the aftertaste of denial once the fruit has lost its sweetness

The Curious Case of Hollywood - Ageism, Pedophilia, and the real reason we’re afraid of getting old

Why do we feel “too old” by 27? Why does Hollywood worship youth — and discard adults? In this episode, I connect personal experiences with cultural patterns to unpack how Hollywood, media, and capitalism turned youth into currency and aging into a fear response. We talk ageism, child stardom, over-sexualization, power imbalances, and why “making it early” became the lie we all internalized. This isn’t gossip. It’s pattern recognition. If you’ve ever felt behind, late, disposable, or afraid of starting over — this episode will hit. Age was never the enemy. The system that taught us to fear it was. 🎧 Listen with an open mind. ⚠️ Content warning: discussions of ageism, exploitation, and child abuse themes.

The Myth of Work-Life Balance in 2026: Burnout, Hot Takes on Remote Work & Finding Real Balance

Is work-life balance actually achievable in 2026… or is it a myth we’ve been sold? In this episode of Please Don’t Tell Me The Truth, we break down the reality behind modern work culture, burnout, and the pressure of being constantly “on.” From remote work and digital overload to high-performance habits and creative exhaustion, this Saturday Call explores why balance feels harder than ever—and what to do instead. If you’ve been struggling with productivity, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to juggle career growth with personal well-being, this episode will shift your perspective. In this episode, we cover: * Work-life balance in 2026: myth or reality? * Burnout, stress, and being chronically online * Remote work challenges and blurred boundaries * Productivity vs. rest: how to avoid burnout * Time management, discipline, and self-awareness * Mental health, overstimulation, and digital fatigue * How to build a lifestyle that actually feels balanced This is a real, unfiltered conversation about ambition, energy, and redefining success in a world that never logs off. 🎙️ Please Don’t Tell Me The Truth is a podcast about true stories, bold perspectives, and real insights that challenge societal norms—especially the ones that don’t serve us!

About nervous system regulation...

In this solo episode of PLEASE DON’T TELL ME THE TRUTH, I share a spontaneous reflection on something most high-performers overlook when trying to level up: nervous system regulation. We often think the solution to growth is simple — work harder, push more, try another system. But what if the real key to changing your life isn’t more effort… it’s feeling safe while you evolve? I break down the connection between manifestation, emotional regulation, and performance, and why your brain sometimes resists the very things you say you want. In this episode, we talk about: • Why “manifestation” gets misunderstood in the online world• How the algorithm and extreme content shape our beliefs• The real role of thoughts vs. action• Why nervous system regulation is essential for growth• The difference between meditation, breathwork, and somatic regulation• Why you must feel safe receiving the life you're building Dalma also shares the simple tools she uses daily — including journaling, breathwork, visualization, and self-awareness practices — to regulate her nervous system while pursuing bigger goals. If you're someone who is actively working on yourself, trying to level up, or navigating personal growth while building your life and career, this episode will give you a grounded perspective. And if you enjoyed this short reflection, make sure to check out The Saturday Call, the new long-form segment of the podcast featuring Dalma and her best friend Gladys, PhD in Political Science, where they dive deeper into relationships, culture, and personal evolution. Follow PLEASE DON’T TELL ME THE TRUTH on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. And as always… Go tell the truth out there!

The Saturday Call 2: How Working on Yourself Changes Your Relationships (Therapy, Attachment Styles + Emotional Toolkit)

Good morning, gorgeous. ☕✨ Welcome to The Saturday Call, a monthly capsule inside PLEASE DON’T TELL ME THE TRUTH — where best friends Dalm and Gla share the conversations we’ve been having for 3+ years about growth, relationships, and becoming the kind of person you actually want to live with. In today’s episode, we explore: * What “working on yourself” actually means (and what it looks like IRL) * Why therapy can be a major part of your emotional toolkit (and how to recover from a bad therapist experience) * Attachment styles + why you don’t have to live inside a label forever * How mindset + self-awareness change the way you relate to people * How media can shape our beliefs about love (and how to keep your power anyway) * Why growth can mean outgrowing relationships — and how to be okay with that If this resonated, please leave a comment — we read everything. And don’t forget to follow the podcast on Spotify/Apple and rate + review (it helps a lot). Answer the Saturday Call every last Saturday of the month! Go ahead and tell the truth out there. 🤍

The Saturday Call: New Year’s Resolutions & the Myth of “Having It All Figured Out”

In this new capsule of Please Don’t Tell Me The Truth — The Saturday Call — Dalma and her best friend Gladys (PhD in Political Science + postdoctoral researcher in peace & conflict resolution) open the door to the weekly coffee ritual they’ve had for years. This episode is a real-time conversation about New Year’s resolutions, nervous system regulation, calm as a baseline, and why focusing on the outcome can quietly sabotage the life you’re trying to build. We talk mindset vs. goals, community, asking for help, being addicted to stress, and how to choose change without living in extremes. Grab your coffee. Come sit with us. ☕️ Episode Chapters / Timestamps 00:00–15:30 — Intro: The 3 Ws — who we are, what we do, and why we’re having The Saturday Call 15:30 — One word for how you’re entering the year 28:00 — Facing a fear this year + the impact of a supportive community on your resolutions 37:00 — How do we want to feel while accomplishing our goals? And is it better to be “anti-resolution”? 51:30 — Is this the year we actually do what we say we’ll do? 1:03:00 — Closing thoughts: The questions we’re bringing into the year + one truth we’re not ready to act on yet Share your thoughts on Insta and mention us in your stories! IG: @dalmadanielaa + @gladzu Want to try functional mushroom coffee and avoid crashing? Here's the one I'm drinking: https://mudwtr.com/