Wait What's Next?

This episode is a little different… my first solo episode.Because life happens. Showing up for your dreams doesn’t always look perfect. It looks like doing what you can with where you are.As the host of this podcast, that means continuing to build, to show up, and to stay committed to the community we’re creating, even when life, work, and everything in between try to get in the way.In this episode, I share a quick check-in. What it’s been feeling like behind the scenes, the moments of overwhelm, and practicing grace, which is just as important as staying consistent.I also touch on what we’ve been building lately, where the podcast is going, and the core idea that continues to guide everything we do. Bringing to light the real-life transitions that don’t always get a voice.This is a short, honest conversation. A one-on-one moment to pause, reset, and keep going.If you’re navigating your own transitions, building something of your own, or trying to stay on track, this one is for you.Listen in for a real, 1:1 chat with your Wait… What’s Next host.New episodes every week.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

In this episode, we’re catching up on everything. A full Coachella recap, the energy, the moments, and yes… the Bieber fever that had everyone talking. But beyond the fun, we come back to real life and sit with what actually stayed with us.We revisit our conversation with Morgan Wijay and break down the relationship lessons, personal growth, and emotional shifts that hit deeper than expected. The habits you build when you feel strong, the way relationships shape who you become, and the realization that no matter how different our stories look, we’re all navigating similar transitions underneath it all.This episode blends culture, life updates, and honest conversations about growth, relationships, and self-awareness. It’s about taking moments that feel light and fun, and turning them into something that actually moves you forward.If you’re navigating life changes, relationship shifts, or simply trying to understand yourself a little better, this conversation will resonate.The Interview we refer to in this episode can be found on Spotify or Apple PodcastsNew episodes every week. Follow, share, and stay connected.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Sometimes the hardest transitions are the ones that ask you to question the life you’ve built.In this episode, Laura sits down with Morgan, a mother, former athlete, and a woman who lived the traditional life society often expects, to talk about what it really looks like to grow within a relationship, try to make things work, and eventually realize when something no longer feels aligned.Morgan shares her experience of getting married young, becoming a mother, and navigating years of life within a relationship that shaped who she was. We explore what it feels like to slowly lose parts of yourself, to make choices that don’t fully reflect your values, and the moment when you can no longer ignore your own voice.This conversation is about the internal shift. The courage it takes to choose yourself, even when it means walking away from something familiar.We also talk about rebuilding. Starting over in your 40s, redefining what love looks like, and being open to something new that feels aligned, supportive, and real.This episode touches on relationships, self-worth, personal growth, marriage, divorce, and life transitions, while offering a perspective that it is never too late to choose a different path.If you’ve ever felt like you’ve outgrown a version of your life, this conversation will stay with you.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Lately, it feels like everything we grew up with is turning 20.The shows. The music. The versions of ourselves that once felt so certain about who we were going to be.And somehow… in the blink of an eye, we realize we’re the adults now.In this episode, we talk about that in-between feeling. Growing, evolving, taking on real responsibilities, and making decisions for your life… but still not fully recognizing the person you’re becoming.The nostalgia of who we used to be and the quiet shift into who we are now. The part of growing up that no one really prepares you for. The part where you’re building a life, but still trying to hold on to the lightness, the joy, and the version of you that felt a little more carefree.Growing up doesn’t always feel like you imagined it would.And maybe that’s not a bad thing.Maybe that’s the whole point.If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought “How did I get here?” while still figuring out who you are… this one is for you.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Growing up comes with layers no one really prepares you for.In this episode, we dive into the emotional side of life transitions and how the ups, the downs, and everything in between start to shape the way we think and feel. We talk about anxiety and how it shows up uninvited, even when life looks “fine” on the outside.We reflect on how the way we navigate life has shifted over time. Who we were in college, how we handled stress back then, and how different it feels now as more responsibility, awareness, and fear enter the picture.We get into the fears that start to surface as we grow. The fear of losing the things we love, the fear of death, and even the fears we’ve carried with us since childhood. We talk about what anxiety actually does to the mind and body, and how our bodies try to process and release what we don’t always understand.This is one of those conversations that reminds you how human this experience really is. The vulnerability of being alive, the discomfort of not always having answers, and the work it takes to look inward and understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.If you’ve been feeling this way, you’re not alone.We hope that this conversation makes you feel seen, supported, and part of a community that is navigating it all together.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Skincare can feel overwhelming fast.In this episode, Laura and Amanda dive into skincare routines from a real-life perspective. No complicated 10-step routines or unrealistic expectations. Just honest conversations about how to take care of your skin in a way that actually fits your lifestyle.We talk about building a simple and intentional skincare routine, taking a more holistic approach by understanding your body and how your skin changes over time as you move through different stages of life.This episode is for anyone starting their skincare journey, feeling overwhelmed by the number of products and advice out there, or simply wanting a routine that feels better aligned and more manageable.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Facing a big decision? Sometimes the biggest leaps we take in life are also the ones that lead to the most growth.In this episode, Laura and Amanda talk about what it really looks like to make bold decisions before you have everything figured out. From moving to new cities to leaving behind the comfort of the familiar, they explore the uncertainty, fear, and excitement that come with choosing a new path.Because the truth is, most life-changing decisions don’t come with guarantees.So we learn to trust ourselves when the future feels unclear, and to recognize that growth often starts the moment you step outside your comfort zone.If you’ve ever wondered whether you should take the leap, make the move, or trust your next chapter… this episode is for you. And we leave you with one question.If you knew the outcome of your life would turn out beautifully, how differently would you choose to live it?Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Relationships tend to shape us and how we date. In this episode, Laura and Amanda dive into the growth that comes from the relationships we experience throughout life. The heartbreaks, situationships, and more.They talk about heartbreak, relationship standards, boundaries, and how expectations have evolved over time.Most importantly, we talk about accountability. The personal reflection that sometimes needs to happen before finding the kind of love you’ve been yearning for. Looking inward, understanding your patterns, and realizing that growth in relationships often starts with growth within yourself.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

This week we went deep into Amanda’s career story… how did things evolve over a decade?Reconnecting as adults showed us we all go through the same motions in different seasons of our lives and even when the industries look completely different. Amanda shares what it was like chasing broadcasting dreams in her early twenties and living in the public eye, where everyone thinks they know your story. She opens up about life behind the scenes of working in news and what being a public figure meant for both her career and her personal life. The pressure, the pivots, the moments when you realize the thing you worked so hard for might not be the thing anymore. Walking away from what looked like a dream job ended up being one of the boldest and best decisions she’s made, even if it didn’t feel that way at the time. A whole era of life packed into one conversation.In this conversation, the girlies get real about career transitions and what job searching actually looks like. We even digress and take an unexpected turn. Are job interviews like a season of The Bachelor? Basically waiting for another rose ceremony and making it to the next round?It’s a conversation about reinvention in real time. About taking the leap before you feel ready. About making the move before life makes it for you.Somewhere between the laughs and the honesty, you realize how many of us are figuring it out as we go.Wait… what’s next? Our only constant.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Season Two just walked in, and she looks good.If you are navigating a career change, questioning your relationship, moving cities, rebuilding after burnout, or quietly reinventing yourself… welcome. You’re in the right place.This season is for anyone in a life transition. The in between. The messy middle. The “I thought I had it figured out” era. We talk career pivots, identity shifts, wellness during change, starting over, and what growth actually feels like while it’s happening.In this first episode back, Laura sits down with a guest whose story is layered. National news reporter. Big New York City move. Dream job. Job loss. Career transition. Moving back home. Moving in with her boyfriend. Reinvention in real time.It’s honest. It’s real talk. It’s not a highlight reel.If you’re in the middle of figuring out your next move, redefining what success actually means to you, or rebuilding your confidence during a major life transition, this conversation is going to land and push you back into your power.And stay until the end. We’ve been keeping something from you. The surprise makes this season even bigger.Wait… what’s next?Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

It’s here. The season finale of Year 1. 🥹We started this podcast with nothing but Amazon microphones, chaotic voice notes, and a shared delusional dream… and somehow — we’re wrapping 2025 with 1,000+ downloads and a whole community of in-betweeners who get it. Like… are we micro-celebs now?? (Soft yes. Humble brag yes.)In this episode, Laura & Leni look back on a year of glowing up in real time, motherhood shifts, career 180s, mental detours, identity questions, and the art of holding it all together with a messy bun and holiday cheer.We’re talking: ✨ From burnout to breakthroughs 💼 Career pivots & choosing ourselves 👶 Mom life + personal ambition 🌧 Seasonal motivation (or whatever that is) 🌎 Culture, language, and figuring it out in Spanglish 💕 Community, vulnerability & cute tears onlyAnd of course, what we’re leaving in 2025: 🚫 Waiting for permission 🚫 Decision paralysis 🚫 Comparing ourselves to strangers on the internet 🚫 “I’ll do it when I feel ready” energyThen we’re stepping full-force into our Delusional Era in 2026: 🌟 Bigger conversations 🌟 Bold risks 🌟 Joy that’s real, not curated 🌟 More “Wait… WTF just happened?” moments 🌟 More growth, even if it’s messyThank you for listening, sharing, posting, DM’ing… for choosing to spend time with us and making this space feel like home. You made us feel seen, supported, and a little less unhinged, in the best way. 💗So pour the cafecito, eggnog, or champagne… Take a deep breath And celebrate how far you’ve come this year. Season 2 loading. See you in 2026. Happy Holidays and remember to ask yourself… Wait… What’s Next? 🎙💕Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

How do you build a career when no one hands you the blueprint?This week, we sit down with Jennifer McAlpine, whose story takes us from a blue-collar childhood in the Central Valley to leading marketing and education across luxury brands, real estate powerhouses, and national companies. Her rise wasn’t linear or lucky; it was built on curiosity, grit, and the kind of early jobs that people often underestimate.Jennifer shares how running a store at 18 became her leadership bootcamp, how motherhood sharpened her instincts in ways no MBA ever could, and what it really takes to walk into a C-suite meeting as the only woman in the room and swim with the sharks.We talk about: • why your first job (retail, waitressing, operations) is actually your strongest foundation • how to build a career without mentors or a roadmap • what swimming with sharks actually looks like in corporate America• the power of diversifying your life, not just your portfolio• leadership as a practice, not a title• the courage it takes to reinvent yourself… againJennifer’s story is proof that you can build a meaningful, impactful life, even if you start with nothing but curiosity and a work ethic that won’t quit.This episode is for anyone choosing themselves, rebuilding from scratch, walking into rooms not built for them, or trying to define their own version of success.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

What does it really mean to feel rich? Not the dollar-sign kind, but the soul kind.The kind that sounds like belly laughs, morning sunlight, shared meals, and knowing you are already enough without needing anything extra to sponsor your happiness.This week, we’re questioning the myth the world keeps selling us: that happiness lives in the next purchase, the next upgrade, the next shiny thing sitting in your Amazon cart. We talk about consumption culture, Black Friday madness, the influencer illusion, and how easy it is to believe you’re one “add-to-cart” away from fulfillment. Spoiler: you’re not.Because happiness isn’t waiting for you on delivery day. It’s here, in the in-between. You can feel wealthy now, with what you already have and who you already are. No new sofa, face serum, or boyfriend required.If you’ve ever bought something thinking it would fix the feeling If you’ve ever compared your life to someone’s highlight reel If you’ve ever wondered why “more” still doesn’t feel like enoughThis conversation is going to feel like a slow exhale and a gentle reminder that joy is chosen, not shipped. Tap in and rethink what being rich really means.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

You know that moment when you look outside and think it’s midnight… but it’s 4:47 PM? Yeah. Welcome to the season where vibes are confused and our serotonin levels are doing the absolute most.In this episode, we tackle the yearly identity crisis we all go through when the sun clocks out early and everything feels… slightly unhinged. From morning routines that feel like survival rituals to romanticizing the darkness with emotional-support candles, we’re sharing the cozy-but-real ways we’re outsmarting the daylight savings slump.Think: ☀️ chasing sunlight like it owes us money 🕯️ leaning all the way into cozy-core 🏃‍♀️ moving your body even when your brain says “hibernate” 📞 keeping friendships alive (even when the couch is louder) 💊 checking vitamins and checking in with yourself 📚 evening upgrades that feel like a hug 💛 remembering that slower seasons aren’t failures, they’re transitionsLeni drops us a good listen to get you in the mood.This episode is your permission slip to rest, reset, and stop pretending everything has to operate at summer speed. Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do in November… is get cozy and try again tomorrow.Grab your matcha, your blanket, and yes, your emotional support candle.Let’s get through this season together.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Some stories don’t begin with a grand plan; they start with a quiet tug.A subtle shift in your gut that says, you’ve outgrown this version of yourself. This week, we sit down with Ashley, a creative force whose career has traversed the halls of IDEO, the Obama Administration, and is now embarking on a new chapter of her own making, blending human-centered design, storytelling, and purpose-driven work. In this conversation, Ashley invites us behind the curtain of reinvention: the moments that force you to pause, the art of trusting discomfort, and the courage it takes to build something that finally feels aligned. It’s an episode about evolution, professional, personal, and spiritual.A reminder that success isn’t a straight line, it’s a series of creative drafts, rewritten again and again until it finally reads like truth.Want to start your own Human Design journey? Ashley is offering a free 30-minute intro session exclusively for our listeners — your chance to explore what alignment, purpose, and flow can look like for you.Consider it your first leap toward designing the life you’ve always dreamed of. Link below: https://www.lifedesignschool.co/kitYou can find Ashley at @ashleyjablow on Instagram, explore her work at @lifedesignschool.co, and connect with her Human Design company, @wayfinderscollective.🎧 Tune into this week’s episode for the full conversation — it might just be the nudge you’ve been waiting for.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Sometimes, being the villain in someone else’s story is exactly what it takes to become the hero of your own. In this episode, we get candid about the moments that required us to stand up for what we believed in, even when it meant swimming against the current. From quitting jobs that no longer fit to asking for forgiveness instead of permission (Laura’s personal favorite), this one’s about choosing yourself when no one else will.They also introduce a new mini-series, Job Market Check, a monthly pulse brought to you by two girlies deep in the job hunt trenches, navigating layoffs, pivots, and plot twists with caffeine and questionable optimism.It’s real talk about growth, grit, and owning your narrative, because sometimes the messiest chapters make the best main character moments.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

This week, we sit down with Kyle Ewing, who spent 18 years at Google helping scale the company from 8,000 to 180,000 employees, until one day, she hit pause. Burnt out from the hustle, success no longer felt like alignment. What followed was her very own “Eat, Pray, Love” chapter, a solo trip to Bali, a missed flight, an unexpected healer, and a long-overdue reconnection to purpose.In this conversation, we unpack how slowing down can actually get you further, what it means to redefine success after burnout, and how trusting the unknown can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Wait... Is this it?” this episode is your reminder that maybe, just maybe, the next chapter starts the moment you let go of the plan.Find out more and connect with her via LinkedIn or Instagram. Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

What happens when you grow up with a foot in two worlds? One where every goodbye lasts 45 minutes and everyone eats until the last guest leaves, and another where a wave or handshake does the trick? This week, Laura & Leni dive into the beautiful chaos of culture shock. A tell-all about quinceañeras that last three days, American dinners that wrap by 9 PM, and the art of feeding people like it’s a love language (hi, moms 👀). They share how growing up between cultures gives you the ultimate life advantage: connection. Because the truth is, the more we learn about each other, our food, our family traditions, our ways of showing love, the more we understand the world. This episode is a celebration of being multicultural, multilingual, and multi-layered. So come for the laughs, stay for the nostalgia, and leave feeling a little more connected to the people around you (and probably craving your mom’s arroz con pollo).Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

In life, we tend to overplan, but as the saying goes, “life is what happens while we plan for the next move.”While we obsess over timelines, checklists, and end goals, the universe quietly builds its own version in the back end… and somehow, it always makes more sense. In this episode, we sit down with Erika Ramirez, who takes us through her most defining “what’s next” moment yet, one that started as a long-awaited move to New York, a love story that felt like the one, and a dream years in the making. But somewhere between rainy-day coffee orders and real-life plot turns, everything changed.What follows is a heartfelt, empowering story about trusting the redirection, even when it’s not what you pictured. Erika reminds us that just because life doesn’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean it’s going wrong. Sometimes, it’s simply guiding you exactly where you were meant to be all along.It’s vulnerable, it’s raw, and the kind of conversation that feels like a glass of wine with your most honest friend. This is the reminder that even when things fall apart, they might just be falling into place. Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

In our 20s, we could pull all-nighters, survive on iced coffee and vibes, and still make it to class looking semi-put-together. Now? One glass of wine, and we need a recovery plan. 😅This week, we’re taking a walk (okay, a light jog) down memory lane… comparing our 20s chaos to our 30s clarity. Living on a budget but feeling limitless vs having more financial freedom, but way more responsibilities. We’re talking about the beautiful contradictions of growing up.It’s a light, hilarious, and totally relatable convo between two in-betweeners reminiscing on the past, the good, the bad, and the hangovers that built character. Tune in for a little nostalgia, a few laughs, and a reminder that every season, broke, bold, or balanced, has its own kind of magic. Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

If you thought Part 1 was good… Part 2 is the page you didn’t know you were waiting for. This week, Kelly Atkinson is back, and she’s answering the question we left dangling: how she advocated for women in the workplace by building systems that actually worked, especially for mothers-to-be. And that’s just the start. From learning how to delegate like a boss (literally) and letting people show up for you, not just in business but in life, to unpacking her idea of the “Toolbox” we all start building early and add to as we grow… this conversation is packed with gems. We also dive into the messy, magical part of leadership: trusting your gut when the odds are stacked against you, embracing change even when it’s scary, and why being a CEO doesn’t automatically equal success (spoiler: fulfillment is the real flex). Part 2 is raw, unfiltered, and ridiculously inspiring, whether you’re a leader, a dreamer, a mom, or just figuring out your next leap.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

What happens when you put a powerhouse exec in the hot seat and ask her to spill the real story behind becoming a CMO? You get this conversation.In Part 1, Kelly takes us back to the firsts that shaped her career, her first management role, the habits rooted in her upbringing that became her professional superpowers, and the pivotal moments where she leaned into discomfort that ultimately positioned her as CMO across multiple industries.What does the diary of a CMO really look like?Knowing when it’s time to shift gears for real growthWhy your upbringing shapes more of your career than you thinkCreating space as the only woman in the boardroom And why marketing is equal parts art and scienceThis episode is for anyone navigating transitions, building your career, redefining leadership, and learning how to show up unapologetically in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind.Because Kelly’s story isn’t just about climbing the ladder… It’s about rewriting the playbook while you’re on it.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

What does it mean to grow up caught between cultures, languages, and worlds, and still carve out a space that feels like yours? In this week’s episode of Wait… What’s Next?, Laura flips the script and interviews co-host Leni about her story as a first-gen daughter of immigrants. From navigating college without a roadmap, to stepping into the startup world without a guidebook, Leni opens up about what it means to live in-between, not fully from here, not fully from there, but somehow building everywhere.We talk about:Growing up in-between cultures and identitiesBuilding confidence when you don’t have the blueprintWhy being scrappy isn’t just survival — it’s a superpowerHow belonging is less about fitting in and more about creating your own table It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a story so many will recognize: finding strength in the spaces where you never quite felt like you belonged.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

What happens when a 15-year-old girl trades cafecito mornings in Colombia for cafeteria chaos in California? In this episode, Laura gets real about starting over, new country, new language, new culture, and a teenage crash course in belonging. From navigating high school as “the new girl” with a thick accent, to chasing the American Dream (Disney Channel edition), to discovering her own resilience in the middle of culture shock, Laura’s story is one of reinvention, grit, and holding onto her roots while building something new. This isn’t just an immigrant story, it’s a human one. About chasing opportunities, fumbling through the awkward, and finding the beauty in all the in-betweens that shape who we become. Whether you’ve lived through a big move, started over in a new city, or just wondered what it takes to begin again, you’ll feel seen in this one.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

From Car Chaos to Pasta Parties: Why Getting Uncomfortable Is Your Glow-Up Era This week on Wait… What’s Next? we’re talking about stepping outside the comfort zone because let’s be real, that’s where all the juicy growth happens. Leni survived Car Week with two kids in tow (send espresso), Laura hit an Italian-themed party with impeccable vibes, and somehow we’re still standing. But all of that chaos? It made us realize: the best things happen when you push yourself somewhere new. We’re diving into: Why getting uncomfortable on purpose is the ultimate power moveHow solo dates, new routines, and bold career leaps (hello, this podcast!) shape the best version of youReal talk on doing the thing even if it makes your inner perfectionist sweatLittle ways to stretch yourself daily, without spiralingIf you're switching jobs, trying a new workout, or just saying “yes” more often, this one's for you.Search terms your future self will thank you for: self-growth, comfort zone challenge, confidence building, female podcast, wellness, working moms, car week recap, hot girl habits, Italian party vibes, how to start a podcast, solo dates inspiration, best self era 🎧 Buckle up, because transformation isn’t comfy… but it is worth it.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Wait… What’s Next? is back with another hot take because August showed up uninvited, and we’re halfway between a glow-up and a burnout.This week, Laura (currently spiraling over summer's fast-forward button) and Leni (fueled by toddler drama and cold brew) unpack the mid-season meh... that sticky spot where your SPF is low, your goals are pending, and your energy is… let’s just say “on sabbatical.”In this episode, we’re sharing five feel-good ways to reset your rhythm and romanticize your routine, think:Guilt-free rest (yes, doing nothing is productive)Your phone can wait; the sidewalk is callingMini workouts, maxi impact Romanticize the little stuff like it’s Oscar-worthyMake your coffee run cinematicPermission to hit restart any day of the week (hello, August refresh)With honest laughs, relatable chaos, and zero pressure to be perfect, we’re giving you the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.✨Because even if your to-do list is toast and your goals took a nap, you can still finish this year feeling like the main character.🎙️ Tune in, reset with us, and remember: You're not lazy, you're just human (and maybe a little sunburnt).Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Laura takes over the mic this week and flips the script, interviewing co-host Leni, putting her in the hot seat. And let’s just say… she delivers (pun intended 😉)In this raw and unfiltered convo, Leni opens up about becoming a mom for THE SECOND time, from the mental and physical changes no one really prepares you for, to the chaotic moments that somehow turn into the most beautiful memories. It’s messy, it’s emotional, it’s hilarious, and it’s the kind of real talk every parent, parent-to-be, or curious soul needs to hear. We’re talking about the truths of motherhood, the “nobody told me this” moments, and the big reveal that makes it all worth it: the miracle of bringing life into this world with grace, patience, and just the right dose of humor. This isn’t just a parenting story; it’s a human story. And trust us, you’ll want to hear every word. Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

We love a good vision board moment… but sometimes? You can’t soft life your way to hard goals, so put in the reps, sis!This week, we’re talking about the sweet spot between soft hustle and hard results: staying consistent when it’s boring, why “thinking like a man” doesn’t mean becoming one, and the mindset shifts that keep us moving when life feels meh.From Laura’s “women be women but with male mentality” hot take, to Leni’s second-time-around baby registry reality check (spoiler: TikTok lies), we’re diving into:✨ Manifestation with momentum ✨ Consistency as the ultimate flex ✨ The TikTok buys that flopped and the ones that actually slap ✨ The Aspire podcast ep that has us rethinking the work we really put in (shoutout to @aspirewithemmagrede and host @emmagrede for the inspo)Whether you’re chasing that next career move, chasing toddlers, or chasing clarity, you’ll feel seen in this one.Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

Job interviews, baby bottles, and a sprinkle of identity crises, served warm with a side of figuring it out. In this week’s episode, Laura and Leni catch up on all the beautifully messy things happening behind the scenes: prepping for baby number two, navigating post-layoff job interviews, leaning on ChatGPT like a situationship (questionable but comforting), and juggling job apps and baby bottles like it’s an Olympic sport. We’re talking: ✨ How to shift your mindset around uncertainty ✨ The magic of perspective (and showing up for yourself) ✨ Why manifestation actually works better with action ✨ And how even the messiest weeks can teach you something Plus, Leni shares takeaways from “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, a book that’s giving off major “what you send out comes back to you” energy. Whether you're applying to jobs, deep in your wellness era, or just trying to make sense of 3,000 Amazon baby registry items, this one's for you.  📲 Follow us: @waitwhatsnextpod | Hosts: @lauraalbaz & @v_leeeni Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

We didn’t plan this. But maybe that’s exactly the point.In our very first episode, we’re unpacking how unexpected change, "hi, layoffs" pushed us to create something we actually believe in.We talk about what it means to be two Latinas navigating career pivots, identity shifts, and the messy, magical middle where clarity isn’t guaranteed, but connection always is.Wait… What’s Next? was born out of uncertainty, but it’s rooted in honesty, humor, softness, and real conversation.This is our story and the beginning of a space for the in-betweeners, the soft hustlers, the big feelers, and anyone asking what comes next.🎧 Listen now on Apple + Spotify 📲 Follow along: @waitwhatsnextpod | Hosts: @lauraalbaz & @v_leeeni #WaitWhatsNext #SoftHelp #PlotTwistEnergy #LatinaPodcastLaunchWait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]

✨ Wait… What’s Next? is the podcast for anyone living in the in-between of jobs, of healing, of figuring your sh*t out.Hosted by Laura (@lauraalbaz) and Leni (@v_leeeni), two Latinas navigating layoffs, identity shifts, intuition, motherhood, and chaotic transformation with real talk, tiny spirals, and a whole lot of cafecito.We don’t have it all together, but we’re showing up anyway. New episodes every week. ☕️Wait... What's Next? Host: Laura Alba Co-Host: Amanda BrilhanteExecutive Producer: Lauren AtkinsonInstagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @amandakbrilEmail:  [email protected]