In this episode, Ismelka makes a comeback and shares what she's been up to the last few months, why the podcast took such a long break, and what it's like dealing with an ill parent & their sudden death. She also speaks on her process of moving forward and how it can relate to others in similar situations.

As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio ⁠@Ismelka⁠ on IG and ⁠@IsmelkaGomez⁠ on TikTok.

If you've been enjoying El Patio and this episode, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

In this episode, Ismelka has a special guest and hopeless romantic Alixandria (AA) discussing the intricacies of dating in New York City. They explore why dating in the city is distinct from other places and how some people may come off as “odd” during dates. They talk about some of their craziest dates and some of the fun and good ones too.

AA highlights the importance of understanding oneself in order to navigate the dating scene successfully. In a city as crazy, vibrant, and fast-paced as NYC, self-reflection and self-awareness are crucial for finding a compatible partner amidst the chaos. Join them as they delve into the unique aspects of dating in the city and the significance of inner self-discovery on the path to finding love.

Keep up with AA via her Instagram @alixxania and her TikTok @alixandriaaa. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok.

If you've been enjoying El Patio, this episode, and the whole thing, please leave a review on your preferred platform!

In this podcast episode, Ismelka invites Ciku Wathika, a pop culture and screenwriting enthusiast. They discuss the current state of screenwriting and storytelling and what true diversity representation can be on TV. 

With the rise of streaming platforms, they’re seeing a wider variety of reboots and interesting shows aimed at very specific audiences. They also talk about the significant strides in terms of diversity on TV (being a black woman or PoC woman on TV is the ultimate double-edged sword for representation), while acknowledging there is a long way to go. 

Finally, they end up discussing that in order to create authentic and engaging content, writers and producers must continue to push for diverse perspectives in the writers' room and on-screen representation. However, we must also avoid forced narratives. Screenwriting is evolving, and there's a growing demand for shows that reflect our current cultural climate, but it's important to remember that what's being produced may not necessarily be what different audiences want.

Keep up with Ciku via her Twitter @cikuwathika. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those wonderful reviews on all platforms, kids!

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, to the show, her friend, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Bhava Therapy Group (Therapist and Supervisor) in NYC. They discuss topics, such as, why we need to de-stigmatize therapy for both men and women, mental health awareness, and why this practice can benefit us all in the long run as a society. 

Keep up with Alyssa on her Instagram @alyssaktherapy and find her via Psychology Today here for your mental health needs. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those reviews on all platforms, babes.

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes to the show Realtor and social media queen, Evelyn Robleto! They talk about all things real estate in NYC — from being a realtor in a different state and focusing on rentals, to moving on up in the NYC market and working with buyers through the world-famous brokerage, Serhant. 

Evelyn discusses what it means to be a realtor, best practices for people wanting to dive into the industry, and some real estate projections in the current market. 

Keep up with Evelyn on her Instagram @evelynnrobleto and find her via the Serhant website here for your real estate needs. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those reviews on all platforms, babes.

In this episode, Ismelka brings on Norma Buster, a Director of Client Relations for one of the top law firms that handles tech-based/non-consensual allegations and cases surrounding violence against women. Norma is also a sex positivity advocate and she walks us through multiple journeys, and her interesting intersections while growing up in a strict Cuban-American household to now living a more open life sexually and socially. 

Read more about Norma’s important work here:

ELLE: “My Ex Shared My Naked Photos Online. So I Took Him to Court"

Refinery29: “My Ex Stalked Me & Shared My Naked Photos. Non-Monogamy Helped Me Heal”

Continue following Norma’s advocacy work and life via IG @NormaBuster_ and on her podcast Oral Arguments here. Finally, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes her friend Eileen Gillis, a past coworker (yes, Ismelka loves her past coworkers!), and they talk about it all— like going from being “girlbosses,” to now actual BOSSES!

Ismelka and Eileen discuss their leadership roles, starting with infamous Greek life beginnings, to a current corporate world. They debunk stereotypes regarding being a leader as a woman, and how to manage a group of peers successfully.

Furthermore, they talk about the importance of female friendships, community/colleague support, and leadership - inside and outside of work. More topics include having fun while working, how to “show up,” and a discussion of how we carry ourselves in our personal life which translates to the workplace. Lastly, they touch on what the future holds for woman leaders, and what it means to create a meaningful brand - internally and for the consumer.

Follow Eileen @elnglls on IG and continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

In this episode, Ismelka invites the one and only, Bronx-born and raised, Miko Gamble. They sit down to have a fun and vulnerable conversation about what it’s like to be a “modern mom” and what it means to stay in touch with yourself and your lifestyle, while still being the best parent for a child.

They also talk about raising a child “with a village,” community-based parenting values, and how finding balance is essential when bringing your new best friend into the world!

To learn more about Miko, follow her on IG @m____ko and continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

Wow, it's been a while! For the first episode of El Patio Season 2, Ismelka recaps her trip to the Dominican Republic with her partner, Joe. She also talks about getting back to her routine post-vacation, goals for 2023, and opinions about some of her favorite performances from the Grammy’s.

For 2023, Ismelka would love to hear suggestions for guests, topics, and themes you would like to listen to. DM her via IG @Ismelka or email at [email protected] with any thoughts!

As always, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review on your favorite platforms - share with ya friends!

In the season one finale of El Patio, Ismelka invites Aire Atlantica (who is a Billboard charting music producer, audio engineer, sound tech consultant, and Ismelka’s boyfriend) to talk about the journey of becoming a music producer, staying consistent with creativity, setting goals to stay motivated, and more. 

They also talk about some of his latest wins, such as being a producer on a number one album and going viral on TikTok, as well as the journey that led up to this point. 

Keep up with Aire on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @aireatlantica. And stay up to date with Ismelka and what's coming for Season 2 in 2023 via her Instagram @Ismelka. See you in early 2023 for Season 2 of El Patio!