Episode 23: Permission to Evolve

Episode 25: The First Finish Line: Coming Back to Myself

The First Finish Line: Coming Back to Myself In this episode of Love Lounge, Laura shares the full story behind her very first marathon — Venice, Italy, 2001. What began as a spontaneous “yes” became a defining moment of resilience, self-trust, and identity. From leaving everything behind to move to Los Angeles, to traveling solo to a foreign country, to running 26.2 miles and navigating unexpected challenges — this story is about far more than a race. It’s about remembering who you are when everything feels uncertain. This episode is part of the larger journey behind Laura’s upcoming book Raised by Fire and her Instagram series Stoop Stories: The Miles That Forged Me. As she prepares for the TCS New York City Marathon, Laura is also dedicating each mile to her Marathon Mission, supporting meaningful causes along the way. To follow the journey or sponsor a mile: 👉 raisedbyfire.com/marathon-mission

Episode 24: Hard to Love - Why Strong Women Struggle

Hard to Love: Why Strong Women Struggle There’s a common narrative that independent, self-sufficient women struggle to receive love. But what if the real story is something entirely different? In this episode of Love Lounge, Laura explores the deeper dynamics behind strength, sovereignty, and discernment in relationships. She discusses the difference between love and access, why some women refuse to compromise their standards for companionship, and the subtle ways fear of being alone can lead others to settle for less than they truly desire. This conversation is about: • the myth of the “unavailable strong woman” • the difference between independence and emotional closure • sovereignty vs. the fear of being alone • how standards shape the relationships we allow into our lives • and why discernment is often misunderstood as resistance At its core, this episode is about honoring a life that already feels whole — and allowing love to add to it, rather than replace it. To support Laura's Marathon Mission: https://www.raisedbyfire.com/marathonmission [https://www.raisedbyfire.com/marathonmission]Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelauradought [https://www.instagram.com/thelauradoughty]y Raised by Fire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraisedbyfire [https://www.instagram.com/theraisedbyfire]

Episode 23: Permission to Evolve

PERMISSION TO EVOLVE Two years ago, on an eclipse day, Laura began a project called Find Your Vintage Vibe. At the time, it felt like a creative exploration around style and personal presence. But looking back now, she realizes it was something much deeper. In this reflective episode, Laura shares what the two-year journey taught her about identity, intuition, and the quiet courage it takes to begin something without knowing exactly where it will lead. This conversation explores: • Why “going with the flow” is harder than most people admit • The pressure many high-achieving people feel to constantly produce • The power of allowing ideas to evolve instead of forcing them into structure • What it means to rediscover your essence instead of performing for the world • Why sometimes the most meaningful work we do… is the work that shapes us If you’ve ever started something without knowing exactly where it would lead — this episode is an invitation to trust the process a little more deeply. To support Laura's Marathon Mission: https://www.raisedbyfire.com/marathonmission [https://www.raisedbyfire.com/marathonmission]Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelauradought [https://www.instagram.com/thelauradoughty]y Raised by Fire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraisedbyfire [https://www.instagram.com/theraisedbyfire]

Episode 22: Running With Strength: The Miles That Bring Me Home

Episode 22: Running With Strength — The Miles That Bring Me Home In this episode of The Love Lounge Podcast, Laura shares a deeply personal reflection on signing up for her 8th marathon and 3rd New York City Marathon — taking place in November 2026 as she celebrates her 60th birthday. What began as a physical challenge years ago has become something far more meaningful: a journey of healing, resilience, and self-trust. Laura shares how running transformed her life, how she has raised over $70,000 for charitable causes through past marathons, and why this year she is running in support of Native Strength Revolution, [https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/laura-doughty] an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through strength-based wellness programs. She also introduces a new monthly series, Stoop Stories: The Miles That Forged Me, where she will reflect on the deeper lessons found in movement, growth, and personal evolution. This episode explores: * Running as a tool for emotional and personal transformation * The connection between wellness, purpose, and giving * Supporting Indigenous communities through Native Strength Revolution * The deeper meaning behind endurance and resilience * Love as a practice — not just a feeling Be sure you're following her on Instagram to catch this series: @thelauradoughty [https://www.instagram.com/thelauradoughty] If you’re navigating your own journey of growth, healing, or purpose, this conversation offers a grounded and meaningful space to reflect.

Episode 21 The Moment I Stopped Over-Giving and Didn’t Feel Guilty About It

The Moment I Stopped Over-Giving and Didn’t Feel Guilty About It In this episode of Love Lounge, Laura reflects on a quiet but powerful moment of awareness—when she noticed an old pattern of over-giving arise and chose something different. There was no dramatic breakthrough. No confrontation. Just a soft internal shift. After offering to build a campaign website as a donation for a local mayoral candidate, Laura found herself moving into familiar territory: creating quickly, building platforms, and delivering more than expected. But this time, something was different. Instead of pushing further, seeking validation, or needing the response to mean something about her worth, she simply noticed the pattern… completed what felt aligned… and let the work stand on its own. In this conversation, Laura explores: • The subtle ways over-giving can become an identity • Why high-capacity people often move faster than others can receive • How over-delivering can sometimes be a quiet form of self-abandonment • The difference between giving from alignment vs. giving from proving • What it feels like when generosity becomes clean, complete, and unattached This episode isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about noticing the moment when an old pattern appears… and realizing you’re free to choose differently. If you’ve ever found yourself doing more than anyone asked for, hoping it would be seen or valued, this conversation might resonate. Sometimes the biggest shift doesn’t come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from simply recognizing the pattern… and letting the moment be enough. Learn more about Laura - www.lauradoughty.com [https://www.lauradoughty.com/] Stay connected with Raised by Fire Book Release - www.raisedbyfire.com [https://www.raisedbyfire.com/]