In this soul-shaking episode of REAL TALK, Emma G and Rawinia Judson dive deep into the stories, identities, and emotional patterns that shape us — and the choices we can make to reclaim our wholeness. From ancestral identity to toxic relationships, burnout cycles, spiritual grounding, and the addiction to performance, this episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s transformation in motion.

🎤 Topics we explore in this episode:

• What a pepeha teaches us about identity and belonging

• The dopamine addiction of creatives, high performers, and over-givers

• How anger, stress, and grief can be transformed through reframing

• Why asking "Where are you from?" is about connection, not division

• Letting go of external validation — and choosing health over chaos

• How our emotions are energy in motion, and how to respond, not react

• Rediscovering who you are beyond the roles you perform — especially after loss or transition

• Lessons from HEFAT stress management training with war-zone journalists

• Why slowing down is one of the bravest things a leader can do

• How we can stop "yucking each other’s yums" and grow in community

• The beauty of seeing your life as an album — not just one identity or title

🎧 This episode is raw, funny, and deeply reflective. Whether you're a coach, a parent, an artist, a recovering people-pleaser, or someone navigating major life changes — this conversation is for you.

💡 Remember: Shame dies when stories are told. So tell yours.

📍 Filmed between Washington DC & Vancouver 🎙️ Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson 🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music & ROKU TV

#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #ShameDiesWhenStoriesAreTold #PodcastForHealing #LeadershipAndMentalHealth #CreativeHealing #DMVCreatives #BethesdaWellness #VancouverCoaches #EmotionalResilience #TeWhareTapaWha #EmpowermentThroughVoice #StopShouldingOnYourself

🎙️ The Naked Truth About Mental Health with Lauren Roche | REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This

#TRIGGERWARNING: Brief discussion around suicide and depression

In this empowering episode of REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This, we sit down with Lauren Roche — founder of The Naked Truth with Lauren, goals coach, UX product designer at Deloitte, and mental health advocate — for a conversation that’s equal parts raw, real, and deeply relatable.

Lauren is on a mission to transform the way young professionals think and talk about mental health. With vulnerability as her superpower, she’s built an omnichannel platform that merges storytelling, community, mindfulness, and goal-setting — creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

We dive into: ✨ The origin story of The Naked Truth podcast and brand 🧠 Mental health in the high-functioning, high-pressure professional world 📱 How to create authentic digital spaces for real human connection 🌱 Lauren’s personal tools for staying grounded and inspired 🎯 The connection between vision, action, and emotional resilience

Whether you’re navigating your 20s, building a brand, or balancing healing with ambition — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to Lauren’s podcast: The Naked Truth with Lauren on Spotify

📲 Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @thenakedtruth.pod LinkedIn: Lauren Roche Facebook: Lauren’s Page

🎙️ REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson

www.emmagmusic.com and www.rawiniajudson.com Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.

#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #LaurenRoche #MentalHealthAwareness #TheNakedTruthWithLauren #YoungProfessionals #WellnessCommunity #PodcastInterview #VulnerabilityIsStrength

🎙️ From the Wrestling Ring to the Director’s Chair: A Conversation with Fredrick Pokai | REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This

What does it take to go from being a professional wrestler to an award-winning filmmaker? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Fredrick Pokai, a filmmaker, actor, and writer who knows a thing or two about turning pain into purpose.

Fredrick’s journey isn’t your typical Hollywood story. Growing up without fancy equipment or formal training, he carved his own path through sheer grit, resilience, and relentless passion. Now, he’s making waves in the New Zealand film industry with projects like DIVE, Project EVE, and the deeply personal Search For Hawaiki — a short film 14 years in the making.

Join us as we discuss: ✅ The power of perseverance in creative work ✅ How wrestling shaped his storytelling style ✅ How to harness physical, emotional, and spiritual strength ✅ The epic journey of bringing Search For Hawaiki to life ✅ Why embracing your “left field” status can be a creative superpower

Fredrick’s story is a testament to the power of believing in yourself and your vision — no matter how long it takes.

Watch the full episode now: https://youtube.com/live/izvyGmPYG4o

📌 Connect with Fredrick Pokai:

Website: https://linktr.ee/fredrickpokai

Instagram: @fredrickpokai

LinkedIn: Fredrick Pokai

Hosted by:

Emma G – @emmagmusic

Rawinia Judson – @rawinia__judson

#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #FredrickPokai #CreativeResilience #Filmmaking #SearchForHawaiki #DIVE #ProjectEVE #WrestlingToFilm #PodcastSeries

In this inspiring episode of REAL TALK: Mental Health Sounds Like This, hosts Emma G and Rawinia Judson sit down with Andrew Buerger, a mountaineer, entrepreneur, and advocate, to explore the transformative power of turning personal adversity into purposeful action.

Andrew shares his journey from personal loss to founding Jodi’s Climb for Hope, leading over 400 climbers to raise more than $1 million for cancer and MS research. He discusses his experiences in building B’More Organic, a no-added-sugar protein drink company, and his current role as Chief Strategy Officer at Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, a Black-owned, Baltimore-based company that combines business with social impact.

Throughout the conversation, Andrew delves into:

• The importance of resilience and finding silver linings in challenges

• How climbing mountains parallels overcoming life's obstacles

• The role of mission-driven entrepreneurship in personal fulfillment

• Strategies for maintaining mental health while pursuing ambitious goals

Whether you're navigating personal challenges, leading a team, or seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, Andrew's story offers valuable insights into embracing discomfort, pushing past fear, and summiting your own biggest challenges.

🎧 Listen Now:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yF9nSlJYeeDcC8lUSPVD2

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realtalk-with-emma-g-and-ra/id1810587016

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7531ab2a-02a6-4f79-9426-af11b031a552/realtalk-with-emma-g-and-ra

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWek3RNXa8E

🔗 Connect with Andrew Buerger:

• Website: www.AndrewBuerger.com

• Instagram: @buergerandrew

• LinkedIn: Andrew Buerger

📌 Stay Connected:

• Emma G: @emmagmusic or https://emmagmusic.com

• Rawinia Judson: @rawinia__judson or https://rawiniajudson.com/

#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #AndrewBuerger #Resilience #PurposeDrivenLife #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #EmmaGmusic #RealTalkwithEmmaGandRA

In a world of social distancing / quarantine / isolation; Goddess rock artivist musician Emma G brings REAL TALK : empowering conversations with leaders in their field to talk about their industries, the impact of Coronavirus on their lives, and how they're choosing to lead with love, positivity and strength in the face of a changing world: politically, economically, artistically and emotionally.

In a world of social distancing / quarantine / isolation; Goddess rock artivist musician Emma G brings REAL TALK : empowering conversations with leaders in their field to talk about their industries, the impact of Coronavirus on their lives, and how they're choosing to lead with love, positivity and strength in the face of a changing world: politically, economically, artistically and emotionally.