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A thoughtless comment about Dominican identity became the catalyst for an unexpected journey into memory, heritage, and the stories we choose to forget. What began as a simple observation about how Dominicans often embrace their Spanish roots while minimizing African and Taíno influences sparked a firestorm of criticism that changed everything about my writing and my understanding of cultural identity.

The backlash was intense—being called a traitor, uneducated, and a "pick me" for daring to suggest we might need to reclaim parts of our heritage. But one comment struck deeper than the rest: "Dominicans don't need to reclaim anything. We already know who we are." This assertion, contradicted by the same voices that elevate Spanish heritage while remaining silent about other influences, revealed a profound disconnection that I couldn't ignore. It forced me to ask: What happens when we forget who we are? What becomes of someone taught not to explore their lineage? And what occurs when that person begins to remember?

These questions transformed "The Ordinary Bruja" from a lighthearted comfort story into something more profound. Marisol's journey became a reflection of generational amnesia—the way communities cling to what's acceptable while abandoning what makes them whole. Hollowthorn Hill evolved from a simple setting to a place of ancestral memory, calling to Marisol even as she runs from it. Her magic stopped being merely aesthetic and became necessary, ancestral, and complicated. The story now explores returning to yourself even when everything around you says it's better to forget. Join me next week as we delve into the mothers—those complicated, often inadequate, always human women who shaped this story and our understanding of identity. Have you ever had to unlearn something about your own heritage? I'd love to hear your story as we remember together.

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If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

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📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
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Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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Magic doesn't always arrive with a flash and fanfare. Sometimes it emerges quietly from our darkest moments, when we're hiding from the world and even from ourselves.

During the silence of pandemic lockdown, when the world outside my window fell eerily still, I found myself drawn to create something that could bridge the isolation. That's when Marisol—a curvilicious Latina bruja reluctant to leave her cottage after quarantine—first whispered her story to me. What began as simple Instagram story posts soon became something deeper, a mirror reflecting my own fears about reconnection and being truly seen.

Through writing Marisol's journey, I discovered parts of myself I had been avoiding: feelings of inadequacy, of not being Dominican enough, brave enough, or simply good enough. The magic I wove into her story wasn't about wands or spells, but something ancestral and gut-deep, magic that pulses through her blood whether she wants it or not. Much like creativity pulsed through me during those difficult days, demanding expression even when I felt most ordinary.

The Ordinary Bruja emerged not from careful plotting but from raw emotion, from a tired woman sitting at her kitchen table whispering stories into the digital void, hoping someone might hear and respond. And respond they did—readers connected with Marisol's reluctance to emerge from her pandemic cocoon, her fear of being seen for who she truly is. Because aren't we all, in some way, hiding parts of ourselves from the world?

What version of yourself did you meet during isolation? What magic might you be hiding? Join me next Wednesday for "The Post That Broke Me" as I continue unpacking how this soft story took a hard turn after one Instagram comment about Dominican identity that awakened the bruja's anger. Your own magic is waiting—sometimes we just need someone else's story to help us find it.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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Have you been pouring from an empty cup? This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into what it truly means to find your way back to yourself—and it's not the Instagram-worthy journey you might expect.

Forget the sage-burning rituals and silk robes. Real self-reclamation happens on bathroom floors at midnight when no one's watching. It's about finally hearing that whisper inside that's been trying to tell you "this isn't working" and "you're not being dramatic." That voice? It's your soul waving a red flag, hoping you'll finally see it.

Between marriage tensions, work deadlines, and emotional burnout, I've learned three critical lessons this month that changed everything. First, listen to your inner voice, even when it's inconvenient. Those recurring thoughts aren't random—they're signposts pointing to what needs attention. Second, speak up when something feels wrong, especially in your most important relationships. The temporary discomfort of honest conversation prevents the permanent damage of silent resentment. And finally, love yourself aggressively—through rest, nourishment, and boundaries that don't come with explanations.

What does returning to yourself actually look like? It's saying no without an essay of justification. It's making yourself breakfast before feeding everyone else. Sometimes it's letting the dishes sit while you journal instead. None of this is glamorous, but it's where the real magic happens—not in performing self-care, but in choosing yourself quietly, consistently, and without apology.

As we move into May and the world of The Ordinary Bruja (my pandemic-born story about finding magic in the mundane), remember this: Even when everything is falling apart, you can choose to stay with yourself. You are allowed to start over, take up space, and be your own safe place to land.

Subscribe now and join me next month as we explore how ordinary moments can become extraordinary magic when you finally believe you are enough.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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When life throws us into chaos through major transitions, how do we find our way back to ourselves? That's the question at the heart of this deeply personal episode where I open up about my recent experiences navigating multiple upheavals - moving from Kentucky to San Antonio and then immediately jumping into a temporary duty assignment.

Through this whirlwind of change, I discovered something profound about stability: it's not about trying to recreate your old normal in new circumstances. It's about identifying the sacred habits that anchor your identity regardless of where you are or what's happening around you. For me, this meant stripping everything back to just three core practices: physical exercise for mental clarity, writing for creative nourishment, and reading as my escape hatch from stress.

The journey wasn't straightforward. It required intentional self-reflection, kindness toward myself, and consistently quieting that counterproductive inner voice that wanted me to give up. I share the uncomfortable truth of how it took a full week of feeling low before I could motivate myself to restart these habits, and how I had to be both gentle and firm with myself to maintain them. 

Whether you're in military life facing PCS moves, or navigating any major life transition, this episode offers practical wisdom for rebuilding your sense of self one sacred habit at a time. Stability isn't a fixed destination we reach once and for all - it's something we actively cultivate day by day, especially during seasons of change. What habits anchor you when everything else is in flux?

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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The military lifestyle demands a unique type of resilience—one that allows you to pack up your life, say painful goodbyes, and rebuild your sense of self in a new location repeatedly. After a prolonged absence from the podcast, I'm finally ready to share what happened during my latest PCS (Permanent Change of Station) from Kentucky to Texas.

What should have been a familiar process quickly spiraled into an emotional and logistical marathon. With children and an aging German Shepherd in tow, this wasn't just another move—it was a military operation requiring morning briefings, a 10-page plan, and the deliberate setting aside of emotions to manage the chaos. The San Antonio housing market threw its own curveballs, from unresponsive agents to unexpected "pet rent" for my elderly dog and tiny kitten.

Just as we secured housing and began to unpack, another military reality struck—a TDY (Temporary Duty) assignment that stretched to nearly 60 days. The irony wasn't lost on me: unpacking boxes just to pack bags and leave again, this time abandoning my family to settle our new home without me. This constant uprooting dismantled the habits that typically keep me grounded, creating a start-stop pattern that impacted my mental well-being.

My journey back to myself hasn't been about starting over, but about starting again—reconnecting with the routines and practices that make me feel whole despite external chaos. If you're navigating your own period of transition, whether military-related or not, this episode offers a raw look at managing expectations, rebuilding habits, and finding your way back to yourself when everything around you keeps changing. Pour your cafecito and join me as we explore what it means to come home to yourself, even when your physical home is in flux.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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What happens when a single comment online unravels years of deeply rooted beliefs about cultural identity? Join me as I share a personal story of navigating the complex tapestry of Dominican heritage, where African, Spanish, and Taino strands are woven together. This episode takes you through a candid reflection on why Dominicans, influenced by figures like Trujillo, often fiercely protect their Spanish roots while grappling with the colonial legacy that shapes these perceptions. Through my own experiences, we explore the emotional weight of defending one's identity and the resilience required to embrace every facet of our cultural history.

Discover the challenges and discomfort of unlearning ingrained ideologies and the journey toward embracing a multifaceted identity. We delve into the heart of why our beliefs are often defended so passionately and what emotions lie beneath that defense. I invite you to ponder the parts of your identity you hold dear and to question whether this attachment is born from pride, fear, or something else entirely. Let's continue this vital conversation on Instagram, sharing stories and reflections that acknowledge the full spectrum of our heritage. Plus, get a sneak peek into next week's topic on the impact of dismissing others' experiences with the phrase, "it didn't happen to me.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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This podcast delves into the concept of habit stacking, illustrating how attaching new habits to established routines can lead to lasting change. Listeners are guided through practical tips and personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and personalization in habit formation.

• Introduction to the concept of habit stacking 
• Explanation of why habit stacking is effective 
• Real-life examples of writing, meditation, and journaling habits 
• Step-by-step guide on how to identify and stack habits 
• Emphasis on starting small and being flexible with stacks 
• Encouragement to personalize habit stacks for individual needs 
• Weekly challenge to implement habit stacking in daily routines

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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This episode explores the vital lesson of letting go as a tool for personal growth and self-care, particularly during chaotic periods in life. It discusses the importance of recognizing limits, reframing the concept of breaks, utilizing backup plans, and communicating needs, ultimately advocating for a kinder approach to discipline that fosters creativity and resilience.

• Discusses the importance of letting go during chaotic times 
• Shares personal experience with stress and burnout 
• Explains reframing breaks as strategic rests 
• Highlights the need to acknowledge personal limits 
• Emphasizes the value of having backup plans 
• Encourages open communication about self-care needs 
• Concludes with the message of merging discipline and self-kindness

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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Let's embark on season five of "Have a Cup of Johanny," inviting you to explore the chaotic yet rewarding journey of moving to San Antonio. Through personal stories and reflections, we dive into the theme of growth amidst life's unpredictabilities. This episode promises to equip you with practical, backup habits for your high-value or nonnegotiable habits that help maintain balance and consistency when life tries to throw you off course. From staying hydrated to continuously learning, I share how these habits have become my anchor, offering insights on how you can tailor them to align with your personal goals. 

Ever found yourself struggling to keep up with your fitness routine or reading habits while on the go? Discover my flexible strategies for adapting to life's chaos without losing momentum. Whether it's innovative ways to stay fit during travel or leveraging audiobooks to nourish your mind, this episode underscores the power of 'good enough' over perfection. You'll also hear from Joa, as she shares her unique backup habits, and find out how you can contribute too. Let's navigate this journey together, finding creative ways to stay consistent and build anticipation for the exciting episodes ahead.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.

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What if the secret to personal growth isn't about waiting for a lightning bolt of motivation? Join us as we explore the profound difference between motivation and discipline in this eye-opening episode. We share our own struggles with maintaining simple habits, like staying hydrated or braving the cold for gym sessions, and reveal how discipline, much like training a muscle, can become a powerful autopilot for your life. Dive into stories of persistence that highlight how commitment to discipline not only enhances your health and sanity but also leads to genuine personal fulfillment.

We also tackle the idea of discipline as a profound form of self-respect. With personal anecdotes about using social media and habit trackers, we illustrate how these tools create an honest mirror for accountability, steering us away from excuses and toward growth. Discover practical strategies for planning habits into busy lives, ensuring consistency even when chaos strikes. We're here to show you why relying on discipline rather than motivation is the real game-changer for steady progress towards achieving your goals.

Support the show

If today’s episode hit you in the chest the way it hit me, don’t just walk away—walk toward something that reflects you.

Subscribe to the podcast, hit that YouTube channel for the behind-the-scenes, and if you’re ready to read a story about what it really means to come home to yourself—
👉🏽 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

It’s about a Dominican-American bruja who’s been running from herself her whole life until ancestral magic, generational wounds, and a haunted-ass hill force her to face the truth.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like you don’t fit anywhere, you’re exactly who this story was written for.

🎙️ Subscribe.
📺 Follow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SRDePbyy8M85Wbf25VUCg
📚 Preorder The Ordinary Bruja. https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/the-ordinary-bruja-book-one-of-las-cerradoras-series-j-e-ortega/

Because becoming who you are is the bravest kind of magic.