In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an unexpectedly deep conversation about aging, family caregiving, and what happens when we need help but don't want to admit it.
What starts as a recap of the New York Marathon — where Nadia's gymnastics teammate ran 26.2 miles and a 78-year-old completed the race — quickly turns into a reflection on what aging looks like. Alyssa shares her concerns about her mother-in-law (Nadia's grandmother) who's struggling with the decision of what comes next: staying independent in her 5-bedroom home or accepting that she needs more support.
The conversation becomes vulnerable as Alyssa admits she doesn't understand why older people resist what seems like the obvious, logical choice. Nadia offers a different perspective — cultural expectations, personality, and the desire to maintain independence all play a role. They debate who gets to make decisions when someone needs help: the person needing care, or the caregiver? And what happens when family members disagree?
Alyssa makes Nadia promise (on the record) that when the time comes, she'll listen when her daughters say it's time to move to assisted living. They discuss the financial and emotional costs of elder care, why living with adult children often strains relationships, and the fantasy of having a trustworthy live-in caretaker in your own home. Eric's plan? If he gets dementia, just leave him in the Philippines with caretakers — a plan Alyssa firmly rejects.
The episode wraps with reflections on genetics vs. lifestyle, social media wellness culture, and whether all those expensive creams actually do anything — or just give us the illusion of control.
This is a conversation about autonomy, family dynamics, and the tension between wanting independence and needing support.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:09–2:17 – New York Marathon: 78-Year-Olds and 4-Minute Miles
2:18–5:22 – What Do We Want When We're Older? Alyssa's Perspective
5:23–7:27 – Cultural Expectations and Taking Care of Aging Parents
7:28–9:26 – Who Gets to Decide? The Person Needing Help or the Caregiver?
9:27–10:42 – Will You Be Stubborn? Personality and Control
10:43–12:33 – Would You Want Your Parents to Move In
12:34–14:22 – Personal Space and Family Dynamics
14:23–16:27 – Assisted Living Costs and Financial Fears
16:28–17:38 – Eric's Philippines Plan (And Why Alyssa Says No)
17:39–19:46 – Genetics vs. Lifestyle: What Really Determines Longevity
19:47–20:18 – Closing
In this Halloween week episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore themes of control, guidance, and finding meaning in uncertain times — with a little help from tarot cards.
Nadia opens up about getting her tarot cards read by a friend and pulling three cards representing her past, present, and future: Judgment (awakening and rebirth), Knight of Wands reversed (restlessness, impatience, burnout), and King of Cups (emotional maturity and compassion). What starts as a playful conversation about divination turns into something deeper as Nadia admits she was seeking guidance from the universe — not advice from advisors or family, but confirmation that she's doing things for the right reasons.
They discuss why tarot cards resonate: not because they predict the future, but because they offer a mirror to reflect what's already inside us. Nadia shares how she's been feeling stuck, burnt out, and craving control over her life — themes that showed up perfectly in her cards. Alyssa shares a memorable story about Nadia's dad getting his tarot read at a wedding, pulling cards that eerily captured his question about how to maintain a relationship with his daughter as she grew up.
The conversation expands into broader reflections on spirituality, organized religion, and why people seek connection with something bigger than themselves. Nadia reveals she's struggling with wanting control but recognizing she can't have it — and how that tension shows up everywhere from her busy schedule to her career uncertainties. They touch on Halloween plans, costume culture, and the fantasy of having superpowers (spoiler: they'd both freeze time).
At its heart, this is an episode about what we turn to when life feels overwhelming — whether it's tarot cards, faith, or simply the hope that we're on the right path.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:11–1:10 – Halloween Week & Missing Each Other
1:11–2:43 – Bar Crawls, Costumes & Female Halloween Culture
2:44–4:39 – The Comfort of Wearing a Costume (Plus: Flash Mobs!)
4:40–6:25 – Halloween Plans: New York, Parties & Marathon Weekend
6:26–9:47 – Nadia's Tarot Card Reading: Past, Present, Future
9:48–13:05 – Why the Cards Resonated: Burnout, Restlessness & Hope
13:06–16:39 – How Tarot Works: Taking What Resonates, Leaving the Rest
16:40–19:49 – Alyssa's Story: Eric's Tarot Reading About Parenting Nadia
19:50–20:50 – Tarot, Church & Understanding Spirituality Differently
20:51–23:22 – "I Wish I Was a Witch": The Fantasy of Control
23:23–26:39 – Superpowers & What They Reveal: Freezing Time vs. Reading Minds
26:40–28:10 – Connecting the Cards to Life: Past Judgment, Present Burnout, Future Compassion
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia catch up on Nadia's job search for a clinical research co-op and reflect on the "soft skills" she's been building for her future medical career.
Nadia opens up about the humbling reality of applying to 20+ co-op positions over two months and receiving just one interview. She's specifically seeking clinical research or clinical trials work — not another medical assistant role — because she wants to explore new sides of healthcare before committing to medical school. They discuss the pressure of being selective while also needing to secure something, and how different this process feels when you're still a student versus someone with a mortgage and kids to support.
The conversation shifts to bigger healthcare issues: the loss of SNAP benefits for November, Nadia's past research on sanctuary policies and undocumented immigrants' access to food stamps and prenatal care, and how these social determinants of health matter for doctors. Alyssa reflects on what makes a good physician beyond just medical knowledge — communication skills, empathy, awareness of patients' lived experiences, and the ability to work with a healthcare team.
They also touch on internet outages affecting work and school, Nadia's love of rewatching Gilmore Girls, and a new Netflix medical show called "Doc" about a brilliant but cold physician who becomes kind again after a brain injury erases 8 years of her memory.
At its core, this episode is about preparation: the unsexy, uncertain work of building a foundation for a career that demands not just knowledge, but compassion, adaptability, and real-world understanding.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:10–1:50 – Internet Outages and Tech Dependence (Amazon Cloud Issues)
1:51–3:16 – From Paper Charts to Digital: How Healthcare Adapted
3:17–5:23 – The Co-op Hunt: 20 Applications, 1 Interview
5:24–7:58 – Should Research "Count" for Med School? A Doctor's Advice
7:59–9:47 – The Pressure of Job Searching (And Why Students Have It Easier)
9:48–12:42 – SNAP Benefits Cut and Healthcare Access
12:43–15:05 – Working at a Grocery Store: The Reality of EBT
15:06–17:29 – Nadia's Public Health Research on Sanctuary Policies
17:30–19:58 – Undocumented Immigrants and Accessing Benefits
19:59–22:10 – What Makes a Good Doctor? Knowledge Isn't Everything
22:11–24:23 – Looking Back: The Skills Nadia Has Built Over 4 Years
24:24–26:22 – Netflix's "Doc" and the Importance of Bedside Manner
26:23–28:45 – Grey's Anatomy vs. Gilmore Girls: Comfort Viewing and Wrap-Up
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an honest conversation about Nadia's journey toward medical school and what it really means to become a physician in today's healthcare system.
Alyssa, a physical therapist, shares her concerns after hearing countless patient complaints about their experiences with doctors — from rushed appointments to feeling unheard. She worries about the challenges Nadia will face: the difficulty of getting into medical school, the grueling training process, and the weight of patient expectations that can leave even the best doctors feeling like they've failed.
Nadia responds with remarkable clarity about her motivations. She discusses why she's drawn to treating a broader range of illnesses beyond musculoskeletal issues, why nursing and PA programs don't feel like the right fit for her, and how her public health background is preparing her to be a more compassionate, team-oriented provider. They explore what makes a good doctor — from communication skills to humility about working with other healthcare professionals.
The conversation touches on systemic issues: why there's a doctor shortage despite months-long wait times, how the healthcare system often works against physicians, and the pressure of being put on a pedestal while having only minutes with each patient. But it also celebrates the possibility of excellence, with Alyssa sharing a story about an exceptional obstetrician who exemplified what patient-centered care looks like.
This is a vulnerable, thoughtful discussion about career paths, healthcare challenges, and the determination it takes to pursue a calling despite knowing all the obstacles ahead.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:10–1:30 – Introduction: A Sister's Concerns About Medical School
1:31–3:33 – Concern #1: The Challenge of Getting In
3:34–7:24 – Exploring Alternatives: DO Programs, International Schools, PA & NP Paths
7:25–9:28 – What Draws Nadia to Medicine vs. Other Healthcare Careers
9:29–11:56 – Why Not Nursing or PA? Nadia's Perspective
11:57–15:32 – Concern #2: The Mental and Physical Toll of Medical Training
15:33–17:25 – Patient Complaints and the Pedestal Problem
17:26–20:13 – Concern #3: Managing Expectations and Disappointment
20:14–23:35 – What Makes a Great Doctor: A Real Example
23:36–26:39 – Communication, Compassion, and Teamwork
26:40–28:27 – Public Health Background as an Asset
28:28–30:12 – Final Thoughts and Ongoing Support (Plus: Tuition Concerns!)
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore one of the biggest questions of our time — how AI is reshaping learning, creativity, and human connection.
They start by unpacking the role of artificial intelligence in education: how students are using it to double-check homework, why professors are worried about declining test performance, and whether reliance on AI is weakening critical thinking skills. Alyssa shares her husband’s experience using ChatGPT to debug coding problems, sparking a broader debate about what happens when we stop “struggling” through the learning process ourselves.
The conversation expands to the workplace, where tasks that once took teams weeks can now be completed in hours, and into everyday life — from GPS dependence to resume writing. Nadia offers the perspective of a college student navigating professors’ mixed rules about AI use, while Alyssa reflects on the loss of personal depth in an AI-generated world where even thank-you notes and cover letters can sound robotic.
They wrap up with an honest look at generational attitudes toward AI — from curiosity to skepticism — and ask: if technology keeps getting smarter, what remains uniquely human about how we think, create, and connect?Takeaways
AI is transforming how we learn, work, and communicate — for better and for worse.
Students may lose problem-solving depth if they rely too heavily on AI to explain or fix mistakes.
Technology boosts efficiency but may dull creativity and mental “muscle memory.”
In a world full of automation, human warmth and personalization are becoming rare — and valuable.
Using AI responsibly means understanding its limits and keeping space for real thought.
The most meaningful skill of the future might be what remains human: empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.
Chapters
0:10–2:03 – Setting the Stage: Why Everyone’s Talking About AI
2:04–5:51 – Learning with ChatGPT: Shortcuts or Smart Tools?
5:52–9:57 – Are We Losing Brain Strength? Tech vs. Mental Exercise
10:55–17:16 – The Job Market: AI and the Efficiency Paradox
17:17–20:43 – Personalization vs. Templates: What Still Feels Human
20:44–23:50 – Generational Fears and the Ethics of AI
23:51–26:57 – What Makes Us Human: Thinking Beyond the Algorithm
26:58–27:04 – Wrap-up
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia reflect on how noise, social stimulation, and personal priorities shape their daily lives. The conversation opens with lighthearted banter about barking dogs, road construction, and the toll constant noise can take on mental health. From there, they dive into deeper reflections on social energy, nightlife, and the push-pull between wanting to participate in everything versus needing rest and solitude.
Nadia shares her evolving perspective on social life in Boston, adjusting to college routines, balancing work at a café, and questioning whether she’s “missing out” by choosing quiet nights over parties. Alyssa contrasts this with her recent whirlwind trip to Las Vegas, where stimulation overload made her crave peace, underscoring the theme that both too much and too little activity can affect well-being.
The discussion turns toward busyness, structure, and societal pressures to be constantly productive. They explore how being “always busy” can sometimes mask deeper emotions, but can also simply reflect a love of staying engaged. Nadia opens up about the looming weight of pre-med requirements, balancing passion with strategy, and navigating headspace consumed by future goals. Alyssa responds with reassurance from her own journey, reframing the process as focusing on meaningful steps rather than pure strategy.
The episode closes on the reminder that rest is just as essential as productivity, and that both fun and downtime have value in a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Takeaways
Noise and constant stimulation affect mental health more than we often acknowledge.
Social energy shifts over time — it’s normal to prefer quiet nights over partying, even in college.
Busyness can be both a coping mechanism and a fulfilling way of life, depending on intention.
Structure and routine can provide comfort, but flexibility and free time are equally important.
Pursuing big goals (like medical school) requires balancing strategy with genuine passion.
Chapters
0:10–3:05 – Dogs, Construction, and How Noise Shapes Mental Health
3:06–6:36 – Nadia’s Shift Away from Partying and Managing Café Work-Life Balance
6:37–8:11 – Alyssa’s Overstimulating Vegas Trip and Midlife Social Lessons
8:12–9:29 – Choosing Rest Over FOMO: Leaning Into Quiet Nights
9:30–14:32 – Busyness, Structure, and the Fear of Stillness
14:33–18:31 – Med School Goals: Strategy vs. Passion
18:32–20:43 – Balancing Co-op, Career Goals, and Future Planning
20:21–21:37 – Wrapping Up: Rest, Fun, and Social Chair Irony
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive deep into their philosophies around fitness, movement, and the complexities of the modern exercise industry. The conversation begins with Alyssa sharing her concerns about different teaching approaches in Pilates, specifically addressing the tension between her clinic's mindful, precise methodology versus the "push to failure" mentality popular in many fitness spaces.
Nadia shares her current fitness routine, including her work arrangement at CorePower Yoga that allows her affordable access to classes, her relationship with traditional gym workouts, and her strong aversion to running. The discussion evolves into a broader conversation about accessibility in fitness, touching on the recent social media debates around Pilates being perceived as exclusive or elitist.
The episode explores how both hosts have shifted their perspectives on exercise over time - moving away from body image-focused motivations toward viewing movement as essential self-care and mental health support. They discuss the irony of having to pay for movement that humans once got naturally through daily life, while emphasizing that the "best" exercise is simply whatever you'll do consistently and enjoy.
The conversation concludes with reflections on setting intentions during workouts and the importance of making fitness accessible to all bodytypes and economic situations.Takeaways
Chapters0:10-2:33 - Alyssa's Pilates Teaching Philosophy vs. "Push toFailure" Methods
2:41-4:48 - Nadia's CorePower Work Arrangement and Class Experiences
4:48-6:19 - Cost Barriers and Getting Your Money's Worth from Fitness
6:31-8:07 - College Budget Realities and Future Fitness Spending
8:07-11:00 - Social Media Debates: Pilates Exclusivity andAccessibility
11:00-12:15 - Making Movement Accessible to All Bodies and Backgrounds
12:16-15:10 - Nadia's Gym Routine and Dealing with Gym Intimidation
15:14-16:51 - Running Aversion and Forced Cardio with the Team
16:51-19:20 - Finding What Works: The Philosophy of Enjoyable Movement
19:20-23:29 - Shifting Perspectives: From Body Image to Wellness Focus
23:30-24:08 - Wrap-up and Exercise Motivation
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have anopen and honest conversation about Nadia's recent experience getting an IUD (intrauterine device). The discussion covers everything from her decision-making process to the procedure itself and her recovery experience.
The conversation begins with Nadia explaining her motivation for choosing an IUD as her preferred method of birth control, citing her difficulty with remembering to take pills and preference for a long-term solution that doesn't require regular maintenance. She discusses the process of getting referred from her school's health center to an external OBGYN clinic in Boston, noting the long wait times for appointments.
Nadia shares details about choosing between different IUD options (hormonal vs. non-hormonal, and different brands within the hormonal category), ultimately selecting the Kylena which lasts for 5 years. The discussion touches on how the 2024 election results influenced her urgency to secure birth control access.
The conversation then shifts to the actual procedure experience, including Nadia's research process (including the mistake of checking TikTok for horror stories), the pain level during insertion, and her ongoing recovery with daily cramping and hormonal adjustments. Alyssa shares her own IUD experience from years ago, including some concerning interactions with a male practitioner and driving complications afterward.
The episode concludes with practical considerations like setting reminders for replacement and follow-up appointments for string checks.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:09-1:24 - Introduction and IUD Basics
1:26-3:29 - Decision Making and Election Influence
3:34-5:10 - Choosing IUD Type and Appointment Process
5:19-6:17 - Wait Times and Healthcare Access
6:18-8:06 - Different IUD Options and Family History
8:07-10:26 - Preparation and Procedure Experience
10:31-12:15 - Recovery and Ongoing Side Effects
12:24-14:09 - Motivations and Peace of Mind
14:14-15:29 - Political Climate and Healthcare Access
15:33-16:18 - Effectiveness Timeline
16:20-19:28 - Alyssa's IUD Experience Comparison
19:37-22:09 - Follow-up Care and String Checks
22:23-23:07 - Current Side Effects and Hormonal Changes
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa kick off Nadia's senior year of college with an in-depth discussion about the excitement and anxieties that come with being a fourth-year student.
The conversation begins with Nadia explaining her summer dialogue experience in Spain, where she completed her Spanish minor through a 5-week study abroad program. She reflects on how the change of pace was refreshing but also made her appreciate the structure of being back on campus.
The discussion then shifts to Nadia's current activities and commitments, including her new job at Greystone cafe, her final year of gymnastics as social chair, and the upcoming co-op application process. This leads into a deeper conversation about her top three worries as a senior: choosing the right co-op (clinical vs. non-clinical), managing her tendency to overcommit herself, and the general anxiety of not knowing if she's making the right choices.
Nadia and Alyssa explore the concept of creating your own path rather than following a predetermined track, using the metaphor of different routes from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The episode concludes with discussions about future living arrangements and plans to bring guests onto the podcast to help navigate senior year decisions.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:10-1:01 - Welcome Back and Senior Year Introduction
1:02-3:04 - Spain Dialogue Experience and Summer Reflection
3:05-4:09 - Current Activities: Job, Gymnastics, and Co-op Applications
4:10-5:55 - Existential Crisis and Post-Graduation Anxiety
5:56-7:57 - Worry #1: Co-op Selection and Career Direction
8:08-9:19 - Worry #2: Overcommitment and Time Management
9:20-12:22 - Worry #3: General Anxiety and Creating Your Own Path
12:23-14:46 - Living Arrangements and Housing Challenges
14:47-16:18 - Future Podcast Plans and Guest Ideas
In this season finale of Papaya Talk Podcast, Nadia and Alyssa reflect on their podcasting journey together as they prepare to take a summer break. Nadia is approaching her fourth year of college, and they discuss the passage of time, her academic journey, future plans for medical school, and the value of their podcast conversations regardless of listener count. They also touch on college expenses like haircuts and nail care, the normalcy of graduating in 4.5 years versus 4, and Nadia's upcoming six-week study abroad program in Spain. The conversation highlights their close relationship and provides insight into the transitions young adults face as they navigate college and prepare for post-graduation life.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:09 - Opening chat about haircuts, nails, and college expenses
02:18 - Reflecting on 93 episodes and podcast value beyond listener metrics
05:11 - Discussing previous guests in the podcast and future topics they want to discuss
05:59 - Nadia on her fourth year in college and the quick passage of college years and nostalgic reflections
08:16 - Nadia's 4.5-year graduation plan and gap year before medical school
14:35 - Social perceptions about traditional versus extended graduation timelines
16:43 - Future podcast format and Nadia's upcoming study abroad in Spain
18:36 - Closing thoughts on Spain program details and season wrap-up
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa compare living conditions in San Francisco versus Boston, focusing on urban challenges that residents face.
The conversation begins with discussing San Francisco's reputation and how news coverage often portrays it negatively, emphasizing homelessness and cleanliness issues.
The discussion then shifts to a specific city problem that Nadia is experiencing in Boston - a mouse infestation in her apartment. She details her experiences with seeing and catching mice, her landlord's inadequate response, and how the situation has affected her daily life. Nadia and Alyssa also touched on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities, concluding with a plan to potentially bring in an expert to discuss both the health implications of living with mice and tenant rights.
Takeaways
Chapters
0:10-1:57 - Introduction and San Francisco's Media Reputation
1:58-2:56 - Comparing Boston and San Francisco Living Conditions
2:57-5:42 - Mice Problem in Boston Apartments
5:43-8:12 - Dealing with Mice and Health Concerns
8:13-11:51 - Failed Attempts to Solve the Infestation
11:52-13:21 - Other Urban Living Challenges
13:22-15:56 - Landlord Responsibilities and Tenant Rights
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa welcome registered dietitian Kerry Blair, founder of Food for Fuel and known on Instagram as "The Gymnast RD." The conversation explores nutrition topics including orthorexia, the differences between registered dietitians and nutritionists, gut health trends, and vitamin supplementation.
Kerry offers evidence-based insights to help young adults navigate nutrition misinformation on social media and provides practical advice for developing healthy relationships with food and understanding when supplements are truly necessary.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - 01:41: Introduction and welcoming Kerry Blair
01:42 - 05:04: Kerry’s journey to becoming a dietitian and gymnastics nutrition
05:05 - 08:00: Explaining orthorexia and its prevalence among young adults
08:01 - 10:34: Social media's impact on nutrition trends and diet culture
10:35 - 15:45: Navigating nutrition advice and finding reliable information
15:46 - 19:33: The difference between registered dietitians and nutritionists
19:34 - 23:35: Discussion on gut health trends and probiotic products
23:36 - 33:20: Vitamin supplementation, regulation issues, and third-party testing
33:21 - 35:02: Closing thoughts on advocating for proper nutritional testing
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera discuss medical dramas, including "The Pit" and "Grey's Anatomy," and how Nadia’s interest in these shows influenced her desire to become a doctor. They explore how initial interests evolve into deeper motivations, particularly as the younger host contemplates medical school, gap years, and the application process.
The conversation focuses on finding one's path, embracing different timelines, and seeking guidance from those who've already completed the journey.
Takeaways
Initial interests (like TV shows) can spark career paths, but real-life experiences help develop deeper motivations.
Taking a gap year between undergraduate studies and medical school can provide valuable experience and clarity.
Everyone's educational and career journey is different - there's no single "right" timeline.
Seeking advice from people who've already completed a similar path can provide valuable insights.
It's beneficial to focus on one thing at a time rather than dividing attention between multiple priorities.
Chapters
00:00 - 01:55: Introduction and discussions about hospital dramas
01:56 - 04:34: Comparing "The Pit" to "Grey's Anatomy" and other medical shows
04:35 - 07:33: How TV shows influenced career aspirations in medicine
07:34 - 10:08: Developing deeper motivations beyond initial interests
10:09 - 13:18: Considering a gap year before medical school
13:19 - 16:43: Benefits of being around like-minded peers and seeking advice
16:44 - 19:29: Specific questions about MCAT timing and gap year experiences
19:30 - 21:28: Closing thoughts on seeking guidance and continuing TV discussions
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera discuss modern food trends, gut health, and the impact of social media on eating habits. They explore how nutrition messaging has evolved over generations, from the low-fat craze of the past to today's protein-focused and gut health movements.
The conversation also dives into the dangers of social media influence on eating behaviors, including orthorexia (an obsession with "clean eating") and the rise of influencer-driven food trends. With brands, influencers, and celebrities pushing supplements and diet advice, how do we know what’s actually healthy? Alyssa and Nadia reflect on the importance of critical thinking, balanced nutrition, and learning to trust your own body.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:10 – Catching Up: Weekend Plans & College Life
01:55 – What Does "Healthy Eating" Mean to You?
02:44 – How Nutrition Messaging Has Changed Over the Years
03:42 – The Influence of Social Media on Diet & Health Trends
06:02 – Orthorexia: When "Clean Eating" Becomes Harmful
08:47 – The Rise of Influencer-Driven Food Trends
09:58 – The Psychological Impact of Social Media on Eating Habits
11:24 – Gut Health: Science vs. Marketing
12:16 – How to Filter Nutrition Advice & Listen to Your Body
12:36 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia welcome special guest Alta Grace Tan, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and family relationships. Together, they dive into the evolving dynamic between parents and their adult children, discussing the challenges of communication, independence, and setting healthy boundaries.
The conversation covers how parents can support their kids without overstepping, why young adults still turn to their parents for advice, and how to maintain closeness despite different lifestyles and time zones. With humor, real-life stories, and expert insights from Grace, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood within their family.Takeaways
Chapters
00:10 – Introducing Guest: Psychologist Alta Grace Tan
01:12 – The Struggles of Parent-Child Communication in Adulthood
02:42 – Finding Balance Between Independence & Seeking Advice
06:15 – Why Parents Feel the Need to Solve Every Problem
09:01 – How to Offer Support Without Overstepping
12:00 – The Role of Boundaries in Parent-Adult Child Relationships
14:23 – Using "I" Statements to Prevent Conflict
17:26 – The Importance of Shared Experiences in Maintaining Closeness
21:57 – How Often Should Parents & Kids Communicate?
24:30 – Navigating Different Expectations for Communication
27:41 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Strengthening Relationships
Here is the website where you can request an appointment with Dr. Tan:
In this special Valentine’s Day episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into modern dating, hookup culture, and the pressures of long-term planning. They discuss the challenges of finding real connections in the age of dating apps, the reality of being surrounded by couples, and the difference between casual dating and intentional relationships.
The conversation also explores long-term life planning, including the struggles of balancing career goals, relationships, and the pressure of starting a family by a certain age. Nadia reflects on her evolving perspective on med school, motherhood, and the ticking biological clock, while Alyssa reminds her that life is unpredictable and not everything can be planned.
Through humor, honesty, and a little manifestation, this episode is a heartfelt and relatable conversation about love, timing, and letting go of control.
Takeaways
00:10 – Valentine’s Day & The Love-Hate Relationship with the Holiday
01:03 – The Challenges of Dating in College & Hookup Culture
02:42 – Dating Apps: Do They Help or Hinder?
04:06 – The Struggles of Being Surrounded by Couples
06:15 – The Pressure to Plan Life & Relationships Perfectly
08:50 – Balancing Med School, Motherhood & The Biological Clock
12:00 – The Science of Fertility & The Reality of Family Planning
14:23 – Manifestation vs. Letting Go of Control in Life & Love
15:26 – Final Thoughts: Trusting the Journey
In this recent episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into the realities of living with food allergies, the psychological impact of growing up with dietary restrictions, and the balance between caution and fear.
Nadia reflects on her lifelong peanut allergy and how it has shaped her habits, choices, and perspectives. The conversation explores generational differences in how allergies are managed, the environmental factors contributing to rising food sensitivities, and the idea of desensitization treatments.
Alyssa also touches on trauma-informed healthcare—how medical professionals can empower patients rather than instill fear, especially when dealing with chronic conditions.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:09 – Introduction: Talking About Allergies & Health
01:16 – Growing Up with a Peanut Allergy
02:42 – How Risk Tolerance Varies Among Allergy Sufferers
05:34 – The Dangers of Travel with Food Allergies
07:21 – Generational Differences in Managing Allergies
09:17 – Choosing Not to Get Retested: The Fear of More Allergies
12:42 – Could There Be a Cure for Food Allergies?
15:09 – The Psychological & Social Impact of Allergies
18:07 – The Role of Environmental Factors in Rising Allergies
21:37 – Trust & Fear in Healthcare: How It Affects Patients
24:22 – Trauma-Informed Care: A Better Way to Approach Health
In this latest episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an honest and reflective conversation about mother-daughter communication—the challenges, the evolution, and the deep desire for mutual understanding.
Alyssa expresses her hope for open communication that lasts into the future, while Nadia shares her struggle with seeking approval and balancing independence. They explore how cultural expectations, personality differences, and life transitions (like going to college or becoming a parent) shape the dynamic between mothers and daughters.
The episode also touches on whether a mother-daughter retreat could help strengthen relationships, and what it means to truly support one another without judgment.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:09 – The Podcast Hijack: Talking About Mother-Daughter Communication
01:00 – Navigating Open Conversations Without Feeling Judged
02:42 – Seeking Approval: A Natural Yet Challenging Dynamic
04:16 – How Should Parents Support Without Overstepping?
06:02 – Oversharing vs. Keeping Boundaries in Family Relationships
09:51 – Sibling Communication Styles: How They Differ Within a Family
10:46 – Generational Differences in Parent-Child Conversations
12:23 – The Future of Mother-Daughter Bonds: Will It Change?
13:38 – Could a Mother-Daughter Retreat Strengthen Relationships?
15:32 – The Transition from Seeking Parental Input to Self-Trust
17:26 – The Balance Between Asking for Help & Learning Independence
18:25 – When Do Parents and Children Become “Peers”?
In this latest episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera dive into the surprising link between alcohol and cancer, discussing new research and its implications. Alyssa shares recent statistics on alcohol-related cancer deaths and the challenges of cutting out alcohol, given its deep-rooted presence in social culture, while Nadia reflects on how college students often ignore health risks, viewing cancer as a distant concern.
The conversation also explores the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, the marketing tactics behind "healthy" hydration solutions like Liquid IV, and the broader need for awareness and balance when making lifestyle choices.Takeaways
Chapters
00:10 – Catching Up & Weather Talk
01:04 – The Link Between Alcohol & Cancer
02:42 – 20,000 Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Per Year
04:28 – Carcinogens & How We Ignore Alcohol’s Risks
06:15 – Alcohol’s Social & Chemical Impact on the Brain
09:43 – The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
12:03 – The Truth About Liquid IV & Hydration Marketing
16:04 – IV Bars & Hydration Trends
17:29 – Navigating Risk & Making Balanced Choices
18:14 – Closing Thoughts
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera-Set discuss the role of social media in shaping generational perspectives, personal connections, and the spread of misinformation.
Alyssa reflects on her desire to step away from platforms like Instagram and Facebook due to concerns about credibility and mental health, while Nadia offers a Gen Z perspective on the importance of social media in staying informed and connected.
They delve into topics such as the potential TikTok ban, the challenges of filtering real news from fabricated stories, and the societal implications of a world dominated by digital interactions. The episode closes with reflections on intentions for 2025, focusing on being open to life’s journey amidst a changing social and political landscape.
Takeaways
Chapters
1:13 - TikTok Ban and the Role of Social Media
04:02 – Concerns About Misinformation and Confirmation Bias
5:30 – Navigating News Consumption Without Social Media
8:45 – The Challenges of Disconnecting from Social Media
10:45 – Setting Intentions for 2025: Being Open to the Journey