Podcast Summary: Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized – Episode: "Kayla Talks All: Divorce, Anxiety, Depression, Body Dysmorphia, Breakup, CHISME & MORE!"
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Introduction
In this deeply personal and engaging episode of Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized, host Alan I. welcomes guest Kayla Castro, a 21-year-old college student and content creator. The episode delves into Kayla's life experiences, focusing on her parents' divorce, mental health struggles, body image issues, and her recent breakup. Through candid conversation and heartfelt moments, Kayla shares her journey of healing and self-discovery.
Kayla’s Early Life and Family Dynamics
Childhood Shifts Post-Divorce
Kayla opens up about her childhood, describing herself as a shy child who became more outgoing once comfortable. The pivotal moment came in third grade when her parents divorced, marking a significant shift in her behavior and emotional state.
"Third grade is actually when my parents got divorced, and I feel like that's when I kind of started keeping to myself more." (04:12)
Relationship with Her Parents and Siblings
Kayla explains her detached relationship with both her parents, emphasizing a closer bond with her older sister, Jeanette, who she viewed as a maternal figure. The divorce led to mixed feelings of confusion and self-blame due to the lack of communication from her parents.
"Honestly, I wasn't attached to my mom or to my dad... I have a connection with my sister." (06:24)
Impact of Divorce on Mental Health
Initial Emotional Turmoil
The sudden absence of her father without a proper explanation left Kayla feeling confused and responsible, fostering early signs of anxiety and depression.
"They didn't tell me anything. It was just one day your dad's going to be here and the next day he's not. And I think that made me more confused than anything." (07:48)
Struggles with Anxiety and Depression
Kayla recounts two major instances when her mental health severely declined, leading to suicidal thoughts and deep emotional distress. The first was during high school, and the second occurred earlier in the year amidst family struggles.
"The first time was in high school... the second time was a little bit more serious." (15:35)
Body Dysmorphia and Self-Image
Experiencing Body Shaming
Throughout her school years, Kayla faced relentless body shaming from friends, which significantly impacted her self-esteem and body image. Comments about her weight and appearance led her to develop unhealthy eating habits and body dysmorphia.
"I remember comments would get made about like, my butt... look at your chest." (37:50)
Realization and Coping Mechanisms
Eventually, Kayla recognized the pattern of bullying and its effects on her mental health. She began to distance herself from the gym routines that exacerbated her self-criticism and started practicing positive self-talk to combat negative thoughts.
"When I stopped comparing myself so much, that's kind of when I started accepting myself." (45:24)
Rebuilding Faith and Relationship with God
Distancing from Faith
Coming from a devout Christian family, Kayla initially distanced herself from God following her father's infidelity and the subsequent emotional turmoil after her grandmother's passing.
"I started distancing myself and you know, in high school, started doing like really bad things." (68:09)
Reconnecting Through Relationships
Her journey back to faith began through her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who shared her renewed commitment to God. This relationship played a crucial role in healing her emotional wounds and restoring her faith.
"With my ex, we took that journey together... because of him, I was able to really deepen my relationship with God." (62:35)
Daily Practices and Spiritual Growth
Kayla describes her relationship with God as a means to become more compassionate and loving. She emphasizes spending time in prayer, attending church, and surrounding herself with supportive communities as foundational to her spiritual nourishment.
"I nourish my relationship with him by spending time with him... going to church and surrounding myself with the right kinds." (71:10)
Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth
Building an Online Presence
Kayla transitioned from posting casual "thirst traps" to showcasing her authentic personality, which resonated with her audience. Encouraged by her sister Kim, she embraced content creation as a genuine expression of herself.
"I started showing my personality online... and I felt like that's when people really started liking them." (51:13)
Pros and Cons of Social Media
While social media offers Kayla flexibility and creative freedom, it also presents challenges such as the pressure to constantly produce content and manage negative feedback. She highlights the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries to maintain her mental well-being.
"A big con would be... I feel like that's just kind of a con of it." (54:51)
Relationship and Breakup
Healthy Relationship Foundations
Kayla shares her positive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, rooted in mutual faith and open communication. Their bond was strengthened by shared spiritual practices and mutual support.
"We put God at the center so much... it made the whole relationship really easy." (60:00)
Reasons for the Breakup
Despite a loving relationship, Kayla decided to end it after realizing her personal struggles and doubts about their future together. The breakup was rooted in her need to focus on her mental health and spiritual journey.
"I was struggling a lot... I wanted to have a relationship with you and I want to take this seriously." (63:12)
Healing After the Split
Post-breakup, Kayla faced intense emotional pain but leveraged her support system and faith to begin healing. She emphasizes the importance of processing emotions rather than suppressing them.
"I have a really strong support system... they've been helping me a lot." (65:56)
Advice and Insights
On Overcoming Personal Struggles
Kayla advises individuals facing similar challenges to embrace their emotions, seek God’s guidance, and understand that healing is a gradual process.
"Everything happens for a reason... speak up and not hold your emotions in." (28:45)
Building Self-Worth and Setting Boundaries
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own worth, setting healthy boundaries, and not allowing others’ negative perceptions to dictate self-esteem.
"You're worth more. Remember that." (44:24)
Maintaining Faith Amidst Adversity
Kayla encourages maintaining a relationship with God despite personal shortcomings, highlighting that God’s love is unconditional and forgiving.
"God doesn’t want you because you’re perfect... he just loves you as who you are." (77:25)
Conclusion
Kayla Castro’s heartfelt narrative offers listeners a window into her resilience and growth through adversity. Her journey from a tumultuous childhood, through mental health struggles and a challenging breakup, to rebuilding her faith and self-worth, serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming personal hardships. Through honest dialogue and empowering advice, Kayla underscores the importance of self-acceptance, open communication, and spiritual grounding in achieving personal healing and fulfillment.
Notable Quotes:
- "I didn't want to be here anymore... researching like, okay, what's the best way to go?" (00:00)
- "How are you gonna expect my mom to serve you?" (24:43)
- "You're worth more." (44:24)
- "Don't let your mistakes keep you from searching for God." (75:37)
- "God doesn't want you because you're perfect... he just loves you as who you are." (77:25)
For more insights and updates, follow Kayla Castro on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
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Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the episode. For full details and context, please listen to the actual podcast episode.