story of who was critically hurt in a 2015 Amtrak train accident that killed 8 people and injured more than one hundred others. At the time, the mother of three was a senior VP at the pharmaceutical company Merck & Company—an A-type essentially— used to moving fast and getting things done. Here she shares with Linda her journey over the past 7 years, including how she has kept her chin up through an emotionally challenging time at a residential rehab center and endured more than 30 surgeries. She also talks about how tapping her "spiritual side" helped her cope with pain and despair. Plus, the life lessons she has learned and how they have inspired her to change her life—everything from how she now deals with her girlfriends and her kids—and why she accepted a position at a new company. Geralyn is the executive VP at Organon & Co., a Fortune 500 healthcare company aimed at women and the author of
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/24955704
info_outline
Journalist Rina Raphael Says We Gotta Stop Being Goopified By The Wellness Industry
10/18/2022
Journalist Rina Raphael Says We Gotta Stop Being Goopified By The Wellness Industry
Journalist Rina Raphael puts the four trillion dollar wellness industry under the microscope with her new book The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop….and the False Promise of Self-Care. From charcoal-infused cheddar cheese to crystal-infused water to multi-week cleanses, Rina explains why we fall for products lacking substantive scientific evidence supporting claims; how and why seductive marketing specifically targets women–and how our longing for human connection has us opening up our wallets like never before.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/24725787
info_outline
Ace Entrepreneur Gina Schaefer: Leadership Lessons I Learned By Hiring Recovering Addicts
09/27/2022
Ace Entrepreneur Gina Schaefer: Leadership Lessons I Learned By Hiring Recovering Addicts
Gina Schaefer shares the story of how she went from working in software tech to founding a successful chain of Ace hardware stores in the DC metropolitan area, and why she started hiring recovering drug addicts as employees. Not only have they turned out to be some of the best employees she’s had in the nearly 20 years she’s been in business, Gina says she’s learned invaluable lessons from them about how to be a great leader. Gina is the youngest female (and only the 3rd female in 90 years) to sit on the Ace Hardware Corporation board. Covered in this episode: how to trust your instinct when you are the lone voice in the room and how to overcome hurdles and succeed in a male-dominated industry. Gina is the author of Recovery Hardware: A Nuts and Bolts Story About Building a Business, Restoring a Community and Renovating Lives, released in September 2022. More at .
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/24499068
info_outline
TV Series Producer/Writer Charmaine DeGraté: Storytelling My Way To The Very Top
09/13/2022
TV Series Producer/Writer Charmaine DeGraté: Storytelling My Way To The Very Top
Charmaine DeGraté, co-executive producer and writer on HBO’s Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon talks with Linda about working on the hit series, her amazing career trajectory and her philosophy of being truthful about what you know and what you don't when taking a new job (she's not a believer in faking it until you make it). The Texas native also shares about some of her other TV projects including working on the upcoming Reese Witherspoon series Daisy Jones & The Six for Amazon and the critically acclaimed sci-fi show The 100 on Netflix.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/24353235
info_outline
Live Healthier & Longer By Changing Your Mindset w/Dr. Becca Levy
08/30/2022
Live Healthier & Longer By Changing Your Mindset w/Dr. Becca Levy
Want to live healthier and longer? Shift your mindset about aging says Yale University professor Dr. Becca Levy. Examining various cultures and outliers around the world, Dr. Levy has conducted research, concluding that if we can shift our attitudes about aging, it will foster positive beliefs which will, in turn, improve our health in later years and quality of life—as well as lengthen lifespan. Her new book, , also shows that a positive mindset can counter dementia as well as some cardio issues.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/24199803
info_outline
Journalist Jessica Yellin Delivers Even Bad News In A Good Way
08/02/2022
Journalist Jessica Yellin Delivers Even Bad News In A Good Way
Journalist Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise, a rapidly growing social media platform aimed at delivering the news in a calm, unbiased, factual manner that won’t leave viewers feeling yelled at and anxious, but rather more informed and equipped to form intelligent opinions. The award-winning journalist shares with Linda how she worked in news for 17 years, working at the local level and then at several national cable outlets. She felt like she’d reached the top when she became chief White House correspondent for CNN. But in 2018, after 8 years at CNN, Jessica was dissatisfied at the way the media delivered the news, focusing on conflict and rarely providing any backstory or context. She left the network in 2018, wrote a book, , and then found News Not Noise. After a shout out from celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Amy Schumer—News Not Noise got on the map. Jessica currently has a dedicated audience of 800,000. To put this in perspective: more people watch her today than when she was at CNN. Follow Jessica on Insta and FB @jessicayellin; more at
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/23938908
info_outline
The Vet Crisis w/Pet Grief & Loss Psychologist Dr. Katie Lawlor
07/19/2022
The Vet Crisis w/Pet Grief & Loss Psychologist Dr. Katie Lawlor
Dr. Katie Lawlor, a trained trauma psychologist who specializes in pet grief and loss, on the mental health crisis facing vets. A 2019 study shows vet professionals are experiencing the highest rates of suicide among all medical professions. And those numbers were noted before the pressures of the pandemic, during which 23 million people adopted pets. Plus, why we experience such profound (and sometimes surprising) grief over losing our pets. Katie is the co-founder and Director of the , which is aimed at providing counseling and other mental health services for vets and vet techs.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/23778056
info_outline
Top LA Divorce/Custody Attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer aka "The Pit Poodle"
06/21/2022
Top LA Divorce/Custody Attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer aka "The Pit Poodle"
LA-based divorce/custody attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer a.k.a. “the pit poodle” shares what it is like to be a high-profile litigator for the uber wealthy and famous. As founder of Meyer, Olson, Lowey & Meyers (all the partners are women), over the past 35 years Lisa has represented the ex-wives of Dr. Dre, Caesar Milan and Tony Danza. Having been immersed in the details of so many bad relationships, Lisa also shares what she believes makes a strong marriage and why it is important to make a move when you realize it is over.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/23487494
info_outline
A New Drug Aimed at Midlife Depression in Women
06/01/2022
A New Drug Aimed at Midlife Depression in Women
Two NIH researchers—Dr. Sarah A. Rudzinskas and Sarah Spector—on studies they are helping conduct for a new drug aimed at helping women in midlife who suffer from depression-typically for the first time in their lives. An estimated 20% of American women have depression at some point during menopause; and 38% experience depression in perimenopause. The researchers are exploring the link between low levels of estrogen and how that impacts the brain—which this new drug, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lily, addresses.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/23287922
info_outline
Why Illustrator Alessandra Olanow Captures Our Hearts & Minds
05/17/2022
Why Illustrator Alessandra Olanow Captures Our Hearts & Minds
Best-selling author and illustrator Alessandra Olanow, whose drawings and musings, shared on Instagram as , have attracted a highly engaged community of 372K followers, including celebrities such as Katie Couric and Jennifer Garner. In 2019, dealing with a divorce, Alessandra started drawing her feelings at her kitchen table each morning, posting her illustrations and simple phrases to Instagram. The audience they generated led to her first book, I Used to Have a Plan which topped the Barnes & Noble bestseller list. Published by Harper Collins in 2020, and featuring more than 75 illustrations, the book chronicles the breakup of her marriage and her journey through pain and heartache towards self-love and acceptance. Alessandra is also an entrepreneur. She developed an all-over body oil called A.OK which can be purchased at . Her new book, Hello Grief, in which she grapples with the death of her mother, will be published in late 2022.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/23140457
info_outline
Can Intermittent Fasting Stave Off The Effects of Middle Age?
04/19/2022
Can Intermittent Fasting Stave Off The Effects of Middle Age?
Fasting Coach Laurie Lewis on the do's, don'ts and health benefits of intermittent fasting. Laurie, who owns and operates , details how not eating for an extended period of time each day puts our bodies in restorative mode, allowing us to regenerate and better fight off disease (there is, by the way, scientific research that supports this). She credits intermittent fasting to how she lost 50 pounds, got rid of brain foggy-ness and regained her energy—all of which she experienced when becoming menopausal.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/22841423
info_outline
My Journey From Top TV Producer to Sculptor w/ Monica Wyatt
04/05/2022
My Journey From Top TV Producer to Sculptor w/ Monica Wyatt
shares her journey from top TV producer (Providence, My So Called Life, LA Law) to being an accomplished mixed media artist who reimagines unexpected and overlooked materials, transforming them into intimate assemblage sculpture. The challenging delivery of her second child was the breaking point for Monica. "I was physically exhausted from the birth and I knew I couldn't go back to doing those days where you work until 10 or 11 at night. With one child, we managed but I knew I couldn't give it my all anymore." So Monica did something that earlier in her life she never could have imagined: she took herself out at the peak of her producing career. She dove into caring for her family, only to discover that something was missing. Monica gets candid sharing the details of how rediscovered her confidence and found fulfillment and purpose through being an artist.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/22675469
info_outline
From Wall Street to Weed Innovator w/Charlotte Hanna
03/15/2022
From Wall Street to Weed Innovator w/Charlotte Hanna
Charlotte Hanna shares the story of how she pulled off her dramatic mid-life pivot, moving from successful careers on Wall Street and real estate to founding the innovative cannabis company . Plus, how part of her mission is to change the perception of cannabis from that as a dirty, nefarious habit to that of a mindful, elevated experience—one that is widely accepted as simply a way of enhancing mood.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/22444277
info_outline
Chucking My Career & Working My Way Back To My Passion w/ Christine Morrison
02/22/2022
Chucking My Career & Working My Way Back To My Passion w/ Christine Morrison
The story of how, at the age of 40, walked away from her long and successful career as a fashion executive and beauty marketer (at the time she was a VP for Calvin Klein in NYC) to become a freelance writer. A lifelong fashion aficionado (think Carrie Bradshaw here, ladies) Christine had dreamed of a career as a writer when she younger; she’d even majored in journalism. But life intervened. Christine’s is a story of relentlessly and methodically working your way back to your passion. Today, Christine (@writinginblackandwhite) is a working fashion and beauty writer based in Atlanta. Her articles have appeared in, publications including The Washington Post and The Boston Globe. She has also lent her copywriting expertise to brands including Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture, and Lumity skincare. The mom of twins is currently on working her memoir—a collection of essays reflecting the meaning behind and the humor in what she wore while forming her identity, navigating her way to true love, and discovering her authentic self.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/22168874
info_outline
Nancy Cartwright On Being The Voice Of Bart Simpson
02/01/2022
Nancy Cartwright On Being The Voice Of Bart Simpson
Emmy-winning voiceover actress Nancy Cartwright on her remarkable 30-year plus career as the voice of a 10-year-old boy— Bart Simpson on The Simpsons TV show. With her hallmark humor and earthy personality, Nancy shares with Linda the story of how she originally auditioned for the role of Lisa Simpson but wound up getting the role of Bart; how listening to her gut has contributed to her success and happiness; how she has found ways to blossom amidst the limitations of COVID and what her next chapter looks like. Nancy has just released an updated version of her memoir The audible story chronicles Nancy's life from growing up in Kettering, Ohio to being at the focal point of the longest running scripted TV show of all time.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/21966938
info_outline
The Mysterious Illness That Landed My Mainstream Teen In Rehab Almost Overnight w/ Elizabeth Harris
01/11/2022
The Mysterious Illness That Landed My Mainstream Teen In Rehab Almost Overnight w/ Elizabeth Harris
The story of a Tennessee mother’s relentless quest to find the root of her son's health issues after he rapidly went from a case of strep throat to erratic, destructive behavior and then a marijuana habit. While physicians diagnosed Elizabeth Harris’ child with a wide-ranging variety of illnesses, prescribing him with all kinds of pharmaceutical drugs, nothing seemed to help and the teenager ultimately wound up at a pricey rehabilitation center (which insurance would not cover). Elizabeth strongly believed there was an underlying medical condition and, turns out, she was right. A pediatric neurologist ultimately diagnosed her son with the auto-immune disease PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). In this episode, you’ll learn the symptoms PANDAS, why doctors often miss it, and how the disease can be diagnosed with a simple test. This is also a cautionary tale about the importance of being proactive about health and finding solutions when doctor advice and remedies aren't working. Elizabeth Harris is the author of What’s Wrong With My Child? For more, go to
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/21743324
info_outline
What We Can Learn From Reoccurring Dreams w/ Dream Analyst Tayria Ward
11/30/2021
What We Can Learn From Reoccurring Dreams w/ Dream Analyst Tayria Ward
While most of us quickly dismiss our dreams moments after awakening, 45-year dream analyst Tayria Ward, who has a PhD in depth psychology, believes we should pay attention to them—especially reoccurring ones. In this episode, she shares what we can learn from dreams (even the weird ones) and how finding the hidden messages can, in some cases, impact our lives. For more on Tayria, go to
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/21319046
info_outline
The Skincare Products A Beauty Industry Journalist/Critic Swears By w/ Jessica Defino
11/16/2021
The Skincare Products A Beauty Industry Journalist/Critic Swears By w/ Jessica Defino
Beauty industry journalist and critic shares what she has uncovered interviewing scientists about the long-term effects of using anti-aging products including two of the most highly touted: retinol and hyaluronic acid. The clean beauty proponent and minimalist also shares the four products she routinely uses on her own skin. Jessica’s articles have appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Allure. Jessica's career was born out of her experiences working as an app content creator for two of the Kardashian sisters. The job required Jessica to frequently sample products sent to the sisters, and she believes all the skincare products—loaded with chemicals and other harmful ingredients— caused her to get a terrible case of dermatitis that topical steroids couldn't even heal.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/21176861
info_outline
How To Stop Being Afraid Of Getting Older w/Susan Feldman & Wendy Euler
11/04/2021
How To Stop Being Afraid Of Getting Older w/Susan Feldman & Wendy Euler
An enlightening conversation with two women who will make you less afraid of getting older: 63-year-old Susan Feldman and 53-year-old Wendy Euler. Both women unabashedly put themselves out there as the face of their brands—both of which aim to stop age shaming. Both women experience life to the hilt and are constantly taking on new, challenging experiences—undaunted by age. In this episode, we learn the how and why—plus some things they truly love about being in their 50s and 60s. Susan Feldman is the co-founder of One Kings Lane, which she sold a few years ago, the founder of her current passion: . It is a platform for shining a light on age-defying women, while offering advice on how to stay current on everything from tech to fashion. Wendy Euler is a self-described “age activist and style enthusiast” and the founder of the platform. Wendy keeps followers entertained on Instagram with her aspirational advice on creating your own person style, regardless of age or trends. She is also a host of the 5-minute podcast, .
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/21030479
info_outline
Why We Need To Better Understand Women Who Choose Not To Have Kids
10/19/2021
Why We Need To Better Understand Women Who Choose Not To Have Kids
An enlightening conversation with two women who have made it part of their life's mission to give people a better understanding of women who choose not to have children—and to dispel some of the myths that surround those decisions (Gosh, she must have had a terrible childhood...) Dr. Amy Blackstone is Professor of Sociology at the University of Maine. Her book (Dutton, 2019) offers a definitive investigation into the history and growing movement of adults choosing to forgo parenthood. is the author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller, Selfish, Shallow & Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers On The Decision Not To Have Kids. She has written for magazines including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic. Meghan also hosts The Unspeakable Podcast.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/20861213
info_outline
When Your Hair Just Isn't Cutting It
09/28/2021
When Your Hair Just Isn't Cutting It
10-time Emmy nominee Jerilynn Stephens, who heads up the hair department for The Voice (NBC) and Legendary (HBO Max), doles out advice on that thing we care so ridiculously much about: our hair. Topics include styles and remedies for thinning hair; advice for coloring your own hair; the best non-dye products for covering up grey; the latest in weaves and extensions; and the most comfortable, natural looking wigs. Jerilynn, who is a cancer survivor, also shares what she hopes will be a cautionary tale. When Jerilynn’s health began to fail, she (and her doctor) thought she was just experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, when her symptoms were actually due to ovarian cancer.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/20622173
info_outline
The Stories Behind The Images Of Our Fave Singers & Bands w/ Photographer Sherry Rayn Barnett
08/31/2021
The Stories Behind The Images Of Our Fave Singers & Bands w/ Photographer Sherry Rayn Barnett
Photographer Sherry Rain Barnett has captured some of the most iconic legends in music— from rock to pop…from disco to punk: Prince, Sting, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, Judy Collins, Janis Joplin—the list is endless. In this episode, Sherry shares some of the stories of behind the images she's taken at live music venues over the past 50 years, and about her new book A visceral trip down memory lane, it is a stunning collection of more than 200 images of performers, all shot on film, some of which have never been seen.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/20311511
info_outline
Are You With You Soul Mate?
08/01/2021
Are You With You Soul Mate?
Relationship expert joins Linda for an exploration into the notion of having and being with a soul mate. Is there such a thing? How do you know if you are with yours? And: how to find one. Plus how to cultivate a soul mate-like relationship with your partner.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/19994987
info_outline
Does Powdered Collagen Really Work?
07/06/2021
Does Powdered Collagen Really Work?
Everyone, it seems, is using powdered collagen these days. Jennifer Aniston, the face of one of the more popular brands, glows in the ads. Nutritionists and social media influencers wax about its merits. But where is the proof—the research—that says edible collagen works for anti-aging? In this episode, Linda tries to find out, journeying from the National Institute of Health all the way to the University of Washington, where she discovers an expert in the field of collagen as it relates to the human body: scientist/biochemist David M. Hudson. Also discussed: topical collagen.
/episode/index/show/shesez/id/19687589