Essies Hour Of Love

Ever hear a story that’s almost too crazy to be fake? On this week’s episode we sit down with Justin Reed and dive into a story that started with a confession over 20 years in the making. You would think I lifetime filled with lies would lead to trust issues, but it’s the exact opposite! Listen to his episode and hear how it all played out.

Excited to kick off a brand new season with the inspiring Lisa Marie Basile. Lisa’s story takes some unpredictable turns from life in foster care to practicing witchcraft and creating rituals. Don’t worry, it’s not as SPOOKY as it may sound! She is an editor, writer and poet living in NYC. She’s written two books of poetry Apocryphal, and Nympholepsy - due out next November. Her upcoming first novel is a fiction about New Orleans, sex death, and finding the self. But her writing doesn't end there, she’s also the founding editor-and-chief of Luna Luna Magazine which has been described as content divided into “light” and “dark”. Listen to her episode and maybe you’ll be just as bewitched by her story as us. Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisamariebasile #lisamariebasile, or reach out to her at Lisambasile@gmail.com / editor@lunalunamagazine.com

Join us on a mini-trip to Westchester, NY and meet two extraordinary individuals Alan Epstein and Yvonne Tropp. Hear their journey from young love, to a lifetime spent loving another person, and finding love for the second time. We cover many decades, many daughters, and a letter that turned into an unexpected first date. But most of all, we learned that no matter what age there’s always potential for great love.

If you're in need of some body positivity this is the episode for you. This weeks' guest, Laura Delarato takes us through her inspiring journey becoming an influential plus size model, artist and film maker. Tune in to hear a very honest and raw conversation between two women whose lives have been affected by the shape of their bodies.

We all crave connections. And when you're lost thinking no one else will understand, finding someone who relates means everything. This week’s guest Cheryl Malik did just that. She saw a missing piece to the Modern Woman meets Motherhood equation and set out on a mission to fix it by founding NoFilter. With the help of her extensive marketing background, successful blogging history, and experience as a modern mother she created a place for women and mothers to come and share their truths—helping to ensure they're not alone.

This week’s guest Jeremy Elliott has a little something for all of us to reminisce about. From awkward high school years, to working at the local hotspot, and all the drama that comes with young love. Can’t say we all met our partners while dressed up in a borrowed doctor's outfit, or broken the “bro code” to take her on a date, but we all can appreciate finding a loving & supportive partner that helps you to believe in yourself.

As a NYC woman stuck in the modern dating world this week’s guest Adrienne Scordato worked her way from secretary to CEO of her own business, survived a battle with cancer, and then fell head over heels in love. She waited 45 years to find him, so it makes sense she’d cancel their first date 3 times before finally saying yes! And she's very happy she did.

People say in order to find love you need to stop looking. And, this week’s guest Phuc Nguyen has us thinking it may actually be worth a shot! It’s a story told over many years, countries, time-zones, and places in life. But, while on a journey for self-discovery, with someone she might’ve not expected, she found what many search for…love.

Nobody knows when or if they'll figure out there life's passion. But for this girl, it was young! Catherine Corcoran knew pretty early on she would grow up and use her voice for those who either can't or won't. As an actress, artist and moon-child, she has had her fair share of exciting adventures. And unfortunately, some first hand experiences as a woman in a "man's world". Through all the highs and lows she's faced, Catherine found love in her career and a man who supports her, lets her be her, and after years...keeps it fun! You may remember him from episode 17, but this time we get the other side of the story.

What started as a job soon became a first love & worldwide adventure story for the ages. This week’s guest Aitana Novoa tells the love story that brought her here to NYC.

This week's guest is an inspiring Associate Creative Director by day and expert first dater by night (she's gone on over 200!). Jennifer Schwartz takes us back to summer camp days, describing her ultimate man, and giving Essie a lesson on online flirting. Let's just say we can all learn a few things from this episode!

On this week's episode our featured guest Traci Kiss sits down and talks candidly about growing up biracial in the Midwest, running into first loves later on in life, and discovering new love in unexpected places.

Flirty Kurty and his wonderful way with women! On this week's episode featuring Kurt McVey we learn the truth about standing naked in a room filled with strangers, writing for major publications like The New York Times & Interview Magazine, and what is means to live the ultimate New York life.

This week’s guest Peri Lyons, reminds us that so much of love & life is unseen. Described as being a specialist in three “C”s—clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience, Lyons continues her career as an intuitive consultant because, “it’s a little like great sex, when it works...IT WORKS!”

Time, religion, and age didn’t get in the way of these two! Sandi Harari, an unbelievably talented SVP Creative Director, mother of 2 & Essie’s boss, took the time out of her busy schedule to share her story. And, in her own words...“It felt like a decade in the making”.

Ben Zank a photographer, social media strategist and former YouTube star, tells us how rummaging through your grandparents belongings can transform your life into a new career, new country and new view on love.

We sat down with Bryant Littrean and learned about how he went from a life spent mastering all things digital to later walk away in hopes of fulfilling a more human need, love. A boy born in one country and raised by his mother in another, would grow up to become a man driven by the desire to create, explore, and connect with the physical world around him.

Inspired by some of life’s most hysterical moments, friends Mischa Ipp and Conrad Le Bron have taken the New York City acting scene into their own hands. These two Australian natives, co-created/starred in their wickedly funny webseries Then That Happened after years of collecting outrageous stories from the people around them. In this episode, two friends give advice on taking chances with personal projects, learning when it’s alright to ask for help, and having fun with the people you love most. Check out their webseries Then That Happened at: www.littley.co/thenthathappened www.mischaipp.com www.conradlebron.com

Would you be willing to give up everything you’ve ever known for someone that doesn’t even speak your language? Lupe Abuchaibe, our very first unknown guest, reveals her love story and trust us, it’s made for a movie! We first met Lupe’s Son, John, randomly at a coffee shop where he mentioned that his mom had an incredible Love Story. Naturally, we had to have her on the show.

Thompson Waite is an Australian-raised, NYC-based writer, performer & gonzo podcaster who apparently “fucking hates brunch”. Yes, it’s another Australian everybody! But don’t worry, this lovely gentleman found a way to turn-the-tables and give us a little love insight into our girl Essie! Thompson tells us what it’s like being raised in a divorced household, and how this may or may not affect his modern day marriage. And, so much more! Check out Thompson’s Top Five a gonzo comedy podcast that involves stream-of-consciousness heckling from a bicycle, arguments with close friends about religion and hysterical solo ranting.