Welcome back to The Reading Rift! I’m Lydia, joined by Bec, and today we’re sitting down with Gabriella Stone—a woman who wears many hats: actor, director, solo traveler, creative force… and author.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into Gabriella’s memoir Eat Pray #FML, unpacking the wisdom, heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery woven through her real-life story. This conversation feels like one-on-one girl talk—the kind where you laugh, reflect, and leave with a notebook full of thoughts you didn’t know you needed.

⚠️ Listener Notes: • This is an adult podcast with adult language and topics • This episode includes discussion of real events from the book (listener spoiler warning) • We won’t unpack everything, so it’s still very much worth adding to your TBR

✦ What we talk about in this episode:

🖋️ Author Background & Creative Calling • What Gabriella tells people when they ask, “So what do you do?” • Discovering writing as a creative outlet • Sharing your life publicly vs protecting privacy • Who she writes for—and why • The role social media played in connecting with readers

💬 Quotes That Made Us Pause We read and discuss powerful excerpts from Eat Pray #FML, exploring: • Spending time alone and truly knowing yourself • The strange elasticity of time • The “Thought Onion” and emotional self-inquiry • Radical transparency online—its risks and rewards • Courage, resilience, and choosing to keep going • What self-love actually means (and how to practice it daily) • Female friendships, competition, and choosing connection • Solo travel safety tips for women • Regret, guilt, and reframing “wrong” choices

💔✨ Romance, Red Flags & Growth • Why Gabriella felt called to share her romantic journey • Lessons learned from divorce and past relationships • Why “failed” relationships are essential for growth • A sneak peek at what romance looks like post-book one • And yes… we ask about the potential for a Netflix adaptation 👀

🌿 Themes & Wisdom • The recipe for a self-love cocktail • The power of sharing authentic stories • How to “escape to Europe” emotionally without leaving your daily life • And one final question we had to ask… about the psychic

📚 What’s Next • What books 2 and 3 explore • Upcoming projects and creative teasers • How listeners can support Gabriella and follow her journey

🔗 Connect with Gabriella Stone:

Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/4aakzUG

🌐 Website & Socials: https://bio.site/gabriellestone

If you love honest storytelling, self-discovery, travel, romance, and real conversations that feel like late-night talks with your best friend—this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments which quote hit you the hardest 🤍📖