Podcast
Elena Out Loud
Hosted by Elena Valle · EN
This is a space where real stories live to challenge one dimensional narratives of what it means to be a person of color, a woman, a mother, a creative, and a human being.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 45: The Messy Middle: What Building From Scratch Actually Looks Like
1w ago00:27:57Tap to summarizeFive months after leaving real estate, Elena gives the honest update she wishes more people would share — the fear, the faith, the confusion, and the burning desire to keep going anyway. No highlight reel. Just the real messy middle of building something from scratch, out loud and imperfectly on purpose. Find community and weekly essays at elenaoutloud.substack.com Get the podcast starter guide at stan.store/elenaoutloud
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Episode 44: Bad Bunny, Latina Identity & Reclaiming Our Roots
Feb 1300:19:05Tap to summarizeThe Bad Bunny concert was more than a performance — it was a cultural moment. In this episode, I reflect on what it meant for me as a Latina woman navigating identity, language loss, and generational assimilation. Growing up, I didn't speak Spanish. I felt disconnected from my Latina roots and struggled to understand where I belonged. Watching this concert brought up deep reflections about what was lost in the name of assimilation, what was never truly gone, and how cultural pride can be reclaimed. I share my personal story of hiding my identity, learning Spanish later in life, reconnecting to my heritage, and raising Latino children with curiosity about where they come from. This conversation explores: Latina identity and cultural pride Language loss and assimilation in immigrant families Growing up Latina without speaking Spanish Generational healing and reclaiming heritage Why cultural representation matters This isn't just about Bad Bunny. It's about understanding our roots, telling our stories, and honoring where we come from. If you've ever questioned your cultural identity or felt "not enough," this episode is for you. 💛 Let's keep sharing our stories.
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Episode 43: I Believe in You (Even When You Don't): Navigating Self-Doubt, Rest, and New Beginnings
Feb 300:22:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share a raw and honest reflection on self-doubt, rest, and what it really feels like to start something new before you feel ready. Recorded from my car after a week of illness and missed plans, this conversation is for anyone who feels like everything falls apart the moment they slow down. I talk about the vulnerability of being new, the emotional spiral that can happen when we don't meet our own expectations, and why rest isn't failure — it's human. From sitting with doubt on the beach to questioning whether the dream is still worth pursuing, this episode explores how to keep going even when belief feels fragile. I share why curiosity is more powerful than self-criticism, how to notice the voice of doubt without letting it run the show, and why the calling inside you doesn't disappear just because things get messy. Through stories of rejection, rest, belief, and trust, this episode is a reminder that you don't need full confidence to move forward — you just need to keep listening to what's calling you. If you're starting a new project, navigating self-doubt, recovering from burnout, or wondering whether you're cut out for the thing you desire most, this episode is for you. 💬 In this episode, we explore: Self-doubt when starting something new Why rest can trigger fear and second-guessing Letting go of perfection and timelines Trusting the inner calling that won't go away Belief, curiosity, and moving forward anyway You might not believe in yourself today — but I believe in you.
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Episode 42: Overwhelmed but Grateful: The Life I Chose and the Life That's Hard
Jan 2000:16:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Elena Out Loud, I'm getting honest about something many of us feel but don't always say out loud: being overwhelmed while also deeply grateful for the life we're living. I talk about the emotional complexity of a full and busy life and what it's like to hold the tension between gratitude and stress — especially as a mother and a professional wearing many hats. This conversation isn't about complaining or fixing everything; it's about naming what's real. We explore why it's okay to feel contradictory emotions at the same time, why overwhelm doesn't cancel out gratitude, and why asking for help is not a failure but a necessity. I also share a few simple practices that help me manage the mental load, like writing things down and letting go of the belief that I have to do everything myself. This episode is for anyone who loves their life and still feels stretched thin — an invitation to acknowledge what's hard, honor what's good, and remember that you don't have to carry it all alone. If this episode resonates, I'd love for you to follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need this reminder.
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Episode 41: Stepping into the Flame: My Journey to Launching a YouTube Channel
Jan 1300:14:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm sharing something that feels both exciting and vulnerable: the story of how I finally decided to start my YouTube channel. This didn't happen overnight. For a long time, I let self-doubt, procrastination, and fear keep me stuck. I questioned whether I had anything useful to say, whether my voice really mattered, and whether putting myself out there would actually make a difference. If I'm being honest, it was easier to keep thinking about it than to actually do it. Through conversations with my life coach and moments of reflection — including a message that kept coming up for me through oracle cards — I was reminded of something powerful: sometimes you don't need certainty, you just need courage. For me, that meant choosing to "step into the flame" and take a risk on a dream I've been holding close for years. This episode is about more than starting a YouTube channel. It's about what happens when we stop waiting to feel ready, surrender to the process, and allow ourselves to create simply because it matters to us. The reference I make the actor that talks about writing a poem tearing it up into tiny pieces and throwing it away is Sir Ian McKellen. If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love for you to listen, reflect, and share it with someone who might need the reminder that their voice matters too. And if you're enjoying the podcast, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or connecting with me — your support helps this community grow and keeps these conversations going. 00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Initial Hurdles 01:51 The Intimidation of YouTube 02:37 Purpose and Goals of the Channel 04:53 Morning Practices and Oracle Cards 07:47 Stepping into the Flame 11:54 Gratitude and Final Thoughts
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Episode 40: Good Grief! Navigating Grief with Compassion and Honesty
Dec 900:28:40Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal episode, I open up about a recent loss in my family and the waves of grief that have followed. This isn't a polished story — it's real, raw, and honest. I share what it's been like to sit with my emotions, give myself permission to not have it all together, and allow space for both chaos and compassion. Grief can feel unpredictable — one day heavy, the next quiet — and that's okay. I'm learning to let things be as they are, without trying to manage or "fix" every feeling. Through this conversation, I hope to remind anyone going through loss that you don't have to navigate it perfectly. You just have to show up for yourself with love and honesty. If you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode is an invitation to breathe, feel, and remember that it's okay not to be okay.
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Episode 39: Boundary Backlash - Learning How to Hold Boundaries as a Latina Parent
Nov 1200:26:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share a real-life story about a recent playdate that turned into a powerful lesson on boundaries, communication, and cultural expectations. When another parent reacted negatively to a boundary I set, it forced me to reflect on how I uphold my values — especially as a Latina mom navigating community, respect, and self-worth. I'll talk about why saying "no" can feel so hard, how cultural norms can shape our boundaries, and what it looks like to stand firm with love and confidence. If you've ever struggled with guilt, people-pleasing, or tough conversations, this episode will resonate deeply. 💬 Topics I cover: Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries as a Latina parent Handling conflict and difficult conversations gracefully The emotional side of saying "no" without guilt Cultural pressures and generational expectations Building confidence and self-trust in parenting Whether you're a mom, a parent, or someone learning to honor your own needs, this episode will remind you that boundaries are an act of self-love and respect.
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Episode 38: My Perimenopausal Journey Pt. 1
Jun 2400:24:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode I'll tell you about my perimenopausal journey and the lack of support I've been getting from my medical team. I'll also tell you changes I've been making in how I communicate and interact with medical professionals.
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Episode 37: The Me I Used to Be
Jun 10, 202500:16:30Tap to summarizeWell that was a long break! When I first started this podcast in 2025 (5 years ago!), it started because I've been a long time writer, and vlogger. I in fact have never stopped writing, journaling, or vlogging, I did however stop sharing all of my thoughts with you. So, welcome back. In this episode I'll share what I learned from the past five years, and especially pandemic, why I took a break from publishing, what I regret about my past self, and a little bit about Chakras.
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Episode 36: Creating a New Reality with Chantel Rodriguez
May 12, 202000:59:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode I get the amazing chance to speak with artist, wellness entrepreneur, and over all game changer, Chantel Rodriguez. She shares her beautiful family story and talks about how those early experiences impacted how she lives her life, loves her family, and builds her business.
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