Not a Purse!

It's Been Not a Purse Podcast!

After many heartfelt conversations and countless shared stories, Jo and Larissa wrap up this chapter of Not a Purse! with love and gratitude. In this final episode, they look back on how it all started, what the podcast has meant to them, and the unexpected ways it shaped their journey. It's a celebration of growth, connection, and daring to speak about the things that are often left unsaid. Thank you for being part of this beautiful experiment in honesty and community. This isn't goodbye—just see you later.

Child Loss Unspoken: Grief, Love, and the Spaces Between w/ Kieran

In this honest and grounding episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Kieran, a grief and trauma coach, to talk about the realities of child loss—a topic so often wrapped in silence. From the heartbreak of losing her firstborn to the everyday work of weaving his memory into family life, Kieran shares her story with deep vulnerability. Together, they explore the isolation of grief, the discomfort around pregnancy loss, and the unspoken belief that babies aren’t supposed to die. They also discuss how to talk about loss—with children, partners, and community—and the power of support, advocacy, and honest conversation in healing. Kieran, who lovingly calls herself a "walking trigger warning" offers a courageous, compassionate invitation into grief, memory, and connection. To learn more about Kieran’s work, visit www.becoln.com.

What They Don't Tell You: Postpartum Unfiltered w/ Annalisa

In this raw and heartfelt episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Annalisa to talk about the postpartum experience and the multifaceted journey of early parenthood. Together, they peel back the layers of expectation, exhaustion, and transformation that often go unspoken. From birth recovery and shifting identities to the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a newborn, Annalisa shares her personal story with honesty and vulnerability. The trio dives into the mental and physical realities of life after birth, including the moments that are beautiful, the ones that are brutal, and everything in between. This episode is a reminder that you're not alone—and that sharing the hard parts matters just as much as celebrating the good. Tune in for an open, grounding, and deeply human conversation on postpartum and parenthood.

Periods and Friends w/ Rhiana & Vanessa

Why do we learn so little about periods beyond reproduction? In this episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with Rhiana and Vanessa to unpack the gaps in sex education and the societal norms that fail to accommodate the hormonal cycle. They share first period stories, reflect on the ways menstrual health is typically overlooked, and challenge the widely accepted world structures centered around male biology. From migraines and nausea to constipation and mood swings muscle soreness, they shed light on the often-ignored symptoms that come with menstruation. They explore how breaking the silence with peers and listening to our bodies can make all the difference. Tune in for an honest, insightful, and empowering discussion on periods, friendship, and rewriting the narrative.

Touch as a Basic Human Need and Its Taboos w/ Landry Kalembo

In this thought-provoking episode, Larissa and Jo sit down with PhD student in global health, Landry Kalembo, to unravel the complexities of touch as a basic human need. Why is physical contact widely encouraged for newborns but increasingly restricted as we age? Together, they discuss the undeniable benefits of touch and examine the cultural, social, and environmental factors that shape our comfort with physical connection. They question the origins of these taboos and explore how ethnocentrism influences our perceptions. Could greater awareness be the key to breaking down these invisible barriers? Tune in for a compelling conversation that challenges the way we think about human connection.