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What does it mean to be simultaneously Greek, Black, and Polish in a world that often demands we select just one identity? Evelyn, the dynamic founder of Sagapo restaurant, weaves this question through our conversation, revealing how her multicultural background became her greatest strength rather than a source of confusion.

Born to a Ghanaian father and a Greek mother with Polish roots, Evelyn grew up in 1990s Thessaloniki as one of the only Black children in her neighborhood. Far from feeling marginalized, she was raised to embrace every facet of her heritage—dancing traditional Pontic dances, eating her grandmother's Polish pierogi, and honoring her African ancestry. "Being one doesn't mean I'm not the other," she explains with the quiet confidence of someone who has never felt the need to fragment herself for others' comfort.

This comfort with complexity extends to her culinary journey, which has taken her from co-founding a vegetarian café in Berlin to working with celebrity chefs in Miami before landing in New York with dreams of creating something uniquely her own. Sagapo, her upcoming restaurant, aims to showcase Greek cuisine beyond the typical souvlaki and gyros, highlighting the mezze tradition and lesser-known dishes that reflect Greece's rich culinary heritage.

The road hasn't been without obstacles. As Evelyn searches for the perfect Manhattan location for her restaurant, she navigates the challenges of being a female entrepreneur of color in an industry where both identities can be met with skepticism. When social media trolls questioned her Greekness because of her skin color, she turned their negativity into virality—another expression of the resilience she attributes to her Pontic ancestry.

Whether discussing the forgotten genocide of Pontic Greeks, the depth of Greek vegetarian traditions, or the projection that successful women often face, Evelyn offers wisdom without pretension. Her story isn't just about food or identity—it's about refusing artificial boundaries and creating space for yourself exactly as you are. Follow Evelyn's journey as she brings Sagapo to life, and witness how embracing every strand of your heritage can become your superpower.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

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The wounds that run deepest often can't be fixed with green juice cleanses or trendy wellness fads. Sitting down with trauma specialist and holistic nutritionist Agata Repice, we dive into the hidden emotional blocks, past life trauma, and spiritual roadblocks that keep us stuck in painful patterns despite our best efforts to heal.

Our conversation opens with a powerful example from my own healing journey—a past life regression where we discovered my brother had literally murdered me in a previous lifetime, explaining our difficult dynamic in this one. After clearing that trauma, our relationship fundamentally shifted. Agata explains how "our ego knows no lineage"—it's the same ego traveling through each lifetime, carrying unprocessed wounds that manifest in our current physical bodies and relationships.

The physical-emotional connection runs deeper than most realize. We explore how emotions literally get stuck in organs, with shame emerging as perhaps the most destructive force, manifesting as serious illnesses including cancer, joint pain, and inflammatory conditions. "Every illness starts with a thought," Agata shares, recounting how clients' health issues consistently trace back to specific emotional events. Using emotional homeopathic tinctures creates what she describes as "Drano for your meridians," clearing energetic blockages that talk therapy alone can't reach.

What makes this conversation refreshingly honest is our rejection of toxic positivity. Being spiritual doesn't mean you must always forgive or maintain gratitude. Sometimes you need to acknowledge anger, process grief, and sit with discomfort before moving forward. True healing requires honoring your full humanity first.

Whether you're struggling with chronic health issues that conventional medicine can't solve, repeating relationship patterns despite your best efforts, or feeling spiritually stuck despite your practices, this episode offers a profoundly different perspective on healing. Listen now to discover the deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions of what's keeping you unwell—and the tools to finally break free.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

Send us a text

Ever noticed how complaining about something seems to make it worse? There's a reason for that, and Jorge Perez Jr. is here to explain exactly why.

In this profound conversation, Jorge shares how his book "The Shut The F*ck Up Method" emerged from a powerful realization: despite all our self-help knowledge, we continue sabotaging ourselves through unconscious language patterns. After losing both parents to cancer, Jorge dove deep into epigenetics, discovering that our constant state of stress—often perpetuated by our own words—can activate genetic predispositions. The solution? Learning when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to fundamentally shift our relationship with language.

Jorge reveals the moment his method was born while volunteering at a Dr. Joe Dispenza retreat. Despite hearing teachings about how "what we focus on grows," he watched as participants immediately resumed gossiping and complaining during breaks. This disconnect became his catalyst for change. As he explains, "We don't get what we want—we get what we're in alignment to."

Throughout our discussion, Jorge offers practical wisdom for developing emotional autonomy—the ability to bounce back quickly when things don't go your way. He introduces his GAV method (Gratitude, Affirmation, Visualization) as a simple morning practice to rewire neural pathways. Most powerfully, he challenges us to stop "fighting for our limitations" by seeking validation for our complaints, and instead find one trustworthy person who will help us see beyond our stories.

Whether you're struggling with negative thought patterns, seeking greater emotional resilience, or simply tired of being stressed out, this episode offers transformative tools for shifting your perspective. As Jorge reminds us, "Life is temporary—our biggest job is to enjoy it and let go as easily as we can."

Check out The Shut The F*ck Up Method wherever books are sold and connect with Jorge on Instagram @JorgePerezJr to learn about his workshops, retreats, and one-on-one coaching.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

Send us a text

When I started rapidly gaining weight despite maintaining my usual healthy habits, I knew something was wrong. But doctor after doctor dismissed my concerns, suggesting I simply wasn't being honest about my diet or exercise. After gaining almost 100 pounds in a single year and feeling completely desperate, I turned to Ozempic – despite being the type of person who filters water, avoids food dyes, and scrutinizes beauty products for toxins.

What followed was two years of medical hell that exposed not only the dangers of weight loss medications but also the pervasive fat bias in healthcare. After just one primer dose of Ozempic, my heart rate skyrocketed to over 200 BPM whenever I stood up. I couldn't walk my children to school or climb stairs without feeling like I was having a heart attack. Yet cardiologists insisted it couldn't be related to the medication, diagnosing me with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) while suggesting weight loss surgery rather than addressing my symptoms.

The most infuriating part of my journey wasn't just being dismissed – it was noticing how differently I was treated as my body size changed. The same doctors who listened carefully when I was thin now assumed I was lazy, dishonest about my eating habits, or simply needed to "try harder" now that I was heavier. It wasn't until I found integrative medicine through Parsley Health that someone finally looked at my symptoms holistically, identifying Hashimoto's thyroiditis, adrenal dysfunction, and other issues that had been hiding in plain sight on my "normal" blood work all along.

My story is a powerful reminder to trust your intuition about your body, become your own healthcare advocate, and seek second opinions when something feels wrong. Whether you're considering weight loss medications or struggling with unexplained health issues, remember that you deserve to be heard, you're not crazy, and sometimes the most conventional medical advice isn't what your body needs.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

Send us a text

What happens when life's unexpected detours become your greatest teachers? Lauren Unger's journey from medicated childhood to spiritual awakening offers a masterclass in authentic transformation.

Lauren reveals how growing up Jewish on Long Island with ADHD shaped her early sense of difference despite privilege. When reconstructive jaw surgery forced an eight-week leave from her corporate job, she discovered a profound truth: the numbing effects of a decade on medication had disconnected her from herself. This realization sparked a radical life change that eventually birthed "Glow Up Your Chakras" – now both a healing methodology and her forthcoming memoir.

Through gut-wrenchingly honest stories about losing her first love, having her tongue literally tied, and navigating addiction, Lauren demonstrates how our darkest moments can become catalysts for growth. She challenges popular misconceptions about spiritual healing, arguing that true transformation requires integration, not just experiences. "The medicine is simply a tool," she explains, emphasizing that no one else – no coach, healer or substance – can save us; they can only help open doors we must walk through ourselves.

What makes this conversation exceptional is Lauren's ability to balance spiritual wisdom with practical embodiment strategies. From turning her bathroom into a vision board to healing through cooking, she offers accessible ways to bring ethereal insights into everyday life. Her journey proves you don't need perfect circumstances to thrive – you simply need the courage to "be that weed that grows through cement in Manhattan and finds its way."

Pre-order Lauren's book "Glow Up Your Chakras: From Medicated to Meditated" starting April 1st, with paperback available May 2nd. How might your own challenges be inviting you into a more authentic version of yourself?

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

Send us a text

What if everything you've been told about weight loss and hormone health is actually making you sicker? That's the question at the heart of this powerful conversation with hormone health coach Naihomy Jerez, who transformed her own health after having children and facing the same struggles many women experience.

Naihomy dismantles the most pervasive myth in women's health: that eating less leads to weight loss. She explains why this approach backfires for so many women, triggering stress hormones that actually cause the body to hold onto weight. "Your body is just receiving chemical messages," she explains. "It doesn't know that you're safe and just stressed about an email instead of being chased by a bear."

The discussion explores how our modern sedentary lifestyles require completely different nutritional approaches than previous generations. Where our immigrant parents worked physically demanding jobs requiring substantial calories, many of us now move from "bed to desk to couch and back." This fundamental shift means we need to be intentional about both movement and nutrition in ways our parents never had to consider.

Most refreshingly, Naihomy offers practical, sustainable solutions that don't involve deprivation or perfectionism. From making simple food swaps to reframing how we view the scale, she provides actionable steps for women feeling exhausted, bloated, and disconnected from their bodies. She also candidly shares the mindset shift required to prioritize health despite social pressure: "You have to want it so bad that you cannot give a fuck about what other people are going to say."

Whether you're struggling with weight, hormonal imbalances, or simply feeling overwhelmed by contradictory health advice, this episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective that honors the complexity of women's bodies. Follow Naihomy on Instagram @NaihomyJerez or check out her Sugar Mama program to continue your hormone health journey.

https://www.naihomyjerez.com/

Listen to WELLTHY Generation here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/4Y1LN5jmPmQ6EJ0iVYta3H?si=AL1Ynxd-Tiu_veTgnXT_9Q

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.

Send us a text

In this debut episode, host Hope Nalpantidis sets the tone for Hope I Didn't Offend You- a podcast that's raw, unfiltered, and packed with real talk. Hope dives into why she created this space, what listeners can expect, and why she's DONE holding back. From life lessons, to hot takes on motherhood and mental health, and everything in between, this show is about saying what needs to be said - with a little spice and a whole lot of heart. Buckle up - we're just getting started!

The following podcast contains real talk, unfiltered opinions, and maybe even a few moments that will make you slightly uncomfortable. While I am a licensed mental health counselor, this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing shared here should be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice—nor does listening create any kind of therapist-client relationship. If you need professional support, please seek guidance from a qualified provider in your area.

All opinions expressed in this podcast—whether by me or my guests—are personal perspectives and do not reflect the views of any organization, employer, or licensing board. By listening, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the content and that no liability is assumed for any actions taken based on the discussions in this podcast. No offense is intended—but if you take it, that’s on you. Now, let’s get into it.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.