In episode one of season two, we talk to Laura Federico who is a psychotherapist, sex therapist, and consultant specializing in delivering creative, innovative virtual therapy - at laurafedericotherapy.com.

Laura has lived and worked in the United States, Turkey, and Switzerland, and has a background in crisis work and psychological first aid. Laura applies a holistic approach to mental well-being and has a specific focus on sexual health, self-worth, the mind-body connection, and relationships.

We spoke about the lenses that we've been brought up with, innovating business models and backing yourself in the face of scepticism. And honestly, the vindication!

You can find out more about Laura's cycle tracking book Bodied at mybodied.com.

As usual, we hit Laura up with the important Qs:

Last meal: Nachos

Currently reading: Jia Tolentino’s review of Angela Garbes’ Essential Labour: mothering as social change

Currently watching: Couples Therapy

Listening to: Big Thief

Favourite unwind: Seeing friends, being with people

What advice would Laura give to someone who's wondering about the next step in their career?

Connect with what feels meaningful for you and embody that in making a choice. It’s easy to get connected to the external validators of what is the right versus the wrong choices. Something I try to do for myself, and when I talk to the people I work with, is to remove the labels of right and wrong, and take a step back from all those external lists of what is considered successful. And then spend some time in that internal space working out what feels good.

A little about your co-hosts

Anita Dullard is studying a MSc Climate and Energy Policy, taking time out from media advocacy; Avigail Shai is a diplomatic and policy adviser, and former diplomat – they met working in the international humanitarian sector, stayed for the chat and hilarity.

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