Similarly Different

Happy 2025! This episode is all about easing into the new year with intention and elevating into your 2.0 self. I chat about how to implement new healthy habits, curate the perfect vision board, stick to a digital detox, and time block for your self-care routine. Plus, join my 21-day reset challenge starting January 6th for journal prompts, outdoor walks, and daily actions to help you cultivate a...

Today, I’m joined by Pamela Zapata, the inspiring CEO of my management company, Society18, to explore the influencer marketing landscape, what it takes to break into entrepreneurship, and the behind the scenes of working with a management team. With features in  Forbes  and  Business Insider , Pamela shares how she built a leading influencer management agency focused on highlighting diversity and...

In today’s solo episode, I explore how to reinvent yourself and create a new identity, both in your life and your closet. I share my tips for finding your personal style, dressing for your body type and curating the perfect staple wardrobe. Sometimes it’s the little things—like wearing cute matching pajamas or going for walks with a good Audible book—that help you step into your elevated self. I a...

In this episode, I chat with Velissa Vaughn, the PR IT girl behind JXP Collective and the iconic WNBA fashion tunnel. From her days as a D1 basketball player to making her mark in fashion PR alongside icons like Law Roach, Velissa shares how she’s built a powerhouse network, crafted viral moments, and pursued her dream career. She also voices the importance of manifesting and trusting your journey...

In this solo episode, we’re unpacking the ups and downs of friendship—the ride or dies, the shifts, and the ones we outgrow. It’s healthy to have different levels of friends for different seasons of your life, from the social friends you see on Friday nights to core friends you can reveal your secrets to. I also talk about outgrowing childhood friends, recognizing when to let go of friendships tha...

Today, I sit down with the inspiring Jamie Lee Ruiz, former Miami Heat dancer, reality show contestant and now, spiritual life coach, to discuss her journey from the spotlight to self-love. After moving to LA, Jamie danced her way through competitive auditions, facing insecurities and anxiety along the way that challenged her confidence, but a pandemic-forced pause sparked her journey into self-lo...

In this episode, Wes Dunn shares his journey from growing up in poverty to achieving financial freedom and stability, which inspired his new book,  Roadmap to Your Financial Freedom . Wes shares what sparked his love for the finance world and how he was able to reshape his mindset around money. Not letting wealth control your life and knowing that you can reinvent yourself no matter your past is s...

A few weeks ago, I went to Dallas to reconnect with my big Venezuelan family for a family reunion, and it was truly transformative. It ended up being an amazing weekend of healing, love, and for me, rediscovering that feeling of “home”. I reflect on the power of family, the beauty of giving and receiving love openly, and the need for validation from loved ones. I’ve always yearned for the feeling...

In today’s episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Chris Anokute, the A&R music industry powerhouse behind some of the biggest names in pop, like Katy Perry and Rihanna. From his humble beginnings, camped outside of Justin’s diner to connect with the big names in music, to becoming a key player at Def Jam and Virgin, Chris shares his passion for the industry and how his success evolved o...

Today, I sit down with my good friend Daniela Legarda, a Colombian social media personality who’s been in the spotlight since she was a child. Despite her constant joyful, bubbly energy, Daniela opens up about her experience with navigating grief after the loss of her brother and dealing with anxiety for the first time. Together, we dive deep into the complexity of grief, learning how to balance b...

In this solo Q&A episode, I dive into your  Similarly Curious  submissions and share my insights on how to handle the situations at hand. We discuss how to handle growing apart from friends and how to know when it’s time to take a step back. In terms of learning to be more mindful, we talk about the importance of learning to say no to things that don’t serve you. We also explore the nuances of...

Welcome to Season 2 of  Similarly Different , where we’ll focus on leveling up and confidently stepping into your next era! [Watch the full episode on Spotify or Youtube] Today’s solo episode is all about embracing yourself and realizing that it’s never too late to start over. Icons like Martha Stewart and Henry Ford remind us that greatness can happen at any age, so start that business, pick up a...

Warning:In this episode, we discuss topics related to kidnapping and sexual abuse, which may be distressing for some listeners. The content includes detailed recounting of the kidnapping experience, emotional trauma, and other sensitive issues. Listener discretion is advised. In part 2 of my conversation with Carla Shellis, we explore breaking the cycles of trauma through self-work, finding balanc...

Warning:In this episode, we discuss topics related to kidnapping and sexual abuse, which may be distressing for some listeners. The content includes detailed recounting of the kidnapping experience, emotional trauma, and other sensitive issues. Listener discretion is advised. On today’s vulnerable episode, I sit down with my lovely guest Carla, as we begin to unmask a trauma that happened to me wh...

In this solo episode, I’m giving big sister advice to tackle some of your hard questions. From the pressure to always be “on” in social scenarios and learning to give yourself grace to navigating your internal dialogue during challenging times and growing through the failures, we dig in deep. I also give my opinions on how to thrive in this new era of dating and how to start dating with intention....

In today’s solo episode, I share my journey of building self-confidence, emphasizing the importance of cultivating it from the inside out. As you begin to work through your personal roadblocks and negative self-perceptions through therapy, journaling, and movement, you start to heal and fuel your self-love. I also talk about the importance of curating a supportive environment, avoiding comparison,...

On today’s episode, I sit down with Terri Cole, licensed psychotherapist and author of “Boundary Boss” and “Too Much”, to discuss the nuances of codependency. Terri first breaks down what codependency actually means and how it can interact with every sector of our lives, from career to intimate relationships. Her work being geared towards successful women, she explains how many women miss the sign...

On today’s episode, I am pleased to meet with my good friend, Angel Alzona, a multifaceted creative and all around incredible human being. We first explore the start of our friendship and are honest about the misjudgment that can happen when meeting people in LA but thankfully, later developing a bond over the pandemic and getting to truly get to know one another rather than basing a title on some...

In today’s solo episode, I break down and examine the myriad of transitions we all experience in this life, from career shifts to relationships to interpersonal connections. As we go through life, being able to recognize when it’s time to jump ship or take a calculated risk is so powerful. I share the times in my life when I’ve had to embrace my fears and what-ifs to just jump because staying in t...

In today’s episode, we welcome Sam de Castro, a marketing and influencer expert known for her impressive career and pivotal roles in shaping brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, and Naturium. Sam shares her journey from discovering her passion for marketing in college to navigating the chaotic world of ad agencies, ultimately finding her niche in the beauty industry. Currently thriving as t...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Cavanaugh James, a new friend and a significant influence on why I started this podcast. Cavanaugh and I delve into the tumultuous and transformative decade that was our 20s. Cavanaugh shares his journey of moving from Texas to NYC, auditioning for Juilliard, and finding his footing in his career. Meanwhile, I recount my days building a business in LA, navigatin...

On today’s intimate solo episode, I begin to peel back the layers behind my put-together exterior to reveal my truth, my experiences, and my trauma. Born from a sense of feeling misunderstood from an early age, I want this podcast to truly highlight who Yanina is, both the good and the uncomfortable. In the midst of coming from Venezuela to my tumultuous childhood, I experienced my share of trauma...

In this episode of Similarly Different, I got to sit down with my friend Liane V and talk about how she and I have navigated through the changes in our lives up to now. Whether it’s self, career, relationships, new responsibilities, etc. knowing how to navigate through the changes that we experience is so important. It’s not always easy or a smooth transition and in this episode Liane and myself a...

So… today's the big day — I decided to go and take a jump (why am I nervous? lol) I’m finally launching my new podcast, Similarly Different… eeek! There’s been trials, errors, I’ve put it away and finally took the idea back out of the drawer and did it. I’m excited yet nervous, but also a sense of calmness. There’s so many layers to me that the world hasn’t seen or heard and if I’ve had some life...