The Attitude Lounge Podcast

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making this an important time to have conversations that can help us recognize what domestic violence can really look like.

In this episode of The Attitude Lounge Podcast, I sit down with therapist Sarah Babcock, MS, LPC, NCC, DVT of The Cozy Corner Counseling, who is certified in domestic violence and trauma and provides both individual and group therapy.

Together, we talk about the many forms domestic violence can take, because abuse isn’t always physical. It can show up through emotional and verbal abuse, intimidation, manipulation, control, isolation, financial abuse, and other behaviors that may be overlooked or normalized within a relationship.

We also explore the complicated relationship between domestic violence, law enforcement, and the community, including why someone may hesitate to seek help, the challenges police can face when responding to domestic violence situations, and the importance of understanding what may be happening behind closed doors.

Sarah helps us unpack some of the signs, misconceptions, and complexities surrounding domestic violence and why awareness and conversation matter.

This conversation isn’t about judgment, it’s about education, understanding, and recognizing that sometimes what we’ve learned to accept as “normal” may not be healthy at all.

Your Story Matters.

B-Rolls:
Pictures used for the b-roll were  provided by Sarah Babcock and The Cozy Courner Counceling.

The Community Behind the Experience:

The Community Behind the Experience is made even more special through the generosity of our amazing entreprenuers; Earthshine Holistics, Halo Scent Fragrance Bar, Panchita’s Kitchen, Bea’s Baked Art, and 1COR619 Fitness! 💛

Thank you for being part of The Community Behind the Experience family and helping us make every guest feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated!

Remember:
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when you need support, and taking the step to seek it, is part of honoring your mental health and staying true to yourself.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact your local crisis county hotline, go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911.
Domestic Violence Resources:

Victims Resource Center (Carbon, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties): https://vrcnepa.org/

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley: https://turningpointlv.org/
610-437-3369

Bloom (safe housing): https://bloomforwomen.org/

Crime Victims Council: https://www.cvclv.org/

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://www.pcadv.org/

National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

LGBTQ+ Youth Resources:

Valley Youth House Emergency Shelter:
(Open 24/7/365 for youth ages 12–17)
610-691-1200

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center:
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
610-347-9988

County Resources:

Lehigh County Crisis Intervention: 610-782-3127

Northampton Country Crisis Intervention: 1-610-252-9060

Carbon County Crisis Intervention: 610-377-0773

Monroe County Crisis Intervention: 570-421-2901

Pikes Country Crisis Intervention: 570-296-6484

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Crisis Text Line:
Text 741-741

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Call/Text 988

Thank you,

AdDiTude 
You may support this podcast by subscribing to YouTube, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Thank you,
AdDiTude

In this episode of The Attitude Lounge, I sit down with Reverend Jeremy Lau, an ordained pastor in the New Creation United Church of Christ and a therapist in private practice, affiliated with The Cozy Corner Counseling, for a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, belonging, and the power of simply listening.

Jeremy shares parts of his own journey, including finding people and spaces that welcomed him when others had not, and how those experiences shaped the way he shows up for others today. At the heart of his message is something simple but powerful: every person deserves to be loved, valued, and reminded that they belong.

As both an ordained pastor and therapist, Jeremy brings compassion, faith, and professional training into his work while giving people room to tell their own stories without feeling judged or having someone else's beliefs imposed upon them.

That commitment is especially meaningful in his work with LGBTQ+ youth, where having a safe space to be heard, accepted, and loved can make all the difference.

This conversation is about more than faith or therapy. It's about meeting people where they are, listening with an open heart, and reminding them that there is room for them at the table. Because everyone deserves a space where they can show up as themselves, and know they are worthy of love.

Remember:
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when you need support, and taking the step to seek it, is part of honoring your mental health and staying true to yourself.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact your local crisis county hotline, go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911.

County Resources:

Lehigh County Crisis Intervention: 610-782-3127

Valley Youth House Emergency Shelter: 610-691-1200                                          (Open 24/7/365 for youth ages 12–17)

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center:
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
610-347-9988

Northampton Country Crisis Intervention: 1-610-252-9060

Carbon County Crisis Intervention: 610-377-0773

Monroe County Crisis Intervention: 570-421-2901

Pikes Country Crisis Intervention: 570-296-6484

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Crisis Text Line:
Text 741-741

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Call/Text 988 
B-Roll Photo Credits:
Photography featured in this episode courtesy of Reverend Jeremy Lau and the New Creation United Church of Christ (Facebook).

The Attitude Lounge experience:
The Attitude Lounge experience is made even more special through the generosity of our amazing community partners; Earthshine Holistics, Halo Scent Fragrance Bar, Panchita’s Kitchen, and Bea’s Baked Art! 💛
Thank you for being part of The Attitude Lounge family and helping us make every guest feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated!
You may support this podcast by subscribing to YouTube, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Thank you,
AdDiTude

What happens when two podcasters who genuinely love the Lehigh Valley sit down in the Lounge? You already know, we had plenty to talk about. 🎙️

George and Crystal Wacker are founder and owner of Lehigh Valley with Love Media, including a podcast. George stepped into The Attitude Lounge to talk community, storytelling, small businesses, local artestry, podcasting, and 11 years of building a media company that started with a blog.

We get into his Moravian University roots, his English degree, some of the memorable interviews he’s done, and how his work continues to keep him connected to the Lehigh Valley. And yes, we talked AI. 👀 The good, the bad, the possibilities, and where we think it may be taking media and content creation.

We also talked about where we see the Lehigh Valley going and why telling the stories of the people who make up this community matters.

Two podcasters. Two different platforms. One thing definitely in common, a whole lotta love for the Lehigh Valley. 🖤

You may follow George on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok @lvwithlove or website at lvwithlove.com

B-Roll Photo Credits:
Photography featured in this episode courtesy of Lehigh Valley with Love, The Attitude Lounge Podcast, and Panchita's Kitchen.

The Attitude Lounge experience:
The Attitude Lounge experience is made even more special through the generosity of our amazing community partners; Earthshine Holistics, Halo Scent Fragrance Bar, Panchita’s Kitchen, and Bea’s Baked Art! 💛
Thank you for being part of The Attitude Lounge family and helping us make every guest feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated!
You may support this podcast by subscribing to YouTube, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Thank you,
AdDiTude

In this episode of The Attitude Lounge Podcast, I sit down with Arielle Arbushites, MSW, LSW, CPLC, ACHP-SW, a poet, published writer, and social worker whose work beautifully brings together storytelling, connection, grief, and the experiences that shape our lives.

As a writer, Arielle’s poetry collection, Toast While the World Burns, was recently published by Bottlecap Press, and her work has also appeared in professional journals. Her first book "cracking at the Heels" was her first poetry collection sold in 2024. She has two more books being published by two different presses later this year (2026). Poetry is one of the ways she gives voice to thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences. She also brings her voice and perspective to The Cozy Corner Counseling Services as a blog writer, using the written word to explore topics that connect with everyday life and emotional well-being.

As a social worker specializing in hospice and grief, Arielle supports individuals and families through some of life’s most tender moments. That same compassion carries into her community service work with seniors at Heather Glen Assisted Living, where she spends time listening to residents, helping preserve their life stories, memories, and reflections, and even writing personalized poetry for some of the residents. Through stories, letters, and poetry, she helps turn their experiences into meaningful words that can be treasured and shared.

We talk about the intersection of writing, grief, memory, purpose, and legacy, and the importance of slowing down, listening, and creating space for people to tell the stories that matter to them.

Because every life holds a story, and your story matters.

Arielle's book, Toast While the World Burns, is availableto order through Bottlecap Press.

Be sure to follow Arielle's work on socia media to stay connected with her writing, poetry, and latest projects  ⁨@Writingthewayhome⁩ Youtube, Instagram and Facebook. 
B-Roll Photo Credits:
Photography and video featured in this episode courtesy of @girldadcolin and @writingmywayhome
Mental Health Disclaimer:
The Attitude Lounge and Arielle are here to create a safe space for conversation, awareness, encouragement, and connection. However, Arielle is not your therapist, and The Attitude Lounge does not provide professional mental health counseling or therapy.
The conversations shared on this episode are intended for educational and informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing emotional distress or feel that you need additional support, we encourage you to connect with a licensed mental health professional or explore community-based mental health resources and services available in your local area.
Remember: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when you need support, and taking the step to seek it, is part of honoring your mental health and staying true to yourself.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact your local crisis county hotline, go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. 
County Resources:
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention: 610-782-3127
Northampton Country Crisis Intervention: 1-610-252-9060
Carbon County Crisis Intervention: (610) 377-0773
Monroe County Crisis Intervention: (570) 421-2901
Pikes Country Crisis Intervention: (570) 296-6484
National Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Crisis Text Line: Text741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
The Attitude Lounge experience:
The Attitude Lounge experience is made even more special through the generosity of our amazing community partners; Earthshine Holistics, Halo Scent Fragrance Bar, Panchita’s Kitchen, and Bea’s Baked Art! 💛
Thank you for being part of The Attitude Lounge family and helping us make every guest feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated!
You may support this podcast by subscribing to YouTube, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Thank you,
AdDiTude

Tiffany Castillo is the owner of The Cozy Corner Counseling and a licensed Pennsylvania counselor with a heart for helping people. She has created a warm, welcoming space where individuals, couples, and families can feel heard, supported, and encouraged as they work through life's challenges.

Tiffany is passionate about helping people build healthier relationships, set boundaries without guilt, improve communication, and learn to care for themselves just as much as they care for everyone else. Her approach is down-to-earth, compassionate, and centered on meeting people where they are, reminding us that healing and growth happen one step at a time.

In this episode of The Attitude Lounge, I'm joined by Tiffany. Together, we explore the importance of setting healthy boundaries, recognizing the relationships that help us grow, and finding the courage to stay true to who you are, even when it's difficult. We also discuss how self-awareness, communication, and personal growth can transform the way we connect with others and with ourselves.

Whether you're navigating friendships, family dynamics, romantic relationships, or simply learning to prioritize your own well-being, this conversation offers meaningful perspective, practical insight, and heartfelt encouragement to remind you that protecting your peace isn't selfish, it's an important part of living authentically. 
Mental Health Disclaimer:
The Attitude Lounge and Tiffany are here to create a safe space for conversation, awareness, encouragement, and connection. However, Tiffany is not your therapist, and The Attitude Lounge does not provide professional mental health counseling or therapy.
The conversations shared on this episode are intended for educational and informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing emotional distress or feel that you need additional support, we encourage you to connect with a licensed mental health professional or explore community-based mental health resources and services available in your local area.
Remember: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when you need support, and taking the step to seek it, is part of honoring your mental health and staying true to yourself.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact your local crisis county hotline, go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. 
County Resources:
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention: 610-782-3127
Northampton Country Crisis Intervention: 1-610-252-9060
Carbon County Crisis Intervention: (610) 377-0773
Monroe County Crisis Intervention: (570) 421-2901
Pikes Country Crisis Intervention: (570) 296-6484
National Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Crisis Text Line: Text741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
The Attitude Lounge experience:
The Attitude Lounge experience is made even more special through the generosity of our amazing community partners; Halo Scent Fragrance Bar, and Bea’s Baked Art! 💛
Thank you for sharing your sample products and gifts with our guests and helping us create a thoughtful goodie bag filled with little touches of love, self-care, creativity, and community. Your generosity adds an extra layer to the Lounge experience and reminds us that when we support one another, we create something truly special. ✨
Thank you for being part of The Attitude Lounge family and helping us make every guest feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated!
You may support this podcast by subscribing to YouTube, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Thank you,
AdDiTude