why go project

maybe someday another human won’t feel as alone

KEYNOTE SPEAKER * Merch * Podcast * Nonprofit * events *Global how-are u HEALING™ Community & Resource Hub & More

Lauren, Founder of the Why Go Project, Maybe Someday Another Human Won’t Feel As Alone , inspired by Pearl Jam’s WHY GO — a purpose driven organization focused on de-stigmatzing and democratizing Mental /Physical Health, Trauma education and a holistic view of wellness

Through Lauren’s four-decade transformative journey, she realized there was not a centralized location to find a curated, holistic view of ALL modalities, practitioners, resources, community, eduction and more for humans in need of support — so she created one!

Some call it Social Work on Steroids, others Diplomacy Reimagined, but it is truly Lauren’s Soul’s Purpose on this planet.

Host of the WHY GO PROJECT POD, creator of the HOW-ARE U HEALING™ Revolution + Global Community & Resource Hub , Trauma Translator™, Mantra Moment™, Merch With A Purp™ , Why Go Foundation and more, Lauren is a ‘one-woman show’ experience!

A prolific ex-Advertising and Technology (AdTech) veteran and the ultimate trauma-informed connector, mentor, alchemist, visionary, advocate, speaker and storyteller.

Lauren is breaking stereotypes, barriers to entry and baffling with brilliance on a global scale, by helping humans find connection, inspiration, education and support.

CPTSD Alchemist, EX-ADTECHIE ON A TRAGICALLY FUNNY, TRAUMA-INFORMED, SOUL PURPOSE, MENTAL HEALTH MISSION

Merch with a purp™ Shop
WHY GO PROJECT

‘I USED TO BE ON AN ENDLESS RUN…BELIEVED IN MIRACLES ‘CAUSE I’M ONE…I’VE BEEN BLESSED WITH THE POWER TO SURVIVE’ — THE RAMONES

Subscribe to the WHY GO PROJECT POD on YouTube

WHY GO NAMING RIGHTS SUBJECT TO ARTIST APPROVAL. WHY GO PROJECT AND/OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY AND/OR PROFESSIONAL CARE. LAUREN IS NOT A THERAPIST OR COACH, BUT PROVIDES CONNECTION TO THOSE RESOURCES 

WHAT BEGAN AS [NOT ANOTHER 100+ LB.] WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY, BECAME A JOURNEY OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Don't let the pink lipstick and blonde hair fool you — I’m  all business    

In my prolific 20 year AdTech career, I discovered a proclivity for making complex/abstract ideas palatable across varying levels of understanding and audiences. 

Now, I’m bringing that skillset to new audiences as the Trauma Translator™

LEARN MORE
BOOK LAUREN
"As Featured In TED Ed" logo in red and black text on a white background.

‘SHE IS FAST, THOROUGH AND SHARP AS A TACK’ — CAKE

‘YOU SAY YOU WAKE UP CRYING, YEAH AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHY’ — EVERCLEAR

70% of people worldwide experience  trauma BUT…

never receive the right treatment to process it

TRAUMA TRANSLATOR™

Nearly 50% of all adults carry unresolved trauma, often from pervasive early life stress and…

THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT!

‘BUT ALL THE WHILE I WAS ALONE, THE PAST WAS CLOSE BEHIND’ — BOB DYLAN

IF LEFT PROPERLY UNADDRESSED, THIS HIDDEN (UNRESOLVED) TRAUMA SEEPS INTO EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE

 Fueling chronic fatigue and anxiety, burnout, addiction,  misunderstood, extreme chronic health issues, relationship struggles, financial stress and much more…

  • 'TRAUMA COMES BACK AS A REACTION, NOT A MEMORY'

    BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, M.D.

  • 'Don’t ask why the addiction, ask why the pain’

    Gabor Maté M.D.

  • 'TRAUMA IS JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR STRESS THAT OVERWHELMS YOUR ABILITY TO COPE'

    Dr. Scott Lyons

  • 'Complex Trauma is like ‘the problem before the problem' a la 'the shirt before the shirt’ Jersey Shore Style'

    TRAUMA TRANSLATOR™ (LAUREN)

  • 'healing is just another word for finding new, healthy ways to solve for old problems'

    TRAUMA TRANSLATOR™ (LAUREN)

  • 'it's nothing as it seems, the little that he needs, it's home'

    Pearl Jam

[re] defining trauma

‘LIFE IS A LEMON AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK’ — MEAT LOAF

TRAUMA

A sudden and forceful event that overwhelms a person's ability to respond to it; recognizing that a trauma need not involve actual physical harm to oneself

An event can be traumatic if it contradicts one's worldview and overpowers one's ability to cope

VS

COMPLEX TRAUMA

The exposure to multiple, often interrelated forms of traumatic experiences, interpersonal in nature, over an extended period of time AND the difficulties that arise as a result of adapting to and/or surviving these events

Complex Trauma is generally associated with childhood but can also happen in adulthood

LEARN MORE HERE

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION™ DICTIONARY
Woman in black outfit walking up outdoor steps, wearing platform heels, with long blonde hair.

CATCH 

THAT

hiow-are u

HEALING™

ENERGY

DROPPIN’ KNOWLEDGE LIKE KRS-ONE

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

‘DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY’ — BOBBY MCFERRIN

‘MY TRUTH IS CRAZIER THAN ANY TALE I COULD EVER DREAM UP’

HEAR ALL THE STORIES BEHIND THE SLOGANS & MORE…

WHY GO PROJECT POD

TESTIMONIALS

‘50,000,000 [WHY GO PROJECT] Fans Can't Be Wrong’

  • ‘First of all if you have never met Lauren Friedman you are in for a treat. Get ready for a unique, high energy, full throttle humorous dialogue that is also highly effective. I will not go further than that. My suggestion is to experience it first-hand…I am now a first-party fan of Lauren Friedman!’

  • ‘Lauren is the kind of person that knows enough about A LOT of things that she can have a conversation with just about anyone in the world!’

  • 'Please keep healing and love yourself. You are the light in a dark room. Keep up your greatness. Write a book.’

  • ''Your smile seriously makes a hard day better, bringing reminders that the journey is a process and to keep on fighting. THANK YOU!'

  • ‘I love how genuinely positive you are, it comes across how sincere you are when you speak. Thank you for sharing, I needed to hear this today.’

  • ‘Clarity! I’m grateful for your insight, your story and your vulnerability. You’re inspiring, thank you for helping me realize it’s also ok to be vulnerable, share and have a voice.’

  • 'Lauren is so much more than a beautiful face, she is an experience that will change your life for the better forever'

  • 'Hurricane Lauren is a force to be reckoned with'

  • 'Lauren is my secret weapon for success'

  • 'Lauren is the hardest worker in any room. Her self-discipline speaks for itself and inspires me to work harder each day towards my goals'

  • 'Lauren 'walks it like she talks it' always leading by example. She would never sell, share or promote anything she doesn't find value in herself. I love her honesty and authenticity'

  • 'Lauren is a one-woman show of inspiration, authenticity and support'

  • 'lauren Gets sh*t done and inspires others to see that it is possible to have a soft heart and compassion after all she has endured'

  • 'when lauren walks into a room, she owns that room.'

  • 'lauren is a trusted advisor, confidant and friend. When i need a gut check or good idea, she's my girl'

  • 'lauren is my favorite hype-woman. she can brighten your day even when her life is falling apart at the seams. I always can count on lauren to bring the fun factor to my day'

  • "Lauren has contagious energy, babies, kids, dogs and dolphins all want to bask in her magnetic field of light. she is pure magic'

  • 'i love watching lauren work her magic. she is incredibly gifted, but her ability to connect and engage is second to none. the lauren friedman experience always leaves people feeling better and full of hope'

  • 'lauren makes everybody feel like somebody'

  • 'lotsa luck smartass'

  • 'lauren is sharp, quick-witted and kind. she is someone i can always count on to bring new, innovative ideas to any topic, always bringing a level of levity to even the most serious of situations (when it's appropriate) which i truly appreciate'

  • 'Lauren has helped me through some of the toughest times for over a decade. I can say without a doubt that Lauren's how-are u healing™ era, solving problems through the lens of trauma is game changing!!! Everyone needs the lfe in their lives'

  • 'Lauren truly was a beacon of light when i reached out during one of my darkest moments. she was unrelentingly supportive when i shared on of my most harrowing experiences. She is very open-minded and understanding in the moments i felt completely alienated especially as a male rape victim'

  • 'Lauren has helped shed light on what i thought was AUADHD, but now that I've learned about truama REsponses and the mind/body connection from Lauren I don't feel disgusted by these diagnosises, but rather empowered to continue healing.'

  • 'Lauren's not a therapist or a coach but she should be since she has given me better support than any paid professional to date'

  • 'Lauren has been inspiring me with her resilience in the face of disaster for decades. she has transformed her life many times over, and has given me the tools to do the same. I am forever grateful'

  • 'Lauren is a phoenix warrior who burns to ashes and always rises better than she ever was before. She does all of this with a big smile even when her heart is breaking'

  • 'i've been terrified of sharing my story and Lauren inspired me to go to therapy for the first time and i'm so happy that i finaly listened to her!'

  • 'if lauren can change her life this dramatically then healing must really be worth it'

  • 'lauren is a super connector who knows everyone and is always happy to make an intro to help others'

  • 'Lauren's 'always down for the cause never down for the count'. she will not sugar coat it or Bullsh*t you. if she can't help you she will rack her brain until she finds someone who can help. Lauren is a real one'

  • 'Lauren is absolutely brilliant. She is on a different level of consciousness and i'm grateful to learn from her beautiful mind and soul'

  • 'The juxtaposition of Lauren's childlike wonder and old soul captivates and intrigues, opening the door to healing'

  • 'Lauren puts the complex in complex trauma — in the best of ways. when you meet her you think she's a beautiful woman, but when you hear her story you realize her soul's purpose. she is truly an angel walking among us. Thank you for helping us all find healing''

  • 'You've got some great stories and have a way of talking about them that's relatable. For me at least, but i'm sure that is true for many others as well. Thank you for being you!'

  • 'Lauren makes me me feel less alone in this world. she has helped me reframe my struggles and shame. Learning from lauren is life altering!'

  • 'lauren always brings a nuanced view to even the most seemingly black and white of topics. lauren's ability to make uncomfortable or sad topics full of life is truly why she is meant for this mission. learning from lauren is always illuminating'

  • 'lauren has been through some sh*t that would cripple others but she pushes through it all. she is the strongest person i know'

  • 'i relate to a lot of your content as someone who has also struggled with my weight forever. thank you for sharing your story! more people need to hear it'

  • 'The LFE can relate to anyone on this planet — she's not just about trauma or weight-issues or fitness or sobriety or job loss or family issues or sex/love addiction or migraines or spirituality or music or suicide or style or nature or adtech. there is something for everyone in her story. She makes people feel less alone just by existing'

  • 'everything lfe touches turns to gold'

  • 'As a man it's really hard to feel seen by women, especially strong women, like lauren. But lauren is speaking up for the men who are struggling and we feel seen. Thank you for acknowledging our humanity, too'

  • 'LAUREN HAS HELPED ME ON MY SOBRIETY JOURNEY MORE THAN AA EVER COULD. SHE HAS INSPIRED ME TO STAY SOBER AND I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT ADDICTIONS FROM HER OWN SOBRIETY JOURNEY. I'M SO GRATEFUL I MET LAUREN!'

  • 'LAUREN IS AN AMAZING MOTIVATOR AND MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE. SHE SHARES HER STORY TO HELP OTHERS FIND THEIR STRENGTH AND BRING AWARENESS TO THOSE AROUND HER. SHE BUILDS NETWORKS AMONG HER PEERS AND HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ME. SHE HAS MOTIVATED ME DURING THE TIMES I NEEDED IT THE MOST AND SHE CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME FOR OTHERS!'

  • 'LAUREN IS THE FIRST PERSON I GO TO WHEN I NEED SUPPORT. WHETHER IT IS HELPING ME NAVIGATE JOB LOSS, FINANCIAL INSTABILTY OR DIVORCE LAUREN ALWAYS KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO HELP ME IN THAT MOMENT AND BEYOND.'

  • 'I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON LAUREN FOR WISE WORDS AND A WISE ASS RESPONSE; OFTEN THEY ARE TIED TOGETHER. AND I APPRECIATE THE LEVITY SHE BRINGS TO MOMENTS THAT ARE KILLING ME, WHILE ALSO PROVIDING ACTIONABLE GUIDANCE.'

  • 'I'M SO HAPPY THAT LAUREN IS FINALLY USING HER GIFTS FOR HER OWN BUSINESS. I'VE BEEN TELLING HER FOR YEARS TO START HER OWN BUSINESS AS SHE BASICALLY IS EVERYONE'S RECRUITER, CONNECTOR, THERAPIST, CONSULTANT AND COMEDIAN. THE LFE IS CHANGING THE WORLD AS WE SPEAK!'

  • 'LAUREN IS THE MOST UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC PERSON THAT I'VE EVER MET. I AM ALWAYS IN AWE OF HER STRENGTH, KIND HEART AND CONVICTIONS. SHE HAS HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE AND IS DOING SO FORMALLY NOW! THIS IS HER PURPOSE!'

  • 'LAUREN IS REALLY NOT LIKE ANYONE THAT I'VE EVER MET ON THIS PLANET. SHE CAN DO ANYTHING AND MAKES IT LOOK EASY. BUT IT'S HARD AND IT'S HEAVY AND SHE DOES IT ALL WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE. SHE HAS GIVEN ME THE TOOLS I NEED TO CHANGE MY LIFE THAT MAY SEEM SMALL TO ANYONE ELSE, BUT IS REVOLUTIONARY TO ME'

  • 'LAUREN IS A ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL. I AM ALWAYS AMAZED BY HER QUICK READING OF A SITUATION. I CONSIDER LAUREN TO BE A TRUSTED ADVISOR AND CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON HER INSIGHT AND WISDOM.'

  • 'LAUREN IS THE KIND OF PERSON WHO CAN MAKE FRIENDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IN NYC AND GET INVITED TO THAT PERSON'S WEDDING THAT SAME NIGHT. SHE IS MAGNETIC AND EVERYONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEE IT EXCEPT HER, UNTIL NOW. I'M SO HAPPY SHE CAN FINALLY SEE HERSELF THE WAY THE REST OF US DO. SHE IS SPECIAL AND CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!'

  • 'LAUREN IS AMAZINGLY BRILLIANT AND A DYNAMIC CONVERSATIONALIST, SPEAKER AND HOST. LAUREN'S UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AND INFECTIOUS ENERGY MAKES HER FASCINATING. LAUREN'S ABILITY TO WEAVE DEEP INSIGHTS BETWEEN HUMOR AND SERIOUS TOPICS IS UNMATCHED.'

  • 'IF YOU EVER WANT TO SEE MAGIC HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE JUST SPEND SOME TIME WITH LAUREN. SHE WILL MAKE YOU DO A DOUBLE-TAKE WITH HER ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS AND SHARP, NIMBLE MIND. SHE HAS THE POWER TO ENGAGE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, RACES, CREEDS AND COLORS. SHE IS TRULY THE DEFINTION OF A DIPLOMAT'

  • 'I ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW FROM LAUREN WHETHER IT'S A NEW WORD, TRAUMA-INFORMED FACT OR MUSICALLY INSPIRED INFORMATION SHE IS SPREADING THE LFE GOSPEL AND GOOD LORD, THIS EARTH NEEDS IT'

  • 'THE LAUREN FRIEDMAN EXPERIENCE IS TRULY AN EXPERIENCE THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO HAVE IN THEIR LIVES. SHE ENTERTAINS, EDUCATES AND ENERGIZES. SHE IS TRULY THE TRAUMA TRANSLATOR™!'

  • 'AMONG LAUREN'S MANY TALENTS, IS HER ABILITY TO MAKE ANYTHING RELATABLE TO ANYONE IN THE WORLD IS HER PURPOSE. SHE TRULY IS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND TALENT AND I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE HER LIVING IN HER POWER. SO MANY PEOPLE NEED THE LAUREN FRIEDMAN EXPERIENCE'

  • 'lauren can surprise you with her command of multiple languages, her natural ability to connect and engage with anyone, in any room from babies to ceo's of the biggest companies in the world. lauren leaves an impression and keeps 'em wanting more.'

  • 'lauren's talent knows no bounds, her brain is a sponge and her creativity captivates. she is a leader and trendsetter who garners the attention of anyone she passes. she is a walking billboard for her brand and i can't wait to see how she continues to use her magic to help others'