Pop Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome award-winning filmmaker and social media strategist Marley Jaxx. Laura shares how Marley reignited her passion for creating content through her innovative “docu-stunt” concept—a staged stunt in documentary form—motivating Laura to step up her YouTube game.

Marley takes us through her journey from working as a dental hygienist to becoming a viral content creator. She reveals the secrets behind creating impactful content, marketing strategies, and building an engaged audience. Marley emphasizes the importance of consistency, hard work, and patience in achieving success, whether it’s growing a social media platform, embarking on a wellness journey, or building a brand from scratch.

The discussion dives into overcoming challenges, staying motivated when progress feels slow, and the mindset needed to persevere—whether it’s your 100th day at the gym, post-bariatric surgery, or creating content. Marley also opens up about her personal wellness journey, including her battle with adenocarcinoma, undergoing a hysterectomy, and how prioritizing health transformed her life and content creation.

This episode is packed with wellness insights, motivational advice, and actionable tips for creators and dreamers alike. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to keep moving forward, no matter where you are in your journey.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome special guest Steve Azar—a Mississippi Delta native, hit songwriter, recording artist, music producer, and author. Eric shares how he first met Steve back in 2015 on the golf course, and they reminisce about Steve’s journey in the entertainment industry, from starting at the young age of 11 to becoming one of the most downloaded artists on Napster. Despite facing numerous challenges, including throat surgery, Steve's resilience and unwavering determination drove him to success.

Steve discusses the years of hard work that led to his breakthrough, as he didn’t land his first hit until the age of 37. He also shares the excitement of being part of a project nominated for a Grammy—a collaboration featuring multiple artists that highlights the power of music and community.

In addition to his music career, the conversation delves into the epidemic of obesity. Laura and Dr. Eric emphasize the importance of educating health officials on recognizing obesity as a disease and the need for more comprehensive support to ensure effective treatment.

Steve opens up about balancing a demanding career with health and wellness, emphasizing how self-care and mental strength have helped him persevere through the ups and downs. Whether it’s signing with agents, creating chart-topping songs, or embracing the journey, Steve’s story is a testament to persistence and believing in oneself.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, music industry insights, and more.
Follow Steve Azar on Instagram at steveazar.
Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Eric Villency, CEO of Villency Design Group, an interior and product design firm behind SoulCycle and Peloton. Eric shares his journey of inheriting the family business, exploring other career paths, and ultimately discovering his passion for design and creativity.

He delves into the importance of assembling a talented team, hiring to complement your weaknesses, and focusing on your strengths. Eric also opens up about the humbling experience of recovering from injuries and the impact on his mental health. He explains how he merged creativity with health, wellness, and fitness to shape his career in innovative design.

The conversation touches on navigating failures, overcoming rejection, and actionable advice for anyone facing setbacks in their career. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, creativity, and building success from challenges.

Follow Eric Villency on Instagram at ericvillency.
Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

In this inspiring episode, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner to discuss his incredible journey from humble beginnings to achieving greatness. Whether you're pursuing a career in plastic surgery, chasing athletic dreams, or seeking personal motivation, Nick’s story will resonate.

Nick shares how he started snowboarding at 15, took it seriously, and eventually won an Olympic gold medal in 2022. His journey proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams—progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Nick reflects on the challenges of staying motivated during tough times and highlights how perseverance and building consistent habits can lead to long-term success.

They also explore how having a support system is essential, whether you're transforming your body through plastic surgery or striving to reach any ambitious goal. Nick emphasizes using challenges and even doubters as fuel to stay focused and achieve greatness.

If you’re looking for motivation, tips on staying disciplined, or insights into achieving your goals, this episode is packed with value.

Check out Nick’s book Gold From Iron: From Beginning Snowboarding to Olympic Gold and Getting Better With Age. Available here.

Follow nick on Instagram at nickbaumgartner.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

On this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith are joined by special guest Maddie Allen to discuss her inspiring health transformation through bariatric surgery and weight loss. Maddie shares her lifelong struggle with obesity and her numerous failed attempts at dieting. At 28 years old, weighing 338 pounds, she realized she needed to make a life-changing decision or face the possibility that her parents would outlive her. After exploring her options, she decided to undergo bariatric bypass surgery—a transformative experience she calls the best decision of her life.

Maddie opens up about her post-surgery complications and the emotional ups and downs of her weight loss journey. She began sharing her story online, offering an authentic look into her challenges and successes to inspire others considering weight loss surgery or struggling with obesity. Maddie's transparency about her real-life experiences, rather than a curated image, has resonated with many.

She also discusses other medical challenges she faced after her surgery, including a diagnosis of collagenous colitis. Initially, doctors wrongly attributed her severe diarrhea and other symptoms to her bariatric surgery, a common occurrence due to the lack of understanding about weight loss surgery among some healthcare providers. Maddie persisted in seeking medical help, eventually being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and dangerously low phosphorus levels. With the correct diagnosis, she received the proper treatment and now advocates for others to take control of their health, particularly when undergoing procedures like bariatric surgery or plastic surgery for excess skin removal after significant weight loss.

This episode sheds light on the importance of bariatric surgery as a tool for weight loss and transformation, as well as the need for ongoing medical support and advocacy in post-surgical care.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.