The Cuban Story the World Still Doesn't Understand | Vanessa Garcia

The Cuban Story the World Still Doesn't Understand | Vanessa Garcia

What stories have been passed down to you—and which ones were never told? In this episode of The Road Leads Back to Me, licensed therapist and trauma specialist Coral Seco sits down with writer, filmmaker, and Abre Camino Collective co-founder Vanessa Garcia for a powerful conversation about identity, heritage, storytelling, and why understanding where we come from can change how we move forward. From preserving Cuban history through groundbreaking projects to bringing Waiting for Snow in Havana—based on Carlos Eire's National Book Award-winning memoir—to the big screen, Vanessa shares how storytelling has become her life's work and why these stories matter now more than ever. Together, Coral and Vanessa explore: • Why understanding our family's history helps us better understand ourselves • The importance of preserving the Cuban story for future generations • How storytelling creates empathy, connection, and healing • The mission behind Abre Camino Collective • The journey of adapting Waiting for Snow in Havana into a feature film • What hope, resilience, and identity look like across generations • Why every family's story deserves to be remembered Whether you're Cuban, the child of immigrants, or simply someone curious about the stories that shaped your family, this conversation is a reminder that our history isn't something we leave behind—it's something we carry with us. ✨ New episodes of The Road Leads Back to Me premiere every Wednesday on YouTube and all major podcast streaming platforms. Follow Coral for more psychology, relationships, trauma recovery, and mental health content: Instagram: @coralexplainsitall TikTok: @coralexplainsitall YouTube: @TheRoadLeadsBackToMe If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, and share this episode with someone who would find it meaningful.

The Success Trap: Dr. Ben Eskenazi on Happiness, Reinvention & Trusting Your Gut

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted... and still aren't happy? This week on The Road Leads Back to Me, Coral sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Avabello Aesthetics, Dr. Ben Eskenazi, for an honest conversation about success, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to start over. From becoming the first doctor in his family to walking away from a successful surgical partnership, an engagement, and the life he spent years building, Dr. Eskenazi shares the pivotal moments that forced him to reevaluate what success truly means. Together, Coral and Dr. Eskenazi explore: * The psychology of chasing achievement * Why reaching your goals doesn't always bring fulfillment * Learning to trust your instincts * Reinventing yourself after major life changes * The pressure of tying your identity to your career * Plastic surgery, confidence, aging, and self-image * The difference between external success and internal peace This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the road doesn't lead where we expected—and that the bravest thing we can do is honor what we discover along the way. 🎙️ The Road Leads Back to Me is hosted by Coral Seco, licensed therapist, trauma specialist, and founder of Eccentric Therapy. New episodes premiere every Wednesday! Follow Coral: @CoralExplainsItAll & @TheRoadLeadsBacktoMe

From Kendall to Hollywood: Christian Ochoa Lavernia on Purpose, Rejection & Success

Actor and producer Christian Ochoa Lavernia joins me for one of my most personal conversations yet. We've known each other since high school, but this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Christian opens up about growing up in Miami, being raised by a single mother, navigating anxiety, feeling the pressure of expectations, and ultimately finding the courage to pursue the life he truly wanted. We talk about manifestation, intuition, resilience, and what happened when he spent six months auditioning for The Lord of the Rings—including being flown to New Zealand for the final round, only to face one of the biggest disappointments of his career. Along the way, we explore the lessons he's learned from rejection, the wisdom of stoicism, the power of trusting your path, and why sometimes the greatest opportunities come when we stop trying to control every outcome. This is a conversation about purpose, identity, Cuban roots, fear, faith, and becoming the person you're meant to be. I'm Coral Seco, and this is The Road Leads Back to Me! New episodes every Wednesday!

The Stories That Made Us: Cuba, Family, Trauma & Finding Your Purpose with Victoria Collado

What happens when we finally tell the stories our families were forced to carry in silence? In this deeply moving episode of The Road Leads Back to Me, Coral sits down with filmmaker, director, and producer Victoria Collado for a powerful conversation about identity, immigration, generational trauma, healing, and the stories that shape who we become. Victoria shares the inspiration behind Waiting for Snow in Havana, her upcoming adaptation of the acclaimed memoir about Operation Pedro Pan, and reflects on the responsibility of preserving the Cuban story for future generations. Together, Coral and Victoria discuss: • The lasting impact of Operation Pedro Pan • Generational trauma and how it shapes our lives today • What immigrant parents sacrificed for their children • Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for healing • The emotional impact of the groundbreaking Amparo Experience • Growing up Cuban-American in Miami • Identity, belonging, and cultural pride • The importance of preserving family stories before they're lost • Why owning your story is an act of courage—and rebellion This conversation is equal parts history lesson, therapy session, and love letter to the generations who came before us. Because when we understand where we come from, we better understand who we are. The road always leads back to you. ✨ New episodes every Wednesday!

The Psychology of Lurkers: Why They Watch but Never Support

They watch every story. They view every post. They somehow know everything going on in your life... But they never like, comment, engage, or support. So what's really going on? In this episode of The Road Leads Back to Me, Coral breaks down the psychology of "lurkers"—the people who quietly keep tabs on your life from behind a screen. Whether it's an ex, a former situationship, a fake friend, or someone secretly obsessed with what you're doing, Coral explores why these people continue watching and what their behavior may actually reveal. This episode covers: • The different types of lurkers and how to identify them • Why exes continue watching your stories after a breakup • The psychology behind social media stalking and fixation • The difference between curiosity, attachment, and obsession • Why some people watch but never support • The connection between insecurity, comparison, and lurking • How limerence can keep people emotionally stuck • Why boundaries matter online as much as they do offline • How to stop giving lurkers power over your healing Through a trauma-informed lens and plenty of loving big sister advice, Coral reminds listeners that someone else's attention is not a measure of your worth. Because healing happens when you stop focusing on who's watching—and start focusing on yourself. The road always leads back to you. ✨ New episodes every Wednesday!