Curveballs and Lemonade

About Curveballs and Lemonade

Curveballs and Lemonade is a powerful podcast hosted by Judy Kogan featuring honest conversations with people who have faced life’s toughest moments and found a way to move forward. Each episode explores real stories of loss, trauma, heartbreak, illness, and unexpected life changes, while focusing on resilience, healing, personal growth, and hope. Judy sits down with guests to discuss how adversity changed them, what they learned through their experiences, and how their stories can help others navigate difficult seasons of life. These are conversations about rebuilding, rediscovery, and finding strength in the moments that shape us the most. If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side, Curveballs and Lemonade is for you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade Produced by Command Creative Studios (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Engineered by Robert Altschuler

Publisher

Command Creative Studios

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 May 2026

Latest episode

20 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Are You Financially Prepared for Life's Curveballs? | Brian Davis

   What happens when life throws you a curveball you never planned for? For Brian Davis, that moment came when his father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. As Brian stepped in to help his parents navigate the diagnosis, he also discovered financial hardships he hadn't fully understood. That experience ultimately changed the direction of his own life and inspired him to leave his previous career and become a financial advisor. In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Brian Davis, Financial Advisor and Retirement Income Certified Professional, for an important conversation about preparing financially for the expected and unexpected moments in life. Brian breaks down financial and retirement planning in a way that feels approachable, including why retirement is about more than reaching a certain dollar amount, how long-term care can affect an entire family, why taxes matter when planning for retirement income, and what to do if you're in your 40s or 50s and feel like you're already behind. They also discuss the "sandwich generation," balancing your own financial future while supporting children and aging parents, and why starting small today can make a meaningful difference years from now. Most importantly, Brian reminds us that financial planning isn't about predicting every curveball. It's about building a plan that gives you options when life doesn't go according to plan. Connect with Brian Davis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-davis-ricp%C2%AE-8451644/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-davis-ricp%C2%AE-8451644/) Email: briandavis.nm.com (http://briandavis.nm.com) New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) #CurveballsAndLemonade #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness #Retirement

2. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Meningitis Nearly Took Her Life Twice | Lauren Rosaasen

   What would you do if doctors told your family you probably wouldn't survive the night? In this unforgettable episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Lauren Rosaasen, who has survived meningitis not once, but twice. Lauren's journey began at just six weeks old when she survived viral meningitis. Years later, during her junior year of high school, she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, followed by encephalitis, leaving her unable to walk, speak normally, or perform many basic daily tasks. Doctors weren't sure she would survive. Lauren shares her remarkable journey through months of hospitalization, intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, relearning everyday skills, graduating high school despite overwhelming odds, and rebuilding her life one step at a time. She also opens up about survivor's guilt, losing fellow patients during treatment, navigating long-term brain injury, finding purpose through adversity, and why she chooses to live every day with intention. Whether you've faced a life-threatening illness, supported someone through recovery, or simply need encouragement to keep moving forward, Lauren's story is a powerful reminder that resilience can be stronger than fear. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow Lauren Rosaasen: Instagram:@Lauren.rosaasen Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. Hashtags #CurveballsAndLemonade #Meningitis #BrainInjuryRecovery #Resilience #Hope #SurvivorStory

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   IVF, Miscarriage & Finding Hope with Jennifer Satel | Curveballs and Lemonade

   Originally released as one of our very first episodes, we're bringing back this powerful conversation with Jennifer Satel because its message continues to resonate. Jennifer's honest story about secondary infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and healing has helped so many listeners, and we believe it's worth sharing again. What happens when the dream of growing your family becomes a journey filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and hope? In this heartfelt episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Jennifer Satel to share her experience with secondary infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, and the emotional roller coaster of trying to have another child. Jennifer opens up about fertility treatments, hormone injections, embryo transfers, devastating setbacks, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. She also shares how her husband supported her through every step, the emotional impact infertility can have on relationships, and the healing that came from finding hope during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. Together, Judy and Jennifer discuss the realities of IVF, miscarriage, fertility challenges, grief, resilience, and why no one should have to walk this journey alone. Whether you're navigating infertility, supporting someone through pregnancy loss, or searching for hope after disappointment, Jennifer's story is a powerful reminder that even life's hardest curveballs can lead to unexpected strength. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #IVFJourney #InfertilityAwareness #PregnancyLoss #MiscarriageSupport #FertilityJourney

4. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Navigating Divorce, Career Transition, and Relocation with Amy Meshulam

   What happens when the life that looks perfect on the outside no longer feels right on the inside? In this heartfelt episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan welcomes her close friend Amy Meshulam for an honest conversation about navigating one of life's most difficult seasons. Amy shares how what appeared to be a picture-perfect life slowly began to unravel, leading to three major life changes at once: divorce, relocation, and a new career opportunity. Together, Judy and Amy explore what it means to trust your inner voice, embrace uncertainty, and rebuild a life rooted in authenticity rather than appearances. They discuss the emotional impact of divorce on families, parenting through major transitions, guilt, resilience, therapy, gratitude, the importance of a strong support system, and why taking one small step at a time can lead to life's most beautiful new beginnings. Whether you're facing divorce, a career change, a move, or simply a season where life isn't going according to plan, Amy's story is a reminder that healing doesn't require having all the answers. Sometimes it simply begins with taking the next step. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #DivorceRecovery #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #MentalHealth

5. 

   16 Jul 2026

   BRCA2, CHEK2, and Preventing Cancer with Dana Fletcher & Melissa Davis

   Have you ever wondered if genetic testing could change your future? In this powerful episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with close friends Dana Fletcher and Melissa Davis to share their deeply personal journeys after testing positive for hereditary cancer gene mutations. Dana was diagnosed with the BRCA2 mutation, while Melissa tested positive for CHEK2. Both women faced life changing decisions after learning they had significantly increased risks for breast cancer and other hereditary cancers. Together they discuss genetic counseling, what the testing process is really like, navigating family history, meeting with specialists, preventative double mastectomies, recovery, surgical reconstruction, surgical menopause, and the emotional weight of making proactive medical decisions before cancer ever develops. They also share practical advice for anyone considering genetic testing, why gathering information is empowering, how these decisions affected their families, and why they have no regrets about taking control of their health. Whether you have a family history of cancer, are considering genetic testing, or simply want to better understand hereditary cancer risk, this conversation offers education, encouragement, and hope. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Risk-Reducing Surgery (Preventive Surgery): https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/options-for-women-at-high-risk/preventative-surgery/ (https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/options-for-women-at-high-risk/preventative-surgery/) Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #GeneticTesting #BRCA2 #CHEK2 #BreastCancerAwareness #CancerPrevention

6. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Losing a Loved One to Suicide with Anita Pressman

   Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide, addiction, grief, and mental health. What happens after losing someone you love to suicide? In this deeply moving episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with fitness and wellness professional Anita Pressman to share the heartbreaking story of losing someone she deeply loved, Sean, to suicide. Anita opens up about the warning signs she recognized, Sean's struggle with addiction and depression, the devastating days following his disappearance, and the unimaginable grief that followed. She also shares how that loss transformed her life, leading her to embrace healing through movement, mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and a renewed commitment to helping others. Together, Judy and Anita discuss suicide prevention, mental health awareness, addiction recovery, the importance of checking in on loved ones, and why kindness and compassion can change someone's life. If you or someone you know has experienced suicide loss, struggles with depression, addiction, or grief, this conversation offers hope, healing, and an important reminder that no one has to suffer alone. Surviving suicide of a loved one and grief: Help is just 3 digits away 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. 9-8-8 is available via call or text, and online chat. Follow Anita Pressman: @heartnsolfitness New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Curveballsandlemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@Curveballsandlemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #HopeAfterLoss

7. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Illness, and Parenting Jen Gitlin

   DESCRIPTION What do you do when your child is losing weight, sleeping constantly, and no one can tell you why? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with attorney, mom, and longtime friend Jen Gitlin to share her family’s journey navigating her son Trevor’s Crohn’s disease diagnosis. Trevor was just 10 years old when subtle symptoms during the COVID pandemic turned into something far more serious. What began as fatigue, weight loss, and stomach issues became a long and emotionally exhausting search for answers. After months of uncertainty, specialist appointments, invasive testing, and advocating for care, Trevor was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. Jen opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with an invisible illness, the challenges of navigating treatment, hospital infusions, insurance battles, medication changes, and the constant uncertainty that comes with chronic illness. She also shares how community, advocacy, and connection with other families helped transform isolation into hope. This powerful conversation explores what it means to trust your instincts, fight for answers, support a child through chronic illness, and find strength in the unknown. If you or someone you love is navigating Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune illness, chronic illness, or parenting through medical uncertainty, this episode offers insight, support, and hope. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Jen Gitlin: Instagram: @easton_jennifer Facebook: Jennifer Gitlin Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #CrohnsDisease #ChronicIllness #ParentAdvocacy #IBDAwareness #InvisibleIllness

8. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Navigating IEPs, Special Education, and Advocacy with Rachel Milman

   What happens when life’s earliest heartbreak becomes the foundation for your life’s purpose? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with special education and Regional Center attorney Rachel S. Milman to discuss the profound childhood loss that shaped her career and her mission to help families navigate some of life’s most challenging diagnoses. Rachel shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father at just five years old after a missed medical diagnosis, and how that experience created a lifelong drive for justice. That path ultimately led her to law school and, eventually, to a deeply meaningful career advocating for children with disabilities and their families. In this powerful conversation, Rachel breaks down what parents need to know about IEPs, Regional Center services, special education law, self-determination programs, and how to advocate effectively when schools or service providers are not meeting a child’s needs. She also shares practical advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis, including how to build the right support team, when to seek an advocate, and why trusting your instincts matters. If you are a parent navigating autism, ADHD, developmental delays, special education, or disability services, this episode is packed with valuable insight, guidance, and hope. New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday. Follow Rachel Milman on: Instagram: @lawmamamilman. https://www.instagram.com/lawmamamilman/ (https://www.instagram.com/lawmamamilman/) Visit Milman Law's website:www.milmanlawapc.com (http://www.milmanlawapc.com) Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #SpecialEducation #IEP #ParentAdvocacy #AutismSupport #DisabilityRights

9. 

   18 Jun 2026

   Melinda Blalock on Surviving Her Son’s Seizures and Her Own Heart Surgery

   What do you do when every doctor tells you your child is fine, but your gut tells you something is terribly wrong? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Melinda Hughie Blalock to share her family’s extraordinary journey navigating pediatric epilepsy, medical advocacy, and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Melinda opens up about her son Beck’s battle with drug-resistant epilepsy, the years of seizures that went undetected on EEGs, and the emotional toll of repeatedly being told nothing was wrong. After visiting four children’s hospitals without answers, Melinda refused to give up. Her relentless advocacy eventually led her family to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, where advanced testing uncovered the truth and changed Beck’s life. Melinda shares Beck’s journey through epilepsy surgery, VNS, and RNS devices, and the incredible milestone of becoming seizure-free after years of uncertainty. She also discusses her own life-threatening cardiac journey, including open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm and later a mechanical valve replacement. This powerful conversation explores what it means to trust your intuition, advocate fiercely for your child, and keep searching for hope when the road feels impossible. If you or someone you love is navigating epilepsy, chronic illness, rare disease, caregiving, or medical uncertainty, this episode offers powerful insight, hope, and encouragement. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Melinda at: @timinda Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #EpilepsyAwareness #MedicalAdvocacy #CaregiverSupport #Resilience #PediatricEpilepsy

10. 

    11 Jun 2026

    Living With a Rare Brain Disease, Brain Surgery, and Becoming an Advocate with Linda Fuchser

    What would you do if a routine trip to the emergency room revealed a rare brain disease you never knew you had? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Linda Fuchser to share her incredible journey living with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), a rare neurological disease that causes abnormal blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Linda discusses her accidental diagnosis after a brain bleed, undergoing brain surgery, discovering she carries the common Hispanic genetic mutation associated with CCM1, and learning to navigate life with multiple lesions throughout her brain and brainstem. She opens up about recovery, depression, cognitive challenges, family dynamics, and the uncertainty that comes with living with a rare disease. Most importantly, Linda shares how she transformed her experience into purpose by becoming an advocate for the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation, helping patients and families find support, education, and hope. This powerful conversation explores resilience, advocacy, rare disease awareness, brain health, patient empowerment, and finding purpose through adversity. If you or someone you love has been affected by a rare disease, brain injury, neurological condition, or chronic illness, this episode is filled with valuable insight and inspiration. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #RareDisease #BrainSurgery #CCM #PatientAdvocate #Resilience

11. 

    4 Jun 2026

    How Candice Kennedy Lost 127 Pounds After a Life-Threatening Health Scare

    What happens when a health crisis becomes the wake-up call that changes everything? In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with Candice Kennedy to discuss her remarkable journey from a serious diabetes diagnosis, high blood pressure, and declining health to losing 127 pounds and completely transforming her life. Candice shares the emotional toll of being a full-time caregiver, the impact of stress on her physical and mental health, and the moment she realized she had to fight for herself. She opens up about learning to manage type 2 diabetes, changing her relationship with food, finding the right doctor and trainer, overcoming self-doubt, and building a healthier future one step at a time. This inspiring conversation is about resilience, self-worth, healing, personal transformation, and the power of taking that first step toward change. If you've ever struggled with your health, your weight, your confidence, or finding the motivation to start over, this episode is for you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/) Engineered by Robert Altschuler. #CurveballsAndLemonade #WeightLossJourney #Type2Diabetes #HealthTransformation #Resilience #PersonalGrowth

12. 

    28 May 2026

    Secondary Infertility, IVF, Miscarriage & Healing with Jennifer Satel

    In the very first episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, host Judy Kogan sits down with Jennifer Satel for an emotional and deeply honest conversation about secondary infertility, IVF, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and the emotional toll of trying to grow a family after having a child. Jennifer opens up about her years-long fertility journey, including multiple miscarriages, IVF treatments during COVID, financial struggles, grief, therapy, marriage, and the loneliness that often comes with infertility and loss. She also shares how those experiences changed her, what continues to weigh heavily on her heart, and why speaking openly about these struggles matters. This episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, heartbreak, hope, and learning how to navigate life when things do not go according to plan. If you or someone you love has experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, IVF, miscarriage, or grief, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade (https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade (https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade) Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: Command Creative Studios (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Engineered by Robert Altschuler.

13. 

    19 May 2026

    Curveballs and Lemonade with Judy Kogan | Official Launch Trailer

    Curveballs and Lemonade is a powerful podcast hosted by Judy Kogan featuring honest conversations with people who have faced life’s toughest moments and found a way to move forward. Each episode explores real stories of loss, trauma, heartbreak, illness, and unexpected life changes, while focusing on resilience, healing, personal growth, and hope. Judy sits down with guests to discuss how adversity changed them, what they learned through their experiences, and how their stories can help others navigating difficult seasons of life. These are conversations about rebuilding, rediscovery, and finding strength in the moments that shape us the most. If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side, Curveballs and Lemonade is for you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow the show: Instagram: @curveballsandlemonade Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade Produced by Command Creative Studios (https://www.commandcreativestudios.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Engineered by Robert Altschuler

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings