My Brain Está Spicy

Leaving Corporate Without Losing Yourself Life has been busy and tender, so Melisa is hosting a solo evening edition — but she’s not alone. She’s joined by business coach and social media strategist Kate Astill, whose journey from medical scientist to yoga teacher to business coach is a masterclass in rebuilding your work life without losing your mental health. Together they talk about burnout, un...

Description: In this heart-opening episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy are joined by Bianca Alba, the voice and creator of This Latina Travels! , for an honest and empowering conversation about travel anxiety, courage, and what it means to fall in love with the world—even when your brain gets spicy. Bianca is the voice and creator of “This Latina Travels!” – a podcast about travel...

In this intimate “get to know me” episode, Melisa steps into the hot seat — unfiltered, unmasked, and unapologetically herself. Christy leads a reimagined 21 Questions that peels back the layers of identity, ambition, and the strength it takes to live authentically as a disabled Latina woman. From childhood dreams to navigating ableism, resilience, and radical honesty, Melisa shares the stories th...

Why is therapy still treated like a dirty little secret in so many Latino households? In this episode, Melisa and Christy sit down with Dr. Lisette Sanchez —a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, writer, international speaker, and founder of Calathea Wellness , a virtual platform for first-gen professionals. Raised in Southern California by Salvadoran and Mexican immigrant parents, Dr. Lisette b...

What do parasailing, cassette tapes, and Anne Hathaway have in common? Christy’s mental health journey. In this spicy origin story episode, Melisa interviews Christy with questions about childhood, coping, and coming home to herself — Scorpio-style. We uncover childhood memories, early signs of anxiety, coping mechanisms (including a VERY creative one), and the moment she realized, "Oh, this is de...

Flowers for Pedro Pascal: Our Anti-Machismo Icon 🌶️ Episode Summary: This week, we're trading in rage (mostly) for reverence—and handing out metaphorical flowers to our Lord and Savior Pedro Pascal . From his tender masculinity to his vocal allyship, Pedro represents something we don't see enough of: a man who is deeply safe to be around. In this episode, we explore why so many women—and plenty of...

We’re back — and we’re not easing in. In the Season 2 premiere of My Brain Está Spicy, Melisa and Christy speak openly, urgently, and unfiltered about the state of things: the unraveling of democracy, the rage of watching history repeat itself, and the heartbreak of silence from those who should know better. This episode is about immigration, fascism, human decency, and how we find our voices agai...

What does it really mean to have a “support village”? In this episode, Melisa and Christy crack open the messy, magical, and sometimes painful truth about building (and losing) your people. From childhood church groups to friendship breakups over politics and personal growth, they reflect on: Why friendship doesn’t need to check every box The myth of the “one perfect best friend” How cultural iden...

In this fiery episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy dive into the concept of sacred feminine rage—the often misunderstood and suppressed emotion that holds immense power when channeled correctly. They explore how anger is not just an emotion to suppress, but a life force that can fuel personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Both Melisa and Christy share their personal experiences...

In this week’s episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy talk about how imposter syndrome shows up in their lives and how it impacts their mental health and well-being. Whether it’s questioning their abilities in their careers, feeling like they're not Latina enough , or doubting their worth, the feeling of not being enough is something we've all struggled with at some point in our lives...

In this heartfelt episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy dive into the powerful theme of self-reflection, identity, and body image. 🌸✨ They explore how cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal experiences shape the way we view ourselves at different stages in life. The conversation touches on: The struggles of loving our bodies through the years 💖 Accepting our past ver...

What does it actually mean to be “Latina enough” ? In this vulnerable and validating episode, Melisa and Christy unpack their own complex journeys navigating bicultural identity, language, and the unspoken rules of Latinidad. From growing up with varying levels of Spanish, to battling imposter syndrome and cultural expectations, they explore how identity and mental health are deeply intertwined —...

The job market isn’t just competitive—it’s a battlefield, especially for Latinas and first-gen professionals. 🚨 In this episode, we’re joined by Alondra Canizal Hsu, Founder & CEO of Soluna Career Consulting, who shares the raw, unfiltered realities of what job seekers are up against and how to take control of your career with boldness and authenticity. From navigating the emotional toll of job s...

Tired of hearing “just stay positive” when life is crumbling around you? In this episode, we’re diving into toxic positivity—why it’s harmful, how it invalidates real emotions, and why forcing a smile isn’t the answer. Melisa and Christy get personal, sharing experiences with cultural expectations, generational trauma, and how immigrant families often downplay struggles and sometimes guilt you wit...

In this episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy dive into the chaotic reality of job searching in today’s unpredictable market. With layoffs, hiring freezes, and shifting workplace expectations, finding a job can feel like surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland or like your screaming into a void. 🚨 Melisa discusses the highs and lows of her career journey, from her start in hospita...

 Is it anxiety, or am I actually dying? In this episode of My Brain Está Spicy , Melisa and Christy dive into the weird, annoying, and downright inconvenient ways anxiety shows up in their bodies—like racing heartbeats, surprise sweat fests, and that oh-so-fun feeling of your lungs suddenly forgetting how to work. Melisa shares her journey of learning to recognize anxiety symptoms, from unexpected...

In the very first episode of My Brain Está Spicy , hosts Melisa and Christy dive into the realities of overthinking and mental health, with a special focus on doomscrolling. They open up about their personal experiences—Melisa shares how stepping away from social media has impacted her anxiety and overall well-being, while Christy discusses her challenges with health-related anxiety. Along the way...

My Brain Está Spicy dives into the highs, lows, and hilarity of living with anxiety and navigating mental health in everyday life. Through storytelling and lighthearted conversations, co-hosts Melisa and Christy share their personal experiences, laugh through life’s absurdities, and explore how cultural identity shapes their journey. The show is not only a safe space for discussing anxiety but als...