195 Countries Later: How to Solo Travel Like a Local with Jessica Nabongo

In this episode, world traveler Jessica Nabongo takes us on a whirlwind journey through her experiences visiting 195 countries -- and the surprising lessons she picked up along the way. From eating like a local to making friends just about anywhere on Earth, Jessica reminds us that the world is far kinder, funnier and more connected than we often think. Jessica shares the stories that changed her, the strangers who surprised her, and why solo travel has made her more trusting, more grounded and more open to the good in people. This conversation is a joyful, eye-opening reminder that exploring the world can help you rediscover the best parts of it — and yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kasia Urbaniak teaches women how to ask for what they want and reclaim their power. Today on The Bright Side, we sit down with Kasia to explore her multifaceted background, discuss the pitfalls of people-pleasing, and unpack power dynamics in everyday life. She also guides us through practical exercises to help identify our true desires, confidently speak up for ourselves, and take control of the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there a pimple on your chin you are tempted to squeeze? If so, step away from the mirror and press play on our conversation today with Sofie Pavitt, a licensed esthetician and skincare product designer. Sofie has spent years developing Sofie Pavitt Face, her viral skin care product line, which includes everything from her mandelic clearing serum to the omega-rich moisturizer. Her work gets to the root of acne, is backed by science, and is fueled by a sense of fun. She unpacks for us how acne is made, why it affects us well past our teenage years, and how to love our skin in every decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Cameron has become synonymous with creativity. She has sold millions of copies of her breakthrough book, The Artist’s Way, and is here to discuss her new book, The Daily Artist’s Way: 366 Meditations for Creative Living. From morning pages to believing mirrors, her tools have been tested by time and used by millions. In our conversation, she reminds us that creativity isn’t some elusive, mysterious entity. It is within all of us if we sit down, let go, and allow it to come through us. If you want more creativity in your own life, get your journal out and press play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You probably know Jordin Sparks from generational bangers like “No Air,” “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Or as the youngest winner in American Idol history. Or from her many show business accolades. But before Jordin became a certified pop princess, Simone knew her as just…a normal teenage girl. Today on the podcast, these two old friends reconnect to talk about the whirlwind Jordin has experienced in life, love and career since they first met two decades ago at summer camp. Jordin opens up about coming of age in the spotlight, the best wisdom she received from Whitney Houston, and how her most famous pop hit almost didn’t happen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aleen Dreksler, co-founder and CEO of Betches Media, joins Simone to reflect on how a $12 WordPress blog created with her childhood best friends grew into an unprecedented cultural force. She shares the origin of Betches’ iconic voice, the leap from pre-med to comedy, the fears and freedoms of coming out of anonymity, and the creative and financial discipline that fueled the company’s 15-year evolution. Aleen also opens up about redefining ambition and learning to trust her own voice, before she and Simone rewind the biggest pop culture moments of 2025, from Bennifer’s breakup to Beyoncé’s historic Grammy win, Taylor Swift's engagement, and the unforgettable Coldplay jumbotron scandal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it bad to eat sweets after 6 p.m.? Will your cookie addiction cause premature aging? Is sugar going to kill us all? Social media definitely has answers to these questions...just not always factual or helpful answers. But today, dietician Vanessa Rissetto is here to give us the real truth about sugar. Settle in for a deep-dive into the nutritional facts behind our favorite carbohydrate. Vanessa debunks the biggest myths (yes, all sugar is basically the same), explains why kids are hardwired to chase sweetness, and shares simple ways to balance blood sugar and enjoy dessert without spiraling into a sugar crash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangs. Braids. Big chops. Hair is more than style — it’s storytelling. Celebrity hairstylist Vernon François, who’s worked with icons like Lupita Nyong’o, Serena Williams, and Solange Knowles, joins Simone to explore how our hair shapes confidence, reflects our inner transformations, and helps us feel seen. From childhood insecurities to red carpet reinventions, this is a conversation about self-love, freedom, and the beauty of becoming who you are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women are waiting longer than ever to have children — but what if fertility didn’t have to be a race against time? Lauren Makler, Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, is on a mission to make egg freezing more accessible and empowering. Her company offers women the opportunity to freeze their eggs for free and store them for up to ten years when they donate half to a family in need — redefining the fertility industry with empathy, transparency, and choice. In this episode, Lauren shares how she’s transforming reproductive care and helping women take control of their fertility journey. Whether you’re curious about egg freezing, considering donation, or want a glimpse into the future of fertility, this conversation is eye-opening and inspiring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if laughter was more than just entertainment—it was a tool for connection and growth? Comedian and author Chris Duffy joins Simone to share how humor can change the way we connect, cope, and care for each other. They unpack his “three pillars of humor,” share stories that hit both the funny bone and the heart, and remind us that sometimes the best way to take life seriously is to laugh at it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.