1038. Building something bigger than beauty

The qualities that make you deeply compassionate can also leave you running on empty. In this episode, Ellie Laks shares how a lifetime of caring for rescued animals taught her that empathy is only sustainable when it's paired with caring for yourself first. From compassion fatigue to creating a self-care toolkit, Ellie offers a refreshing perspective on resilience, asking for help, and why putting yourself on your own priority list isn't selfish—it's essential.  Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

What if the chemistry you can't stop thinking about isn't love—it's a trauma response? In this episode, Dr. Ramani Durvasula unpacks why empaths are often drawn to narcissistic relationships and how self-abandonment can disguise itself as empathy. From understanding the fawn response to redefining what a healthy relationship actually feels like, this conversation will challenge everything you've been taught about chemistry, soulmates, and emotional safety.  Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Are your standards protecting your heart—or keeping love out? In this solo, Krista dives into the difference between having high standards and building impossible walls, revealing why we often prioritize the poor qualities in relationships. Start exploring what it really means to choose someone intentionally. If you've ever wondered whether your expectations are helping you find love or holding you back, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about relationships—and yourself. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

In this episode, Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried explains why autoimmune conditions are on the rise, how chronic stress impacts the body, and what many people miss before receiving a diagnosis. Discover the connection between trauma, the immune system, and long-term health—and why understanding your body's signals is the first step toward healing. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Parasites aren't just a travel concern. In this conversation, health expert Chervin Jafarieh explores where parasites come from, how supporting your immune system matters more than living in fear, and why resilience starts from within. From immunity to mindful living, this conversation invites you to rethink your daily habits and the role your overall health plays in protecting your body. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Tracee Stanley, bestselling author of Radiant Rest, reminds us that rest isn't a reward—it's a necessity. She shares why embracing rest can help prevent burnout, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect you with yourself. If you've ever felt like you need to earn your rest, this conversation will shift your perspective. Learn how making rest part of your wellness routine can transform your energy, relationships, and overall well-being. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/MICRODOSE. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Entrepreneur and author Lisa Bilyeu explores why failure isn't something to fear, but something that can lead us toward opportunities and growth. She also shares how radical honesty, accountability, and communication have become the foundation of her marriage and success. Through stories of business setbacks and relationship challenges, this episode is a powerful reminder that trust is built by telling the truth, having the hard conversations, and choosing growth over comfort. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Square | Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/microdose! #squarepod

Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores how expectations, assumptions, and unspoken needs can create distance in our relationships. She shares why believing others should just know how we feel often leads to disappointment and disconnection. Danielle shares how to communicate more honestly, lead with curiosity instead of judgment, and embrace the ways our friendships challenge us to grow. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Square | Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/microdose! #squarepod

In this solo episode, Krista explores the connection between our voice, authenticity, and self-expression. She reflects on the ways we change our voices to fit in, avoid conflict, or protect ourselves—and why speaking our truth is essential for intimacy, abundance, and connection. Your voice is more than just the words you speak—it's an expression of who you are and the reality you're creating for yourself every day. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Square | Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/microdose! #squarepod

Founder and CEO Karissa Bodnar shares how insecurity, purpose, and a deep desire to help others led her to create Thrive Causemetics. She opens up about finding confidence through beauty, staying true to her values, and building a company rooted in giving back. This episode is a reminder that the most meaningful ideas often come from solving a problem close to your heart—and that purpose can be the very thing that keeps you going when giving up feels easier. Morning Microdose is a podcast curated by Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the hosts and founders of Almost 30, a global community, brand, and top-rated podcast. With curated clips from the Almost 30 podcast, Morning Microdose will set the tone for your day, so you can feel inspired through thought-provoking conversations…all in digestible 10-minute episodes.  Wake up with Krista and Lindsey, both literally and spiritually, Monday-Friday. If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to the full episode on Spotify ⁠here⁠ and on Apple ⁠here⁠.  Sponsors: Square | Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/microdose! #squarepod