Penelope Sosa on Trusting Your Gut, Safety & Self-Protection

World-renowned international fashion model Penelope Sosa joins Bailey and Buck Unplugged for an honest, empowering conversation about mental health, resilience, and staying grounded in an industry built on image and pressure. From being discovered at 15 in Venezuela—with a fiercely protective mom by her side—Penelope shares what it was like navigating international modeling as a young woman, and the moment in Paris that forced her to choose safety over opportunity.In this episode, she opens up about boundaries, trusting your gut, and how one traumatic experience led her to step away, heal, and eventually rebuild her confidence and career—ultimately creating a life and home base in Miami. She also discusses depression through the lens of personal loss and betrayal, how insomnia became one of her toughest battles, and the self-care practices that helped her recover—especially acupuncture, movement, nourishing food, and a mindset rooted in gratitude and perspective.You’ll also hear practical wisdom she now shares with younger models—about protection, finances, and self-respect—plus a thoughtful exchange on alternative tools like EFT tapping and why “being labeled difficult” is often what happens when women simply refuse to tolerate mistreatment.If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential). In an emergency, dial 911. More resources are available at kennedykids.org.Connect with Penelope:Instagram/Threads: @penelopesosaofficialLearn More about Kennedy Kids Foundation