Yvette Bodden's Blog, page 3

Love, Loneliness & the Dinner Table Divide

A decade of marriage taught me many lessons. Some arrived gently, others kicked the door down—but one has stuck with me more than the rest: time waits for no one.

We partner up for all kinds of reasons—love, loneliness, curiosity, boredom. Sometimes, it’s just the simple hope of connection. If we’re lucky enough to land in a good relationship, we give it everything. We show up. We pour ourselves into the moments, the milestones, the mundane. But in doing so, many of us forget to show up for ourselves.

I was one of them.

In my marriage, I gave all of myself to my family. I filled every role—partner, mother, fixer, nurturer, peacekeeper. What I didn’t realize then was that I had quietly pushed aside the pieces of myself that brought me joy. The hobbies. The nights out. The solo dreams I shelved “for later.” But here’s the hard truth: later doesn’t always come.

After my divorce, I made a promise – to let a little healthy selfishness back in. Not the bubble bath kind (though I love those too), but the kind that feeds the soul. I started saying yes to myself again. That meant dinners at restaurants I’d always wanted to try, solo adventures, and moments of stillness that didn’t require approval or compromise.

Recently, I made a reservation for one. I was craving Italian and found a cozy, dimly lit gem tucked into Midtown East. It had white linens, a dreamy wine list, and the kind of ambiance that whispered, this is a date spot. And it was—just not the kind you’re thinking of.

There I was, alone, sipping French Rosé and people-watching like it was an Olympic sport. I noticed a variety of couples—some leaning into deep conversation, others sitting in silence, hypnotized by their glowing screens. One older couple, clearly seasoned in love, held eye contact like it was currency. It was beautiful. A younger couple nearby, though, barely spoke. They scrolled, posted, tapped, and swiped—together but not present.

That moment stuck with me.

We are starved for connection, yet constantly distracted from it. These modern “date nights” of side-by-side scrolling are becoming the norm, but let’s be honest—they’re anything but romantic. They’re eroding the intimacy we once craved.

It’s time to ask: Are we choosing distraction over connection? And if so, what’s the cost?

We don’t need grand gestures to save our relationships. We need presence. Eye contact. Phone-free dinners. A willingness to show up, not just physically, but emotionally. The truth is, technology won’t stop interrupting us—it’s up to us to set the boundaries.

Whether you’re dining solo or sitting across from someone you love, make it count. Be there. Not just in body, but in spirit.

Because the dinner table isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where intimacy is built, and sometimes, where it’s quietly lost.

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A Decade of Lessons and a Solo Date Night

A decade of marriage delivered many lessons. One of my favorites—time waits for no one. There are exceptions, of course. Life doesn’t always follow the rules. But this particular lesson? It’s stuck with me.

We couple up for many reasons: love, loneliness, boredom, or simply the hope of finding a connection. The dream is that, during our search, we meet someone special. If we’re lucky enough to land that great relationship, we pour ourselves into it. We savor the time with our partner, indulging in every moment together. Sometimes, we dive in so deeply that we forget to check in with ourselves, our needs, and our desires.

In my marriage, I put all my time and energy into my family. And while that’s what many of us do, I realized too late that in doing so, I’d pushed aside things that brought me joy. I delayed the activities I loved, all in the name of keeping others happy, of being the one who showed up when needed. But here’s the truth: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

After my divorce, I promised myself I would allow a little selfishness—self-care that wasn’t just about taking a bath or catching up on sleep. It was about doing things I enjoyed. I went to dinner at places I’d always wanted to try, took trips I’d dreamed about, and finally went to those shows I’d put off. Life is short, and tomorrow is not promised, so why not enjoy the things that make you feel alive today?

Just last week, I made a reservation for one on my OpenTable app. I was craving Italian, so I picked a cozy, well-reviewed restaurant in Midtown East. The ambiance was perfect—dim lighting, white linens, and waiters who were sharp and attentive. The kind of place that felt made for a date, but here I was, on a solo date. I sipped French Rosé as I observed the couples around me—some happy, others lost in their phones.

One couple, older and engaged, shared a deep conversation and eye contact. It was a beautiful display of connection. Then, there was the younger couple across the room—probably in their early 30s—sitting at opposite ends of the table, glued to their smartphones. They hardly spoke a word to each other until the food arrived. How many times have we seen this scene? It’s becoming the norm, but let me tell you—it’s not romantic. It’s not affectionate. And unfortunately, it’s becoming more common.

This new “normal” of distracted dinners and silent companionship is a recipe for disconnection. As human beings, we crave connection—whether it’s through meaningful conversation, a touch, or simply being present with each other. So, it begs the question: Are we letting technology replace our connections? Are we letting it come between us and the ones we love—our husbands, wives, children, and friends?

If so, we have to ask ourselves: What can we do about it? It’s time to take action. Maybe that means setting boundaries—no electronics at the dinner table or leaving phones out of sight at bedtime. It’s about holding ourselves accountable for the role we play in the breakdown of our relationships. Communication isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for any partnership to thrive.

Even small, intentional moments of undivided attention can make a world of difference. Whether it’s listening without distractions or sharing a quiet moment, these small acts of connection can be the glue that holds relationships together. And, at the end of the day, they might just save us from losing someone we love.

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Empowerment Series: Senior Vice President, Global Brand & Consumer Marketing for the NFL, Marissa Solis Shares Power of the Pivot: Fate, Football, and Finding Your Place at the Table

Marissa Solis didn’t set out to be one of the most powerful Latinas in the National Football League. She didn’t study marketing. She wasn’t trained in branding. She once dreamed of becoming an ambassador. But as life often does, the path planned cracked wide open—and something extraordinary came through.

Her story begins in the Rio Grande Valley, where she arrived at age ten after immigrating from with her family. She didn’t speak English, and her world was uncertain. But within that ambiguity lived a fire that would quietly fuel her journey for decades that followed.

She earned a scholarship to Georgetown and pursued a career in foreign service. It all seemed perfectly mapped—until serendipity took over. She pivoted into a marketing role at Procter & Gamble, launching her into a corporate world she never imagined for herself. But as she puts it, “Serendipity is beautiful—but you have to know how to harvest it.”

For the next 18 years, Marissa rose the ranks at PepsiCo, eventually creating the company’s Hispanic business unit and leading iconic cultural campaigns, including the “Deja Tu Huella” movement with Bad Bunny. At one point, she thought she’d retire there. Then came another unexpected call—this time, from the NFL.

Today, as the league’s Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing, Marissa oversees major partnerships, social strategy, and community engagement. But power, for her, has never been about title. It’s about presence and purpose.

Marissa’s leadership style is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her parents owned restaurants, and she did every job—host, waitress, dishwasher. “My father used to say, ‘Every job is important.’ That stayed with me. I’ve walked into boardrooms with that same respect for people and humility.” And in a world where executive spaces often reward arrogance, Marissa brings something different: heart.

That doesn’t mean her journey has been easy. At just 21, in one of her first meetings with an ad agency, she was mistaken for an assistant and told to grab coffee while the “men handled business.” In that moment, her heart pounded. She was the youngest in the room. She hadn’t studied marketing. She could have stayed quiet. But instead, she stood tall and took a seat at the table—literally and metaphorically. “That moment taught me that no one was going to hand anything to me. I had to claim it.”

Still, she refuses to play by outdated rules. Early in her career, she was told to be “ruthless” if she wanted to succeed. But that never sat right with her. “I was raised to lead with humility and treat people with respect. You don’t have to lose yourself to win.” And she hasn’t. Whether mentoring young women, leading Super Bowl campaigns, or reminding her daughter that everything will be okay, Marissa leads with quiet confidence that can’t be faked. It’s been shaped over the years, sharpened by adversity, and supported by values that never waver.

That confidence is physical, too. In her 40s, Marissa became a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. What started as a hobby quickly became a spiritual and emotional practice. “People think a black belt means you’ve arrived. But really, it’s the beginning. It’s about becoming 1% better every day.” It’s not hard to see how that discipline bleeds into everything she does.

Super Bowl 2025 was a career milestone. Under her leadership, the league partnered with local New Orleans artists to create a game-day experience that was rich with soul, culture, and intention. A beaded Super Bowl logo handcrafted by a local Black woman. A campaign featuring girls in flag football. A national ad from Big Brothers Big Sisters that we’ll never forget. It was a reminder to the world: I am somebody. That campaign, Marissa says, still brings her to tears. “It’s that little voice that tells you you’re enough. You matter. That you belong.” And yes, she’s had to quiet that voice of doubt in herself, too. Even now.

I like to end interviews with a quote, mantra, or advice. Her mantra is a poem she discovered in high school—Invictus. The final lines live in her bones: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.”

Marissa is a master of the pivot. A captain in a league that wasn’t built for her, but now reflects her leadership. A woman who reminds us that success doesn’t always come from following the plan. Sometimes, it comes from breaking it.

And maybe, just maybe, from telling yourself: “It’s going to be okay.”

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Empowerment Series: Actress, Singer, Songwriter, NBC’s Songland & The Voice, Fox’s Empire, Brooklyn’s Finest, Liv & Maddie, and Jersey Girl, Raquel Castro Shares Self-Love with AW

Raquel Castro isn’t new to the spotlight. She stole hearts in Jersey Girl at just seven years old..  Her role as Gertie, the daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Jersey Girl, was a perfect fit. Since then, the Latina has blossomed, showing her talents as Marisol in Fox’s megahit Empire,  acting in Brooklyn’s Finest, The Ministers, Nowhere, Liv & Maddie, and Already Gone. However, talents do not end on the big and small screen.  Raquel was a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. She was also the winner of Songland, writing this soulful R&B hit “Wrong Places” by H.E.R. Her talent is undeniable; behind it all is a woman deep in her healing era—redefining success, setting boundaries, and unapologetically choosing herself.

In this intimate sit-down, Raquel opened up about self-doubt, impostor syndrome, pressures of social media, and the messy beauty of growth. “I’m my own worst critic,” she admits. “Even compliments feel hard to accept sometimes. I compare my timeline to others, and that steals joy.” The artist was not shy, as she shared about music, boundaries, becoming her own safe space, self-love, mental health, heartbreak, and relationships.

A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Castro is learning the power of being alone without feeling lonely. “After my last relationship, I gave myself space—no dating apps, no distractions. Just me. I’ve realized I like my own company—and that’s power.”

Her song “Wrong Places” was born during a time of heartbreak and isolation. “I was tired of giving my all to the wrong people,” she shares. “That song was a realization—I’m not too much, I’m just asking the wrong people.”

Today, Raquel is transitioning into a new chapter. She is focused on songwriting and spiritual grounding, with a fierce commitment to emotional self-respect. She is living life with my eyes wide open.

Her advice for anyone feeling lonely? “Fall in love with yourself. Pour into you. When you do, you become a magnet for what’s meant for you.”

Raquel proves that healing doesn’t always look graceful, but it can still be powerful, poetic, and wildly empowering.

AW is grateful to Raquel for sharing her journey to self-love.

We want love and want to be seen. It isn’t uncommon to yearn for validation from those we love or respect. In our relentless search for it, it is easy to forget ourselves. We get lost in emotion when leading with the heart. One of the most important lessons I have learned during this ongoing journey is that we will make countless connections throughout our lives, but the strongest and most important one should be the one we have with ourselves.

The AW Confidential Podcast interview was recorded in 2024, it can be streamed on all major platforms where you watch or listen to your favorite podcasts.

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Empowerment Series: Founder, Curamia Tequila & Winner, The Cooking Channel’s CHOPPED, Dafna Mizrahi Shares Process

According to a 2024 Globe Newswire article, the global tequila market size surpassed $16 billion and is projected to continue flourishing. Tequila is one of the most competitive categories of spirits. The Industry, dominated by men, has been disrupted by women, who launch new tequila brands yearly.

Dafna Mizrahi is the Founder of Curamia Tequila and the Winner of Cooking Channel’s CHOPPED. She is a Mexican-Jewish Chef who has passed down traditions from generations through recipes and draws influences from both of her cultures. Her brand, Curamia Tequila is everything, except ordinary. No additives, sugar-free, and smooth tasting!

In Episode 125 of the AW Confidential Podcast, she takes us through her journey from Jalisco, Mexico, to New York. AW sat down with the founder to discuss challenges of pursuing her dream, standing her ground in a male-dominated space, why she chose to work with tequila, the origins and process of the Curamia brand, lessons learned during her business ventures, and the story behind the brand.

Whether you are a Tequila lover, an entrepreneur, or a business owner, this story is for you!

Learn more about Curamia Tequila, visit http://www.curamiatequila.com

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Empowerment Series: Actress, Film Producer, Writer and Entrepreneur, Grace Patterson Shares Healing Journey with AW

Perfectionism is a trait that leaves a trail of endless disappointments. The pursuit of flawlessness is a losing battle. Human beings are, by nature, flawed. I understand what it means to have a deep-seated need to seek external validation. You live to keep up appearances and, by all means necessary, the thirst for recognition becomes insatiable. The mindset is not really about the need to be perfect, but related to an extreme lack of self-worth. Although it impacts both men and women, we experience it more because of the unrealistic expectations set by society. It is important to understand that perfectionism is toxic and linked to higher levels of eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. Seeking help is key to recovery, as it can help prevent more serious complications.

Grace Patterson is an Actress, Writer, Film Producer, and Entrepreneur based in LA. She is originally from Dallas, Texas, and was a professional cheerleader. Since starting her acting career, she has starred in countless movies for the Lifetime Channel, including Cheer for Your Life, College Professor Obsession, Spring Break Nightmare, Secret Row, Love’s Fast Lane on Peacock, and more!

She learned about unrealistic expectations very early in life. She recalls depriving herself of certain foods to help keep a small waistline at an age when most children are just happy to eat their favorite treats. Today, Grace is the Author of “Am I Perfect, Yet? Finding Fullness in my Authentic Self.” The memoir explains how she “confronts the demons of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.” The talent hopes sharing her story will help others experiencing something similar in their journey.

In EPS124, AW sat down with Grace to talk about her challenges with eating disorders, perfectionism, the pressures of working in a world of unrealistic beauty standards, getting the help she needed, and how she is showing up for herself today.

Stream this important and insightful episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

To learn more about Grace, visit Instagram@gracevictoriapatterson

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Empowerment Series: Puerto Rican Comedian, Actress, Writer, and TED Speaker, Gina Brillon Shares Life Truths with AW

Gina Brillon says, “A woman’s brain is a 24-hour thinking machine.” She is so right! The native New Yorker who grew up in the South Bronx is a dynamic, funny, and intelligent Latina who has made audiences laugh since she was 17. Her content is relatable, some would say self-deprecating, real, and hilarious! If you have seen Easily Offended, The Floor is Lava, Pacifically Speaking, or her 2020 Ted Talk, When People are Suspiciously Kind, you will agree that her talent is undeniable!

She has appeared on E!’s Chelsea Lately, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham. In addition, Gina has been on Kevin Can Wait and The Conners. In 2012, she became the first and only Latina winner of NBC’s Standup for Diversity. The list of accomplishments is endless, as is her quest to make us laugh.

In EPS116, AW sits for a candid conversation with Gina to talk about living in a PC world as a Comedian, dealing with the world’s sensitivity while remaining funny, lessons learned, the journey to her best self, therapy, healing, love, dating, marriage and relationship red flags, and best advice for her younger self.

Stream the candid and heartfelt episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube. The uncensored conversation is one not to be missed! 

To learn more about Gina or her latest comedy special, Mind Your Business, visit ginabrillon.com

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Empowerment Series: Singer, Songwriter, Urban Bachata Recording Artist, Jae Camilo Shares her Music with AW

I have never met anyone who is not touched by music in some way, shape, or form. Whatever emotions you are experiencing in this moment, most of us lean on the music that touches us.

I remember the first time I listened to Bachata, a 1994 song called “Medicina de Amor” by the artist Raulin Rodriguez. The song was about a man who was sickly in love, and his only cure was the love of his woman. When the song was released, I am not sure how I felt about it, but his song was a big hit, particularly in the Dominican community. Today, the Bachata genre is bigger than ever, thanks to up-and-coming musicians bringing global recognition to the music. For millions of Latinos everywhere, it is one of the main genres they turn to for comfort. International artists like Romeo Santos, Aventura, Antony Santos, Prince Royce, Frank Reyes, Luis Vargas, Juan Luis Guerra, and Judy Santos have helped put this music on the map.

Jae Camilo is making a mark in the space with songs like La Cartera and No Soy Tu Juguete. The Urban Bachata Recording Artist from Brooklyn, NY, has performed the national anthem in front of thousands at the prestigious Madison Square Garden and on stages in the US and abroad. She says she creates music to connect with people and wants her lyrics to resonate with fans. The Underground Awards describe her as “One of the most self-driven artists on the rise.” Her most recent single, Ya No Puedo Mas, will hit a high note with fans and gain new ones. The Dominican Bachatera is fierce, talented, and unafraid to push the boundaries.

In EPS118, AW sits in the studio with the artist to discuss the genre, growing up in a Dominican home listening to the classics, and the business of music from a woman’s perspective. She gives us an insider’s view into a space where men still dominate, her favorite stories, accompanied by her beautiful energy.

Learn more about Jae at YouTube or Instagram @jaecamilo

Stream this fun and engaging episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

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Empowerment Series: Managing Director, Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic, named one of 25 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment, Emmy-Nominated, Marie Leguizamo Shares Sage Advice with AW

In 2025, Marie Leguizamo was named one of People Español‘s Most Powerful Women in Entertainment. She has made the list of Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful Women in International Television. The Executive was recognized by the International Academy of Arts & Sciences with Emmy nominations. The Imagen Foundation honored the dynamic Latina as one of 2024’s Influential Latinas, and she is mentioned among Hola‘s 100 Latina Powerhouses.

Her career spans over two decades, during which time she produced unscripted television, delivering record-breaking ratings with series like “LOL: Last One Laughing,” “Jalas o Te Rajas,” and “La Voz.”  Today, she is the Managing Director of Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic, a division of Banijay Americas, home of some of the biggest television brands in the US and Latin America.

Marie is originally from the Bronx. During her early years, her family moved to Long Island, where she grew up. As a young girl, she wanted to work in front of the cameras, then found passion behind it. The Latina powerhouse built a successful career as a Showrunner and Executive Producer, then found bigger dreams, overseeing entertainment projects from development to completion.

As a Latina in a male-dominated industry, she encountered some hurdles, but today, she uses her experiences and powers for good. She is vocal about her desire to support other Latinas and empower us by extending opportunities we may not get otherwise. Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic is 70% women and 30% men. Marie is putting action behind her words. She is an innovator, not only producing content for television and streaming. The executive is forward-thinking; she looks for projects and content that can be strong contenders for the growing popularity of YouTube and TikTok.

In EPS 122, AW sits with Marie for a candid conversation about her journey to the executive office, building a successful career, lifting other women as she rises to the top, teambuilding, collaboration over competition, preparing Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic to move into a new era with the threats to DEI programs, and best advice for dreamers.

Our interview reminds us that dreams take time, and never come easy. If they did, then everyone would be jumping on the fantasy train. Never stop pursuing what sets your soul on fire, it is worth it in the end.

Stream the insightful episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Learn more about Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic and the team.

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Empowerment Series: Dominican Founder, CEO & Creative Director of Fashion Designers of Latin America, Albania Rosario Shares the FDLA Dream with AW

Albania Rosario arrived in New York from the Dominican Republic, without knowing any English. She had no connections or resources to open doors into the fashion industry. What did she have? The young girl had a dream and an eye for what was missing. She discovered a void and a lack of opportunity for emerging Latino designers. Instead of conforming to the status quo, the Dominican native became part of the solution.

She is the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Fashion Designers of Latin America. FDLA platform helps bring Latin American designers to the stages of NY Fashion Week. The entrepreneur has a background in Advertising, Marketing, and Communications and runs several businesses. The organization has attracted major sponsors, including Delta Airlines, the Hispanic Federation, Moet Hennessy, and many others.

AW sat in the studio with the Dominican powerhouse. In EPS117, they discussed the FDLA, her early beginnings, bringing the vision to life, finding purpose, challenges in reaching her version of the American dream, and the importance of diversity and inclusion, as we continue to expand as a multicultural nation.

Stream this important and insightful episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

To learn about Fashion Designers of Latin America, visit the FDLA website. 

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