Delusional By Choice

Send me a message!Spoiler alert: money has a long history of losing purchasing power over time. Translation: simply saving your money and hoping for the best is not exactly a winning retirement strategy.I am not a financial expert, so think of this episode as a conversation from one friend to another. I share some basics and a little history behind Social Security and 401k plans. I also introduce Roth IRAs and talk about a few money mistakes I have made so you hopefully do not have to make the same ones.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Lately, I’ve been asking myself how do you actually love what you do?Because somewhere along the way, I lost that version of me who felt sure about it.In this episode, I’m getting honest about what it’s like to lose that spark, what passion really means (hint: it’s not effortless), and how the small steps, the messy, uncomfortable ones, are helping me find my way back.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Sex ed. We all got it, some of us survived it, and some of us… well, let’s just say it left a lot to be desired. In this episode of Delusional By Choice, I break down why sex education really matters, who is supposed to be teaching it, and how the system is failing teens and sometimes adults too.I talk about messy school mandates, the domino effect of bad sex ed, porn as the unofficial teacher, and how outdated gender roles and shame keep harmful patterns alive. Plus, I share what inclusive, accurate, and shame-free sex education actually looks like and why it benefits everyone, regardless of the gender you are or the gender you are sleeping with.By the end of this episode, you will walk away thinking differently about sex ed, empowered to ask questions, and ready to have real conversations for yourself, your friends, or the next generation.https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2025/only-37-of-us-states-require-sexual-education-in-schools-to-be-medically-accurate/SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!After taking some time away, I'm back with a conversation about the heavy stuff that’s been weighing on me lately: loneliness, fear, pulling back from people, losing confidence, and that stuck feeling that comes with self-doubt.If you’ve ever found yourself in that place, you’re not alone. This is an honest conversation about what it’s like to sit in those moments and some thoughts on how to slowly work your way forward.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Sorry I ghosted you! Life got a little wild between school, juggling a million things, and just trying to keep my head above water. But guess what? We’re finally catching up, and I’m ready to spill everything.In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly lift you up. I’ll also talk about why it’s crucial to cut yourself some slack when life gets overwhelming, and how those ride-or-die people can literally bring you back to life.By the way, when was the last time you really checked in with yourself? Are you giving yourself credit for the small wins, the little steps of daily discipline? I know external validation isn’t always there, so it’s easy to overlook. Let’s unpack all of that!Everything you think you know about addiction is wronghttps://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong/transcriptSUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!This episode is dedicated to the thoughts that don’t just visit. They move in, rearrange the furniture, and blast their playlist at full volume. You know the ones. The thoughts that pull up a chair, make themselves at home, and demand your full attention.If you’ve been trying to be the bigger person but feel like you’re running spiritual cardio, welcome to the club. Maybe you’re wrestling with what forgiveness really means or wondering how to stop just consuming life and start creating it. Oh, and if you’ve noticed that freedom to just be yourself feels like a full-on rebellion… you’re in the right place.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!If your brain loves reruns of awkward convos or that one thing you said in 2016, welcome home. In this episode, we’re spiraling intentionally into why we ruminate. I’m sharing some real-life “ouch-but-true” reflections on how childhood wired my inner narrator—and what to do when your thoughts refuse to shut up.Expect emotional drama from your amygdala and a reality check that feels like a warm hug and a slap, all at once.Delulu? Always. But we’re healing on purpose.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Dumpster fire on a rollercoaster? Yeah. But guess what? Gratitude and being present are ride-or-die tools, and I’m here to remind you (again) because we all need it. Honestly? These two have been the only things keeping my anxiety from throwing a full-blown rave in my brain. So if you’ve been spiraling, numbing, or just emotionally tap-dancing through some mess… this one’s for you.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Let’s be real — sometimes we scroll through old photos and feel a weird mix of envy and cringe. Like “Ugh, I miss her”… until you remember she was spiraling over a situationship, chasing validation, and running on espresso shots and vibes.Let's discuss the chaotic art of romanticizing your past self — and why your brain LOVES to play editor. We’re talking nostalgia bias, “the story gap,” and how your mind turns mental breakdowns into cinematic moments with a cute outfit and a grainy filter.✨ Truth is, you’ll probably look back on this version of you someday and wish you could be her. So maybe she deserves more credit now.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Ever caught feelings from a “wyd” text? Thought the universe was sending signs? Babe… it’s not fate — it’s dopamine in heels, unhinged and unsupervised. This episode is your official intervention. We’re calling out the brain chemical behind your romantic delusions, impulsive Amazon carts, and that one ex you swear has changed. Buckle up — your delusions are about to get called out (with compassion, obviously).SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Welcome to your villain origin story—but like, the healing kind. 💋 This episode is your permission slip to burn it all down (metaphorically… mostly) and stop clinging to people, habits, or versions of you that have expired. Inspired by Untamed by Glennon Doyle and a few personal “WTF am I doing?” moments, we’re talking glow-ups that start in the wreckage.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on some personal stuff I’ve been hesitant to share. The cat’s out of the bag—well, kind of—and I’m diving into the unknown. My career is... well, what career? And does anyone have any tips on living with an ex? Tune in for a real, unfiltered look at my current season of life—because let’s be honest, it’s messy and it’s mine.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Life doesn’t always stick to the script — and sometimes those unexpected plot twists leave us wondering, What now? In this episode, my guest opens up about how she once pictured the ‘perfect’ life: marriage, three kids, and a cozy home. But at 30, her reality looks a little different — one child, no marriage, and a co-parenting dynamic that turned out to be... surprisingly peaceful.We dive into what it’s like to let go of the life you thought you’d have and find peace in the one you’re actually living. If you’ve ever felt like your timeline is off or your plans aren’t unfolding the way you hoped — this one’s for you. Because sometimes, the detour is where the magic happens.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Why does change feel so damn hard?  It’s not just you—it’s science. In this episode, we’re breaking down why your brain resists change (even when you want it), how the right people in your circle can actually help, and the one question about money you probably haven’t asked yourself (but should). Let’s get into it!SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!UGH. The pressure to set big goals and do all the things can leave you feeling drained, defeated, and stuck, right? Trust me, I’ve been there. We get caught in the hustle, but here’s the thing: growth isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying new things, failing, and finding your own rhythm.In this episode, I grant you full permission to slow down, check in with yourself, and take the pressure off. Sometimes, all we really need is the space to explore and fail without the weight of perfection hanging over us.Growth is EXHAUSTING, but it’s also one of the most reward. And guess what?  You’ve got time. Even if you’re not moving as fast as you thought.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Ever feel like your emotions are running the show? In this episode, we’re talking all about emotional reactivity and boundaries — what they really are, and how to set them without feeling like you’re on defense all the time. Sometimes we think we’re standing firm, but are we really just reacting? I’m breaking down how to tell if your boundaries are actually being crossed or if you're just feeling all the feels. Trust me, you’ll want to save this one for the next time you’re in a tricky moment and need to stay cool, calm, and collected. SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!In this episode, we explore how willpower, self-control, and self-discipline can help you stay grounded during life’s toughest moments. Building on Freud’s iceberg model, I break down how these tools shape our decisions and how awareness can prevent emotional chaos. Plus, I share an eye-opening study on cultural differences in how we view willpower.If you're looking for ways to strengthen your mental resilience and stay focused on your goals, this episode is for you!1. The Remarkable Tale of Phineas Gage - 5min Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw0zbyQVCEc&t=302s2. Reverse Ego-Depletion: Acts of Self-Control Can Improve Subsequent Performance in Indian Cultural Contextshttps://www.krishnasavani.com/CV_files/Savani_Job_2017.pdf3. What you need to know about willpower: The psychological science of self-controlhttps://www.apa.org/topics/personality/willpowerSUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!The end of 2024 hit me hard, leaving me in a dark mental space with a storm of emotions —many of which contradicted each other. Stuck, confused, and searching for clarity, I turned to Freud’s Iceberg Model—exploring the Superego, Ego, and Id—to make sense of it all. In this episode, I share the perspectives that helped me unpack my conflicting feelings and begin the journey back to myself.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4076885/https://www.simplypsychology.org/psyche.htmlSUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!In this episode, we explore the self-imposed “false rules” that keep us from taking chances and growing. From limiting beliefs about our abilities to fear of failure, these invisible barriers hold us back in big ways. I’ll share how recognizing and breaking free from these rules—along with giving ourselves the grace of a second chance—can unlock new possibilities for growth. Ready to challenge your own false rules? SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!In this episode, we dive into the art of not taking life too seriously. If you’re still breathing, guess what? You’ve still got time to find joy, heal, and ask for what you truly want. Enjoying the ride matters more than chasing perfection and being the bigger person (yes, even with those people) can bring surprising peace and happiness. Tune in for some lighthearted reminders, a few laughs, and the encouragement to live life on your terms. After all, you’re here, and that’s what counts.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Grief during the holidays can be especially hard. In this episode, we talk about the emotional challenges of navigating loss during a time meant for joy. Our guest, Quintin, shares his personal experience with grief and offers valuable insights on self-care, finding hope, and allowing yourself the time and space to heal. If you’re struggling this season, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and healing is a journey—one step at a time.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Let’s dive into some thought-provoking questions! The goal? To get your brain buzzing and spark some curiosity. I’ll answer a few, but leave others hanging—because sometimes, the best insights come from the questions we’re still thinking about. Tune in and let your mind wander. SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!In this episode, we dive into the stress that creeps in when we believe we can't handle a situation. It's all too easy to get overwhelmed by the pressure of needing to "get it right" or rushing toward the outcome. But here's the twist: focusing on the end result only makes the journey feel longer and harder. Tune in as we explore how shifting our mindset from a destination-focused approach to embracing the process can help you handle challenges with more ease, confidence, and a lot less stress. SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Discover how to reclaim years of your life, uncover the hidden reasons behind your spending habits (hint: it might be a trauma response), and get surprising tips for saving on Christmas gifts. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights to help you live a more mindful, intentional life!Check these articles for more in-depth insights on discussed in this episode!Valleywise Health. (n.d.). The Negative Effect of Screen Time on Adults and Children. Retrieved from https://valleywisehealth.org/blog/negative-effect-of-screen-time-adults-children/#:~=All%20the%20time%20spent%20in,to%20read%20emotions%20in%20generalRajeshwari, S., & S., Meenakshi. (2023). The Age of Doomscrolling – Social Media's Attractive Addiction. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 12(1), 21. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/jehp/fulltext/2023/01310/the_age_of_doom_scrolling___social_media_s.21.aspx.Saraiva, F.P., & de Souza, C.F. (2023). Digital devices and ocular health: A comprehensive review. Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia, 82(5), e20220094. Retrieved from https://www.scielo.br/j/rbof/a/WD5LpDPp5vyKgcCCvy3jPgt/Judge, T. A., & Bono, J. E. (2005). Relationship of Core Self-Evaluations Traits—Self-Esteem, Generalized Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, and Emotional Stability—with Job Satisfaction and Job Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Business and Psychology, 20(2), 105–119. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10869-005-8261-5SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationships or deepen your self-awareness, this episode offers valuable insight on five love languages. Check these articles for more in-depth insights on love languages discussed in this episode!Tatum, Janet. “The Role of Love Languages in Relationships: A Comprehensive Analysis.” Personal Relationships, vol. 23, no. 4, 2016, pp. 321-339. Wiley Online Library.Link to ArticleMiller, Sarah. “Understanding the Dynamics of Love Languages in Therapy: Insights and Applications.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, vol. 45, no. 2, 2019, pp. 234-245. Wiley Online Library.Link to ArticleSUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Life can throw us off course, making it easy to forget why we started in the first place. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or simply navigating life’s challenges, reconnecting with your original motivation can reignite your passion and clarity.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Get ready to feel good! In this episode, we discuss the importance of prioritizing the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. We’ll explore the concept of delayed gratification and how waiting for the good stuff can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, we’ll dive into the importance of setting boundaries to protect our energy. SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Join me as I share a personal story about the moment I realized my schedule was overloaded and the changes I needed to make to avoid burnout. We’ll explore the importance of thinking long-term and staying true to our main priorities. I’ll discuss how to identify non-negotiable habits, such as journaling, that keep us centered and focused. Tune in for insights on how to prioritize what truly matters in your life!SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!With just four months until the new year, now is the time to shift gears and commit to your dreams! In this uplifting episode, we explore the importance of mindset, goal-setting, and taking actionable steps towards your aspirations. SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️

Send me a message!Quick introductory episode of Delusional by Choice, meet your host Dayanara, and discover what this podcast is all about. Welcome to the journey of choosing your delusions wisely!SUPPORT THE SHOW:Love what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and rating the podcast! Don't forget to follow @delusional_bychoicepodcast and @dayag_24 on Instagram, and tag me in your posts to share the love! Every bit of support means more than you know! ❤️