Girls with Opinions

Let’s be honest — most of us want to be liked. But when does wanting connection turn into bending, shrinking, and abandoning yourself?In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re talking about the deep-rooted need to be liked, where it comes from, and how it quietly shapes the way we show up in relationships, work, and everyday life.We unpack how the desire for approval often gets mistaken for being “easygoing” or “low maintenance,” when in reality it can look like overexplaining, people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, and saying yes when you mean no.We also share our own experiences with needing to be liked, how we’ve started challenging it, and what it looks like to choose authenticity over approval — even when it’s uncomfortable.💬 In this episode:Why so many of us crave external validationHow needing to be liked shows up day to dayThe connection between approval-seeking and self-abandonmentHow fear of being disliked keeps you stuckWays to build self-trust and tolerate disapproval✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to stop performing for acceptanceA clearer understanding of your approval-seeking patternsTools to prioritize authenticity over likabilityA reminder that being yourself is more important than being liked📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and tell us: where are you done trying to be liked?Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In this episode, we’re sharing our opinions about overexplaining—why so many of us do it, where it comes from, and how it often shows up without us even realizing it.We talk about how overexplaining can be rooted in people-pleasing, fear of being misunderstood, or feeling responsible for how others perceive us. We also explore how overexplaining shows up differently in friendships, family dynamics, work, and online spaces—and why it can be so hard to stop once it becomes a habit.This conversation isn’t about shaming the instinct to explain yourself. It’s about understanding it, questioning when it’s actually necessary, and noticing how much energy it can take to constantly justify our choices, feelings, or boundaries.As always, these are just our opinions—meant to open up reflection, not offer rigid rules.In this episode, we discuss:What overexplaining actually looks like in everyday lifeWhy so many of us feel the urge to justify ourselvesThe link between overexplaining, people-pleasing, and anxietyWhen explanation is helpful vs. when it’s unnecessaryHow overexplaining can drain energy and blur boundariesWhat it might look like to pause, say less, and trust yourself moreIf you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d said less—or wondered why you felt the need to defend a perfectly reasonable choice—this episode will feel very familiar.

In this episode, we’re sharing our opinions about therapy—why we love it, how our perspectives on it have evolved over time, and why finding the right therapist can make all the difference.We talk honestly about how therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, and how what you need from therapy can change across different seasons of life. From early expectations to deeper, more nuanced understanding, we reflect on how our relationship with therapy has grown and shifted over the years.We also get into the process of finding your best-fit therapist—why it can take longer than you’d like, why that doesn’t mean therapy “isn’t working,” and why it’s worth staying open rather than giving up after one or two mismatches.This conversation is encouraging, realistic, and grounded in respect for both the process and the people involved.In this episode, we discuss:Why we genuinely love therapy and believe in its valueHow our views on therapy have changed over timeCommon misconceptions about what therapy should look likeWhy finding the right therapist matters so muchWhy it’s okay (and normal) if the process takes longer than expectedWhether you’re therapy-curious, currently in therapy, or feeling discouraged by the process, this episode is a reminder that therapy is a relationship—and like any relationship, it takes time to find the right fit.

In this episode, we’re diving into our thoughts on pop culture—and how dramatically it’s changed from when we were growing up to now.With constant access to information through social media, smartphones, and 24/7 commentary, pop culture feels closer, louder, and more personal than ever. We talk about how this level of access can blur boundaries, create a false sense of intimacy with celebrities, and shape the way we consume and react to public figures.We also get into cancel culture—what we understand about it, where we think accountability matters, and why we struggle with the extremes of how it shows up today. This isn’t about defending harmful behavior, but about questioning whether the current culture of instant judgment leaves room for nuance, growth, or humanity.This episode is opinion-based, reflective, and open-ended—meant to spark thought rather than provide definitive answers.In this episode, we discuss:How pop culture feels different now compared to when we were youngerThe impact of social media and constant access to informationWhy we feel “closer” to celebrities than ever beforeThe psychology behind parasocial relationshipsOur mixed feelings about cancel culture and its extremesWhere accountability, growth, and nuance get lostAs always, these are just our opinions—and we’re curious how others are thinking about these shifts too. Pop culture isn’t just entertainment anymore; it shapes how we relate, judge, and understand the world around us.

In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re talking about something that affects so many women — yet is still wildly misunderstood, minimized, or brushed off: perimenopause and women’s health.We dive into how often perimenopause is dismissed as “just stress,” “just anxiety,” or “just getting older,” and how frustrating (and exhausting) it can be to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that doesn’t always listen to women. We talk openly about the gaps in education, the lack of clear guidance, and how hard it can be to find providers who truly understand women’s hormonal health.We also break down common signs, symptoms, and impacts of perimenopause — from mood changes and anxiety to sleep disruption, brain fog, energy shifts, and changes in the body — and why knowing what’s happening can be incredibly empowering.This episode is about awareness, advocacy, and reminding women that what they’re experiencing is real, valid, and worthy of care.💬 In this episode:Why perimenopause is so often minimized or misdiagnosedThe emotional and physical toll of not being believedCommon signs and symptoms of perimenopauseHow hormonal changes impact mood, energy, sleep, and mental healthThe challenges of navigating women’s healthcareWhy education and self-advocacy matter✨ You’ll walk away with:Validation if you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but don’t feel okayLanguage to advocate for yourself in medical settingsA clearer understanding of perimenopause and its impactEncouragement to trust your body and ask better questionsA reminder that women’s health deserves more attention — not less📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and share your experiences with women’s health and perimenopause:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re unpacking people pleasing — what it actually is, why it’s so hard to let go of, and how it quietly impacts your mental health, relationships, and sense of self.We talk about how people pleasing often gets mistaken for being kind, flexible, or “easygoing,” when in reality it’s rooted in fear, self-protection, and the need for approval. We break down what people pleasing really looks like day to day, the toll it takes over time, and why it keeps you disconnected from your own needs.Most importantly, we talk about how to start challenging people pleasing — without swinging to the other extreme or feeling like you have to become someone you’re not. This is a compassionate, honest conversation about choosing authenticity over approval and learning to be okay with discomfort as you grow.💬 In this episode:What people pleasing actually is (and what it isn’t)The emotional and relational cost of constantly accommodating othersHow people pleasing shows up in everyday decisions and conversationsWhy it’s so hard to stop — even when you’re aware of itPractical ways to challenge people pleasing patterns✨ You’ll walk away with:A clearer understanding of your own people pleasing tendenciesPermission to honor your needs without guiltTools to practice boundaries and self-trustA reminder that being honest is not the same as being unkind📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and tell us where you’re ready to stop people pleasing:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

It’s that time of year again — new calendars, big promises, and goals that sound good… but don’t always mean much.In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re sharing our honest take on New Year’s resolutions — why so many of them feel arbitrary, rushed, or disconnected from real life, and why that’s exactly why they don’t stick.We talk about the difference between setting goals out of pressure versus setting them with intention and awareness. If you’re going to create goals for the new year, they should actually matter to you — not just look good on January 1st.We also dive into the myth that you have to wait for a new year (or a new week or a new Monday) to start, and why “failing” at a goal doesn’t mean you should give up altogether. Often, the answer isn’t quitting — it’s pivoting, adjusting, or scaling back so your goals fit your real life.This episode is your permission slip to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and approach growth in a way that’s sustainable, flexible, and meaningful.💬 In this episode:Why most New Year’s resolutions don’t lastThe problem with setting goals without intentionHow to create goals that actually align with your valuesWhy you don’t need a “fresh start” to beginWhat to do when a goal stops workingThe power of pivoting instead of quitting✨ You’ll walk away with:A more realistic and grounded approach to goal-settingPermission to let go of arbitrary resolutionsTools to set intentions that evolve with youA reminder that progress isn’t linear — and that doesn’t mean you’re failing📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and tell us: are you setting resolutions this year — or doing something different?Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

“Be the bigger person.” Sounds mature. Sounds evolved. Sounds… exhausting.In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re unpacking why we actually don’t love the concept of being the bigger person — and how it often turns into code for swallowing your needs, silencing your truth, and keeping the peace at your own expense.We talk about the pressure (especially on women) to stay calm, forgiving, and accommodating no matter what, and how that expectation can quietly lead to self-abandonment. We explore the difference between true emotional maturity and performative “niceness,” and why setting boundaries or speaking up doesn’t make you petty, dramatic, or immature.This episode is part rant, part reframe, and a reminder that choosing yourself doesn’t mean you’re choosing conflict.💬 In this episode:Why “being the bigger person” often benefits everyone but youHow the concept can turn into people-pleasing in disguiseThe emotional cost of constantly putting yourself lastThe difference between growth and self-sacrificeWhen walking away is the mature choice✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to stop equating silence with strengthLanguage to prioritize your needs without guiltA reframe of what emotional maturity actually looks likeValidation that you don’t owe anyone your self-betrayal📲 Join the conversation on Instagram — we want to know your hot take:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In this week’s Girls With Opinions episode, we’re getting real about something every woman faces at some point: the version of you that emerges after life blindsides you.We’re talking about identity shifts after hardship, heartbreak, grief, motherhood, career changes, health issues — the moments that force you to rebuild your sense of self in ways you didn’t expect (or ask for).We share our own experiences with major life pivots, how adversity reshapes who you are, and the messy, nonlinear process of figuring yourself out again. This episode is honest, compassionate, vulnerable, and a reminder that losing yourself isn’t the end — it’s often the beginning of a version of you who’s braver, clearer, and more grounded than ever.💬 In this episode:What it really looks like to lose your sense of selfHow adversity strips away old identities and forces new onesWhy rediscovery feels exciting… and terrifyingThe pressure to “bounce back” vs. the reality of rebuildingThe weird grief of outgrowing your old lifeOur personal stories of reinvention and finding ourselves again✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to evolve without apologizingA reminder that reconstruction is not failure — it’s transformationInsight into why you feel lost and why that feeling isn’t permanentInspiration to reconnect with the parts of you that survived, softened, or strengthened after adversityHope that who you’re becoming is someone worth meeting📲 Come tell us about the version of you that emerged after your own plot twist:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In this week’s episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re talking about something almost every woman knows all too well: guilt. Mom guilt, work guilt, partner guilt, friend guilt, self-care guilt — you name it, we’ve felt it.We get into why guilt seems to show up everywhere, even when you’re doing your absolute best, and how society, expectations, and old conditioning convince us we’re “not enough” no matter what we do.We also talk openly about mom guilt specifically — the pressure to be everything, do everything, and feel everything all at once — and how unrealistic expectations steal joy from motherhood (and womanhood). We share out own honest experiences, unpack where this guilt comes from, and break down how to tell the difference between true values-based guilt and the kind your brain just made up.Of course, we add our signature GWO humor, honesty, and real-talk reminders that guilt doesn’t make you a better mom, partner, or human — awareness and intention do.💬 In this episode:Why guilt is such a default emotion for womenThe difference between real guilt and “manufactured guilt”How mom guilt sneaks into even the smallest decisionsWhy guilt doesn’t equal loveHow childhood, culture, and pressure shape our guilt patternsOur personal stories (and rants) about guilt we’ve had to let go of✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to stop apologizing for being humanA clearer lens on what guilt you should actually listen toTools to shift from guilt-driven choices to values-driven choicesA reminder that good moms (and good people) feel guilt because they care — not because they’re failing📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and tell us the guilt you’re ready to drop:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

On this week’s episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re diving into a topic everyone has an opinion about but not everyone is honest about: Botox, filler, and plastic surgery.Spoiler: We’re not here to shame, judge, or pretend we’re above it — in fact, Kristy shares openly about getting Botox herself. 👀💉This conversation is all about nuance — the kind social media rarely leaves room for. These procedures aren’t inherently good or bad; what matters is the intention behind them. Are you enhancing confidence… or trying to fix your self-worth? Are you making a thoughtful choice… or numbing discomfort with the next “quick fix”?We talk about how easy it is for cosmetic procedures to become addictive, how to check in with your own tendencies and motivations, and why these aren’t casual beauty trends — they’re real medical procedures that require real responsibility. From choosing ethical providers to understanding risks, we’re breaking it all down with honesty, humor, and zero judgment.💬 In this episode:The difference between enhancing confidence vs. outsourcing self-worthWhy cosmetic procedures can become addictiveKristy’s experience with BotoxHow social media influences what we think we “need”The importance of choosing a qualified medical providerWhy these decisions deserve more thought than a TikTok trend✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to explore cosmetic procedures without shameClarity on how to check your intentions before booking an appointmentReminders about bodily autonomy and responsibilityA grounded perspective that honors both confidence and inner work📲 Join the conversation on Instagram — we want to hear your (respectful!) opinions too:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

Families. We love them… and sometimes they are the main character in our stress.In this episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re diving into all things family drama — the patterns, the expectations, the roles we get boxed into, and the unspoken rules we end up breaking just by growing up and becoming our own people.We talk about everything from boundaries to guilt trips, the “peacekeeper” role, generational habits that need to retire ASAP, and how we’re learning to navigate family dynamics with more honesty, compassion, and sanity.It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s a reminder that you’re not the only one who has mentally rehearsed an entire conversation before a family gathering.💬 In this episode:The family roles we never signed up forWhy guilt shows up when you set boundariesHow to stay regulated around difficult relativesThe difference between loyalty and self-abandonmentOur funniest (and most chaotic) family drama stories✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to step out of old family rolesA reminder that drama isn’t your responsibility to fixTools to navigate family dynamics without losing yourselfValidation that family chaos is… extremely normal📲 Join the conversation on Instagram — tell us your wildest family drama moment (we know you have one):Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

This week on Girls With Opinions, we’re diving into the world of pop psychology — the TikToks, soundbites, Instagram infographics, and trendy self-help takes that everyone swears by… but don’t always tell the whole story. 👀From overused therapy buzzwords to misapplied diagnoses to the way social media makes everything a “trauma response,” we’re talking about what pop psychology gets right, what it gets very wrong, and how to actually use psychology in a way that supports your growth (not overwhelms you with labels).We also share our own hot takes on the concepts we love, the ones we side-eye, and the ones that should probably come with a warning label.It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s your reminder that mental health is way deeper than a 10-second clip — and that nuance matters.💬 In this episode:The therapy buzzwords we’re overWhat pop psychology gets right (when it’s done well)Why everything is not a trauma responseThe rise of self-diagnosis and what’s helpful vs. harmfulHow to take in mental health content without losing yourself✨ You’ll walk away with:A clearer understanding of what’s real psychology vs. pop psychologyPermission to take online advice with a big grain of saltTools to choose content that helps, not hurtsA good laugh at the things we’ve all been guilty of believing📲 Join the conversation on Instagram and tell us YOUR pop psychology hot take:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

So what happens when your five-year plan… completely falls apart? 😬In this episode, we’re talking about all the ways life doesn’t go as planned — from unexpected career pivots to “failed” relationships, big identity shifts, and the messy process of starting over.We get real about how those moments that feel like detours often end up being redirections — the kind that lead you exactly where you’re meant to go (even if it doesn’t feel that way at first).It’s equal parts reflection, humor, and real talk about trusting the timing of your life — and learning to let go of the version of you who thought she had it all figured out.💬 In this episode:How to cope when your path doesn’t match your planWhy “starting over” isn’t failure — it’s evolutionThe beauty (and pain) of redefining success and identityHow to find meaning when things fall apart✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to release timelines that no longer fit youA reframed view of failure as redirectionA reminder that detours are still progressA little extra faith in your ability to rebuild, again and again📲 Join the conversation on Instagram — we want to hear your stories about when life threw you a curveball:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

You know when you swear you’ll never do something — and then the future version of you shows up doing exactly that? 👀In this episode, we’re unpacking all the things we said we’d never ever ever do… and now we’re doing them. From starting our businesses to running (on purpose?!) to trying new hobbies we once rolled our eyes at — we’re talking about how fear, ego, and identity get tangled up in the word “never.”We also dive into how saying “never” limits the version of ourselves we haven’t met yet — and why giving yourself permission to evolve is one of the most freeing forms of growth.💬 In this episode:The surprising things we swore we’d never do (and now love)How fear and self-protection hide inside “I’d never”Why changing your mind is actually a sign of maturityWhat happens when you stop explaining your evolution to everyone else✨ You’ll walk away with:Permission to outgrow your old opinionsA reminder that change doesn’t require justificationInspiration to say “maybe someday” instead of “never”🎧 Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe cringe a little at your own “I’ll never” moments — because growth is supposed to look like that.📲 Join the conversation on Instagram:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

If we could go back and talk to our 20-something selves, we’d have a lot to say about diets, body image, and all the “rules” we thought we had to follow to be healthy.In this week’s episode of Girls With Opinions, we’re unpacking the biggest lies we believed about dieting in our 20s — from “1200 calories is enough” to “you have to earn your food.” We talk about how those beliefs shaped our relationships with food and fitness, and what it’s looked like to unlearn them in our 30s.This one’s part confessional, part empowerment session, and totally judgment-free. Because growth starts with calling out the nonsense we were once sold as truth.💬 In this episode:The most common dieting lies we bought into (and how they showed up in our lives)How hustle culture and body ideals shaped our early relationships with foodWhat real health and balance look like nowWhy compassion — not control — is the real secret to wellness✨ You’ll walk away with:Validation if you’ve ever been stuck in a toxic diet cycleTools to start healing your relationship with foodA few laughs, some “wait, same” moments, and a reminder that we’ve all been there📲 Join the conversation! We want to hear the biggest lies you believed in your 20s — and what you know now that you wish you’d known then.Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

Welcome to the very first episode of Girls With Opinions — the podcast where we pull a random topic, spill our honest takes, and say all the things you’re probably thinking but don’t always say out loud.In this kickoff episode, we’re diving straight into the deep end with our unpopular opinions about food, fitness, and life. From diet culture hot takes to “don’t come for me, but…” confessions, nothing is off the table.This one’s equal parts spicy, relatable, and real — because sometimes the best conversations start with, “Okay, hear me out…”💬 In this episode:Our boldest takes on food trends and fitness mythsWhy we’re over toxic wellness cultureThe “life opinions” we’re standing 10 toes down onLaughs, honesty, and zero filters✨ You’ll walk away with:A reminder that it’s okay to think differentlyPermission to enjoy your own version of health and happinessA good laugh (and probably a few “same!!!” moments)📲 Join the conversation! Tell us your own unpopular opinions over on Instagram — we want to hear the takes that make people pause and go “wait… you might be right.”Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

We all know the labels — introvert, extrovert, ambivert — but how often do we actually think about what they mean for our wellness? In this episode, we break down what introversion and extroversion really are (beyond the stereotypes) and why understanding where you fall on the spectrum can change everything about how you approach fitness, mindset, and self-care.Whether you recharge best in solitude or come alive around people, learning how to work with your energy type instead of against it can transform your consistency, motivation, and overall well-being.💬 In this episode:What introversion and extroversion actually meanCommon misconceptions that mess with your mindsetHow your energy type impacts your fitness, routines, and recoveryTips to honor your natural rhythm in a world that glorifies hustleWhy knowing yourself is one of the most powerful forms of wellness✨ You’ll walk away with:A deeper understanding of how your personality drives your energyTools to build habits that fit who you actually arePermission to stop fighting your nature and start flowing with it📲 Loved this episode? Share it on your stories and tag us:Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In this episode, we’re jumping on the “unfortunately, I do love…” trend and sharing our own lists—the little things we love, even when they’re inconvenient, messy, or not “perfect.”But of course, we couldn’t stop there. This conversation goes deeper into how knowing what you want (and admitting it out loud) is one of the most powerful ways to stand up for yourself. From the silly everyday preferences to the big life choices, we unpack how self-awareness and honesty can transform your mindset, your relationships, and your overall wellness.This one’s part fun, part truth bomb—and all about reminding you that you don’t need to apologize for what you love or who you are.💬 In this episode:Our personal “unfortunately, I do love…” confessionsWhy it matters to actually know what you like, want, and needHow standing up for yourself starts with being honest with yourselfThe freedom that comes from dropping the guilt and owning your truth📲 Loved this chat? Connect with us on Instagram and tell us YOUR “unfortunately, I do love…” list—we’d love to share some on a future episode!Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit

In fitness, wellness, and life, it’s tempting to shapeshift—constantly bending yourself to fit in, adapt to expectations, or be who you think others want you to be. But here’s the truth: you can’t shapeshift your way to lasting success.Real change comes from authenticity. From knowing yourself deeply and making choices that align with who you are—not who you think you should be. When your wellness journey is rooted in someone else’s standards or approval, consistency crumbles. But when it’s rooted in your values and identity, growth becomes sustainable and powerful.In this episode, we unpack how shapeshifting shows up in fitness and mindset, why it sabotages confidence and consistency, and what it looks like to find success by truly knowing yourself.💬 In this episode:What “shapeshifting” looks like in fitness and wellnessHow it impacts self-esteem, relationships, and long-term consistencyWhy authenticity is the foundation of sustainable successPractical mindset shifts to stop shapeshifting and start owning your path✨ You’ll walk away with:A deeper understanding of why “fitting in” doesn’t equal successPermission to stop contorting yourself to meet outside expectationsEncouragement to root your journey in authenticity, not performanceMindset tools for building consistency that actually lasts📲 Loved this episode? Connect with us on Instagram and share what resonated most!Erin: @ErinBurnsWellnessKristy: @KristyCastilloFit