This is the friendship reality check every woman needs to hear. The moment when you stop taking friendship changes personally and start understanding the beautiful evolution that happens when life shifts. In this conversation, Mitzy Diaz and I break down the truth about how motherhood transforms friendships – and why that's not always a bad thing.

We're covering all the good stuff:

 1. Why becoming a mom during COVID created the perfect storm for friendship challenges
 2. How postpartum depression complicated communication in ways no one talks about
 3. The difference between friendships with strong foundations and those built on convenience
 4. Why some friends will consistently invite you despite schedule changes (and others won't)
 5. How to navigate the guilt of not being the "available" friend anymore
 6. The wisdom in accepting that some friendships serve specific seasons of life
 7. And the beautiful examples of friends who love you through every life transition

This isn't about mourning lost friendships. This is about recognizing which relationships have the foundation to grow stronger, learning to communicate your needs without shame, and understanding that priorities shifting doesn't mean love decreasing.

Mitzy's vulnerability about struggling as an introvert new mom while dealing with friendship changes will validate every feeling you've had about this transition.

Meet Mitzy: Maritza Alarcon Diaz is a 35-year-old Latina living in Southern California. She is a mom, wife, traveler, and a professional in the tech industry. While her favorite role is being a mother, her journey to motherhood wasn't easy. To share her experiences, she launched her blog, MitzyDays.com, which focuses on lifestyle, travel, mental health, and motherhood.

Connect with Mitzy:

Website

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mitzydays]

TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mitzydays]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Mitzydays/videos] 

Blog [https://mitzydays.com/blog]

Subscribe. Share. Choose friendships that choose you back. You deserve relationships that evolve with you.

Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)



🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

 How To Navigate Motherhood and Friendship: a Conversation with Mitzy Days

This is the book that will shatter everything you thought you knew about love. The moment when a 160-page book from 1999 becomes your roadmap for understanding why dating feels impossible and society feels broken in 2025. In this soul-stirring episode, I break down bell hooks' prophetic "All About Love" and show you how her warnings became our reality.

We're covering all the good stuff:

 * Why hooks predicted today's dating app hellscape with terrifying accuracy
 * The real definition of love (spoiler: it's not just feelings)
 * How patriarchy created the toxic dynamic where women give love and men take it
 * Why the loneliness epidemic is actually a "lovelessness epidemic"
 * What "soul murder" means and how it explains online cruelty
 * Why "focus only on yourself" wellness culture is missing the point
 * And how community healing trumps individual healing every single time

This isn't just a book review. This is a mirror for everything broken in our society and a blueprint for healing it. hooks was observing in the 90s what we're living through now – the cynicism, the fear of emotional investment, the epidemic of people seeking intimacy without risk.

Reading this book healed something in me, and I know it will for you too.

Subscribe. Share. Choose love over lovelessness. The world depends on it.

Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨

Book referenced in this episode: All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks [https://bookshop.org/a/56486/9780060959470]

💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

How All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks Predicts Today's Social Issues

This is the long-distance friendship survival guide you desperately needed. The moment when you stop letting miles dictate the depth of your connections and start building bonds that transcend geography. In this heartfelt episode, I share the exact strategies that have kept my closest friendships alive across oceans, time zones, and life changes.

We're covering all the good stuff:

 * Why long-distance friendships are more common than ever (and why that's actually beautiful)
 * The real challenges beyond just missing coffee dates – emotional distance, time zones, and feeling one step behind
 * My multi-platform communication strategy that keeps connections alive without pressure
 * How to stay emotionally invested when you can't just show up with wine and a hug
 * The vulnerable conversations about money that actually strengthen your bond
 * Creative ways to hang out virtually that don't feel forced or awkward
 * And why that misconception about distance dooming friendships is complete BS

This isn't about settling for less meaningful connections because of miles. This is about proving that love transcends geography when you're willing to show up consistently, vulnerably, and creatively. Every strategy comes from my real experience maintaining deep friendships across continents.

Your people are your people, no matter where they live.

Subscribe. Share. Show up. Distance is just a number.

Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)



🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

Long-Distance Friendships: How to Stay Close When You're Far Apart

This is the friendship roadmap you've been desperately searching for. The moment when you stop scrolling through social media feeling lonely and start building the community you deserve. In this soul-shifting episode, I break down the harsh truth about adult friendship and give you the exact blueprint to create meaningful connections that actually last.

Let's break down:

 * Why American individualism has made us lonelier than ever (and it's not your fault)
 * The simple group activity strategy that transforms strangers into genuine friends
 * How to master the follow-up without overthinking every text message
 * Why consistency trumps chemistry when it comes to building lasting bonds
 * The power of third spaces and why your gym might not be the answer
 * And the mindset shifts that turn awkward small talk into authentic connection

This isn't just another "put yourself out there" pep talk. This is a practical system for creating the friendships that will support you through life's highs and lows. Every strategy I share comes from real experience – both my own journey and what I've seen work for my clients.

Stop accepting loneliness as inevitable. Your people are out there waiting to meet you.

Subscribe. Share. Show up. Your future friendships depend on it.

Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨

** Recording note: You'll hear my dog Mochi making guest appearances throughout this episode - apparently they had some strong opinions about today's topic!



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)



🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

How to Make Friends as an Adult: Practical Strategies That Actually Work

This is the character development deep dive you didn't know you needed. The moment when fictional growth becomes your personal roadmap. In this episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, Priscilla and I deliver a breakdown of Queen of Shadows Part 2, where the men's journeys mirror your own struggles with change, trauma, and stepping into your power.

We dive deep into:

 1. Why Chaol's stubborn resistance to change reflects your own fear of the unknown
 2. How Dorian's fight to maintain his identity while under attack shows you what real resilience looks like
 3. What self-inflicted loneliness teaches you about self-punishment and healing
 4. The toxic dynamics that keep you stuck and how to break free from them
 5. Why showing up for community requires you to face your own triggers
 6. And the heartbreaking beauty of characters who choose growth even when it's inconvenient
 7. 

This isn't just book talk. It's a mirror for your own transformation journey. Every character struggle, every moment of growth, every painful lesson – it's all here to guide you toward your own evolution.

🚨 SPOILER WARNING 🚨

I'm covering the entire Throne of Glass series with no holds barred.

Subscribe. Share. Step into your power. These stories are waiting to shape you.

Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨

About my bestie Priscilla:

Priscilla De Lara is originally from California now living in Milan, Italy working in international education. She is a lover of food, traveling, and reading! Fun fact: Priscilla was a college radio DJ.

Connect with Priscilla on TikTok @priscillainitaly [https://www.tiktok.com/@priscillainitaly]

➡️ TikTok video by @V discussing the Chaol and Aelin dynamic as mirrors for each other [https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8MPbjaB/]



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

Stories that Shape Us: The Painful Beauty of Character Development in Queen of Shadows Pt. 2

In this episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, I dive deep into one of the most pressing issues of our time: the loneliness epidemic and how to create meaningful community in 2025. If you've been feeling disconnected, struggling to make friends, or finding dating impossibly difficult, this episode speaks directly to your experience.

I explore how the concept of community has completely transformed since the 90s and early 2000s. We've shifted from deep connections with neighbors, coworkers, and local communities to predominantly online interactions with people we may never meet in person. While these digital connections can be valuable, many of us are missing the inconvenient but essential work of showing up for each other in real life.

From the current state of dating (where basic conversational skills seem to have vanished) to friendships that lack consistency and depth, I break down why so many of us feel isolated despite being more "connected" than ever. I share personal stories about what real friendship looks like.

This isn't just about diagnosing the problem... it's about solutions. I guide you through practical steps to build the community you crave: defining who your community actually is, honestly assessing how you show up for others, and creating opportunities for deeper connections. Because here's the truth: meaningful community isn't convenient, but it's absolutely essential for our wellbeing.

Join the conversation! How do you define community in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me on Instagram or TikTok @YourCoachMari.

See you in the next episode! ✨



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)



🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]



🎧 DON'T FORGET TO:

 1. Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find the podcast!

How To Create Community in 2025

In this episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, I talk the often overwhelming concept of self-care by breaking it down into something actually achievable. If you've ever felt intimidated by those 20-step morning routines or elaborate self-care rituals you see online, this episode is your permission to simplify.

I explore why traditional self-care routines can feel impossible when you're dealing with depression, burnout, executive dysfunction, or you're simply exhausted. Rather than adding more to your plate, I show you how to build a self-care practice that requires minimal physical and mental energy while still nourishing your wellbeing.

Learn how to identify what's already working in your routine (yes, brushing your teeth counts as self-care!), how to add just ONE thing that will make a difference, and why consistency with small actions trumps sporadic elaborate routines. I dive into the specific challenges of executive dysfunction and offer practical strategies for overcoming barriers to self-care.

This episode is about honoring where you are right now and creating a routine that fits your life – not the other way around. Sometimes the most radical form of self-care is lowering the bar to make it actually happen.

Join the conversation! What's one small self-care habit you've managed to maintain? Share in the comments or DM me on Instagram or TikTok @YourCoachMari.

See you in the next episode! ✨



💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

🎧 DON'T FORGET TO:

 1. Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find the podcast!
 2. Share this episode with fellow bookworms and anyone on their healing journey.
 3. Schedule a discovery call if you're looking for support 

How To Create a Low-Effort Self-Care Routine

In this episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, I dive into the crucial relationship between sleep and mental health. Continuing our wellness series, we explore how quality sleep directly impacts our emotional regulation, anxiety, and depression.

I break down what your circadian rhythm actually is and how it influences not just your sleep patterns, but also your hormones, digestion, and body temperature. Learn why sleep deprivation amplifies negative emotions while dampening positive ones - a combination that can seriously worsen anxiety and depression.

Research shows that poor sleep quality isn't just a symptom of mental health struggles - it can actually contribute to their onset and make existing conditions worse. The good news? Creating better sleep habits can help. I share practical tips for developing a healthy bedtime routine, including nutrition considerations, screen management, and environment optimization.

Whether you're struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep, this episode offers science-backed strategies to improve both your sleep quality and mental wellbeing. Remember, most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep for optimal health - and I'll help you get there!

Join the conversation! What's your biggest sleep challenge? Share in the comments or DM me on Instagram or TikTok @YourCoachMari.

See you in the next episode! ✨

Resources referred to in this chapter::

Book: Eat Smarter by Shawn Stevenson  [https://bookshop.org/p/books/eat-smarter-use-the-power-of-food-to-reboot-your-metabolism-upgrade-your-brain-and-transform-your-life-shawn-stevenson/13302861?ean=9780316537919&next=t&affiliate=56486]

Circadian Rhythm [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/circadian-rhythm]

Emotion, emotion regulation and sleep: An intimate relationship [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7181893/#abstract1]

Sleep deprivation makes us less happy, more anxious [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/12/sleep-deprivation-anxious]

How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health [https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health]

Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379]

Bedtime Routines for Adults [https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/bedtime-routine-for-adults]

💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

🎧 DON'T FORGET TO:

 1. Subscribe & leave a review to support the pod
 2. Schedule a discovery call if you're looking for support

Sleep and Emotional Regulation: How quality sleep impacts mental health and emotional resilience

In this episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, I dive into the powerful connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. I share how exercise became a lifeline during my own struggles with depression and anxiety, and explore the science behind why movement matters for our mental health.

Research confirms that regular physical activity significantly improves mood and depressive symptoms for people of all ages. Whether it's martial arts like my beloved jiu-jitsu or simply daily walks with my dog Mochi, finding movement that works for you can interrupt negative thought patterns and create space for healing.

Beyond the physical benefits, sports and group activities combat the loneliness epidemic by helping us build community. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, even a 20-minute daily walk contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week that health experts suggest.

What physical activity helps your mental wellbeing? DM me or share your thoughts on socials!

If you're looking for support in building self-esteem and confidence, I'm currently accepting clients. Click the link in the show notes to schedule your discovery call!

See you in the next episode! ✨

Articles referred to in this chapter:

Mind-body connection is built into brain, by WashU Medicine [https://medicine.washu.edu/news/mind-body-connection-is-built-into-brain-study-suggests/]

Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review, by PubMed Central [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9902068/]

Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms, by Mayo Clinic [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495]

The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults, by PubMed Central [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10286465/#Sec14]

💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

🎧 DON'T FORGET TO:

 1. Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find the podcast!
 2. Join the Conversation! What's your favorite way to incorporate movement into your daily routine? Let's chat!
 3. Follow along on IG, TikTok & Threads: @YourCoachMari [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]
 4. Drop your thoughts in the comments—how has movement helped your mental health?

The Mind-Body Connection: How Exercise Transforms Mental Health

In this final episode of my grief series, I shift focus to those supporting someone through the grieving process.

As we've explored grief through cultural lenses and personal experiences, now it's time to address how to show up for others during their most difficult moments.

I share practical guidance on how to be truly present for someone experiencing grief, from offering your physical presence without trying to "fix" their pain, to providing tangible support with everyday tasks like meal preparation or childcare that become overwhelming during intense grief.

We explore the delicate balance of emotional support: validating feelings, creating judgment-free spaces, and avoiding common pitfalls like saying "I know how you feel" or pressuring someone to "move on." I discuss the importance of long-term support, remembering important dates, and continuing to include grieving individuals in social activities even months after their loss.

Whether you're currently supporting someone through grief or want to be better prepared for when a loved one experiences loss, this episode offers compassionate, practical strategies for being a meaningful support person without overstepping boundaries.

The most important takeaway?

There's no single "right way" to support someone through grief - consistency, patience, and creating space for their unique process are what matter most.

Your presence matters more than finding the "perfect" words, sometimes simply being there is the greatest gift you can offer.

Looking for support on your own healing journey?

I'm currently accepting new clients - schedule your discovery call through the link in the description.

💬 LET'S CONNECT:

My Insta [https://www.instagram.com/yourcoachmari/]

My TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@yourcoachmari]

Growing with Sol Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithsolpod/]

Buy Me a Cafecito [https://hustling-innovator-3453.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-cafecito]

Send in questions: contact+podcast@marisolmoran.com

We might just have the same taste in books. Check out my Book List. [https://bookshop.org/shop/Marisol-Book-List]

(Bookshop affiliate)

🌱 LET’S GROW TOGETHER

→ Schedule your discovery call [https://calendly.com/yourcoachmari/30-minute-discovery-call]

→ 1:1 Life Coaching Coaching [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Transformation Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

→ The Evolution Program [https://www.marisolmoran.com/]

🎧 DON'T FORGET TO: Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find the podcast!

Marisol Moran

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