In this replay episode, we revisit one of our most powerful conversations on the emotional weight of people-pleasing. We talk about how this pattern shows up in our day-to-day lives, where it comes from, and what it looks like to finally break free from it. From the unspoken family expectations to the internal guilt that creeps in when we dare to say “no,” this is a raw, honest conversation about choosing yourself without apology.

We share personal stories, cultural reflections, and the shift that happens when you finally realize: you don’t need to earn rest. You don’t owe anyone your exhaustion. And “no” is a complete sentence.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever over explained, overcommitted, or struggled to set boundaries because they didn’t want to let someone down. If that’s you—we see you. And we hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more empowered to start showing up for the person who matters most: you.

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We're rewinding one of our favorite episodes—and trust us, it's worth another listen.

In this conversation, we explore the Human Design system and how learning our types (Manifestor + Manifesting Generator) helped us move with more clarity, intention, and peace. We break down the basics—what Human Design is, how it's different from astrology, and what each energy type needs to thrive.

We share how this system helped us stop forcing decisions, trust our intuition, and unlearn the grind mindset.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, confused, or just curious about how to better understand yourself—this episode is a gentle, informative place to start. And if you've already listened before, this may just hit differently the second time around.

So press play, explore your type, and let’s talk about what it really means to live in alignment—with our energy, our intuition, and ourselves.

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We’re kicking off the summer with a throwback to one of our most loved episodes! In this powerful and personal conversation, we sit down with our dear friend Victor John Madrid Villanueva to talk about what it really means to live authentically.

From growing up with immigrant parents to navigating life as a gay Filipino-American artist, Victor shares his journey of self-definition, rebellion, and radical self-expression. We get into family expectations, workplace identity, creativity, and why showing up as your whole self is one of the most freeing things you can do.

About Our Guest:Victor John Madrid Villanueva is an artist and designer based in New York. By day, he works in the beauty industry creating for IT Cosmetics, and by heart, he’s a beadwork artist who celebrates culture and identity through fashion, portraiture, and play.

Learn more about Victor-John at www.victorjohnart.com

Follow him on IG: @victorjohnart

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We welcome constructive feedback and topic ideas, so please shoot us an email at www.imnotyelling.co/contact-us.

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Join us as we explore the complex relationship between consumerism and living an abundant life, especially within Black and Brown communities. Our conversation kicks off with an introspective look at how the ease of purchasing through apps can lead to impulsive buying and the societal pressures that fuel our need to acquire more. We discuss the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and their broader implications in corporate America. As we unravel these themes, we encourage listeners to reflect on their consumption habits, emphasizing the importance of conscious spending and understanding who truly benefits from DEI efforts.

Exploring the powerful relationship between consumerism and the Black communities, we dive into the historical marketing tactics that have shaped buying behaviors. We challenge the idea that success is defined by what we own and instead explore how healing generational traumas and breaking cycles can begin with more mindful choices. Through personal stories and reflections, we advocate for a purpose-driven life that values experiences and community support over material possessions. This path to abundance lies in intentional living and redefining what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

As first-generation Americans and members of diverse communities, many of us are navigating cultural expectations while trying to stay true to ourselves. We share personal reflections on overcoming life challenges, choosing values over validation, and the joy that comes from supporting local businesses and living with intention.

We invite listeners to engage in their own systems of value, prioritize self-care, and foster community support, reminding everyone to share knowledge and elevate their lives by focusing on their divine purpose.

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Growing up, watching our parents navigate a new world with courage and determination has left a lasting impression on us. Despite language barriers and cultural clashes, their pursuit of home ownership and education laid the groundwork for our dreams. This thought-provoking episode explores what it means to dream big while breaking generational cycles, particularly as first-generation Americans from the Dominican and Caribbean communities, navigate identity and build a life that honors the past but reaches toward a greater future.

Through authentic conversations, we confront imposter syndrome and perfectionism—two inner battles many Latino, Black, and Brown communities face as we break into spaces not designed for us. We celebrate the self-discovery journeys of traveling internationally and investing strategically—milestones made possible by the sacrifices of our parents. These uplifting and provocative discussions are rooted in healing generational traumas and finding strength through community with like-minded people.

Balancing dreams with action is more than a concept—it’s a daily practice. We dive into elevated conversations around parenting as first-gens: how to protect our children without stifling their growth. We discuss the anxiety born from overprotection and the resilience built through failure. In a digital world full of comparisons, we advocate for setting small, actionable goals and embracing your path, however uncertain it may feel.

This episode is also a celebration of purpose. We share personal stories of discipline, goal-setting, and accountability, tying them to our broader mission: elevating the voices of Black and Brown communities and supporting Black entrepreneurship, especially innovative solutions that uplift Black farmers. Our podcast journey is of cultural empowerment, where familiar voices offer Caribbean perspectives and Dominican voices that aim to raise awareness through stories and shared truths. This episode invites you into a space of growth, empowerment, and healing. Managing cultural identity clashes and overcoming life challenges takes work, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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What if the stories we tell could reshape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Award-winning children's book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris joins us to discuss the transformative power of storytelling, particularly within Black, brown, and Afro-Latinx communities. Through her journey, we gain insights into the challenges faced by diverse voices in the publishing industry and how effectively reaching diverse audiences can create a more inclusive narrative landscape. Alyssa shares how her storytelling is inspired by her abuela, whose tales of joy, love, and resistance are a testament to the healing power of authentic narratives.

Storytelling isn't just a means of expression; it's a crucial tool for empowerment, education, and connection. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of cultural representation and personal storytelling, highlighting how these narratives shape our identities and connect us to our ancestors. We explore the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in passing down legacies through generations, underscoring how stories can inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. From fiction to nonfiction, we examine how stories convey profound truths and empower communities to challenge exclusionary narratives.

In an era where authoritarian influences loom large, the role of storytelling becomes even more vital. Through anecdotes and cultural lenses, like the significance of food and critical thinking, we discuss how storytelling helps maintain control over our narratives and fosters community pride. Alyssa's experiences demonstrate how children can be encouraged to take pride in their heritage and think critically about the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the joy and resilience of living with cultural pride, advocating for empathy, unity, and the importance of remembering and sharing our hidden histories.

How to connect with Alyssa and her resources:

Alyssa's Website: alyssaauthor.com

Resources to help you on your publishing journey 

Books

• Platanos are Love is a picture book about how plantains shape Latinx culture, community, & family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
• Los plátanos son amor (Spanish)
• The Bronx Is My Home is a LOVE letter to The Bronx! A picture book celebration of the history, landscape, cuisines, cultures, and activities unique to this vibrant community.
• Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book is a joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice with themes around overcoming fears, love & immigration.
• Gloriana, presente. De República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish)
• Bold, Brilliant and Latine Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present

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Join us for an elevated conversation as we explore the fascinating world of spirituality in the modern age, with a spotlight on toxic spirituality and the rise of spiritual influencers. In this episode, we unpack how platforms like Instagram have given rise to a new wave of influencers—some uplifting, others exploitative—shaping the spiritual narratives of today’s Caribbean, Latino, and first-generation American communities.

Drawing from personal experiences and authentic conversations, we highlight the importance of vulnerability and accountability in spiritual leaders. We also explore how unethical gurus can prey on those seeking healing and clarity, especially in black and brown communities navigating identity, faith, and cultural clashes.

Through thought-provoking insights and diverse conversations, we contrast the traditional roles of religious institutions like the Catholic Church with modern influencer culture. Our dialogue offers a realistic take on spiritual influence, pushing back on the idea that positive thinking alone can solve life's problems. Instead, we advocate for sharing life experiences, embracing emotions, and healing generational traumas as keys to overcoming life challenges.

We also tackle the delicate balance of providing emotional support—knowing when to simply hold space and when to step in with love and guidance. This episode is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality grounded in community, culture, and self-awareness. Whether you're part of the Dominican community, African diaspora, or a community of like-minded people on a journey of growth, you’ll find this conversation both provocative and uplifting.

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As we watched our mother, lost within the depths of dementia, respond with sheer joy to the beats of bachata and merengue, a profound truth unraveled before us: movement is a powerful healer. Our latest episode invites you to witness the transformative power of dance and movement, which transcends mere physical benefits. Through stories from our own lives, we highlight how reconnecting with ancestral rhythms can release stagnant energy and address unresolved emotional burdens. Movement, as we discuss, becomes a bridge to joy and healing, especially for those within the diaspora, where dance naturally offers solace and release.

The journey continues as we explore how intentional actions, like joyful movement and healthy eating, bolster our well-being. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in our physical and mental health. Sharing a family member's experience, we reveal how dancing led to unexpected benefits such as weight loss, reduced joint pain, and an uplifted mood, even amid the challenges of arthritis and dementia. We shed light on how movement offers a sense of purpose and connection, helping manage feelings of depression and anxiety, and providing a path to mental well-being.

With a touch of humor, we recount our adventures in an advanced African dance class, underscoring the importance of choosing activities that truly resonate with us. By reimagining exercise as an enjoyable endeavor, we unlock its potential to reduce tension and prevent chronic diseases. Whether it's the soothing flow of yoga or the gentle energy of Qigong, finding joy in movement is essential.  

Asian Squat Somewhat explained

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Imagine a world where artificial intelligence serves as both a beacon of progress and a harbinger of ethical challenges. What if the very technology designed to streamline our lives also carried the potential to amplify societal discrepancies? Join us for an authentic conversation with Juliette Powell, a revered AI ethics and governance expert, as we unravel the profound influence AI exerts across industries and communities, especially those that are Black and Brown. Together, we explore Juliette's inspiring journey from a data scientist to a champion of inclusive tech advocacy, emphasizing the critical need for diverse conversations in shaping the future of AI.

Our conversation peels back the layers of AI's pervasive presence, from popular culture depictions to its unsettling role in military and surveillance operations. We scrutinize AI tools intended for law enforcement and predictive algorithms that, while designed for security, raise significant privacy concerns. These thought-provoking questions of morality, privacy, and cultural nuances surface as we dissect the complexities of AI's rapid evolution, highlighted by experiments like the Moral Machine. This episode serves as a call to action, raising awareness and underscoring the responsibility we all share in navigating the digital landscape thoughtfully and ethically.

As we turn our focus to healthcare, we celebrate AI's transformative potential in enhancing diagnostics and patient outcomes, while acknowledging the pressing risks of bias and lack of diversity in its development. The dialogue extends to balancing technological progress with personal privacy, advocating for critical thinking and intentional interactions with AI. By promoting awareness and education, our aim is to prepare ourselves and future generations—especially first-generation Americans—for an AI-driven world, ensuring these advancements truly benefit all. Join us for this elevated conversation that delves into the heart of AI's impact on society, urging a mindful approach to innovation.

Find Juliette @:

www.juliettepowell.com 

Linkedin

Book: The AI Dilemma

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Growing up, our father filled our lives with adventure, whisking us off to places like Cape Cod and the Dominican Republic, instilling a wanderlust that never faded. As we recount these early experiences, we're thrilled to welcome Marie from the Culture Cult podcast for an authentic conversation about how travel shapes identity, fuels self-discovery journeys, and deepens our connection to culture.

Balancing the thrill of adventure with the need for relaxation can be tricky. We contrast different travel approaches—from leisurely long stays in Santorini to fast-paced sightseeing—while raising awareness about the importance of travel as a tool for healing. We share mindset and motivation strategies for making the most of vacation time, and embracing the transformative power of cultural immersion.

The journey doesn't stop there. We dive into essential travel tips for solo adventurers and those exploring with companions, offering budget-friendly lodging alternatives and personal safety strategies. From dream destinations like the Northern Lights in Alaska to spiritual moments in Tanzania, we reflect on how these experiences elevate voices in Black and Brown communities, and promote cultural empowerment.

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of diverse conversations, familiar voices, and the power of storytelling in raising awareness and breaking cycles. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with uplifting insights that will leave you inspired to explore the world—and yourself—more deeply.

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