Meet Leighann Smollon and Shiva Afsarifard of Don’t Tempt Me in Marina Del Rey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighann Smollon and Shiva Afsarifard.

Leighann and Shiva, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up on the North East surrounded by people in the workforce. My parents valued life experience as equally as they valued education and with both of their backgrounds in psychology, I was always aware of human behaviors from a very young age. I was on track to graduate from East Carolina University, but as life goes, school did not end up going as smoothly as I had hoped. Sophomore year I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which left me missing big chunks of school at a time. I look back and describe this moment as the hardest and best thing to happen to me. I ended up leaving school – along with many broken relationships behind. Heartbreaking but this propelled me into jumpstarting the real world. I knew I was going to end up in Southern California and it did not disappoint. I brought my background in events, business and my now found interest in health and wellness into my life. I feel fortunate to have loved the little jobs I found along the way, and although I loved the word of events, I was beginning the see a much bigger picture.

With my roommate, who started out as a random find on Craigslist, became my best friend, which led to my business partner. We would sit and talk for 10 hours on end, yes 10 hours! Discussing human interactions, relationships and the reasoning behind why people make the decisions they do. As we spoke the inspiration behind Don’t Tempt Me was born. Life, temptations, relationships, dynamics and how to navigate through the world of dating seemed to be a reoccurring theme that no one can escape without many questions. How the brain works has fascinated me from the start. Communication and relationships is something that I felt like came easy to me and as I get older, I realized how much of a skill this really is. The podcast is a way to communicate with people on a bigger scale. To help and provide comfort to people in a whole new way.

We really would be doing this on our own time if we weren’t putting it on air!! People are always learning more about themselves and how society works as a whole… and so are we! It’s our chance and our way to help ourselves along with our listeners to strive to leave that hour a little better than they were before. Don’t Tempt Me is a podcast focused on relationships – romances, friends and the relationship you hold with yourself. This definitely relates to health and wellness, psychology, and eventually events within this new space. Since we can all relate to the misunderstandings and comical stories that come along with figuring it out along the way.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As I had mentioned, getting sick was definitely a point in my life that needed attention and care. It brought me into my body in a whole new way, learning more about myself and how I work than I ever thought possible. I can safely say I’ve with dealt with what life as thrown at most of us, worry about finances and how to make it all work. There were periods in time where I was able to find safety in fall back plans and other times that felt as though I had only myself to rely on. My family has been hit a few times.

I had also found myself engaged in a few different stand out relationships that left me and my emotions on a whirlwind. In a way, I am happy and wouldn’t have changed my decision as it led me to see so many different perspectives when we talk about our place in this dating world on Don’t Tempt Me. I will say though I could have spent less time and energy on some of them!

Now beginning this world in media and podcasting we’re running across lanes that are new to us completely! We are constantly questioning our moves along the way and learning as we go. We’ve made it a point to consciously enjoy the moments that don’t work out so great! Trust me it’s hard, but it’s been amazing having a friend by my side. I will never forget some moments of struggle where we had lost all content, having to start fresh hours before we were supposed to release. Or striving for the perfect sound quality, all while using these programs for the first time. The mind struggles with it as well. Going so public with certain topics that I have always kept private, and especially off social media, was something that was a challenge for me at first. I still find myself hesitating over certain parts of myself that I am beginning to share on a bigger scale. It’s a constant push that I hope will resonate and impact our listeners!

Please tell us about Don’t Tempt Me.
Our podcast, Don’t Tempt Me, went live a few months ago. As we continue to grow we will continue to push our content across many forms of social media – apple podcasts, Instagram, blogs and YouTube to name a few. I have taken many courses in psychology. This is something that will continue to be apart of my life no matter where this journey leads me. I find my passion studying the mind and relationships. The podcast has been an outlet for me to begin to speak openly on my advice, opinion and perspective on the more complex situations life has to offer. This allows me to continuously improve my skills in communication, which is needed in much more than the business world!

Along with talking, the writing process has always been a form of release. I get lost in the words. And as I grew up, I realized that once again, I begin to write about my relationships. My heartbreaks. It would help me process and see the situations with a much clearer view. This is something that we will be bringing to life within our company. So stay on the lookout as I will be launching a blog in the near future!

We also want people to feel at home when they come to listen to us. Like they can relax and speak freely. No filtered words or thoughts that are only partially true. No beating around the bush. We’re laying it out for you. Our backgrounds, in terms of life experiences, are completely different. Our past gives us both a unique perspective on relationships today. We are looking to bring our unfiltered opinions and personality into our work along with our continual educational studies on the topics we are covering.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
If I’m being honest, I consider myself quite lucky. I have recognized a couple of different aspects to be present whenever I find myself in a lucky position, so of course, it has not just been luck that has gotten me to where I am at today. Many times in hindsight my worst moments have gotten me here as well. The relationships that have failed and the direction that has changed its course. I feel like this has always been there for me, it’s just been covered or skewed by certain people or life decisions. I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by support and I do not think this is always needed, as I’ve seen many people use just the opposite to propelled them into the most successful avenues of life, but I definitely give my friends and family tons of credit for me getting to where I am at today.

For a while, I struggled with what I wanted to do in my life, what I was passionate about, and how I would be able to make a sustainable career out of my interests. I’ve cried about it, stressed about it and spent hours on end thinking about it. I lucked out with the Craigslist ad. I’ve heard many horror stories on this one! I do not think I would have this podcast if it wasn’t for the ability to create such a business alongside Shiva. It would have taken me down a slightly different route, and I love what we have been able to create together. Meeting her was luck, no doubt in my mind.

Contact Info:

• Email: donttemptmepodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: @leighannmariee

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