Not Like the Others

Episode 10: The Motherhood Gap, Leading Through Grief & Breaking Generational Cycles with Renee Ferrufino

Elle — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:11:21 -0600

In this heartfelt interview, Renee Ferrufino, CEO of the Women's Foundation of Colorado, shares her inspiring journey of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for women and families amidst personal loss and societal challenges. We explore the importance of gender equity, the impact of grief, and how community and empathy can drive meaningful change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Powerhouse Leader
03:12 The Mission of the Women's Foundation of Colorado
06:15 Convergence of Crises and the Role of Women
09:14 The Importance of Philanthropy and Community Support
12:04 Data-Driven Insights on Women's Economic Status
14:24 The Impact of Corporate Greed on Society
17:23 Empathy and Compassion in Philanthropy
20:22 Breaking Generational Cycles
22:45 The Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
25:41 Resilience and Hope in Difficult Times
32:09 Navigating Career and Motherhood
37:07 The Impact of Pregnancy on Professional Life
42:36 Transitioning from Corporate to Nonprofit
49:19 Women Supporting Women in the Workplace
55:04 The Essence of Parenting and Human Connection
59:45 Navigating Childhood Dynamics
01:02:33 The Weight of Grief
01:04:11 Finding Grace in Grief
01:07:10 Complexities of Loss
01:10:37 Celebrating Connections
01:14:06 The Gift of Vulnerability
01:17:01 Understanding Non-Linear Grief
01:22:04 Embracing Complexity in Humanity
01:27:05 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose

Resources
Women's Foundation of Colorado - https://www.womensfoundationofcolorado.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeferrufino/
Elle's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/notliketheotherspod/

Episode 9: Religious Trauma, Rapture Culture & Finding God Outside the Church with Jason Price

Elle — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:30:21 -0700

In this highly vulnerable episode, Elle is joined by her close friend Jason Price for a raw look at their childhood experiences with religion, and how that shaped them.

Growing up in the South, they lived under the constant, heavy shadow of "Rapture Culture" - a world where salvation felt like a moving target and the fear of being "left behind" was a daily reality for a child.

This isn't an indictment of faith, but an autopsy of the "human noise" that often drowns out the divine. From the psychological toll of "Judgment Houses" to the stigma of divorce and its implications in abusive relationships, Elle and Jason explore the "theft" of the self that happens inside a system built on shame. It’s a high-stakes conversation about breaking generational chains, trusting your own discernment, and the quiet, rebellious act of finding God outside the building.

In this episode:

The Apocalypse in the Rearview: The lingering impact of being raised to expect the end of the world at any moment.
The Gift of Discernment: How being a "misfit" in the pews became a superpower for sniffing out insincerity.
Protecting the Brand vs. Protecting the Person: A look at the institutional failures that prioritize the "business" of church over the safety of the soul.
The Reclamation: Why leaving the cage was the only way to find the light, and what it looks like to start feeling "enough"

Episode 8: Bridges to Empowerment: Tech, Justice, and Global Sisterhood with WAKE Co-Founder, Trish Tierney

Elle — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:54:18 -0700

What happens when Silicon Valley expertise meets the frontlines of global social justice? In this episode, Elle sits down with Trish Tierney, the visionary co-founder and Executive Director of WAKE (Women’s Alliance Knowledge Exchange).

As WAKE celebrates its 10th anniversary in early 2026, the mission has never felt more urgent. Amidst a shifting landscape of US foreign policy—including the dissolution of USAID and the return of the global gag rule—Trish is "doubling down" on the power of women. We dive into the "Tech2Empower" model, exploring how professional skills in marketing, tech, and strategy are transformed into life-changing tools for women leaders in Ukraine, Rwanda, Colombia, and beyond.

Highlights from our conversation:

The "Social Entrepreneur" Leap: Why Trish left a stable career in her 40s to build something entirely new.
Resilience in Real-Time: How WAKE’s partners in Cambodia and Ukraine pivoted overnight during global funding crises.
The Radical Exchange: Why the "mentors" often walk away with more wisdom than they give.
2026 and Beyond: A raw look at navigating the "messiness" of current events with open-mindedness and authenticity.

"If you can provide even the smallest opportunity for people to find a way to take action or find strength in connection... you have to do that." — Trish Tierney

To learn more about how you can donate or get involved with WAKE's Tech2Empower programs, visit https://www.wakeinternational.org/.

Episode 7: Embracing AI, the Future of Healthcare & the Transformation of Work with Jason Price

Elle — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:02:40 -0600

Host Elle Roth sits down with her dear friend, Jason Price (COO of iTX Companies, a healthcare revenue cycle management company), for a powerful conversation about on the future of AI and healthcare, and how technology is overwhelmingly impacting our lives from every angle.

They pull back the curtain on how technology, specifically AI, is reshaping not just the workplace, but their own daily lives. This is a crucial discussion on the human implications of innovation: the emotional impact of technology, the challenges of rebuilding trust in a digital-first world, and the human responsibility required to teach AI our values.

Jason and Elle share candid insights on the evolving nature of human interaction, the importance of maintaining ethics, and the need to adapt to rapid changes across healthcare and technology—from the emotional shift of remote work to the socioeconomic realities facing rural healthcare.

Tune in for a unique blend of personal reflection, professional foresight, and shared laughter as two friends navigate the biggest questions facing our world.

Episode 6: CBD and the Power of Plants with Meghann Kettler of Sacred Ace Skincare

Elle — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:51:20 -0600

This week, I'm so excited to introduce you to my friend Megann Kettler, the co-founder of ⁠Sacred Ace Skincare⁠, a CBD skincare line that literally saved my chapped lips and has transformed my skin. We chat about everything from how we met to the power of plant-based remedies and why Megan was inspired to start her own company. She breaks down the science of CBD and how it works with our body's endocannabinoid system to help with everything from pain relief to skin conditions.

We also touch on about Big Pharma and the challenges of building a brand in a heavily censored industry.

You'll get an exclusive look at what's in store for Sacred Ace and hear her passion for helping people take their health into their own hands.

You can find Sacred Ace Skincare at www.sacredaceskincare.com and @sacredaceskincare on Instagram and TikTok.

Promo code for listeners: ELLE

Episode 5: Second Chances in Friendship, Recovery & Self-forgiveness with Susanna Erickson

Elle — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:08:53 -0600

In this raw conversation, Elle sits down with her college bestie, Susanna Erickson, whom she recently reunited with after nearly two decades apart. The two friends reminisce about their wild and messy life as teenagers at Pace University in New York City, reliving hilarious memories like sumo wrestling each other and accidentally ending up at a foot fetish party.

Beyond the laughter, they get real about their individual journeys of healing and recovery, and the hard-won gift of self-forgiveness. This episode is an honest look at what it means for the path of friendship to converge again and to embrace the second chances life gives us.

Episode 4: Finding Your Soul Purpose & Healing Using Vedic Astrology with Sarita Shrestha

Elle — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:51:42 -0600

This fascinating episode features Sarita Shrestha, a highly respected Vedic astrologer, co-owner of Tibet Imports, her shop of 22 years in Denver, Colorado.

The conversation explores the ancient practice of Vedic astrology, revealing how it can be used as a tool for finding soul purpose and healing.

Listeners will learn how to navigate both the challenging and abundant seasons of life with greater clarity. The episode also shares powerful stories that highlight the stunning accuracy of Vedic astrology, discusses the beautiful malas Sarita and her family create by hand, and provides simple, actionable practices for cultivating a more grounded life filled with peace and love.

Readings can be booked with Sarita on a walk-in basis at ⁠Tibet Imports⁠ (709 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO) or virtually at ⁠prayermala.com⁠.

Episode 3: Craigslist Friendship, The Butterfly Effect & Rethinking Community Parenting with Bryce Gruber

Elle — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:22:30 -0600

In this quirky and heartfelt conversation, Elle and Bryce Gruber reconnect after a decade apart, exploring how a simple Craigslist ad sparked a life-changing friendship. They dive into the butterfly effect of their fated meeting, their mutual love for TikTok creatures, personality profiling based on blood type, and the spiritual nature of a connection that has endured for nearly two decades.

Beyond their personal story, they discuss Bryce's journey as a mom of five, navigating a career, reimagining community parenting and explores the profound impact of the people who come into our lives—and the powerful lessons they teach us.

Episode 2: Trauma Recovery with Psilocybin, Friendship & Healing in Motherhood with Tessa Metiva

Elle — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:38:25 -0600

In this intimate conversation, host Elle is joined by her dear friend and certified trauma recovery coach, Tessa Metiva. The two reflect on how their paths fatefully crossed during a period of deep mental health challenges and divorce in Elle's life.

Tessa, who is also a certified psychedelic preparation and integration coach, shares her "why" for this work, rooted in her own healing journey. Elle gets vulnerable about her powerful experiences with psilocybin in a therapeutic setting—from a gentle first ceremony to a heroic dose that "cracked her open" and led to profound spiritual insights.

They dive into the critical importance of preparation and integration, highlighting how their unique friendship was forged through this process. The conversation also explores the intersection of motherhood and mental health, as Tessa shares her personal struggles with postpartum depression and her founding of the Cool Mom Collective to build a much-needed community for new moms.

This episode is a raw look at how unconventional paths to healing can lead to deep personal growth and lasting connection.

Mentioned during the episode:

Cool Mom Collective - https://www.instagram.com/coolmomcollectiveden/
M.O.M. (Moms on Mushrooms) - https://www.momsonmushrooms.com/
Sacred Ace CBD Skincare - https://sacredaceskincare.com/

Episode 1: Building Community, Proud Parenting, and Navigating Profound Grief with David "Mac" McDaniel

Elle — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:45:28 -0600

Trigger Warning: This episode is deeply personal and discusses sensitive, difficult subjects including suicide, war, and grief. Please listen with care. If you or a loved one are in crisis, help is available. You can connect with people who can help by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org.

In this inaugural episode of 'Not Like the Others,' host Elle engages in a heartfelt conversation with David "Mac" McDaniels - a father of five; a fierce mental health advocate, especially for Veterans; a search and rescue volunteer; a fractional CTO; and owner of Colorado 4x4 Adventures.

A harrowing adventure in the Colorado mountains led to a new friendship with Mac McDaniel, a volunteer with Colorado 4x4 Rescue & Recovery and a veteran non-profit, Stop Soldier Suicide. What starts as a conversation about a recovery mission quickly evolves into a profound and deeply personal discussion. Mac opens up about his journey - from community service, to navigating divorce and building strong relationships with his children, to honoring the memory of his late son, US Army Veteran Connor McDaniel.

This episode is a testament to the power of human connection, the strength found in community, and the incredible stories that lie beneath the surface of first impressions. If you're moved by Mac's story and the mission to help veterans and service members in crisis, please consider donating to Stop Soldier Suicide at stopsoldiersuicide.org.

If Colorado 4x4 Rescue & Recovery's mission resonates with you, please consider donating at co4x4rnr.org.

Trailer: Welcome to Not Like the Others!

Elle — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:00:49 -0600

Have you ever felt your story was truly one of a kind? This trailer is your invitation to Not Like the Others, a podcast where host Elle delves into the messy, unusual, and profound human experiences that often make us feel unique - yet paradoxically, reveal our shared humanity.

In a world that often highlights division and disconnection, discover a show dedicated to illuminating universal truths and finding hope, connection, and healing within deeply personal narratives.

Through intimate conversations, you'll hear incredible stories of resilience, unlikely connections, breaking generational cycles, self-discovery through curiosity and adventure, healing, and finding joy in the face of adversity.

This podcast is for anyone curious about the astounding ways our diverse journeys reveal common ground. Listen to the trailer now to get a glimpse, then subscribe to Not Like the Others wherever you get your podcasts.

Come find yourself in every story.