LA PLATICA Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Besties, Boundaries, and Bad Bitch Mentality with the IE in Besties
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: LA PLATICA PODCAST
Guests: Sebas and Josh Leyva from "I Am Besties"
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes

Introduction to the Episode

In this vibrant episode of LA PLATICA, hosts Steph and Isis welcome Sebas and Josh Leyva from the popular podcast "I Am Besties." The episode delves deep into the dynamics of friendships, setting boundaries, and cultivating a strong, empowered mentality often referred to as the "Bad Bitch Mentality." The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, insightful discussions, and empowering advice aimed at fostering meaningful relationships.

Origin Stories and Podcast Missions

Sebas’s Minute Pitch [05:50] Sebas introduces "I Am Besties" as a sanctuary for women seeking a space to connect deeply with friends or “primas.” He explains, “We wanted to create a space where you can be vulnerable in every aspect, talking about meaningful things that make you laugh or feel sad.” The podcast emphasizes empowerment, encapsulated in their motto: “We’re empowered women who empower women.”

Josh’s Journey to La Platica [07:15] Josh shares how he transitioned from being a guest on "I Am Besties" to now being a regular contributor. He mentions, “I got invited to be on their pod as a guest a few times, and it fell in love with me, so now I’m here.” This move signifies a deeper collaborative relationship between LA PLATICA and I Am Besties.

Friendship Dynamics: Men vs. Women

Challenging Traditional Norms [27:03] The conversation turns to how women often find it harder to connect with each other compared to men. Sebas remarks, “I think men’s relationships tend to be a little more superficial, while women are more selective.” This leads to a broader discussion on the societal conditioning that affects how friendships are formed and maintained.

Confrontations and Boundaries [44:45] Josh emphasizes the importance of being confrontational in friendships to maintain healthy boundaries. He states, “Friendships require clear boundaries and addressing uncomfortable topics. It’s not about tearing people down, but understanding and respecting each other’s limits.” Sebas adds, “I’ve learned that holding onto resentment without addressing issues only taints the relationship.”

Personal Growth Through Running

Running as a Metaphor for Life [16:51] Sebas shares his transformation through running, “Running helps me find gratitude in my ability to move my body, breathe, and push through discomfort. It’s a privilege that shifts my perspective on life.” Steph echoes this sentiment, highlighting how their shared experiences in running foster deeper connections and personal growth.

Inspiring Stories from the Track [142:18] Isis recounts a poignant moment during a run, “I passed a guy with two prosthetic legs pushing himself on his knee for 26 miles. It made me realize how fortunate I am and inspired me to keep going.” This story underscores the theme of resilience and appreciating one’s abilities.

Navigating Social Media and Negativity

Handling Online Harassment [48:16] The guests discuss strategies for dealing with negative comments on social media. Sebas explains, “Ignoring trolls is a powerful way to show that their negativity doesn’t affect you.” Josh adds, “Responding with kindness or not engaging at all can defuse harmful interactions. It’s about maintaining your peace.”

The Impact of Digital Interactions [109:10] Steph probes deeper into the emotional toll of online negativity, and Josh responds, “Words can still hurt, but it’s essential to focus on those who matter and not let online hate define your self-worth.” This highlights the importance of self-validation over external criticism.

Thoughtful Gift-Giving During the Holidays

Christmas Gift Stories and Advice [52:21] The conversation shifts to holiday gift-giving, where guests share anecdotes about the best and worst gifts they've received. Sebas recommends, “A spa day is one of the best gifts because it’s something you can enjoy either alone or with loved ones. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.” Josh concurs, emphasizing the value of thoughtful gifts over material ones: “Give something that has personal significance, like recreating a childhood memory. It means more than the most expensive gift.”

Avoiding Common Gift Mistakes [85:29] Sebas advises against generic gifts like makeup or kitchen appliances, stating, “Don’t give gifts that don’t align with the person’s interests or needs. It’s better to choose something they will use and appreciate rather than something you benefit from.” This practical advice is aimed at fostering more meaningful and appreciated gift exchanges.

Empowerment and Self-Worth

Knowing Your Worth [117:01] Josh passionately discusses the importance of self-worth, saying, “You have to know your worth from within. Don’t compare yourself to others; instead, focus on your personal growth and what you’ve accomplished.” This message serves as a cornerstone for the episode’s theme of empowerment.

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies [126:39] The guests explore the balance between masculine and feminine energies in relationships. Sebas remarks, “My boyfriend is empathetic and caring, which is a quality I find lacking in many men. It’s about respecting and valuing each other’s core characteristics.” This discussion reinforces the episode’s focus on healthy and empowering relationships.

Closing Thoughts and Mutual Appreciation

Building Meaningful Relationships [147:58] As the episode concludes, Sebas and Josh express their appreciation for being part of LA PLATICA, highlighting the mutual respect and shared goals between the podcasts. Sebas states, “Thank you guys for bringing us on. It’s an honor to connect and share our experiences.” Josh adds, “We’re here to empower women and foster meaningful connections, just like you guys do.”

Final Empowering Messages [120:33] Josh encapsulates the episode’s essence with a powerful takeaway: “Everyone has the capacity to improve and be their best self. Embrace your journey and uplift those around you.” This closing message reinforces the themes of empowerment, self-worth, and the importance of supportive relationships.

Notable Quotes:

1. Sebas on "I Am Besties" Mission [05:50]:
   “We wanted to create a space where you can be vulnerable in every aspect, talking about meaningful things that make you laugh or feel sad.”

2. Josh on Empowerment [06:47]:
   “We’re empowered women who empower women.”

3. Josh on Confrontations [44:45]:
   “Friendships require clear boundaries and addressing uncomfortable topics. It’s not about tearing people down, but understanding and respecting each other’s limits.”

4. Sebas on Running [16:51]:
   “Running helps me find gratitude in my ability to move my body, breathe, and push through discomfort. It’s a privilege that shifts my perspective on life.”

5. Isis on Inspiration [142:18]:
   “I passed a guy with two prosthetic legs pushing himself on his knee for 26 miles. It made me realize how fortunate I am and inspired me to keep going.”

6. Josh on Self-Worth [117:01]:
   “You have to know your worth from within. Don’t compare yourself to others; instead, focus on your personal growth and what you’ve accomplished.”

7. Josh on Empowering Messages [120:33]:
   “Everyone has the capacity to improve and be their best self. Embrace your journey and uplift those around you.”

Conclusion

This episode of LA PLATICA serves as an empowering dialogue on building strong, respectful friendships and relationships. Through the shared experiences of Sebas and Josh Leyva from "I Am Besties," listeners gain valuable insights into setting boundaries, confronting challenges, and fostering a mindset that celebrates self-worth and mutual empowerment. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and motivation to help you thrive.