Papaya Talk

Papaya Talk

Chatting about the world of women’s health from one generation to the next. Brought to you by mom and daughter duo Dr. Alyssa-Herrera-Set and Nadia Herrera-Set. Get even more juice at www.papaya.health

  1. 3D AGO

    Olympics Coverage: Hockey and the US Team's Gold

    This week, Alyssa and Nadia talk about the Winter Olympics — but beyond the highlights, they explore the deeper stories behind the athletes filling their feeds. What begins as a casual chat about skating and hockey turns personal when Nadia shares how drawn she’s been to figure skater Alyssa Liu — a Bay Area athlete who retired at 16, spent time hiking and living life, then returned to the sport on her own terms and won gold. What resonates most isn’t the medal, but the comeback. That story opens a conversation about growing up inside demanding sports. Alyssa reflects on dancer health and how training 20+ hours a week at a young age doesn’t just shape your schedule — it shapes your identity. Nadia shares her own gymnastics journey with honesty, acknowledging both the resentment over what she missed and the deep community the sport gave her. She recalls entering college gymnastics burned out and hesitant, only to unexpectedly find joy in competing again. The episode closes with a reflection from an Eileen Gu interview about imagining your 8-year-old self watching you today — a moment that leaves both hosts reflecting on where life has taken them. Takeaways Growing up in high-intensity sports shapes identity as much as skill Resentment and gratitude for the same experience can coexist Comebacks feel different when they happen on your own terms The communities built through sport often outlast the sport itself Looking at yourself through the eyes of your younger self can shift perspective Chapters 0:10–0:33 – Introduction: What's Been on Their Feeds 0:33–1:48 – Olympics Coverage: Hockey and the US Team's Gold 1:48–3:30 – The Shift in Figure Skating: A New Era of Style and Personality 3:30–5:27 – Alyssa Liu's Story: Retiring at 16 and Coming Back on Her Own Terms 5:27–7:04 – Alyssa's Talk on Dancer Health and Identity in Young Athletes 7:04–9:10 – Nadia on Gymnastics as Her Whole World Growing Up 9:10–11:35 – Resentment, Community, and the Memories That Still Feel Fresh 11:35–13:15 – The Silver Lining of Hard Times: Bonding Over the Difficult Stuff 13:15–15:32 – The Physical and Mental Weight of Training as a Kid 15:32–18:05 – Nadia on Skill Level, Finding the Fun, and Sticking Through It 18:05–20:11 – Returning to Gymnastics in College: The Non-Competitive Form That Didn't Stick 20:11–22:45 – Lucy's Story and a Mom's Quiet Relief 22:45–25:10 – Eileen Gu, the Mind, and Imagining Your 8-Year-Old Self 25:10–27:22 – Looking Forward, Being Whimsical, and Closing Thoughts 650.701.7686 (o) 650.332.2739 (f) 510.673.8712 (m) Sports & Dance Rehab|Pilates| Group Classes On the Move Physical Therapy501-D Old County Rd.Belmont, CA 94002 web - http://www.onthemovephysio.comemail - alyssa@onthemovephysio.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/onthemovephysio Please consider the environment before printing this email. The information contained in this transmittal may be confidential. It is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or, the employee of agent responsible to deliver the transmittal to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that the use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmittal in error, please notify the sender immediately.

    28 min
  2. MAR 3

    How Finding Joy in Small Hobbies Can Transform Your Sense of Purpose

    Alyssa just got back from snowboarding in Tahoe; Nadia’s home from a gymnastics meet and a Connecticut trip. A casual comment—“Do you sleep?”—kicks off a bigger talk about busyness: when it’s fulfilling, and when it’s avoidance. They move into purpose. Nadia says immigration, immediately. Alyssa counters that purpose doesn’t have to be world-sized—small daily rituals (like photographing a sunrise) can be enough to pull you forward. Nadia shares how she time-blocks everything, even dinner and showers, to manage anxiety and avoid losing hours to scrolling. Alyssa questions the belief that “productive” automatically means “good,” and that rest is indulgent. They compare extremes: Olympic athletes built around one goal vs. a retired couple living out of a van after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Both raise the same question: what are you chasing—and why? The emotional peak: Nadia admits she’s searching for hobbies, and tears up talking about leaving gymnastics. She’s ready to move on, but she’ll miss the team, routine, and shared purpose. Alyssa ends with her own winding 20s as reassurance. Nadia lands on the truth: she feels a little lost—and still has a direction. Both can coexist. Takeaways- Staying busy can be fulfilling — or a way to avoid harder feelings.- Purpose can be small and daily, not just “big life goals.”- Scheduling basics (meals, showers, rest) can calm anxiety, not just boost productivity.- A “successful day” isn’t always a “productive day.”- Most people live between obsession and total reinvention.- Busyness can help — and still not be a problem.- Picking up a hobby counts, especially in transition seasons.- Leaving a long-time sport can feel like grief, even if it’s right.- What’s missed most is often the community + routine, not the sport itself.- Movement doesn’t need competition to matter; joy is a valid goal.- Progress is satisfying anywhere — work, training, learning.- A “scattered” path can still be quietly purposeful.- You can feel lost and still have direction.- Closing a chapter is self-awareness, not failure.- Hands-on work can replace the mastery/momentum sports used to provide. Chapters 0:10–0:40 — Introduction: Holiday Weekend Recaps 0:40–1:27 — "Do You Sleep?" — A Hairstylist's Honest Question 1:27–2:50 — What Difference Do You Want to Make in the World? 2:50–3:18 — Nadia's Answer: Immigration 3:18–4:22 — Purpose Doesn't Have to Be a Grand Mission 4:22–6:30 — Scheduling Everything: Control, Calm, and the To-Do List 6:30–9:00 — The Spectrum: Olympic Obsession vs. Sprinter Van Freedom 9:00–11:07 — Hobbies: Snowboarding, Skiing, and What You Do Just for You 11:07–13:40 — Finding a Hobby Is the Hobby 13:40–16:10 — Gymnastics Endings: Tears, Transitions, and Letting Go 16:10–18:00 — Physical Goals That Have Nothing to Do with Competition 18:00–20:25 — Getting Better at Things: On the Mountain and at Work 20:25–22:56 — Keeping It Chill: The No-Pressure Philosophy 22:57–25:54 — Feeling Lost vs. Having a Direction 25:54–26:16 — Closing: Talk to You Next Week 650.701.7686 (o)650.332.2739 (f)510.673.8712 (m)Sports & Dance Rehab|Pilates| Group Classes On the Move Physical Therapy501-D Old County Rd.Belmont, CA 94002 web - http://www.onthemovephysio.comemail - alyssa@onthemovephysio.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/onthemovephysio Please consider the environment before printing this email.The information contained in this transmittal may be confidential. It is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or, the employee of agent responsible to deliver the transmittal to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that the use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmittal in error, please notify the sender immediately.

    26 min
  3. FEB 18

    Super Bowl Sunday and The Winter Olympics

    On Super Bowl Sunday during the Winter Olympics, Alyssa and Nadia discuss Lindsey Vonn competing in Olympic downhill days after tearing her ACL—and the crash that got her airlifted off the mountain again. They unpack injury risk, medical autonomy, and what elite athletes model for everyone watching. Nadia explains that Vonn tore her ACL last week, met with her medical team, and chose to race anyway. This morning she fell and was airlifted with a leg fracture. Nadia sees both sides: racing with a torn ACL is risky, but the crash looked like it came from clipping a gate—not purely the knee. Alyssa breaks down the ACL as the “packaging tape” that stabilizes the knee. Some athletes can compensate with strong surrounding muscles, but injury can disrupt proprioception and make the brain “shut off” muscle connection. The ACL might’ve limited her ability to load the left leg for a key right turn—though ice and countless variables could’ve been factors too. Nadia points to the pressure around Vonn: six-year retirement, huge comeback expectations, and tests suggesting she could do it. With that status, the medical team may have felt pushed to justify a “yes.” As Nadia puts it, no one could’ve stopped her—she was going to race. Alyssa connects this to her work with young gymnasts in competition season. Her role is to support goals while clearly assessing and communicating risk, not to override the athlete’s choice. If they still want to compete after understanding the risks, she helps them do it as safely as possible. They shift to what athletes model for others. Nadia references Kerri Strug and how often gymnasts compete injured—brave, but sometimes concerning. Alyssa draws the key difference: Strug was a child under coach pressure, while Vonn is an adult making her own call. They close with Nadia’s “personal Olympics”: her 12th year in gymnastics at 21. This season is about less stress, more fun, and enjoying leadership on e-board. With new teammates—including her sister—she’s reliving milestones through fresh eyes. Happy Galentine’s to all the listeners. Takeaways The ACL stabilizes the knee; tearing it can change control and confidence under high speed/load.Injury can disrupt proprioception and motor control, sometimes making movement less reliable.Elite athletes face intense external pressure to compete, which can bias decision-making around risk.Clinicians/medical teams must balance protecting health with supporting an athlete’s goals.Adults have the right to make their own medical choices and accept calculated risk (“your body, your choice”).The Kerri Strug comparison isn’t equal—she was a child under pressure; Vonn is an autonomous adult.In extreme sports, the biggest danger isn’t reinjury—it’s catastrophic, life-threatening trauma.Chapters 0:10–0:48 – Introduction: Super Bowl Sunday and the Winter Olympics 0:48–1:23 – Lindsey Vonn's Morning Injury 1:23–2:37 – Last Week's ACL Tear and Decision to Compete 2:37–4:09 – What Is an ACL? 4:09–7:19 – Anatomy Lesson: Ligaments, Muscles, and Proprioception 7:19–8:27 – How ACL Tears Happen and the Body's Response 8:27–10:13 – Could She Have Avoided the Second Injury 10:13–12:03 – The Mechanics of Her Fall: Did the ACL Play a Role? 12:03–13:47 – The Pressure to Compete: Olympics and Comeback Stories 13:47–15:19 – Working with Young Athletes: The Clinical Parallel 15:19–16:39 – The Biggest Fear: Life-Threatening Injury 16:39–18:10 – What Athletes Model: The Kerri Strug Comparison 18:10–19:25 – Your Body, your Choice: Medical Autonomy 19:25–20:10 – Hoping for Vonn's Recovery 20:10–21:09 – Nadia's "Personal Olympics": Gymnastics Season Starts 21:09–22:42 – What Makes It Fun: Team, Leadership, and Rewriting the Story 22:42–23:49 – Galentine's Plans and Season Well-Wishes

    24 min
  4. FEB 10

    The Surprising Truth About Age and Doing Bold, Youthful Things Late in Life

    In this candid episode of Papaya Talk Podcast, Alyssa and Nadia talk about aging, career evolution, and big life transitions. Instead of a structured topic, they let the conversation flow through questions about identity, time, and change. Alyssa admits something has been weighing on her: as she nears 50, is she “too old” to keep doing hands-on gymnastics outreach work she’s done for years? After a weekend screening and educating gymnasts on the gym floor, she wonders if the work that once launched her career now makes her seem outdated. Nadia pushes back simply: if Alyssa enjoys it and it still helps people, why stop because of a number? They unpack how Alyssa’s idea of what counts as “old” has shifted dramatically from her 20s to now. They share moments from the week that made age feel front-and-center—comments while snowboarding about “getting older,” ending up in a bar that felt like a college party, and even getting carded. Nadia suggests it’s less about the activity and more about whether you feel like the only one your age in the room. Nadia also notices her own perception changing as peers inch toward 40 and major milestones approach. With graduation and life changes on the horizon, time feels more real—and faster. Alyssa explains her career is evolving because she’s ready: more retreats, possibly another clinic location, and a shift toward mentoring. She’s also intentionally handing off high-level opportunities to colleagues so they can grow the way she did. Nadia shares her own whirlwind month: starting a new clinical research job, signing a new lease, entering competition season, and diving into MCAT prep. The hardest part is learning how to study consistently for something months away—without relying on last-minute pressure. She’s also navigating an identity shift after stepping down as ALC president for GymSAFE and trying to let her sister take the lead. It’s another lesson in letting go and moving forward. Takeaways Age matters less than how you feel and what your body can still do.What counts as “old” shifts as you get older.If you still enjoy the work and it serves people, you don’t have to stop.Career growth can be a chosen evolution—moving from doing to mentoring is a meaningful shift.Time feels faster with age; transitions start stacking up.New, unexpected paths (jobs/roles) can be surprisingly fulfilling.Letting go of control when handing off responsibilities is hard, but necessary.Chapters 0:10–0:43 – Introduction: No Predetermined Topic Today 0:43–1:23 – The State of Nadia's Life Right Now 1:23–2:07 – What's Changed in 2026? 2:07–5:15 – Approaching 50: Career Reflections 5:15–7:20 – Age Is Just a Number 7:20–9:09 – Recent Age-Related Moments: Gymnastics, Snowboarding, and Bars 9:09–11:23 – When Are You Too Old? The Bar Test 11:23–12:40 – How Aging Perception Changes Over Time 12:40–14:25 – Career Evolution: Adding Retreats and Mentorship 14:25–17:28 – Nadia's Big Changes: New Job, New Apartment, Competition Season 17:28–19:52 – The MCAT Challenge: Learning to Study Differently 19:52–20:40 – Future Direction: Interviewing Transitioning Peers

    21 min
  5. JAN 28

    Human Connection and Face-to-Face Interaction

    In this new episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore the concept of retreats, human connection, and the importance of unplugging from digital life. What starts as Alyssa announcing her first full-scale retreat in Mexico evolves into a deeper conversation about Gen Z's relationship with technology, the value of in-person connection, and finding balance in an overstimulated world. Alyssa shares her excitement about hosting her first complete retreat experience—a wellness getaway combining movement, psychology, and travel in Mexico with Dr. Grace Tan. She reflects on how society increasingly needs face-to-face human connection as we spend more time behind screens. Nadia questions whether retreats are accessible or just another influencer marketing tool. She distinguishes between authentic retreats focused on personal growth versus brand-sponsored influencer trips designed to sell products. She admits she wouldn't want to attend a retreat just to broadcast her experience—if she's paying money, it should be about genuine self-improvement, not performing wealth or access for social media. The conversation shifts to Nadia's recent "college version of a retreat"—a weekend ski trip to Vermont with friends. The weekend became unexpectedly rejuvenating because Nadia unplugged from her usual routine, didn't work, barely watched TV, and spent quality time with people she didn't know well—forcing her to be fully present. They wrap up celebrating the importance of these retreat-like experiences—whether far away or right outside your apartment door—as necessary antidotes to our increasingly digital, isolated lives. Takeaways In-person connection hits different than chatting online.Learning online can land differently than learning in a room with people.Retreats are a reset button for our screen-heavy lives.A real wellness retreat ≠ an influencer “brand trip” with a retreat label.Go for growth, not for content.Sometimes you have to leave your normal space to truly relax.Spending money + traveling far helps you actually commit to unplugging.At home, your to-do list is always staring at you, so relaxing is harder.Being with new people makes you more present than being with close friends.With close friends, it’s easy to hang out while everyone scrolls (“parallel play”).Some online classes still include real interaction (forums, group work).Watching TV while multitasking feels like rest, but your brain is still “on.”Sometimes it feels “more relaxing” to just finish the task than let it linger.Even partly unplugging can feel amazing if you give yourself space to do it.Device-free games/activities feel more satisfying and connecting.When you create situations where people have to interact (like sharing a house), it often brings out the best in the group.Chapters 0:10–0:33 – Introduction 0:33–1:20 – Alyssa's First Full-Scale Retreat Announcement 1:20–2:13 – Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever 2:13–4:01 – Gen Z and Digital Education: A Concerning Trend 4:01–5:22 – Discussion Boards vs. Real Human Interaction 5:22–7:09 – The Selfish (and Important) Reasons for Hosting Retreats 7:09–8:07 – Who Is This Retreat For? Accessibility and Target Audience 8:07–11:10 – Influencer Retreats vs. Real Retreats: What's the Difference? 11:10–13:10 – Making Retreats for Everyday People, Not Influencers 13:10–15:49 – Nadia's Weekend "Retreat": The Vermont Ski Trip 15:49–17:41 – Why You Can't Unplug at Home (But Should) 17:41–20:00 – The Problem with Multitasking and Being Present 20:00–22:30 – The House with No Curtains and Forced Connection 22:30–23:23 – Closing: Hoping Everyone Gets Their Own Retreat Experience

    23 min
  6. JAN 20

    The Impact of Pop Culture on Relationship Expectations

    In this new episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry—the raunchy romance series that's captured audiences across age groups. What starts as a discussion about the show evolves into deeper reflections on multitasking, entertainment consumption, and how rom-coms shape our view of relationships. Alyssa shares how Heated Rivalry has become ubiquitous, with everyone from 21-year-old Nadia to friends in their mid-thirties talking about it. The show is decidedly not PG—more 50 Shades of Grey than People You Meet on Vacation—which made recommending it to each other slightly awkward, especially since Nadia watched it with her roommates. The conversation shifts to how they both consume media while juggling busy schedules. Alyssa multitasks constantly: audiobooks while walking the dog or driving, physical books before bed, and TV shows playing while checking emails. She admits TV shows keep her awake and entertained enough to stay productive, though she acknowledges it might be a slight addiction. Nadia has inherited this habit but applies it differently—she can do homework while watching TV but has discovered she cannot effectively study for the MCAT with a show on. This leads to a broader discussion about multitasking versus quiet moments. While Alyssa suggests challenging themselves to embrace silence, Nadia counters that her "quiet moment" is listening to music. They acknowledge the tension between needing constant stimulation and knowing that multitasking isn't ideal for deep work. The rom-com conversation takes a thoughtful turn when Alyssa asks whether consuming raunchy romance content creates unrealistic relationship expectations. Nadia thoughtfully distinguishes between recognizing unrealistic scenarios and having her expectations shaped by them. She can separate fiction from reality and doesn't feel the content is making relationships seem unattainable. Instead, she's focused on other aspects of self-improvement influenced by social media and pop culture—like the resolutions she discussed in the previous episode. They wrap up by celebrating what Heated Rivalry represents: a story about male professional athletes navigating their sexuality in spaces where they don't feel they fit in. Takeaways The same show can resonate across different age demographics for different reasonsRecommending raunchy content to family members will always be awkwardMultitasking with entertainment can help sustain focus on boring tasks but doesn't work for intensive studyingThere's a meaningful difference between watching TV while doing homework versus studying for high-stakes examsConstant stimulation (TV, music, audiobooks) can become a habitual need rather than a conscious choiceThe internet says multitasking is bad, but modern life demands fitting things into small windows of timeRom-coms can present unrealistic scenarios without necessarily setting unrealistic expectations if you can separate fiction from realityPop culture and social media influence self-awareness and personal growth goals beyond just relationship expectationsRepresentation in media matters—stories about marginalized experiences help people feel less aloneNot everything needs to be analyzed for its productivity value; sometimes entertainment is just entertainmentChapters 0:10–0:33 – Introduction 0:33–2:07 – The Heated Rivalry Phenomenon: Everyone's Talking About It 2:07–3:18 – Why Heated Rivalry Is Not PG-Friendly 3:18–4:27 – How Do You Find Time for All This Entertainment 4:27–6:27 – Multitasking: TV, Books, and Staying Awake 6:27–7:33 – The Challenge of Quiet Moments 7:33–8:26 – Fitting Podcasts Into Busy Schedules 8:26–9:24 – Do Rom-Coms Create Unrealistic Relationship Expectations? 9:24–10:53 – Separating Fiction from Reality 10:53–11:33 – Why Representation in Heated Rivalry Matters 11:33–12:00 – Closing: Banana Bread Emergency & The Smoothie Scene

    12 min
  7. JAN 15

    Why New Year's Resolutions Feel Stressful

    In the first episode of 2026, Alyssa and Nadia tackle New Year's resolutions—though both admit the concept stresses them out. The conversation explores intention-setting, the pressure of documentation, and balancing productivity with presence. Alyssa's resolution is simple: "be a good person." Despite finding resolutions stressful, she sets many because documenting intentions feels necessary for them to manifest. Nadia's longer list centers on one theme: not taking things too seriously. She gets caught up in work and school, forgetting to find beauty in everyday moments. Her goals focus on being more intentional, mindful, spontaneous, and present. A vulnerable moment comes when Nadia reflects on 2025. Looking at photos on New Year's Eve made her emotional—she'd done so many fun things but hadn't appreciated them in the moment, too focused on stressful details. The beginning of the year was particularly hard with unproductive scheduling and environmental fatigue, but she became more intentional after summer. Alyssa prefers steady year-round improvement over intense January goal-setting that fizzles out. She's planned concrete activities for 2026, including hosting a retreat in October that she hopes will become part of her career progression. Nadia is starting MCAT prep this semester while working. She's scheduled study time in advance day-by-day, making it non-negotiable while leaving room for fun. Her MCAT books arrive the next day, with Mondays as potential off-days. The episode ends with podcast reflections. Last semester was mostly them chatting, often about Nadia. For 2026, they want to explore topics Nadia is passionate about and bring on guests—particularly graduating friends reflecting on their college experiences and post-graduation decisions. Takeaways Documentation of intentions can feel necessary for manifestation, even if it creates pressureSometimes the simplest resolutions ("be a good person") are the most encompassingLooking back on a year through photos can reveal joy you didn't fully appreciate in the momentGetting caught up in stress and annoyances can prevent you from savoring experiences as they happenThe same situation can be viewed negatively or positively—perspective is a choiceSteady, year-round effort may be more sustainable than intense January goal-setting that fadesPre-scheduling important activities (like MCAT study time) makes them non-negotiable and creates space for funPlanning your entire semester day-by-day can help balance major responsibilities with enjoymentRecording what you like (books, movies, experiences) helps you remember and articulate your preferencesBeing too caught up in perfectionism or curated presentation can prevent authentic enjoymentIt's valuable to identify what you want to change versus what you want to keep the sameChapters 0:10–0:32 – Introduction: First Episode of 2026  0:32–1:41 – Why New Year's Resolutions Feel Stressful  1:41–3:23 – The Superstition of Setting Intentions & Documentation  3:23–5:27 – Alyssa's Simple Resolution: Be a Good Person  5:27–7:31 – Nadia's Theme: Not Taking Things Too Seriously  7:31–8:13 – Finding Beauty Beyond the Perfect Picture  8:13–10:05 – Looking Back on 2025 10:05–11:30 – Why Alyssa Doesn't Like Setting Resolutions  11:30–12:13 – What Nadia Wants to Change vs. Keep the Same  12:13–14:24 – Planning Ahead: Alyssa's October Retreat & Nadia's MCAT Prep  14:24–15:57 – Podcast Plans for 2026: Bringing on Graduating Seniors  15:57–16:31 – Closing: Wishing Everyone Gets What They're Intending

    17 min
  8. JAN 1

    Reflecting on 2025: Embracing Authenticity and Change

    In this unplanned bonus episode, Alyssa and Nadia wrap up 2025 on a lighter note after their emotional conversation about gun violence the previous week. The discussion centers on reflection, transition, and what it means to stay authentic as life changes rapidly. Alyssa kicks off the conversation with a viral social media trend she's been seeing: 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac (the 9th cycle), which represents shedding things that no longer serve you, followed by 2026 being the Year of the Horse (cycle 1)—a fresh start. While Nadia hasn't encountered this trend, she shares that her astrology app Co-Star gave her 2026 resolutions focused on authenticity and surrounding herself with people who genuinely support her growth rather than just depending on her. The conversation shifts to what they're keeping versus shedding as they enter 2026. Nadia reveals she's signed up to take the MCAT in July and will be studying throughout the spring semester while working. She reflects on discovering that she's most productive and in control when she's busy with multiple responsibilities. Rather than actively shedding things, she anticipates natural changes as most of her friends graduate in May while she finishes in December. A poignant moment comes when they discuss the concept of "home." Nadia shares that while the Bay Area will always be her true home, Boston has become home in a different way—it's where 80% of her year is spent, where her routines are, and where she's chosen to take the MCAT because it feels most comfortable. She admits recent trips home have felt different, knowing her relationship with home might shift as she approaches graduation. The episode concludes with reflections on the podcast itself, now 2.5 years old. They discuss how they've moved away from guest interviews this year, finding it easier and more comfortable to have direct conversations. Alyssa proposes themes for 2026: either interviewing Nadia's graduating friends about transitioning to post-college life, or bringing in physicians from different specialties as Nadia prepares for medical school. They leave it open-ended, inviting listeners to share their preferences. Takeaways Year of the Snake (2025) symbolizes shedding the inauthentic; Year of the Horse (2026) represents new beginnings and fresh startsStaying true to yourself means not getting caught up in comparing your timeline to everyone else's pathBeing busy with meaningful responsibilities can actually create a sense of productivity and control, not just stress"Home" can exist in multiple places—your roots and your current base can both feel like home in different waysNatural life transitions (friends graduating, moving away) often create the "shedding" without forced actionThe concept of home evolves as you spend more time away—80% of the year elsewhere shifts what feels like your home baseTaking major tests (like the MCAT) in your routine environment can reduce stress and improve performanceAuthentic podcasting means following what feels natural rather than forcing a specific formatChapters 0:10–0:32 – Introduction: Ending 2025 on a Happier Note 0:32–1:46 – The Year of the Snake: Shedding & New Beginnings 1:46–3:37 – Co-Star Resolutions: Building Authentic Connections 3:37–5:27 – What to Shed in 2026: Staying True to Your Own Path 5:27–6:16 – Big News: Nadia Signs Up for the MCAT 6:16–7:37 – What to Keep: The Power of Productive Busyness 7:37–8:49 – Friends Going Different Directions & Coming Home 8:49–11:01 – Where is Home? Bay Area vs. Boston 11:01–11:56 – Feeling Tired of Surroundings & Needing Change 11:56–13:26 – Podcast Reflections: Why No More Guest Interviews? 13:26–14:45 – Looking Ahead: Podcast Ideas for 2026 14:45–15:02 – Closing: Happy Holidays & See You Next Year

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Chatting about the world of women’s health from one generation to the next. Brought to you by mom and daughter duo Dr. Alyssa-Herrera-Set and Nadia Herrera-Set. Get even more juice at www.papaya.health