Similarly Different

This week, I am joined by my “almost-cohost” and forever fave Jamie Lee Ruiz for a raw, life-lately convo on transitions, turning 40, and choosing joy on purpose! We get honest about the difference between true misalignment vs. laziness, listening to intuition (without gaslighting yourself), and the courage it takes to let go without a safety net. Jamie also opens up about the friendships she’s re...

In this week’s episode of  Similarly Different , I sit down with Qiushi  — an innovative founder, creative, and tech leader from Silicon Valley who is building  Leyline , an AI-powered platform designed to help creators bring their stories and ideas to life without waiting on gatekeepers! From her early days chasing a dream in screenwriting to launching a startup at the intersection of  AI, storyt...

Welcome back to  Similarly Different . This week’s solo episode is one I’ve been wanting to share for a while; a real, unfiltered conversation about  body dysmorphia . It’s something I’ve dealt with personally, and something I know so many of us silently struggle with. From comparing ourselves in the mirror to battling the highlight reel of social media, it’s time we talk about it openly! 💬 In th...

In this episode of Similarly Different, I sit down with Stephanie Montes .  From starting out as a fashion design student to working at  Allure  and  The Zoe Report , Stephanie takes me through her inspiring journey from editorial to freelancing, and ultimately launching her own product line after spotting a gap in the market. We get real about what it’s like to build a brand as a one-woman show,...

In this solo episode, I’m spilling the tea about feeling safe, seen, and fully being in our feminine energy. I’m sharing how timing, emotional intelligence, and healed energy completely changed the way I show up in dating. 💬  In this episode: – Why I finally let my guard down after years of independence – The difference between  anxious butterflies  and  safe, calm butterflies – How genuine frien...

In this powerful episode of  Similarly Different , Yanina is joined by the multi-talented  Valeria Maldonado;  Mexican-American actress, writer, and producer of the heartfelt indie film  Las Tres Sisters!  Vale pulls back the curtain on her  nine-year journey  to bring  Las Tres Sisters  to life, sharing how she and her co-creators fought to maintain ownership of their story while navigating the c...

In this solo episode, I’m finally spilling the tea on my past dating life! The awkward first dates, emotional red flags, and the unexpected lessons that shaped the way I love today. You guys know I’ve talked about being married and divorced, maybe even having a crush or two… but you haven’t heard the full story... until now! I’m sharing everything from a guy who pretended to be his  twin  (yes, re...

From the Virgin Islands to writing chart-topping hits, Theron Thomas has penned some of the most iconic songs of our generation. In this powerful and hilarious episode, we get real about the music industry, financial mistakes, fame, family, and the price of making it big! Join me as I sit down with the genius behind hits like  “Locked Away,”   “When I Grow Up,”   “Selfish,”  and  “About Damn Time”...

In today’s personal solo episode, I’m unpacking the real effects of digital burnout, overstimulation, and the constant noise we absorb from our screens. If you’ve ever felt emotionally drained, creatively blocked, or just  not yourself  after endless scrolling… you’re not alone! I’m sharing my own journey with screen fatigue, the signs you might be missing, and how I’m resetting with micro digital...

Today, I’m joined by the one and only Dr. Deepika Chopra — psychologist, scientist, and creator of the “Things Are Looking Up” optimism cards. We’re talking about what it  actually  means to be optimistic (spoiler: it’s not about being positive all the time), and how to build emotional resilience  without bypassing the hard stuff . From redefining toxic positivity to managing motherhood, burnout,...

We’re back with another solo episode of  Similarly Different  — and this one’s  extra  personal. 💌 Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my real-time dating journey (yes, like  right now ), and what it’s like to open up after a long season of being  happily single . From rediscovering feminine energy to catching myself before I self-sabotage, we’re talking the fear, the hope, and the  giddy midd...

In this raw and powerful episode, I sit down with the one and only Desi Perkins!   We talk about what it  really  takes to go from content creator to CEO, navigating imposter syndrome, letting go of perfectionism, and reclaiming joy through things as simple (and sacred) as gardening. She shares untold stories about infertility, leaving major brand deals behind, and the identity shift that comes wi...

In this solo episode of  Similarly Different , I’m talking about the lifelong lesson of  saying no without guilt , and the real work it takes to let go of  people-pleasing  tendencies. If you’ve ever felt the weight of being misunderstood, feared disappointing others, or constantly overcommitted to avoid uncomfortable conversations, this one’s for you! I open up about the messy middle of learning...

In today’s episode of  Similarly Different , I'm sitting down with Noor Siddiqui — founder of Orchid, a groundbreaking company that's changing the way we think about genetics, fertility, and embryo testing. We dive into what Orchid is, how embryo screening works, and why Noor believes we’re entering a future where everyone will use genetic testing before pregnancy! Whether you’re curious about hav...

Fresh off my birthday, I found myself sitting in some heavy but honest reflections about identity, worth, and why so many women constantly question whether they’re too much or not enough. From feeling misunderstood in relationships to being judged in professional spaces, I open up about what it means to  take up space unapologetically … and how I’ve learned not to carry what was never mine to hold...

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of  Similarly Different  dives deep into the emotional, mental, and spiritual journey of healing with creative power couple   Charlie and Paloma. From panic attacks and cultural stigmas to building a thriving relationship and business, this honest conversation covers everything men (and their partners) need to hear about mental health,...

In this solo episode, I break down the modern dating scene—flirty, fun, and fear-free. Responding to a listener submission, I dive into the truth about first  dates , what makes them worth it (even when they don’t go anywhere), and why they can be powerful tools for self-discovery! Whether you’re dating again after a break, terrified of putting yourself out there, or just wondering if “he has to c...

In this deeply candid and empowering episode, international pop star Sofia Reyes joins Yanina for a full-circle conversation over a decade in the making. From their early creative days together to now, they unpack how Sofia has evolved both as an artist and a woman. The two dive into everything from navigating the music industry, identity, age, femininity, heartbreak, self-worth, and her bold new...

We’re BACK with Season 3 of  Similarly Different , and I couldn't be more excited to kick things off with a fresh set, a new vibe, and a whole lot of heart. 💛 In this solo episode, we’re catching up like old friends — think girl chat, family reunion, and therapy sesh all in one.✨ This season, we’re leveling up — from new visuals to iconic guests, deeper convos, and even more soul talk! 💬 In thi...

In this season finale, I sit down with my younger self for coffee, Yanina 1.0, to make amends, reflect on my growth, the lessons I’ve learned, and let go of what no longer serves me. Yanina 1.0 sought validation in others, stayed in toxic relationships, and embraced burnout. As I embraced Yanina 2.0, I learned to trust myself, set boundaries, and take bold, intentional steps toward the life I trul...

Fatemeh is a powerhouse in the reality TV world, having spent over 24 years casting and producing some of the biggest hit shows. She got her start as an intern at Bunim/Murray Productions and quickly climbed the ranks, eventually working on  Real World ,  The Simple Life , and  The Challenge . She shares her most memorable moments in reality TV, wild travels, and favorite stars, including Kim Kard...

Brinn Nicole has lived many lives—dancer, choreographer, and now mom of three. From touring with Snoop Dogg to becoming the go-to heels movement coach, she shares how confidence, spirituality, and fearlessness have shaped her life. Brinn opens up about redefining success as a mother, manifesting career goals, and making space for herself while staying true to what brings her joy.  This episode is...

Romanticizing living alone is about creating a space you love. Don’t wait for a “maybe” to beautify your home, instead invest in small changes like mood lighting and thoughtful decor that can make your home feel more like you. Trust me, a peaceful and comfortable home can transform your mindset, especially when living alone. 

Actress, mom, and Maed Beauty founder, Denise Vasi, joins us to talk about reinvention, community, and the journey of building a clean beauty brand. From modeling and acting at a young age to launching her signature lip system and joining Sephora’s Accelerate Program, she highlights the power of small wins and persistence. Denise also shares how motherhood reshaped her approach to success and the...

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating love in all its forms with returning guest, Jamie Lee Ruiz. From self-love to manifesting the right partner, we unpack dating with intention, love languages, and embracing your femininity. We also share our hot takes about Galentine’s Day and play a juicy round of Would You Rather. Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your partner, friends, or solo,...