Not Vanilla Podcast

A real end of year convo on letting go, choosing intention, and moving forward Christmas is behind us, Hanukkah has passed (we don’t celebrate it, but we appreciate the Festival of Lights), we’re in the midst of Kwanzaa, and New Year’s is right around the corner and this “in-between week” has us reflecting in real time. In this episode, Roxana and Dominique talk about how fast the year flew by, ho...

Layoff Lemonade (Part 2 of 2): AI, Upskilling, and the Truth About “Replacement” From barber clippers to bots — using tools without losing your mind (or your rights) In Part Two of Layoff Lemonade , Roxana and Dominique bring in Anthony (Tony) for a real, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about what it actually looks like to move from scarcity to success. We unpack the origin of “Not Vanil...

Layoff Lemonade (Part 1 of 2): Sipping Success From Scarcity Turning layoffs, furloughs, and frustration into clarity, skills, and next steps Episode Summary: In Part One of Layoff Lemonade: Sipping Success from Scarcity , Roxana and Dominique explore what happens after the shock of layoffs, furloughs, and workplace instability. From the emotional rollercoaster to the first mindset shift, this epi...

Holiday Joy vs. Holiday Blues: How to Show Up Either Way Navigating Friendsgiving, Family Gatherings & Feelings Episode Summary:In this vibrant, honest, and hilariously real episode of Not Vanilla , your favorite mother–daughter duo, Roxana and Dominique, explore the emotional mix that comes with Friendsgiving and the full “Thank-mas” holiday season. Whether you’re thriving and full of joy, or...

Mastering De-Escalation: Avoid Your Joseline Hernandez Era Mindfulness, maturity, and avoiding emotional regret In this episode of Not Vanilla, Roxana and Dominique get real about emotional roller coasters, unhealthy coping habits, and what it actually takes to de-escalate in real life — not just in theory. They talk about “de-escalation options” (A: alcohol, B: coffee, C: casino, D: shopping) and...

New Year, Same You? Tackling Blue Monday, MLK’s Legacy, and Life’s Potholes Podcast Show Notes : Welcome to Season 2 of the Not Vanilla Podcast with your favorite mother-daughter duo, Roxana and Dominique! 🎙️ We’re kicking off the new year with a blend of reflection, motivation, and real talk. In this episode, we’re diving into a few things that might be on your mind: ✨ Happy New Year : Is it rea...

Not Vanilla - After Dark Edition: The Power of Sibling Bonds In this engaging episode of Not Vanilla , Roxy and Nique dive deep into the world of sibling relationships. Joined by special guests Anthony Feenster and Roxy's son, they explore the cherished memories and varied experiences that shape sibling bonds. From nostalgic childhood games to collaborative adult decisions like buying a car, t...

Not Vanilla Episode 5: Mom-Daughter Power: Evolving Together as a Dynamic DuoIn this episode of Not Vanilla, Roxy and Nique dive into the rich, complex world of mother-daughter relationships. They explore the unique dynamics that make these bonds so powerful, focusing on the critical role of trust, open communication, and creating a safe space for honest expression. Through heartfelt personal stor...

Not Vanilla Podcast 4: Scrolling While Black: Race, Social Media, and Mental WellnessIn this episode of Not Vanilla, Roxy and Nique go deep into the heart-wrenching story of Sonya Massey's life and death, which seems to resonate with the tragic history of racial violence in America. We discuss the systemic issues that perpetuate these tragedies, the urgent need for change, and the effects on our m...

Not Vanilla Episode 3: Scrolling into Sanity: Social Media + Mental Health with Therapist Nia JonesIn this episode of Not Vanilla, Roxana and Dominique dive deep into the complex relationship between social media and mental health. We chat with therapist Nia Jones about the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media, the impact of the curated highlight reel on self-esteem, the addictive natu...

Not Vanilla Episode 2: Embracing Summer: Plans, Family Time, and Mental HealthIn this episode, Not Vanilla hosts Roxana and Dominique dive into everything you need to make the most out of your summer. From crafting unforgettable memories and planning joy-filled activities to staying mindful and managing social pressures, we've got you covered. Episode Highlights:Why Planning Matters: Roxana and Do...

In this episode of the Not Vanilla Podcast, co-hosts Dominique and Roxana tackle the challenges of managing life’s disappointments and expectations. We've all heard the saying about making lemonade out of life's lemons, but what does that really look like? Dominique and Roxana take a deep dive into discussing disappointments at work, in life, in friendships, and more. From real-life examples like...