Patio Talks

“Why not me?” It’s a question most of us have asked at some point — sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully, sometimes just curiously. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston explore the deeper meaning behind that question and why it appears in so many areas of life: relationships, careers, recognition, and personal milestones. They reflect on moments of comparison, the difference be...

Ever felt like you had so much to say… but stayed quiet anyway?   Like your voice was there—but it just didn’t land the way you meant it to? Silence doesn’t technically make noise — but emotionally, it does. In this episode of Patio Talks , Gissell and Charleston explore what silence really means beyond the surface. Not just as absence—but as something that can feel heavy, powerful, confusing, and...

In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston unpack the phrase “Keep That Same Energy” and flip its meaning from anger and revenge into something far more powerful — self-awareness, emotional maturity, and personal growth. What happens when you stop reacting and start responding? When you realize remembering someone’s actions doesn’t make you bitter — it makes you wiser? This conversatio...

In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell Colón and Charleston Tubbs explore a simple but powerful question: how do we show up better as humans to other humans? From harsh online comments to unexpected encouragement from strangers, this conversation dives into how words, tone, and small moments of kindness can shape someone’s confidence, day, or even their life. The hosts reflect on emotional respon...

In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston open up about the emotional and practical journey behind launching Wasted Potential Records and releasing their first single, Bobby G the Hustler. Rather than focusing on promotion, this conversation centers on process — the quiet years of dreaming, the discipline behind publishing music, and the moment a long-held vision finally became real....

Season 2 of Patio Talks begins with honesty, intention, and forward movement. In this episode, Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs reflect on closing out Season 1 and stepping into a new chapter — not by starting over, but by continuing forward with clarity. They talk openly about how life, family, and real responsibilities shaped the transition into Season 2, and why growth now feels quieter, more...

What if the new year isn’t about restarting — but continuing with intention? In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs reflect on the quiet, often uncomfortable space between who you were and who you’re becoming. When life doesn’t wrap itself up neatly, when expectations fall short, and when growth feels unfinished, this conversation offers language for what many are silen...

Outgrowing Who You Should Be is a conversation about the quiet, uncomfortable transformation that happens when old versions of yourself no longer fit. Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs discuss how silence, guilt, and over-responsibility often come from survival—not truth. Gissell shares how finding her voice changed her relationship with herself, while Charleston reflects on letting go of the bel...

Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs open up about the invisible burdens people learn to carry in silence. Gissell reflects on the lifelong pressure of being unheard — how silence feels light until it begins to suffocate — and the liberation she found in finally speaking her truth. Charleston shares the quiet exhaustion of always being the “strong one,” the protector who isn’t allowed to fall apart,...

This episode gets real about what happens when family becomes the hardest place to heal. Gissell and Charleston open up about the invisible wounds left by parents who caused guilt, emotional neglect, or gaslighting — and the lifelong weight of pretending everything is “okay.” They dive into the silence many adult children carry, the generational patterns that need breaking, and the guilt that come...

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs open up about what it really means to be grateful when life hasn’t gone the way you hoped. Gissell shares how the loss of her father dimmed the spark of the holiday, but not her capacity for gratitude — just her definition of it. Charleston reflects on how gratitude used to feel like something he had to force, but this year,...

What if “I’m fine” was just a mask? In this episode, Gissell and Charleston unpack the emotional toll of pretending to be okay. They explore how a simple smile can hide exhaustion, pain, and deep loneliness — especially for those who’ve learned to perform strength just to survive. From performative resilience to people-pleasing, they speak honestly about the cost of holding it all together and wha...

In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs open up about the challenges of dreaming beyond what they were taught to believe was “realistic.” Gissell shares how her upbringing focused on survival rather than imagination, while Charleston reflects on how he inherited other people’s goals and dismissed his passion for music as impractical. Together, they explore: • How childho...

Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs explore what it really means to chase your dreams while juggling real-life responsibilities. From family and finances to fear and fulfillment, they share raw stories of ambition, balance, and rediscovering purpose when life forces you to pause. This conversation dives deep into self-realization, motivation, and personal growth, reminding listeners that dreams don...

Outgrowing your job can feel like quiet grief-especially when your paycheck still pays the bills. In this episode, we name the subtle heartbreak of staying in a role you've outgrown, explore the tension between gratitude and burnout, and offer story medicine for anyone holding it together at work while dreaming of more. If you're seeking healing, honest career stories, or support for your...

Healing from trauma isn't always gentle-sometimes it starts with anger. On this episode of Patio Talks, a podcast centering first-gen and BIPOC voices, Gissell and Charleston explore the real stages of emotional healing: the messy middle where rage, not peace, comes first. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, they discuss how anger can be a powerful teacher-helping us process pain...

Ep14: “You Ever Just… Shut Down? Intro In the conversation, Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs discuss the concept of "shutting down," which they clarify is not a sign of being cold, distant, or detached, but rather a response to emotional overwhelm. They emphasize that it's not a symptom of weakness or laziness, but a mechanism the body uses to prevent a breakdown. The speakers sugges...

Charleston and Gissell Colon discuss the detrimental effects of people-pleasing, sharing personal experiences of sacrificing their own well-being to avoid conflict and maintain peace. Charleston realized the cost of his actions when he missed his daughter's basketball game to cover a shift, leading him to prioritize his presence and peace. Gissell's breaking point came during a family cris...

Gissell Colon and Charleston discuss the origins and evolution of the Social Security number, which was initially intended for tracking workers' retirement benefits but has expanded to include credit checks, employment verification, and more. They highlight the normalization of the number over time, driven by corporate policies rather than law, and its use as a control mechanism. They recount...

Gissell Colon and Charleston discuss pivotal moments in their careers where they received significant opportunities that changed their lives. Charleston recounts his journey from a shift lead to an assistant manager after being mentored by a store manager who recognized his potential. Gissell shares her experience of being hired at a grocery store despite her lack of experience, which led to her r...

Henry Johnson, a Chicago firefighter, shared his journey of becoming a firefighter, motivated by the lack of black firefighters in his neighborhood. The hiring process took two years, including a six-and-a-half-month academy. He emphasized the importance of community bonding and the physical demands of the job, including medical training and maintaining physical fitness. Johnson discussed the emot...

Gissell Colon and Charleston discuss the true meaning of Labor Day, emphasizing its roots in the labor movement of the 1880s and the sacrifices made by workers for rights such as shorter hours and fair pay. They highlight the debate over the holiday's origin, with Peter J. McGuire and Matthew McGuire as key figures. The conversation touches on the historical context, including the Pullman Stri...

Charleston and Gissell Colon discuss the societal pressure to suppress softness, particularly in men, and the consequences of doing so. Charleston recalls being ridiculed for prioritizing rest over partying, leading to exhaustion and reliance on energy drinks. Gissell shares her guilt for self-care, emphasizing the importance of self-care for productivity and health. They argue that softness is of...

In their discussion, Gissell and Charleston explore the complexities of emotional regulation and coping mechanisms after significant losses. Gissell shares her struggles with her father's passing, the overwhelming silence, and the longing for his presence. Charleston reflects on the end of his marriage, grappling with his identity post-divorce and the subsequent challenges of rebuilding trust....

Gissell and Charleston discuss the pressures of societal expectations and personal growth. They share their experiences of working long hours, financial struggles, and the challenges of single parenthood. Gissell recounts her journey of leaving a relationship, working multiple jobs, and pursuing education while raising her daughter. Charleston reflects on his own struggles with financial dependenc...