EP 59: Why I'm Choosing Experiences Over Perfection

In this episode, Carla  shares her personal journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing life's adventures, especially during the holiday season. She reflects on her recent trip to Denver, the significance of making memories with friends, and the lessons learned about living in the moment. Carla also discusses the challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the need for grace and presence over material gifts. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, exploring themes of grace, restoration, and the importance of returning to oneself.   TAKEAWAYS: Embrace life's adventures without waiting for the perfect moment. Your presence is more valuable to your children than material gifts. You don't need permission to change your life. Grace is more important than comparison or resentment. Start your journey of self-discovery whenever you feel ready. Memories with friends and family are what truly matter. Joy can be found in simple, inexpensive experiences. It's okay to feel lost; returning to yourself is a journey. Motherhood requires grace and understanding, both for yourself and your children. You can always return to your purpose, no matter how far you've strayed. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

It's officially Christmas season, y'all Mariah Carey is defrosted, the Elf on the Shelf is stressing parents out, and Carla + Dex are back on the couch, hootin' and hollerin' about everything from holiday nostalgia to the realities of six-figure dating. This week, the girls dive into viral stats about women, money, marriage, and whether peace > partnership in 2025. Carla breaks down the wild Samson & Delilah story during Bible Tea: The Most High Edition complete with betrayal, bad decisions, and holy haircuts gone wrong. They also get into: -The Tinder Swindler's tacky comeback - Churches rolling out AI Jesus (???!) -Why women who earn more choose stress-free solitude -Holiday traditions, Black Santa, ornaments & all the Christmas chaos If you like real conversation, messy stories, spiritual drama, and women being hilariously honest, this episode is IT.   CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word.   Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen.   Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support   Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.

This week on So What Now?, we're back from Thanksgiving break and whew child, the mess was waiting for us. We kicked things off with a "Fair or Foul?" that had me side-eyeing my whole microphone. A 34-year-old sis wants her ex to pay for her fertility treatments because she says he wasted her "prime childbearing years." I'm just saying… can you really invoice a man for your 20s? Dex had opinions, I had opinions, and we did not hold back. Then we jumped into the wildest love story of the year: a woman in Japan who actually married ChatGPT—wedding, vows, guests, and her smartphone groom "Lune Klaus." Next up was the correctional officer letting inmates lift her like she's a 25-pound dumbbell while on duty, and chile, that story took us out. And just when you think it can't get messier, we talked about the mom who ended up pregnant by her daughter's 14-year-old boyfriend. I had to pause and breathe on that one. To end on a holier-but-still-messy note, I introduced my new Bible Tea segment, bringing you life lessons with a side of scripture gossip. This week's story of Hannah and Peninnah had Dex and me pulling two completely different messages from the same verse, and honestly? You just gotta hear it for yourself. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Download Cash App Today: [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cash-app/id711923939] #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

On this week's episode of So What Now?, Dex and I got honest about how the fall season can sneak up on your emotions and shift your whole vibe. I shared how getting outside, staying active, and even slipping in a little travel keeps the fall blues from knocking me off my game. We encouraged everyone to pick one short-term goal to finish by December and actually write the plan—because listen, accountability is peak grown-woman energy. And yes, I had to remind y'all that talking to a counselor or therapist is not a weakness; sometimes you need a professional to help you sort through the heavy stuff. Then we moved into the deeper conversation: requiring respect from your parents as an adult. With the holidays coming up, some of us are about to be around family members we've been dodging all year—and suddenly the group chat ain't enough, you actually have to see them. Dex and I unpacked how to separate your parents' disapproval from your identity because their expectations do not define your worth. At the end of the day, you can't force anyone—parent or not—to change, but you absolutely can choose how you show up and respond. Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, we wrapped the episode by talking about our upcoming Friendsgiving and how grateful we are for the community that loves us loud and loves us well.  Tune is this week for a discussion on celebrating friendship, growth, and the beauty of chosen family. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.    

It's officially So What Now? one-year podcast anniversary! In this week's episode, we're taking a moment to reflect on the past year, the lessons we've learned, the challenges we've overcome, and the growth that's come along the way. Most importantly, we're saying a huge thank you to all of our listeners for being part of this journey with us.  To celebrate, we answered a series of deep (and sometimes funny) questions to help you get to know us a little better. From exploring the "color" of our lives right now to sharing what we've learned about friendship, mistakes, and self-discovery. This episode is all about honesty, reflection, and connection. Grab your favorite drink, tune in, and celebrate with us as we look back on an incredible first year and dream about what's to come. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

This week, I'm introducing you to a brand-new show that I had the honor of helping bring to life — Dead Honest, hosted by Ashley, a certified death doula. At the crossroads of belief and doubt, life and death, Dead Honest invites us to face the one thing we all share—our mortality—with courage, curiosity, and joy. This isn't a doomsday podcast—it's a raw and beautiful exploration of grief, faith, legacy, and what it truly means to live without fear. If you've ever struggled with loss, questioned your faith, or wondered how to live more intentionally, these conversations are needed — and they'll move you. ✨ Listen and subscribe to Dead Honest wherever you get your podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts 💛 After you listen, leave a rating and review to help more people discover this powerful new show. 🎙️ Produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions — empowering voices and crafting stories that inspire.

This week on So What Now?, your favorite duo dive headfirst into the tech takeover… and wrap things up with a dose of relationship drama you won't see coming. We kick things off with the viral story of two Harvard students who built a braiding robot designed to save time and reduce hand strain. But the big question remains: Is technology helping our culture or hijacking it? The ladies unpack what innovation means when tradition is on the line. Then, things heat up when Amazon's plan to replace 500,000+ warehouse jobs with robots comes up. Carla's all in on progress ("Let's move forward already!"), while Dex worries about what automation means for working-class communities. Naturally, it turns into one of their classic So What Now? showdowns — equal parts smart debate and sisterly shade. Next, would you let a human-like robot move in? For just a $200 deposit, Neo the home robot could be your new roomie. Carla's ready to swipe her card and put Neo on babysitting duty, while Dex is already plotting her escape route. The back-and-forth is pure comedy gold. The episode closes with a gut-punch of a listener letter from a woman struggling with her partner. The advice was unanimous and unfiltered: "Girl, break up with him!" Hit play for laughs, debates, and maybe a few side-eyes at the robots trying to take over our lives — only on So What Now? CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

This week, Dex spills all the details of her anti-aging skincare routine — and let's just say, it's not for anyone on a budget. If you thought that was crazy, wait till you hear her skincare goals inspired by Paris Hilton. From luxury serums to three-hour facials, Dex already has her regimen mapped out for when she hits that "Kim K money" era. Carla can't stop laughing (or calculating the price tag). Then, in the spirit of Halloween, we get into some real-life scary stories. We unpack the shocking case of Sakiyna Thompson, recently convicted of murdering her romantic rival, Kayla Hodgson, in a cross-state crime of passion. Carla, who shares her own cringe-worthy tales of confronting "the other woman" back in the day — and let's just say, it didn't go as planned. Finally, things take a futuristic (and spicy) turn as we react to OpenAI's bombshell announcement: starting December 2025, ChatGPT will allow erotic content for verified adult users. Sam Altman says it's all about user autonomy and responsible AI — but we aren't so sure. Will this new feature empower women or open a whole new can of digital drama? Tune in for the laughs, the side-eye, and our thoughts on bots gone wild. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

In this week's episode of So What Now?, we dive into parenting highs, lows, and the unexpected in-betweens. Dex kicks things off by sharing her experience at a frat party with Mikaela – the drinks, the vibes, the "what am I doing here?" moments. Meanwhile, Carla continues her fight with the public school system to get the proper support Psalm needs — it's real, it's frustrating, and she doesn't hold back. The convo then takes a sharp (and fuzzy?) turn to Kim Kardashian's latest business move: faux-fur thong panties. Yes, you read that right. They're sold out, and we're asking: What is going on out here?! Wild or genius? Maybe both. We also unpack Kim's recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she gets vulnerable about co-parenting with Kanye and reflects on choosing a partner who didn't live up to the legacy her own father left. This hit Carla hard, she opens up about the deep guilt she's carrying around the choices she made in her own relationships — especially when it comes to her kids' fathers. It's raw, real, and a reminder that healing isn't linear. The episode closes with a reflective but practical list: 13 decisions to make by 45 so you don't have regrets at 70. From finances to friendships to finally putting yourself first, we break them down and share where we're at on the list. Tune in, laugh, cry, and say "So what now?" with us. Raising Kids Who Love God - JJ and Liz Vasquez - Journey Church   CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.  

This week, we dove into the mystical world of life path numbers said to reveal the road you're meant to walk in life. Carla walks us through how to calculate yours (warning: it's not as easy as it sounds!) and shares her eerily accurate reading as a Life Path 8. Then, things take a turn when we read a heavy listener letter from a woman dealing with the fallout of her husband's affair—and the unexpected arrival of his baby with the other woman. With no warning and no say, she's suddenly playing mom to a child she didn't ask for. We unpack her heartbreak, her anger, and the impossible position she's been put in. Can love survive this level of betrayal—or is walking away the only way forward? Grab a drink and your calculator and tune in! CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesowhatnowpodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesowhatnowpod 🎙ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.sowhatnowpod.com/   Rate, Review & Follow UsIf you laughed, felt seen, or screamed "same," take 30 seconds to rate and review the show. ⭐ Scroll to the bottom of our Apple Podcasts page ⭐ Tap to rate 5 stars ⭐ Hit "Write a Review" and tell us what you loved most Your support keeps this going—and we read every word. Our Sponsors This episode is powered by our partners at Hi Hello Labs and Idea to Launch Productions. Looking to level up your podcast or bring your show to life? These are the teams making it happen. Ready to Start Your Podcast? Let Carla help you launch your podcast in just 30 days. → Take the course now → Book a clarity call and get personal strategy support Need Advice? Want to Sound Off? Send your questions, hot takes, or real-life mess to: 📧 [email protected] We might read your letter on the next episode—anonymously, of course.