the Art of Self

About the Art of Self

Isn't it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from? Join me as I "curated the chaos" & makes sure you don’t get lost in comparison. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. With lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. I am a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how I'm living life by design, not default. theartofself.substack.com (https://theartofself.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Donna Guerreros

Category

arts · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

1 Aug 2024

Latest episode

28 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Sept 2026

   do you act like you’re going to die?

   Hi!!! The Donas (that’s me) and my friends at Off-brand Goods (https://offbrandnyc.com/) are having a pizza pop-up this Tuesday in NYC from 6pm-10pm at Andrea’s Pizza in NYC. (https://andreaspizzanyc.com/) If you’re a paid sub of The Art of Self your first slice is free on me just come up to me at the event and intro yourself and I’ll walk you to the front of the line and get you your🍕 a blunt, funny, and deeply personal case for getting out of the “sad girls club” and back into life. This solo episode is about choosing participation over postponement, and using real-world experience, not endless planning, to find joy, momentum, and clarity. In September I sort of realized I was using my calendar & to-do list to avoid life. Planning is not the same as living. And while I was waiting, life kept moving. You don’t need to get everything in order first, because while you’re making lists, actual life is happening somewhere else. And for me this month I needed to start going out again, even when I felt out of place. Going outside did more for me than planning ever did. You gotta go outside to have fun. I don’t need to be ready, organized, thinner, more settled, or more certain before I could do the thing. And these are some really un-fun habits I made bible somehwhere along the way to avoid embarrassment and discomfort. . Time doesn’t pause because we’re busy. So why are we postponing our joy? The full convo is in this weeks voicenote and I hope we continue it in the comments Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. “Isn’t it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   6 Sept 2026

   The Donas Report : September 2026

   I used to think “the Donas” were different types of women with different personalities. They liked my posts, read my newsletter, showed up to my events…. I thought they were completely different kinds of women. And then…I realized they were all me. She wants people over for dinner, but she also wants everyone to go home so she can put on her PJs and go to bed She has it together, but also does not. Despite the internet's ongoing campaign to convince us we need to pick “a core” and stick with it. We contain multitudes. You can be whimsy on Tuesday, “girly” on Thursday, and want to toss your phone into the ocean by Friday. I’ve been it all - overly ambitious, burnt-out, the social one, the one who wants to disappear. A little chaotic, slightly rigid, the hostess, the homebody, the person who wants to fit in, and the one who could care less. I contain a lot of contradictions - sometimes the layers blend beautifully and others times; one version of me wins. “Donna” who made the reservation and “Donna” who wants to cancel are constantly negotiating. Depending on the the day, the weather, the situation, or where you are today in your life - one of them is the main character. There’s the “Overthinker”, “The Dreamer” who has found her new home in Portugal on Zillow - but has yet to renew her passport. She doesn’t even know where her birth certificate is…but she knows his birth chart like the back of her hand. My fav - “The Hustler” She works herself harder than a 10 person construction crew, “The Lover” can romanticize anything, including someone else's potential, The Rebel and the Curator, who needs to be reminded that collecting a life and living one are two very different things. They are all authentic and pretty great. Even if it can get a little off the rails if one of them is running the show for too long. And because different seasons bring out different versions of us, I want to start checking in with the Donas more often - what she's obsessed with, what she's avoiding, what might make her life more interesting, and occasionally what she needs someone to tell her before she does something…well dumb. The Donas aren’t archetypes you aspire to become. They’re personalities we already have to live with. They each have something fucking fantastic about them AND something that gets ridiculous when left unsupervised. And just like you, my “Overthinker” is currently arguing with my “Dreamer” while she’s looking at villas in Tuscany whispering, “Wouldn’t it be nice?” So let’s figure out who’s been running your life lately. Not so we can fix her by 5 PM. Just so maybe we can get her off the couch by 8. THE DONAS: SEPTEMBER 2026 September has the energy of realizing you’ve been gripping the steering wheel so tight that your hands hurt - meanwhile, you haven’t even started the car yet. August was a lot. September opens with the one to punch of wanting to get it together while somehow being annoyed with yourself that there is, once again, shit to get together. I love September - it’s my favorite month to snap back in - I think of it as more of a reset that the new year. You might want to try harder (helloooo Hustlers) or not know where to start (I’m talking to you Overthinkers) - don’t do either. September isn’t asking you to become a new person. It’s not asking you to get abs in 6 weeks ( though if you figure it out let me know). It’s asking you to stop making everything so fucking difficult. To stop making your life harder to make it easier. yeah say that out loud…again. stop making your life harder to make it easier So this month I’m less interested in what we need to “work on” and much more interested in one question: Which part of you has been running the show lately - and does she still get the keys for September? ☁️ THE DREAMER THE CHECK-IN: She’s planning her next life because she’s sort of over this one. The Dreamer has considered moving, changing careers, starting a completely unrelated business, writing a book, becoming fluent in Italian and living anywhere but here. She does not currently speak Italian. She doesn’t even have Duolingo downloaded September isn’t asking her to stop dreaming. It’s asking her to distinguish desire from escape. HER LINE: “Maybe I don’t need a different life. Maybe I need to participate more in this one.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: REINVENTION I’ve been thinking about how quickly we start treating a little discomfort as a reason to abandon our lives. Bad week at work? New career. Sometimes the fantasizing about another life is exciting because you’re barely participating in the one you already have. I know this, because I do it too. The Dreamer in me can daydream the evening hours away, instead of making myself dinner. But there’s a difference between a storyline that keeps coming to you because it’s yours VS an idea that appeared because Tuesday sucked. YOUR MOVE : Take one thing from your imaginary life and put it into your actual life. You want to live in Paris? Go learn French. Take yourself to the French movie. Have a croissant. Spend Saturday immersed in all things France. Give the fantasy some reality. FOR THE PLOT : Book one thing you’ve been saying you want to do “someday.” I’M PRESCRIBING : A field trip. Museum you’ve never visited. Neighborhood you’ve never wandered. Train somewhere you’ve never gotten off. ⚡ THE REBEL / DISRUPTOR THE CHECK-IN Someone told her what she should do and now, unfortunately, we’re going to have to spend three days talking her out of doing the exact opposite. You want movement. You crave freedom. You want something to fucking happen that you don’t have to take the lead on. But here’s the annoying question: Do you actually want change - or do you just hate feeling contained? They are Not the same thing. HER LINE: “I don’t have to destroy something to prove I’m free.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: WORK I’ve been stuck in this repetitive cycle of how kind of annoying it is when you’re good at something you don’t necessarily want to keep doing. There’s a particular kind of trap that comes from being capable. You’re reliable, responsible - you can handle anything. Dare I say resilient!! And suddenly the reward for being good at something, for handling the chaos and conflict with grace, is being expected to do it indefinitely. The Rebel wants to quit it all right now - I understand her. But freedom doesn’t always require a dramatic exit. Sometimes the rebellious thing is quietly building the next thing while the old thing continues paying your bills. YOUR MOVE : Identify one obligation you’ve been allowing to become your identity - when you don’t want it to be FOR THE PLOT: Say no once without providing the dissertation explaining why you’re allowed to say no. I’M PRESCRIBING: An afternoon where nobody can reach you. ♥️ THE LOVER THE CHECK-IN Venus moves into Scorpio this month and The Lover has apparently decided casual feelings are for cowards. The Lover wants it all. Intimacy, honesty, she wants to know what this IS 👀 September may reveal more in your relationships - romantic or friendships. Pay attention to where intimacy is a two way street and where you’ve been doing all the driving. HER LINE : “Access to me is not the same thing as intimacy with me.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: FRIENDSHIP I’ve been thinking about my friendship lately. Specifically how a lot of adult friendships are allowed to become wildly one-sided without anybody acknowledging it. If a dude only called when he needed something, was in the feels, forgot everything important happening in your life and expected you to continuously show up for him, your friends would have an intervention. When a friend does it? “She has a lot going on.” I mean… She probably does. We all do. But I think there’s a difference between loving someone through a difficult season and maintaining a relationship almost entirely through your own effort. The Lover doesn’t need to become colder. Her compassions and empathy is one of the best things about her. She just needs to notice who’s standing with her because they adore her and who’s there because they like who she’s standing next to or want to be in the rooms she’s gettting invited in to. YOUR MOVE: Don’t initiate, especially in that one relationship you always initiate. see what happens when you’re not maintaining the connection for both people. FOR THE PLOT: Invite the person you keep saying, “We should hang out!” to actually hang out. Get the plans out of the chat I’M PRESCRIBING: Dinner with the friend who makes you forget social media exists. 🍸 THE CURATOR THE CHECK-IN She’s currently convinced that the items in her cart with solve all her problems once she clicks “checkout”. Especially another notebook. But there’s a thin line between cultivating taste and endlessly shopping for the person you want to become. HER LINE : “I want a life with taste, not a life made of stuff.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: SPENDING How often are we trying to buy an identity? sometimes purchasing the costume gives us enough dopamine that we never actually become her. Taste isn’t the problem. I love beautiful stuff. Nothing gives me more confidence than a new fit. I just want to know whether I’m buying something because it makes my actual life better or because I’m trying on a new identity. YOUR MOVE : Before your next purchase ask: Do I want this - or do I want to be the woman I imagine owns this? FOR THE PLOT: Use the nice thing. Wear the dress. Light the candle. Eat dinner on the fancy plates. I’M PRESCRIBING: Your own house. Go shopping in it. Find three things you forgot you owned and put them back into circulation. 🌀 THE OVERTHINKER THE CHECK-IN Oh, she’s going to LOVE September. Systems? Analysis? Improvement? It’s like this woman was given a massive to-do list a diet coke, and accidentally some cocaine. She has identified seventeen areas of her life that could be functioning more efficiently before she got out of bed and is preparing to take them all on before noon. Here’s the problem: Not everything you’re noticing requires your intervention or attention right now! HER LINE : “I’ve gathered enough evidence.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: GETTING OLDER I’ve been thinking about how fucking weird it is to watch yourself get older in an era where nobody wants to and there’s ways to not age. You notice your face changing. Get some Botox or filler. Or a ponytail facelift. Your body changes. Protocols. Peptides. GLP-1. Energy changes. Get a Celsius or Matcha or Banana Latte. Just being in your body requires a subscription fee now. There’s always something to fix cause we are always being told something is wrong. There’s a difference in taking care of yourself and over surveillance-ing yourself. YOUR MOVE: Choose one thing about yourself you’ve been monitoring and stop checking it for seven days. DISCLAIMER: * unless it’s medically or mentally important to check* FOR THE PLOT: Take a selfie you like and don’t zoom in. I’M PRESCRIBING: An old photo album. Not to compare you then vs now. Look at what you were doing. Where you went. What made you laugh. What you liked 📊 THE HUSTLER THE CHECK-IN She has confused being needed with being important again. September opens with frustrating stop/start energy. And her solution to resistance is usually: more force. You don’t need to overhaul your productivity system. More effort is not what’s needed. Loosening your grip on the situation is needed more. HER LINE : “Not everything I’m capable of doing deserves to be done.” WHAT I’M NOTICING: AMBITION I don’t think enough people talk about what happens when you’re still a go getter, but are no longer impressed by the things you used to want. You still want a big life. You still want money. You need money. You still want to things. You still want to be great. You just don’t necessarily want the promotion, the bullshit, the title, office, or the old version of success you were sold. Because if you spent twenty years climbing a ladder and suddenly don’t care what’s at the top, the immediate reaction is: What the fuck is wrong with me? Absolutely..nothing. YOUR MOVE : Make two lists: Things I still want. Things I only want because I haven’t admitted I don’t want them anymore. FOR THE PLOT : Leave something at 80%. Send it. Wear it. Publish it. Submit it. I’M PRESCRIBING: A hobby with absolutely no business model. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   28 Aug 2026

   a case of “the blahs” & “So Whats?!?”

   I went to see the play Oh, Mary recently . There was a line in the play that described that “so-what” feeling so well. That “in between” feeling of sort of feeling flat, or not interested, or not knowing what you want to do next. The best way I can describe it you know you’re supposed to give a shit, but you kind of don’t…but want to - like being hungry, except I just don’t know what I want for dinner…but I know I want to eat. Four years I’ve been trying to name this feeling. A stranger on a stage did it in two words. Well….not a real stranger.. the internet’s bestie Meg Stalter (the play’s lead)…you know from Hack’s 👉 Video Podcast unlocked for paid subs for this episode I recorded a new voice note episode this week - about losing interest in the things you used to love - your wardrobe, your career, your dopamine sources, maybe even your man - and why that’s not a crisis. It’s information. It’s your body telling you the story is over on this level and it’s time to move. We talk about ultra processed food like it’s the enemy but nobody’s talking about what we’ve done to our dopamine consumption and what it’s doing to us long-term. The over shopping. The constant scrolling. The instant replacement of one thing with another thing before we’ve even figured out what we actually wanted in the first place. Anyway, Just me yippin’ out loud so it’s not just living in my head anymore & hoping you can relate. or maybe better, offer some advice. For episode highlights and further reading, check out this episode’s letter and if you’re short on time the Quick Cut Edit can be found on Youtube (https://youtu.be/8P1lOZHqXPw?si=9OBpZ_jvTGDmGjU5) Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. “Isn’t it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

4. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Kinda chic to be 45 and still figuring it out

   I miss us. Just you and me and whatever is currently on my mind that cannot stop running it’s own little race in my brain. Then you in the comments so I recorded this on a a whim, right before I almost talked myself out of it again. Does this mean the podcast is back? Let’s try it for a month and see what happen. What do you think? “Do It Right” mode seems to be the millenial curse - we were held to very high expectations and place a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Ask us to research something and we get so “in the zone” we accidentally get carpel tunnel from googling, I don’t even want to know what it’s doing to our brain cells. so instead of overthinking - I plugged in my bedazzled headphones (courtesy of my 13-year-old niece) - If you’re good at being everyone’s something except your own, you’ll hear yourself in this. It goes deeper on my last note - the one about the 5 year old on the M15 who interrogated a grown man into an existential crisis. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. “Isn’t it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. More soon. Buckle up. Or go grab a snack and lay on the floor. Whatever works --- P.S. Spill: Did you stop doing something you loved without noticing? Do you know the feeling im describing? Have you ever had a five-year-old see straight through all your grown-up nonsense? Well then hit reply This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

5. 

   30 Jul 2026

   The bus, the kid, and the question I couldn't answer

   Show Notes: The bus, the kid, and the question I couldn't answer The Confession I spent years being amazing at showing up for everyone else's growth, while using "self-work" as a polite excuse to stop actually living. That is, until a kindergartner on a city bus called me out. What we’re sitting with today: Why we lose touch with our own "favorite shows" (and our own hungers). The dangerous confusion between evolution and repair. Why growth is something you do while you live, not a thing you finish before you start. Let's be real, babe. If you’ve been feeling like a project that constantly needs fixing instead of a person who deserves to experience life, this one is for you. No shade to anybody, but I’m tired of waiting for the "fixed" version of myself to finally arrive. Join the conversation on theartofself.substack.com (http://theartofself.substack.com) : I still don't know my favorite show. If you've figured yours out, tell me in the comments below. ✌️ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

6. 

   30 Jun 2026

   you are not a project...

   Show notes — "you are not a project" You are not a renovation. You are not a before-and-after. You are not something to be optimized into a better version by next quarter. This week on The Art of Self, I'm talking about the quiet lie hiding inside most self-help - the idea that you have to finish healing before you're allowed to actually live. I get into why waiting to be "done" is its own trap, what it's cost me personally, and what I'm choosing instead. This one's a little raw. Listen if you've ever felt like you're behind on yourself. Full essay and more at theartofself.substack.com (http://theartofself.substack.com) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

7. 

   21 Nov 2025

   When You Realize UR the Problem

   Admitting we might be the architects of our own bullshit is not the easiest realization. There is a bit of resilience I don’t think people talk enough about that is required to pivot, when the old ways simply don’t fit anymore. When you have to get out of your comfort zone of complaints (and out of your own way) I realized recently that I’ve been in an echo chamber of my own complaints and it’s quickly becoming my comfort zone. my safe space. Stuck in patterns, I thought I’d outgrown. how am I still complaining about the same thing for months? It’s starting to feel insanely suffocating. Then there’s the realization that you would in fact roll your own eyes at yourself if you were listening to you…is awkward and yes a bit embarrassing. But coming to grips with your “comfort zone” being a golden cage… is also very freeing The Art of Self is not trying to influence you. The Donas Project has always run on my curiosity & need to share, not bored algorithms - with your help that can continue.. How are you maintaining your wounds out of habit? Are you constantly venting or changing? Processing or procrastinating? Or just continuing to rehearse the same old monologue. we’re all in this together, so if you’re stuck, or if you caught yourself delivering the same “greatest hits” of complaints - know that you’re not alone. Yes we might have put ourselves in a Golden Cage of complaints…but the door is open. I hope you enjoy this episode 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Or right here (it’s why you subscribe after all) Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! * Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) * The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn’t it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. the Art of Self is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

8. 

   6 Nov 2025

   A Psychic Told Me To Start This Podcast

   It turns out all it took was a psychic, a shaman, and my husband’s dead grandfather to convince me to pick up the mic again. In this episode of The Art of Self, I talk about ADHD at 44, anxiety, and how I’ve been rewarded my whole life for the same patterns that are now burning me out. I also share what psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson told me that finally made the math math - and why learning to trust myself has been harder than any spiritual retreat. There’s also a recap of what I asked ChatGPT this week, the science on why I need to take so many photos to remember things, and the eye cream that actually works. It’s chaotic, personal, and exactly how I wanted to start this new chapter. “Maybe this time I’ll finally get out of my own way.” Want to join me? My fav Things Links from this episode: * Gold Bond Age Renew Neck and Chest Cream - here (https://amzn.to/47Z87Gi) * SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Cream- here (https://amzn.to/47Z87Gi) * Dr Perricone Neck and Chest - here (https://amzn.to/4i50p0Z) * Frownies Facial Patches - here (https://amzn.to/3XgxAEU) * Cos RX Snail Mucin Repair - here (https://amzn.to/3XbuLFc) * Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless - here (https://amzn.to/491wQuF) ++ A GIVEAWAY FOR PAID SUBS!! The Art of Self is not trying to influence you. The Donas Project has always run on my curiosity & need to share, not bored algorithms - with your help that can continue. 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Or right here (it’s why you subscribe after all) Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! * Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) * The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn’t it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. the Art of Self is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

9. 

   12 Jul 2025

   Raised on Hustle, Learning To Rest

   This letter is for the tough ones. The ones who were told they “should be a lawyer when they grow up” or they “have a chip on their shoulder.” The ones who’ve been called intimidating, or intense. Or know survival mode better than rest. Cause when you’ve lived like this, choosing softness is not easy. It’s radical. It’s uncomfortable. For them and for you. Sometimes it feels like a language you forgot how to speak. Or didn’t even learn to begin with. The trends will tell you to make it your whole identity - but what if you just let it be your peace? You’re allowed to savor the small things and still want the big ones. You can still keep your edge. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

10. 

    27 Jun 2025

    Hot, Hobby __ Summer

    Donna shares her personal intervention to combat overstimulation and boredom by revisiting old hobbies and exploring new ones this summer to rediscover herself.

11. 

    26 Apr 2025

    Do You Show Up for Everyone but YOU?

    Listen or watch the latest episode to break free from the bull shit you have been serving yourself. In this episode, we dive into the hard truth: why you’re showing up for everyone else except yourself . If you are the one everyone calls, the one who plans, the strong one in the family or the chat, the emergency contact - then this session is for you. * Why waiting for a “perfect” moment is just a form of self-sabotage * How to stop hiding behind responsibility and start showing up for yourself * Why you’re the only one who can give you permission to go after what you really want * The importance of setting boundaries and protecting your energy * How to start taking small actions that lead to big changes * Shifting your mindset and stopping the shame of actually rooting for yourself the Art of Self is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) * The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn't it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. the Art of Self is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

12. 

    18 Jan 2025

    Stop Listening To People That Ain't Sh*t

    Why are you letting the benchwarmers tell you how to play the game? It’s always the case, people who have never done much of anything always have opinions. And worse—questions. Opinions I can manage, but it’s the questions that usher in the doubt for me. It’s where I start overthinking and then… I get stuck. PS: I’m hosting a hangout & mini online retreat for my subs - deets at the end Have you ever noticed that the moment you start doing something bold or different, the couch critics show up? 🎙️ Let’s be real: overthinking is not a flex—it’s a trap. In this episode, I’m unpacking how listening to other people’s opinions (and their endless questions) has sidetracked me, sabotaged me, and even stopped me dead in my tracks. If you’re tired of being your own worst block, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: you can’t run your life if you’re letting spectators from the sidelines call the plays. My share: I’ve had to learn how to trust myself more, tune people out, and sometimes just not answer at all (this one’s a work in progress and the hardest). I’ve also had to stop paying attention to the sideline squad and start turning up the “Doers”. Because while I might not want to swap life with the “Doers” at least they are actually fucking doing something. Their questions I will allow to take up some real estate in my head. If a “Doer” gives you 5 minutes of their time take it. If they offer advice - even better - TAKE THAT TOO. Cause maybe they dont have it all figured out - but they are at least trying. They can come back and tell you - “This didnt work for me” or “You can save alot of time by doing xyz” - I made this episode because I wanted to give some more context and to go deeper on what I wrote in this article (https://theartofself.substack.com/p/marthas-trending-at-83-while-youre?r=1rajck). You don’t need to have all the answers right now to trust yourself—you just need to believe in yourself and stop surrounding yourself with people who have no intention on even moving, telling you how to run a race. So, if this sounds familiar, and you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to figure out if you’re doing it “right,” maybe it’s time to stop listening to everyone else (at least those not doing shit) and start tuning in to the one voice that matters most: yours. Oh and as promised - Book Recc’s, Invite to the Subs party & Journal prompts - head over to http://theartofself.substack.com for the list all linked in this article. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

13. 

    5 Dec 2024

    004 trust yourself not trends -

    Donna Guerreros explores why people seek external validation and how self-trust can be the key to navigating life's challenges with authenticity and resilience.

14. 

    5 Sept 2024

    You're Back In Session This Semester

    This episode is main character energy meets adulting, hobbies, #goals, and setting yourself up for success. Plus I got a giveaway of goodies for my paid subs!! Upgrade to Paid Subscribers automatically entered in this month’s product giveaway Mentions & Reccs from this episode : INN Beauty Project Extreme Cream (https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=1018368534&pid=uid8001-25982249-73)- been testing this out for a month and it’s a win Isle of Paradise Drops (https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=723056107&pid=uid8001-25982249-73)are how I faked a tan all summer - mix them in with your fav lotion or moisturizer. My favorite neck & chest cream (https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=898358338&pid=uid8001-25982249-73) still beats out those $200 ones. Caudalie Beauty Elixir (https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=755423859&pid=uid8001-25982249-73) - if you’re gonna face mist this is the holy grail. My Current workout routine: (https://digital.joinform.co/) FORM by Sami Clarke - get a year subscription for $92 with code DONNA Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn't it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. Subscribe to the Art of Self for $8 a month for bonuses, invites & appreciation Giveaways! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

15. 

    23 Aug 2024

    The Season of High Expectations

    Paid subscribers I will be hosting a few giveaways over the next few weeks including self care & skincare items I have collected for you on my summer travels. If you're a paid subscriber you will be automatically entered!! As the summer months come to an end, the season often brings with it a wave of un-met expectations or insane highs. Sometimes the summer reality seldom lives up to the hype and other years [if we are lucky] it brings a season of emotion that we might try chasing for years to come. {I am very guilty of this.} In this episode, we'll dive deep into summer regret and how you can pull a Hail Mary and turn it around in the final quarter. Once again we need to ask ourselves who the pressure to have the “greatest summer ever” is coming from…and why? This episode is for you if… * You have regrets about this summer… Did it go too fast? * Did you spend all summer waiting for an old version of yourself to return? * Are you trying to re-live that “One Summer” ?? * Was this the summer you realized it's time to have a funeral in your head for your old self and start the next chapter of your life? * Was this the Greatest Summer Ever? Why? Sound off in the comments Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn't it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. Subscribe to the Art of Self for $8 a month for bonuses, invites & appreciation Giveaways! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

16. 

    1 Aug 2024

    The Art of Self: for the Layered, Complex & Opposite of Basic

    A little intro podcast episode so I can remember how to do this again. This episode might be for you if you agree with ANY of the following statements: * I know I’m way more amazing than I give myself credit for * I don’t want to have to describe myself in two sentences * Getting “good fries” with my order can make or break my day…you also know what good fries means * I’m Layered * I’m not trying to escape my life…in fact, how do I get some more time? * I’m not looking for dopamine hits from anything else but myself * Before I try to even attempt to fit in anymore. I gotta ask myself “is this even the room I want to be in?? The Video I’m Referencing in this episode : My 2024 Video Vision Board (https://youtu.be/Dj85o1KQ4iI?feature=shared) Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahead-of-the-curve-with-coco-mocoe/id1603953369) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3WMVk1vVWPwjTDuvCR45KJ?si=ab8443dc6e554497)! Email: hello@thedonasproject.com Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube!! * IG: My personal account (https://www.instagram.com/deeshootsit/) * IG: The Donas account (https://www.instagram.com/the.donas) * YT: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MC6lTh3ui3_id2n-vnlPQ)Donna Guerreros (https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaGuerreros) * Shop: The Donas Shop (https://thedonas.shop/) * My website: more stuff & my catalogue of work (https://www.donnaguerreros.com/) The Art of Self with Donna Guerreros is a multi-dimensional wellness podcast covering lifestyle tips, insightful interviews, deep dives, and thought-provoking reflections. Donna is a Nurse, an Artist, & Perpetual Student on a mission to share how she is living life by design, not default. And she’s asking you “Isn't it time you created a life you didn’t want to escape from?” It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s just what you need right now. Subscribe to the Art of Self for $8 a month for bonuses, invites & appreciation Giveaways! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theartofself.substack.com/subscribe (https://theartofself.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

11,530,726

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

30

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

32

Contact the Art of Self

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.