The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet

Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from the grip of sex addiction or love addiction? Can true healing come from facing your deepest vulnerabilities?
In this powerful episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of All the Way to the River, to explore her raw and inspiring journey through recovery. From confronting the chaos of addiction to embracing self-love and surrendering to a higher power, Gilbert shares how she found freedom through a 12-step program and transformed her life by prioritizing her own well-being. Gilbert’s story offers hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to break free from destructive patterns and cultivate self-love.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(02:00) Elizabeth identifies sex and love addiction with lifelong relational issues
(04:37) Surrendering to a 12-step program, a higher power, treating love addiction like substance abuse
(10:33) Defining top-line behaviors and bottom-line behaviors in recovery
(12:46) Elizabeth discusses the destruction of lives around her
(19:00) Self-love over outsourcing validation and reframing intense attraction as a warning
(25:01) Role-playing with your teenage self
(30:59) Gaining support in a 12-step program for true surrender
(32:56) Discussion of a practice called Two-Way Prayer
(35:42) Elizabeth admits why she has gone public with her addiction
(37:04) Discussion of Raya, Elizabeth's best friend
(43:52) Navigating rage-filled grief and spiritual bankruptcy after loss
(47:10) Switching from rage to self-accountability
(51:42) Elizabeth made decisions on not hurting people in the telling of her book, while recovering in public
(56:24) What is the definition of sobriety

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Surrendering to a higher power through a 12-step program is crucial for overcoming sex addiction and love addiction, fostering lasting recovery.
Cultivating self-love and self-accountability by adopting top-line behaviors helps break destructive cycles and achieve emotional sobriety.
Facing grief and withdrawal from love addiction requires honest introspection to heal and build trust in oneself.

RESOURCES:
The New Yorker Re: All the Way to the River- LinkedIn
Elizabeth Gilbert - Website
ALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER - Instagram
BOOKS REFERENCED:
All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation: Gilbert, Elizabeth: 9780593540985: Amazon.com: Books

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:
The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.
ABOUT ELIZABETH:
Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the novels City of...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Heidi Smith, author of The Uncommon Book of Prayer, for an inspiring and introspective discussion on the transformative power of prayer. Together, they explore how prayer can be a profoundly personal and evolving practice, serving as a sacred connection between oneself and the divine. Heidi redefines traditional notions of prayer, incorporating elements of mindfulness, meditation, affirmation, and grounding presence to foster healing and self-reflection. They delve into the benefits of prayer for nervous system regulation, emotional well-being, and trauma recovery while also addressing how prayer can support faith, co-regulation, and connection. Whether you're seeking guidance on how to begin praying or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this episode offers insights into the profound role prayer can play in personal growth and healing.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(1:09) Heidi shares why she wrote The Uncommon Book of Prayer
(3:59) Discussion on defining prayer, focusing (a psychosomatic integration tool), mindfulness, meditation affirmation and power
(10:04) Discussion of benefits of prayer, healing, self-reflection, validation, co-regulation, grounding presence, and the nervous system
(16:29) Discussion of trauma survivors, dissociation, faith and how to pray
(22:55) The reaction of men to the book and Heidi describes her work and just being
(32:49) How to begin to pray
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Prayer is redefined as a profoundly personal, sacred agreement between oneself and the divine. It emphasizes that it doesn’t have to follow a specific structure or tradition. It can evolve, adapting to one's changing beliefs and circumstances.
Prayer and mindfulness practices can support nervous system regulation, fostering emotional self-soothing and reducing reliance on external coping mechanisms like substances or validation. They also promote improved mood, energy levels, and even healthy aging.
Developing presence is fundamental in healing and spiritual growth. Whether through prayer, grounding practices, or co-regulation with people, animals, or nature, cultivating a sense of safety and connection is key to emotional and physical well-being.

RESOURCES:
The Uncommon Book of Prayer - Book
Heidi Smith - Instagram
Heidi Smith Website
BIOGRAPHY:
I'm a psychosomatic therapist, herbalist, and flower essence practitioner in the New York City area.
In 2007, I began to question the beliefs I held around myself, healing, and reality. Seeking answers beyond the mainstream I found my spiritual teacher and mentor, Jane Bell. Through our work studying Focusing and Egyptian Mysticism, my commitment to healing and transformation bloomed, leading me to leave my previous career and New York City, retreating into three years of academic and personal study. After completing my master's in mental health counseling I returned to the city, began an apprenticeship with Claudia Keel, an herbalist, nutritionist, and flower essence practitioner, and enrolled in the three-year clinical herbal medicine program at...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Conversation, host Amanda de Cadenet sits down with Jillian Turecki, author of It Begins With You, to explore the transformative journey of self-love, building self-esteem, and creating healthy relationships. Jillian shares personal stories, including her divorce and the pivotal role the message of Tony Robbins played in her healing, as well as insights into dating dynamics, mentorship, and the lessons she hopes readers take from her book. This candid discussion looks into embracing imperfection, fostering meaningful connections, and facing life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. Welcome to the Conversation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:52) How did Jillian begin to experience self-love
(7:33) Raising your self-esteem
(12:01] Jillian describes a healthy relationship and talks about her dating
(22:36) Are you dating a nice guy or a doormat? What about gender roles
(30:20) Jillian’s divorce and the self-help she received from Tony Robbins
(32:30) The importance of mentorship. Why are people drawn to Jullian
(36:22) What Jillian hopes people learn from her book, It Begins With You

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Self-love is genuine self-acceptance—embracing your imperfections and holding yourself in high regard despite your flaws. With age and wisdom, it becomes clearer that doubting your worth is a waste of time.
Building self-esteem requires doing hard things that challenge and empower you, giving back and fostering community. Achievements and meaningful connections strengthen yourself and create a deeper purpose and fulfillment.
A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect, and emotional safety, forming a foundation for teamwork and collaboration. When challenges arise, healthy couples face them together, prioritizing open communication and problem-solving rather than withdrawing or blaming each other.

RESOURCES:
Jullian Turecki - LinkedIn
It Begins With You - Book

About This Podcast:
The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet.

BIOGRAPHY:
Jillian Turecki is a relationship coach, teacher, podcaster, writer, and speaker who has devoted her life to helping people revolutionize their relationships with themselves. For over 20 years, Jillian has maintained a deep commitment to authenticity, compassion, and inner transformation as she follows her insatiable curiosity about what makes relationships thrive.
Keywords: Amanda de Cadenet, The Conversation podcast, Celebrity interviews, Women's empowerment, Feminism, Interviews with inspiring women, Mental health discussions, Self-growth podcast, Authentic conversations, Empowered women conversations

In this episode, Amanda introduces Donna Lancaster, author of ‘The Bridge, a 9-step Crossing into Authentic and Wholehearted Living’ and Wise Words for Women: Words to Soothe, Comfort, Challenge, and Inspire . She's a healing, transformative, insightful, self-proclaimed writer, group facilitator, and intuitive coach. Donna shares her insights as she answers some rapid-fire questions about life, how she sees herself, success, and what defines her.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(1:00) Donna discusses the growth she would like to see in her personal life and the ways she has changed for the better
(4:07) Donna speaks about what gives her hope and sees herself as a truthteller, and she defines her success
(6:24) Donna defines success, shares her upbringing and how she let that define her in the past and discusses loss in life
(9:00) Donna discusses creativity, taking a nap and her favorite cake
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sometimes, telling the truth can hurt someone, and we often tone down the truth to spare another person's feelings.
Success can be defined as freedom, living a life that is unshackled and safe.
Donna believes that you show love through grief.

RESOURCES:
Book: The Bridge by Donna Lancaster
Book: Wise Words for Women by Donna Lancaster
Donna Lancaster - LinkedIn
Donna Lancaster - Instagram

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:
The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics, from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at

Amanda is honored to sit down with Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest, the incredible co-authors behind September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories.This inspiring project brings together heartfelt letters, notes, and conversations from friends, experts, and the September Letters community, all with a shared mission: to create a space where vulnerability leads to understanding, connection, and healing. Through this robust exchange of stories, we’re reminded that none of us are truly alone in our struggles. In this conversation, Brittany, Jaspre, and Amanda explore a range of topics—from therapy to metaphysics—and even tease about exciting new projects. It’s a meaningful discussion that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and more connected to the people around you. Tune in and discover the transformative power of sharing our stories.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:43] Brit talks about how the book September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories has been received, and Jaspre discusses the origins of the book
[4:51] Brit discusses when she first became aware of her mental health issues as a teenager
[8:26] How Jaspre and Brit connected through acts of service, how helping others and sharing a personal mental health journey can be self-serving and talking about the solution more than the problem
[19:24] Discussion of the lack of adequate help and the cost of therapy
[21:07] Jaspre reflects on her childhood and discussion on metaphysics
[30:10] Is the feeling intuition, or is it fear, and what about the guest’s charts
[38:04 Jaspre and Brittany are making a documentary from The September Letters and Brit shares information about the film she has written and is directing

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Being able to recognize that you have a mental disorder is the first step. The second step is to talk to someone, whether a friend, family member or therapist.
Some individuals exploit their mental health struggles on social media, portraying them in a manner that undermines the authenticity of the issue they claim to address, ultimately doing a disservice to those genuinely affected by mental health challenges.
Being part of a community where others share your struggles can be therapeutic. When you serve others, you can set aside your own worries and uplift your fellow human beings.

RESOURCES:
The September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in Sharing Our Stories
Jaspre Guest - Instagram
Brittany Snow - Instagram

Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest
About September Letters

Co-founded by Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest, September Letters launched in September 2020. Creating an online platform that not only raises...