We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Lise Feingold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole Lise, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the beautiful messiness of human interactions—the unexpected laughter, whispered secrets, fleeting eye contact, awkward glances, unplanned moments of vulnerability, silences that linger just a moment too long. These encounters break the rhythm of routine, inviting me to slow down, reconsider and open myself to layers of existence I might have overlooked. In those delightful, bewildering and even frustrating exchanges, I rediscover the flawed yet extraordinary nature of being human. Each connection, however brief, enriches our shared stories, reminding me that life is neither perfect nor meant to be perfectly understood. Therefore, each moment nudges me to hold space for the unpredictable and to embrace it fully. I’ve learned to handle life’s paradoxes with tenderness, to find humor in the absurd and to see grace in the chaos. In the stories of others, I find glimpses of myself, and in recognizing their journeys, I grow more self-aware. Ultimately, these moments—full of rawness and discovery—show me that we are all in search of the same things: connection, empathy and a place to simply be. So, it is our shared humanity that inspires me most.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has always been about service—I’ve spent years in the nonprofit sector. I’ve had the privilege of working on significant healthcare challenges, from pancreatic cancer to Alzheimer’s disease, geriatric care and mental health. For me, this work isn’t just a job; it’s a calling—a mission to help people navigate some of life’s most overwhelming crises. It’s fulfilling work that connects deeply with my core values. Alongside this, my other passion—writing—is my way of making sense of our wild and wonderful world.

My journey with writing didn’t begin easily, though. As a child, I struggled with dyslexia and barely scraped by, academically. Yet thanks to amazing tutors and my incredible mom, who never doubted my potential, I persevered and graduated. I even went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology. This deepened my understanding of human resilience and vulnerability—qualities that would later become central themes in my career and writing. Though I dabbled in creative expression, I viewed it as a private hobby, not something I’d pursue professionally or see as integral to my identity.

Then, life took an unexpected and painful turn. When I lost my longtime partner to suicide, writing evolved from a pastime into my lifeline. It became a tool for survival, helping me process profound grief and ultimately rebuild my spirit. Writing allowed me to confront my pain head-on, find strength again and eventually even laugh. What started as my journal entries then transformed into something more—a full-fledged memoir. I realized that my journey could resonate with others, and now I have a completed manuscript titled Let the Words Fall Out. This book is my heart on paper—a raw, honest, and heartbreaking yet humorous account of the devastating impact of my partner’s suicide and the to-hell-and-back healing process that was tested when I ventured into the often-ludicrous L.A. dating world. I am currently pursuing publication.

Today, I balance my nonprofit career with writing. I’ve been fortunate to have my work published in the Los Angeles Times and academic journals. I also regularly contribute to Grateful Web, where I review music and books. On Substack I share unfiltered reflections on life’s oddities, awkward encounters and quirky takes on books that might make you laugh, rethink swiping right or reconsider that so-called “bestseller.”

Through my career and writing, I’ve come to understand that human connection is the essential ingredient for growth and survival. By sharing my journey, I hope to provide others with comfort, laughter or a fresh perspective. If my story encourages even one person to persevere or find solace in our shared struggles, then I’ve achieved something meaningful. At its core, my brand is about creating shared meaning and fostering connections that matter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a native Angeleno—a true unicorn around here!—I take serious pride in my city, and also because I love traveling, crafting epic itineraries for out-of-town guests is right up my alley. This isn’t just any weekend; it’s a curated, quintessential Westside experience. Here’s our game plan from the best bites to the beach, with all the vibrant energy only L.A. can deliver!

Friday
-Afternoon Arrival: Once settled in and refreshed, we’ll dive right into L.A.’s culinary scene.
-Dinner at Piccalilli (Culver City): This avant-garde California-Asian fusion spot is a flavor explosion. We will indulge in the spicy papaya salad, Korean chili brussels sprouts, hamachi carpaccio and that’s just round one!
-After Hours: It’s Friday night! Let’s hit Bar Bohémien at Citizen Public Market and enjoy their rooftop terrace before Ubering (safety first) home.

Saturday
-Morning Workout: We’ll start the day with a high-energy cardio dance class at Equinox Marina Del Rey to burn off last night’s dinner and get pumped for a day of exploring.
-Strolling: We’ll wander Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice, browsing unique boutiques, eclectic art and catching some serious people-watching moments.
-Lunch and Beach Walk: We’ll eat at Hinano’s, a classic dive bar known for its relaxed vibe, delicious no-frills burgers and a history of hosting music icons like The Doors and James Taylor. Of course, no Westside holiday is complete without a scenic beach walk from Venice to the Santa Monica Pier. Let’s soak up the sun and sea breezes!
-Afternoon Coffee Break: Time to recharge with a caffeine fix at one of my local favorites, Alana’s Coffee Roasters.
-Dinner at Paco’s Tacos (Culver City): For a dose of authentic Mexican flavor get ready to enjoy fresh margaritas, handmade tortillas and hearty, mouthwatering dishes. I love the fajitas!
-Pub Crawl: We have a ton of fun bar choices walking distance from dinner. Let’s start at Corner Door for craft cocktails. We can close out the night at Old Man Bar right down the street for a chill, laid-back vibe.

Sunday
-Farmer’s Market: We’ll kick off our last day with a trip to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market. It’s the perfect spot to pick up fresh produce, artisanal goods and some treats to take home.
– Lunch: We’ll close out the weekend with a relaxed lunch on Main Street in Santa Monica. There are so many yummy spots. We will see what we are craving but one of my favorites is Jinya Ramen Bar. We can recap our adventures and toast an epic L.A. experience. Cheers LA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my mom, the person I can always count on. Her unwavering support and resilience have been foundational in my life and have inspired me beyond measure. She’s always my greatest cheerleader, offering encouragement when I need it most. Whether I’m celebrating a win or recovering from a challenge (and trust me, there have been some doozies), she’s right there to offer her wisdom and love. Her selflessness and strength have taught me how to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. My gratitude for her is boundless; I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. Love you, Mom!

Website: https://nicolefeingold.com

Instagram: @nicole_lise

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lise-feingold-6a8a5811/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.feingold

Other: https://nicolefeingold.substack.com/

Image Credits
No credits necessary

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