Deafinitely Not The One Podcast

Deafinitely Not The One
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to DEAFinitely Not The One—the podcast where life, career, and boundaries get a masterclass in unfiltered, grown-up talk. We’re Tori and Taja, two millennial women navigating the world, sharing our journeys, and keeping it real. After a necessary hiatus, we’re back, rebranded, and bolder than ever. If you’re looking for authentic, witty, and insightful conversations from a perspective that’s as unique as it is relatable, you’ve found your new favorite space. Join us as we unpack the evolution of our lives and dive into the conversations that matter. Subscribe and join the evolution.

  1. 3d ago

    Escaping Real Life: Why BookTok & Romance Books Hit Different Right Now

    Are we reading romance novels for enjoyment, or are we using them to escape reality? In this episode of DEAFinitely Not The One, Ta'ja Nicole and Tori dive deep into the world of BookTok, dark romance, smut, self-help, and why reading has become our ultimate safe space. We’re unpacking what it really takes to find solace in books when real life gets overwhelming—and why diverse stories matter more than ever.Tori breaks down her favorite spicy romance authors (Kennedy Ryan), surviving severe "book hangovers," and why she binges romance when real-life dating falls short. Meanwhile, Ta'ja Nicole shares her struggle with ADHD reading slumps after college, using Starbucks body-doubling to lock in, and her favorite self-help and faith-based reads.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and tell us: 1. What is one book that completely saved you from a reading slump?2. What is one book or story that made you believe in love again?⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro, Catching Up & Weekly Pulse Check03:15 - Discovering Local "Spicy" Bookstores & BookTok Culture04:53 - Starbucks Body Doubling Hack for ADHD & Reading Workspaces06:32 - What is BookTok? Highs, Lows, & Emotional Reads08:47 - Reading as Escapism: Romance Books vs. Real Life Love11:31 - What is a "Book Hangover"? (Kennedy Ryan & Comfort Reads)17:21 - ADHD Reading Slumps, Taja’s Self-Help & Non-Fiction Book Recommendations18:05 - Self-Help, Faith & "Why Can't I Get It Together?"22:53 - Finding the Right Bible & Personal Faith Journeys24:53 - Our Weekly Homework Assignment For You💡 BOOKS & AUTHORS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:• Long Shot / Block Shot / Real by Kennedy Ryan• The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros• Finding the Soul by Tabitha Brown• Why Can't I Get It Together? by Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston• Women's Everyday Study Bible (NLT Version)--------------------------------------------------🎙️ ABOUT DEAFinitely NOT THE ONE:Hosted by Ta'ja Nicole and Tori Serrano, DEAFinitely Not The One is a bilingual (ASL & Spoken English / SimCom) podcast exploring the intersection of identity, culture, financial empowerment, personal growth, and modern life without the filter. 📲 CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne TikTok: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne Facebook: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne ⚖️ LEGAL & FINANCIAL DISCLAIMER:The content shared in this video and podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial, legal, or medical advice.#BookTok #RomanceBooks #BookRecommendations #ADHDReading #KennedyRyan #TabithaBrown #Podcast #DEAFinitelyNotTheOne #ReadingEscapism #SpicyRomance #DarkRomance #BookTokTroper #DiversityInPublishing #Podcast #RelationshipRedFlags #DeafCulture #BookTokRecs #DeafCreators #RepresentationMatters #Bookworm #Romantasy

  2. 3d ago

    Who Decided What's "Professional"? (Code-Switching, Grad School, & Corporate Bias)

    Are you tired of shrinking yourself to fit someone else’s definition of "professional"? In this episode of DEAFinitely Not The One, we break down what it really means to navigate graduate school and corporate environments as Black and Latina Deaf women. From absurd grading penalties over blue nail polish to the heavy toll of code-switching, we’re asking the hard question: WHO actually gets to define professionalism? 💬 DROP A COMMENT BELOW:1. Who defined "professionalism" in your industry, and is it time to change it?2. What is one habit or workplace rule you refuse to conform to anymore?--- 📌 CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Post-Check & Grad School Updates03:32 - The Difference Between a Bad Grad School & a Great One06:45 - Being the ONLY Deaf and Black Student in the Room12:00 - Do Professors Actually Care? Online vs. In-Person Learning18:35 - Code-Switching in Papers & Workplace Settings22:38 - How to Find Your Voice Without Losing Yourself24:00 - Hair Bias, Nails, & Unspoken Corporate Rules28:04 - "Points Deducted for Blue Nail Polish" (Real Story)30:38 - Redefining Professionalism: Our Homework Assignment For You--- 🔗 CONNECT WITH US:• Podcast Channel: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne• Follow us on Instagram: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne• TikTok: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne #CodeSwitching #BlackInAcademia #DeafCulture #CorporateCulture #Professionalism #DEAFinitelyNotTheOne #GradSchoolLife

  3. Sep 16

    Unlearning Eurocentric Beauty Standards: Relaxers, Silk Presses & Self-Love (Part 2)

    From burning scalps from childhood relaxers to the endless pressure of maintaining a "neat" silk press for corporate spaces, Part 2 of our Hair Journey series gets raw about unlearning eurocentric beauty standards. Tori and Ta'ja Nicole unpack the hidden trauma of heat damage, the financial and physical strain of wigs and weaves, and how we’re finally healing our relationship with our natural curls. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: Unpacking Part 2 of Our Hair Journey04:15 - Perms, Relaxers & Scalp Burns: Childhood Hair Trauma11:30 - The Silk Press Trap: Obsession with Straight Hair & Heat Damage18:45 - Wigs, Weaves & Protective Styles: Freedom vs. Hiding Curls25:10 - "Is My Hair Professional?" Navigating Workplace Hair Bias32:00 - Healing Our Relationship with Natural Hair & Self-Acceptance 💡 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:• The psychological impact of childhood chemical relaxers and texturism• Why straight hair was pushed as the default for "professionalism"• Balancing protective styling (wigs/braids) with loving your natural texture• Overcoming the fear of shrinkage, humidity, and societal judgment-------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ ABOUT DEAFinitely NOT THE ONE:Hosted by Ta'ja Nicole and Tori Serrano, DEAFinitely Not The One is a bilingual (ASL & Spoken English / SimCom) podcast exploring the intersection of identity, culture, financial empowerment, personal growth, and navigating modern life without the filter. 📲 CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne TikTok: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne Facebook: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne -------------------------------------------------- ⚖️ LEGAL & FINANCIAL DISCLAIMER:The content shared in this video and podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial, legal, or medical advice. #HairJourney #NaturalHairCare #UnlearningBeautyStandards #RelaxerTrauma #CorporateHairBias #DEAFinitelyNotTheOne #CurlyHair #Podcast

  4. Sep 9

    The Real Cost of Our Hair: Black & Latina Hair Journey (Part 1)

    Being a Black woman or Latina with textured hair means navigating a constant time tax, product inflation, and cultural expectations. In Part 1 of our Hair Journey series, we’re having an unfiltered conversation about wash-day fatigue, the pressure to hide our hair in a "slicked-back bun," and why natural hair care products feel like a second job. We also dive into how systemic pressure, economic realities in our 30s, and financial trauma impact how we show up for ourselves every day. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: The Unfiltered Reality of Our Hair06:37 - Black & Latina Hair Care: Wash Days, Slick Buns & The Time Tax08:25 - Product Price Gouging: The Growing Cost of Curly Hair Care15:40 - Cultural Expectations & Unlearning Beauty Standards22:48 - "Why Am I 35 & Exhausted?" (Societal Pressure & Life Milestones)25:10 - Financial Trauma: When Your Nervous System Reacts Before Logic31:01 - Sunday Reset: Building Micro-Habits for Peace of Mind 💡 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:• The emotional and financial load of maintaining Black and Latina hair• Wash day fatigue and balancing career, grad school, and self-care• How beauty standards and inflation create a "texture tax"• Breaking free from generational survival mindsets to step into soft wealth-------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ ABOUT DEAFinitely NOT THE ONE:Hosted by Jacqueline Recine and co-host, DEAFinitely Not The One is a bilingual (ASL & Spoken English / SimCom) podcast exploring the intersection of identity, culture, financial empowerment, personal growth, and navigating modern life without the filter. 📲 CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne TikTok: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne Facebook: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne-------------------------------------------------- ⚖️ LEGAL & FINANCIAL DISCLAIMER: The content shared in this video and podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial, legal, or medical advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or mental health professional regarding your specific situation.

  5. Sep 2

    Being Broke at 35 is Not a Personal Failure. (Financial Trauma & The 3X Rent Myth)

    Are you 30-something, working hard, and wondering why rent requires 3x your salary while gas and groceries take the rest? In this episode of DEAFinitely Not The One, we are unmasking the myth of "chasing the bag," unpacking financial trauma from childhood ("we got McDonald's at home"), and discussing what it actually means to build SOFT WEALTH without burning out at 35. If you’re feeling exhausted, debating freezing your eggs, or trying to fix your relationship with money—grab a drink and sit with us. You are not alone in this. ✨ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN EVERYWHERE: 🎙️ YouTube: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne 🍎 Apple Podcasts: DEAFinitelyNotTheOne 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @DEAFinitelyNotTheOne ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Life Check-In: ADHD, Overwhelm & Keeping the Christmas Tree Up 03:15 - "Read the Room, America": Cost of Living & The 3X Rent Scam 08:25 - The Low-Income Housing Reality & $3.79 Gas Prices 12:15 - Financial Trauma: "We Got McDonald's at Home" & Survival Mindset 16:00 - Money vs. Relationships: What Money Can't Buy You 20:50 - "Why Am I Exhausted at 35?" (Unlearning Work Equals Worth) 23:10 - Having Kids, Freezing Eggs & Financial Anxiety in Your 30s 27:40 - What is "Soft Wealth"? Getting Your Bank Account "Slim Thick" 30:00 - One Small Money Move You Can Make Today #MillennialMoney #CostOfLiving #FinancialTrauma #SoftWealth #PodcastForWomen #DEAFinitelyNotTheOne

  6. Aug 25

    The Power of Small Acts of Kindness | Healing, Self-Grace & 30s Real Talk

    In a world that often feels cold and heavy, how much power does a simple smile or compliment actually hold? On this episode of DEAFinitely Not The One, Tori (@bictoriaa) and Ta'ja Nicole (@beelovedcherie_) dive deep into acts of kindness, self-compassion, and growing through life’s hardest trials in your 30s.From learning to extend grace to your past self to a powerful, true story about how an everyday smile saved someone’s life, this conversation will change how you show up in your daily environment.📌 In this episode, we discuss:• Why complimenting strangers costs nothing but changes everything• Reframing 30s struggles: Diamond pressure and personal growth• Shifting perspectives: Stepping outside your own mental soundtrack• Inner kindness: Forgiving your younger self and stopping negative self-talk• Tori’s high school story on how a simple daily smile saved a teacher's life⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Rainy Days & Shifting Your Daily Mood3:20 - Compliments Are Free: Why Small Words Matter5:42 - Radiating Warmth When the World Feels Heavy8:45 - Practicing Gratitude & Growing Through 30s Struggles12:16 - Maturity & Stepping Outside Your Mental Soundtrack16:01 - Inner Grace: Stopping Negative Self-Talk & Forgiving Yourself20:43 - Healing Past Choices & Learning Better Conflict Resolution23:16 - Everyday Miracles: The Starbucks Story26:46 - The Life-Saving Smile: Tori’s High School Story31:11 - Check on Your Strong Friends & Weekly Audience Homework🔔 Subscribe to DEAFinitely Not The One for weekly real talk every Tuesday at 11 AM EST!📲 CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @DeafinitelyNotTheOneTiktok: @DeafinitelyNotTheOne💬 QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is one act of kindness someone did for you that you will never forget? Drop it in the comments below!

  7. Aug 18

    Why Being Alone in Your 30s Feels So Hard (And How to Fix It)

    Are you struggling with being single in your 30s or feeling awkward doing things alone? In this episode of Deafinitely Not The One, we dive deep into "Solo Dolo Season"—navigating solitude, unlearning codependency, and learning how to protect your peace. We discuss:• The awkwardness of public alone time (and why nobody is actually looking at you)• The societal pressure on single women in their 30s vs. 20s• Why adult friendships are so hard to maintain • Grieving unfulfilled relationship expectations & healing father wounds• How to grant "VIP Access" to your life and stop settling out of fearCHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:[00:00:00] Intro & The Cringe of Going Out Alone[00:03:04] Societal Pressures on Single Women in Their 30s[00:04:14] Female Friendships vs. Male Friendships[00:08:05] Embracing Solitude vs. Internalizing Shame[00:09:18] The "People-ing" Scale Check[00:10:57] Dating in Your 20s: Self-Exploration vs. Filling Voids[00:15:01] Post-Grad Isolation & Navigating Alone Time[00:16:29] Settling Out of Fear vs. Knowing Your Worth[00:19:54] Grieving the Future You Thought You’d Have[00:22:28] Protecting Your Peace: Giving "VIP Access" to Your Life[00:23:44] Solitude as a Spiritual Season: Hearing God's Voice[00:27:06] Unpacking Yourself: "Can You Stand on You?"[00:32:05] Healing Father Wounds & Unlearning Emotional Patterns[00:34:20] Homework Assignment & The Solo Date Challenge💬 WEEKLY HOMEWORK CHALLENGE:1. What is something you’ve done alone that you ended up loving?2. What is one thing you’re currently terrified to do by yourself?Drop your answers in the comments below!🔔 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW:Podcast Channel: @DeafinitelyNotTheOneInstagram: @DeafinitelyNotTheOneTikTok: @DeafinitelyNotTheOne#Solitude #SingleInYour30s #PersonalGrowth #DeafinitelyNotTheOne #SelfLove #HealingWounds #ProtectYourPeace

  8. Aug 12

    Breaking up is hard to do (therapy version)

    Are you staying with a therapist who no longer serves your growth just to avoid an awkward conversation? In this episode of Deafinitely Not The One, we are diving deep into the realities of mental health support, boundary setting, and why breaking up with your therapist might be the best decision you make for your personal development.We break down the rise of ghosting culture in millennials, the difference between passive "talk therapy" and actionable coaching, cultural alignment in mental health, and how Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is changing the game for anxiety and trauma recovery. Plus, we share our exact framework for ending provider relationships professionally—without over-apologizing. 💬 QUESTION OF THE DAY: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your relationship with your current therapist or coach? Let us know in the comments below!-------------------------------------------------- 📌 EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome Back & Episode Overview00:46 - Ghosting Culture & Why Communication Is Dying01:50 - Can Therapy Fix Boundary Setting & Hard Conversations?02:47 - The Therapy Audit: Rating Our Relationship with Therapy (1–10)05:35 - Sex Coaching vs. Traditional Therapy: Outgrowing Your Provider07:01 - Why Talk Therapy Fails Body Image & Self-Esteem Issues08:20 - The Importance of Culturally Aligned Therapists & Real Application10:35 - How to Break Up With a Therapist Without Ghosting12:44 - Clinical Detachment vs. Real Connection (ASL Access & Cultural Fit)14:36 - What is ART Therapy? (Accelerated Resolution Therapy Explained)16:31 - "It’s Not Me, It’s Her": You Are the Client, Not the Caretaker22:18 - Email vs. Face-to-Face: How to Communicate the Breakup24:19 - Stop Over-Apologizing for Taking Up Space26:26 - Weekly Reset Homework: The "No Sorry" Challenge27:58 - Share Your Worst Therapy Stories & Outro-------------------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT & LISTEN: 📸 Follow on Instagram: @deafinitelynottheone🎵 Follow on TikTok: @deafinitelynottheone🟦 Join the Facebook Community: @deafinitelynottheone-------------------------------------------------- 📝 THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:Go an entire day without saying "sorry." Stop softening your boundaries, stop apologizing for asking questions, and stop saying "sorry" when stating your availability. "No" and "I can't" are complete sentences. Try it this week and report back in the comments!-------------------------------------------------- ⚖️ DISCLAIMER:The content presented in this video and podcast represents personal experiences, opinions, and general educational dialogue. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, clinical, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare or mental health provider regarding any individual health concerns or conditions.

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About

Welcome to DEAFinitely Not The One—the podcast where life, career, and boundaries get a masterclass in unfiltered, grown-up talk. We’re Tori and Taja, two millennial women navigating the world, sharing our journeys, and keeping it real. After a necessary hiatus, we’re back, rebranded, and bolder than ever. If you’re looking for authentic, witty, and insightful conversations from a perspective that’s as unique as it is relatable, you’ve found your new favorite space. Join us as we unpack the evolution of our lives and dive into the conversations that matter. Subscribe and join the evolution.

Information

  • Creator
    Deafinitely Not The One
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Deafinitely Not The One
  • Show Website
    Deafinitely Not The One Podcast