Not Vanilla Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Dominique and Roxana
Podcast Authority
Beta
Podcast Overview
<p>At the Not Vanilla Podcast, hosted by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Roxana and Dominique, our mission is simple yet powerful: Cultivating meaningful connections and promoting wellness, both mental and emotional every episode.<br /><br />We're here to dive deep into the intricacies of relationships, exploring topics that resonate with both the wisdom of age and the freshness of youth. From navigating life's milestones to dissecting the latest trends, we cover it with humor, a touch of sass and lots of love .<br /><br />But we're not just about talk; we're about connection. Through our engaging discussions and diverse guest lineup, we will bridge generational divides and spark moments of shared understanding and healing.<br /><br />Together, let's make every conversation a little less vanilla and a whole lot more vibrant!<br /><br />Listen to the Not Vanilla Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts! đ§â¨</p>
Language
đşđ˛
Publishing Since
6/29/2024
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
Podcast Authority
BetaRecommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- ⢠YouTube presence analysis
- ⢠Social media reach metrics
- ⢠RSS compliance scoring
- ⢠Podcast 2.0 features
- ⢠Technical standards
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
See how your show performs across every key metric
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
1 verified contact email on file for Not Vanilla Podcast
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
January 5, 2026
Between Traditions & Transitions: Reflection, Release & the Year Ahead
<p><strong>A real end of year convo on letting go, choosing intention, and moving forward</strong></p><p>Christmas is behind us, Hanukkah has passed (we donât celebrate it, but we appreciate the Festival of Lights), weâre in the midst of Kwanzaa, and New Yearâs is right around the corner and this âin-between weekâ has us reflecting in real time.</p><p>In this episode, Roxana and Dominique talk about how fast the year flew by, how the constant flood of bad news can create a numbing effect, and how we can stay compassionate without carrying everything. We also get personal: birthdays as a âreal reset,â why growth often looks like letting go, and why weâre done repeating patterns that already proved they donât fit.</p><p>We also share what we love about Kwanzaa (even though we didnât grow up celebrating it) and break down the seven principles â unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith â plus why weâre considering celebrating it more intentionally next year. We also talk about money after the holidays: depleted savings, spending remorse, and how to reset without shame.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong><br>⢠The week between holidays and New Yearâs is a natural pause point â a chance to reflect instead of rushing.<br>⢠With so much bad news, forgetting happens from overload â the goal is compassion without numbness.<br>⢠Growth often feels like letting go: stop re-exposing yourself to the same chaos, patterns, or âsecond chancesâ you already know you donât want.<br>⢠Your ânew yearâ can be New Yearâs or your birthday â what matters is choosing a cycle that motivates action and follow-through.<br>⢠Kwanzaaâs principles are a powerful blueprint for intentional living (even if youâre new to celebrating it).<br>⢠After-holiday finances are part of wellness â reset with awareness and boundaries, not guilt.</p><p>Correction note: In the episode, we referenced the length of the last government shutdown. For accuracy, the shutdown discussed was the <strong>longest government shutdown in U.S. history</strong>, lasting <strong>43 days</strong> and resulting in widespread federal furloughs and closures of government institutions.If this episode hit home, tell us: Whatâs one thing youâre releasing from this year and one thing youâre carrying into 2026?</p><p><strong>Connect with Us:</strong><br>Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot<br>Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube<br>Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram</p><p><br></p><p>#notvanillapodcast, #endofyearreflection, #newyearreset, #kwanzaa, #intentionalliving, #motherdaughterpodcast, #wellnessconversation, #lettinggo, #financialwellness, #mindfulness, #2026vision</p>
December 28, 2025
Layoff Lemonade (Part 2 of 2) Sipping Success From Scarcity
<p>Layoff Lemonade (Part 2 of 2): AI, Upskilling, and the Truth About âReplacementâ</p><p><br>From barber clippers to bots â using tools without losing your mind (or your rights)</p><p>In Part Two of <strong>Layoff Lemonade</strong>, Roxana and Dominique bring in Anthony (Tony) for a real, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about what it actually looks like to move from scarcity to success. We unpack the origin of âNot Vanillaâ (butter pecan + making something out of scraps), then shift into <strong>upskilling in real life</strong>âthe kind that happens when youâre trying to save money, stabilize your home, and stay connected to what matters.</p><p><br></p><p>From learning skills out of necessity (haircuts, DIY, cooking, creative projects) to a spicy debate on <strong>AI, workplace myths, fake sources, and surveillance tech</strong>, this episode makes one thing clear: AI can support your growth, but it canât replace your discernment, your creativity, or your humanity. We close with grounded advice: learn the tool, but donât let it become your crutch.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>âNot Vanillaâ is more than a name â itâs about <strong>making something out of what you have</strong>, even when resources are limited.</p></li><li><p>Upskilling isnât always a class or certificate; sometimes itâs <strong>DIY survival skills</strong> that become long-term assets.</p></li><li><p>A âhomeâ isnât just a place to sleep â itâs <strong>stability, connection, and a household that supports your life</strong>.</p></li><li><p>AI can be powerful, but itâs best seen as a <strong>toolkit</strong>, not a full replacement for a human being.</p></li><li><p>The smartest approach is learning to work <strong>with AI and without AI</strong>âbecause systems fail, internet drops, and you still need your skills.</p></li><li><p>AI can âhallucinateâ and even <strong>create fake citations</strong>, which makes verification and media literacy non-negotiable.</p></li><li><p>Surveillance tech (like <strong>Flock cameras</strong>) raises major questions about privacy, accuracy, and civil rightsâespecially when tools are used without accountability.</p></li><li><p>Bias and incomplete data (especially around Black health history) can make AI outputs unreliable or harmful if people treat them like truth.</p><p><strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Notes app (voice notes + journaling to process thoughts and decisions)</p></li><li><p>AI tools for workflow support (writing help, organization, editing)</p></li><li><p>Media literacy reminder: verify sources, donât trust âconfidentâ answers without proof</p></li><li><p>Examples discussed: predictive text/autocorrect, auto-tune, editing tools as âolder formsâ of AI</p></li><li><p>Surveillance tech discussion: Flock cameras + privacy concerns</p></li></ul><p>If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone whoâs navigating a layoff, furlough, or career pivotâespecially if theyâre trying to figure out how to skill up without getting overwhelmed. And ask yourself: <strong>Whatâs one tool (AI or not) you can use to support your growthâwithout handing over your common sense?</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Us:</strong></p><p>Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot<br>Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube<br>Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram</p><p>#notvanillapodcast, #LayoffLemonade, #CareerPivot, #Upskilling, #Reskilling, #AIintheWorkplace, #TechAndEthics, #CareerResilience, #WorkplaceWellness, #MentalHealthConversations, #ScarcityToSuccess, #GrowthMindset</p>
December 17, 2025
Layoff Lemonade (Part 1 of 2) Sipping Success From Scarcity
<p><strong>Layoff Lemonade (Part 1 of 2): Sipping Success From Scarcity</strong><br>Turning layoffs, furloughs, and frustration into clarity, skills, and next steps</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong><br>In Part One of Layoff Lemonade: Sipping Success from Scarcity, Roxana and Dominique explore what happens after the shock of layoffs, furloughs, and workplace instability. From the emotional rollercoaster to the first mindset shift, this episode reframes job loss as a pivot point rather than an ending. We talk about releasing fear, organizing your thoughts, recognizing early warning signs, and understanding how scarcity can spark creativity, clarity, and growth. This is a grounding, honest conversation for anyone navigating career uncertainty and trying to figure out their next step.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Layoffs and furloughs often trigger denial, anger, fear, and a sense of being set back to zero.</p></li><li><p>Writing things down or talking them into your notes app helps move emotions out of your body and into clarity.</p></li><li><p>A layoff does not mean failure; it can be a pivot point that creates unexpected freedom.</p></li><li><p>Taking a breath and releasing dread allows you to ask a powerful question: âWhat do I have now that I didnât have before?â</p></li><li><p>Scarcity forces creativity and innovation by narrowing options and sharpening focus.</p></li><li><p>Dormant skills and passions often resurface during times of limitation.</p></li><li><p>Clarity comes when you stop trying to do everything and start choosing what truly aligns.</p></li><li><p>Your network is part of your resource pool and should be activated intentionally.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Notes app (voice notes and journaling for processing thoughts)</p></li><li><p>Resume refresh and skill re-labeling</p></li><li><p>YouTube University for practical skill-building</p></li><li><p>Examples of scarcity-proof skills discussed: electrician, plumber, contractor, carpentry, painting</p></li></ul><p>If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is navigating a layoff, furlough, or career pivot. Take a moment to reflect on one skill you already have that you can build on during this season.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect With Us:</strong><br>Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/notvanillaspot</p><p>Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/notvanillayoutube</p><p>Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/notvanillainstagram</p><p><br></p><p>#notvanillapodcast, #LayoffLemonade, #CareerPivot, #LayoffRecovery, #CareerResilience, #ScarcityMindset, #GrowthMindset, #JobSearchSupport, #WorkplaceWellness, #MentalHealthConversations</p>
12 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Not Vanilla Podcast
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Not Vanilla Podcast?
<p>At the Not Vanilla Podcast, hosted by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Roxana and Dominique, our mission is simple yet powerful: Cultivating meaningful connections and promoting wellness, both mental and emotional every episode.<br /><br />We're here to dive deep into the intricacies of relationships, exploring topics that resonate with both the wisdom of age and the freshness of youth. From navigating life's milestones to dissecting the latest trends, we cover it with humor, a touch of sass and lots of love .<br /><br />But we're not just about talk; we're about connection. Through our engaging discussions and diverse guest lineup, we will bridge generational divides and spark moments of shared understanding and healing.<br /><br />Together, let's make every conversation a little less vanilla and a whole lot more vibrant!<br /><br />Listen to the Not Vanilla Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts! đ§â¨</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.