ZILLION TRILLION

There’s a version of womanhood that looks good on paper. The right partner. The right timing. The right balance. The right plan. And then there’s real life.In this episode I sit down with Margherita to talk about what happens when everything you carefully built gets taken away and what grows in its place. We talk about motherhood guilt that doesn’t make sense but won’t leave about raising boys without suffocating them about being let go before you’re ready and about the quiet power of letting go when life forces your hand.This isn’t a redemption arc or a reinvention fantasy. It’s a conversation about becoming more yourself in your 40s than you ever were in your 20s. About choosing fulfillment over perfection. About trusting the process even when you hate that advice.If you’re in the middle of a life unraveling this one’s for you. If you’re carrying guilt you can’t quite explain questioning old plans or realizing that the version of success you were sold doesn’t fit anymore this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.We talk about faith without religion independence without isolation and why sometimes life has to take things from you before it gives you what you actually need. We talk about building a brand from the ground up dressing women for real lives and modeling happiness not perfection for our kids.No answers. No five step frameworks. Just an honest conversation about motherhood identity taste and learning to trust that life knows best even when you don’t.Connect with Margherita on Instagram at @margheritamissoniExplore the brand : MACCAPANIShop Margherita’s curated gift guide HERE*Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Zillion Trillion, we’re talking about fertility, food, and the invisible work of rebuilding your body with my friend Khirma Eliazov—founder of Kika, former fashion girl with a namesake handbag brand, and current wellness nerd who did not arrive here via green juice and yoga retreats, but by hitting a very real wall on her fertility journey.We get into what it’s like to be 40-something, successful on paper, and quietly falling apart inside; meeting your person “late” and trying for a baby when everyone around you seems to have done it already; miscarriage, IVF, and why so many of us end up blaming our bodies. We talk about the dark middle part; the hospital visits, the postpartum spiral, the “I thought I was just going crazy” years.And how working with a functional doctor completely changed how she thought about food, vitamins, and what “healthy” actually means.We also go deep on kids’ nutrition (spoiler: the vitamin aisle is lying to you), depleted soil, why your organic broccoli might be basically vibes at this point, what’s actually going on with all those gummies, and how Kika was born as an all-in-one, food-grade supplement for exhausted parents who want real support, not another thing to feel guilty about.If you’ve ever felt like your body was being left behind while the rest of your life moved forward, this one’s for you.You can find Kika at kiknutrition.com and on Instagram at @kikanutrition.Besos,Victoria *Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m chatting with Laurel Pantin — writer, editor, curator of Earl Earl by Laurel Pantin , and one of the rare people whose taste isn’t just good, it’s grounded. Laurel has lived entire lifetimes inside the fashion world: from the magazine trenches to the front-row circus to building a space online that actually reflects who she is, not what the industry expects. Her shift from the safety of a masthead to the uncertainty of freelancing wasn’t just a career pivot — it was an identity rewire, a moment of asking who she is when the title drops away.We’re talking about all of it: the ego death and freedom of leaving magazines, how she built her Substack and now her store, the challenges of motherhood, and how different things look when you stop pretending it’s all linear.And we’re going deeper into the truth behind reinvention: the pivots, the risks, the “am I actually doing this?” moments you never see on Instagram. Laurel’s story is proof that you can walk away from the version of yourself everyone recognizes and land somewhere better, stranger, and much more you. If you’re in your own “something needs to change” era, this is the conversation you want to listen to.Besos,Victoria *Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

This week I’m talking with Joanna Schroeder Christopher Pepper — the duo behind Talk to Your Boys, a book that every parent (or honestly, human) needs right now. Joanna’s essays on masculinity and media have appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, and The Atlantic. Christopher’s spent decades teaching sex ed and health to teenagers — which basically makes him an anthropologist of modern boyhood.We get into all of it: why boys are shutting down, how to get them to actually talk, what porn and social media are teaching them before we do, and how to make the hard conversations feel a little less hard. It’s not preachy — it’s practical, funny, and very real. You cant miss this one!What’s the hardest conversation you’ve ever had with your son — or the one you keep putting off?Let’s crowdsource some real talk in the commentsFind them at:Instagram : Joanna Schroeder & Christopher PepperSubstack : Zooming out & Teen Health Today Book: Talk to Your BoysBesos,Victoria *Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

I swore I’d never fangirl on my own podcast… then I sat down with Tish Weinstock (aka one of my style icons)Tish is one of those rare women who can move seamlessly between the worlds of fashion, beauty, and culture without losing an ounce of herself in the process. A London-based writer, consultant, and editor, she’s currently a beauty editor at British Vogue, but her career reads like a roll call of fashion legends: working alongside Paolo Roversi and John Galliano on a Luncheon Magazine cover special, appearing in campaigns for Chloé and Vivienne Westwood, plus shaping the way we think about beauty through the launches of Dazed Beauty and System Beauty.Last year, she added “author” to that list with the release of How to Be a Goth: Notes on Undead Style—a sharp, witty “grimoire” that’s equal parts manual and manifesto for navigating life through the lens of modern goth.And did I mention she has a Substack? Yup. The woman can do it all—including looking like this right before popping.We get into what it’s actually like to be the first in your group to get pregnant while everyone else is still closing down clubs; the hospital-level mastitis that made her reconsider the whole saintly-new-mother thing; and her real thoughts on maternity clothing. There’s “smart sex” (yes, with toddlers starfished in the bed), the witchy facial she swears by that I still can’t pronounce, and Botox filed firmly under Damage Control. She talks about coming back to herself—leather corsets over the bump, PVC tops, the goth girl upgraded—not to perform “good mom,” but to own it. Plus the domestic circus: the childhood nanny who now lives with them (adorable and mildly unhinged), the jealousy of watching your partner return to the real world while you’re chained to a breast pump, and the uncomfortable truth that love and like don’t always show up at the same time when your kid is screaming in your face. Let’s just say the bits that didn’t make it into Vogue… made it in here.If you want to fangirl over Tish follow her on:InstagramTikTokSubstackBesos,Victoria *Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

We finally made it happen After a few (ok, a lot of) technical hiccups, the full replay of my live with Ash 💚 is here — thank you to everyone who tuned in live and patiently rode the chaos with us.Ashley is the brilliant co-host of Se Regalan Dudas, the largest Spanish-speaking podcast in the world, and the co-founder of Dudas Media. She’s also the co-author of “Se Regalan Dudas” ( the book), where she dives deep into the messy, beautiful, complicated truths of growing up, redefining success, and giving yourself permission to ask the hard questions.In true Ashley form, we cover everything — from the meaning of success, to working with friends, egg freezing, body image, and more… plus, she shares her 3 best tips for anyone thinking about starting a podcast.It took a couple of days to rescue the footage, but I’m so glad we did — because this conversation reminded me how powerful it is to pause and ask yourself the hard questions… especially the ones you’ve been avoiding.Find/ Stalk Ashley via Substack Instagram TIKTOKPlus, you can buy tickets to her tour HEREBesos,Victoria *Tap the heart (it helps more people find this) — and send it to a friend who’d get it.* Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Okay, real talk: I'm selfishly excited for this live.Not because I'm some enlightened wellness oracle—but because I’m a woman of a certain age who has recently started groaning every time I stand up. My muscles ache, my energy disappears at 3pm, and I’ve been having an existential reckoning about strength, aging, and (let’s be honest) my own mortality. Cute!The topic of biohacking has always felt... extra. Like unless you own a cryotherapy chamber and an Oura ring that matches your manicure, you’re not invited to the party. So I decided to call in the big guns.Enter: Celia Chen — health optimization coach, founder of Chenessa, and the woman I trust to decode all the wearables, peptides, powders, and TikTok hacks we’re constantly being told we “need.”Celia is a walking Swiss Army knife of useful, non-b******t info. She works with women in midlife to reclaim their energy, manage metabolism, and build strength that actually lasts (read: not just hot girl walk strength, but real muscle mass that keeps you alive longer and better). She’s taught corporate workshops, led group classes, and runs private coaching focused on hormones, metabolism, and body composition — aka the things no one warned us would start to feel like full-time jobs post-35.She also writes a smart, unpretentious Substack “IN THE PINK” , and she’s about to launch “Decode Your Body,” a class where you’ll learn how to read your DEXA scan, interpret your body metrics, and actually use that data to feel better and age smarter. Zillion Trillion subscribers get a VIP discount ( DM Celia Chen directly )What We'll Cover Today:* WTF is biohacking (and do you have to be a tech bro to do it?)* What actually works / What’s BS* Where to start if you're tired, inflamed, or just confused* How to build a metabolism* The blood sugar tool that changed Celia’s skin, sleep, and digestion* And why "muscle is your bank account for aging" (her words, not mine—but I'm stealing it)Celia’s Top Biohacking EssentialsFor people who want real results without becoming a walking Goop lab:* DEXA Scan – Best baseline for body composition (Get $10 off at BodySpec with code CELIA) they have locations all over the US., Another option is DEXAFit.* Oura Ring.Great for women in perimenopause and menopause because it includes a period tracker, tracks resilience, HRV, steps, and links to a CGM, and is very temperature sensitive, which is helpful to track.* Continuous Glucose Monitor – Freestyle Libre 3 or Dexcom G7 + Stelo ( pairs with Oura Ring)* Ketone IQ. “It tastes disgusting, but it’s pure ketones so clean fuel for your brain.I take one before podcasts with a matcha or big presentation days for insane clarity, brain power and recall” - Celia* Creatine. Great for or muscle building but also in larger doses when sleep deprived or jet lagged. brand Highlight: Momentous* Peptides – For metabolism, recovery, and anti-aging. Peptide therapy has minimal side effects and very promising results. Skip the med-spa, go practitioner-grade* Red Light Therapy – For ATP production and cellular repair. Therasage has an affordable mat you can lie on* NAD+ Support – It’s a co-enzyme that plays a role in energy production and helps convert food into energy, repairs DNA, regulates inflammation. Our natural levels decrease with age. Source peptides from reputable sources instead of online. JOI+Blokes can prescribe either injections or nasal spray. Use CELIA15 for 15% off* Microneedling – Boosts collagen and skin repair (no radiofrequency needed)* Supplements :* BodyBio PC Oil* Magnesium Glycinate (at night)* Wonderfeel NMN* Hormones – This is longevity medicine. Think transdermal estrogen, oral micronized progesterone, testosterone, vaginal estrogen, or DHEA. It’s not about reversing time; it’s about protecting your brain, bones, mood, and metabolism as the estrogen rug is slowly pulled out from under you.* Jet Lag Protocol – Traveling? Download the TimeShifter app — it’s witchcraft meets circadian science. (full nerdy breakdown HERE )Some of you were asking about the Comprehensive Labs to check for deficiencies and overall metabolic, lipid and hormonal health - Celia’s picks are : JOI+Blokes (CELIA15 gets you 50% off) or Function Health.That’s all for today. Let’s live longer, better, stronger… (Jesus, I sound like a gym coach yelling over a Britney remix).Anyway, Celia spilled. Peptides, perimenopause, glucose monitors, and why your quads are basically your retirement plan.You’re going to want to listen to this one.Besos,VictoriaIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

When the hospital sent her home just two hours after a stillbirth, Katrina thought the worst was behind her.It wasn’t.In Part 2 of our conversation, we pick up right where we left off—and it’s not a peaceful postpartum. It’s trauma, ignored symptoms, and a terrifying descent into septic shock while doctors told her she “looked fine.”We talk about how the system fails women in the moments that matter most, what it really means to advocate for yourself when you’re too broken to stand, and the hidden cost of surviving something no one prepares you for.But this episode isn’t just about the pain. It’s about the tools Katrina has picked up along the way. The people who actually helped. The boundaries she had to build. And what to do when a friend is going through the unthinkable and you have no idea how to show up.It’s raw, it’s real, and it doesn’t wrap up with a perfect ending—but it will make you feel less alone, and maybe a little more equipped to care for someone else.Before you press play—this is Part 2. And trust me, you’ll want to hear how we got here. [Start with Part 1]You can follow Katrina on Instagram HERE and subscribe to her Substack CYCLE INTERRUPTED HERE to continue following her story and advocacy work Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

The moment I read the first part of Katrina’s essay, I knew I needed to speak to her. There was something so profoundly raw, unflinching, and—somehow—still full of grace. What she’s been through is something no human should have to endure. And yet, the strength, clarity, and even flashes of humor she brings to her story left me floored.In this conversation, Katrina Symonds shares what most people never talk about: the gutting realities of IVF, the isolation of repeated loss, and the quiet strength it takes to keep advocating for yourself in a medical system that too often forgets you’re a person, not a patient ID.We talk about what happens when genetic testing fails, when doctors miss what matters most, and what it means to mother through uncertainty and grief. Katrina’s story isn’t wrapped in a bow—and that’s exactly why it matters. Because motherhood doesn’t start with a baby. It starts the moment you hope. And sometimes, it begins in heartbreak.We need to tell these stories. Not just for awareness, but for survival. So that conversations like this don’t catch us off guard. So that we can advocate—for ourselves, for our friends, for our future children.Because the truth is, no one prepares you for this part. And if this episode makes even one person feel less alone, then it’s already done something important.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. I hope you’ll listen closely.If you’re currently navigating infertility, here are some resources Katrina has kindly shared with us:* RETURN TO ZERO HOPE* LOS ANGELES MISS FOUNDATION* MARCH OF DIMES* “ WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE”* THE PINK ELEPHANTS* FOREVER FOOTPRINTSIf this conversation moved you, please consider making a donation to an organization supporting reproductive health, fertility access, or grief support. These stories are powerful—but access to care and community can be life-changing.You can follow Katrina on Instagram HERE and subscribe to her Substack CYCLE INTERRUPTED HERE to continue following her story and advocacy workPS: As discussed in the episode HERE is the Study on Genetic Testing Katrina mentions. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Honestly, this might be the most important conversation I’ve had on the podcast so far. I sat down with Melinda Wenner Moyer , the science journalist and author behind How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t A******s and her newest must-read, How to Raise a Kid in a Cruel World. And yes, the title says it all. We talked about the emotional minefield that is modern parenting: how to help our kids cope with anxiety without passing on our own, how to raise empathetic humans in a world that’s leaning hard into apathy, and how to model strength without pretending everything’s fine when it’s clearly not.This book hit me somewhere deep. As someone who’s constantly toggling between wanting to shield my kids from everything and also hand them the tools to survive everything, Melinda’s work gave me language for the things I’ve been feeling but couldn’t quite articulate. Her research-backed insights don’t talk down to you—they sit with you in the mess, the worry, the quiet rage, and offer something that’s actually useful. And healing. This isn’t about becoming the perfect parent (we know that’s not a thing)—it’s about becoming a more conscious one.So whether you’re wondering how to handle your kid’s friendship drama without spiraling, or just trying to raise a decent human while the world feels like it’s falling apart—this episode is for you. You can listen to the full conversation now wherever you get your podcasts + here on substack. And if you’re like me and need this wisdom within reach, grab Melinda’s new book, How to Raise a Kid in a Cruel World. It’s the kind of book you dog-ear, underline, and buy for every parent you know.You can follow Melinda on Instagram @melindawmoyer and read more of her work over on her SubstackBesos,VictoriaIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

If your child had a different mind, how would your world change?I sat down with the extraordinary Claire Khodara—mom, advocate, musician, producer, and a force of nature—to openly discuss autism and how it completely reshaped her outlook on parenting, life, and creativity. Claire’s son, Winston, was diagnosed at an early age, launching her into an incredible journey of advocacy, growth, and deep discovery about what it truly means to be different.We dive into all of it—from the initial signs Claire observed in Winston to navigating a healthcare system designed around neurotypical norms, and how she turned heartbreak and uncertainty into a profound sense of empowerment. Claire gets candid about the transformative therapies that helped Winston find his voice, the reality of choosing the right educational paths, and the powerful insights autism brought to her entire family.In our conversation, you'll hear about:– Separating myths from realities when raising a child on the spectrum – Claire’s honest and practical advice for parents facing a new diagnosis – How Winston’s autism became a strength, reshaping family dynamics in the best possible way – The critical importance of early intervention and fierce advocacy – Tangible tips on navigating support systems without losing your mind- Claire passionately reminds us that autism is not a limitation—it's a powerful, unique perspective that can illuminate and enrich our world.If you’re at the start of your journey, Claire recommends these practical next steps:* Call your local Regional Center. Brentwood is WestSide Regional Center. If in California, look HERE. Get friendly with your service coordinator and ask how the regional center can support.* KIDSCONNECT at UCLA changed our son's life. Sign up immediately if age appropriate. Long waiting list, but game changer.* Call your local public school if age-appropriate and sign up for an IEP. Sign up for Undivided or hire a lawyer to find out your rights.* Next steps for all age groups* MediCal (with regional center letter of exemption)* IHSS (weekly $ support)* Self Determination (community activity $ support)Claire loves hearing from other parents navigating similar journeys. Connect with her directly via: – Email: claire@yougoodshow.com – Instagram: @clairekhodara – Podcast: You Good (Apple Podcasts) – Production Agency: StarRock ProductionsThis isn't just a conversation about autism—it's about truly seeing our children exactly as they are, quirks, strengths, and all. We hope this chat nudged your heart, cracked open your mind a little wider, and made you rethink those old, outdated ideas. After all, embracing difference is where the real magic happensIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

If your jewelry box could talk, what would it say?”I sat down with Victoria Lampley, founder of The Stax—a visual love letter to sentiment, style, and sparkle, which she launched alongside her best friend Laurel Pantin - and we covered it all. From the grief that inspired her to start The Stax, to the bracelet she refused to take off while giving birth, this is about so much more than accessories.We talk about how jewelry becomes a portal—into memory, into motherhood, into meaning. Victoria shares the story behind her green obsession, why she believes grief and joy are forever intertwined, and how a magic crystal may have led her to true love.We also get into the good stuff:– Jewelry trends you’ll actually care about– The jewelry designers you need to know now– Why the “starter piece” shouldn’t be a status symbol– Lab-grown vs. mined (her take is refreshing)– The bracelet that might be haunted And of course, we talk about The Stax: what it means, why it started, and how Victoria uses it to help others turn their most personal stories into wearable magic.It's beautiful, it’s intimate, it’s like rummaging through someone’s jewelry box—except you're invited.If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone or yourself - do yourself a favor and email her: victoria@thestaxadvisory.com .You should also subscribe to her Substack SubStax for a dose of pure joyNow, as promised, some images of the pieces Victoria mentions during the interview - if you want more BTS and Context, please click HEREMUSESVICTORIA’S STAXOTHER NOTEWORTHY BRANDS MENTIONEDIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode is one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations I’ve ever had—because it’s with someone I’ve known for over 15 years: Alana Hadid. From reverse ombrés and MySpace boyfriends to building fashion brands, becoming an activist, and redefining what motherhood looks like—this episode is a deep dive into identity, choice, and the beautiful mess of figuring it out.We talk about what it was like growing up in a public family, how working retail shaped her, and why she calls herself an “accidental influencer.” But it gets deeper.Alana opens up about making the decision not to have kids—something she always thought she’d do—and what it really means to grieve that choice. She shares how becoming a stepmom has shaped her in unexpected ways, and how she's navigating the pressure of public scrutiny in the middle of a political firestorm.And yes, we talk about the CIA’s Hollywood pipeline, fashion’s broken business model, and why she’s doubling down on storytelling as a form of resistance through her work at Watermelon Pictures.But there’s one thing she said that completely stopped me in my tracks—a moment where I actually got chills—and you’ll know it when you hear it.Episode Breakdown* 00:13 – Friendship flashbacks, pink hair, and the MySpace era* 05:20 – Accidental influencer: Lanzy Bear, Instagram, and falling into fame* 10:40 – Working retail, starting fashion brands, and not designing for buyers* 19:15 – Choosing not to have kids: privilege, grief, and reframing motherhood* 28:30 – Step-parenting with intention: respect, boundaries, and presence* 36:45 – What the CIA is doing in Hollywood (yes, really)* 40:10 – Watermelon Pictures, media bias, and reclaiming representation* 47:30 – Why storytelling is resistance: Palestinian visibility in film* 52:00 – Literacy in Gaza, hope as a revolutionary act, and future dreams* 55:10 – On being a target: Alana opens up about doxxing, fear, and safety* 58:00 – Alana’s next chapter: two books, a podcast, and a legacy in progressIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.Enter my multiverse: ZILLIONTRILLION.COM—for the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Jess Jacobs is the CEO of Coterie, a company quietly (but powerfully) transforming parenting essentials through thoughtful design, innovation, and safety. I've had a low-key girl crush on Jess for ages, and today we’re finally making our Insta friendship official—which, honestly, feels like a pretty big deal around here.From her vibrant childhood in Boca Raton to building her life and career in New York, Jess’s journey is as inspiring as it is relatable. In this conversation, she opens up about the genuine importance of a truly supportive workplace for parents and how her upbringing shaped her views on legacy and family.Jess also shares personal moments that made me love her even more—like navigating loss, the adorable story of how she met her husband, and the messy but charming realities of potty-training adventures. She's thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly real about the highs and lows that come with being a parent today.This one feels special, and I'm excited to share it with you.Summary00:00 Introduction and Connection01:35 Jess's Background and Move to New York03:54 From Friendship to Romance06:35 The Journey of Parenthood10:25 Navigating Loss and Finding Support12:13 The Challenges of Parenting16:51 Potty Training Adventures19:29 Career Path and Leadership 19:29 Leading with Innovation and Safety19:29 Journey to CEO22:03 Balancing Motherhood and Career Ambitions24:23 Creating a Supportive Work Environment for Parents26:02 Navigating Maternity Leave and Returning to Work28:09 Productivity in a Flexible Work Culture29:35 Parenting Lessons that Enhance Leadership30:30 Unexpected Joys of Motherhood33:46 Challenges of Parenting in a Digital Age37:13 Advice for New Moms and Career Seekers38:45 Dealing with Mom Guilt40:51 Legacy and LeadershipIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s talk about ambition, motherhood, and the complicated, ever-evolving relationship between the two.Neha Ruch is the founder of Mother Untitled, a movement and community redefining what it means to take a career pause. A Stanford graduate with a background in branding and strategy, Neha left the corporate world when she became a mother, only to realize that the narrative around stepping back from work was… outdated at best, and guilt-inducing at worst. Instead of accepting the idea that ambition had to be put on hold, she started reshaping the conversation—one that eventually led to her book, The Power Pause.In this conversation, we get into the big questions: What does success actually look like when you take time away from a traditional career path? How do we unlearn the guilt that comes with prioritizing family? And why does no one talk about the financial and strategic side of taking a pause? Neha shares the ways in which running a household is uncannily like running a business (with a much tougher board of directors—aka small children), plus tangible, practical advice for anyone considering a pivot, a pause, or just a redefinition of what ambition means to them.This conversation challenged so much of what I thought I knew about ambition, motherhood, and success. It made me question old narratives, rethink my own choices, and see things in a completely new light. I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you—so trust me, you’ll want to listen all the way through.SUMMARY:00:00The Complexity of Parenthood00:18-Navigating Career and Motherhood02:43-Redefining Ambition in Modern Life05:30-The Evolution of Feminism and Motherhood08:11-Understanding the Stay-at-Home Mom Narrative11:13-The Financial Dynamics of Parenting14:07-Rebranding Dads and Modern Parenting Roles17:08-The Importance of Communication in Partnerships19:56-Ambition: A Personal Journey22:47-Trusting the Process of Change27:33-The Dual Nature of Social Media in Motherhood27:33-New ChapterIf this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

America’s boys are not alright. We’re living in the middle of a full-blown boy crisis, and it’s not getting the attention it deserves. Let’s hit the grim stats: boys make up 60% of school suspensions and nearly 80% of all ADHD diagnoses (are they really hyper, or is school just not built for them?). The education gender gap is glaring—out of every 100 women earning a college degree, only 74 men cross the same stage. By eighth grade, 25% of boys score below basic reading proficiency, compared to just 17% of girls. Reading isn’t just fundamental; it’s a red flag waving loud and clear.And then there’s the mental health crisis. Boys have a suicide rate three times higher than girls, and almost 20% report feeling persistently sad and hopeless. Economically, things are equally bleak. Workforce participation among young men aged 18-24 has plummeted to 72%, and 16% of these guys are what’s politely called “disconnected”—neither in school nor working, just floating in a void. Oh, and here’s a kicker: life expectancy for men in the U.S. is actually decreasing, largely thanks to overdoses, suicides, and diseases of despair. It’s giving “lost boys” energy, but this isn’t Neverland; it’s reality.So, what’s going on here? Is it the system, the culture, TikTok, or something deeper? Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Ruth Whippman, author of Boy Mom, to get to the root of this crisis. Are boys really doomed, or is there hope? SUMMARY:00:00Introduction and Personal Reflections on Masculinity05:57Cultural Narratives and the Crisis of Masculinity10:11The Importance of Emotional Representation in Media33:56Understanding the Complexities of Masculinity41:32The Influence of Social Media on Masculinity47:34Cultural Shifts and Future Generations49:53New ChapterPS: the podcast in Spanish mentioned is “Los Hombres Si Lloran”P.S. You don’t have to watch to enjoy this—just hit play and listen like a podcast! Perfect for your commute, workout, or while pretending to be productive.If this gave you even a mild chuckle, a knowing nod, or the urge to text it to a friend, go ahead and tap that little heart below—it helps more people (aka non-subscribers who are just lurking) see this.Besos,Victoria Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we're thrilled to have Irene Liu, founder of Chiyo, a game-changing postpartum delivery service that's putting moms first. We'll explore Irene's journey as a scrappy entrepreneur, her unique approach to fundraising as a female founder, and how Chiyo is redefining postpartum care. Plus, we'll unpack her insights on the critical connections between nutrition, hormones, and fertility. Get ready for an inspiring, informative, and downright empowering conversationPs: If you want to try their food delivery service - they are giving our readers 10%Off HERE.Ps: if you or your family have been affected by the California Fires Chiyo has created a fund of 10K, providing 20 families with a full week’s worth of postpartum meals. This support is available on a first-come, first-served basis.If you would like to donate directly to families affected by the CA fires, I am leaving the updated list HERE. All families are verified, one by one. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is all about keeping it real while keeping it together. Ajiri and I dive into the messy, magical world of modern motherhood—less “soccer mom,” more “martini in hand, figuring it out.” We get into how the French make parenting look effortlessly chic (spoiler: no bento boxes) and talk about finding joy that isn’t just for Instagram. Ajiri shares her wisdom on sneaking in solo weekends, guilt-free hosting hacks, and why modeling joy for your kids is the ultimate flex. It’s part therapy, part pep talk, and honestly, it’s all the vibes you didn’t know you needed.The books Ajiri refers to in the interview are :Binging up Bebe - Pamela DruckermanStolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann HariYou can buy Ajiri’s book HERE. It’s THE perfect gift for yourself or anyone.Follow Ajiri on Instagram HERE ( plus follow Madame de la Maison HERE ), substack & shop her vintage curations HERE.Besos,Victoria Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe

I’m super excited for the 1st video installment of Zillion Trillion featuring Casey Fremont. Stay tuned to hear about Mothering in the art world, how to raise independent kids, what work-life balance looks like for her now, and the most surprising thing about becoming a mother. Get full access to Zillion Trillion at zilliontrillion.substack.com/subscribe