A real end of year convo on letting go, choosing intention, and moving forward

Christmas is behind us, Hanukkah has passed (we don’t celebrate it, but we appreciate the Festival of Lights), we’re in the midst of Kwanzaa, and New Year’s is right around the corner and this “in-between week” has us reflecting in real time.

In this episode, Roxana and Dominique talk about how fast the year flew by, how the constant flood of bad news can create a numbing effect, and how we can stay compassionate without carrying everything. We also get personal: birthdays as a “real reset,” why growth often looks like letting go, and why we’re done repeating patterns that already proved they don’t fit.

We also share what we love about Kwanzaa (even though we didn’t grow up celebrating it) and break down the seven principles — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith — plus why we’re considering celebrating it more intentionally next year. We also talk about money after the holidays: depleted savings, spending remorse, and how to reset without shame.

Key Takeaways:
• The week between holidays and New Year’s is a natural pause point — a chance to reflect instead of rushing.
• With so much bad news, forgetting happens from overload — the goal is compassion without numbness.
• Growth often feels like letting go: stop re-exposing yourself to the same chaos, patterns, or “second chances” you already know you don’t want.
• Your “new year” can be New Year’s or your birthday — what matters is choosing a cycle that motivates action and follow-through.
• Kwanzaa’s principles are a powerful blueprint for intentional living (even if you’re new to celebrating it).
• After-holiday finances are part of wellness — reset with awareness and boundaries, not guilt.

Correction note: In the episode, we referenced the length of the last government shutdown. For accuracy, the shutdown discussed was the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting 43 days and resulting in widespread federal furloughs and closures of government institutions.If this episode hit home, tell us: What’s one thing you’re releasing from this year and one thing you’re carrying into 2026?

Connect with Us:
Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube
Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram

#notvanillapodcast, #endofyearreflection, #newyearreset, #kwanzaa, #intentionalliving, #motherdaughterpodcast, #wellnessconversation, #lettinggo, #financialwellness, #mindfulness, #2026vision

Layoff Lemonade (Part 2 of 2): AI, Upskilling, and the Truth About “Replacement”

From barber clippers to bots — using tools without losing your mind (or your rights)

In Part Two of Layoff Lemonade, Roxana and Dominique bring in Anthony (Tony) for a real, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about what it actually looks like to move from scarcity to success. We unpack the origin of “Not Vanilla” (butter pecan + making something out of scraps), then shift into upskilling in real life—the kind that happens when you’re trying to save money, stabilize your home, and stay connected to what matters.

From learning skills out of necessity (haircuts, DIY, cooking, creative projects) to a spicy debate on AI, workplace myths, fake sources, and surveillance tech, this episode makes one thing clear: AI can support your growth, but it can’t replace your discernment, your creativity, or your humanity. We close with grounded advice: learn the tool, but don’t let it become your crutch.

Key Takeaways:

• “Not Vanilla” is more than a name — it’s about making something out of what you have, even when resources are limited.

• Upskilling isn’t always a class or certificate; sometimes it’s DIY survival skills that become long-term assets.

• A “home” isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s stability, connection, and a household that supports your life.

• AI can be powerful, but it’s best seen as a toolkit, not a full replacement for a human being.

• The smartest approach is learning to work with AI and without AI—because systems fail, internet drops, and you still need your skills.

• AI can “hallucinate” and even create fake citations, which makes verification and media literacy non-negotiable.

• Surveillance tech (like Flock cameras) raises major questions about privacy, accuracy, and civil rights—especially when tools are used without accountability.

• Bias and incomplete data (especially around Black health history) can make AI outputs unreliable or harmful if people treat them like truth.

  Resources Mentioned:

• Notes app (voice notes + journaling to process thoughts and decisions)

• AI tools for workflow support (writing help, organization, editing)

• Media literacy reminder: verify sources, don’t trust “confident” answers without proof

• Examples discussed: predictive text/autocorrect, auto-tune, editing tools as “older forms” of AI

• Surveillance tech discussion: Flock cameras + privacy concerns

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s navigating a layoff, furlough, or career pivot—especially if they’re trying to figure out how to skill up without getting overwhelmed. And ask yourself: What’s one tool (AI or not) you can use to support your growth—without handing over your common sense?

Connect with Us:

Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube
Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram

#notvanillapodcast, #LayoffLemonade, #CareerPivot, #Upskilling, #Reskilling, #AIintheWorkplace, #TechAndEthics, #CareerResilience, #WorkplaceWellness, #MentalHealthConversations, #ScarcityToSuccess, #GrowthMindset

Layoff Lemonade (Part 1 of 2): Sipping Success From Scarcity
Turning layoffs, furloughs, and frustration into clarity, skills, and next steps

Episode Summary:
In Part One of Layoff Lemonade: Sipping Success from Scarcity, Roxana and Dominique explore what happens after the shock of layoffs, furloughs, and workplace instability. From the emotional rollercoaster to the first mindset shift, this episode reframes job loss as a pivot point rather than an ending. We talk about releasing fear, organizing your thoughts, recognizing early warning signs, and understanding how scarcity can spark creativity, clarity, and growth. This is a grounding, honest conversation for anyone navigating career uncertainty and trying to figure out their next step.

Key Takeaways:

• Layoffs and furloughs often trigger denial, anger, fear, and a sense of being set back to zero.

• Writing things down or talking them into your notes app helps move emotions out of your body and into clarity.

• A layoff does not mean failure; it can be a pivot point that creates unexpected freedom.

• Taking a breath and releasing dread allows you to ask a powerful question: “What do I have now that I didn’t have before?”

• Scarcity forces creativity and innovation by narrowing options and sharpening focus.

• Dormant skills and passions often resurface during times of limitation.

• Clarity comes when you stop trying to do everything and start choosing what truly aligns.

• Your network is part of your resource pool and should be activated intentionally.

Resources Mentioned:

• Notes app (voice notes and journaling for processing thoughts)

• Resume refresh and skill re-labeling

• YouTube University for practical skill-building

• Examples of scarcity-proof skills discussed: electrician, plumber, contractor, carpentry, painting

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is navigating a layoff, furlough, or career pivot. Take a moment to reflect on one skill you already have that you can build on during this season.

Connect With Us:
Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot

Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube

Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram

#notvanillapodcast, #LayoffLemonade, #CareerPivot, #LayoffRecovery, #CareerResilience, #ScarcityMindset, #GrowthMindset, #JobSearchSupport, #WorkplaceWellness, #MentalHealthConversations