What's up yall! Welcome back to another episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast!
In this episode, I am joined by my lifelong friend, KK, her younger sister, Janetta & their family friend, Victoria.
We sit down and gave some girly chitchat about dating, being cheated on, women knowing their worth. We talk about the Gen and millennial differences and more!
Hey yall!
Friendship breakups can hurt just as much—if not more—than romantic ones. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Pricilla to unpack the full story of our friendship: from meeting in high school, to becoming inseparable in college, to living together for seven years, and then hitting some of our lowest points. We open up about how our insecurities fed off each other, the toxic patterns we fell into, and what it was like to go through a painful friendship breakup.After a year of distance and healing separately, we’ve found our way back to each other, and we’re sharing what it looks like to rebuild trust and closeness in a healthier way.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations about eating disorders, anxiety, and toxic relationship dynamics. Please listen with care.
If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to support the show. 💜
In this solo episode, I get real about my decision to take a tolerance break and what led me here. Weed has been a daily part of my life for a while—helping me cope, create, and sometimes just escape. But lately, I’ve had to ask myself some hard questions: Is it still serving me? Or am I hiding behind the high? Tune in as I unpack my personal journey with cannabis, what this break is teaching me so far, and how I’m navigating the cravings, clarity, and everything in between. Whether you’re on a similar path or just curious, this one’s for anyone questioning their own habits—and choosing themselves in the process.
In this episode, I sit down with my cousin Darian — the creative force behind my podcast cover — to talk about a story that goes way deeper than photography.We get into her journey of growing up creative, watching addiction up close, and eventually facing her own. From sneaking drinks at family events to hitting rock bottom and withdrawing in jail, Darian shares the raw truth about what it really took to choose a sober life.This one’s for the girls who grew up too fast, the creatives still carrying childhood wounds, and anyone who’s ever had to pull themselves out of the darkest place.We also talk about:Feeling like the “latchkey kids” raising an emotionally intelligent generationUsing photography to help women feel confident when she didn’t feel that way herselfThe shame of hiding addiction while trying to hold everything togetherWhat rock bottom looked like for her — and how it cracked her openChoosing recovery, choosing herself, and choosing a new storyTrigger Warnings: This episode includes sensitive content related to addiction, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, and drug withdrawal. Please listen with care.If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to tag us on socials:📱 @leaunahauser | @bflyeffectpodcast@darianmagnoliaimagery @dariandonovanLet’s keep breaking cycles and telling the truth out loud.#MentalHealthAwareness #SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #CycleBreakers #PhotographyAndHealing #EmotionalHealing #RockBottomToRecovery #StorytellingHeals #BlackSheepToButterfly #ButterflyEffectPodcast
Trigger Warning: This episode contains personal reflections and discussions around anxiety, depression, burnout, and disordered eating. Please take care while listening and skip any sections that feel too heavy for you right now.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m sharing my honest journey through mental health — from childhood anxiety and growing up with separated parents to how people pleasing and perfectionism led me straight into burnout.
I talk about what it was like to navigate different rules and routines between households, internalizing anxiety at a young age, and believing my struggles were character flaws I had to hide. I also open up about the therapy journey — the real one — where I cycled through different approaches and therapists before finally finding what worked for me.
In this episode, I get into:
The emotional toll of switching homes and identities as a child
How people pleasing turned into perfectionism
What unmanaged anxiety looked like before I had language for it
The overlap of mental health and disordered eating patterns
How changing my self-talk changed my life
Learning to sync my routines to my menstrual cycle
How journaling helps me work through racing thoughts — even when I don’t feel like it
Doing what works for you, not what works for TikTok
I close the episode with a journal prompt to support your own self-reflection and healing.
Mental health isn’t a trend — it’s a lifelong journey. This is my story.
Join the conversation on IG:
@leaunahauser + @bflyeffectpodcast
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #TriggerWarning #AnxietyHealing #DepressionSupport #PeoplePleasingRecovery #BurnoutRecovery #SplitHouseholdSurvival #PerfectionismTrap #DisorderedEatingAwareness #TherapyJourney #SelfTalkMatters #MenstrualCycleAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #JournalingForHealing #TheButterflyEffectPodcast
Carlo moved to America with his family, sharing a rented basement with five people and one mattress. His older brother was the only one who could speak English. What followed was culture shock, snowstorms, and watching his parents walk to factory jobs just to keep food on the table.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to grow up fast, carry your family’s hopes, and find your own path through the pressure. From navigating life as a DACA recipient to working every corner of the hospitality industry — housekeeping, hotel front desks, banquets, and now bartending — Carlo opens up about the sacrifices, fears, and resilience behind it all.We also get into:-The mental weight of being an immigrant kid with adult responsibilities-Boundaries while dating in the service industry-Bartender icks, shooting your shot at the bar, and how he keeps it respectfulThis episode drops right before Cinco de Mayo — a time that’s often commercialized without honoring the people who’ve had to really survive in this country. Carlo’s story is the reminder we need.Follow @leaunahauser and @bflyeffectpodcast on Instagram to share your thoughts or send us a voice note. Let’s keep this conversation going.#ImmigrantStories #HospitalityIndustry #ServiceIndustryLife #DACAStory #FirstGenExperience #ImmigrantHustle #CincoDeMayo #RealConversations #TheButterflyEffectPodcast #LatinoVoices #SurvivalNotVictimhood #PodcastForThePeople
This week, I’m joined by a very special guest, my stepdad. We sat down for a random, cozy conversation about all things scary movies, real-life ghost encounters, and the paranormal stories that have stuck with him over the years.
From cult classic horror films to chilling experiences you won't believe, this episode is packed with laughs, spooky vibes, and lots of side tangents (because of course). Whether you’re a horror movie junkie or just here for the ghost stories, you’re going to love this one.
If you’ve ever had your own unexplainable ghost moment, DM me. I want to hear your stories too.
New episodes every week — don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you vibed with this episode.
Let's stay connected:
Instagram: @leaunahauser @thebflyeffectpodcast
TikTok: @ludaaa1 @thebflypodcast
#GhostStories #ParanormalPodcast #ScaryMovies #HorrorMovieFan #TrueGhostStories #SpookySeason #PodcastEpisode #ParanormalExperiences #GhostEncounters #HauntedStories #FamilyConversations #HorrorPodcast #MovieTalk #SpookyVibes #TheButterflyEffectPodcast
I didn’t realize I was living in survival mode... until I wasn’t.In this solo episode, I open up about moving back in with my parents — something that felt like a step back, but is truly a reset. We talk about the emotional weight of always being “on,” how our nervous systems try to protect us, and what it feels like when we finally start to feel safe again.I share what I’ve learned since slowing down:— What survival mode looks like mentally and physically— How living at home is helping me rebuild in a sustainable way— My focus on nutrition, movement, journaling, financial clarity, and softness— Why intergenerational living is more common than you think (and nothing to be ashamed of!)— And how one small change can create a ripple effect in your healing journeyWhether you’re grinding, burnt out, or just trying to find your footing again, this episode is a reminder: You don’t have to hustle your way back to peace.
Let’s keep the conversation going:
📸 Follow me: @leaunahauser
🦋 Podcast Page: @bflyeffectpodcast
📷 Cover photo by: @darianmagnoliaphotography
💌 Got a question, topic, or guest idea?This podcast is a community, and your voice matters here.Submit anonymously or drop your name — it’s up to you.Whether it’s a deep convo, a wild story, or a healing moment you want covered… I got you.👉 https://forms.gle/nHa6hPk4R2jM8NZK6
Whew… I got read to absolute FILTH — and I loved every second. In this episode, my longtime friend (and astrology buddie) @jenniwithatwist pulls up and breaks down my entire birth chart. Like… the stars really aired me out. But don’t worry, this convo goes way deeper than just astrology placements. We talk about mental health, ambition, money, family dynamics, independence, and why some of us are starters, sustainers, or perfectors in life.Even if astrology isn’t really your thing, this episode is full of “omg that’s me” moments and gems you can take into your own life. It’s like cosmic therapy, but with jokes, real talk, and a few “wait… am I the drama?” moments.Get cozy, press play, and come get your chart life with us. You just might walk away with a better understanding of yourself (and why you ghost people after 2 business days lol).🔗 Connect with Us:Follow me on IG: @leaunahauserFollow the pod: @bflypodcastAstrology queen Jenni: @jenniwithatwist
Hey y’all, welcome back to The Butterfly Effect Podcast! This week, I’m sitting down with Joey Mendez, the creator and creative director behind Palma Nayar, to talk about the grind, self-belief, and sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams.We dive into:-Growing up with immigrant parents and the sacrifices they made for us-Dropping out of college to pursue a career in cannabis and later launching a clothing brand-The anxiety of entrepreneurship—from fearing no one would show up to selling out events-Bouncing back from setbacks and using failures as fuel-Dating as an entrepreneur & navigating relationships while building a brand-Why you need to believe in yourself—delusionally—to succeedIf you’re a dreamer, hustler, or creative, this episode is for you! 💡Follow Joey & check out Palma Nayar:📲 @jrc.mendez | @palma.nayarStay connected with me:📲 @leaunahauser | @bflyeffectpodcast🎧 Listen now, tag us, and let’s keep the conversation going!✨ Create, Elevate & BFly. ✨#butterflyeffectpodcast #PalmaNayar #entrepreneurlife #selfbelief #DelusionalConfidence #trusttheprocess #creativejourney #dreamchaser #fashionentrepreneurship #LatinoEntrepreneurs #podcastepisode #hustleculture
Hey y’all, welcome back to another episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast! This one’s personal. It’s the last episode I’m recording in my St. Paul apartment before packing up and moving back home to my mom and stepdad’s place at my grown age....I’m getting real about the financial struggles, setbacks, and life lessons that led me here—moving back from Chicago, attempting (and failing) to start a business, getting into serious money trouble, and almost getting evicted before finally climbing my way out. I also open up about perfectionism, shame, and the tough reality of asking for help at 29.If you’ve ever felt like you were starting over when you should have it all together—this one’s for you. I see you & it get better! We got this! Listen now & let’s talk about it!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show!#ButterflyEffectPodcast #StartingOver #MovingBackHome #FinancialStruggles #MoneyLessons #LifeReset #Perfectionism #AdultingStruggles #BrokeAt29 #PodcastEpisode #LetsTalkAboutIt
🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including addiction, emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, postpartum struggles, and recovery. If any of these topics may be triggering for you, please listen with care or consider skipping this episode. Your well-being comes first.In this episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast, I sit down with my high school friend for a raw and heartfelt conversation about life’s unexpected turns. We reflect on our high school days and how adulthood took us down very different paths—figuring out careers, dropping out of school, and facing struggles we never anticipated.My guest opens up about battling addiction, losing friendships, and the health toll of alcohol dependence. She shares her experience of an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship with a narcissistic partner, navigating a challenging pregnancy, and becoming a mother while still trapped in a toxic environment.Through resilience and courage, she found the strength to leave, rebuild her life as a single mother, and embrace recovery—proving that healing is possible even after the darkest moments. We end the episode with heartfelt advice for anyone who might be in similar shoes, offering hope, support, and guidance.You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources:📌 Resources & Hotlines:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 (thehotline.org)SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (samhsa.gov)Postpartum Support International (PSI): 1-800-944-4773 (postpartum.net)Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): aa.orgNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (nami.org)💜 If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your story matters.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation: [Insert podcast link]Hashtags:#TheButterflyEffectPodcast #HealingJourney #AddictionRecovery #SurvivorStory #EmotionalAbuseAwareness #NarcissisticAbuse #PostpartumHealing #SingleMomLife #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #WomensEmp
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about death, trauma, and abortion. We understand these topics can be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself, and feel free to skip this episode or step away if needed. 💜Hey y’all!In this episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast, I sit down with my girl Rosa—who I first met while she was doing my makeup at MNSW. From the moment we started talking, we clicked instantly, bonding over our shared views on life, faith, and staying true to ourselves.Rosa opens up about growing up in North Minneapolis, where the community was tough but always looked out for its own. She shares her journey of breaking away from her parents' expectations of college and choosing beauty school instead—paving her own path toward success.We also dive into a HUGE life update: Rosa recently found out she’s pregnant! She talks about what this new chapter means for her, how she’s preparing for motherhood, and why living in alignment with God is more important to her now than ever.This convo is real, raw, and full of wisdom for anyone chasing their dreams, navigating faith, or stepping into motherhood. Tap in and let us know your thoughts in the comments!🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!#ButterflyEffectPodcast #Faith #Motherhood #BeautySchool #NorthMinneapolis #WomenEmpowerment
Hey y’all, welcome back to another episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast! This week, Isaiah King, Founder and Creative Director of Minnesota Swim Week, joins me. We dive into his journey—from being born in Jerusalem to moving to the U.S. at four years old, growing up in Shakopee as one of the few Black kids in his community, and navigating college life at SCSU (where our paths almost crossed). Isaiah shares the inspiration behind Minnesota Swim Week, the hustle of bringing the vision to life, and what’s next for the future of fashion in the North. Plus, we swap funny college stories and discuss what it takes to turn a bold idea into reality. Tap in for an inspiring convo about creativity, resilience, and making waves in unexpected places. Create, Elevate, and always—BFly.
Hey y’all, welcome back to another episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast! This week, I’m joined by Megan, and we’re diving deep into the chaos of the Minneapolis dating scene—yep, the city was ranked the 3rd worst place to date, and we’ve got thoughts. From wild dating experiences to the real struggles of finding connection, we’re breaking it all down. But that’s not all! We also get into dressing for your body type, embracing your personal style, and how to feel confident in your skin no matter what.Tap in for a fun, unfiltered convo filled with laughs, real talk, and a little fashion inspo. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show!
Create, Elevate & BFly.
What’s it really like to work in the restaurant industry? My friends and I are dishing it all in this episode—from the perks that make the job worth it to the wild workplace drama that keeps it interesting. We’re sharing the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious, including guest icks that make you question humanity and the unexpected fun that comes with life in the service industry. Whether you’ve worked in food service or just love the behind-the-scenes chaos, this episode will have you laughing, nodding along, and maybe cringing a little too.
Hey, y’all! In Episode 63 of The Butterfly Effect Podcast, we’re doing a full wrap-up of 2024 – the good, the messy, and everything in between. Grab your favorite drink, and let’s chat about how this year shaped me and what I’m bringing into 2025. Here’s what we’re yapping about: Holiday Season Recap – All the cozy vibes and special moments. 2024 Wrap-Up – What I’m grateful for, proud of, and the lessons that hit me hard this year. Hormones & Mental Health – How burnout and pre-period mood swings tried me (and what I’ve learned about handling both). My Favorite Memories of 2024 – Traveling, weddings, MN Swim Week, supporting my friends, and soaking up time with my loved ones. It’s all about reflecting on this transformative year and setting intentions for the next one. Let’s go into 2025 with gratitude, purpose, and good vibes! 💫 💜 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep the Butterfly Effect going! Let me know in the comments what your favorite memory or biggest lesson from 2024 was. 🦋 #2024Wrap #YearInReview #HormonesAndMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfCareJourney #TheButterflyEffectPodcast
Friendship breakups can be just as painful as romantic ones, but they also offer an opportunity for growth and healing. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Shakirah Edwards to explore the emotional journey of friendship breakups and the power of forgiveness. We dive deep into healing, reconciling, and taking accountability for our roles in the process. Plus, we discuss how breakups impact friend groups, family, and even children. Whether you’re navigating a breakup or hoping to repair a friendship, this episode offers insights and advice to guide you toward closure and growth.
Hey, lovers! It’s been a while, but I’m finally back and ready to dive into another episode of The Butterfly Effect Podcast.
After a long break, I’ve got some personal updates, thoughts on mental health, and a fresh outlook for the winter months to come.
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing what I’ve been up to, how I’m navigating the challenges of seasonal depression, and the steps I’m taking to maintain my mental well-being as we head into the colder months.
I’ll also touch on the recent election, reflecting on the results and what they mean moving forward.
Whether you're struggling with the winter blues, looking for tips on how to stay mentally strong, or just need a little encouragement to get through the season, this episode is for you!
Topics include:
Grab a warm drink and settle in for an honest conversation about life, mental health, and how we can all get through this season stronger together.
Thanks for being here — I’ve missed you all! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes.
Xoxo,
Leauna
Join us for an unhinged yet insightful Valentine's Day special as Jawon, Blase, and surprise guest, Shakirah join me as we dive into the complexities of modern romance. In this episode, we explore topics ranging from the traditional notion of love to the evolving dynamics of splitting bills 50/50 and deciding when to move in with a partner.
As we navigate the maze of dating and relationships, we reveal our red flags that potential partners should watch out for.
We also tackle the age-old question: Is romance dead? And in a world where gender roles are shifting, are men becoming more zesty while women embrace their masculine side? Join the conversation as we explore these intriguing dynamics and share our own experiences and perspectives.
Whether you're single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, this episode promises to spark thought-provoking discussions about love, dating, and the ever-changing landscape of modern romance.
Guest IG
@imjblase
@cousinjawon
@shakirah2x
Host
@leaunahauser