Second Thoughts podcast

Second Thoughts

Pia and Paula Cuerquis

Sisters Pia & Paula have a few thoughts in mind. Join this duo as they talk candidly about the realities of life in their 20s: with Pia working full-time as an influencer and Paula climbing the 9-5 corporate ladder. The two share their perspectives on life’s highs and lows—as first generation Asian Americans—through unsolicited advice and commentary on real and relatable experiences.

68 Episodes

Being Proactive and Planning For 2024
11/28/2023
45:11
Pia and Paula are excitedly counting down to 2024 and reminiscing about all the amazing things that happened in 2023 – shoutout to Pia's new house and Paula's career pivot! But they're not just looking back…they're also planning for their future. In this episode, the sisters share their experiences from the past year, both the highs and the lows and discuss their goals and aspirations for the coming year. They also chat about the anxiety and fear that often come with change or planning for the future and share their tips on staying proactive without feeling overwhelmed. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (9:34) The impact the pandemic had on their current selves - (13:08) The major highs and lows of 2023 - (18:39) Thoughts, plans, and goals for 2024 - (23:10) How they each approach planning - (26:34) Advice for managing anxiety and fears about change - (32:40) Tips for planning ahead without feeling overwhelmed - (37:47) Slowing down in your mid-20s and balancing responsibilities with activities RESOURCES - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquisOn TikTok: @paulacuerquis
LDR: Friends & Family Edition
11/21/2023
49:45
The holiday season is just around the corner, but it can be super tough to fully enjoy it if you're far away from your loved ones. And Pia and Paula totally understand the challenges of living in different states from each other and the rest of their family! In this episode, they share their experiences navigating long-distance with friends and family and split-family obligations with their partners. They reflect on past holidays and unpack their decision to spend Thanksgiving apart this year. They also talk about their excitement for their upcoming trip to visit their family in the Philippines and offer their tips for coping with distance, creating personal traditions at home, and embracing a "found family." IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (11:47) The difference between distance with a partner vs. family/friends - (15:51) Splitting holidays with partners - (22:18) Visiting family in the Philippines - (29:04) The challenges of long-distance relationships with friends and family - (35:04) Tips for dealing with loneliness during the holidays - (39:51) The concept of a “found family” - (44:02) Why Paula is second-guessing her marathon RESOURCES - Book rec: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - Book rec: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
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Reflecting On The Things We Take For Granted
11/14/2023
35:41
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Pia & Paula are feeling grateful and nostalgic! The sisters think this season is the perfect time to reflect on your year, tap into your feelings, and enjoy all the beauty right in front of you. They chat about appreciating life's simplicities, being thankful for their friends and family, and living in the moment. So listen in, grab your favorite cozy blanket, and sip on a cup of tea because it's about to get all warm and fuzzy. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (5:07) Appreciating life’s simple pleasures - (14:30) Having a close relationship with parents and best friends - (17:46) Why you can’t take the internet for granted - (25:38) The sacrifices and unconditional love of their family - (30:30) Balancing living in your YOLO era vs. saving for the future RESOURCES - Book rec: A Court of Thorns and Roses - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
I Pay Attention To Things That Most People Ignore
11/7/2023
40:28
Let's be honest... we're all a little nosy sometimes. In this episode, Pia and Paula dive into the latest trend on TikTok - "I pay attention to things most people ignore," inspired by Olivia Rodrigo's song, All American B*tch. They chat about the most popular TikToks on this topic, like Venmo requests between couples, the weird ways people interact with your significant other, and social media stalking or blocking. They also share what they pay the most attention to – Pia gets stressed out by how people use punctuation and emojis when texting, while Paula has a superpower for knowing exactly how people feel. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (4:27) Venmo requests and financial equality between couples - (8:51) Cutting people off vs. valuing opinions in conversation - (10:50) Dating habits and how people interact with your partner - (24:51) What they each pay attention to, like energetic intuition, texting styles, and sharing germs - (34:02) The universality and common interests found in this trend - (35:02) Advice for leaving a toxic relationship, hookup culture, and today’s dating era RESOURCES - Spotify Audio Books - Book rec: The Killing Game by Kate Bold - Book rec: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
TMI: Oversharing Online and IRL
10/31/2023
45:12
Social media has made it way too easy for people to share intimate details of their lives with their followers, and today, Pia & Paula reflect on their experiences with oversharing vs. keeping certain things private online and in real-life. They talk about the difference between relatable content, excessive oversharing, and providing personal stories that can be helpful or educational. The sisters discuss the importance of maintaining your privacy online and Pia explains how she balances being a relatable influencer while not oversharing. Plus, Paula gives her thoughts on how to deal with trauma dumping from friends or when you first meet someone. They also remind us of age-old advice, "think before you speak," and give their tricks for knowing when/ where you should/shouldn’t overshare. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (8:07) What it means to overshare on social media - (10:39) Their individual perspectives on sharing or not sharing certain things - (20:50) Why influencers overshare details of their daily lives - (25:00) How oversharing can create a sense of community and understanding - (30:00) The difference between offering help and setting boundaries with trauma dumping - (40:15) Advice for making the most of long-distance relationships RESOURCES - Check out Ken Eurich: @ken.eurich - Check out Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper HERE - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
Petty Behavior
10/24/2023
42:42
Today, Pia and Paula are chatting all about being petty and being on the receiving end of petty behavior! Throughout the episode, the sisters share some personal stories about their experiences with pettiness in relationships, friendships, and family dynamics. They also talk about the nuances of being petty, the difference between playful and harmful pettiness, and how they respond to someone being petty towards them. Pia reveals her annoyance with people who respond to her texts with "lol", and Paula reflects on how pettiness plays a role in her relationship. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (8:47) The various ways they each exhibit or refrain from being petty - (14:15) Being petty in romantic relationships vs. friendships - (24:20) The consequences of engaging in petty behavior - (27:38) Ways that they each express their pettiness - (32:20) Tips for navigating situations when others are being petty towards you - (37:10) Advice on the best activities for a first date with someone from a dating app RESOURCES - Wine rec: Ménage à Trois wine - Chapstick rec: LANEIGE Gummy Bear - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
How To Practice Detachment & Protect Your Peace
10/17/2023
44:34
Emotional detachment gets a bad rap, but finding ways to separate yourself from situations or people that don’t serve you is so important. In this episode, Pia and Paula discuss what detachment looks like through the lens of toxic friendships and family dynamics, particularly for people who tend to absorb negative energy. They also highlight ways to let go of unrealistic expectations and reduce anxiety about situations that are outside of your control. It’s easier said than done, but practicing detachment is the key to protecting your peace. IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (11:13) What ‘detachment’ means to Pia and Paula - (15:12) Why it’s so hard for people pleasers to practice detachment - (20:18) Pia and Paula’s thoughts on the classic ‘don’t go to bed angry’ advice - (22:48) Paula’s struggle to detach from family stress - (30:52) Learning to set professional boundaries - (37:46) Pia and Paula’s advice for anyone questioning their career or life’s purpose RESOURCES - Listen to Episode 42 about pivoting - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
Embracing Fall & Preparing For Seasonal Depression
10/10/2023
45:13
The leaves are changing, the pumpkins are out, and the sweaters are on! Fall is here, and Pia and Paula couldn't be more excited. But as cozy as fall can be, they don't want you to get caught up in the seasonal blues. Today, the sisters share their tips for keeping your social calendar full of fall activities, making memories with your friends and family, and suiting up in those comfy cold-weather outfits. As winter approaches, they want you to take care of your mental health, stick to your routines, and soak up every second of sunshine. Don't let the weather get you down – snuggle up in a fluffy blanket, grab your favorite warm drink, and listen in! IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (9:15) Fall weather in Austin vs. Philly - (17:35) What they’ve been doing to settle into fall - (21:57) Fashion trends for cold weather - (27:03) Tips and tricks for combatting seasonal depression - (31:32) Prioritizing your nighttime, morning, and weekly routines - (36:11) The stereotype that Filipina women only date white guys RESOURCES - Movie rec: Kelce Documentary - Podcast rec: New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce (Swifties' Version) - Book rec: You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself - Shoes rec: Nike Dunks - Shoes rec: Birkenstock Boston Clogs - Pia’s Bath & Body Works Partnership TikTok - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
Cheers To 25 Years
10/3/2023
45:06
As Pia's 25th birthday approaches, she and Paula are taking a moment to look back on all the amazing things that have happened before and during 24. They chat about why it's so important to prioritize self-care, health, and personal growth over partying and Netflix binges as you hit that quarter-life milestone. Moving into her mid-twenties, Pia is embracing what makes her unique and playing to her strengths rather than comparing herself to others she sees online. Paula questions whether certain life choices (like getting married or having kids) can impact your potential for success and growth. At the end of the day, they encourage you to find the bright side in every situation, trust the timing of life, and seize every opportunity that comes your way! IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (3:30) Pia’s initial thoughts and feelings about turning 25 - (15:58) The top five lessons Pia learned during 24 - (24:29) Reflections on the last 10 years - (34:03) Words of wisdom for anyone hitting their mid-twenties - (36:39) Tips for moving out and keeping long-distance relationships strong RESOURCES - Book rec: The Crescent City Series - Book rec: Fourth Wing - Book rec: Happy Place - Book rec: A Court of Mist and Fury - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram HERE - Listen on your favorite platform HERE - Shop Ignited Apparel HERE CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: @sophiacuerquis On YouTube: @sophiacuerquis On TikTok: @sophiacuerquis CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: @paulacuerquis On TikTok: @paulacuerquis
Summer Reflections
9/26/2023
39:52
As summer 2023 comes to a close, Pia and Paula are reflecting back on all the lessons they've learned. For the sisters, this summer was all about growth, self-discovery, and realizing that you can live life on your own terms. They chat about the importance of setting boundaries, finding supportive friends, and not giving in to societal pressures or expectations. Pia highlights embracing her adulthood while still having a hot girl summer (that isn't TOO hot). Paula reminds you to stay open to all the opportunities that come your way – including those friendly games of pickleball. Who says summer fun has to end when the leaves start to fall? The sisters want you to keep living life to the fullest, no matter the season! IN THIS EPISODE, PIA & PAULA TALK ABOUT: - (11:30) Opening yourself up to every opportunity - (13:37) Why hot girl summers don’t need to be SO hot - (15:08) Learning to say no and making deeper friendships - (21:10) Not meeting everyone’s expectations - (27:17) Going at your own pace and staying true to yourself - (32:21) Summer doesn’t have to end - (35:37) Advice for overcoming the fear of failure RESOURCES - Leave us a voicemail or text at (512) 827-8730 for a chance to get featured on the pod! Tell us what you’re second guessing. - Follow the podcast on Instagram ⁠HERE⁠ - Listen on your favorite platform ⁠HERE⁠ - Shop Ignited Apparel ⁠HERE⁠ CONNECT WITH PIA On Instagram: ⁠@sophiacuerquis⁠ On YouTube: ⁠@sophiacuerquis⁠ On TikTok: ⁠@sophiacuerquis⁠ CONNECT WITH PAULA On Instagram: ⁠@paulacuerquis⁠ On TikTok: ⁠@paulacuerquis⁠

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