My Brain Está Spicy

S2.E7 - Leaving Corporate Without Losing Yourself

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Leaving Corporate Without Losing Yourself

Life has been busy and tender, so Melisa is hosting a solo evening edition — but she’s not alone. She’s joined by business coach and social media strategist Kate Astill, whose journey from medical scientist to yoga teacher to business coach is a masterclass in rebuilding your work life without losing your mental health.

Together they talk about burnout, undercharging, late ADHD/autism diagnoses, hustle culture, and the quiet grief that follows career transitions. They unpack why so many women recreate corporate patterns inside their businesses and what it actually looks like to build work that supports your nervous system, your joy, and your real life.

If you’re craving more freedom, softness, or clarity in the way you work, this one will land.

0:00 Introduction and Life Updates

03:12 Meet Kate Astill: From Medical Scientist to Business Coach

08:04 Navigating Business Challenges and Mindset Shifts

35:01 The Power of Collaboration and Connection

36:13 Managing Stress and Self-Awareness in Business

53:46 Exploring Possibilities and Personal Growth

Guest — Kate Astill | Woman CEO Podcast - Business Coach & Social Media Strategist

Website: (www.womanceo.com.au)

IG: @kateastill_ and @wamanceosayings -

(https://www.instagram.com/kateastill_/)

(www.instagram.com/womanceosayings)

With a background in wellness and a sharp eye for marketing, Kate brings a unique blend of strategy and soul to everything she does. She understands that building a business isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about alignment, clarity and confidence.

After years of coaching, content creation and helping brands grow from the ground up, Kate now specializes in supporting female entrepreneurs who are ready to show up fully, attract aligned clients, and turn their message into momentum.

Her approach is equal parts mindset and marketing—practical, personalized, and rooted in purpose.

Kate is on a mission to simplify business, remove the fluff, and give women the tools, strategy and support they need to grow sustainably. She believes in making money your way—without burning out or becoming someone you’re not.

Whether you're refining your offers, mapping out your content strategy, or scaling your brand, she’s here to guide you every step of the way.

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Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram : (https://www.instagram.com/mybrainestaspicy)

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

Gin Gin Chews - (https://gingerpeople.com/products/gin-gins-original-ginger-chews/)

Loop Earplugs - (http://rwrd.io/wu8npep?c)

Avulux Migraine Glasses - (https://avulux.com/)

LMNT Electrolytes - (https://drinklmnt.com/)

Buoy - (https://justaddbuoy.com/collections/all?snowball=MELISA34040&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=default-program&utm_campaign=MELISA34040)

IWC Chiropractic - Orlando Network Spinal Practice - (https://www.integratewellnesscenter.com/)

___________________________

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational & entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, or other qualified licensed professionals. For questions about your health, legal, or financial situations, please consult the proper professionals. Listeners should not disregard symptoms or delay in obtaining medical assistance from qualified medical professionals for any conditions they may have.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational & entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, or other qualified licensed professionals. For questions about your health, legal, or financial situations, please consult the proper professionals. Listeners should not disregard symptoms or delay in obtaining medical assistance from qualified medical professionals for any conditions they may have.

Distributed by Genuina Media

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S2.E6. Travel Anxiety & Falling in Love with the World Anyway - ft. Bianca Alba from This Latina Travels

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:10:07 +0000

Description:
In this heart-opening episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy are joined by Bianca Alba, the voice and creator of This Latina Travels!, for an honest and empowering conversation about travel anxiety, courage, and what it means to fall in love with the world—even when your brain gets spicy.

Bianca is the voice and creator of “This Latina Travels!” – a podcast about travel through the eyes of a First-Generation Latina traveler and college grad sharing all her travel experiences first-hand. As a little girl living in a single-parent household, trips and vacations were just a dream and felt unreachable. This Latina Travels is more than just Bianca telling you about her experiences—it’s a true reflection that dreams can become reality. To date, Bianca has traveled to six of the seven continents in the world, and her goal is to encourage and support women who look like her to travel the world too.

Together, the trio dives deep into what travel anxiety really feels like—the panic before a flight, the overstimulation in airports, the fear of losing control, and the healing that comes from stepping into the unknown anyway. Melisa shares her body’s reactions to anxiety mid-travel, Christy recalls a life-changing trip that reshaped her sense of safety, and Bianca opens up about getting sick abroad and how that experience transformed her approach to fear and gratitude.

In this episode:

What travel anxiety feels like (in your body and mind)

Getting sick abroad and learning to ask for help

How fear of flying and solo travel shows up for anxious minds

Reclaiming joy and peace through exploration

Why traveling as a Latina is both empowering and revolutionary

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
01:19 Meet Our Guest: Bianca Alba
05:14 Personal Stories of Travel Anxiety
10:09 Handling Travel Anxiety: Tips and Experiences
38:06 Navigating Anxiety While Flying
39:57 Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel
49:33 Empowering Latina Women to Travel
54:44 The Joy and Liberation of Travel

Guest — Bianca Alba | This Latina Travels!

Podcast: This Latina Travels!

Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/thislatinatravels)

Website: (wwwthislatinatravels.com)

Contact: thislatinatravels@gmail.com

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram : (https://www.instagram.com/mybrainestaspicy)

Gin Gin Chews - (https://gingerpeople.com/products/gin-gins-original-ginger-chews/)

Loop Earplugs - (http://rwrd.io/wu8npep?c)

Avulux Migraine Glasses - (https://avulux.com/)

LMNT Electrolytes - (https://drinklmnt.com/)

Buoy - (https://justaddbuoy.com/collections/all?snowball=MELISA34040&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=default-program&utm_campaign=MELISA34040)

IWC Chiropractic - Orlando Network Spinal Practice - (https://www.integratewellnesscenter.com/)

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S2.E5. - Becoming Melisa: The Power of Showing Up Unfiltered

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this intimate “get to know me” episode, Melisa steps into the hot seat — unfiltered, unmasked, and unapologetically herself. Christy leads a reimagined 21 Questions that peels back the layers of identity, ambition, and the strength it takes to live authentically as a disabled Latina woman. From childhood dreams to navigating ableism, resilience, and radical honesty, Melisa shares the stories that shaped her voice — and the fire that keeps her showing up even when the world expects her to shrink.

We explore: authenticity as survival - disability, visibility & belonging - bicultural identity and resilience - humor as healing - showing up in your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable

0:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

01:04 Life Catch Up

05:10 Christy’s Health Journey

15:14 Getting to Know Melisa

38:34 Eggs and Quirky Eating Habits

40:06 Reflecting on Marriage and Relationships

43:11 Navigating Vulnerability and Personal Growth

49:38 Spicy Questions and Heartfelt Memories

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” — or felt pressure to make yourself smaller — this episode is your permission slip to be loud, tender, and entirely yourself.

YouTube Camping ASMR Channel Links:
RYUCAMP - https://www.youtube.com/@RYUCAMP
KirinCamp - https://www.youtube.com/@KirinCamp
Go4x4 - https://www.youtube.com/@go4x4media
Atik Family - https://www.youtube.com/@AtikAilesi
Yoyo Camp - https://www.youtube.com/@yoyocamp

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram : (https://www.instagram.com/mybrainestaspicy)

Gin Gin Chews - (https://gingerpeople.com/products/gin-gins-original-ginger-chews/)

Loop Earplugs - (http://rwrd.io/wu8npep?c)

Avulux Migraine Glasses - (https://avulux.com/)

LMNT Electrolytes - (https://drinklmnt.com/)

Buoy - (https://justaddbuoy.com/collections/all?snowball=MELISA34040&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=default-program&utm_campaign=MELISA34040)

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S2.E4. - Therapy Isn’t a Dirty Word – Why Latinos Deserve to Heal Too

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 3 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Why is therapy still treated like a dirty little secret in so many Latino households? In this episode, Melisa and Christy sit down with Dr. Lisette Sanchez—a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, writer, international speaker, and founder of Calathea Wellness, a virtual platform for first-gen professionals.

Raised in Southern California by Salvadoran and Mexican immigrant parents, Dr. Lisette brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the convo. Together, we unpack:

Why therapy is still taboo in our families
How silence, guilt, and “aguántate” culture impact mental health
The power of tears as medicine
Boundaries as survival + liberation

This one is real, raw, and necessary for anyone who’s ever been told therapy “isn’t for us.” Healing is for all of us—and it starts when we stop whispering and start talking.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction + Welcome
01:18 – Catching Up and Life Updates
04:26 – Meet Dr. Lisette Sanchez
07:54 – Therapy Experiences and Cultural Stigmas
39:02 – The Power of Tears
42:37 – Navigating Family Dynamics
47:05 – Boundaries as Love Language
01:06:22 – Spicy Questions + Closing

Links on the Science of Tears:

The Chemistry of Tears by SciPlanet - https://www.bibalex.org/SCIplanet/en/Article/Details?id=19105

All About Emotional Tears by American Academy of Opthamology - https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/all-about-emotional-tears

About Dr. Lisette Sanchez:
Dr. Lisette is a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, international speaker, writer, and founder of Calathea Wellness, where she supports first-gen professionals navigating identity, belonging, and intergenerational healing. Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, she helps individuals transform cultural complexity into clarity, pride, and purpose.

Follow Dr. Lisette:
🌐 Website: calatheawellness.com
📲 Instagram: @thefirstgenpsychologist
💼 LinkedIn: thefirstgenpsychologist
📺 YouTube: @thefirstgenpsychologist

Connect with Us:
📱 IG + YouTube: @mybrainestaspicy
💌 thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

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S2.E3. - Christy Unmasked : Joyful Kid to Spicy Brain

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 5 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What do parasailing, cassette tapes, and Anne Hathaway have in common? Christy’s mental health journey. In this spicy origin story episode, Melisa interviews Christy with questions about childhood, coping, and coming home to herself — Scorpio-style. We uncover childhood memories, early signs of anxiety, coping mechanisms (including a VERY creative one), and the moment she realized, "Oh, this is deeper than just stress."

Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or just need some safe, soulful girl talk — this episode is full of honesty, humor, healing, and hella spicy brain vibes. Expect laughter, tenderness, and zero small talk.

A must-listen if you’re healing from anxiety, curious about therapy, or just want a mental health podcast that feels like a deep convo with your smartest, funniest friend.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers

01:04 Origin Episode: Christy's Story Begins

03:41 Deep Dive: Childhood Memories and Coping Mechanisms

33:48 Societal Programming and Personal Struggles

34:55 Journey into Mental Health Awareness

48:13 Embracing Vulnerability and Evolution

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram : (https://www.instagram.com/mybrainestaspicy)

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S2.E1. - Existing Is Political: The Spicy Season 2 Kickoff

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We’re back — and we’re not easing in.

In the Season 2 premiere of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy speak openly, urgently, and unfiltered about the state of things: the unraveling of democracy, the rage of watching history repeat itself, and the heartbreak of silence from those who should know better.

This episode is about immigration, fascism, human decency, and how we find our voices again when everything feels unsafe. It’s not cute. It’s not polished. It’s exactly what needed to be said.

If you’ve felt grief, rage, fear, or that pit in your stomach watching the news — this one’s for you.

“Silence and complacency does not disqualify you from feeding into the system. Because your silence is exactly what they want.” — Melisa

Information links for this episode:

- Trevor Noah: What Now Podcast

- Stacey Abram on 10 Steps to Autocracy MSNBC

- Mehdi 'I don't debate fascists' - Jubiliee Excerpt

- First They Came – by Pastor Martin Niemöller

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram : (https://www.instagram.com/mybrainestaspicy)

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S2.E2. Flowers for Pedro Pascal : Our Anti-Machismo Icon

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Flowers for Pedro Pascal: Our Anti-Machismo Icon

🌶️ Episode Summary:
This week, we're trading in rage (mostly) for reverence—and handing out metaphorical flowers to our Lord and Savior Pedro Pascal.

From his tender masculinity to his vocal allyship, Pedro represents something we don't see enough of: a man who is deeply safe to be around. In this episode, we explore why so many women—and plenty of men—feel seen, affirmed, and emotionally unlocked by his presence.

We dig into the cultural weight of machismo, what soft masculinity can actually look like, and why representation like this hits so damn deep. Also: thirsting with respect, Pedro’s sisterly support, and how emotional intelligence can (and should) be sexy.

💐 Whether you’re here to celebrate softness, rage at toxic masculinity, or just crush a little, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Listener Love Notes:
Tag us while you listen (@mybrainestaspicy on Instagram)! Share your Pedro hot takes, your softness wins, or the things you’re unlearning in your relationships. We’re here for the nuance and the fanfare.

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

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S1.E11 - Village People: Finding Your ‘Kumbaya’ Crew in a Spicy World

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 9 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

What does it really mean to have a “support village”? In this episode, Melisa and Christy crack open the messy, magical, and sometimes painful truth about building (and losing) your people.

From childhood church groups to friendship breakups over politics and personal growth, they reflect on:

Why friendship doesn’t need to check every box

The myth of the “one perfect best friend”

How cultural identity and religion shape our ideas of support

When support turns into silence—and how to grieve that

The surprise people who show up when you least expect it

Whether your village is one person or a whole squad, this episode will remind you: support doesn't have to be big to be powerful. And yes, your version of community is valid—even if it doesn’t look like a group chat that’s texting 24/7.

Information Links for Today's Show:

Mel Robbins Instagram post
TheSkimm Instagram post highlighting excerpt from Amy Poehler's - Good Hang podcast episode with Katharyn Hahn
Netflix's - Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E10 - Sacred Rage - No, We’re Not Just ‘Hangry’ or 'Hormonal'

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 2 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this fiery episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy dive into the concept of sacred feminine rage—the often misunderstood and suppressed emotion that holds immense power when channeled correctly.

They explore how anger is not just an emotion to suppress, but a life force that can fuel personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Both Melisa and Christy share their personal experiences with rage, how they’ve learned to embrace it, and how this emotion has been tied to their cultural and generational histories. From the pressure women face to always “stay calm” to how women and men aren't always afforded the safe space or approval to experience rage, this episode challenges the idea that rage is inherently negative.

Tune in as they discuss how sacred rage can be channeled into something transformative, helping us stand up for ourselves, honor our boundaries, and reclaim our power.

Information Links for Today's Show:

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E9 - I’m Not an Imposter, I’m Just a Work in Progress

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy talk about how imposter syndrome shows up in their lives and how it impacts their mental health and well-being. Whether it’s questioning their abilities in their careers, feeling like they're not Latina enough, or doubting their worth, the feeling of not being enough is something we've all struggled with at some point in our lives.

The episode touches on the societal pressures that fuel these feelings, especially for BIPOC women, and how the pressure to be “perfect” can create burnout and frustration. Their conversation is all about acknowledging those feelings without letting them define us. It’s a reminder to cut ourselves some slack, embrace progress over perfection, and stop letting imposter syndrome steal our peace.

Join the conversation about how we’re fighting back against imposter syndrome, one step at a time.

Information Links for Today's Show:

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E8 - High-Fiving Our Past Selves in the Mirror (Naked!)

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this heartfelt episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy dive into the powerful theme of self-reflection, identity, and body image. 🌸✨

They explore how cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal experiences shape the way we view ourselves at different stages in life. The conversation touches on:

The struggles of loving our bodies through the years 💖

Accepting our past versions 🦋 and stopping the blame cycle

Practicing self-compassion and finding peace with ourselves 🌱

Both co-hosts share personal anecdotes from their own journeys, offering a vulnerable space for listeners to reflect on their own growth. Melisa and Christy discuss how sometimes the smallest gestures, like a high-five in the mirror (NAKED), can be a powerful step toward self-love. ✋💕

Tune in for a mix of deep reflection and empowering advice that will leave you feeling pumped and ready to embrace your own journey! 💪🏽

Information Links for Today's Show:

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E7 - Latina Enough? Finding Home in Your Identity

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What does it actually mean to be “Latina enough”? In this vulnerable and validating episode, Melisa and Christy unpack their own complex journeys navigating bicultural identity, language, and the unspoken rules of Latinidad.

From growing up with varying levels of Spanish, to battling imposter syndrome and cultural expectations, they explore how identity and mental health are deeply intertwined — especially for first-gen Latinas trying to find belonging in every room they're in.

This episode blends reflection, humor, and heart to ask: Who gets to define what being Latina means? And how can we stop shrinking ourselves to fit into someone else’s version of authenticity?

Whether you’ve ever felt like you’re not “Latina enough,” not American enough, or just too much, Melisa and Christy remind us that your identity is yours to own — and that is more than enough.

Information Links for Today's Show:

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E6 - The Job Market, Mad Max Edition Pt. 2 – with Alondra Canizal Hsu

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The job market isn’t just competitive—it’s a battlefield, especially for Latinas and first-gen professionals. 🚨 In this episode, we’re joined by Alondra Canizal Hsu, Founder & CEO of Soluna Career Consulting, who shares the raw, unfiltered realities of what job seekers are up against and how to take control of your career with boldness and authenticity.

From navigating the emotional toll of job searching to standing out in a sea of applicants, this episode is packed with real talk and practical strategies to help you own your story, embrace your value, and stop playing small in your career.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
💼 The biggest fears job seekers are facing right now
🚀 Why playing it safe won’t get you hired – be bold!
🔑 The power of networking (even when it feels awkward)
🧠 Mental health hacks to survive career uncertainty

🎙 Meet Our Guest:

Alondra Canizal Hsu is a career consultant and founder of Soluna Career Consulting, where she helps BIPOC and first-gen professionals leverage their experiences and tell their stories confidently in resumes, cover letters, and interviews. She’s all about helping you show up as your most authentic self—because your voice deserves to be heard.

📲 Connect with Alondra:
🌐 Website: Solunacareer.com
📩 Instagram: @solunacareerpdx
💼 LinkedIn: Alondra Canizal Hsu

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E5 - Beyond the Smile: Understanding Toxic Positivity & Finding Authentic Support

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:39:35 +0000

Tired of hearing “just stay positive” when life is crumbling around you? In this episode, we’re diving into toxic positivity—why it’s harmful, how it invalidates real emotions, and why forcing a smile isn’t the answer.

Melisa and Christy get personal, sharing experiences with cultural expectations, generational trauma, and how immigrant families often downplay struggles and sometimes guilt you with a “things could be worse” mentality. But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy—we’re serving up our usual mix of real talk, humor, and a little extra sazón.

We also explore:
🧠 How suppressing emotions leads to mental health and physical struggles
🚩 Why dismissing feelings with “good vibes only” is NOT helpful
❤️ How to build a support system that actually validates your emotions

Let’s move past the fake it ‘til you make it mindset and embrace real, messy, human feelings.

Information Links for Today's Show:

YouTube - Simon Sinek - It Means "I Need You": The Power of 8 Minutes

"Emotional Suppression: Physiology, Self-Report, and Expressive Behavior" - Berkley Public Library

TED Talk - Dr. Susan David (Harvard Psychologist) – The gift and power of emotional courage

Youtube - Brene Brown – Research on empathy vs. sympathy.

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

Also follow us on Instagram

Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

S1.E3 - The Job Market, 'Mad Max Edition' Pt.1

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 7 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy dive into the chaotic reality of job searching in today’s unpredictable market. With layoffs, hiring freezes, and shifting workplace expectations, finding a job can feel like surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland or like your screaming into a void. 🚨

Melisa discusses the highs and lows of her career journey, from her start in hospitality to navigating job transitions and ultimately facing unemployment again. She shares her firsthand experience with job hunting, networking strategies, and how she's staying resilient after being laid off. She discusses why traditional job applications aren’t enough, the power of networking and LinkedIn, and how she’s balancing the stress of uncertainty with self-care.

Plus, we unpack the debate over remote work vs. return-to-office mandates, workplace control, and why companies still don’t get that happy employees = better productivity. 💡

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

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Links Referenced in Today's show:

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S1.E2 - Let's get Physical, Physical...about Anxiety

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Sun, 2 Mar 2025 20:30:43 +0000

Is it anxiety, or am I actually dying? In this episode of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy dive into the weird, annoying, and downright inconvenient ways anxiety shows up in their bodies—like racing heartbeats, surprise sweat fests, and that oh-so-fun feeling of your lungs suddenly forgetting how to work.

Melisa shares her journey of learning to recognize anxiety symptoms, from unexpected bouts of anger to hyperventilating at Sam’s Club, while Christy gets real about her long battle with health anxiety and the delightful game of “Do I have a brain tumor, or am I just dehydrated?”

Along the way, they sprinkle in plenty of humor, real talk, and their best coping strategies—because if we’re going to have spicy brains, we might as well learn to season them right. Plus, they share their favorite anxiety hacks, including breathing techniques, body shaking (yes, really), and the magic of carrying rubbing alcohol wipes just in case.

Tune in for laughs, realness, and some practical tips to make your brain just a little less spicy. 🔥

Informational Links:

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

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Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!

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S1.E1 - Doom Scrolling and the Great Social Media Break

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:41:58 +0000

In the very first episode of My Brain Está Spicy, hosts Melisa and Christy dive into the realities of overthinking and mental health, with a special focus on doomscrolling. They open up about their personal experiences—Melisa shares how stepping away from social media has impacted her anxiety and overall well-being, while Christy discusses her challenges with health-related anxiety. Along the way, they explore the struggle of balancing social media use, the importance of compartmentalizing, and offer their real life tips for anyone looking to cut down on screen time and reclaim their mental space.

Have a hack you want to share, want to send us some love or have an idea for an episode? Email us at thespicybrainpod@gmail.com

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My Brain Está Spicy - Trailer

melisa@vibraince.com (My Brain Está Spicy) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:40:32 +0000

My Brain Está Spicy dives into the highs, lows, and hilarity of living with anxiety and navigating mental health in everyday life. Through storytelling and lighthearted conversations, co-hosts Melisa and Christy share their personal experiences, laugh through life’s absurdities, and explore how cultural identity shapes their journey. The show is not only a safe space for discussing anxiety but also celebrates resilience, humor, and the benefits of a good cry. Occasionally, they bring on guests to share diverse perspectives.

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