My Brain Está Spicy

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

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!
Traditional Medicinal Tea - Throat Coat
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 
 

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

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:
Sacred Rage - A reclamation of life force - @stephanienosco Instagram
What is Chi?
The Functions of Female Rage
Self-Silencing is Making Women Sick
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!
Avulux Migraine Glasses
Traditional Medicinal Tea - Throat Coat
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 
 

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

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:
Is Impostor Syndrome Holding You Back From Living Your Best Life? by Arlin Cunic, MA
It’s Time to Reconceptualize What “Imposter Syndrome” Means for People of Color - by Kevin Cokley
Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome - by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey
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!
Traditional Medicinal Tea - Throat Coat
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 
 

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

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:
I have been a thousand different women - by Emory Hall (audio reading)
Made of Rivers - Poetry book - by Emory Hall
Mini Inner Child work segment - Nicole Brennan
Books by Mel Robbins
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!
Traditional Medicinal Tea - Throat Coat
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 
 

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

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:
Gina Rodriguez To Those Saying She's 'Not Latina Enough' - HuffPost Live Online
The Cuban Exception: How Colonialism, Capitalism, and White Supremacy Manufactured Cuban American Conservatism - by Christian Ortiz
You are the love your life - Viola Davis (excerpt from Chaplin Award acceptance speech)
 
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!
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 
 

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

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!
Traditional Medicinal Tea - Throat Coat
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 

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

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!
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.
 

S1.E4 - Christy takes a break....or does she?

In this episode, we get real about burnout, work-life balance, and why taking breaks feels so damn hard (especially for women). Christy is technically on vacation in Naples, Florida—but surprise, surprise, she’s still working remotely for two days. 😅She shares the not-so-subtle signs her body gave her that she needed rest, how her “minimum effort days” help keep her sane, and why PTO isn’t just a perk—it’s part of your paycheck! 💰
We also dive into the cultural and generational baggage that makes unplugging so difficult (thanks, hustle culture!), the mental gymnastics of corporate life, and how Melisa literally ended up in the hospital after her brother's wedding before realizing she needed to slow down.
🚨 PSA: Your job will survive without you—so take your PTO, you beautiful people! 🌶️
 
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!
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.

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

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
Also follow us on Instagram
 
Links Referenced in Today's show:
I am - Daily Affirmations - Google Play Store
I am - Daily Affirmations - Apple Store
Welcome to the Jungle - Job Search
Flexa.Careers - Job Search
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
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
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.

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

 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:
Vestibular Disorders - Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA)
Network Spinal - What is it?
Biofeedback Breathing - How it works?
What is EFT Tapping?
 
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!
Gin Gin Chews
Loop Earplugs
Avulux Migraine Glasses
LMNT Electrolytes
Buoy
IWC Chiropractic - Orlando Network Spinal Practice
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.