Even Tacos Fall Apart

Even Tacos Fall Apart

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Even Tacos Fall Apart episodes

  • Grief & Loss with Karen Taylor

    If you’ve ever struggled with loss, felt unsure how to support someone grieving, or wondered why you’re not “moving on” fast enough, this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/karen-taylor

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sat down with grief educator and coach Karen Taylor for a raw conversation about loss and what it means to live with it. Karen’s path into this work began after her sister died in a house fire in 2019. The loss turned her life upside down, and she realized how poorly equipped most of us are when it comes to handling grief. Outdated models like the “five stages of grief” left her feeling broken because they didn’t reflect her lived experience. That realization pushed her to train as a grief coach and educator, determined to bring a modern, compassionate perspective to how we support each other.

    Karen explained the difference between grief and grieving. Grief itself is the pain and emotion tied to what we’ve lost. It never goes away because it’s bound to the love and attachment we still hold. Grieving, on the other hand, is the longer-term process of adapting to life after a loss. That can involve rediscovering who we are once the roles we’ve lived in shift (like becoming a widow, losing a parent, or even facing divorce or job loss). She emphasized that grief isn’t limited to death. Any major change, even the absence of a childhood we needed but didn’t have, can leave behind grief.

    One theme Karen returned to again and again is how badly society handles grief. In the weeks right after a loss, people swarm in with food, calls, and cards. But around the two-month mark, support often dries up just as the hardest part sets in. That’s when loneliness and pain deepen. For Karen, the lesson is simple: there are no perfect words to offer, only presence. Just showing up and continuing to acknowledge the person or loss matters far more than any attempt to fix things.

    She also talked about the responsibility grieving people have to speak up about what they need. When her father died, Karen realized she had to clearly communicate her needs to her partner instead of expecting him to guess. That meant asking for regular time to talk about her dad, more hugs, and not being treated as broken. Setting boundaries and naming needs transformed how she was supported.

    Karen addressed some common myths too. The idea that “time heals all wounds” is misleading. Time alone doesn’t do anything... it’s what you do with that time that matters. Grief will resurface in unexpected moments years later. A song, a smell, or an anniversary can bring back a wave of pain, and that’s normal. The goal isn’t to “get over” grief but to learn how to carry it alongside love and meaning.

    She described practical tools she uses with clients, like the “loss inventory,” where people go back through their lives to name losses they never recognized as grief. She also uses hypnosis to bypass surface thoughts and help people revisit stuck emotions.

    The conversation underscored that grief is deeply individual. There’s no one right way to do it, and there’s no finish line. What matters is honesty, compassion, and continuing to talk about the people we’ve lost so they aren’t erased from memory.

    1 hr 57 min
  • Writing & Mental Health with Jennifer Wright

    If you’ve ever wanted to use writing to process your thoughts, manage stress, or work through tough emotions (whether you’re a lifelong journaler or haven’t written since school) this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/jennifer-wright

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire talks with Jennifer Wright about writing, creativity, and how putting words on paper can be a powerful tool for mental health. Jennifer herself is a writer, editor, publisher, artist, and stand-up comedian, and she helps leaders tell their stories through her Authors Way podcast, her 90-day Authors Way Journal, and her work with Leadership Portraits.

    Jennifer’s path to this work wasn’t a straight line. She spent decades in corporate project management and strategy, but writing was always tugging at her. A layoff pushed her into professional copywriting, which eventually led to helping a friend write her first book. Word spread, more people asked for help, and a new career was born.

    When it comes to balancing creative work with well-being, Jennifer admits it’s not always perfect. Her corporate skills in organization and strategy help her juggle multiple projects, but she also leans on art and comedy as outlets. Painting is her meditation, and helping comedy students write jokes keeps her energized.

    Writing has been part of Jennifer’s life since childhood. As an introvert, it gave her a safe way to process her thoughts. She still prefers pen and paper for creative work, noting that research shows handwriting activates more parts of the brain than typing. For her, writing is both a release and a way to make sense of emotions... and it can be healing even if no one else ever reads it.

    She encourages people to write without worrying about skill level, grammar, or perfection. The goal is to get the words out. Writing can help process trauma, problem-solve, and unlock creativity. Jennifer’s advice for beginners: make it a habit, whether that’s daily, weekly, or in weekend sessions. Create a space, use tools you enjoy (colorful pens, big sketchbooks, plain notebooks), and write in whatever way feels comfortable.

    With the leaders she works with, burnout and mental health come up often. She’s seen companies start to pay more attention to employee well-being, though there’s still a long way to go. She believes regular sabbaticals could improve productivity and loyalty, and she’s taken one herself to reset.

    Common blocks she sees in writers include lack of energy (often mistaken for lack of time) and fear of judgment. She suggests adjusting when you write to match your energy levels, taking creative breaks to avoid burnout, and remembering you can choose how and with whom to share your story.

    Her editing pet peeve? Overly long sentences. Shorter sentences and paragraphs keep readers engaged. She loves working with writers early in the process but can step in at any stage.

    Jennifer’s Authors Way Journal offers daily prompts, gratitude space, and a “word of the day” to help people build a consistent writing habit. She’s seen it spark healing and creativity for many users. She also shared simple emotional writing prompts like starting with “I love…,” “I hate…,” or “I don’t understand…” and writing without stopping or editing.

    Currently, Jennifer is developing a collaborative book featuring women leaders to help close the gender gap in leadership literature, and she’s relaunching her podcast. Her biggest wish is for people to understand that mental health differences aren’t “bad,” they’re just part of what makes us unique.

    1 hr 29 min
  • Managing Your Inner Critic with Nichole Coyne

    This episode is for anyone who's ever hit "submit" on a project and immediately started spiraling about everything they could have done better, or who looks successful on the outside while battling a relentless voice inside that insists they're not good enough.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/nichole-coyne

    Licensed clinical social worker Nichole Coyne joined MommaFoxFire for a refreshingly honest conversation about that nagging voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough. As someone who specializes in high functioning anxiety and owns Higher Ground Wellness, a virtual private practice, Coyne brought both professional expertise and personal transparency to the discussion.

    Your inner critic is that constant internal narrative everyone has, formed by our earliest caregivers and experiences. Coyne breaks it down into three distinct voices:

    The Monger is the brutal negative self-talk machine. It's the voice screaming "you're going to fail" while paradoxically pushing you to work harder to prove it wrong. This voice creates anxiety and drives that endless cycle of burnout.

    The BFF wants to comfort you but takes it too far. Think of that college friend who wanted to skip studying for drinks—it's all about soothing and avoiding discomfort, often leading to procrastination.

    The Advocate is the voice most people can barely hear. It's the one that says "that meeting was tough, but you handled it well—now go take a walk and decompress." This is the voice we need to amplify.

    High functioning anxiety isn't an official diagnosis, but it perfectly captures a growing phenomenon. These are the people who look incredibly successful from the outside—always meeting deadlines, showing up early, getting things done. Inside, they're battling constant self-doubt and that spiraling inner dialogue.

    The twist? That voice often gets loudest after completing something. You hit submit on a project and immediately start catastrophizing about every possible mistake. Sound familiar?

    Coyne's approach is refreshingly practical. First, acknowledge the voice. Name it. Even tell someone "my inner critic is really loud today." Once you recognize it, you can start questioning whether these thoughts are actually facts (spoiler: they're not).

    Her "three and five rule" is genius in its simplicity. Pick three important tasks for shorter time periods, five for longer ones. One of those tasks can be self-care, like making yourself a decent lunch. This prevents the endless to-do list spiral that leaves you feeling like you accomplished nothing despite crossing off multiple items.

    One of the most striking insights was how perfectionism complicates grief. Perfectionists want to fix everything, but grief requires sitting with uncomfortable feelings. This creates a dangerous loop where major losses trigger high functioning anxiety as people try to control the uncontrollable through hyper-productivity.

    Coyne emphasized that recovery isn't about spa days and manicures, it's about doing the hard stuff that actually serves you, like managing your budget or taking actual time off. She practices what she preaches, dedicating Sunday afternoons to disconnecting completely.

    The bottom line? Your thoughts aren't facts, productivity doesn't equal worth, and that critical voice doesn't have to run the show. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.

    1 hr 43 min
  • Mindfulness with Courtney Schulnick

    If you're overwhelmed, burned out or just trying to make it through the day without falling apart, this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/courtney-schulnick

    In this episode, I sat down with Courtney Schulnick to talk all about mindfulness and how it actually fits into messy, busy, real life! Courtney spent almost 20 years as a high-pressure litigator at a major law firm in Philly. The work was demanding and stressful. When she had her first child, she managed. When her family grew and life threw her fertility struggles and long sleepless nights, she kept pushing through. But she was burning out. Badly. That’s when her therapist suggested mindfulness.

    At first, Courtney was skeptical. The idea of committing to a two-and-a-half-hour class every week, plus daily home practice, felt impossible. But eventually, she realized something had to give. She signed up for an MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) course and it completely shifted how she moved through the world. The stress didn’t go away, but her relationship to it did. She started feeling more present, more grounded, more in control. She not only learned to function better at work, she learned to show up for her life.

    We talked about how mindfulness helped her navigate the pressures of law while raising three boys, and how it ultimately bought her another ten years in a career she had nearly burned out of. She now teaches MBSR herself and helps high-performing professionals find balance without sacrificing their ambition.

    Courtney broke down what mindfulness actually is: moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. It’s not about clearing your mind or sitting in silence for hours. It can be as simple as noticing your feet on the floor or being fully present while brushing your teeth. And it works. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression and even boosts immune function.

    She also tackled the idea that mindfulness is just another luxury or self-care chore. It’s not. It’s a way of being, not a task to check off a list. And yes, even busy people can do it. You don’t need to dedicate hours to see the benefits. A few minutes a day can make a difference.

    We also talked about how mindfulness intersects with trauma. Courtney was clear: mindfulness is powerful, but it’s not for everyone at every moment. If someone is navigating trauma or deep depression, it's important to be mindful about mindfulness (pun intended) and to have professional support in place.

    Throughout the conversation, Courtney’s warmth and honesty stood out. She shared personal stories, like stealing Snickers bars as a kid, and how her kids now remind her to slow down. We laughed about egg cups, Instagram reels and the ongoing challenge of being present as a parent in a world that never stops pinging.

    If you've been curious about mindfulness, or if you're overwhelmed and looking for a way to show up more fully in your own life, this episode is a great place to start.

    1 hr 28 min
  • Rethinking Happiness with Peter Teuscher

    If you've ever wondered why happiness feels out of reach even when life looks “fine” on paper, this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/peter-teuscher

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with Peter Teuscher, a life coach and author of Rethinking Happiness, to talk about what happiness really means and how most of us are looking for it in all the wrong places.

    Peter shares how his personal experience with childhood depression and years of unrecognized struggle eventually pushed him into therapy and personal development. That journey led him to coaching and ultimately writing a book that challenges the surface-level definitions of happiness we often grow up with.

    He explains that happiness isn’t a finish line or a goalpost, it’s a kind of feedback system. When your life lines up with your values, you’re more likely to feel grounded and content. But when there’s a mismatch, happiness feels out of reach. And that’s a huge problem, because so many people are chasing society’s version of happiness (the “checklist” life with the job, the partner, the money) instead of figuring out what actually matters to them.

    Throughout the conversation, Peter emphasizes that authentic happiness comes from small, consistent moments of connection, fulfillment and purpose... so going beyond the big wins. He talks about learning to appreciate the ordinary, like being in nature or spending time with loved ones, and how those moments can be more meaningful than hitting major milestones.

    Peter also gets into the importance of defining your own core values. He shares a simple, powerful exercise using Post-its (or just a piece of paper) to help identify the values that matter most and warns that living out of alignment with those values is a fast track to dissatisfaction.

    They also cover a common trap: performative happiness. Peter reminds listeners that chasing joy isn’t about pretending everything is great or avoiding hard things. It's about being real with yourself, doing the inner work and creating habits that support your well-being... even when life is messy.

    He speaks candidly about how trauma, chronic illness and mental health challenges can complicate the pursuit of happiness, and stresses that telling someone to “just be happy” is both unhelpful and dismissive. Real change happens through small, intentional shifts... not toxic positivity or fake smiles.

    Toward the end, they explore social media’s impact on mental health, the pressure to constantly feel good, and the way happiness can sometimes be mistaken for external validation. Peter’s take? Stop comparing. Start tuning in. Let happiness be the outcome of living in alignment, not the prize for winning a game you never agreed to play.

    If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Why don’t I feel happy even though I “should”? - this conversation is for you. It’s honest, hopeful and filled with real tools to help you rethink what happiness looks like in your own life.

    1 hr 31 min
  • Taking Up Space & Talking Through Tension with Mark O'Connell

    If you’ve ever felt dismissed, talked over, or unsure how to handle tense conversations without losing yourself, this episode is for you.

    More info, ways to connect & resources: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/mark-oconnell

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with Mark O’Connell, a psychotherapist based in NYC with a background in acting. The conversation centers around how we can communicate with people whose perspectives feel combative or totally different from our own, and why it’s important that each of us takes up space and feels seen - even when things get tense.

    Mark opens up about how his acting experience shaped the way he practices therapy today. He doesn’t view acting as pretending but as truth-telling. That mindset carries into the therapy room, where he works to understand his clients deeply, noticing not just their words but the energy behind them. He says therapy, much like acting, is about being fully present, responsive and curious in the moment.

    One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is the idea of mutual recognition. Mark explains that it’s less about changing someone’s mind or winning an argument and more about seeing and being seen. Especially during high-stakes conversations, like the ones we often have with family during the holidays, it’s not helpful to go in expecting agreement. What helps more is showing up with vulnerability, stating your truth clearly and being curious about the other person’s experience. That’s where real connection starts.

    Mark also addresses how exhausting it can be to try to talk across drastically different realities - like when two people don’t even agree on what’s true. He suggests setting boundaries where needed and giving yourself permission to disengage if the conversation feels unsafe. But he encourages people not to lose hope. Even when it feels impossible to reach someone, keeping the possibility of mutual understanding alive can be powerful.

    They also talk about what it means to “take up space.” For some people, that might mean speaking up more. For others, especially those who are already vocal, it might mean sharing vulnerability or emotion - things they usually keep hidden. Mark encourages listeners to notice their own patterns and stretch in whatever way helps them feel more whole.

    Throughout the episode, there’s also a very real, very human tone. They talk about the mental load of parenting, the impact of toddlers on your brain, and how hard it is to balance emotional labor with daily life. Mark mentions how hard it can be to get therapy covered by insurance and stresses that good therapy should be more accessible.

    The conversation wraps with a wish to throw out the idea that mental health is something you either “have” or don’t. Mark wants people to understand that mental health exists on a spectrum, and we’re all navigating it. He encourages folks to stop boxing themselves in with labels and instead think about how to stay present, be curious and make room for their full selves.

    Whether you're headed into a hard conversation, feeling unseen, or just trying to be better understood, this episode is a thoughtful, grounded reminder that communication is more about connection than agreement!

    1 hr 17 min
  • Disabilities & Youth in Schools with Shannon Addison

    If you're a parent, educator, or advocate who's ever struggled to support kids with disabilities in school, this episode is a must-listen for real talk, hard truths, and practical ways to do better.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/shannon-addison

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, Shannon Addison joins me to talk about disabilities and youth in schools. Shannon is a mom, writer and creator of My Crummy World, a brand built to help kids (especially girls) navigate emotional health, friendships and confidence through story-driven tools like characters, recipes and problem-solving activities. Her work is rooted in her own journey as someone who’s watched bullying and relational aggression happen right under the noses of adults who were supposed to be paying attention.

    Shannon shares how her daughter’s chronic illness became a disability that changed everything - from how she participated in school to how peers treated her. She talks candidly about how cruel kids can be, how isolating school can feel when you’re “different” and how parents often get thrown into advocacy without a map. We talk about how invisible disabilities, like dysautonomia or anxiety, get overlooked or misjudged because people can’t “see” them, and how damaging that can be to a child’s sense of safety and self-worth.

    We also talk about emotional intelligence, or the lack of it, and how schools are missing the mark by cutting out critical tools like social-emotional learning. Shannon shares examples of how storytelling (especially with her characters “The Breadcrumbs”) opens the door for kids to share what they’re feeling in a safe and relatable way. Sometimes, she says, a puppet can get kids to talk in ways that a direct question from an adult just can’t.

    We touched on the differences between IEPs and 504s, and how many parents aren’t told what resources they have a right to. Shannon emphasizes that being informed and showing up, even when you’re overwhelmed, is key. It’s not about being perfect or doing everything. It’s about being visible and being willing to fight when your kid needs you to.

    There’s also a lot of love for teachers and school staff in this episode - the ones who go above and beyond, like the principal who told Shannon to bring her daughter in for community connection even when she wasn’t able to fully return to school. But we also talk about how educators are underpaid, overstretched and often left without the support they need to help every kid succeed.

    If you’ve ever had to ask, “Why isn’t this system working for my child?” or felt like you were the only one showing up to fight for your kid, this episode will make you feel seen. Shannon’s message is clear: empathy can be taught, kids need community and parents don’t have to do it all, but we do have to show up!

    2 hr 3 min
  • Depression & Recovery with Genese Smith

    If you’ve ever felt pressure to hold it all together while falling apart on the inside, this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/genese-smith

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with Genese Smith, a registered nurse of 28 years who is now also a certified transformational life coach. Genese shares her powerful, personal journey through clinical depression and the slow, sometimes messy path of recovery... all while juggling her roles as a nurse, coach, wife and woman over 40 trying to take care of everyone around her.

    Genese didn’t start out wanting to be a nurse. She had dreams of becoming a doctor, fueled by her love for biology, but chemistry and physics weren’t her strong suits. Nursing became her “plan B” that turned into a lifelong calling. Still, she tried to leave nursing several times due to the heavy demands and burnout. But it kept calling her back, and now she embraces it as part of her ministry - a way to serve and connect with others through care.

    Her transition into coaching came after hitting a wall while running her own business. Working herself to the bone and constantly crying, she finally opened up to her doctor who helped her recognize the signs of depression. Like many people, Genese had a hard time accepting the diagnosis. She was a nurse. She was supposed to know better. But through therapy, modified work schedules and eventually joining her husband on a holistic wellness journey, she began healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

    One of the most shocking moments in her story was the stroke she experienced while driving to work. She recounts the surreal experience of talking on the phone, being unable to locate the hazard lights and being picked up by an ambulance and taken to the same hospital she worked in. That health crisis only deepened her compassion and gave her even more empathy for patients, especially those recovering from strokes and battling depression.

    Genese talked about the importance of balancing rest, something she admits is still a work in progress. She opened up about the guilt she feels when resting and the societal pressure to keep going - a feeling many listeners will instantly recognize. Her recovery has been shaped by tools like prayer, gratitude journaling, dietary changes, professional help, and the practice of listening to her thoughts with more awareness.

    She also touched on common misconceptions about depression - like the belief that someone who is smiling or upbeat couldn’t possibly be depressed, or that people should just “snap out of it.” Genese's message was clear: depression doesn’t have a look, and recovery takes real work, time and support.

    This conversation is honest, relatable and full of warmth. Genese brings the kind of wisdom that only comes from lived experience. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep it all together, questioned whether your exhaustion is “normal,” or struggled to put yourself first, this episode is one you’ll feel deeply. It’s a reminder that healing is possible, rest is necessary and you’re not alone in the fight.

    1 hr 23 min
  • Video Call / Zoom Fatigue & Mental Health with Rob Walker

    If you’re feeling wiped out from nonstop video calls, struggling to focus, or just wondering why remote life feels so exhausting, this episode is for you.

    More info, resources & ways to connect/support - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/rob-walker

    In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with returning guest Rob Walker from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to talk about something most of us have experienced but don’t always know how to explain: Zoom fatigue.

    Rob, a peer support advocate and father of three (plus a beagle named Hank), opens up about how remote work has changed not just how we connect but how we function. Since the pandemic hit, our personal and professional lives have been jammed into the same tiny box - literally, on screen. Coffee chats, therapy appointments, team meetings, happy hours and even first dates have all been flattened into the same platform. No wonder our brains are short-circuiting.

    Rob breaks it down: video calls demand more brainpower. Without in-person body language or spatial awareness, we spend calls analyzing eye contact, wondering about delays, and stressing about how we’re coming across... all while staring at ourselves in a tiny box. That constant cognitive load drains energy fast. Throw in back-to-back meetings with zero breaks, and you’ve got a recipe for exhaustion, irritability and what Rob calls “brain mush.”

    But it’s not all bad. Rob points out some positives, like how remote access has actually improved mental healthcare for some. In his work, he’s seen people gain access to support and specialists they might never have been able to reach otherwise. Telehealth, Zoom therapy and online support groups are now part of the new normal... and for many, they’re more convenient, more affordable and more accessible.

    They talk about practical ways to fight Zoom fatigue, too. Rob recommends building breaks into your schedule, stepping away from screens and doing things offline. A walk outside, cooking a new recipe, or sitting in a different room for lunch can make a big difference. And just because you can do everything on Zoom doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes, an email or phone call really is enough.

    The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of social distancing - especially for people who miss hugs, handshakes and real-life hangouts. Rob suggests tapping into other ways of connecting: online hobby groups, cooking classes, gaming with friends, even walking therapy sessions. Pets, weighted blankets and asking your kids for hugs also made the list as ways to soothe touch starvation.

    They wrap up by busting one of the most damaging myths about depression: that people who are struggling are just being lazy. Rob is clear - depression isn’t laziness. It’s an illness. People dealing with it are not weak or unmotivated. In fact, they’re often some of the most resilient people out there.

    This episode is full of honest, funny and practical insights into what it means to live, work, and stay connected in a world where everything feels just a little too virtual. Whether you're working from home, burned out from video calls or just trying to stay human in the middle of it all - this one’s worth a listen.

    1 hr 10 min
  • Mental Health & the Entertainment Industry with Keldamuzik Diva

    If you’re a creative, performer or just someone trying to balance passion with mental health in a high-pressure world, this episode with Keldamuzik Diva is one you don’t want to miss.

    More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/keldamuzik-diva

    In this Mental Health Monday episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with Keldamuzik Diva, a powerhouse hip hop artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur from the Bay Area. The two cover what it’s really like to chase creativity and success in the entertainment industry while navigating anxiety, burnout and the business side of things.

    Keldamuzik shares how her journey started when she was just five years old, doing auditions and headshots during the heyday of shows like Full House. Over the years, her career evolved from modeling and acting to rapping, launching a beret fashion line and producing her own content - all while staying independent and true to herself. She talks openly about what it’s like to carry multiple creative projects and how ADHD plays a role in her work patterns. Her therapist once told her she had “an addiction to creating too many projects,” which she admits was eye-opening.

    Mental health challenges are a huge part of the discussion. Keldamuzik gets real about dealing with anxiety, especially in an industry that can be both high-pressure and unpredictable. She opens up about how the pressure to succeed, the constant hustle, and dealing with gatekeepers can take a toll. Her coping tools? Kava tea, breathing exercises, working out and cooking. Therapy has played a big role too, especially in helping her slow down and manage her energy.

    A key part of the conversation focuses on the contrast between fame and reality. Keldamuzik breaks down the misconception that getting signed to a label equals instant success. For her, staying independent means having creative freedom, owning her work and avoiding the toxic “puppet master” dynamic some artists face. She emphasizes the importance of artists doing the work for their fans, not just the algorithms. When she’s felt like quitting, it’s been those fan interactions - someone reciting her lyrics on the street, messages saying her work mattered - that have kept her going.

    The two also talk about imposter syndrome, burnout and how important it is to stay grounded. Keldamuzik reflects on her experiences with performing, building her brand around strength and independence and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a “diva.” For her, being a diva is about being assertive, not fake or flashy. It’s about claiming space unapologetically.

    Toward the end, Keldamuzik touches on her philanthropic work with her beret line, which supports people with hair loss, and shares her hopes for an entertainment industry that better supports artists’ mental health. She calls out the need for real support - emotionally, financially and mentally - not just applause.

    This conversation is packed with honesty, humor and heart. If you’ve ever chased a dream, felt the weight of expectations, or wondered if you're good enough, this one’s for you.

    1 hr 10 min

About Even Tacos Fall Apart

From the publisher's feed

The "Even Tacos Fall Apart" talk show includes interviews with actual mental health professionals and conversations where real people talk about the messy side of mental illness, disabilities, wellness and life in general. My goal is to normalize mental health conversations and reduce the stigma around illnesses. We all struggle at different times in our lives, but that doesn't mean we're unlovable - after all, Tacos Fall Apart and WE STILL LOVE THOSE!