What It's Really Like with Molly Burke

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  What It's Really Like Training a Guide Dog for a Blind Person 18.09.2026 1sa 37dk

  In this episode of What It's Really Like, I sit down with a professional guide dog trainer from Guide Dogs of America whose career path is anything but ordinary. Before training guide dogs, she worked as an animal trainer at Universal Studios and spent time training animals at a zoo — experience that now shapes the incredible, highly specialized work she does helping guide dogs prepare to become the eyes of a blind or visually impaired handler. I talk with her about what it actually takes to train a guide dog, the differences between training animals for entertainment versus training for lifesaving service work, and the emotional and technical skill it takes to prepare a dog for one of the most important jobs there is. We also dig into what it's like learning to work with a blind person — the trust, communication, and adjustments that go into that process from the trainer's side. Guide Dogs of America provides expertly trained guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs to people in need — completely free of charge, thanks to volunteers, staff, and generous donors.   Learn more about Guide Dogs of America: https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/   Pre-order my children's book, Eltie Takes the Lead! A heartwarming story inspired by the journey of a guide dog puppy, perfect for young readers who love animals and big hearts.  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eltie-takes-the-lead-molly-burke/1149412262?ean=9781419778230 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419778234?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackThank you for supporting this episode and the incredible work of guide dog puppy raisers everywhere!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It's Really Like Being A Guide Dog Puppy Raiser 11.09.2026 1sa 19dk

  What It's Really Like Raising a Guide Dog Puppy for Guide Dogs of AmericaIn this episode of What It's Really Like, we sit down with a guide dog puppy raiser to talk about what it actually takes to raise a future guide dog — from the very first wobbly days as a tiny puppy to the bittersweet moment of handing them off for formal training. We dig into the highs, the heartbreak, the training milestones, and why fostering a pup with a purpose is one of the most rewarding (and hardest) things you can do.Guide Dogs of America provides expertly trained guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs to people in need — completely free of charge. None of it is possible without volunteer puppy raisers and the generosity of donors. Want to get involved?Donate or learn about volunteering as a puppy raiser with Guide Dogs of America: [insert GDA website link] Pre-order my children's book, Eltie Takes the Lead!A heartwarming story inspired by the journey of a guide dog puppy, perfect for young readers who love animals and big hearts. Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eltie-takes-the-lead-molly-burke/1149412262?ean=9781419778230 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419778234?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackThank you for supporting this episode and the incredible work of guide dog puppy raisers everywhere!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It's Really Like Building A DIY Empire Online from Your College Dorm 04.09.2026 1sa 54dk

  LaurDIY on Growing Up an Only Child, Turning Broke College Dorm Struggles into a DIY Empire, and Accidentally Going Viral In this episode of What It's Really Like, we sit down with LaurDIY (Lauren Riihimaki) to talk about the winding road from a quiet only-childhood in the Canadian suburbs to becoming one of the internet's original DIY icons. Lauren opens up about growing up in the 90s and early 2000s as an only child, and how her parents never boxed in her creativity — always encouraging her to explore, make, and express herself. We dig into how her signature DIY style was actually born out of necessity: unable to afford everything she wanted to deck out her college dorm, she started thrifting and upcycling instead, documenting it all on a blog. What started as a way to save money turned into video tutorials she uploaded almost as an afterthought — and before she knew it, she was YouTube famous in the platform's earliest days. Lauren shares what it was like moving to LA to chase this new, undefined career, and how she's built a lasting creative empire from a blog and thrifted dorm decor. This is a conversation about creativity born from constraint, following curiosity without a roadmap, and building something real out of "just for fun." 🎥 Follow LaurDIY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurdiy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurdiy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCap97Ue8K_BpKlrvQRYd6JA 🐾 Check out her dog brand, Fuzz Boy: Website: https://fuzzboyoriginals.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzboyoriginals #LaurDIY #DIY #YouTuber #CreativeJourney #Podcast Go to Quince.com/MollyBurke for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Go to OSEAMalibu.com/MollyBurke and get 10% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Being A Disabled Supermodel 28.08.2026 1sa 31dk

  In this episode of What It’s Really Like, I sit down with model, actress, and disability advocate Jillian Mercado to talk about growing up with immigrant parents, being misdiagnosed before finding out she actually had muscular dystrophy, and finding her way into an industry that had rarely made space for people like her. We talk about the Diesel campaign that went viral and launched Jillian’s modeling career, her work with major brands, breaking barriers in fashion and entertainment, and what authentic representation looks like both on and off screen. We also talk about being Latina in the media, the importance of seeing yourself represented, and Jillian’s experiences navigating an industry where disability and difference have historically been overlooked. Follow Jillian:Instagram: @jillianmercadoTikTok: @thejillianmercado  LISTEN TO WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3blYuCo2n6CkXsEfu7o31e Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-really-like-with-molly-burke/id6798020654 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MollyBurkeOfficial Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6328833-8f84-4a8f-a675-867c81a01538/what-it's-really-like-with-molly-burke iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-what-its-really-like-with-340307302 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Raising an Autistic Daughter as a Single Mom 21.08.2026 2sa 2dk

  What’s it really like raising an autistic child as a single mom? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Romeo, mom of Abbey Romeo from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, for an honest conversation about parenting, autism, advocacy, and navigating the journey from childhood diagnosis to adulthood. Christine shares what she learned raising Abbey, the challenges of navigating therapies, education and support systems, and how she learned to let go of expectations and create a life built around Abbey’s strengths, interests and goals. We also talk about Abbey’s experience on Love on the Spectrum, their mother-daughter relationship, and what Christine wishes more parents understood about raising an autistic child. Follow Christine and Abbey! Christine's IG: @ChristineAbbeysMom Abbey's IG & TikTok: @HatsByAbbey LISTEN TO WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3blYuCo2n6CkXsEfu7o31e Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-really-like-with-molly-burke/id6798020654 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MollyBurkeOfficial Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6328833-8f84-4a8f-a675-867c81a01538/what-it's-really-like-with-molly-burke iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-what-its-really-like-with-340307302 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like When your Disability is Someone’s Fetish 14.08.2026 1sa 47dk

  The What It’s Really Like podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms! If you love the show, please subscribe wherever you prefer to listen so you never miss a new episode. What’s it really like to become paralyzed after a car crash, navigate relationships as a disabled woman, and discover that some people are sexually attracted to your disability in your teens? In this episode of What It’s Really Like, I sat down with Tara Shetterly for an honest, unfiltered conversation about becoming paralyzed, relationships, disability and sexuality, disability devotees, and navigating a world that isn't always designed with disabled people in mind. Tara shares the story of the car crash that changed her life, what it was like going through her paralysis and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what happened when her boyfriend was told to leave after she became paralyzed. Tara also opens up about dating and intimacy as a disabled woman, what it's like to have people fetishize your disability, disability parking, accessibility, ableism, and some of her biggest hot takes about living with a disability. This conversation is about so much more than paralysis. It's about love, identity, sexuality, resilience, independence, and challenging the assumptions people make about disabled people. Subscribe to What It’s Really Like with Molly Burke for new episodes every Friday. FOLLOW TARA SHETTERLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_shett/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tara_shett YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParaTara   LISTEN TO WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3blYuCo2n6CkXsEfu7o31e Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-really-like-with-molly-burke/id6798020654 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MollyBurkeOfficial Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6328833-8f84-4a8f-a675-867c81a01538/what-it's-really-like-with-molly-burke iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-what-its-really-like-with-340307302 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It's Really Like with Molly Burke Trailer 07.08.2026 3dk

  We're excited to announce, What It's Really Like with Molly Burke is officially available anywhere you watch your podcasts! New episodes come out every Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like to Outlive Your Life Expectancy 31.07.2026 1sa 3dk

  Roman Perkins was born with Hurler syndrome (MPS I), one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world. Doctors didn't expect him to live into adulthood, but today he's defied those expectations and is sharing what life is really like living with a rare disease.In this episode of the What It's Really Like podcast, Roman opens up about growing up with a life-limiting diagnosis, navigating disability, overcoming assumptions about what he's capable of, and building a life on his own terms. He also shares the realities of living with a condition most people have never heard of, the challenges he's faced, and why representation and understanding matter. Follow Roman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanperkyyy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@romanperkyyy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  From Malibu to Homeless - What It's Really Like 25.07.2026 1sa 21dk

  Sammy Carroll grew up in Malibu, attended private school, and never imagined she'd one day be living on the streets. In this episode of What It's Really Like, she shares how experimenting with drugs slowly spiraled into severe addiction, leading to homelessness, arrests, and even the loss of her teeth before she finally found sobriety.We talk about the realities of surviving on the streets as a woman, how addiction impacts entire families, what recovery actually looks like, and the long process of rebuilding a life after rock bottom. Today, Sammy is clean and sober, using her story to prove that no matter how far you've fallen, recovery is possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  She Got A Cochlear Implant as an Adult to Please Her Family - What It’s Really Like 17.07.2026 2sa 20dk

  What is it really like growing up Deaf in a hearing family? In this episode of What It’s Really Like, Chrissy Marshall shares her personal journey navigating deafness, family expectations, identity, and the complicated emotions surrounding cochlear implants.Chrissy opens up about getting a cochlear implant as an adult, the pressure she felt from her family, and what it was like being told that choosing not to hear was “selfish.” Together, we unpack the meaning behind that word, the impact of being made to feel like your disability is a burden, and the importance of understanding Deaf culture, communication, and personal choice.This is an honest conversation about the realities of growing up Deaf, navigating relationships with hearing family members, and finding confidence in who you are. Follow Chrissy Marshall:Website: https://www.chrissymarshall.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissymarshall_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfEalJW91FE9BDH9xUVDvvg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrissymarshall_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Fame, Breakups and Growing Up Online: What It’s Really Like Feat. Joey Graceffa 10.07.2026 1sa 26dk

  What’s it really like to grow up, fall in love and experience heartbreak in front of millions of people?This week, I sit down with Joey Graceffa to talk about nearly 20 years of sharing his life online. Joey opens up about moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, coming out publicly, competing on The Amazing Race, creating Escape the Night and navigating the pressure of having fans deeply invested in his personal relationships.We also discuss the reality of going through a public breakup, how Joey’s relationship with his ex has evolved, dating in Los Angeles, rescuing animals and what he wants the next chapter of his life and career to look like.Joey's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeyGraceffa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Her Attacker Was Sentenced to Life in Prison - What It’s Really Like (2/2) 03.07.2026 1sa 47dk

  This is Part 2 of my conversation with the incredible Leigh Collins.After surviving a violent home invasion that changed her life forever, Leigh shares what happened next. We talk about living with PTSD, navigating the criminal justice system, facing her attacker in court, the trial, the life sentence that followed, and what it has really taken to rebuild her confidence, sense of safety, and life after unimaginable trauma.If you haven't watched Part 1 yet, head to last week's episode first. Leigh walks us through the terrifying 13 minutes that changed her life forever, from waking up to find a stranger standing in her apartment holding a knife to the moment she escaped and fought for her survival.Whether you've experienced trauma yourself or want to better understand what life looks like after surviving violent crime, I hope Leigh's story reminds you that healing is possible, even when the road is long.Watch Part 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HwEQCkFyLV0gaivrRbW9j?si=_7fQmCZ5RV2KfUFycEytBQ Follow Leigh Collins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymisscollins/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heymisscollinsListen to Leigh's podcast, Extraordinary: A First-Hand Story of Survival:https://www.extraordinary-podcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extraordinary-a-first-hand-story-of-survival/id1565762620Listen to What It's Really Like on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3blYuCo2n6CkXsEfu7o31e?si=VPQy_0g_Twam20aPuDEfJwWatch more full episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Xm8PicNxr335yjxP1bjR6Uq2KfgrM14Subscribe for new episodes of What It's Really Like every Friday, where we go beyond the headlines and stereotypes to have honest conversations about the experiences that shape our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like to Survive A Violent Home Invasion 26.06.2026 1sa 26dk

  In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of What It's Really Like, I sit down with survivor, speaker, advocate and podcast host Leigh Collins to hear the unbelievable true story of the violent home invasion that changed her life forever.Leigh found herself fighting for her life when an intruder broke into her home. In this episode, she takes us through that night minute by minute, sharing what happened from the moment she realized something was wrong through the terrifying attack that nearly killed her. It's a gripping firsthand account of survival, resilience and the instincts that helped save her life.This conversation contains discussions of stalking, violent assault and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.Part 2 premieres next Friday. Be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next chapter of Leigh's story. In Part 2, we explore the aftermath of surviving extreme violence, living with PTSD, rebuilding her life, navigating the criminal justice system, and the long road toward healing and justice.Follow Leigh Collins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymisscollins/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heymisscollinsListen to Leigh's podcast, Extraordinary: A First-Hand Story of Survival:https://www.extraordinary-podcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extraordinary-a-first-hand-story-of-survival/id1565762620Listen to What It's Really Like on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3blYuCo2n6CkXsEfu7o31e?si=VPQy_0g_Twam20aPuDEfJwWatch more full episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Xm8PicNxr335yjxP1bjR6Uq2KfgrM14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like to Lose Your Father and the Use of Your Arm at Nine Years Old 19.06.2026 2sa 6dk

  In this episode of What It's Really Like, I sit down with disability advocate, entrepreneur, and author Tiffany Yu for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, and creating change.Tiffany shares how growing up as an Asian American woman shaped her experience with disability, the challenges of navigating multiple identities, and the journey from self-acceptance to empowering others. We discuss the importance of community, representation, disability pride, and the lessons behind her groundbreaking book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. Along the way, Tiffany opens up about her personal story, advocacy work, and what it really takes to build a more inclusive world.Whether you're disabled, an ally, or simply curious about how identity shapes our experiences, this conversation offers valuable insights, practical takeaways, and plenty of inspiration.Follow Tiffany:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtiffanyyu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imtiffanyyuYouTube:  @imtiffanyyu  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyayu/ Website: tiffanyyu.com And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would love the conversation 💚 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Being a Black Disabled Woman in Hollywood 12.06.2026 2sa 9dk

  In this episode of the What It’s Really Like podcast, I'm joined by actress, writer, and disability advocate Lolo Spencer for a candid conversation about identity, representation, dating, and life as a disabled woman in the entertainment industry.We discuss intersectionality, Lolo's experience as a Black disabled woman, navigating relationships and dating, breaking stereotypes around disability and sexuality, and her role on HBO Max's The Sex Lives of College Girls. We also dive into acting, advocacy, accessibility in Hollywood, and the importance of authentic representation both on and off screen.Whether you're interested in disability advocacy, intersectionality, entertainment, dating, or representation in media, this conversation offers honest insights, plenty of laughs, and an important perspective that isn't heard nearly enough.Follow Lolo Spencer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslolospencer/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itslolospencer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKhnl8iyRPa1TNJrMO-UN-Q Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslolospencer Threads: https://www.threads.com/@itslolospencer Be sure to subscribe for more conversations about disability, accessibility, advocacy, beauty, fashion, relationships, and the experiences that shape our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Being the Only Tall Person in a Family of Little People 05.06.2026 2sa 1dk

  In this episode of What It's Really Like, I sit down with Peet Montzingo to talk about growing up as the only average-height person in a family of little people, navigating family dynamics, and what it feels like to not quite fit into the world around you. Peet shares stories from his childhood, his experience auditioning for The X Factor, life on the road as a member of a boy band, living with ADHD, building a career as a creator, and the lessons he's learned about identity, confidence, and belonging. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Peet and check out his music! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PeetMontzingo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peetmontzingo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peetmontzingo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hyTKV3jmNLZ2yVSodG2uq New episodes of What It's Really Like every week. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like to Be Hospitalized for 4 Years Without a Diagnosis 29.05.2026 2sa 1dk

  Keely Cat-Wells spent 4 years in and out of hospitals with no diagnosis, lost her dream career in dance, and underwent life-changing surgeries before rebuilding her life as a disability advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Making Space.In this episode of What It’s Really Like, Keely opens up about chronic illness, medical trauma, ableism in Hollywood, getting an ileostomy at a young age, and how she turned some of the hardest years of her life into a global mission for disability inclusion.Follow Keely:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keely_cat_wells Making Space: https://www.instagram.com/_making_space__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Being Queer & Disabled 22.05.2026 2sa 19dk

  On today’s episode of What It’s Really Like, I sat down with Brandon Farbstein to talk about his experience navigating life as both queer and disabled. We discuss identity, bullying, self-acceptance, dating, representation, and the unique challenges that come with existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized communities. Brandon also opens up about growing up with dwarfism, finding confidence, and what he wishes more people understood about disability and LGBTQ+ experiences.Follow Brandon: @BrandonFarbstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like to Be Put Up for Adoption Because You’re Disabled 15.05.2026 1sa 48dk

  On today’s episode of What It’s Really Like, I sat down with Jen Montzingo to discuss her extraordinary journey of living with dwarfism, being put up for adoption by her wealthy birth parents at just three months old, growing up in a group home before being adopted by loving parents with dwarfism, and later navigating a life-changing spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed. Jen shares her lived experience with disability, abandonment, adoption, resilience, identity, and rebuilding her life through unimaginable challenges. This powerful conversation explores ableism, family rejection, trauma, perseverance, and what it truly means to overcome adversity while redefining your own story.Follow Jen on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmontzingo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenmontzingoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jenmontzingo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What It’s Really Like Going Blind as a Teenager 08.05.2026 1sa 54dk

  Lucy Edwards and I got real and vulnerable about our shared experience of going blind in our teens. You can follow the What It’s Really Like podcast on Spotify to listen to more conversations like this one!Follow Lucy:Instagram: @LucyEdwardsOfficialTikTok: @LucyEdwardsEtia’s Instagram: @EtiaLondonLearn more about Etia London and sign up to get 10% off! https://etialondon.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices