Independent Woman with Wine

In this powerful and honest episode, I sit down with a very talented rapper who opens up about his life journey, his childhood, and the emotional layers that shaped who he is today.
Growing up after his parents' separation, he always felt that something wasn't quite right, a lot of things looking "good" on the outside, but deep confusion underneath it all. And then a big revelation that changed how he saw his life growing up.
We share some laughs reminiscing about the old-school days of downloading music on LimeWire (and accidentally crashing computers 😅), and how those early moments fueled his love for music. He talks about being a good kid at heart, feeling protective of the younger generation in his family, and wanting them to avoid the struggles he had to navigate on his own.
We dive into his music, including one of his songs, "Struggle," and how he realizes now that he was manifesting his future through his lyrics. 
This conversation also leads to a deeply emotional moment when I ask him a question that changes the direction of the conversation — one that brings reflection, vulnerability, and truth.
Beyond his story, he is an incredibly talented artist with amazing work to show, a busy schedule, and exciting projects lined up as he heads into 2026.
Grab your favorite drink and join us for a raw, inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, music, and the power of self-discovery.

This Christmas episode feels extra special. Over a year ago, Kasey was my very first guest when I started Independent Woman with Wine, and bringing her back for a holiday catch-up just felt right.
In this cozy, unfiltered conversation, we talk like two friends picking up right where we left off, no wine this time, just a simple chat about real life, the things she's most proud of (including finally having an office of her own), kids, Minecraft, Roblox, and how confusing TikTok Shop can be.
We also laugh about childhood memories, Christmas traditions, Brazilian holiday customs (like waiting until midnight to eat), and how our perspective on our parents changes as we get older.
To wrap it up, we each choose a word for 2025. It's warm, honest, funny, and exactly what a Christmas conversation between friends should be.

Marika was only 17 years old when she broke her silence and spoke out about the abuse she experienced within her own family. One of the most striking passages in her chapter describes the moment she realized the world was no longer protecting her  -- she was welcomed not with love, but with a six-pack of beer and a pack of cigarettes. That day, she understood she wasn't being given tools to grow but she was being handed tools to self-destruct.
From the loss of her twin brother before she took her first breath, to the day she finally spoke her truth, to the moment motherhood changed her forever — Marika carries a message for anyone who has ever felt unheard, caged, or invisible.
She reminds us that healing is messy, but absolutely possible — and that our stories, even a hundred years from now, may serve as survival guides for others. Today, Marika uses her voice, her writing, and her podcast to help others step into their worth, rise from trauma, and begin their own healing journey.

In this second part of my inspiring conversation with Life Coach Cristiane, we dive deep into the power of compassion, both for others and for ourselves. 
Cristiane opens up about how her own difficult experiences taught her to meet others with empathy and grace, and how she learned to speak kindly to herself in those everyday moments, like when you forget something or make a mistake. She reminds us that instead of being our harshest critic, we can choose to be our best friend, our inner cheerleader, and our biggest supporter.
We also explore what it really means to "walk the walk" as a coach, how she prioritizes her well-being through three key practices: getting good sleep, keeping a routine, and nurturing her plants and hobbies. 
Cristiane also shares her perspective on the cultural differences between Brazilians and Americans, what she does on a tough day, and the heartfelt message she would give her 20-year-old self if she could go back in time.
It's an honest, warm, and empowering conversation that reminds us all that compassion begins within.

In the first part of my conversation with Cristiane, a Life Coach, she opens up about her inspiring journey. Cristiane moved to the U.S. at just 16 years old, and her passion for understanding human behavior began early. After her parents' divorce when she was only three, she started therapy, a healing process that not only helped her overcome childhood trauma but also planted the seed for her career. Remarkably, the same therapist who guided her as a child still supports her today.
 
During college, a class on positive psychology confirmed her calling to help people, and inspiration from The Inner Game and her mentors taught her that to be a good Life Coach, you must "walk the talk." Cristiane also reflects on how perceptions of therapy have shifted, especially since COVID, when more people began to recognize the value of having someone truly listen. She explains the differences between therapy and life coaching, shares experiences with skeptical clients, and discusses how resistance often plays a role in personal growth.