Claim OwnershipUnleash the Cringe
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Welcome to "Unleash the Cringe," the podcast where we delve into the journeys of creators and passionate individuals on their path to success, revealing their failures and normalizing those cringy moments. Join hosts Hitomi Gonzales and Laura Gonzalez, as they guide you through the process of becoming, building a brand, growing a community, and leveraging your platform for success. Together, "Unleash the Cringe" is not just about embracing the awkward; it's a roadmap to inspire change, take risks, and pursue what fills your soul. Tune in weekly to bloom into the person you aspire to be and navigate the beautiful, cringy journey of success.
29 Episodes
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S3 E1 Get ready to Unleash the Cringe—because in 2026, we’re elevating every area of our lives: faith, health, mindset, and everything in between.
In this Season 3 kickoff, Laura and Hitomi reconnect after the holidays and dive into real conversations around Christianity, personal growth, and what it actually looks like to evolve in your everyday life.
Laura opens up about her 25 lb weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications, sharing her honest experience with Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide, what worked, what didn’t, and what no one tells you about these treatments.
Hitomi breaks down her experience using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with Stelo by Dexcom, revealing surprising blood sugar triggers, how everyday foods impact your energy, and what this data taught her about nutrition, cravings, and metabolic health.
If you’re curious about:
GLP-1 weight loss (Ozempic, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
Blood sugar, insulin, and CGMs
Faith, discipline, and personal growth
Building a healthier lifestyle without losing your personality
…this episode is for you.
✨ This is your reminder: you can evolve and still be yourself.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s on their own health or faith journey—and let us know in the comments: what are you working on in 2026?
Follow us on IG, Tik Tok and Youtube @UnleashTheCringe
S2 E7 This week, we’re joined by Chahinez Tabet Aoul, the powerhouse food blogger behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Born in Algeria and raised on rich cultural flavors, Chahinez shares how her dream of becoming a pastry chef evolved into full-time food blogging after going viral for her Crumbl cookie dupes.
But her story isn’t just about butter and sugar—it’s about boldness. From monetizing her content and aligning with brands she genuinely believes in, to speaking up for the Palestinian cause and raising awareness for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Chahinez is redefining what it means to be a creator with conscience. We dive into how she balances entrepreneurship with advocacy, why she refuses to stay silent, and what it means to build a platform rooted in both credibility and compassion.
💻 Follow Chahinez & get inspired:
TikTok: @chahinez_tbt
Instagram: @chahinez_tbt
Food Blogs:
🍪 lifestyleofafoodie.com
🍰 simplecopycatrecipes.com / @simplecopycatrecipes
S2 E6 In today’s episode, we go deep with Dr. Ernest Kim—a chiropractor, transformation coach, acupuncturist, and healer who’s rewriting the rules of wellness. From his beginnings as a self-described troublemaker and deviant to finding purpose through mind-body-spirit alignment, Dr. Kim shares how observing our thoughts through meditation can shift us from beta to alpha, stress to calm--in order to process information and tap into our own intuition better.
We explore his holistic treatment style that bridges physical care with reading auras—integrating energy reading, transformative coaching, and hands-on techniques like muscle release, stretching, and scar tissue work before any adjustment. His approach is rooted in the belief that the body holds emotional memory, and true healing happens when we align the physical, mental, and spiritual.
Dr. Kim’s biggest message? For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or doesn’t fit the mold—trust what makes your soul sing. Because your path to healing might just begin where the norms end.
Whether you're curious about meditation, intuitive medicine, or just want to feel seen on your healing journey, this episode is a blueprint for finding real alignment—from the inside out.
Visit https://www.backonpointwellness.com/ to learn more.
Follow Dr. Ernest Kim on TikTok and Instagram: @drernestkim
SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT YOUR FAVORITE TIP FROM THIS EPISODE!
IG: @unleashthecringe
S2 E5 In this episode of Unleash the Cringe, we chat with Crystal Brambila, co-founder of the clean skincare brand Dhaerma, about her bold journey as a creator and entrepreneur. She opens up about launching a podcast on sex and relationships at 22 leading into challenges in interracial relationships. She candidly leads how that experience sparked her drive to build businesses from scratch. From ages 24 to 29, she designed and ran a swimwear line, managing vendor sales, TV shows, and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with becoming a first-time mom—all while navigating the ups and downs of a seasonal business. In 2022, she partnered with chemist Nadia to launch Dhaerma, a skincare brand rooted in clean, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Crystal shares the behind-the-scenes of their product development, skincare routines, marketing strategies, and partnerships with boutiques and shops. She also reflects on her most cringe-worthy moments, offering honest advice on embracing discomfort, trusting your gut, and staying resilient through every pivot.
IG & Tik Tok: @dhaermaskin
Follow @unleashthecringe on IG and Tik Tok.
S2 E4 This week, we’re joined by LA-based photographer, curve model, illustrator, designer, and all-around creative force—Rae Bell. From post-grad pivots to powerhouse moves, Rae shares how she’s building her own lane as a business owner, content creator, and visual storyteller.
We dive into her journey of rebranding to Rae’s Rays, the lessons from being on a TV dating show, All the Single Ladies with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and how her current dating life is shaping her perspective (and her content). She opens up about turning a failed college graphic design class into a full-time creative career, working with major brands like Torrid, Fabletics, Yitty, ThirdLove, Fossil, Meta, and Adore Me.
Rae also gives us a peek behind the scenes of content creation—what a typical day looks like, how she preps for shoots, and what it really takes to build and sustain brand partnerships. Plus, we get into her Content & Chill events, the importance of networking, and finding purpose in every pivot.
This episode is your reminder that the twists and turns? They’re all for the plot.
🎧 Tap in now to hear how Rae’s turning creativity, faith, and real-life experiences into something radiant.
Visit https://www.raesrays.com/links
Follow on IG: @raesrays
S2 E3 In this episode, we’re joined by Guinness World Record Holder Chad Phillips—a VERT coach, online trainer, men's physique athlete, and dad modeling what it looks like to lead by example. From breaking records (literally) to breaking generational patterns around health, Chad shares how fitness, nutrition, and mindset all play a role in living with purpose.
We talk vertical training, body building, and how he's helping others heal and grow through online coaching. Chad keeps it real about using failure as a tool, the importance of gut health (fresh fruits and veggies FTW), and why it's never too late to start. Plus, he drops a few game-changing book recs and talks about how he's raising strong, healthy sons by walking the walk.
Let this episode be your reminder: train hard, eat well, have fun—and don’t wait to become the version of yourself you're aiming for. 👊
🎧 Tap in now!
#VERTTraining #WorldRecordJumper #Season2 #FitnessJourney #GutHealth
S2 E2 Buckle up and get ready to hear some of the best health benefits of sugar cane juice, and honey! Both of which our very special guest Ahmed Bibi has businesses in. Ahmed takes us on his humble entrepreneurial journey starting Sheefa Honey and Drink Coastal Cane. Ahmed shares his excitement in his products and all the benefits that come with consuming them. You might want a pen and paper to write down all the facts you will learn from this episode!
We’re BACK, and Season 2 kicks off with a catch-up on all the highs, lows, and in-betweens of the past year. From business wins to those cringe-worthy growth moments (because let’s be real, we all have them), we’re here to embrace it all.
This season, we’re bringing you conversations with wellness experts, business owners, influencers, and bloggers who are keeping it real about their journeys. Plus, big news—we’re going virtual and launching on YouTube!
It’s time to dive back in, shake off the imposter syndrome, and keep showing up, awkward moments and all. Season 2, Episode 1 is out now—let’s get into it! 🔥 #NormalizeTheCringe #Season2
#21 Today wraps up Season 1 of Unleash the Cringe! Hitomi & Laura Gonzalez(s) candidly share their cringey moments. They talk about awkward experiences talking with strangers about their podcast, sourcing guests, and reflecting back to their communication styles. This episode is all about the nuances of being first-time podcasters.
Thank you to our podcast sound engineer, "Chobby" Tolentino for making our first season literally sound amazing! IG: @chobbyhobby
Follow @unleashthecringe on IG and TikTok to stay tuned to Season 2!
#20 On today's episode our very special friend Mahbubeh Arezomandi and her beautiful pet Cockatail "Melody" take us on a journey as she tells her story as a refugee from Iran. From a very young age Mahi became the leader of her family making decisions to get up and go to a new country THREE times, seeking opportunities for herself and brothers. Mahi learned various languages quickly having to adapt to the lifestyle and culture of Afghanistan, Turkey, and the US. We hope you enjoy this episode and feel inspired by Mahi's perseverance in life all the while maintaining positive and admiring every micro part of life.
#19 Join us for a fun episode where Hitomi and Laura talk about the juiciest topics from politics to animal rights, to Shawty Bae. We discuss cancel culture and how harmful it can be to someone's career. Hitomi and Laura believe society needs to be more forgiving. Make sure to follow us on instagram @unleashthecringe to keep up with us our guest!
#17 In today’s episode we welcome Erika Naimi, founder of Studio Olive, a personalized sunglass wear for kids. Before she honed in on her craft, she went through many trials and tribulations. Her story begins with an inside look as an event manager at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and despite being owned by the state of California, Erika was laid off 6-weeks postpartum during COVID-19. Then at 8 months, her daughter Olivia was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer. She walks us through her treatment and resources such as the Warrior Mama Project, building awareness around pediatric cancer. Going through multiple levels of identity shift during those times still continues, but now that her daughter is cancer free Erika has been able to open up her shop on Etsy and you can now find her cute sunglasses at Shout & About in La Costa.
Etsy Shop:
etsy.com/shop/shopstudioolive
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shopstudioolive/
Shop in store at @shout.and.about & @shopsmallbizzlittles
#15 In today's episode, we delve deeper into Taheirah Kalahiki's life in Hawaii. She humbly shares how much she continues to learn about their culture and educates us to buy from Kanaka-owned businesses. Taheirah also touches on parenting, discussing their decision to homeschool their children, and delves into the intricacies of communication within their marriage--revealing how her husband developed Severe Arachnoiditis from a blue-collar workplace incident and exposes the cracks in the worker injury system.
Tune in to how she ties her experiences together for a purpose to continue to help others, empower young minds, and illuminate ways to preserve Hawaii as the Paradise on Earth it remains.
Follow on IG for mentorship/career development: @pualanitk
Website: www.akamaimoneymoves.com
Public IG: @kawika_pua
IG Digital Marketing:
@thefacelessbelle
Stan.store/thefacelessbelle
Hawaii Shops:
Pāpale (hat) @kakau.ahi.wela
Yari Duster @alohiwai_xoxo
#14 In today's episode Taheirah Kalahiki tells her story as an Asian immigrant to the United States and navigating difficult cultural family conflicts. Taheirah wanted something more than to be restricted to what was expected of her in her cultural community. She explains how she took tough decisions to distance herself from her relatives and go off to live life on her own terms. Taheirah gives great advice as an older sister to women in tech and specifically women of color. We hope her powerful story resonates with you and empowers you to take the next tough step in your current life. If you would like to hear more you can reach out to Taheirah on her mentoring website akamaimoneymoves.com , you can also find her on Instagram @pualanitk
#13 In today’s episode, we welcome Hannah Reader on Unleash the Cringe! If you have considered or have been curious about careers in event planning, Hannah offers a different take as an Experiential Marketing Producer. Hannah dishes on her exciting journey, starting from her days as a personal assistant to a client with Condé Nast ties, to her adventures in San Diego working on Kaaboo and the Breeder’s Cup at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. She’s collaborated with big names like OK Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, The Points Guy Awards, ResMed, and Nike. With loads of humor and candid tales, Hannah exposes the truth behind-the-scenes in the event production world.
You can find “Hannah Reader” on LinkedIn to connect!
IG: @hannahreader
Follow us on IG and Tik Tok @unleashthecringe for updates on new episodes!
#11 Today we are joined by master trainer, Jennifer Ashley. An entrepreneur with a degree in gerontology, Jennifer specializes in martial arts and personal protection training for women in real estate, plastic surgeons, and trainers. In this episode, Jennifer walks us through her fascinating journey in competitive ballroom dancing, talks us through distinctions between Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu, offering invaluable tips on situational awareness and practical advice for everyday safety, and discusses the difficulties of advancing in business while nurturing personal relationships.
Follow Jennifer Ashley on
Instagram: @allaboutbeauty123
Youtube: @onefitgal
Website: jenniferashley.co
Mentioned personal protection tools:
Amend2 (Self-Defense Pen)
Birdie Alarm
Follow Unleash the Cringe on Instagram and now on Tik Tok: @unleashthecringe
Don't forget to leave a review and tell us about your favorite part in this episode!
#10 Today we learn all things almonds with Melissa Finestone, founder of theMULKco. She takes us on a journey from South Africa , to USA, to the birth of theMULKco. Melissa shares her cringiest moments and piecing together skills and equipments she learned from Bitchin Sauce and ambassadorship. Melissa dives deep into the almond industry and educates us all on common misconceptions with top brand almond milks you might have inside your fridge right now! Melissa shares her beautiful journey with creating her delicious flavors of her product theMUlkco in her own kitchen and the changes she has made along her journey. Melissa is passionate about sustainability, using the right amount of almonds, no artificial colors or flavors, no refined sugars, no additive/preservatives, no emulsifiers, no binders, and no gums! You can find out more and try her almond MULK at theMUlkco.com or follow them on Instagram @theMulkco
#9 Join us and listen to Jazmin Romo tell her story as a first time mom and her struggles with postpartum depression on this mothers day special. Hear how she sets boundaries with family members and gives tips on how to have those difficult conversations. Jazmin walks through how she makes time for her self in order to give her best self to her son.
#7 Today our very own co-host Laura Gonzalez walks us through her childhood, and learning to have compassion and empathy for our immigrant parents parenting styles. Laura opens up about how taboo it was for her to be a virgin through her twenties, in our sex driven society. She gives dating advice and navigating dating apps. Laura shares how she met her now husband, and her experience being immersed in the Indian culture.
#8 On today’s episode, our very own co-host Hitomi Gonzales shares how Eats All or Nothing came about from a restaurant foodie to an allergen-friendly home cook. She walks us through lessons she learned from misusing birth control, hormonal challenges, the power of food as medicine through elimination and reversing symptoms of prediabetes, fatty liver, joint pain, mood swings, and inflammation overall. Find out how functional nutrition and bioindividuality solves your personal health concerns.
Follow Hitomi on her food blog pages:
IG - @eatsallornothing
TikTok - @eatsallornothing
Recipes - eatsallornothing.com
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