Beyond the labels, Alex is multilayered, compassionate, and intellectual (plus animated). Alex shares the many chapters that have shaped him, from growing up in New York City and training in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Choir, to studying at Penn, working in corporate marketing at PepsiCo, and pursuing music in both New York and Los Angeles. He explains how turning music into a career led to burnout, identity fusion, and painful rejection. He reflects on the toll of comparison and how meditation and Buddhist practice helped him begin to disidentify from his thoughts and reconnect with a deeper sense of self. After pivoting into SAT tutoring and college essay consulting, Alex traveled to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu in 2024, an experience that further shaped his perspective and sparked a growing interest in psychotherapy.

You can connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alex Utay

Beyond the labels, Marielle is devoted, loving, and silly. In this episode, we discuss VIA character strengths from positive psychology and what drew Marielle to the Spirit Mind Body Program during a season of grief and misalignment while working in media, including Barstool Sports. Marielle reflects on identity, labels, and spirituality. She shares how deeply she feels, how acupuncture and writing help her process grief, and reads a vulnerable poem about self-hatred, masking, and longing to be seen. The conversation also covers comparison in the twenties, her pageant background, and the sisterhood and community it provided.

Connect with Marielle on Instagram: @mariellemarlys

Beyond the labels, Rachel is expansive, tough, and intentional. In this solo Q&A episode, she answers listener questions and shares more of her own story - how Unmasked came to be, her transition from collegiate soccer into life beyond sports, and what she’s learned through experiences of loss and change.

She also opens up about maintaining meaningful relationships, what authentic living looks like in her day-to-day life, and how she continues to grow through uncertainty.

This episode is a more personal look at the voice behind the podcast - honest, reflective, and grounded in the belief that we are more than any label we’ve been given.

Tune in and send in your questions for future episodes.

Find Unmasked – A Beyond Worthy Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.