Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Conversion therapy is back in the headlines—and it may be closer to home than you think.

Today, we’re unpacking the reality of conversion therapy: what it teaches, how it operates, and the lasting impact it can have on identity, spirituality, and healing. In light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, this conversation feels more urgent than ever. To help us do this, we have Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, author of the upcoming book Conversion Therapy Dropout (May 5).

Through Tim’s personal story, we explore the pull of religious spaces, the promise of belonging, and the painful unraveling that can follow.

Note: This episode was recorded prior to the March 31 Supreme Court ruling.
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What if getting dressed could actually help you feel better?

This week, JVN sits down with Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike to talk about dopamine dressing, personal style, and why fashion is so much deeper than just clothes. Together, they get into how to figure out what your style really is, why “everything is fashion,” and how vintage, retail, and finding a good deal can all shape the way we express ourselves.

BIO: Named editor-in-chief of Marie Claire (US), Nikki Ogunnaike is among a new wave of women driving fresh relevance across fashion titles (The Washington Post saluted her and her peers in a recent collective profile). Previously at Harper’s Bazaar in the role of senior digital director, she has a strong following through social channels and an all-around style that resonates with younger readers. In this new chapter for the reliable women’s magazine, Ogunnaike’s direction signals broader representation of faces and voices through fashion, beauty and news coverage, while appearing sharper and more accessible than ever. Nikki is a Nigerian-American style expert who cut her teeth at publications such as Vanity Fair, InStyle, Glamour, ELLE, and GQ.
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Ever wondered why we lash out, shut down, or spiral emotionally, even when we don't want to? On this episode of Getting Better, JVN teams up with psychologist and author Dr. Nicole LePera (The Holistic Psychologist) to dive deep into inner child healing, parts work, and the shocking truth behind our nervous system's reactions. Dr. LePera reveals how our past molds our emotions, why connection is our biological imperative, and how to become your own adult parent. JVN opens up about their own "parts," and together they dissect black-and-white thinking, fear, and emotional overwhelm, uncovering real-world strategies to break free! If healing has ever felt messy, scary, or downright nonlinear, this conversation may help you truly "getting better."
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2026 will be BIG astrologically speaking…

Discover how astrology is shaping the year's biggest shifts, both personally and globally, with renowned astrologer Aliza Kelly. From planetary movements to understanding your unique birth chart, explore practical ways astrology can guide you through 2026's transformative energies.

Aliza Kelly is a renowned celebrity astrologer, author, columnist, and host of the podcast, AstroloTea! Catch Aliza in ⁠LA⁠ at The Elysian on May 14th, and in ⁠NYC⁠ at Joe’s Pub on July 14th.

Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour ⁠here⁠.

Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on ⁠YouTube⁠.

Follow Aliza Kelly on Instagram ⁠@alizakelly⁠

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@gettingbetterwithjvn⁠

Follow Jonathan on Instagram ⁠@jvn⁠

Executive Producer, Chris McClure

Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure

Production support from Chad Hall

Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: ⁠www.patreon.com/jvn⁠

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email ⁠podcastadsales@sonymusic.com⁠.
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This week, we’re talking: our hiatus, AOC, scarf spelling bee, voter registration, and our HBOTW!

Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.

Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn

Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris

Executive Producer, Chris McClure

Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure

Production support from Chad Hall

Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices