Yvette Bodden's Blog, page 13

Empowerment Series: Award-Winning TV & Radio Personality, Actress in Prime’s “Harlem,” Co-Host of Bravo’s “Fashion Queens,” Bestselling Author, and Ted Talk Speaker, Bevy Smith Shares”Bevelations” with AW

I vividly remember the day, I turned 50 years old! We were in CoVid lockdown. My daughter was spending her senior year of high school at home and surprised me with delicious cupcakes. I had more than enough time for reflection. As I blew out my candle, all I could think about was getting older and pondering all the things I had not accomplished, yet.

Bevy Smith walked away from a successful career in fashion advertising to find her authentic and happiest self. By the age of 55, she was a well-known media celebrity, an Award-Winning Television & Radio Personality, Co-Host of Bravo’s “Fashion Queens,” Host of Sirius XM’s, Bevelations on Radio Andy, Ted Talk Speaker, and Bestselling Author of Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, and Bestie. She has proven that life does not stop at any age. In fact, “It gets greater, later.”

AW sat down with the fabulous Bevy to discuss her journey, the pressures of staying young, being a late bloomer, self-love, self-worth, and living her best life. Her bevelations inspire millions all over the world. Hopefully, her story will be a reminder of what can happen when we let go of self-limiting beliefs.

As women, we have immense pressure to hold on to our youth for dear life! I felt a great deal of anxiety on my 50th birthday. Obsessing about all the things I had not done, fueling worries that I was running out of time.  Having women like you, Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and others have demonstrated we don’t cease to exist at 50, in fact, it’s when life really begins!

In an interview with Charlamagne the God, you talked about being a “late bloomer” and how you found your truest, happiest self later in life. We often settle into our lives out of fear, instead, sit comfortably (or uncomfortably) in the status quo. What was your turning point, the moment you were awakened to the idea that there was more out there for you? It was a process, I wrote an essay about how I started feeling uncomfortable in my late 20s. In it, I shared with people, how I felt dissatisfied and like something was missing. At the age of 29, without the proper clarity and direction, I quit my job. The idea was to find out what I really, wanted to do. Then at Vibe Magazine, though I loved working there, the restlessness kept coming back. This time, it was so loud that I couldn’t ignore it. I knew something had to change but I didn’t do anything until I turned 38 years old.

When your spirit is restless and going through these emotions no one understands what you mean by”I am not happy.”  It took 10 years for me to make a change. I blew up my life when I made the decision. I was hesitant, broke but blissful.

In your bestselling book, you discuss that part of the process of getting where you are today was asking yourself the right questions. I am referring to the “Red Sole Proposition.” I think it would be helpful for anyone on the journey of figuring out life. Can you share it with us? The “Red Sole Proposition” was born after quitting my gig. I had to re-establish myself in the new space. I started by asking myself three questions.

1. Who am I at my core?

2. How am I being perceived?

3. How would I like to be perceived?

These questions became the foundation for me, as I build my personal brand. I am “Little Brown Bevy.” I am curious, empathetic, and incredibly curious. I enjoy learning about people and always want to know the why of things, which makes me a good interviewer.

How am I being perceived? I was a bitchy person as a Fashion Executive. It was almost a compliment that I cultivated until realizing that it was useful in my career, not my personal life. There is toxicity that comes with bitchiness. I did not want to continue being perceived that way. I wanted people to trust me and be able to talk to me. Today, the mother, auntie, and bestie show up much more, I accomplished my goal.

The “Red Sole Proposition” is really named after Christian Louboutin’s shoes. Once upon a time, there was no Christian Louboutins, there was Manolo Blahnik. Then Louboutins came along and everyone wanted them. What was the difference? The red-sole bottom. Now, I am asking others to ask themselves these questions and craft what their red sole is.

My red sole is my authenticity and empathy. I’m a teacher, guide, and mentor and they come through with all the work I do, helping to make me successful.

I very much enjoyed your Ted Talk, “How to Discover Yourself at Any Age.” How do you define yourself today? What would you say to “Little Brown Bevy” as you have referred to yourself, about the importance of finding self-love and self-worth? There is no sense of permanency in life. We are forever evolving, changing, and morphing, even if we don’t know it or want it. At this moment, I am a caregiver. My mom had two strokes and now lives with me. I am 56 years old, single, and take care of her. It has been a really exhausting but rewarding journey to be there for my mother, and care for her the way she has for me.

I’d say to Little Brown Bevy: “You may not have children but you will be a mother and a mothering spirit to many people, including your mother.”

Life is a journey and never easy. You have been open about your hardships. When I experience tough moments, I read, listen, watch or write something inspirational. How do you push yourself out of these low moments and keep the positive energy flowing? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. My biggest gift is that I am not afraid to ask for help. There are so many people that stand on pride and are lost, exhausted, and drained with nothing left but will not ask for help. I also take time for myself. I take it. I treasure my time, protect it, and don’t feel guilty about not doing things that don’t fit into what is healthiest for me.

What is next for Bevy Smith? Right now, I am in the space of “I want for nothing.” It is exhausting to always be chasing something. I am tired this season. I’d like to rest and let things come to me. I have many accolades and successes. For me, it means I have done the work to align myself with what is next. I will rest, pray and manifest.

I like to end interviews with a message, quote, mantra, and advice to inspire others on their journey. What can you say to anyone who is feeling like it is too late to find their truest self? My motto, as you know is “It gets greater later.” I live by it, it’s a constant reminder to keep going and never, ever give up. No one can dictate what the future is going to look like. You chart your own course. Do not give up your freedom and intuition about things. As you get older, your intuition gets stronger, if you are blessed. Don’t run from it. The best is yet to come.

AW is grateful to Bevy for being a guest and sharing her wisdom with us. I’m sure you will be inspired by her story and go write the next chapter of your own.

I worry about age, spending too much thinking about getting older makes me sad, at times. While turning 50 was a milestone, it also gave me the reality check, I needed. In my youth, I took time for granted, feeling invincible at every turn. As seasons changed, the carefree attitudes of the past, no longer applied. I began pondering what would be the next thing. The truth is none of us knows what the future holds but what I can say is that I am working to make each day count. Having women like Bevy encourages me to believe that life stops when I do.

It is never too late to pursue what makes you happy and create a life that honors you. I hope by sharing these stories you grab life by the horns, go for the gusto and never stop trying!

To learn more about Bevy, visit bevysmith.com. You can also find her on Instagram and Twitter as @bevysmith. Listen to Bevelations on Radio Andy, Channel 102 on Monday through Wednesday at 5:00 pm and Fridays at 5:00 pm.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Watch the interview in its entirety on the AW Confidential YouTube channel and listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Anchor Podcasts.

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Award-Winning TV & Radio Personality, Co-Host of Bravo’s “Fashion Queens,” Bestselling Author, and Ted Talk Speaker, Bevy Smith Shares”Bevelations” with AW

I vividly remember the day, I turned 50 years old! We were in CoVid lockdown. My daughter was spending her senior year of high school at home and surprised me with delicious cupcakes. I had more than enough time for reflection. As I blew out my candle, all I could think about was getting older and pondering all the things I had not accomplished, yet.

Bevy Smith walked away from a successful career in fashion advertising to find her authentic and happiest self. By the age of 55, she was a well-known media celebrity, an Award-Winning Television & Radio Personality, Co-Host of Bravo’s “Fashion Queens,” Host of Sirius XM’s, Bevelations on Radio Andy, Ted Talk Speaker, and Bestselling Author of Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, and Bestie. She has proven that life does not stop at any age. In fact, “It gets greater, later.”

AW sat down with the fabulous Bevy to discuss her journey, the pressures of staying young, being a late bloomer, self-love, self-worth, and living her best life. Her bevelations inspire millions all over the world. Hopefully, her story will be a reminder of what can happen when we let go of self-limiting beliefs.

As women, we have immense pressure to hold on to our youth for dear life! I felt a great deal of anxiety on my 50th birthday. Obsessing about all the things I had not done, fueling worries that I was running out of time.  Having women like you, Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and others have demonstrated we don’t cease to exist at 50, in fact, it’s when life really begins!

In an interview with Charlamagne the God, you talked about being a “late bloomer” and how you found your truest, happiest self later in life. We often settle into our lives out of fear, instead, sit comfortably (or uncomfortably) in the status quo. What was your turning point, the moment you were awakened to the idea that there was more out there for you? It was a process, I wrote an essay about how I started feeling uncomfortable in my late 20s. In it, I shared with people, how I felt dissatisfied and like something was missing. At the age of 29, without the proper clarity and direction, I quit my job. The idea was to find out what I really, wanted to do. Then at Vibe Magazine, though I loved working there, the restlessness kept coming back. This time, it was so loud that I couldn’t ignore it. I knew something had to change but I didn’t do anything until I turned 38 years old.

When your spirit is restless and going through these emotions no one understands what you mean by”I am not happy.”  It took 10 years for me to make a change. I blew up my life when I made the decision. I was hesitant, broke but blissful.

In your bestselling book, you discuss that part of the process of getting where you are today was asking yourself the right questions. I am referring to the “Red Sole Proposition.” I think it would be helpful for anyone on the journey of figuring out life. Can you share it with us? The “Red Sole Proposition” was born after quitting my gig. I had to re-establish myself in the new space. I started by asking myself three questions.

1. Who am I at my core?

2. How am I being perceived?

3. How would I like to be perceived?

These questions became the foundation for me, as I build my personal brand. I am “Little Brown Bevy.” I am curious, empathetic, and incredibly curious. I enjoy learning about people and always want to know the why of things, which makes me a good interviewer.

How am I being perceived? I was a bitchy person as a Fashion Executive. It was almost a compliment that I cultivated until realizing that it was useful in my career, not my personal life. There is toxicity that comes with bitchiness. I did not want to continue being perceived that way. I wanted people to trust me and be able to talk to me. Today, the mother, auntie, and bestie show up much more, I accomplished my goal.

The “Red Sole Proposition” is really named after Christian Louboutin’s shoes. Once upon a time, there was no Christian Louboutins, there was Manolo Blahnik. Then Louboutins came along and everyone wanted them. What was the difference? The red-sole bottom. Now, I am asking others to ask themselves these questions and craft what their red sole is.

My red sole is my authenticity and empathy. I’m a teacher, guide, and mentor and they come through with all the work I do, helping to make me successful.

I very much enjoyed your Ted Talk, “How to Discover Yourself at Any Age.” How do you define yourself today? What would you say to “Little Brown Bevy” as you have referred to yourself, about the importance of finding self-love and self-worth? There is no sense of permanency in life. We are forever evolving, changing, and morphing, even if we don’t know it or want it. At this moment, I am a caregiver. My mom had two strokes and now lives with me. I am 56 years old, single, and take care of her. It has been a really exhausting but rewarding journey to be there for my mother, and care for her the way she has for me.

I’d say to Little Brown Bevy: “You may not have children but you will be a mother and a mothering spirit to many people, including your mother.”

Life is a journey and never easy. You have been open about your hardships. When I experience tough moments, I read, listen, watch or write something inspirational. How do you push yourself out of these low moments and keep the positive energy flowing? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. My biggest gift is that I am not afraid to ask for help. There are so many people that stand on pride and are lost, exhausted, and drained with nothing left but will not ask for help. I also take time for myself. I take it. I treasure my time, protect it, and don’t feel guilty about not doing things that don’t fit into what is healthiest for me.

What is next for Bevy Smith? Right now, I am in the space of “I want for nothing.” It is exhausting to always be chasing something. I am tired this season. I’d like to rest and let things come to me. I have many accolades and successes. For me, it means I have done the work to align myself with what is next. I will rest, pray and manifest.

I like to end interviews with a message, quote, mantra, and advice to inspire others on their journey. What can you say to anyone who is feeling like it is too late to find their truest self? My motto, as you know is “It gets greater later.” I live by it, it’s a constant reminder to keep going and never, ever give up. No one can dictate what the future is going to look like. You chart your own course. Do not give up your freedom and intuition about things. As you get older, your intuition gets stronger, if you are blessed. Don’t run from it. The best is yet to come.

AW is grateful to Bevy for being a guest and sharing her wisdom with us. I’m sure you will be inspired by her story and go write the next chapter of your own.

I worry about age, spending too much thinking about getting older makes me sad, at times. While turning 50 was a milestone, it also gave me the reality check, I needed. In my youth, I took time for granted, feeling invincible at every turn. As seasons changed, the carefree attitudes of the past, no longer applied. I began pondering what would be the next thing. The truth is none of us knows what the future holds but what I can say is that I am working to make each day count. Having women like Bevy encourages me to believe that life stops when I do.

It is never too late to pursue what makes you happy and create a life that honors you. I hope by sharing these stories you grab life by the horns, go for the gusto and never stop trying!

To learn more about Bevy, visit bevysmith.com. You can also find her on Instagram and Twitter as @bevysmith. Listen to Bevelations on Radio Andy, Channel 102 on Monday through Wednesday at 5:00 pm and Fridays at 5:00 pm.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Watch the interview in its entirety on the AW Confidential YouTube channel and listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Anchor Podcasts.

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

3 Tips to Help Shake the Holiday Blues

It is that time when the holiday lights are blinking in our homes. Decorations can be seen from every other window. Most plans for the season’s festivities are in the works. There will be holiday office parties, Kris Kringle exchanges, and gift-giving on overdrive. Families and friends are beginning to gather for a year in review.

If you are coupled up with a boo, cozying up with a feel-good holiday movie is part of the fun during this magical period. The whirlwind fantasy filled with cheer and kindness can be beautiful but also overwhelmingly sad for millions around the world. 

The feeling of loneliness is not uncommon at this time of the year. You can have a life filled with people that care for you but it does not necessarily, eliminate the sensation of being alone. Reasons vary from person to person, they include the absence of a support network, nostalgia or sadness caused by memories that are emotionally charged, or dealing with real life vs. social media’s picture of the holidays.

I have experienced the joy and blues of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations. People will tell you the best way out of despair is to spend time with others but gravity seems to push towards alienation. If you are in a place of solace, you should know there are alternatives to encourage a better mindset. Hopefully, one of these may help you feel a little less lonely this year.

Allow yourself grace. Embrace what you feel without dwelling. Nurture, pamper and give yourself the love you deserve. Consider activities that will bring you happiness at this moment. It can be scheduling brunch with friends, shopping for a new perfume or outfit, making an appointment for a massage, or simply treating yourself to your favorite restaurant. Any time of the year is a good time to practice self-care.
Challenge yourself to do something different or new! Plan a trip or adventure to look forward to next year. Make plans to get you excited about what is coming after the jolly holiday time. 
Your first instinct may be to close the blinds, mute the phone and shut yourself from the world. It is normal to feel that way but don’t do it! Seek out friends, people who make you laugh and really see you. There is great strength in vulnerability, lean into the people that love you to help get you through this moment.

Use this holiday season to reflect on everything you have overcome this year. You are stronger, wiser, and better for it. Now ask yourself, what is one step you can take today that will get you closer to where you want to be this time, next year?

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

 

EDICION ESPECIAL para las Damas: Una Conversacion con Actor, Jesus Castro, Compartiendo “Diario de Un Gigolo” con AW

AW ha disfrutado entregando contenido a su comunidad que inspira y empodera. También reconocemos que la vida está llena de temas pesados. Por lo tanto, ocasionalmente, compartimos contenido ligero y entretenido. Creemos que esto puede ayudar a crear espacio para historias que te hagan sonreír. Esperamos que este segmento especial ofrezca un descanso divertido en tu día. ¡Disfruta!

¿Con qué frecuencia tienes conversaciones reales con tus amigas? ¿De que hablas? Hablamos de nuestros hijos, esposos, novios, la escuela, el trabajo y todo lo relacionado con la vida, tal como nos sucede a nosotros. ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que hablaste de las cosas en que piensas pero nunca dices en voz alta?

Estoy agradecida de tener uno o dos amigas intimas. Las conversaciones son lejanas y pocas de por medio, pero cuando el tiempo y la vida lo permiten, nos sentamos a charlar. Chicas, este es uno de esos momentos para compartir!

¿Cuándo fue la última vez que viste algo que te emocionó? Atrapándote lentamente, tanto, que antes de que te des cuenta, ¡tenías una temporada completa terminada! ¿Compartiste el título con tus chicas? Suelo hacerlo, y me lo agradecen. Es por eso que tenemos éxitos en streaming como Dark Desire y la trilogía de 365 Days en Netflix. Durante un sábado reciente, mientras revisaba innumerables títulos, me encontré con una miniserie que me llamó la atención y seguramente también captará la tuya.

El actor Jesús Castro es conocido por éxitos televisivos como S2 La Reina del Sur, Brigada Costa del Soly El Niño. Recientemente, interpretó “Emanuel,” en el fenómeno internacional Diario de un Gigoló. El sexy thriller que todos susurran, vale la pena ver sus diez episodios.

AW tuvo el placer de sentarse con su protagonista, quien interpreta a un acompañante masculino, favorito de gran parte de la clientela de la agencia. Una proposición de una de las mujeres se convierte en su peor pesadilla cuando él acepta otorgar un servicio especial. Tendrás que mirar para aprender el desarrollo del cuento.

La intriga de la serie es solo uno de sus atractivos. Los personajes femeninos que forman parte de la tórrida trama son empoderadas y audaces, algo despiadadas a veces. Esta es la guinda del pastel para un espectáculo que no solo es provocativo, sino que también está lleno de misterio a cada paso. ¡La novela policíaca desentraña una red de pasión, sexo y mentiras acompañada de sorpresas en el camino!

En esta edición especial, AW entrevista a Jesús Castro. Hablamos sobre la serie, su enigmático personaje y cómo fue trabajar con las mujeres de Diario de un Gigoló.

Para el público que aún no ha visto el programa, ¿Nos puede contarn un poco sobre Diary de un Gigolo? Diario de un Gigoló cuenta la historia de Emanuel. Un gigoló que trabaja en una galería de arte para su madrastra, Minou (interpretada por la nominada al Premio de la Academia, Andrea Barraza). Es uno de los más favorecidos por los clientes y las circunstancias lo arrastrarán a una trama complicada. Pero no compartiré demasiados detalles sobre cómo se desarrollan las cosas, ya tendrán que observar la serie.

Leí una entrevista en la que describes a su personaje, Emanuel, como culto, interesante, inteligente y caballeroso, pero también sensato. Cualidades admirables, es un hombre que trae consigo un poco de oscuridad donde quiera que vaya. Puedo imaginar que hubo desafíos al interpretar el papel de alguien que trabaja como acompañante masculino y al mismo tiempo es un caballero. ¿Cuál fue tu mayor desafío al transformarte en el personaje? Tomó más esfuerzo interpretar el lado bueno del personaje. Es más fácil interpretar al chico malo. Es divertido portarse mal. No está de más tener un poco de oscuridad, siempre que prevalezca la luz, y “Jesús” también es un poco así. En tus palabras, bien descritas, quise darle sensibilidad a este personaje. No quería que Emanuel fuera el típico personaje atractivo, superficial y fuera de onda. Alguien que no tiene emociones, un robot que siempre sabe qué decir y hacer. Con suerte, los espectadores lo verán. Tendremos que esperar los comentarios de la audiencia sobre el personaje.

A menudo, en las producciones Latinas, el hombre interpreta personajes fuertes. La mujer es la débil, esperando ser salvada por su héroe. Me encantan los personajes femeninos de esta serie. Las actrices, Fabiola Campomanes, Adriana Barraza, Begoña Narváez e incluso Victoria White (como descubrimos al final) son mujeres implacables que no se detendrán ante nada para conseguir lo que quieren. ¿Cómo fue trabajar con un elenco de mujeres tan fuertes y talentosas contigo en el centro de la historia? La verdad que fue un placer estar rodeada de tanto talento. Estas actrices son bien conocidas, y aunque los traumas de los personajes y las secuencias de actuación fueron diferentes, algunas íntimas, son actores y colegas tan buenos que facilitó el trabajo. Tengo la suerte de haber sido parte de un equipo increíble, como el que colaboré en esta serie.

Asumir el papel de un gigoló debe requerir algún tipo de investigación. Me imagino que estudiaste el estilo de vida, los negocios y la psicología de un hombre que hace este tipo de trabajo. ¿Qué fue lo más sorprendente que aprendiste de la experiencia? En algún momento durante la producción, ¿te avergonzaste del personaje? ¿Tuve que estudiar? Claro, cuatro años de estudios. Ja ja. Comenzando con este último, no hubo vergüenza en ningún momento durante la producción. Puede que haya sido más reservado al entrar, ya que no conocía a nadie, y viceversa, pero nos convertimos en una familia en poco tiempo.

Obviamente, no tuve que estudiar per se, pero sí tuve que tener en cuenta ciertos factores sobre este personaje. Emanuel era muy metódico. Prestó mucha atención, si movía algo de su espacio, lo detectaría. Era preciso en sus movimientos. Un hombre inteligente, que le fue bien en todos los niveles sociales. De hecho, era muy bueno en las relaciones públicas. A nivel emocional, está conectado a tierra y es claro con sus intenciones. Algunas cualidades sólidas, pero al final las cosas se complicaron.

Entonces, ¿puedes decirnos algo sobre lo que sigue para Emanuel en Diary of a Gigolo? Me encanta la pregunta, muy sutil. No puedo compartir lo que no tengo. Mi esperanza sería volver. Si fuera por mí, lo haría realidad. No sé qué sigue para Emanuel, ya veremos.

Me gusta terminar nuestras entrevistas con un mensaje para nuestra audiencia. Para aquellos que aún no han visto Diary of a Gigolo, ¿qué deberían esperar ver? Para cualquiera que no lo haya visto, espere mucho amor, sexo, drama, intriga y secretos. Un cóctel Molotov que cuando explote, ojalá, el público explote con el producto creado.

El Diario de un Gigoló se transmite por NBC Universal Telemundo. Busquelo! En su programacion local.

Esta entrevista se realizó en Español y se ha resumido para mayor claridad y esta disponible en el canal YouTube de AW Confidential o para escuchar en Apple Podcasts, Spotify y Anchor.

Visite instagram@jesuscastroactor o Twitter@Jesus_Castro_5 para obtener más información sobre el Actor.

Las fuentes de los medios han sido proporcionadas por NBC Universal Telemundo.*

Contenido protegido. 2022 awakened-woman.com

SPECIAL EDITION for the Ladies: In Conversation with Actor, Jesus Castro, Sharing “Diary of a Gigolo” with AW

AW has enjoyed delivering content to its community that inspires and empowers. We also recognize that life is filled with heavy topics. Therefore, occasionally, we like to share content that is light and entertaining. We believe this can help make space for stories that make you smile.  Hope this special segment offers a fun break in your day. Enjoy!

How often do you have real conversations with your girlfriends? What do you talk about? We discuss our kids, husbands, boyfriends, school, work, and everything to do with life, as it happens to us. When was the last time you talked about the things you think about but never say out loud?

I am grateful to have one or two of these friends. The conversations are far and few in between but when time and life allow it, we sit down to dish. Ladies, this is one of those moments to share!

When was the last time you binge-watched something that thrilled you? Reeling you in slowly, so much, that before you know it, you had a full season under your belt! Did you share the title with your girls? I usually do, and they thank me for it.  It’s why we have streaming hits like Dark Desire or the 365 Days trilogy. During a recent Saturday night, while scrolling through countless titles, I came across a miniseries that caught my eye and is sure to catch yours, too!

Actor, Jesus Castro is known for television hits, like S2 La Reina del Sur, Brigada Costa del Sol” and El Nino. Most recently, he plays “Emanuel”  in the international phenomenon, Diary of a Gigolo. The sexy thriller everyone is whispering about and well worth watching all ten episodes.

AW had the pleasure of sitting down with its protagonist, who plays an elite male escort, favorited by much of the agency’s clientele. A proposition by one of the women turns into his worst nightmare when he agrees to grant a special service. You will have to watch to learn the unfolding of the rest of the story.

The series’ intrigue is only one of its appeals. The female characters part of the steamy plot are empowered and fearless, somewhat ruthless at times.  This is icing on the cake for a show that is not only provocative but also filled with a mystery at every turn. The whodunit unravels a web of passion, sex, and lies accompanied by landmine surprises along the way!

In this special edition, AW interviews Jesus about the series, his enigmatic character, and what it was like to work with the women of Diary of a Gigolo.

For audiences that have not yet seen the show, can you tell us a bit about Diary of a Gigolo? Diary of a Gigolo tells the story of Emanuel, a gigolo who works in an art gallery for his stepmother, Minou (played by Academy Award Nominee, Andrea Barraza). He is one of the most favored by the clients and circumstances will draw him into a complicated plot. But I won’t share too much detail about how things unfold, as you will have to watch.

I read an interview where you describe your character, Emanuel, as cultured, interesting, intelligent, and a gentleman but also a sensible man. Admirable qualities but he is also a man who brings a bit of darkness with him wherever he goes. I can imagine there were challenges playing the role of someone who works as a male escort and at the same time is such a gentleman. What was your biggest challenge when transforming into your character? It took more effort to play the good side of this character, it comes easier to play the bad boy. It’s fun to behave badly. Doesn’t hurt to have a little darkness, long as light prevails, and “Jesus” is a little like that, too. In your words, well described, I wanted to give this character sensibility.  I did not want Emanuel to be the typical attractive persona who is shallow and out of touch. Someone who doesn’t have emotions, a robot who always knows what to say and do. Hopefully, viewers will see it. We will have to wait for audience feedback about the character.

Oftentimes, in Latino productions, the man plays strong characters. The woman is the weak one, waiting to be saved by her hero. I love the female characters in this series. The actresses, Fabiola Campomanes, Adriana Barraza, Begona Narvaez, and even Victoria White (as we find out at the end) are relentless women who will stop at nothing to get what they want. What was it like to work with a cast of such strong and talented women with you at the center of the story? Truthfully, it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so much talent. These actresses are well known, and although the character traumas and acting sequences were different some intimate, they are such great actors and colleagues that it made work easy. I am fortunate to have been part of an amazing team, such as the one, I collaborated with on this series.

Taking on the role of a gigolo must require some type of research. I can imagine you studied the lifestyle, business, and psychology of a man who does this type of work. What was the most surprising thing you learned about the experience? At any point during production, were you embarrassed by the character? I had to study? Sure, four years of studies. Ha-ha. Starting with the latter, there was no embarrassment at any point during production. I may have been more reserved coming in, as I did not know anyone, and vice versa, but we became a family in a short time.

Obviously, I did not have to study, per se but I did have to keep certain factors in mind about this character. Emanuel was very methodical. Paid close attention, if you moved anything from his space he would pick up on it. He was precise in his movements. An intelligent man, who did well on all social levels. In fact, he was very good at public relations. On an emotional level, grounded, and is clear with his intentions. Some solid qualities, but in the end things got messy.

So, can you tell us anything about what comes next for Emanuel in Diary of a Gigolo? I love the question, very subtle. I can’t share, what I don’t have. My hope would be to return. If it were up to me, I’d make it happen. I don’t know what is next for Emanuel, we’ll see.

I like to end our interviews with a message for our audience. For those that have not yet, watched Diary of a Gigolo, what should they expect to see? For anyone who has not seen it, expect lots of love, sex, drama, intrigue, and secrets. A Molotov cocktail that when it explodes, hopefully, the audience explodes with the product created.

On November 12, 2022, NBC Universal Telemundo released episodes for Spanish-speaking audiences.

Diary of a Gigolo is also streaming on Netflix.

This interview was conducted in the Spanish language and has been condensed for clarity.

Watch the full interview on the AW Confidential YouTube channel or listen on Spotify, Apple, and Anchor.

Visit instagram@jesuscastroactor or Twitter@Jesus_Castro_5 for more on Jesus.

Media sources have been provided by NBC Universal Telemundo.*

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Actress, Director, Host of FML Talk & Author of Bestselling books, “Eat, Pray, #FML” and “Misadventures of a Single Girl” Shares All with AW

Gabrielle Stone is an Actress, Director, and Host of the FML Talk Podcast. She also wrote bestselling books Eat, Pray, FML#, and The Ridiculous Misadventures of a Single Girl. If you haven’t read her story, you may be one of the millions that follow her on TikTok.

The fierce author’s story begins the same as many others. A girl falls in love, gets married then uncovers a shocking affair after just two years of nuptials. Divorce was followed by new love then heartbreak, again. The disillusionment was painful but led to something bigger. It forced Gabrielle to deal with her fears of abandonment and struggle with self-love. Ultimately, as she said, “Everything happens for a reason” because this ending was only the beginning.

Gabrielle sat with AW to share her story. She also dropped some gems about the red flags of a cheating man, life lessons, “the surge,” which she repeatedly brings up in her book, falling in love again, backpacking across six countries in a month, and writing about all of it!

You can listen to E28 of the AW Confidential Podcast with Gabrielle Stone is now on Apple, Spotify, and Anchor, or watch it on our YouTube channel – so much to unpack!

I connected with your story, without giving your story away, can you share what happened to you and how “Eat, Pray, FML#” came to be? I was married for almost 2 years and found out my husband was having an affair with a 19-year-old for 6 months. I filed for divorce and left. Shortly, after, I fell madly in love with an actor from Los Angeles. We had a whirlwind romance. I met his family and was ready to have his babies. Total fairytale! He invites me on a month-long trip to Italy. Then 48 hours before getting on a plane with him, the guy tells me that he needs to be himself. He broke up with me. I was absolutely devastated. He broke my heart like my ex-husband never could. Devastating, but I had to make a decision at that moment. I could stay at home heartbroken or go travel for a month alone. So I took a backpack and did 6 countries in the span of a month and wrote the book “Eat Pray FML.”

Several times throughout the book, you refer to “the surge”. I’m not sure but some may call it intuition or gut. There was a sense of something being off at some points during your journey. Can you share a bit about that sensation? The surge can be your intuition flaring up when something is not right. It is a feeling that happens when trauma is experienced. This feeling is in the pit of your stomach like when you find out your husband is cheating on you with a 19-year-old.

Many of us ignore or miss the signs of infidelity. What are some of the “red flags” we should pay attention to? It is an in-depth answer because it was different for me. Of the two men I wrote about in the book, one was my ex-husband. He was narcissistic and sociopathic. The one that broke up with me before Europe was a very damaged person that was not healed from his stuff.

My ex was trying to control me in nonchalant ways. Hinting at things like a boob job, a specific trainer at the gym, and dyeing my hair blonde. His suggestions, in his opinion, would make me look hot. He wanted me to quit my dreams so it would make it easier to financially manipulate me. But I was not going to be the one that would be a victim of that. Other signs were obvious, such as the jealousy of my career which was a threat, and the other was a total giveaway, a second phone.

With Javier, it did not feel like there were red flags walking into it. Now, that I am educated on what love bombing looks like, can see the red flag behavior. If you don’t know, love bombing is when you are showered with attention. You get “I love you” early, it goes from 0 to 100 in one weekend! Calling you his girlfriend, soon after meeting. The relationship gets very intense, quickly! It can be a sign of a full-blown narcissist wanting to control you. The other reason may be that he has a void. This person wants to feel better. Has the “fix me” motivation but no one can fix you, other than you. Javier had that void and unfortunately, I was love bombed which made the break up much harder.

I’ve gone through my own journey of healing and learned a lot about myself. The end of my divorce was confusing. I had a void and lots of questions, bought a ticket to Yellowstone Park, hoping I might find answers. You traveled across Europe looking for yourself. What was the most interesting city or experience you found during your travels? There were so many lessons on that trip. I think the biggest one is that I am never truly abandoned because I will never abandon myself. On a simpler level, I know how incredibly capable I am! I went to six countries and had a good time doing it without help.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself during this journey? My favorite part was Barcelona. It had a lot to do with the people I met there. I could live there! It was the first stop on my journey, the place where I started seeing things, differently.

Greatest life lessons?  “When ppl show you who they are believe them.”

“Keep your heart open” because one of two things will happen. Ether you will be wildly happy and in love or you will be heartbroken but it will take you exactly where you need to be.

Going through my journey, there was a moment I numbed myself from all emotion but eventually, fell in love, again. After having this experience, everything changed. “I was able to fall in love, again, this time with my eyes wide open.” Have you been able to find love again? Are you in love now?  I did fall in love again. Just got engaged in Italy! When you can find love within yourself, it is a good starting point.  You aren’t asking for anyone else to fill your cup, you are asking them to add to your life, which becomes a different responsibility for a partner in a very good way.

What words from your book serve as inspiration, right now? We should never settle or conform. Discover what makes you happy and brings your soul joy. If you are not happy, leave. Nothing is worth compromising happiness. Good enough is not good enough, and there is so much more out there when you start choosing yourself and putting yourself first. Go inward and look for what is missing. Find the things you can do more of to bring out that happiness. Life is too long and too short to not be happy – always chase and prioritize that.

We like to end AW interviews with a quote, mantra, or advice to inspire others in their next chapter. The light at the end of the tunnel is more beautiful than you ever imagined, so keep going because it is truly great, once you get there!

Most of us, have at least one love story to tell. Some are a work in progress while others are closed chapters. Either way, these become a volume in our book of life. The hope is that we continue to learn and take with us what we need to make it better each time. Millions of people have heartbreak but they heal, too.

AW is tremendously grateful to Gabrielle for sharing her story. I walked away with countless takeaways, feeling inspired by her resilience and fearless attitude. May this story be a reminder to you, it’s never too late to start something new or do things differently. Start living boldly!

For more on Gabrielle, visit eatprayfml.com TikTok: gabrielle_stone, Instagram@gabriellestone. Her books are sold exclusively on Amazon.com

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

3 Reasons to Relish the Uncomfortable

Have you felt the sensation of drowning in an open sea? Feelings of terror when encountering the unknown? Extreme discomfort, as you are swept by the winds of change? The uncomfortable is a place visited by all, feared by many.

You get into a groove that works then life happens. We lose ourselves when things get out of control. Oftentimes, the unfamiliar or different makes us anxious.

The flow of change strikes fears in the hearts of those rattled by its cage. Like you, I have gone through a fair share but were it not for these growing pains, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and neither would you.

Many of the biggest disruptions in our lives are caused by trauma, illness, death, divorce, unemployment, or anything that shakes our foundation. Countless unanswered questions, make us feel confused and overwhelmed. Learning to manage the discomfort that follows is critical while we find our path to acceptance.

During the first half of my life, everything that brought discomfort was paralyzing. Confrontation, trying something new, and if a plan was derailed, I would completely fall apart! However, shifting my perspective, and understanding how these moments encourage growth and resilience has been life-changing.

So, next time you find yourself in the uncomfortable zone, ask yourself, “How can this help me evolve?” Yes, easier said than done but totally worth the work.

Consider the benefits of tackling discomfort:

Learning to embrace the uncomfortable helps strengthen your ability to handle uncertainty.Significant mental and emotional growth happens when you push yourself beyond your limits, whether, it’s hiking up a huge mountain, doing something new, or making a decision that sparks change.These types of challenges offer an opportunity to make you better. Be more open-minded, and creative. It forces the hard questions that inspire you to connect with your inner self, too.

Is it scary, yes but don’t let fear control you. Our instinct as human beings is to listen to the negative whisper that tells us to turn away. Resist. Lean into the emotion that will test you in ways you can’t imagine, a place of pain but also, progress.

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Dominican/Venezuelan Actress, Isadora Ortega Shares “Another Love Story,” Abusive Relationships and Mental Health

One of the things, I love most about doing this podcast, writing, and interviewing is how much I learn in the process. Having the ability to share the lessons continues to be a gift that fills me with gratitude.

Whether you have read the articles and interviews on the AW site or listened to the podcast, you will agree that we do not shy away from hard topics. One of our goals continues to be digging deeper into some of the realities we face as human beings because it is one of the best ways to inspire and empower others.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that on a normal day in the US, over 20,000 telephone calls are received by the domestic violence hotline. In a single year, 10,000,00 women and men are abused by an intimate partner. Numbers speak volumes. We cannot keep ignoring statistics. This is an alarming problem in our society, it can happen to anyone, at any time.

The film, Another Love Story gives viewers a bird’s eye view of Miriam Ramos’ (played by Isadora) journey from fairytale love to domestic abuse. Boy meets girl. Introduces himself as a successful, charming, passionate, and extremely generous man. Too soon comes an outpouring of love from the perfect man. Most girls dream about someone who has everything but things are rarely what they seem.

Another Love Story is an award-winning film that has won accolades for Best Director, Brandon Morson, and Best Actress, Isadora Ortega at the 2021 New York International Film Awards. The title was also selected as Best Feature Film at the 2022 Gold Movie Awards.

During our interview, we talked about her character, the film, emotional and physical abuse, mental health, toxicity, and red flags in relationships. She also shares the personal experience that inspired her to do the movie. The talented Latina does not refrain from speaking her truth, as she shared answers to our questions. We were able to have an honest and powerful conversation to hopefully, put the spotlight on the troubling issue.

Another Love Story deals with a tough topic. We see, how the lead character, Miriam, falls head over heels for Marc. He seems like the perfect guy until he shows a dark side. His anger turns to rage, triggering repeated episodes of emotional and physical abuse geared towards Miriam. Truth is that abuse happens more often than we realize. Why was it essential to tell this story?  The story is based on true events. My childhood best friend was killed 5-6 years ago. Many pieces of the film resemble her story, it was important to bring light to it. Sadly, he took her life and then his own.

When it happened, I began to research and grasped, just how big of a social issue this is but not getting the attention it deserves. In public, the perfect couple, behind closed doors was total chaos. I have family members that reached out to say, “This happened to me.” We see these situations and assume the person can leave any time they want. It isn’t always that simple because there is a lot of manipulation and mental mistreatment. People can experience feelings of unworthiness. If they leave, no one else will love them. Shame also contributes to the ordeal.

The moment a decision is made to leave, you are in real danger but I want people to know, that they can escape domestic abuse and live their lives. Many agencies have resources available to help those that need them.

Possessive, controlling, suggesting immediate introduction to friends and family circle, an overwhelming outpouring of love, alienation from your support network, and lavish gifts all take place in a short span of time. In my opinion, these are red flags but we don’t always see things for what they are, instead, we prefer to see what we want. Any other warning signs we should look for to help avoid getting ourselves wrapped up? We did a screening, where I was approached about our male lead’s character. Audience members connected, seeing the red flags, and this story was familiar. Marc infiltrated himself so deep into her life that no one else mattered. He became the center of her universe. Abuse happens in our circles, so it’s important to see the signs.

Would you agree that Marc’s character used sex as a weapon of passion and a tool for control? Sex is one the most powerful drugs there is! Feelings are involved, chemistry is there which can blur the lines for anyone not clear on who they are and what they deserve. “I hit you then we have sex. I speak to you like trash then we have sex.”  It may feel like sex can alleviate anything, what it really does is cover things up. One good question to ask yourself is “Would someone that truly loves hurt you?”

I consulted with a Private Investigator who works with people that are in or getting out of domestic abuse situations. These possible red flags can be helpful when looking to determine, if you may be in a toxic relationship:

A romantic partner who tries to block you from using social media.Someone who creates chaos, keeping you away from friends and family. He or she alienates you from your support network, leading to co-dependency.Taking away or denying you of a means of transportation to preserve control.Speaking down to you. He may use phrases like “Who is going to love you more than me? or You cannot do better than me.”

These all fall under domestic abuse, the physical aspect of the torment would be domestic violence and it happens mostly to women but men suffer, too.

I can’t stress how critical it is to understand that survivors of this type of violence, experience similar trauma, as those who go to war. The brain is damaged in the same way and has devastating effects on emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Unfortunately, in many cases, the police don’t want to get involved in domestic problems.

When you feel like you are not enough, it affects every aspect of your life. Do you believe it ties into falling a victim to abuse? This goes deeper than we think. How we see ourselves, shapes our experiences. If I come out of a toxic relationship, it is my responsibility to find counsel. We need to speak to a professional to understand our “Why?” Knowing yourself helps do things differently in the next relationship. I think we should all get some therapy, as human beings.

Did you learn anything after working on this project?  Laws are not well structured when it comes to domestic abuse. In fact, they are flawed, old, and not sufficiently enforced to protect victims. Even a restraining order does not have a lot of protection. Abusers don’t face real consequences. They receive a slap on the wrist and use the revolving door to continue the behavior. In one of those instances, they get out and kill their victims.

There is a hotline but there should be much more resources available. Realistically, it has become worse after the pandemic because victims became prisoners in their own homes.

In the final scene, Miriam’s friend says to her “This is not your fault.” What did she mean by those words? Why is that an important statement to make to a victim? An abuser, a narcissist, will convince their victim that anything they do or the shortcomings they have is their fault. If they cheat, hit you, or find any flaw in their character – it becomes your fault. You have to know it is not you, it’s them.

We like to end interviews with advice, quote, or affirmation to help readers. What advice do you have for women who may be in a similar predicament as Miriam? It could be you, me, or anyone of us depending on our mental state. Nurture your spirit with positive messages and good energy to help you recognize that you are not deserving of harm.

When you know who you are and what you deserve, you do not allow anyone to hurt you. Men and women need to question their mental health. Check-in with themselves now and then to make sure they are OK. If you see monsters everywhere, there is help. No shame in getting it from someone you trust. Life is hard, and asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. We all need a little help, sometimes.

If you are in trouble, please speak to a friend, family, counselor, therapist, or spiritual advisor that can offer a non-judgmental ear for you to share your concerns. If you prefer to stay anonymous, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Telephone: 1-800-799-7233.

You can find out more about Isadora by visiting Instagram @lablacklatina. The film, Another Love Story is now on iTunes, Amazon, Direct TV, Sling, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube Films.

Watch the full interview with Isadora on the AW YouTube channel or listen to the AW Confidential Podcast found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anchor, and everywhere you find your podcasts.

This interview has been condensed for clarity.*

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

 

Empowerment Series: Dominican Venezuelan Actress, Isadora Ortega Shares “Another Love Story,” Abusive Relationships and Mental Health

One of the things, I most enjoy about doing this podcast, writing, and interviewing is how much I learn in the process. Having the ability to share lessons continues to be a gift that fills me with gratitude.

AW does not shy away from the strong subject matter. We believe difficult conversations that shed light on serious topics are essential. One of the best ways to help one another is to openly talk about the hard stuff, too.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that on a normal day, over 20,000 telephone calls from all over the US come through to the domestic violence hotline. More than 10,000,00 women and men are abused by an intimate partner in a single year. We can’t keep ignoring the numbers, this is a huge issue for society.

This was a difficult dialogue due to its serious nature but necessary.

In the film, Another Love Story, the character, Miriam, (played by Isadora Ortega) suffers domestic abuse at the hands of her partner, Marc. The man walks into her life, as a knight and shining armor until he becomes a monster. During our conversation, we covered emotional and physical abuse, mental health, toxicity, and red flags in relationships. The talented Latina also shares the personal experience that inspired her to do the movie.

The Dominican Venezuelan Actress does not shy away from speaking her truth, as she shared her thoughts on what it means to be part of this film. The Executive Producer takes us on the journey of Miriam Ramos. A woman who falls in love with a man that is successful, charming, passionate, and extremely generous. The outpouring of love from the perfect partner is what most girls would dream of until she sees his dark side.

Another Love Story is an award-winning film that has won accolades for Best Director, Brandon Morson, and Best Actress, Isadora Ortega at the 2021 New York International Film Awards. The title was also selected as Best Feature Film at the 2022 Gold Movie Awards.

AW had the opportunity to sit with Isadora for a powerful conversation to bring awareness to the troubling reality.

Another Love Story deals with a tough topic. We see, how its lead character, Miriam, falls head over heels for Marc. He seems like the perfect man until he shows a dark side. His anger turns to rage, triggering repeated episodes of emotional and physical abuse. This is a powerful story. I believe abuse happens more often than we realize. Why was it important to tell this story?  The story is based on true events. My childhood best friend was killed 5-6 years ago. Many pieces of the film resemble her story, it was important to bring light to it. Sadly, he took her life and then his own.

When it happened, I began to research and realized how big of a social issue this is but not getting enough attention. In public, the perfect couple then behind closed doors total chaos. I have family members that reached out to say, “This happened to me.” We see these situations and assume the person can leave at any time. It isn’t always that simple because there is a lot of manipulation and mental abuse. People can experience feelings of unworthiness. If they leave, no one else will love them, and there is also, shame behind the ordeal.

I wanted to highlight the problem, as well as, let people know, you can escape domestic abuse and live your life. The moment a decision is made to leave, you are in real danger. Many agencies have resources available to help those that need them.

Possessive, controlling, suggesting immediate introduction to friends and family circle, the overwhelming outpouring of love, alienation from your support network, and lavish gifts that all take place in a short span of time. In my opinion, these can be red flags but we don’t always see things for what they are, instead, we prefer to see what we want. Any other warning signs we should look for in an abuser? We did a screening, where I was approached about what took place with our male lead’s character. Audience members connected with the red flags, and the story was familiar. Marc’s character infiltrated himself so deep into her life that no one else mattered, he became the center of her universe. Abuse happens in our circle, so it’s important to see the signs.

Would you agree that Marc’s character used sex as a weapon of passion, as a tool for control. Sex is one the most powerful drugs there is! Feelings are involved, chemistry is there which can blur the lines for anyone not clear on who they are and what they deserve. “I hit you then we have sex. I speak to you like trash then we have sex.”  It may feel like sex can alleviate anything which covers things up. But ask yourself, “Would someone that truly loves hurt you?”

I worked with a Private Investigator who works with people that have experienced abuse.

Possible red flags to look for in a toxic relationship would include:

If the romantic partner is trying to block your social media.Create chaos that keeps you away from your friends and family. Alienating you for those that support you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.Keeping you from having a means of transportation, so you don’t have the means to get around on your own.Speaking down to you. He tells may use phrases like “Who is going to love you more than me? You cannot do better than me.”

These all fall under domestic abuse, the physical aspect of the torment would be domestic violence and it happens mostly to women but men, too.

I can’t stress how critical it is to understand that survivors of this type of violence, suffer similar trauma as people who go to war because their brain is damaged in the same way. It has devastating consequences and police don’t want to get involved, unfortunately.

When you feel like you are not enough, it affects every aspect of your life. Do you believe this strongly ties into being a victim of abuse? This goes deeper than we realize. How we see ourselves, shapes our experiences. If I come out of a toxic relationship, my job is to find counsel, and speak to someone to find out the “Why?” Knowing yourself helps do things differently in the next relationship. I think we should all get some therapy, as human beings.

Did you learn anything after working on this project?  Laws are not well structured when it comes to domestic abuse. In fact, they are flawed, old, and not sufficiently enforced to protect anyone. Even a restraining order does not have a lot of protection. Abusers don’t face real consequences. They receive a slap on the wrist and use a revolving door, to continue the abuse. In one of those instances, they are out, abusers kill their victims.

There is a hotline for victims but there should be much more help available. Realistically, it has become worse after the pandemic, victims became prisoners in their own homes.

In the final scene, Mimi’s friend says to her  “This is not your fault.” What did she mean and why did she say it to the victim? An abuser, a narcissist, will convince their victim that anything they do or the shortcomings they have is their fault. If they cheat, hit you, or find any flaw in their character – it becomes your fault. You have to know it is not – it’s them.

We like to end interviews with advice, quote, or affirmation to help our readers. What advice do you have for women who may be in a similar predicament as Miriam? It could be you or me. This can happen to any one of us depending on our mental state. Nurture your spirit with positive, good energy to help you recognize that you are not deserving of harm.

When you know who you are and what you deserve you don’t allow anyone to hurt you. Men and women need to ask themselves about their mental health. If you see monsters everywhere, there are ways to find help. There is no shame in getting help. Life is hard, and asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. We all need a little help, sometimes.

National Domestic Violence Hotline,Telephone: 1-800-799-7233

You can find out more about Isadora by visiting Instagram @lablacklatina. The film, Another Love Story on iTunes, Amazon, Direct TV, Sling, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube Films.

Watch the full interview with Isadora on the AW YouTube channel or listen to the AW Confidential Podcast found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anchor, and everywhere you find your podcasts.

This interview has been condensed for clarity.*

Protected content. 2022 awakened-woman.com

 

Empowerment Series: E!News Correspondent, Host of “The Rundown” and Contributor of the”DailyPop,” Erin Lim Rhodes Shares the Scoop with AW

Erin Lim Rhodes is a household name, not only beautiful, but she is also warm, personable, funny and so friendly! If you are lucky enough to be in her presence, you will sense her contagious energy.

AW had an opportunity to chat with the Host of E! News “The Rundown” to talk about motherhood, postpartum, juggling the roles of mother, wife, and entertainment news personality. Earlier this year, Erin had a one-on-one with Kim Kardashian. I asked about her interview with the mega-celebrity. The correspondent interviews the biggest names in the pop entertainment world. She has a gift for making people feel comfortable to the point you think you’re hangin’ with your bestie.

Congratulations! on your baby! Saylor is beautiful! Like millions of women, you are juggling being a mom, wife, and budding career! What has been your greatest challenge and reward in playing these multiple roles? My greatest challenge has been accepting that I cannot do it all and need to give myself grace. Acknowledging, that if I am focusing on one area then others will not have my full attention. I really love my career, family, daughter, and husband but I know how to focus my attention on one thing. It has been hard because I’d like to do it all and be superwoman! But if I keep moving at that pace, I will burn out. The greatest reward is waking up each day, feeling like it’s Christmas. I see my daughter smiling and in good health. She is joy personified, it is a gift to see her laugh and watch her grow.

Motherhood is made up of doing and being so many different things to different people. What has been the most surprising part for you? I did not expect this hormone thing! No one told me it would be this rollercoaster. Postpartum is crazy, as is, dealing with the significant decrease in hormones and experiencing the blues. I thought that I was fully avoiding the feelings but it is unavoidable. Undeniably, our bodies are going to go through a change, however, I didn’t expect it to feel like a ton of bricks.  Being sad, and crying for no reason combined with breastfeeding, had no idea how difficult this would be. During pregnancy, having sensitivities or allergies related to diet then getting so hungry! I wanted to eat a cheeseburger but was unsure of how the baby would react. I referred to this as “Pregnancy princess and postpartum peasant.’ Not to say, I was down in the dumps all the time. I had the support of an amazing family and all the help, you could need. In the beginning, everything is about the pregnancy then you have the baby and you’re like “What about me?”

You are a mom and wife, as well as, a well-known correspondent for E! News. You interview some of the biggest celebrities in the world and deliver pop culture’s most exciting news. Who is Erin, the Correspondent, and professional? How is she different from the one at home? I take my job very seriously but at the same time, I’m a lighthearted, loving person who likes to joke all the time. Ambitious, passionate, and grateful to do what I do. I am me, at home and it’s where I get my sense of self. When I have my interviews, I receive the best compliments, “Best interview, ever! I felt like I was talking to a friend.” My entire life, I have wanted to work at E! I worked really hard and I’m lucky to be here. I hope to continue to do this as long as I live. I’m committed to the best job in the world!

Oftentimes, we see public figures on television and in films, read about them, and think we know who they are, making lots of assumptions. Part of me believes it is human nature to do so. Earlier this year, you interviewed one of the most famous women in the world, Kim Kardashian! People tend to make lots of assumptions about the television personality. What did you learn about her during your interview that was surprising? She is a true professional. Kim is also a down-to-earth human. If she says she is going to do the interview, she is on time and kind. She carries herself well and knows to handle the hard questions. I was very surprised to see how disarming, she was, it was like talking to a girlfriend. She was cool to talk about things, I loved that interview!

The world is a challenging place, right now. Everyone is dealing with so much. We are lucky to have distractions filled with good vibes and add light-hearted energy to our days, such as “The Rundown” and channels like E! Thank you for bringing us joy! So, what is next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects? I am on The Rundown, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Also, contribute to the Daily Pop. You can see me on all things E!

We like to end interviews with a piece of advice, mantra, or quote to help listeners feel inspired. For anyone who may feel they cannot have the career of their dreams while being a mom and wife, too. What advice would you share to help encourage them to go for it? You will be the mom that you are supposed to be. You are what your child needs and created to be in this position. Wake up, confidently knowing ” I am everything my child needs.” Career-wise, it may be late nights or early mornings and in between naps. Figure out what is your dream. How much will it cost you? Are you willing to pay the price? For me, I know how much it’s going to cost and will stop at nothing to get there. So, I think, you should ask yourself, “Where do I fill those gaps and breathe into my dreams and ambitions?”

Many of you may connect with Erin’s story, as I did. As women, expectations are high, and sometimes, the feeling that we are falling short or the guilt can take over. It is critical to remind ourselves that we are human, too. Bringing a life into the world is a responsibility of great magnitude. For centuries, women have been led to believe their bodies were made for childbearing but we have moved on to a modern world. The reality of the changes that take place during this beautiful miracle affects us not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.

AW is grateful to Erin and her team for granting this interview. We hope you are inspired and encouraged to give yourself grace.

Visit Erin Lim Rhodes on Instagram @ErinLim and Twitter. Definitely, check her out each week, as she hosts The Rundown, or subscribe to E! for more of the latest entertainment news to see her in action!

You can watch the full interview with Erin on the AW YouTube channel or listen to the AW Confidential Podcast found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anchor, and everywhere you find your podcasts.

This interview has been condensed for clarity.*

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