Where do your beliefs about yourself and your worth come from? (And how do we change them!?)

We’re finishing up our discussion about Erika L Sánchez’s transformative memoir this week. My friend Diliana is back with more incredibly thoughtful moments and a few confessions about trying to adhere to early aughts beauty standards. We chat about what we allow ourselves to enjoy and what we feel guilty about indulging in and how Erika’s memoir allowed us to reflect on who we have been and who we want to be.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez

Other links:
Kerry’s Washington’s performance of Sojourner Truth’s speech: Ain't I A Woman?
ORLAN’S Instagram

Other ways to support/connect with Erika L. Sánchez:
Instagram
Lesson on Expulsion
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Diliana. You give me the freedom and encouragement to explore all ideas—good and bad. I think this was a good idea!

Xx, Alex

How do you thrive instead of just survive?

In her thought-provoking and vulnerable memoir, Erika L. Sánchez bares all. My friend Diliana and I gain perspective and reflect on our own lives, including Diliana’s experience as a teenage immigrant, the pressure of being extraordinary, and reflect on Erika’s inspiring journey to the incredible woman she is today.

Listener discretion advised: Erika's mental health journey includes suicidal thoughts, attempted sexual assault and rape

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez

Article mentioned in the discussion:
Histories and Hysteria: How Women's Words and Bodies Are Mistreated by the Health System in America

Other ways to support/connect with Erika L. Sánchez:
Instagram
Lesson on Expulsion
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Diliana. Thank you for being my creative partner in crime!

Xx, Alex

Where will your ambition lead you?

My friend, Chanelle, and I dive into Rana el Kaliouby’s fascinating memoir about pursuing your purpose against all odds. We chat about the issues women with careers in the technology field face, how isolating our personal journeys can feel, and the way we might be holding ourselves back from welcoming success in our lives.

Listener discretion advised: this episode has description of war crimes

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Girl Decoded by Rana el Kaliouby

Other ways to support/connect with Rana el Kaliouby:
Instagram
Pioneers of AI Podcast

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Chanelle. I’m in awe of your talent!

Xx, Alex

How do your ancestors guide you?

United States Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo, takes us on her journey of discovery with beautiful prose. My friend, Priscilla, and I discuss the interesting way she weaves poetry, her familial history, her spiritual intuition, and art into her unique and inspirational story. We reflect on the way our own relationships have shaped us, the expectations that come with life, and the way that art can guide and heal us.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo

Link to Joy’s Poet Laureate Project:
Living Nations

Other ways to support/connect with Joy Harjo:
Buy her books!
Instagram
joyharjo.com

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Priscilla-- my ride or die. You’re there for me through all the ups and downs, thanks for always being a hand to hold.

Xx, Alex

How do we choose grace and compassion?

In her heartbreaking memoir, Viola Davis opens up about her abusive childhood and the adversity she faced as a Black actress. My friend, Ngoc Anh, and I discuss her unparalleled talent, strength in her convictions, empathy and how she encourages us to reflect on what holds us back in our own lives. Through her life story, we see that though the journey to self-discovery is often difficult, it’s worth it.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Other ways to support/connect with Viola Davis:
Viola Davis IMDB
Instagram

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Ngoc Anh. You’re my honorary big sis and I’m so lucky to know you!

Xx, Alex

How high can you leap?

Misty Copeland’s memoir is as full of as much grace as she has on the stage. My friend, Brett, and I discuss her surprising journey to becoming a principal dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Her story is packed with adversity, compassion, but most important of all, hope. She’s an inspiration for dancers (and non-dancers) of all ages!

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Life in Motion by Misty Copeland

Other ways to support/connect with Misty Copeland:
The Misty Copeland Foundation
Instagram

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Brett. Thanks for showing me some of the social media ropes!

Xx, Alex

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

This is the creed Jackie Speier lives her life by. After narrowly surviving a massacre while visiting the Jonestown commune in Guyana, Jackie is more determined than ever to be a change for good in the world. In this episode, my friend, Lizzie, and I will dive into this incredible woman and her journey. We'll discuss how her faith comforted her through many difficult times, how her drive and empathy would inspire her to pass landmark legislation, and how her compassion, determination and advocacy set her apart in politics.

Listener discretion advised: sexual assault, sexual abuse, gun violence, pregnancy loss, spousal death

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Undaunted by Jackie Speier

Other ways to support/connect with Jackie Speier:
Jackie Speier Foundation
Instagram

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Lizzie, the catalyst of the podcast! Your love and support give me wings.

Xx, Alex

How do you discover your voice?

With my guest, Jaime, we discuss Lindy West's journey to self-acceptance and advocacy and discuss the ways we can be kinder and more compassionate to ourselves and others.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes sensitive discussion topics including rape.

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Shrill by Lindy West

Other ways to support/connect with Lindy West:
Text Me Back Podcast
Instagram

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime. You continue to help me see and think about the world differently. It’s been an honor to grow up with you.

Xx, Alex