Wait... What's Next?

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In life, we tend to overplan, but as the saying goes, “life is what happens while we plan for the next move.”

While we obsess over timelines, checklists, and end goals, the universe quietly builds its own version in the back end… and somehow, it always makes more sense. 

In this episode, we sit down with Erika Ramirez, who takes us through her most defining “what’s next” moment yet, one that started as a long-awaited move to New York, a love story that felt like the one, and a dream years in the making. But somewhere between rainy-day coffee orders and real-life plot turns, everything changed.

What follows is a heartfelt, empowering story about trusting the redirection, even when it’s not what you pictured. Erika reminds us that just because life doesn’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean it’s going wrong. Sometimes, it’s simply guiding you exactly where you were meant to be all along.

It’s vulnerable, it’s raw, and the kind of conversation that feels like a glass of wine with your most honest friend. This is the reminder that even when things fall apart, they might just be falling into place. 

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Wait... What's Next? 

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Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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In our 20s, we could pull all-nighters, survive on iced coffee and vibes, and still make it to class looking semi-put-together. Now? One glass of wine, and we need a recovery plan. 😅

This week, we’re taking a walk (okay, a light jog) down memory lane… comparing our 20s chaos to our 30s clarity. Living on a budget but feeling limitless vs having more financial freedom, but way more responsibilities. 

We’re talking about the beautiful contradictions of growing up.

It’s a light, hilarious, and totally relatable convo between two in-betweeners reminiscing on the past, the good, the bad, and the hangovers that built character. 

Tune in for a little nostalgia, a few laughs, and a reminder that every season, broke, bold, or balanced, has its own kind of magic. 

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Wait... What's Next? 

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Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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If you thought Part 1 was good… Part 2 is the page you didn’t know you were waiting for. 

This week, Kelly Atkinson is back, and she’s answering the question we left dangling: how she advocated for women in the workplace by building systems that actually worked, especially for mothers-to-be. And that’s just the start. 

From learning how to delegate like a boss (literally) and letting people show up for you, not just in business but in life, to unpacking her idea of the “Toolbox” we all start building early and add to as we grow… this conversation is packed with gems. 

We also dive into the messy, magical part of leadership: trusting your gut when the odds are stacked against you, embracing change even when it’s scary, and why being a CEO doesn’t automatically equal success (spoiler: fulfillment is the real flex). 

Part 2 is raw, unfiltered, and ridiculously inspiring, whether you’re a leader, a dreamer, a mom, or just figuring out your next leap.

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Wait... What's Next? 

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Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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What happens when you put a powerhouse exec in the hot seat and ask her to spill the real story behind becoming a CMO? You get this conversation.

In Part 1, Kelly takes us back to the firsts that shaped her career, her first management role, the habits rooted in her upbringing that became her professional superpowers, and the pivotal moments where she leaned into discomfort that ultimately positioned her as CMO across multiple industries.

What does the diary of a CMO really look like?

• Knowing when it’s time to shift gears for real growth
• Why your upbringing shapes more of your career than you think
• Creating space as the only woman in the boardroom
•  And why marketing is equal parts art and science

This episode is for anyone navigating transitions, building your career, redefining leadership, and learning how to show up unapologetically in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind.

Because Kelly’s story isn’t just about climbing the ladder… It’s about rewriting the playbook while you’re on it.

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Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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What does it mean to grow up caught between cultures, languages, and worlds, and still carve out a space that feels like yours? 

In this week’s episode of Wait… What’s Next?, Laura flips the script and interviews co-host Leni about her story as a first-gen daughter of immigrants. From navigating college without a roadmap, to stepping into the startup world without a guidebook, Leni opens up about what it means to live in-between, not fully from here, not fully from there, but somehow building everywhere.

We talk about:
Growing up in-between cultures and identities
Building confidence when you don’t have the blueprint
Why being scrappy isn’t just survival — it’s a superpower
How belonging is less about fitting in and more about creating your own table 

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a story so many will recognize: finding strength in the spaces where you never quite felt like you belonged.

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Wait... What's Next? 

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Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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What happens when a 15-year-old girl trades cafecito mornings in Colombia for cafeteria chaos in California? In this episode, Laura gets real about starting over, new country, new language, new culture, and a teenage crash course in belonging. 

From navigating high school as “the new girl” with a thick accent, to chasing the American Dream (Disney Channel edition), to discovering her own resilience in the middle of culture shock, Laura’s story is one of reinvention, grit, and holding onto her roots while building something new. 

This isn’t just an immigrant story, it’s a human one. About chasing opportunities, fumbling through the awkward, and finding the beauty in all the in-betweens that shape who we become. 

Whether you’ve lived through a big move, started over in a new city, or just wondered what it takes to begin again, you’ll feel seen in this one.

Support the show

Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

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From Car Chaos to Pasta Parties: Why Getting Uncomfortable Is Your Glow-Up Era 

This week on Wait… What’s Next? we’re talking about stepping outside the comfort zone because let’s be real, that’s where all the juicy growth happens. 

Leni survived Car Week with two kids in tow (send espresso), Laura hit an Italian-themed party with impeccable vibes, and somehow we’re still standing. But all of that chaos? It made us realize: the best things happen when you push yourself somewhere new. 

We’re diving into: 

• Why getting uncomfortable on purpose is the ultimate power move
• How solo dates, new routines, and bold career leaps (hello, this podcast!) shape the best version of you
• Real talk on doing the thing even if it makes your inner perfectionist sweat
• Little ways to stretch yourself daily, without spiraling

If you're switching jobs, trying a new workout, or just saying “yes” more often, this one's for you.

Search terms your future self will thank you for: self-growth, comfort zone challenge, confidence building, female podcast, wellness, working moms, car week recap, hot girl habits, Italian party vibes, how to start a podcast, solo dates inspiration, best self era 

🎧 Buckle up, because transformation isn’t comfy… but it is worth it.

Support the show

Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

Connect with us :)

Wait… What’s Next? is back with another hot take because August showed up uninvited, and we’re halfway between a glow-up and a burnout.

This week, Laura (currently spiraling over summer's fast-forward button) and Leni (fueled by toddler drama and cold brew) unpack the mid-season meh... that sticky spot where your SPF is low, your goals are pending, and your energy is… let’s just say “on sabbatical.”

In this episode, we’re sharing five feel-good ways to reset your rhythm and romanticize your routine, think:

• Guilt-free rest (yes, doing nothing is productive)
• Your phone can wait; the sidewalk is calling
• Mini workouts, maxi impact 
• Romanticize the little stuff like it’s Oscar-worthy
• Make your coffee run cinematic
• Permission to hit restart any day of the week (hello, August refresh)

With honest laughs, relatable chaos, and zero pressure to be perfect, we’re giving you the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.

✨Because even if your to-do list is toast and your goals took a nap, you can still finish this year feeling like the main character.

🎙️ Tune in, reset with us, and remember: You're not lazy, you're just human (and maybe a little sunburnt).

Support the show

Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

Connect with us :)

Laura takes over the mic this week and flips the script, interviewing co-host Leni, putting her in the hot seat. And let’s just say… she delivers (pun intended 😉)

In this raw and unfiltered convo, Leni opens up about becoming a mom for THE SECOND time, from the mental and physical changes no one really prepares you for, to the chaotic moments that somehow turn into the most beautiful memories. It’s messy, it’s emotional, it’s hilarious, and it’s the kind of real talk every parent, parent-to-be, or curious soul needs to hear. 

We’re talking about the truths of motherhood, the “nobody told me this” moments, and the big reveal that makes it all worth it: the miracle of bringing life into this world with grace, patience, and just the right dose of humor. 

This isn’t just a parenting story; it’s a human story. And trust us, you’ll want to hear every word. 

Support the show

Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]

Connect with us :)

We love a good vision board moment… but sometimes? You can’t soft life your way to hard goals, so put in the reps, sis!

This week, we’re talking about the sweet spot between soft hustle and hard results: staying consistent when it’s boring, why “thinking like a man” doesn’t mean becoming one, and the mindset shifts that keep us moving when life feels meh.

From Laura’s “women be women but with male mentality” hot take, to Leni’s second-time-around baby registry reality check (spoiler: TikTok lies), we’re diving into:

✨ Manifestation with momentum
 ✨ Consistency as the ultimate flex
 ✨ The TikTok buys that flopped and the ones that actually slap
 ✨ The Aspire podcast ep that has us rethinking the work we really put in (shoutout to @aspirewithemmagrede and host @emmagrede for the inspo)

Whether you’re chasing that next career move, chasing toddlers, or chasing clarity, you’ll feel seen in this one.

Support the show

Wait... What's Next? 

Support the Show: Buy Us a Cafeisto

Host: Laura Alba
Co-Host: Amanda Brilhante
Executive Producer: Lauren Atkinson

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbril

Email:  [email protected]