In this episode, Ismelka is chatting solo about her year, discussing her accomplishments, hardships, changes, and life transitions, as well as the positive experiences that this year brought for her. She discusses the journey with grief/loss and then transitions into running through lists of ALL things that were on top of her mind this year. From world news to her favorite restaurants, live entertainment, TV and movies, books, and podcasts.

Ismelka cherishes the positives, such as the best moments she remembers from a very strange year! As mentioned in the episode, keep up with some of her favorite podcasters here:

The Kinswomen

Los Gómez

The Cutting Room Floor

Fluently Forward

Continue to keep up with Ismelka and El Patio Podcast @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok.

This episode is in memory of her grandfather José Valdez and her good friend Corey Goodermote. If you feel it in your heart, please donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in Corey’s memory here.

In this episode, Ismelka invites Via Abreu, a fellow Dominican-American girly who is a lifestyle content creator and your HR best friend. Through this thoughtful and empowering conversation, they speak about Via’s TikTok boom, her authentic content, and how she got to where she is today. They also discuss her audience, as well as what her ideal viewership is and what it means to be a Dominican and Afro-Latinx content creator in 2022. This candid conversation leads to their thoughts surrounding building boundaries on the internet and IRL while also building trust and vulnerability to have difficult conversations. 

You can find Via on Instagram @fabulous_via and on TikTok @fabulousvia to keep up with her! 

In this episode, Ismelka invites her past apartment neighbor and friend Rachel for a recap on their favorite shows to get through the beginning of cozy season - this one is for the lazy gals and boys or those who just live for TV entertainment. Rachel brings the best energy and hot takes for what’s worth watching, from chill wholesome shows to trashy TV, and some dramas.

You can find Rachel and all of her amazing content @shadyyrach on Instagram, as well as her soon-to-be revamped podcast, at Dish Please!

In this episode, Ismelka invites Kat, her friend and former co-worker from her time as a stylist, to talk about all things fashion and current trends. They discuss the many different types of work in the industry, such as celebrity, editorial, and personal styling. Ismelka and Kat also discuss current fall and winter trends, getting spicy about some current fashion trends and the archetypes that the internet kids are striving for. Are skinny jeans dead? Is vintage staying? Do we gatekeep or nah? Stay tuned!

You can keep up with Kat and her fashion week & award season commentaries plus some fashion advice here and there on IG: @_katjenkins

In this episode, Ismelka talks to Sarah about the romantic notion of New York City and its artists, the dual nature of being ‘halfghani’, and the ever-changing life of the artist in a world that demands financial survival and independence. From growing up on Long Island with a white mom and an immigrant father from Afghanistan, we talk about identity before and after 9/11 and what it means to Sarah to be a Hassan and a New Yorker all at once. Throughout her life, Sarah found herself on an unexpected career path in the arts and wrote about it along the way. Sarah and Ismelka dissect what it means to be the "modern woman" and her different career paths when it comes to creativity and art.

Sarah is a writer, dancer, and proud cat mom living in Manhattan. After twelve years in the auction business, she now works for a rare book dealer and loves it! Follow her adventures in and around the city at @smariehassan and check out her writing at sarahmhassanwrites.Wordpress.com

In this episode, Ismelka is joined by one of her dear high school friends, Karyll! They talk about all things spirituality from their own unique perspectives - from growing up Catholic in their Dominican community to finding their own “patio” within and outside of the Catholic Church. Ismelka and Karyll are both critical of the institution and bond about the positives and negatives and where they are now in their current spiritual journeys.

Karyll is a spiritual guide and offers wonderful services, such as tarot reading, deconstructive chats, and more. Follow her on IG @decolonista to book a service or just for fun spiritual content!

Ismelka has come back full-on academic after Labor Day Weekend to talk about the word "culture," how it is a complicated word and something that is not static. She puts her Anthropology degree to work and wants us all to be a little critical of our everyday conversations. Remember to keep up with Ismelka and new episode releases of El Patio via Instagram @Ismelka. 

In this episode, Ismelka speaks about the end of the summer in NYC ( *insert sad face* ) and a quick life update. Ismelka welcomes her friend, Dom Brillantes to talk about it all - Dom’s queer community in the city, his career trajectory, his wins, and his challenges. Also- vulnerability, REAL TALK about his dating life, and more tea! Keep up with Dom on Instagram @domohhhneek and Ismelka, of course, @Ismelka

In this episode, Ismelka starts by speaking about how it feels to launch a dream project, as well as a quick life update. For her first guest, Ismelka welcomes one of her closest friends, Alexis Gillie. They talk about what El Patio means, their past and current communities, how beauty and “the salon” are important aspects of Black and Latin women’s lives, and more. Remember to follow Ismelka on Instagram @Ismelka and Alexis on Twitter @viewtifullex for more BS.

In this very special first mini-episode, Ismelka introduces herself, and discusses what "El Patio" is all about, as well as the origin of the title. Many exciting full-length episodes, with guests, coming soon! In the meantime, keep up with Ismelka on her Instagram: @Ismelka