Patio Talks

Patio Talks

Welcome to Patio Talks. A space where you can pull up a chair, sit back, and enjoy honest conversations, real stories, laughter, and healing. This is your mic, your moment, your patio.

  1. 4d ago

    Why can it be so difficult to let someone go—even when you know the relationship no longer belongs in your life?

    Sometimes an ending is easy to explain. Someone betrayed you. Someone hurt you. Someone crossed a line, and you can point directly to what happened and say, “That’s why I left.” But other endings are more complicated. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston have a raw conversation about letting people go, the weight of shared history, one-sided relationships, respect, and why a painful ending isn’t necessarily a wrong decision. The conversation begins with a simple question: Why is it easier to leave when someone hurts us than when we’re simply no longer right for each other’s lives? Charleston talks about needing to understand whether a decision to walk away feels justified, not necessarily because someone needs to be blamed, but because he has to consider what the relationship has required of him, what it has given back, and what continuing it would cost. Gissell shares a different perspective, reflecting on how conflict can build slowly when communication is missing, boundaries aren’t respected, and problems are allowed to grow until what began as something small becomes an avalanche. Then they confront one of the biggest questions of the episode: Does history earn someone a permanent place in your life? For both of them, the answer is no. Knowing someone for years, or even for most of your life, doesn’t automatically mean the relationship still deserves the same access to you today. History can explain why someone mattered. It doesn’t necessarily determine the role they should continue to have in your life. Gissell and Charleston also discuss whether we have a responsibility to reconnect, how much effort both people should be willing to make, and what happens when only one person has been doing the giving. And perhaps most importantly, they talk about something we don’t always give ourselves permission to admit: An ending can break your heart and still not be a mistake. You can cry over someone. You can miss the memories. You can appreciate what the relationship once was. And you can still decide that peace, respect, and the life you’re building require you to let it go. In This Episode Why hurt can make leaving feel easier to justifyMaking emotional decisions vs. clear-headed decisionsWhether every ending needs someone to blameHow small unresolved problems can become much bigger onesThe importance of communication and mediationWhether shared history earns someone permanent access to your lifeOne-sided relationships and constantly being the giverThe difference between helping someone and being taken fromWhether you have a responsibility to reconnectWhy reconciliation requires effort from both peopleRespecting other people’s timeRecognizing when your boundaries have been crossedWhy a painful ending can still be the right decisionChoosing peace without pretending the loss doesn’t hurtToday’s Patio Question Do you need a good enough reason to let someone go? And underneath that question is another: Does your history with someone mean they deserve a permanent place in your life? About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs, where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore real-life experiences, relationships, family, identity, boundaries, leadership, purpose, and personal growth through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. No pretending to have all the answers—just two perspectives, lived experiences, and conversations that often lead somewhere neither of them expected. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has made you think, reflect, laugh, or see something in your own life differently, you can support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Support Patio Talks on Buy Me a Coffee⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that invite reflection. Keywords letting someone go, why is it hard to let go, ending relationships, outgrowing relationships, toxic relationships, family relationships, friendship breakup, one-sided relationships, setting boundaries, relationship boundaries, letting go of family, growing apart, respect in relationships, reconciliation, emotional healing, moving on, self-respect, choosing peace, personal growth, Patio Talks

  2. Sep 30

    Can You Outgrow Someone Who Did Nothing Wrong? | When Relationships No Longer Fit

    Can you outgrow someone who never actually did anything wrong? We usually understand why relationships end when there’s betrayal, dishonesty, disrespect, or some obvious breaking point. There’s a reason. Sometimes there’s even a villain. But what happens when the person is still a good person and the relationship simply doesn’t fit anymore? In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston have an honest conversation about outgrowing friendships, family relationships, and people who once played major roles in our lives. Charleston reflects on a childhood friendship with someone he still cares about but no longer connects with. Their lives went in different directions, and maintaining the friendship would mean returning to environments and behaviors that no longer represent the man he is today. Gissell explores another side of outgrowing relationships: what happens when your values, boundaries, and expectations change. Sometimes creating distance isn’t about believing you’re better than someone else. It’s recognizing that what you once accepted no longer belongs in the life you’re building. The conversation becomes more personal as both Gissell and Charleston discuss difficult decisions they’ve made involving family. Charleston opens up about stepping away from a relationship after years of feeling that the connection had become one-sided—and why making that decision hurt even though he believed it was necessary. They also challenge their own premise: Does saying you’ve “outgrown” someone accidentally suggest that you’re ahead of them? Maybe someone choosing a different life doesn’t mean they’re behind you. Maybe they’re simply walking a different path. In This Episode Can you outgrow someone who is still a good person?What “outgrowing” a relationship actually meansWhen old friendships no longer fit your current lifeValues, lifestyle changes, and boundariesWhy history doesn’t always equal compatibilityOutgrowing family relationshipsOne-sided relationships and constantly being the giverKnowing when helping someone begins hurting youWhy ending a relationship can hurt even when you know it’s necessaryThe difference between outgrowing someone and believing you’re better than themLetting go without turning someone into the villainToday’s Patio Question Can you outgrow someone who never did anything wrong? And before you go: Who are you holding onto because of who they used to be in your life not because of who you are to each other today? About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell Colón and Charleston Tubbs, where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore relationships, identity, family, boundaries, purpose, personal growth, and the complicated parts of everyday life through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has made you think, reflect, laugh, or see something in your own life differently, you can support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Support Patio Talks on Buy Me a Coffee⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that invite reflection. Keywords outgrowing people, outgrowing friendships, outgrowing relationships, friendship breakup, ending friendships, family boundaries, letting go of relationships, growing apart, one-sided relationships, changing friendships, relationship boundaries, personal growth, moving on from people, friendship changes, family relationships, self-respect, setting boundaries, Patio Talks

  3. Sep 9

    Why Do I Feel Like I Have to Explain Myself? | When Did Explaining Become Asking for Permission?

    When does explaining yourself stop being communication—and start becoming a request for permission? In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston explore the difference between keeping people informed, seeking approval, and feeling like every decision you make needs a defense. Charleston reflects on how, growing up, he often explained his choices to his mother and grandfather because their approval mattered to him. From joining chess and sports to choosing friendships, he realized that many of those conversations weren’t just about communication—they were about whether the people he respected believed he was making the right choice. As an adult, that changed. The conversation turns toward relationships, where Gissell and Charleston discuss whether partners owe each other explanations for major decisions, and why communication matters when a choice affects the life two people are building together. They also challenge the idea that “I don’t owe anybody an explanation” is always healthy. Sometimes an explanation is not about permission at all. Sometimes it is about accountability, respect, trust, and alignment. Charleston brings his leadership experience into the conversation, explaining why certain workplace decisions require approval and accountability, while Gissell reconsiders her own answer when they talk about decisions that affect children, finances, and the household. The episode gets more personal as both reflect on the people whose approval shaped them growing up, the decisions they no longer feel responsible for defending, and what it means to finally make choices based on who they are today rather than who someone else expected them to become. Because everybody does not have to understand your decision for it to be the right decision for you. But growing into your own life also means learning the difference between: “I want you to understand me.” and “I need you to approve of me.” In This Episode Why we feel the need to explain our decisionsThe difference between communication and seeking approvalHow childhood shapes whose opinion matters to usWhether partners owe each other explanationsDating casually vs. building a life with someoneWhy accountability is different from asking permissionWhen “I don’t owe anybody an explanation” goes too farMaking decisions that affect children, finances, and relationshipsCharleston’s experience carrying his grandfather’s guidance into adulthoodLearning to make decisions for yourselfWhat Gissell and Charleston have stopped explainingWhy personal growth does not require everyone else’s understanding Today’s Patio Question When did explaining yourself become asking for permission? And before you go: What decision would you stop defending if you finally accepted that everybody doesn’t have to understand it? About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell and Charleston , where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore real-life experiences, relationships, leadership, identity, healing, purpose, and personal growth through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has made you think, reflect, laugh, or see something in your own life differently, you can support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that invite reflection. Keywords explaining yourself, seeking approval, people pleasing, asking permission, communication in relationships, relationship communication, accountability, trust, family expectations, parental approval, self-confidence, personal growth, decision making, boundaries, self-worth, adulthood, relationships, leadership, living authentically, Patio Talks

  4. Sep 2

    Why Do I Feel Stuck in Life? | When Does Comfort Become a Cage?

    What if the thing making you feel safe is also the thing keeping you stuck? We spend so much of our lives trying to become comfortable. We want financial security, stability, peace, familiar relationships, steady careers, and some idea of what tomorrow will look like. But comfort isn’t always the same thing as contentment. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston ask a harder question: How do you know when comfort has become a cage? Together, they explore their very different relationships with comfort. Gissell sees stability and financial security as things worth building, while Charleston enjoys peace but admits that too much routine can leave him craving change, variety, and something new. The conversation moves into the difference between being content and being afraid to leave, and whether we’re truly “stuck” in our circumstances or sometimes choosing to remain because changing them would require us to become uncomfortable again. Charleston reflects on his career in retail and why responsibility has continually pushed him toward the next level. He shares how he recognizes when a position has stopped giving him room to grow and why, when he’s done everything within his control and sees no path forward, he’s willing to walk away rather than remain comfortable. Gissell challenges the idea of being stuck altogether: if we’re the writers of our own stories, at what point do we have to acknowledge the role we’re playing in staying somewhere we’ve already outgrown? Because comfort isn’t necessarily the enemy. The question is whether your comfort is giving you peace—or giving you a reason not to move. In This Episode What “being comfortable” actually means to Gissell and CharlestonWhy comfort isn’t automatically a bad thingThe difference between peace, stability, and stagnationHow routine affects people differentlyBeing content vs. being afraid to leaveWhy familiar situations can become difficult to walk away fromFeeling stuck in relationships and careersCharleston’s approach to career growth and responsibilityKnowing when you’ve done everything you can in your current environmentWhy changing your life usually requires becoming uncomfortable firstTaking responsibility for the situations we have the power to change Today’s Patio Question How do you know when comfort has become a cage? About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a conversational podcast hosted by Gissell and Charleston, built around the questions that make us think differently about our own lives. From relationships and identity to leadership, purpose, growth, communication, and the things people don’t always say out loud, we pull up a chair and explore life from two different perspectives. No pretending to have all the answers. Just honest conversations, lived experiences, different viewpoints, and room to think. Pull up a chair. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or simply made you think about your own life a little differently, you can support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Support Patio Talks on Buy Me a Coffee⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Every contribution helps us continue creating meaningful conversations and growing the Patio Talks community. Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that invite reflection. Keywords feeling stuck in life, comfort zone, afraid of change, personal growth, feeling stagnant, career growth, comfortable but unhappy, fear of change, starting over, stability, financial security, relationships, career change, self-growth, getting unstuck, life changes, comfort vs growth, purpose, Patio Talks

  5. Aug 26

    Would You Still Choose Your Life If Nobody Could See It?

    Would you still choose your life if nobody could see it? No likes. No comments. No family watching. No friends to impress. Nobody to prove wrong. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston ask what happens when you remove the audience from your life and whether the things you’re building are actually things you want, or things you’ve learned to associate with success, approval, and being seen. Charleston reflects on making music even when there isn’t a large audience listening, why creating still matters to him without applause, and how something as simple as finally being able to buy the shoes he once couldn’t afford became a personal symbol of accomplishment. Gissell shares why growing her own food means more to her than outside recognition, and the conversation takes a deeper turn as they both talk about the people whose approval mattered most growing up: Charleston’s grandfather and Gissell’s father. But what happens when the person whose approval you’re still seeking isn’t even in the room anymore? Sometimes the audience we’re performing for isn’t on social media. Sometimes the audience is in our head. This conversation explores the difference between building a life you genuinely love and building one that simply looks successful from the outside. Today’s Patio Question: Would you still choose your life if nobody could see it? And before you go, one more question: If nobody could judge your next decision—not your family, your friends, strangers, or the internet—what would you choose differently? In this episode: • Why we seek approval and validation • Building a life for yourself instead of an audience • Whether success still matters without recognition • Family expectations and the people we want to make proud • The difference between internal pride and outside applause • How childhood influences our definition of success • Doing something because you love it—even before anyone notices • Recognizing the invisible audience we may still carry with us Keywords self-worth, validation, approval, people pleasing, fear of judgment, family expectations, success, personal growth, self-confidence, living authentically, finding yourself, comparison, social media validation, life purpose, personal development About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a conversational podcast hosted by Gissell and Charleston, built around the questions that make us think differently about our own lives. From relationships and identity to growth, healing, communication, purpose, and the things people don’t always say out loud, we pull up a chair and talk through life from two different perspectives. No pretending to have all the answers. Just honest conversations, lived experiences, different viewpoints, and room to think. Pull up a chair. Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that have helped us along our own journey. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has ever made you feel seen, encouraged, or a little less alone, you can support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution helps us continue creating these conversations and building this community together. Support Patio Talks on Buy Me a Coffee⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks

  6. Aug 19

    Why Do I Feel Lonely in My Relationship? | Can Someone Love You and Still Fail to See You?

    Can someone genuinely love you and still leave you feeling emotionally alone? Sometimes loneliness in a relationship doesn’t mean the love is gone. Two people can share a home, responsibilities, routines, children, goals, and an entire life together and somewhere along the way, stop truly seeing each other. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston explore the difference between being loved and feeling seen in a relationship. They talk about how work, children, responsibilities, and everyday routines can slowly create emotional distance even when two people still love each other. Charleston shares why he believes couples have to intentionally make time to notice each other, especially as life becomes busier. Gissell opens up about what happens for her when she feels the emotional connection disappearing and why she believes speaking up about loneliness is necessary before resentment or disconnection takes its place. They also get honest about their own relationship: their very different ways of giving and receiving affection, making time for date nights, winding down together after long days, using their weekly couples journal to communicate, and finding small ways to reconnect when life doesn’t leave room for anything elaborate. Because loving someone and staying connected to them aren’t necessarily the same thing. Sometimes the love is still there. The connection just needs attention. In This Episode Why you can feel lonely even when you’re in a relationshipThe difference between being loved and feeling emotionally seenHow routines can quietly create distance between couplesWhy work, children, and responsibilities can affect emotional connectionDifferent ways partners give and receive loveHow to tell your partner you feel alone without turning it into blameWhy communication matters before loneliness becomes resentmentSmall habits that can help couples reconnectDate nights, quality time, and finding connection at homeWhat Gissell and Charleston have learned from their weekly couples journalWhy healthy relationships still require intentional effortRemembering the person underneath all the responsibilitiesPatio Question Can someone love you and still fail to truly see you? And before you go, one more question: What part of yourself have you stopped sharing with the person you love? About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs, where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore real-life experiences, relationships, leadership, identity, healing, and personal growth through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has ever encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or simply made you feel a little less alone, you can support the show through our Buy Me a Coffee page. Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Every contribution helps us continue creating meaningful conversations and growing the Patio Talks community. Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that have helped us along our own journey. Keywords feeling lonely in a relationship, lonely in a relationship, emotional disconnection, feeling unseen in a relationship, relationship communication, emotional intimacy, relationship loneliness, reconnecting with your partner, couples communication, feeling unloved, relationship problems, emotional connection, healthy relationships, quality time, relationship routines, personal growth, Patio Talks

  7. Aug 12

    Why Can’t I Relax When Life Is Going Well? | Do You Know How to Live in Peace?

    Have you ever finally gotten the peace you wanted… only to wonder when something was going to go wrong? After spending enough time dealing with stress, uncertainty, or survival mode, calm can feel surprisingly unfamiliar. You can work toward a peaceful life for years and still have to learn how to actually live inside it once it arrives. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston explore what happens when life gets quiet. Gissell shares how peace initially made her suspicious, almost as if the absence of chaos meant something bad must be around the corner, while Charleston explains why he tends to stay present, enjoy the calm, and respond to problems only when they actually happen. Together, they unpack the difference between being prepared and living in fear, how childhood and environment can teach us to stay alert, and the ways we sometimes create additional stress during seasons that could have been peaceful. They also reflect on survival mode, self-sabotage, preparedness, and the process of learning that peace doesn’t have to be temporary. Because sometimes getting through the storm is only the first step. The next one is learning how to stop looking for clouds when the sky is finally clear. In This Episode Why peace can feel uncomfortable after long periods of stressWhat happens when your mind keeps waiting for the next problemGissell and Charleston’s different reactions to calmBeing proactive vs. constantly being on alertThe difference between preparation and fearHow we can unknowingly create stress during peaceful seasonsCharleston’s experience with self-sabotage during a difficult periodLearning to enjoy the present instead of anticipating what could go wrongWhy surviving and actually feeling safe are two different experiences About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs, where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore real-life experiences, relationships, leadership, identity, healing, and personal growth through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks ☕ If Patio Talks has ever encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or simply made you feel a little less alone, you can support the show through our Buy Me a Coffee page. https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Every contribution helps us continue creating meaningful conversations and growing the Patio Talks community. Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that have helped us along our own journey. Keywords peace, why can’t I relax, life going well, survival mode, fear of something going wrong, self-sabotage, overthinking, stress, emotional growth, personal growth, learning to relax, living in the present, preparing for problems, mindset, healing, happiness, inner peace, self-awareness, Patio Talks

  8. Aug 5

    Why Do I Keep Replaying Conversations in My Head? | What Are You Still Trying to Fix?

    Have you ever walked away from a conversation… only to keep having it in your head? You replay what they said. What you said. What you should have said differently. Sometimes it’s reflection. Sometimes it’s regret. And sometimes we’re trying to rewrite a moment that has already passed. In this episode of Patio Talks, Gissell and Charleston explore why some conversations stay with us long after they’ve ended. They discuss the difference between healthy reflection and overthinking, why Charleston revisits difficult conversations as a way to grow, and why Gissell intentionally avoids living in her own head. From leadership in the workplace to disagreements in relationships, they share how revisiting conversations can either help us become better communicators or keep us trapped in moments we can no longer change. Together, they explore the importance of accountability, apologizing when necessary, communicating with clarity, and knowing when it’s finally time to let a conversation go. Because sometimes growth isn’t about saying the perfect thing… It’s about learning from the conversation and moving forward. In This Episode Why some conversations stay with us for daysReflection vs. overthinking: What’s the difference?How Charleston uses difficult conversations to become a better leaderWhy Gissell chooses not to live inside past conversationsThe importance of accountability and genuine apologiesHow over-explaining can come from wanting to be understoodWhy you don’t always need an apology to find peaceLearning to grow without trying to rewrite the past About Patio Talks Patio Talks is a weekly conversation hosted by Gissell Colon and Charleston Tubbs, where every episode begins with one meaningful question. Together, they explore real-life experiences, relationships, leadership, identity, healing, and personal growth through honest conversations that invite listeners to think differently about their own lives. Because sometimes the right question changes everything. Support Patio Talks If Patio Talks has ever encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or simply made you feel a little less alone, you can support the show here: ☕ Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/patiotalks Every contribution helps us continue creating meaningful conversations and growing the Patio Talks community. Disclaimer The views and experiences shared on Patio Talks are based on our personal lives, observations, and opinions. We are not licensed therapists, counselors, medical professionals, or legal advisors. Nothing shared in this episode should be considered professional advice. Our goal is simply to share conversations, experiences, and perspectives that have helped us along our own journey. Keywords overthinking, replaying conversations, communication, conflict resolution, relationships, leadership, accountability, emotional intelligence, personal growth, self-reflection, difficult conversations, mindset, healthy communication, emotional healing, self-awareness, conflict, Patio Talks

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Welcome to Patio Talks. A space where you can pull up a chair, sit back, and enjoy honest conversations, real stories, laughter, and healing. This is your mic, your moment, your patio.

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  • Creator
    Patio Talks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Patio Talks
  • Show Website
    Patio Talks