Patio Talks

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...

Gissell and Charleston reflect on their past struggles with self-expression and identity. Gissell, who had papillomatosis and couldn't speak until age six, now emphasizes the importance of finding and using one's voice. Charleston, who grew up on Chicago's West side, discusses the challenges or early sexual activity and the pressure to conform. Both agree on the significance of self-ac...

We said what we said. 👃🏽💬 Ever catch yourself nose-deep in your phone… and your nostrils? Yeah. This one’s for the distracted, the overstimulated, and the lowkey nose-pickers of the world. In this episode, we’re breaking down why we do the weird things we do when we think no one’s watching from scrolling in a daze to going elbow-deep mid-scroll. It’s funny, it’s awkward, it’s a little too real....

Gissell and Charleston discuss the nature of love and obsession, prompted by a listener's question about a love spell. They explore how love can feel like a force, driven by oxytocin and dopamine, and the difference between love and obsession. They debate the concept of obligation in marriage versus commitment, with Gissell preferring the latter. They also discuss the challenges of early marri...

The Prison of Perfect We all want to get it right. But when “perfect” becomes the standard, it can steal our peace. In this episode, Gissell and Charleston unpacks the highs, the harm, and the hidden weight of perfectionism and what it really takes to let go. A must-listen if you’ve ever felt like you’re never enough, no matter how hard you try. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pati...

In this first episode, we share the real story behind Patio Talks. Why we created it, what it means to us,and what you can expect from this space going forward. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/patio-talks/donations

Welcome to Patio Talks — where real stories breathe. This is a safe space to come as you are. To heal. To speak. To listen. Your voice matters here. Share your story → thepatiotalks.live Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/patio-talks/donations