PODCAST · health
Papaya Talk
by Papaya Talk
Chatting about the world of women’s health from one generation to the next. Brought to you by mom and daughter duo Dr. Alyssa-Herrera-Set and Nadia Herrera-Set. Get even more juice at www.papaya.health
Episodes
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What We're Putting in Our Bodies (and Where We're Getting It)
This week Alyssa and Nadia talk about the stuff that's easy to get and harder to trust, from pills at the 7-Eleven register to hormones you can order online. It starts with a video Alyssa sent Nadia about two University of Mississippi students who died after taking kratom, something you can buy…
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Catching Up on Nadia's Last Semester
Alyssa and Nadia are back after a long break, and Nadia is officially in her last semester at Northeastern. Most of her high school friends have already graduated, her roommate included, and she's still on campus with four classes left. It feels a little weird, but she's trying to hold on to the...
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When Being Seen Isn't the Same as Being Heard
This week Alyssa and Nadia get into something personal, what it actually feels like to navigate the healthcare system when you're not sure you'll be taken seriously. It starts with an Instagram post about a woman who showed up to her appointment in heels and still got dismissed. A neurosurgeon...
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Trusting the Process When Nothing Feels Certain
This week Alyssa and Nadia are joined by Lucy Shepherd, a close friend of Nadia's from their Dialogue of Civilizations program in Spain, to talk about growing up in different countries, finding a career path, and figuring out what comes next after graduation. Lucy shares how she spent her…
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Figuring it Out While You Go Through College and Life
This week Alyssa and Nadia are joined by former gymnastics teammate Claire Andriola to talk about college, life after graduation, and figuring out what comes next when the plan changes. Claire shares how she arrived at UC Santa Barbara fully intending to go to medical school. Along the way,...
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The Things Nobody Tells You About Dating in College
This week, Alyssa and Nadia finally get into the topic Alyssa has been trying to crack open for months, Nadia's love life. What started as a casual mention, "don't make a big deal out of this, but I'm going on a third date," has since turned into something real, and this episode is basically the...
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The Hidden Stress of Supporting Yourself as a College Student
This week, Alyssa and Nadia record in mid-May as the heat, allergies, airplane noise, ambulances, and barking dogs set the scene. After a quick detour into neighborhood complaints, Alyssa brings the conversation to the real topic: money, and how Nadia is thinking about it as she nears the end of...
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The Surprising Ways Filipino Culture Is a Trend—and Its Hidden Impact on Identity
After scrapping a first recording that didn't feel right, Alyssa and Nadia land on a topic that's been sitting in the background: what it actually means to be Filipino-American when you're a generation removed from the immigration story. Nadia is 100% Filipino by heritage — but both her parents...
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From College Years to Career Goals: How Perfectionism and Fear Shape Generation Z
This week, Alyssa and Nadia record on a Sunday morning, a podcast first, and quickly abandon their planned topic for a more organic conversation about Gen Z: whether they’re really more serious, homebodied, and less “fun” than previous generations. Alyssa shares what she’s been hearing from...
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No Agenda, Just Life
This week, Alyssa and Nadia skip having a guest and instead share a personal life update. There’s no set topic — just an honest check-in on how they’re doing. It turns into one of their most open and candid episodes. Alyssa revisits her Hume Scale results by getting a DEXA scan, the gold standard...
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The Surprising Power of Scales and AI in Managing Your Health—Are We Over-Tracking?
In this week’s episode, Alyssa and Nadia open with the reason Nadia barely has a voice: nationals in Alabama, a weekend of yelling, and a concert the night before. The main story follows Alyssa’s latest Instagram-ad purchase: a Hume body pod, a smart scale that measures things like body fat,...
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Navigating College Life: Expectations vs. Reality
This week, Alyssa welcomes both daughters — Nadia and Lucy. Lucy was last on the podcast before college, so this episode is a real check-in now that she’s a sophomore in her first co-op. It’s part of the college/post-grad series, but with a twist: Lucy is still in it, offering a fresh,...
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How a Recent Graduate Turned Post-College Life into a Creative Adventure
This week, Alyssa and Nadia are joined by their first post-grad guest, Charvi Dot — a recent Northeastern graduate and longtime friend. As Nadia approaches graduation, the episode kicks off a new series focused on what life actually looks like after college. Charvi shares her unconventional gap...
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Olympics Coverage: Hockey and the US Team's Gold
This week, Alyssa and Nadia talk about the Winter Olympics — but beyond the highlights, they explore the deeper stories behind the athletes filling their feeds. What begins as a casual chat about skating and hockey turns personal when Nadia shares how drawn she’s been to figure skater Alyssa Liu…
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How Finding Joy in Small Hobbies Can Transform Your Sense of Purpose
Alyssa just got back from snowboarding in Tahoe; Nadia’s home from a gymnastics meet and a Connecticut trip. A casual comment—“Do you sleep?”—kicks off a bigger talk about busyness: when it’s fulfilling, and when it’s avoidance. They move into purpose. Nadia says immigration, immediately. Alyssa...
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Super Bowl Sunday and The Winter Olympics
On Super Bowl Sunday during the Winter Olympics, Alyssa and Nadia discuss Lindsey Vonn competing in Olympic downhill days after tearing her ACL—and the crash that got her airlifted off the mountain again. They unpack injury risk, medical autonomy, and what elite athletes model for everyone...
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The Surprising Truth About Age and Doing Bold, Youthful Things Late in Life
In this candid episode of Papaya Talk Podcast, Alyssa and Nadia talk about aging, career evolution, and big life transitions. Instead of a structured topic, they let the conversation flow through questions about identity, time, and change. Alyssa admits something has been weighing on her: as she...
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Human Connection and Face-to-Face Interaction
In this new episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore the concept of retreats, human connection, and the importance of unplugging from digital life. What starts as Alyssa announcing her first full-scale retreat in Mexico evolves into a deeper conversation about Gen Z's relationship with technology, the...
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The Impact of Pop Culture on Relationship Expectations
In this new episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry—the raunchy romance series that's captured audiences across age groups. What starts as a discussion about the show evolves into deeper reflections on multitasking, entertainment consumption, and how...
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Why New Year's Resolutions Feel Stressful
In the first episode of 2026, Alyssa and Nadia tackle New Year's resolutions—though both admit the concept stresses them out. The conversation explores intention-setting, the pressure of documentation, and balancing productivity with presence. Alyssa's resolution is simple: "be a good person."...
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Reflecting on 2025: Embracing Authenticity and Change
In this unplanned bonus episode, Alyssa and Nadia wrap up 2025 on a lighter note after their emotional conversation about gun violence the previous week. The discussion centers on reflection, transition, and what it means to stay authentic as life changes rapidly. Alyssa kicks off the…
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From Positive Finale to Tragedy
In this emotionally charged episode, Alyssa and Nadia confront the devastating reality of gun violence in America, prompted by a recent mass shooting at Brown University. What was supposed to be the season's final, positive episode became an urgent conversation about a tragedy that hits too close...
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Back From Hiatus and Finals Week Stress
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia return to the mic after a brief hiatus, with Nadia deep in the "finals hole" of her semester. They dive into a viral national news story involving a student at the University of Oklahoma who received a zero on a psychology paper, sparking a heated debate about...
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The Impact of Sleep on Health and Family Life
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia record together in person for the first time in a while, bringing a different energy to their conversation. They tackle two major topics that come up during the holiday season: sleep and family dynamics. Alyssa just returned from a week in Melbourne, Australia,...
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Hormones and Health: A Journey Through Womanhood
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into a deeply personal conversation about aging, menopause, and what it means to be a woman as your body changes. Alyssa opens up about feeling younger than she looks at 48, sparking a discussion about how we perceive ourselves versus how we appear to…
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From Gymnastics to Marathons: A Journey
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an unexpectedly deep conversation about aging, family caregiving, and what happens when we need help but don't want to admit it. What starts as a recap of the New York Marathon — where Nadia's gymnastics teammate ran 26.2 miles and a 78-year-old completed…
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Exploring Halloween Traditions and Tarot Insights
In this Halloween week episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore themes of control, guidance, and finding meaning in uncertain times — with a little help from tarot cards. Nadia opens up about getting her tarot cards read by a friend and pulling three cards representing her past, present, and future:...
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From Co-op Challenges to Career Aspirations
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia catch up on Nadia's job search for a clinical research co-op and reflect on the "soft skills" she's been building for her future medical career. Nadia opens up about the humbling reality of applying to 20+ co-op positions over two months and receiving just one...
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Navigating the Path to Becoming a Doctor
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an honest conversation about Nadia's journey toward medical school and what it really means to become a physician in today's healthcare system. Alyssa, a physical therapist, shares her concerns after hearing countless patient complaints about their…
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Impact of AI on Education
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore one of the biggest questions of our time — how AI is reshaping learning, creativity, and human connection. They start by unpacking the role of artificial intelligence in education: how students are using it to double-check homework, why professors are...
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Navigating Noise and Mental Health
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia reflect on how noise, social stimulation, and personal priorities shape their daily lives. The conversation opens with lighthearted banter about barking dogs, road construction, and the toll constant noise can take on mental health. From there, they dive into...
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Exploring Fitness and Pilates Philosophy
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive deep into their philosophies around fitness, movement, and the complexities of the modern exercise industry. The conversation begins with Alyssa sharing her concerns about different teaching approaches in Pilates, specifically addressing the tension between...
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The IUD Experience
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have anopen and honest conversation about Nadia's recent experience getting an IUD (intrauterine device). The discussion covers everything from her decision-making process to the procedure itself and her recovery experience. The conversation begins with Nadia...
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Senior Year of College
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa kick off Nadia's senior year of college with an in-depth discussion about the excitement and anxieties that come with being a fourth-year student. The conversation begins with Nadia explaining her summer dialogue experience in Spain, where she completed her…
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Summer Break: Looking Back, Moving Forward, and Summer in Spain
In this season finale of Papaya Talk Podcast, Nadia and Alyssa reflect on their podcasting journey together as they prepare to take a summer break. Nadia is approaching her fourth year of college, and they discuss the passage of time, her academic journey, future plans for medical school, and the...
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When Mice Take Over: Boston's Unwanted Roommates
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa compare living conditions in San Francisco versus Boston, focusing on urban challenges that residents face. The conversation begins with discussing San Francisco's reputation and how news coverage often portrays it negatively, emphasizing homelessness and...
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Food for Thought
In this episode, Nadia and Alyssa welcome registered dietitian Kerry Blair, founder of Food for Fuel and known on Instagram as "The Gymnast RD." The conversation explores nutrition topics including orthorexia, the differences between registered dietitians and nutritionists, gut health trends, and...
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From Screen to Scrubs
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera discuss medical dramas, including "The Pit" and "Grey's Anatomy," and how Nadia’s interest in these shows influenced her desire to become a doctor. They explore how initial interests evolve into deeper motivations, particularly as the younger host...
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Digesting Nutrition Advice
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera discuss modern food trends, gut health, and the impact of social media on eating habits. They explore how nutrition messaging has evolved over generations, from the low-fat craze of the past to today's protein-focused and gut health movements. The...
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Mom + Daughter Communication Tips with guest Alta-Grace Tan, PsyD
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia welcome special guest Alta Grace Tan, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and family relationships. Together, they dive into the evolving dynamic between parents and their adult children, discussing the challenges...
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The Biological Clock vs. Life Plans When Is the Right Time for Love & Family
In this special Valentine’s Day episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into modern dating, hookup culture, and the pressures of long-term planning. They discuss the challenges of finding real connections in the age of dating apps, the reality of being surrounded by couples, and the difference between...
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Peanut-Drama Free
In this recent episode, Alyssa and Nadia dive into the realities of living with food allergies, the psychological impact of growing up with dietary restrictions, and the balance between caution and fear. Nadia reflects on her lifelong peanut allergy and how it has shaped her habits, choices, and...
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Why Can't We Talk Like Friends
In this latest episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an honest and reflective conversation about mother-daughter communication—the challenges, the evolution, and the deep desire for mutual understanding. Alyssa expresses her hope for open communication that lasts into the future, while Nadia shares her...
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Pour Decisions-Thoughts on the Alcohol-Cancer Connection
In this latest episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera dive into the surprising link between alcohol and cancer, discussing new research and its implications. Alyssa shares recent statistics on alcohol-related cancer deaths and the challenges of cutting out alcohol, given its deep-rooted presence in...
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TikTok, Insta, and Facebook Gen X vs Gen Z
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia Herrera-Set discuss the role of social media in shaping generational perspectives, personal connections, and the spread of misinformation. Alyssa reflects on her desire to step away from platforms like Instagram and Facebook due to concerns about credibility and...
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Becoming an MD in an Era of Distrust
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia discuss generational and cultural differences in attitudes towards medical care, trust in healthcare professionals, and the evolving role of social media in shaping public perceptions of health. Nadia reflects on how her experiences as a student and future…
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A Deep Dive Into Our Post-Election Emotions
"We are quite resilient as a nation." In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia reflect on their feelings and experiences following the recent election. They discuss the emotional turmoil, the influence of media on their perceptions, and the personal impact of the election results. The conversation…
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Election Season: A Catalyst for Mental Health
In this episode, that was recorded on November 4th, 2024, Alyssa and Nadia discuss the feelings of anxiety and overwhelm that Nadia experienced earlier in the day, particularly in relation to her academic responsibilities and the stress of the upcoming election. They explore the impact of…
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Breaking the Silence on Menopause: Dr. Tanya Goodrich
"This is my way of making sure women get treated fairly" In this engaging episode, Dr. Tanya Goodrich shares her journey into the field of pelvic health physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of women's health advocacy and the evolution of pelvic physical therapy. The discussion delves into...
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A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth with Dr. Gina Mundy
In this episode, we are so fortunate to be joined by attorney Gina Mundy! Gina discusses her journey into the field of childbirth law, the inspiration behind her book, A Parent’s Guide to a Safer Childbirth aimed at empowering expecting mothers, and the common issues faced during childbirth,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Papaya Talk have?
Papaya Talk currently has 128 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Papaya Talk about?
Chatting about the world of women’s health from one generation to the next. Brought to you by mom and daughter duo Dr. Alyssa-Herrera-Set and Nadia Herrera-Set. Get even more juice at www.papaya.health
How often does Papaya Talk release new episodes?
Papaya Talk publishes regularly with 128 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Papaya Talk?
You can listen to Papaya Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Papaya Talk?
Papaya Talk is created and hosted by Papaya Talk.
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