Trust Me I'm A Novice: Recent Episodes
Sammi St. Leger
In wake of the horrific school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, Sammi sits down in hopes of helping everyone process the horror. She acknowledges why so many people feel burned out when it comes to mass shootings and reminds herself and others of a grave truth: Regardless of how bad it gets, we cannot give up hope. Episode 27 was created in loving memory of the students and teachers that lost their lives. ❤️
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Last May, Sammi graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with zero intel on how to navigate life after college. One year laster, she sits down to impart 12 pieces of advice for preparing and adjusting to post-grad life. She talks applying for jobs, moving out, changing social circles and mental health. Episode 26 gives you the tools to step into the unknown with confidence.
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Sammi explains the history of how abortion became a prevalent topic in Christianity and politics. She breaks down major supreme court cases, explores fatality statistics if Roe V. Wade were to be overturned and highlights ethical dilemmas and possible outcomes of keeping unwanted pregnancies. The podcast wraps up with a serious talk on the gravity of famous poet Rupi Kaur's books being banned in Texas. Episode 25 puts the ball in your court.
***Trigger warning: This podcast mentions instances of sexual violence.
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UIUC student Luke Emano has been studying abroad in Europe for five months. He and Sammi discuss alone time, culture shock, individual growth, couch surfing, climbing mountains and solo traveling. They explore how to find strength to face fears, avoid spiraling with "what if" thinking and emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort. Episode 24 of Trust Me I'm A Novice takes a trip across the pond.
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Sammi continues her interview with content creator Missy Carroll. Missy is well known for a variety of content, including TikToks she created to open up about living with Bipolar Disorder. The two cover Kanye West's Bipolar via breaking down his 2022 Netflix documentary "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy." They explore the connection between his public outbursts and possible manic episodes, touch on what may have triggered his Bipolar, comment on how his God-like beliefs about himself have been intensified though his fan base, and highlight how important a support system is for those living with BPD. Episode 23 asks, "Is Kanye really just being Kanye?"
Disclaimer: This episode does not condone the behavior of Kanye West, it merely seeks to cultivate more space and understanding for those living with BPD.
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Sammi sits down with popular content creator Missy Carroll to talk about her new sports media brand "Southside Behavior" in Trust Me I'm A Novice's FIRST video interview. The two discuss what inspired the brand, why women and Gen Z are less involved in baseball, using TikTok trolls to your advantage and explore Missy's vision for Southside Behavior. Episode 22, like Dylan Cease's mustache, is full of secrets.
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Sammi acknowledges the irony of how prevalent sexual themes are in media despite their lack of presence in conversations within our households. She explains the lack of these conversations contributes to high rates of teen pregnancy, STI transmission and struggles with sexuality. She breaks down the psychology of messages we get (or don't get) about sex growing up referencing a Tedx Talk with Pamela Joy, and she dives into how messages received at young ages (especially by women) can impact individuals well into their adult life - resulting in decreased desire/sex drive. Episode 21 offers a surprisingly simple solution to a big problem.
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Sammi brings back Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist for perhaps the deepest discussion of all. She says during her first podcast on The Alchemist (The Blueprint to Following Your Dreams) she left out her favorite part of the New York Times bestseller. This includes a story within the story that she believes reveals the meaning of life. The pod wraps up with a great mental health tip for working through strong emotions that Sammi explains can be helpful for getting back on track while following the truths of Coelho's spiritual guide.
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In honor of International Women's Day and Sammi's 23rd birthday (Both on March 8th!!!!) she introduces a new perspective on aging and birthdays. The podcast references an inspiring clip from Oprah Winfrey and the late Maya Angelou as the two discuss aging on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From there, Sammi breaks down everything 22 taught her and emphasizes how you learn and grow from all bad experiences. The pod wraps up with a talk on the unsustainable pursuit of youth in America and how it disproportionally affects women. Sammi explains how society has trained women to believe the primarily source of their value is beauty - which is untrue. She says your worth has nothing to do with appearance and cites a beautiful poem by revered poet Rupi Kaur. Episode 19 of Trust Me I'm A Novice is one big celebration.
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In honor of Sammi visiting her Alma Mater, UIUC, this weekend, she has a chat with her oldest roommate - Molly Mehta. The two discuss the value of learning each other's differing backgrounds, address the concept of "Roommate Horror Stories" and highlight the benefits of being involved on campus outside of one's core group of friends. Episode 18 of Trust Me I'm A Novice says ILL.
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Sammi covers spirituality and self - breaking down the basis of a birth chart. She explains many individuals don't believe zodiac signs have validity because they only are familiar with sun signs. She notes how astrology is far more complex and gives insight on The Big Three: three planet placements in astrology that create a basis for a person's traits/behavior. The pod takes it a step further illuminating the planet placements that determine love and sex/career drive. The episode ends with a discussion on how, in the dating world, people are asking the question, "What is your sun sign?" for a far different reasons than checking compatibility. Celebrate Pisces SZN (and Sammi's birth month) with Episode 17 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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If you're single on Valentine's Day, listen to this.
Episode 16 of Trust Me I'm A Novice takes a new perspective on an old holiday.
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Have you ever been told you're "being too sensitive"? Have you ever felt uncomfortable viewing extreme examples of violence or pornography? Sammi rethinks what it means to be sensitive after a jarring experience watching Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. She highlights how sensitivity is integral for creating change and contests expected gender norms for reacting to violence. Episode 15 of Trust Me I'm A Novice asks, "Why is the norm not normal?"
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Sammi breaks down the science behind attraction, highlighting how female preferences for different types of men change according to a girl's ovulation cycle. She begins the pod with her own experiences and explores why a girl may only be into a guy for a brief period of time. She jokes about pop culture, referencing the hit show Euphoria. Do you ever wonder why girls (or you) are into Euphoria's Nate Jacobs? Sammi may just have your answer.
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Sammi discusses the empowering perspective of #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Glennon Doyle in her third memoir: Untamed. Doyle's perspective emphasizes embracing change with 3 words "Let It Burn." Sammi reads from the book and says it is essential to make a decision in line with who you are when it comes to facing the fear of what's next. She explains how following your heart regardless of the outcome is not only the highest level of self love and self respect, but also the key to becoming unstoppable. Just like you, Episode 13 of Trust Me I'm A Novice is fireproof.
***Trigger Warning: this episode makes brief references to eating disorders and addiction
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Sammi does an in depth discussion on one of her favorite books, The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho. She describes the story, stating: "This book, to me, is a book about the meaning of life. In many ways, it is a simplified blueprint or manual, and ultimately it is a story of profound truth." Sammi reads from the story and comments on its biggest lessons - all of which pertain to following one's dream. Deep down, do you want a new house, job, lifestyle or even person? Episode 12 of Trust Me I'm A Novice may just have tools to find what you're looking for.
Disclaimer: This episode focuses solely on a spiritual mindset, not external factors such as family, health, finances etc.
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Sammi recounts the multiple odd occurrences she's experienced within the past year that led her to believe in the existence of something outside herself. She opens up about her own spiritual awakening and highlights how her mindfulness allowed her to be aware of signs she believes were intentionally sent to her. Take a deep dive into spirituality with Episode 11 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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Sammi brings Maddie Rice back on the show to discuss an article in the New Yorker written by Jia Tolentino. The article "The Age of Instagram Face" highlights the new beauty standard emerging in the past decade that has been created and perpetuated by Instagram's algorithm. Quoting a famous celebrity makeup artist, Tolentino's article describes the look as, " “We’re talking an overly tan skin tone, a South Asian influence with the brows and eye shape, an African-American influence with the lips, a Caucasian influence with the nose, a cheek structure that is predominantly Native American and Middle Eastern.” Maddie and Sammi discuss this standard that stemmed from a combination of plastic surgery, Facetune and filters. They explore its connection to mental health struggles, economic success and cultural appropriation. The pod wraps up with an empowering message on embracing your natural beauty, despite it not matching what you seen on a screen. Welcome to Episode 10 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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Men? Emotions? Existing together in harmony? The title says it all. In a two-part podcast, Sammi first highlights two videos that opened her eyes further to the importance of allowing and encouraging men to express emotions - referencing long-term psychological and societal impacts in those who refrain from opening up. She covers the socialization behind a harmful practice and helps build empathy around why some men act the way they do. Then, in the second half of the pod, she sits down with her great friend, Anthony Pasquale, to get a male perspective. The two talk friendships, breakups and more. Episode 9 of Trust Me I'm A Novice starts here.
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Sammi takes listeners on the journey of how Trust Me I'm A Novice came to be, revealing everything she's learned since episode 1. She delves into how the simple task of going on a walk began a massive transformation in her life, opening her eyes to several lessons: 1. You control your own your life 2. You have to fight to be yourself 3. You need to go on more walks. Grab your shoes and headphones, it's Episode 8 of Trust Me I'm A Novice, and we're going for a stroll.
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Sammi interviews famous TikToker and UIUC student Missy Carroll. Missy is best known for her comedy and realness on the app, TikTok, where she posts entertaining and candid videos about her life as a young adult. She discusses the role simply being herself played in her rise to popularity, opens up about her struggles and triumphs over mental health and explains why she decided to use her large platform on Tiktok to advocate for Bipolar disorder. Welcome to Episode 7 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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Sammi interviews her first guest on the show - longtime friend and creative Maddie Rice. The two discuss realities of life after graduation and life in your early twenties, highlighting breakdowns that lead to breakthroughs in perspective. They touch on life slowing down, going with the flow, moving out and provide personal accounts of divine timing. The show ends with a dismantling of the phrase, "College is the best four years of your life." Episode 6 of Trust Me I'm A Novice is here.
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This week, Sammi first complains about getting kicked out of her house, then covers how to implement sustainable change into your life. Segment two questions the phrase and mindset "I don't need anybody," exploring it's connection to hurt and fear. The episode wraps up on a serious note with a discussion on the necessity to listen to one's intuition in unsafe situations. Welcome to Episode 5 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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In this episode, Sammi goes back in time to describe a wedding she went to and offers insight on picking a date when you're single (Spoiler: don't panic). From there, the show dives into finding balance with alcohol consumption and explains the psych/science cough technically it's neuroscience cough behind post-drinking blues. Finally, she grabs a shovel and digs deep, opening the floor to a talk on surface level vs close friendships and asks listeners to consider friendships that no longer serve them with the question she's had to ask herself, "What am I trying to prove?" Welcome to Episode 4 of Trust Me I'm A Novice.
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Sammi explores the importance of changing your reality when you feel stuck and an aspect of your genetic makeup that determines who you are attracted to (Hint: opposites do attract). She wraps up in the deep end with a talk about how to support a friend in need. Episode 3 of Trust Me I'm A Novice has officially arrived.
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On Episode 2, Sammi talks about the pressure social media puts on people to achieve constant success. She also explains the science and psychology behind why early intimacy with someone can lead to being ghosted. To end, she explores the importance of dialing it back early in dating even if you want to "not play games." Welcome to Episode 2 of Trust Me I'm A Novice with your host Sammi St. Leger.
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Sammi discusses a strong mindful habit she discovered during the pandemic, the science behind physical attraction and why the way men are socialized may be causing more breakups. Welcome to Trust Me I'm A Novice with your host Sammi St. Leger.
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