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The scariest thoughts are often the ones you’re most ashamed to say out loud, and that silence can make them louder. We sit down with Nicole Tropiano, a Long Island mom, content creator, and mental health advocate, for a conversation that starts with community building and goes somewhere much deeper and more honest than we planned.

Nicole shares how Mamas and Minis of Long Island grew from a single walk invite into a massive mom support network, and why postpartum life makes a real village non-negotiable. We also dig into the lonely side of influencer marketing and why she created the Long Island Content Collective so creators can have “coworkers,” swap hard-earned lessons, and talk openly about brand deals, getting low-balled, and what fair pay actually looks like.

Then we get real about maternal mental health. Nicole talks about her diagnoses, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, and the complexity of bipolar II symptoms, plus why she’s pro-medication and committed to therapy. She also shares a crisis moment shaped by intrusive thoughts and fear of psychosis, what helped her recognize the difference, and how reaching out to her sponsor and going to the hospital became an act of protection, not failure. We close with practical takeaways on support, journaling, meditation, gratitude, and why every creator needs an email list and a backup plan for their online business.

If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more moms and creators can find this kind of honest support.

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Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how “successful” your event looks on Instagram. Marilyn sits down with Gina Marie Vega, an Amazon influencer, UGC creator, and founder of GMC Influence, to talk about the unfiltered reality behind content creation: the tears after a big win, the pressure to stay “on,” and the constant tug-of-war between building a brand and being present at home.

We get into how Gina went from nightlife promotion and the music scene to running a full digital marketing and influencer marketing agency. She breaks down what actually builds momentum in the creator economy, from learning videography and production during COVID to treating Instagram like the search engine it is today with smart Instagram SEO. We also talk money timing (net 30, net 60, net 90), why the cash flow gaps hit so hard early on, and how networking in the right rooms can change your business faster than a thousand DMs.

Then we go where most people won’t: gatekeeping, trust issues, and the contract lessons you only learn after getting burned. Gina shares why everything needs to be in writing, how to protect your time, and how to keep going when a Reel “flops.” We also dig into practical strategy like posting consistency, trial Reels, on-screen text, and using AI analytics tools like ChatGPT to turn performance data into real next steps.

If you’re building a personal brand, growing a UGC portfolio, or dreaming about a sustainable influencer career, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a creator friend, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re applying next.

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Support the show

Stay connected with me
https://marilynmartinezlife.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Two years away will either pull you apart or put you back together, and I’m choosing the rebuild. I’m back on “This Is Me With Marilyn” because I hit a point where I couldn’t stand the feeling of jogging in place. I was busy, I was showing up, but I wasn’t building with intention and I was draining myself trying to be everything for everyone. That stops here.

I get real about what changed and why it took time: fear, imposter syndrome, and avoiding the work that requires discipline. I talk through the hard questions I had to ask myself, like whether I’m moving like the woman I want to become, and what kind of example I’m setting as a mother. Because our kids don’t copy our speeches, they copy our patterns. If you’re working on intentional living, self-trust, and protecting your peace, you’ll feel seen.

Then I share what I’m doing differently right now: buying back my time, valuing my energy, raising my standards, and setting boundaries without apology. I’m done being available for what doesn’t align, and I’m done explaining myself. This reboot is bigger than motivation. I’m documenting what it really takes to build discipline, grow income, and protect peace while still being present for the life in front of you, including health, fitness, and the messy middle that social media never shows.

If you’re ready to grow with me, hit play, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review so more people can find this kind of honest reset. What boundary are you setting next?

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Turning 40 has been a profound milestone for me, one that prompted a two-month hiatus from the podcast as I navigated the emotional landscape leading up to this significant birthday. Have you ever wondered how a simple birthday can transform your perspective on life? Join me as I recount the serene celebration that deepened my appreciation for life's simple joys and underscored the importance of genuine connections. From the happy moments with authentic people around me to the small blessings that make life beautiful, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on what truly brings happiness.

Alongside these personal revelations, I also open up about the emotionally taxing custody battle with my ex-husband and how it has been a setback in my healing journey. This challenging chapter has impacted the planning of my upcoming Women's Empowerment event, yet it has also fueled my determination to live my best life. Inspired by Jennifer Lopez's documentary, I discuss the importance of expressing emotions and not masking pain, sharing my renewed understanding of life's meaning at 40. I express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support from my listeners, family, and friends, and look forward to continuing our journey of healing and self-love together. Be blessed, productive, and great!

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Spring has sprung, and so have the tales from my life as a single mom, salsa enthusiast, and all-around chaos coordinator. Imagine juggling soccer balls, Easter eggs, and court dates—all while rocking out to Latin beats just a stone's throw from home. In this episode, I'm peeling back the curtain to share how I navigate the whirlwind of full-time parenting, the sweet solace of dance, and the small victories that come with both. Plus, I'll whisper a heartfelt thank you to you, my listeners, for being the wind beneath my wings, especially when self-doubt tries to take the lead in our dance of life.

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Escaping the clutches of narcissistic abuse is a journey—a path I've walked and now share with you, piece by piece. It's a tale of transformation, gratitude, and steadfast faith. From the ashes of that turmoil, I've discovered the foundations of financial independence, the trials of health battles like H. pylori, and the delicate dance of co-parenting after a divorce. This isn't just my story; it’s a beacon for anyone who's felt the chill of a shared past, showing that with the right self-healing tools and a cautious heart, life can bloom once more.

I invite you to find strength in my reflections on mental fortitude. Consider this episode a testament to the power of journaling, affirmations, and spiritual practice—your armor in the face of co-parenting challenges and the pursuit of personal growth. We're not here to suffer; we're here to thrive, to spread light, and to stand as living proof that faith, resilience, and self-care are the cornerstones of transcending our deepest trials. Join me on this journey, and let's embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow, together.

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Ever walked into a room and felt like you're being seen for all the wrong reasons? As I sat down to record this episode on a day that's all about love, I couldn't help but think about the less amorous and more troublesome aspects of being a woman in the business world. The Is Me podcast takes a raw, no-holds-barred look at the objectification and unspoken hurdles women face in professional settings—those moments when the line between business and personal interest blurs, and the battle to be respected for our minds and talents overshadows our work.

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