PODCAST · health
Delusional By Choice
by Dayanara Gonzalez
Welcome to Delusional By Choice! 🎙️ I’m Dayanara, your host, sharing the messy, real moments of my life. At 28, I’m a college student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Class of 2026 🎓) majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology. As I dive into understanding the human mind, I’m using everything I learn to navigate life’s ups and downs. This podcast is all about embracing “delusion” as a tool: life doesn’t always go according to plan, but we always get to choose how we show up. Each episode is like an open journal—raw, real, and filled with psychological insights to help you grow. If you’re looking for authentic conversations and practical advice on relationships, mental health, and personal growth, you’re in the right place. Let’s figure out life together! ✨
Episodes
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Money Money Money
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...
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When “Do What You Love” Starts Feeling Impossible
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...
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Let’s talk about sex(ed) baby!
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...
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Tried To Run From My Problems Turns Out I'm Too Slow
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…
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Sorry I Ghosted You, It’s Me, Not You
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...
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Popcorn Thoughts
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…
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Mind on Repeat
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…
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Feel It, Then Flex Your Gratitude
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...
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Memory: A Scrapbook on Shrooms
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...
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Addicted to the Bare Minimum
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...
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Main Characters Have Meltdowns Too
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…
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Cat's Out of the Bag… Just Kidding – Just My Business
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,...
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The Beauty of Life’s Plan B
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...
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What’s Your Brain’s Diet?
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...
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Permission to Fail Is Permission to Grow
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...
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Am I Overreacting Or Are They Testing me
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...
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Outsmarting Your Own Impulses
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…
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My Life’s in Shambles, But at Least I Have Freud
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...
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Breaking the Rules You’ve Created for Yourself
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...
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You’re Still Breathing, So Chill
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...
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Navigating Grief This Holiday Season
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...
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Tis the Season for Questions
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....
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Let Go of the Outcome, Embrace the Process
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...
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The Era of Doom Scrolling
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,...
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Love Language: What’s Your Style?
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...
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Reconnecting with Your Why
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…
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Delay the Temptation
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…
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Burnout Prevention: Realizing My Schedule Was Too Full
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...
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Time to lock in
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…
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Delusional Beginnings
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Delusional By Choice! 🎙️
I’m Dayanara, your host, sharing the messy, real moments of my life. At 28, I’m a college student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Class of 2026 🎓) majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology. As I dive into understanding the human mind, I’m using everything I learn to navigate life’s ups and downs.
This podcast is all about embracing “delusion” as a tool: life doesn’t always go according to plan, but we always get to choose how we show up. Each episode is like an open journal—raw, real, and filled with psychological insights to help you grow.
If you’re looking for authentic conversations and practical advice on relationships, mental health, and personal growth, you’re in the right place. Let’s figure out life together! ✨
HOSTED BY
Dayanara Gonzalez
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