Playdate Podcast

por Victoria Gouveia

Temporada 1

A Love Letter To Season One

It feels fitting that the final episode of Season 1 begins with a reflection on one of the most vulnerable moments of the entire season... After last week’s unexpected on-camera crash out, I wanted to sit down and talk about what that experience was really like for me in reflection, what I learned from it, and why I ultimately decided to share it instead of hiding it. From there, I’m taking a look back at the journey that has been Season 1 of Playdate — the conversations that challenged me, the moments that changed me, and the lessons I’ll be carrying forward long after this season ends. What started as an idea became a space for honesty, growth, story times, connection, and figuring things out in real time. This episode is part reflection, part gratitude, and part excitement for what’s next. While I’m keeping Season 2 mostly under wraps for now, I can’t help but share just how excited I am for everything that’s ahead. Thank you for watching and supporting. I hope you found a new safe space, and remember, you're always invited to every Playdate — conversations you don't rush.

T1 · E15

3 jun 2026

50:57

The Breakdown I Almost Didn’t Share

Explícito

What started as what was supposed to be a really fun and exciting day, quickly turned into one thing after another going wrong — missed plans, unexpected pivots, and honestly… my brain hitting a wall in real time. This episode of Playdate became something I could’ve never anticipated or planned for. What began as a regular episode, turned into an unexpected Q&A, and then somehow, into a full-on, very real mental breakdown. From the very beginning of the episode, I genuinely couldn’t form a sentence, gather a thought, or pull myself together, and the more time passed, I continued to feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, unconfident, and emotional while trying to push through it. I was going back and forth with the decision to release this... Instead of cutting it out or pretending everything was fine, I ultimately made the choice to leave it in - because this is the reality sometimes. We live in a world where social media shows the most polished version of people. The wins, the aesthetic moments, the perfectly articulated thoughts — but this episode is the complete opposite of that; the messy side, and the human side. The days where you wake up feeling off, nothing goes according to plan or as expected, and having to change course in real time; all while still trying to give yourself grace throughout it all. I thought last week was the most vulnerable episode that I've released, but as it turns out, this may very well top that one. I’d be lying if I said releasing this isn’t sending me over the edge a bit, but the whole point of this podcast is to be raw, authentic, and to embrace our flaws. If you’ve ever had one of those days where your mind feels scrambled, your emotions take over, or you feel frustrated with yourself for not being “on,” this conversation is for you. It wasn’t one of my best days, but at least it was a real one. I hope you have a good laugh at my tears… I’m sure one day looking back, I’ll be laughing at it too. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

T1 · E14

26 may 2026

49:39

Finding Myself In The Midst Of Chaos | A Conversation About Faith, Confidence, and Purpose

In this week’s episode of Playdate, I sit down for a deeply personal and reflective solo episode. And to be honest, it’s probably one of my favorite episodes I’ve done. I discuss what it means to finally surrender, and embrace the journey. The transformation that happens when you stop searching for external validation, and start trusting your own soul instead. Lately, my faith has become an anchor for me; teaching me that clarity, confidence, and purpose aren’t things you chase, but rather things you uncover when you learn to fully trust and believe in who you are. I talk about embracing uncertainty, shooting your shot, and how to move through life with the kind of self-trust that can’t be shaken by rejection or fear. Because when you truly know what you bring to the table, you stop shrinking yourself to fit into rooms that were never meant for you. This episode is a reminder to stop doubting your path, stop doubting your worth, and trust that everything that’s happening is really just shaping you into the person you’re becoming, and the story that’s meant to unfold. This episode was really therapeutic for me, and I hope you can find peace and comfort in it too. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

T1 · E13

19 may 2026

39:46

No One Is Coming To Save You x Gram Castle

Explícito

In this episode of Playdate, I sit down Gram Castle, my producer behind the show, and share his story and the journey behind building our podcast studio from the ground up, but more than anything, this conversation became a deeply inspiring reminder of what’s possible when you truly commit to your vision and refuse to give up on yourself. We talk about the mindset it takes to get your life on track, stay disciplined during difficult seasons, and continue chasing your dreams even when the outcome feels uncertain. We also dive into the importance of protecting your energy and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely inspire, motivate, and elevate you. There’s something really powerful about hearing from people who started with nothing but an idea and watch them fully bring that vision to life. Sometimes the biggest transformation begins the moment you decide to stop doubting yourself and fully go after the life you want. This episode is full of perspective, wisdom, and encouragement for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or afraid to take the leap toward the life they really want. Whether you’re building a career, a business, a creative passion, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this episode is a reminder that your environment, your mindset, and your consistency matter. Welcome to your next Playdate — conversations you don't rush.

T1 · E12

13 may 2026

1:17:26

Your Past Is Not Your Prison, It’s the Beginning Of Your Comeback x Emily O'Brien

In this episode, I sit down with Emily O’Brien, the founder of Comeback Snacks, whose story is a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define your future. From being incarcerated in federal prison to building a purpose-driven brand, Emily shares how she turned her life around and created something meaningful out of her second chance. This conversation is about resilience, redemption, and the courage it takes to choose a different path, even when it feels impossible. Change isn’t always easy, but it is always possible, and Emily’s journey is living proof that you can rebuild, rise, and come back stronger than ever. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past or unsure of your next step, this episode is your reminder - your comeback is waiting for you. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

T1 · E11

5 may 2026

48:08

The Truth About Attachment Styles, Anxiety And Emotional Healing x Charlie Kieswetter

In this episode of Playdate, I sit down with relationship coach Charlie Kieswetter (@healingwithcharlie), for one of the most honest, eye-opening, and deeply personal conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We dive into the emotional patterns that shape our relationships — attachment styles, relationship anxiety, narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and what it actually takes to heal and build a healthy relationship. This isn’t just a conversation about love, it’s about why we love the way we do, why we sometimes stay when we know we shouldn’t, and how we can start choosing differently. We talk about the push and pull between anxious and avoidant dynamics, the confusion & clarity between intuition and anxiety, and why emotional unavailability can feel more exciting than real, stable love. We unpack the reality of narcissistic relationships - how they affect your sense of self, why leaving is so hard, and what true healing actually looks like on the other side. Charlie shares not just insight, but practical tools on building secure attachment, navigating no contact, breaking trauma bonds, and learning how to feel safe in love again. For anyone who has ever questioned their worth in a relationship, struggled to trust again, or found themselves repeating the same patterns with different people, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, that your past does not disqualify you from healthy love, and that understanding yourself is the first step to changing everything. I hope this episode brings you solace and comfort wherever you are in your journey. Whether that be healing, learning, or starting over; just know that you are not behind. You are becoming more aware, more intentional, and more aligned with the kind of love you truly deserve. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush. Topics we cover: The 4 attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, fearful-avoidant) Relationship anxiety vs intuition Narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and trauma bonding Why we stay in unhealthy relationships Emotional unavailability & modern dating Healing patterns and building self-worth No contact, breakups, and starting over

T1 · E10

28 abr 2026

1:36:42

You’re Not the Problem, But Your Patterns Might Be — The Best Advice My Therapist Taught Me

On this solo episode of Playdate, we focus on reflection. The things I’ve learned, the patterns I’ve had to confront, and the quiet truths that therapy has given me. There’s a version of me that used to believe that if I just loved harder, gave more, showed up better, then maybe I’d be enough for the wrong people. And then there’s a version of me now that understands: the right people don’t require you to prove your worth to be loved. I share the lessons about what it means to love deeply without abandoning yourself, about the difference between giving from a full place versus giving to be chosen, and realizing that being a loving person was never the problem… it was where, and how quickly that I was placing that love. I talk about boundaries, self-worth, pacing, overthinking, and the quiet shift that happens when you stop trying to be everything for someone, and start being everything for yourself. You don’t have to rush your healing, you don’t have to force clarity, but you do owe it to yourself to pay attention to the patterns that keep repeating and to believe that you are allowed to choose differently. Because the life you want and the love you deserve, often begins the moment you stop abandoning yourself to keep something else. If this found you at the right time, that’s not by accident. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t. But most importantly, don’t forget that you’re allowed to grow, to change, and to choose better for yourself. Over and over again. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

T1 · E9

21 abr 2026

27:25

The Secret That Nobody Tells You When Chasing Your Dream x Dragan Andic

On this episode of Playdate, I sit down with Dragan Andic (@the.97), creative director and founder of The 97 Collective - whose journey is a reminder of what can happen when you commit to a vision before the world catches up to it. From his early days photographing behind the camera to now directing for some of the biggest artists in the world, his path has been built on consistency, risk, and trusting the process. We get into how it all started... The foundation of The 97 Collective, the transition from photography into directing, what it looked like building something from the ground up, and what it actually felt like stepping into rooms that once felt out of reach. Dragan shares how his mindset has shifted as the stakes got higher, and what it takes to keep evolving creatively without losing your identity; about how his mindset has evolved as the opportunities got bigger. We also dive deep about the reality behind the work. The pressure, the pivots, and the moments that don’t go as planned. If you’re building something, sitting on an idea, or waiting for the right time to start, this episode is your reminder that there is no perfect moment. There’s just the decision to begin. Thanks for being here, and wishing you all the happiness and success in your pursuit for success! Welcome to your next Playdate — conversations you don't rush.

T1 · E8

14 abr 2026

1:04:41

What It Means to Fight for Your Life, And Win Something Even Deeper x Nicole Pacheco

On this episode of Playdate, I sit down with Nicole Pacheco for the most raw, emotional, and deeply empowering conversation about enduring stage three breast cancer at just 26 years old. This Playdate tests the limits of strength, perspective, and the transformative power of mindset. We dive into the moments that push you to your edge. The fear, the uncertainty, and the quiet battles that often go unseen. She faced the deeply personal trial of undergoing treatments that altered her body, and the experience of losing her hair, and through it all, she discovered a new kind of strength. Nicole shares how these experiences reshaped her, and how letting go of the grudges, the distractions, and all the little things in between, can open space for clarity, gratitude, and purpose. Through it all, she shows what it truly means to be brave, and to keep going when even the path is uncertain. It taught her how to let go of what doesn’t matter and to hold closer the people and truths that do. Through reflection, faith, and unwavering courage, she demonstrates how hardship can transform relationships, deepen gratitude, and reveal the parts of ourselves we didn’t even know existed. This conversation is a testament to resilience, perspective, and the quiet power of choosing hope even when it feels hopeless. By the end of this Playdate, you’ll feel inspired to face your own challenges with courage, to embrace the unknown, and to trust in your own strength to carry you through. A story of true bravery, faith, and the kind of strength that changes you forever. Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

T1 · E7

7 abr 2026

1:25:17

The Subtle Art Of Being Relentless x Zach Hamed

Explícito

On this episode of Playdate, I sit down with creator Zach Hamed ( @zlam_dunk ) to explore what it really means to show up fully as yourself in a world that constantly tells you who to be. We explore what it really takes to build something from scratch - showing up even when no one is watching, trusting your own voice when the world tries to shape it, and having the guts to unapologetically be yourself in a space that rewards performance over authenticity. Zach opens up about his rise in the online community, the power of staying true under pressure, and how collaborating with bigger creators has opened unexpected doors. But this isn’t just a story about strategy or drive, it’s about the fun and unfiltered moments that come when you put yourself out there. The mistakes, the laughs, the doubts - the experience that teaches you more than any guidebook ever could. This conversation is honest, reflective, a little wild, and reminds us why believing in yourself before anyone else does is the only kind of belief that matters. If you’re building, creating, or just trying to figure out who you are in a world that constantly tells you who to be, this episode is a front row seat to what showing up fully and authentically yourself can do. Welcome to your next Playdate — conversations you don't rush.

T1 · E5

24 mar 2026

1:17:29

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