“Traveling isn't a reward for working, it’s education for living ” - Anthony Bourdain

WE SOOOOO BACK BABY!!! 

After taking a long — yet much needed — break from the pod, I feel I’ve lived 3 lives since we last “talked” … likeeee wtf. 

Although soooo much has changed, not only in my environment, but in my mindset, I wanted to dedicate this episode to my 2.5 month solo trip to Southeast Asia. 

In sharing what I’ve learned on this trip, and how it has propelled my life forward following my return home, it’s my hope that you gain even 1% more appreciation for traveling and/or leaping into the unknown.

Sometimes all it takes is one decision, one hello, one move, one flight, one text, one moment, one conversation, one connection, one goodbye, one shift, one habit, one feeling, one ____, to change the entire trajectory of your life.

What do you need to do? Where do you need to go? What are you looking for?

Link to Whatsapp for Mexico trip:https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gd3X1mQEdrmHsFkMhcHHhi?mode=gi_t

Link to my substack:https://substack.com/@rayyyx444?r=47nz1a&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=image

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday (ish)! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

Last Episode's Homework:

• Check in with yourself. Like actually. 

• Take your own advice!

• Try out the positivity sandwich method for yourself (lol)

This Episode's Homework:

• Think about a place you’ve gone and write down how it changed you

• Test yourself with “i’ve never done it, so I think I can do it”

• Travel somewhere. Anywhere. Roadtrip. Flight. IDC. Just go.

“The funny thing about life is: the advice we give is often what we need to hear most ” - me

You ever feel like you give amazing advice to everyone else, but when it comes to your own struggles, you feel completely overwhelmed? Today I’m gettin down to the psychology of why this is, along with why we lean on avoidance even when we have the solution. 

As someone who creates inspirational content every single day, that should now let you in on a little secret: I don’t have it all figured out. In fact, by repackaging similar struggles like productivity and consistency, my weaknesses are dished on the daily. Each time I fail or learn something new that I think might be helpful to all of you, I HAVE to share it. Like deadass feel compelled. 

But sometimes, in the midst of motivating others, I struggle to find the time and mental clarity to do things for myself. I struggle to enjoy new activities, or conversations, or breakthroughs without thinking “fuuuck I should’ve recorded that!” or “ouu I need to make an episode about this!” 

I have a couple major chapters closing/opening, so it's time to practice what I preach to all of you. Keeping things raw n real, this episode shows a side of me I don’t open up about too often, yet felt I should. 

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday (ish) ! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

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Last Episode's Homework:

• Take note of the things you’re currently loving!

• Do more fun physical activities

• Declutter your space

This Episode's Homework:

• Check in with yourself. Like actually. 

• Take your own advice!

• Try out the positivity sandwich method for yourself (lol)

Life is more exciting when you appreciate the little things: a new show, a new nail color, a new hobby, a new song, the list goes on.. 

In today’s episode, I’m giving y’all a lil insight on some of the things that have been bringing me joy lately in an effort to get you to also reflect on what has been entertaining/interesting/enjoyable for you. 

Having gratitude is something that I advocate for time and time again, but it’s for good reason. The moment you change your perspective, explore your curiosities, and take note of the mini wins, you will recognize that your energy directly correlates to your experiences in this life. Everything is a mirror. Put the work into your mindset and watch your reality become brighter.

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday (ish) ! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

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Last Episode's Homework:

• Reflect on 2025 & plan ahead for 2026 using my 2025 wrapped document :) Detach from your phone

This Episode's Homework:

• Take note of the things you’re currently loving!

• Do more activities that you enjoy

• Declutter your space (auction party)

“Your goal should never be to become someone else. Instead, your focus should be to keep becoming more yourself ” - mee

With everybody and their mom throwing around the phrase “new year, new me!” it had me thinking.. there has to be a better framework. In today’s episode, I want to encourage you NOT to become a NEW you, but instead to become MORE you. 

The start of a new year often feels like all or nothing. Everything begins on January 1st. You have to do better, eat better, look better, spend your time better, manage your money better.. the list goes on. It's a clean slate. It’s a chance to get to everything you’ve been putting off. It's a time to set goals and fantasize about how beautiful your life will be when all your dreams come true. So we get out our journals, head to pinterest, daydream about our bright future, and convince ourselves THIS is the year. 

Why is it then that we often fall flat? That we don't accomplish our goals? That we get stuck in looped patterns? Lack of gratitude, lack of reflection, and lack of connection with ourselves.  

In this episode, the teacher in me really came out to play. I have created a fully editable document for you to dive into 2025 and plan ahead for 2026. Two options: listen fully & reflect later OR listen & pause the ep to reflect. The choice is yours!

Link to document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s9R2c7K1858cHnU_IOsKfBCPnAH6fOCQ9UPOn7SHQ74/copy

PDF if you don't have a google acc:

https://1drv.ms/w/c/91713d4de60fc694/IQB9fHnTLZR5TrPdt4OK5i5OAUrINzzsRC1jUGG4z5KdfW8?e=qpgij3

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday (ish) ! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

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Last Episode's Homework:

• Detach from your phone

• Hang out with friends in person more often

• Join a club or create one of your own

• Find alternative forms of entertainment

• Start using a journal

• Connect with nature

• Appreciate the present moment

This Episode's Homework:

• Reflect on 2025 & plan ahead for 2026 using my 2025 wrapped document :)

“Your greatest power in this life lies in what you choose to give your attention to” - mee

Asking for a friend, but uhh you check your screen time lately? I think we all have lowkey gotten beyond the point of caring to a certain extent. Like yeahhh that’s scary, buuut I use my phone for everything, so it’s not like that’s just doom scrolling. For me, a flip phone is sounding more and more appealing each day. However, there is a cheat code… let’s just say, stop putting all your eggs in one basket.

As someone who uses social media as an outlet for creativity and self-expression, I have found myself in a huge, all-consuming dilemma: how do I exist in the present moment while still creating and sharing my life online? How do I give less attention to my phone in a world where that is an expected behavior? Maybe this isn’t your specific struggle, and for that reason, we’re going through a huge pros n cons list. When provided the whole picture, my hope is for you to pinpoint your positive intentions as well as problem areas. 

Ultimate goal: get you to use that mf phone less and connect more!

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

_________________________________________________________

Last Episode's Homework:

• Take note of the branding techniques that typically convince you you NEED something versus just wanting it

• Before you impulse buy, ask yourself the questions I mentioned and recognize when you’re buying to fill some type of void 

• Create your own deep clean checklist or print mine!

• Try one or all five of the challenges I mentioned

• As we approach the holidays, plan to make homemade gifts rather than splurging at the stores

This Episode's Homework:

• Detach from your phone

• Hang out with friends in person more often

• Join a club or create one of your own

• Find alternative forms of entertainment

• Start using a journal

• Connect with nature

• Appreciate the present moment

“Society conditions us to believe that happiness lies in having things, but in fact, true happiness lies in having awareness & building connections”

- meeee

In today’s episode, we are taking a deep dive into overconsumption. There are plenty of motivations for buying whether it’s for holidays, seasons, pleasure, status, influencing, improving confidence, making life easier, or most commonly, filling a void. 

Today, I’m offering a chance for you to shop smarter and stay strong when it comes to unnecessary purchases. We gettin to the ROOT. Why do you feel like you actually need something? How do brands convince you of this? It’s not just the trendy packaging and cute illustrations, it’s much deeper. 

On my trip to Japan, I gained insight as to the psychology behind marketing and how it's not just one of our senses at play, it's all 5 working simultaneously. In particular, we’ll get a closer look at how audio is one of the most powerful techniques for buyer manipulation. 

It is my goal that through listening to this episode, you will begin to practice awareness when shopping. You will question why more often. You will be more creative with the things you already own. You will value people and places more than bags and shoes. 

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

_______________________________________________________

Last Episode's Homework:

• ​Choose at least one method to boost your creativity to focus on this week
• ​Experiment & play more!!!
• ​View mistakes as learning opportunities 

This Episode's Homework:

• ​Take note of the branding techniques that typically convince you you NEED something versus just wanting it
• ​Before you impulse buy, ask yourself the questions I mentioned and recognize when you’re buying to fill some type of void 
• ​Create your own deep clean checklist or print mine!
• ​Try one or all five of the challenges I mentioned
• ​As we approach the holidays, plan to make homemade gifts rather than splurging at the stores

“What if creativity is about experimentation and play, and not about being good at something”

In today’s episode, it’s my goal to convince each one of y’all that you ARE an artist. I think a lot of us rely on the left brain vs right brain argument to get out of creative tasks, but I’m not letting that fly here!

You might also fall into one (or all) of these categories: you don’t have time for making art, you don’t see the point in it, or you fear trying because the result might “look bad.” The purpose of any creative pursuit is not to have a flawless masterpiece! The goal is, and should always be, joy and self expression.

If feeling creative is something you struggle with, tap in. I’m literally giving you the cheat code. Ten original, show stopping, never-seen-before methods for boosting your creativity! Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration or a nudge in the right direction to get those ideas flowin.

I’m here for you & rooting for you always!

Xo

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin.

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH.

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

_______________________________________________________

Last Episode's Homework:

- Decide what kind of traveler you are/want to be

- Write out your top travel destinations

- Download and check out Hostelworld

- Bonus: Book a trip!

This Episode's Homework:

- Choose at least one method to boost your creativity to focus on this week

- Experiment & play more!!!

- View mistakes as learning opportunities

“Wander often, wonder more, and return richer in spirit”  

In today’s episode, we’re covering all things solo traveling! If you’ve been itching to get outta here, but don’t know where to start or don’t have anyone down to go with you, this episode is for you! 

Specifically, I’ll be helping you figure out if you’re more of a planner or go-with-the-flow type of traveler by laying out the pros and cons of each. I’ll also be explaining what hostels are, how to go about booking your first stay, and ranking my experiences from this past trip. 

******Spoiler: Portugal has my whole heart!!******

Lastly, you’ll be getting a list of roughly 20 of my top travel tips/necessities to make your next trip go as smoothly as possible. 

Whether it's budgeting, planning, packing, anxiety, or fear of international travel, I hope that this episode eases your mind in any (but hopefully all) of these categories! No better time than now! You are ready & more than capable of makin those dreams a reality. Truuuuust.

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

Last Episode's Homework:

• Work through the journal prompts below:

1. What are your boundaries in a relationship?

2. What are your boundaries in a friendship?

3. What makes you feel seen?

4. How do you want to be shown you’re appreciated?

5. What are 10 things you LOVE?

6. What are 10 things you dislike?

7. What are you doing when you feel happiest & most like yourself?

8. What makes you not feel like yourself?

9. How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

10. What does most of your energy/attention go towards? Are there other things you wish you spent more time focusing on?

11. When did you feel the most hurt by a person? How did this impact your life?

12. Do you have a crazymaker in your life right now? Is it you? Does chaos feel comfortable? If so, why do you think that is? Dig deep.

13. Is there something in your life right now thats lacking? Something you thought you wanted but are now realizing is actually just OJ?

This Episode's Homework:

• Decide what kind of traveler you are/want to be 

• Write out your top travel destinations

• Download and check out Hostelworld

• Bonus: Book a trip!

“Before you give into that temptation, remember where it took you last time!”  

AHHH we back baby! Today’s episode is inspired by a conversation I had on a plane with a stranger. It’s funny how easily we can connect with people over shared interests, or in this case, shared DISinterests lol. 

Whether it’s friends, lovers, jobs, or plans, life is constantly presenting us with options. It can be exhausting to decide on which ones to pick, especially when they feel comfortable. Just because the path feels familiar, doesn’t mean it's the one you should choose. You may just find yourself relearning a painful lesson (maybe for the 10th time). 

We’re also hitting the power of placing your attention and energy where it's reciprocated and appreciated. Remember, what you’re not changing, you’re choosing. Take accountability for your choices. Recognize the role you might be playing in your suffering. 

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. ***Journal prompts can be found here***

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

Last Episode's Homework:

• Write down the lessons that resonated with you most. Why is that? Is there something you need to alter in your life? Something/someone you need to let go of? Take action.

• Think about the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in life. Write them down. 

This Episode's Homework:

• Work through the journal prompts below:

“You do the best you can with what you know at the time”  - TR

We made it to EP 20 babyyyyy! In the spirit of the number 20, I thought it would be fitting to give y’all twenty things to help you get through your 20’s (or however old you may be lol).

When life gives you challenges, know that it’s for a reason. There is always an important lesson hiding in the midst of the chaos, don’t miss out on it! Buuut in case you’re struggling to see the meaning behind a situation right now, maybe one of the things on my list is a lesson you’re meant to learn too.

I hope this resonates with you and maybe even saves you from wasting (more of?) your time in a relationship, friendship, career, or environment that is not aligned with your highest self.

I’m here for you & rooting for you always! Xo 

Check out this week’s homework (scroll down) for a glimpse of the topics covered, and if any stand out to you, tap iiiin. 

Thank you soooooo much for listening! If you resonate with anything I mentioned, it's because we're interlinked.. DUHHH. 

Follow to stay up to date on new episodes dropping every Thursday! Throw your thoughts in the comments (all feedback welcome) and share with someone who needs to hear this message :)

Whole lotta loveee,

Ray <3

Last week's Homework:

• Check in with yourself

• Don't live on autopilot 

• Make a summer bucket list

• Journal your accomplishments from jan-june

• Start doing a daily gratitude practice and making to do lists to stay on track

• Repeat these affirmations:

• I romanticize everything because that's how i see the world

• I let joy be my guide instead of allowing fear to lead the way

• I am limitless

• I am full of love and light

• I see the beauty in every situation

• Every detour is an upgrade in disguise

• Every time the sun rises I get a chance to do the things I love

• I am ambitious and eager to learn

• My creations are valuable and one of a kind

• I deserve to relax and recharge my mental

• I exist to please my inner child

• I am lucky to be alive

• I am spontaneous and willing to take risks

• I am excited about everything

• This summer belongs to me!

This week's Homework:

• Write down the lessons that resonated with you most. Why is that? Is there something you need to alter in your life? Something/someone you need to let go of? Take action.

• Think about the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in life. Write them down.