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.

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

Holiday Joy vs. Holiday Blues: How to Show Up Either Way
Navigating Friendsgiving, Family Gatherings & Feelings

Episode Summary:In this vibrant, honest, and hilariously real episode of Not Vanilla, your favorite mother–daughter duo, Roxana and Dominique, explore the emotional mix that comes with Friendsgiving and the full “Thank-mas” holiday season.

Whether you’re thriving and full of joy, or moving through grief, burnout, and holiday blues, this episode breaks down how to show up authentically without dimming your light or overwhelming your spirit. From shifting family traditions to inner-child healing, boundaries, burnout, and hosting etiquette, this conversation gets real, gets spicy, and stays full of heart.

Real conversations. Real emotions. A little spice. A whole lot of love. 💛

Key Takeaways

• Holiday pressure is real: emotions, expectations, and shifting family dynamics collide this time of year
• Ground your joy without dimming yourself
• Avoid energy vamping; bring calm, warm presence
• Acknowledge people’s feelings without trying to fix them
• Invite don’t pressure: let people participate at their own pace
• Showing up when you don’t feel like it is valid
• Three show-up styles:

Full Show-Up, Soft Show-Up, Love You From a Distance
• Create a personal plan: know your limits and exit strategy
• Protect your inner child and honor meaningful traditions
• Hosting matters: set the vibe and create safe spaces
• Presence is more important than performance

Resources Mentioned

• Hulu series “Unprisoned”
• Holiday traditions and family rituals
• Friendsgiving and hosting ideas
• Emotional boundaries and self-awareness

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs comfort, joy, or a real conversation this season. Like, follow, and subscribe to hear more real, vibrant, and spicy episodes from Not Vanilla.

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Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube
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Don’t forget to comment, like, and subscribe so you never miss a real, vibrant convo with us.

New episodes drop bi-weekly! 💛🔥

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Mastering De-Escalation: Avoid Your Joseline Hernandez Era
Mindfulness, maturity, and avoiding emotional regret

In this episode of Not Vanilla, Roxana and Dominique get real about emotional roller coasters, unhealthy coping habits, and what it actually takes to de-escalate in real life — not just in theory.

They talk about “de-escalation options” (A: alcohol, B: coffee, C: casino, D: shopping) and how those quick fixes can feel good in the moment but leave you with more anxiety, clutter, debt, or regret later. Through honest stories about emotional eating, impulse spending, gambling urges, overdoing coffee and tea, and even relying too much on meds, they show how easy it is to call something “self-care” when it’s really self-sabotage.

They also unpack why having a true de-escalation friend matters — someone who doesn’t just hype you up, but lovingly challenges you and helps you step back from the edge. From Jocelyn Hernandez’s explosive TV moments to the public toxicity of Krishan Rock and Blueface, they reflect on how algorithms normalize chaos and why we have to choose a different pattern for ourselves, our relationships, and our futures.

This is a funny, vulnerable, mother–daughter conversation about catching yourself before you spiral, choosing maturity, and building a life where you don’t keep apologizing for “going off.”

Key Takeaways:
• De-escalation starts with self-awareness: notice your patterns before they take over.
• Not everything that feels good in the moment is actually de-escalation; some habits quietly escalate stress (shopping, gambling, bingeing, over-drinking, etc.).
• A real de-escalation friend doesn’t just cosign your feelings; they help you slow down, think, and choose better.
• How you react has consequences—for your money, health, relationships, and how safe people feel with you.
• Growth is when you can see yourself choosing differently than you would have in the past—and feeling proud of that.

Resources:

* 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (CALM Guide): https://www.calm.com/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind

*HelpGuide: Understanding Emotional Regulation: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-regulation.htm

*988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for support. https://988lifeline.org

If this episode made you think, laugh, or reflect, share it with someone who needs it. Tell us your favorite de-escalation strategy, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. New episodes drop bi-weekly.

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