Growing Together

Are you running on auto-pilot? Anxiously waiting to go to bed just to start all over again the next day? It can be completely disheartening to constantly feel like you're in survival mode, making your way through each day not because you want to, but because you have to. We've been there too. In today's episode we talk through living in survivial mode and some of the unintended consequences from these feelings i.e lack of motivation, loss of purpose, anxiety, and depression. We are in no way professionals but simply provide our experience in hopes it helps you navigate yours.

We often find ourselves longing for past versions of who we were - those days of youth, different circumstances, or perhaps a version of us that felt more whole. But the truth is, life is a continuous flow of change, and clinging to these past selves can hinder our growth and happiness. We also can't go back to a time where we don't hold the information and experiences that we do now. Whether you're feeling stuck in nostalgia or struggling to accept changes in your life, this episode is a gentle reminder that every version of you is valuable and a necessary part of your journey.

In today's episode we dive into the feelings of inadequacy and the facade of false confidence. I'm sure we've all experienced situations where we felt out of our depth or displayed confidence we really didn't have. The reality is that we all feel stupid sometimes, it's normal. But we don't have to move through life with false confidence. Remember staring at that test paper, feeling like you knew nothing despite all the studying? Or how about those moments when you wondered if your teacher secretly thought you just didn't get it? We're diving headfirst into those cringe-worthy moments and the doubts they sparked about our smarts. But hey, this isn't just a trip down memory lane. We're all about growth and learning here. Ever found yourself straddling the line between feeling totally out of your depth and putting on a brave face of confidence? Yeah, we've been there – mastering the art of 'fake it till you make it'. We're unpacking why we sometimes wear a mask of assurance while juggling a whirlwind of insecurities within. This chat gets real as we touch on a seldom discussed aspect of mental health: those nagging feelings of stupidity and their impact on our self-esteem and decisions. From hilarious driving test fiascos to those daunting first days at a new job, we're sharing our own tales and takeaways on intelligence, confidence, and everything in between. And it's not just storytelling; we're digging into how to navigate these tricky waters. Need some strategies for shaking off those 'I feel dumb' vibes? Looking for ways to build authentic confidence? We've got you covered. Join us as we explore this journey, sharing tips and tricks for turning vulnerabilities into strengths.

In this episode of the Growing Together podcast, we dive deep into the ebbs and flows of our relationship with life itself. This episode is a journey through the emotions and experiences that shape our perspective on life. We start by exploring the moments that make us fall deeply in love with life – those peak experiences filled with joy, wonder, and fulfillment. But as in any love affair, there are also times when we fall out of love with life. We discuss the challenges, disappointments, and trials that sometimes make us question our love for life. This episode is not just about the highs and lows, though. It's also about finding our way back to a love for life after losing it. We talk about resilience, the power of perspective, and the small, often overlooked, everyday joys that can rekindle our love for life. Whether you're currently in love with life, struggling to find that spark again, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a compassionate, thoughtful exploration of what it means to fully engage with our existence.

As the New Year unfolds, it's often seen as a symbol of renewal and fresh starts. The allure of a blank slate beckons many to set ambitious goals and embrace new beginnings. But let's face it, when the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, life doesn't undergo a magical transformation. We carry forward our same selves, albeit infused with renewed hope and dreams of making this “our year.” This week, we're taking a deep dive into the New Year's paradox. The beginning of a new year brings with it not just opportunities but also a unique form of pressure. Whether it's societal expectations, personal aspirations, or simply the overwhelming urge to make significant life changes, this pressure can manifest in various ways, influencing our mental and emotional well-being.

Welcome to another episode of the Growing Together podacst. Today, we dive deep into a mindset many of us are familiar with, but seldom discuss: the constant anticipation of something going wrong, even when everything seems perfect. This phenomenon, often referred to as "waiting for the other shoe to drop," can cast a shadow over our happiest moments. Join us as we explore its origins, the psychological underpinnings, and most importantly, strategies to overcome it. If you've ever felt the weight of an invisible impending doom or struggled to fully enjoy good times due to a nagging fear, this episode is for you.

Ever feel like you're on a treadmill that won't stop? You're trying to catch your breathe while simultaneously keeping the pace pre-determined for you? Yeah we've been there. This week on the Growing Together podcast, your host Sonny, and cohost, Cesar, discuss owning your own pace, steering clear of comparison, and basking in every victory - big or small. Episode Overview Your Growth Pace Sprint Mentality - The allure of rapid growth and the instant gratification culture. - Risks and rewards of sprinting towards goals. Marathon Mentality - Importance of endurance, resilience, and long-term vision. - The role of patience and consistency in sustained growth. The Pitfalls of Growing at Others Pace - How social media and peer comparisons can skew our perceptions. - The negative mental and emotional impacts of constant comparison Learning to Celebrate Your Smallest Victories - The significance of recognizing both small and big achievements. - Practical tips on how to celebrate personal milestones.

By now we've all heard the term coined on tik tok “lazy girl jobs” but what does it really mean? What is a lazy girl job? and is it actually “LAZY?” This week on the Growing Together podcast we delve into the trend that's taking the internet by storm. Not just what it is, but how it contributes to what work looks like in 2023.

You may work hard but social media algorithms work harder. In a world where we're chronically online, we may think that we have some control over the experience we have as we scroll endlessly, but the truth of the matter is we don't. Our experience is dictated by the beloved algorithm, whether you're on instagram, tik tok, youtube, or even doing a quick google search. What we see is not decided by us. It's decided for us. So what's the mean? For us? For the world? How does that impact our growth? Our creativity? Our ideas? Let's talk about it!

This week on the Growing Together podcast Sonny, Cesar, and a couple of special guests dive into the topic of self sabatoge as they sabatoge their mouths and stomachs with some of the world's hottest wings. Here's what you can expect: - Breakdown of what self sabatoge is - Signs of self sabatoge - Why we self sabatoge - BONUS: Us dying because the wings were too hot

When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself “What am I doing?” better yet, when was the last time you asked yourself “Why am I doing this?” It's entirely too easy to get wrapped up in a neverending routine and forget why you started in the first place. It's even easier to live a life purely through extrinsic motivation and never consider how different your life could be if you spent more time intrinsically motivated. This week on the Growing Together podcast, your host Sonny, and cohost Cesar, dive into the concept of intrinsic motivation and how it can become the driving force for change in your life. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

This week on the Growing Together podcast, your host Sonny and cohost Cesar, explore the paradoxical role that delusion can play in driving personal progress. In popular culture and conventional wisdom, delusion often gets a bad rap - painted as a symptom of mental disorder or a state of denial disconnected from reality. But what if, sometimes, being slightly 'delusional' could be the key that unlocks previously unimagined potentials? Episode Breakdown: - The fine line between beneficial self-deception and harmful delusion, and the crucial role of self-awareness in this balance. - The role of delusion in survival, based on fascinating research on optimism bias and the placebo effect.

This week your host Sonny and cohost Cesar, delve into the topic of work-life balance and what it looks like to work hard while still prioritizing the life you want to live. It can be incredibly difficult to find balance in your life especially when the world tells you the only way to the top is to give up what you love. We're here to challenge that. Everyone deserves to feel alive and not just be alive.

In today's episode of the Growing Together podcast your host, Sonny and cohost, Cesar dive into the topic of relationships and why even some of the greatest ones we have in our lives turn sour. This can apply to the relationships we have friends, family, or our significant others. Join the conversation :)

In honor of May being mental health awareness month, your host Sonny, and cohost Cesar, take time to discuss how you can support your friends who may be struggling with their mental health. Often times, when we struggle, we keep it all inside. Not wanting to burden anyone with our feelings. Or maybe we feel ashamed or embarrassed for feeling the way we do. You could have someone in your life feeling this very way. Supporting someone in their darkest days can make all the difference and it's up to us to educate ourselves on what we can do for the ones we love.

In this episode of the Growing Together podcast, host Sonny and cohost Cesar explore the dark side of the self-improvement industry and how it can actually be detrimental to our mental health and overall well-being. We discuss the pressure to constantly better ourselves, the unrealistic expectations it creates, and the negative impact it can have on our self-esteem. #selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfhelpbooks #toxicselfhelp #growingtogtherpodcast Resources mentioned in the video: https://betterhumans.pub/this-is-how-the-self-help-industry-manipulates-you-d95d3445ec0chttps://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2022/11/13/a-psychologist-tells-you-why-you-need-to-escape-the-toxic-world-of-self-help/?sh=90d266b3785dhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-toxic-self-help-videos-hurting-you-take-dr-raghav-suri/?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card

Do you feel guilty anytime you do something that is purely for the benefit of yourself? Do you feel the need to always provide value to those around you without first filling your own cup? If you answered yes to either of those questions, this episode is for you. It's time to invest in yourself. To fill your cup. To make yourself happy so your joy can overflow onto others. This episode emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself and investing in yourself because no one can that for you. Put on your oxygen mask first.

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast, Sonny and Cesar talk about relationship dynamics today. Specifically, the role social media can play in the relationships that we have. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It gets you thinking, is social media destroying relationships? Does it help relationships in any way? How do you navigate a relationship where we're all chronically online? We hope you enjoy :)

In this episode of the Growing Together Podcast, Sonny and Cesar delve into everything they wish they knew prior to starting their careers. They talk about salary negotiation, the importance of mentorship, and when it might be time for a new opportunity.

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast, Sonny and Cesar dive into #careergrowth. The challenges of being young in your field, learning to navigate the workplace, and how to move your career forward. Being young and newly into their careers, Sonny and Cesar pull from their experience and how they've come to be where they are currently. Your 20s can be challenging. There's no doubt about that. What we have to say might not make it any less challenging but could help as you continue to search your soul for your purpose.

When everything falls into place, is it just dumb luck, or is it due to our efforts? Does luck even really exist? On this episode of the Growing Together podcast Sonny and Cesar dive into the concept of luck, how much it plays into how our lives pan out, and what those on Tik Tok are calling #luckygirlsyndrome. So what do you think? Are people just lucky or are there other forces at work? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Is there such thing as TOO much positivity? Similar to how everything is good for you in doses, the same rings true for positivity. Being positive in light of the most difficult of situations seems like a sign of strength but in some cases can be quite the opposite. Join us today as we discuss toxic productivity and how it frequently shows up in our lives. If you or someone you know has been affected by toxic productivity, you may be entitled to compensation.... I'm just kidding but it's okay to be sad, angry, confused, doubtful. Every emotion has a purpose. Don't deny yourself the beauty of feeling.

We've been absent but now we're back and in a new place :) This week on the Growing Together podcast we dive deep into what this move meant to us and give you a little bit of a recap of our trip. This year has already pushed Cesar and I in the right direction and we are SO happy to bring you all along for the journey. We're just getting started :D Next week we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming but it felt good to give you all an update on what we've been doing in our ab

It's said that 60% of men and 50% of women experience some type of trauma in their lifetime. Even more probably battle in secret. This week on the Growing Together podcast we look into trauma, what it is, its impact on the body, and how to have a fulfilling life after living through a traumatic event.

This week on the Growing Together podcast we dive deep into the overwhelming pressures of getting older. There are a whirlwind of emotions that many of us feel as we grow in age. Am I doing enough? Is this where I'm supposed to be? How did I end up here? We dissect some of the reasoning behind these feelings and pull a little bit on our own experience as well. Let us know what you think in the comments.

We hear the term self care all the time. It's all over Tik Tok and Instagram. But what does it actually mean when we say “self care” Is it bubble baths, face masks, and treating yourself? As great as all that sounds, self care is quite literally the opposite. Well I shouldn't say opposite. There is much more to self care than meets the eye and today that's what we'll dive into. What is self care? How do we take care of ourselves? and How does this all contribute to the grand scheme of our lives?

This week on the Growing Together podcast we shed light on the concept of Manifestation. I'm sure by now you've heard the words “manifest it” or “manifestation” across social media, but the first thing that ever came to my mind is “Does this actually work?” or is this some type of fad? Now we aren't here to tell you that answer, more so open up the conversation and see how it can help us in our journey to not just building our dreams lives but becoming our ideal selfs. Can't knock it until you try it right? We also found this to be super fitting as 2023 is finally here. So tell us, what are you manifesting this year?

This week on the Growing Together podcast we sit down on Christmas Day and talk about the feeling of being an elephant in the room. What happens when people don't want to address the real problems? How do you deal with it? How do you move your life forward and continue growing? Tune in to hear our insight :)

This week on the Growing Together podcast we dive into what the world knows as "self help." We reveal how society and the media has typically went about portraying these topics and how we believe we can change the conversation around this to be more effective. While we believe that self help books and gurus can be helpful and give great advice, I think there's conversations that they're not having. Issues we need to be discussing, all which will help us grow as individuals by bringing them to light. Let us know your thoughts :)

This week on the Growing Together podcast we dig deep into intrusive thoughts. What are they? Why do we have them? More importantly, how do we rid ourselves of these thoughts? Truthfully, we don't have all the answers, but we do hope this conversation leads you in the right direction. Comment down your most frequent intrusive thought down below!

This week on the Growing Together podcast we tackle goal planning and setting for 2023. Don't get me wrong, we love the holiday season and everything it entails, but right now is the perfect time to think about what you want to achieve in the new year. Listen to find out how: - To set goals both professionally and personally - Execute on those goals - Mistakes people often make when setting goals and so much more. Feel free to leave your goals down in the comments below :) Let's keep growing together!

This week on the Growing Together podcast we dive deep into the concept of "toxic productivity" and the role it plays in our lives. It seems to be second nature for us to constantly be on the move. We feel the need to constantly perform or do something that benefits us in some way, shape, or form. It's great to want to better ourselves but we have to think about how sustainable it is. Are we burning ourselves out? Are we doing this because society says that what we're supposed to do? In the midst of it all, we need to take time to take care of ourselves, and not let the need to be going at all times, take over. Take care you too! Let us know in the comments how this mindset has shaped your life!

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast, we dive deep into the concept of oversharing on the internet. Quite ironic as that's what I feel we do sometimes with this podcast. The internet and social media have provided millions of us with the opportunity to make our voices heard and build audiences around the things we do in our daily lives. In doing so, we've opened up conversations that we might not be having if things were still the same as 20 years ago. As Cesar and I are both people who share parts of our lives on the internet and hope to continue to do so we wanted to talk more about why we do this. Not in a negative sense but I don't think we talk about it enough. Share your thoughts with us down below! Are you a fellow oversharer? (I know that's not a word but hey, I'm making it one.)

The holidays while filled with joy and fun can be a little bit of a different experience for some of us. This time of year can bring a lot of other emotions to the table. Some of us are grieving the loss of loved ones or simply relationships that exist no more. That's why this week on the Growing Together podcast we have an open conversation about this time of year, seasonal depression, and dealing with loneliness during the holiday season. Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us :)

This week on the Growing Together podcast we talk about the role community plays in our growth. We all long for belonging and to connect with one another. We weren't meant to go at this life alone. Having the right people beside you and in your corner can have a great impact on how your grow as a person.

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast we sit down with a professional podcast consultant and a podcaster himself, Dylan Schmidt from @Digital Podcaster to talk about growing online through podcasts. Listen as we get into and talk podcasting, metrics provided by social media that keep us from ever getting started, and advice for those looking to produce any type of content online. Much of what is provided into this episode can be applied to different areas of our lives. Connect With Dylan Website: https://www.digitalpodcaster.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalpodcaster/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalpodcaster Connect With Us! Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growingtogetherpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingtogetherpodcasts/

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast we sit down with @Self Taught Stephanie who is a self taught software engineer that landed herself a job at PayPal without even a referral after spending the first part of her career in manufacturing. Since building out her Instagram page (@theroadtotech) she's started her own business where she offers career coaching, career consultations, and LinkedIn and resume reviews. During this episode we talk about obstacles when changing careers, passions, money, and so much more. If you're thinking about switching careers whether it be to tech or another field, watch this episode, I promise you won't regret it! Stephanie's Socials Website: https://www.roadtotech.com Instagram: instagram.com/theroadtotech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-chiu/ Growing Together Socials Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growingtogetherpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingtogetherpodcasts/

It's hard to recognize we where may fall short in our lives. We don't like to see how we can be part of the problem. On this episode of the Growing Together podcast, we talk about the role we play in our own lives as well as others. While it can be difficult to realize the negative impact we can have, it's uplifting to know that we can also become part of the solution.

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast we sit down with Matthew Houvourous a.k.a “Houvi” long-time educator and notable flag football coach from my (Sonny's) hometown high school Apopka High to discuss the impact teachers have on the youth and future of America. As we discuss, we'll touch on the role educators play when it comes to an individual's growth, Houvi's goals as an educator, how that translates into his personal life, unteachable students, bad educators, the teacher shortage, and more. Listen in on this conversation!

This week on the Growing Together podcast, it gets SPICY! We discuss self worth, how we tie value to ourselves, and essentially, how much is our life worth? Where does our worth come from? Is it all worth it? As we talk about this subject matter we make it a little more interesting by taking on the death nut challenge. By the end, it has us questioning "WAS IS WORTH IT?"

When we think of growth we often think it means moving forward, moving on, and making moves. But what if I told you that growth can sometimes mean taking a step backwards or maybe to the side, to reevaluate what matters to you, and to find the environment you're going to thrive in? Someone great once said "some of the best moves you make in your life are lateral moves." I say someone because I actually do not know who said it I just know that it wasn't me who came up with this. I believe as a society we have engrained in our minds that moving forward is better, no matter what that forward move holds. We tend to look at others who aren't matching us as moving backwards or staying stagnant, but we can learn how to blossom in the unlikeliest of environments. Join us this week on the Growing Together podcast as we discuss lateral moves for growth and what that looks like in our lives and what it can look like in yours.

Have you heard of quiet quitting? It's recently taken the world by storm and all employers and employees alike are talking about it. This week on the Growing Together podcast, we break down what the media is calling "quiet quitting." What is it, what brought this topic to the table, and how we think employers should approach these situations. Leave a comment down below with your take!

In this episode of the Growing Together podcast we dissect the age old question "Why do we hate change?" It feels as though are how uncomfortable we are with change is built inside us. It's in our DNA. But why is that? What scares us so much about change? Why do we refuse to change? With each question brings more questions, but we share out take based on our experiences with you today!

On this episode of the Growing Together podcast we talk about something I think we've all experienced in our lifetime, GROWING PAINS. Growth is uncomfortable. That's true whether we're talking physically, mentally, or spiritually. When we're in certain stages of our lives, these pains become more noticeable and unfortunately, they're inevitable. As I thought about the growing pains I was currently going through or have gone through in my life, I began to think about the purpose they serve. I realized, growth, while uncomfortable, is always leading to a better and brighter future. My advice, work through the pain, it's only temporary. Leave us a comment telling us with how you made it through some growing pains in your life! #growingtogtherpodcast #growingpains #growingup Follow our journeys here! Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

This week on the Growing Together podcast, we discuss the obstacles and crossroads that stop us from going after what we truly want out of this life. As a young adult, my greatest struggles have been knowing when to take the leap and when to play it safe. In a search for joy and happiness out of this life, it can be difficult to figure out what the right decisions are and when it's time to make a change in your life. Come join us in the conversation. Leave a comment down below telling us about an obstacle you overcame to create the life you wanted. Our Socials Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

This week on the Growing Together podcast we take a deep dive into professional growth and what it means to grow in your career. As a young adult, it can be so overwhelming to find profession that aligns with your passions, but once you do, the next challenge is defining what you want your career path to look like. While there's no right. answers in where your next step takes you, there are more favorable paths. Join us in the conversation and comment your thoughts down below :) Our Socials Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

This week on the Growing Together podcast we talk about anger. It's an emotion we all feel. Some more than others, but nonetheless we all get angry sometimes. Sometimes the reasons are valid other times we react before we have time to think about what's just occurred. I've found understanding your triggers and identifying what makes you angry can help you alleviate the anger you feel when certain events do inevitably occur. When we react out of anger, the results can be detrimental. This isn't to say you should never get angry rather learning when the right time to be angry is. Is your anger justified or are you reacting in the moment without a second thought. We're so glad to have you here. If you like this video please subscribe to support our channel. Come grow with us :) Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

This week on the Growing Together podcast we talk about love, how we feel love, how we receive love, and so much more. We all long to be loved. To quote Interstellar "Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space. Maybe we should trust that even if we can't understand that." Let us know your thoughts on love and what you think we should discuss on our next episode :) Come talk to us :) Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

In this episode of the Growing Together podcast, we bring on a very special guest, CEO of Compose.ly, Michael Leonard. In this week's episode, he shares his thoughts on growth, both personally and professionally, challenges he's faced along the way, and how to set realistic goals and expectations. Tune in to bask in all the knowledge he has to share. Feel free to leave a comment down below with any questions, comments, or thoughts you have. Grow With Us! Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

Healing is a part of growth. That is why in this episode of the Growing Together podcast, Cesar and I discuss healing, the healing process, as well as challenges you can expect along the way. We have all dealt with some level of hurt. We've all got skeletons in our closets that we have yet to come to terms with. Sometimes healing can be just as painful as the hurt you've been through, but I've come to realize that we all have the strength to get to the other side. Come talk to us :) Sonny Instagram: @sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast

Growth is chaotic, as is this Hot Ones Challenge. Enjoy this special episode as Cesar and I dig deep into our experiences and what's shaped us over the world's spiciest wings. Cesar and I are huge fans of the Hot Ones show and decided it was finally time to take on the challenge. However, we still wanted to make this as beneficial of a podcast as any other so with each wing, we answer a question the other has written. Come with us as we take on the challenge, maybe it's a metaphor for life. LOL :) Sonny Instagram:@sonnylynn Tik Tok: @sonnylynnv Cesar Instagram: @seezsantos Tik Tok: @seezsantos Growing Together Socials Instagram: @growingtogetherpodcasts Tik Tok: @growingtogetherpodcast