Second Thoughts - podcast cover

Second Thoughts

Pia and Paula Cuerquispodcasters.spotify.com
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.
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Episodes

Being Proactive and Planning For 2024

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 f...

Nov 28, 202345 minEp. 67

LDR: Friends & Family Edition

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. T...

Nov 21, 202350 minEp. 66

Reflecting On The Things We Take For Granted

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 ...

Nov 14, 202336 minEp. 65

I Pay Attention To Things That Most People Ignore

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 ho...

Nov 07, 202340 minEp. 64

TMI: Oversharing Online and IRL

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 bei...

Oct 31, 202345 minEp. 63

Petty Behavior

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...

Oct 24, 202343 minEp. 62

How To Practice Detachment & Protect Your Peace

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 ...

Oct 17, 202345 minEp. 61

Embracing Fall & Preparing For Seasonal Depression

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 rout...

Oct 10, 202345 minEp. 60

Cheers To 25 Years

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 ...

Oct 03, 202345 minEp. 59

Summer Reflections

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...

Sep 26, 202340 minEp. 58

Delulu, Lucky Girl Syndrome & Manifestation

Pia and Paula are here to remind you that there's nothing wrong with being a little delulu from time to time! Today, the sisters chat about the power of delusion, also known online as “being delulu.” They talk about how being delusional can be a good thing, especially when it helps you turn your passions into a career or as a way to stay optimistic in situations that are beyond your control. They also discuss the downside of being delusional, like when it leads to toxic relationships or unrealis...

Sep 19, 202345 minEp. 57

From Hot Girl To Soft Girl

Are you starting to channel more Emily Mariko energy and less Alix Earle? Then, you might be transitioning into your soft girl era! Today, Pia and Paula dive into hot girl and soft girl eras. They explore what each phase of life means, how they differ, and why it all ties into growth and priorities. They also introduce a new term for an era that's a mix of both! The sisters share their experiences and thoughts, including how they've shifted from their hot girl era to a soft girl era, and why fin...

Sep 12, 202340 minEp. 56

A Rant About Modern Day Beauty Standards

In a world full of societal pressures, social media trends, and cultural standards, it's easy to feel like you need to be the "perfect" version of yourself all of the time. Pia & Paula know how overwhelming this can be and want to remind you that these standards are totally unrealistic! Today, the sisters open up about their experiences in navigating modern beauty standards, rant about the constant pressure to uphold them, offer tips on how to quiet the noise of outside opinions, and encoura...

Sep 05, 202339 minEp. 55

Ask Us Anything!

Today's special episode is dedicated entirely to second-guessing and answering your burning questions. The sisters cover an array of topics, including their semi-traumatic childhood Target trips, why Pia couldn't keep her guinea pigs, and their goals for 2024. They also dig into deeper discussions about having kids in modern America, the advice they would give their younger selves, and the struggle of admitting when they're wrong. Make sure to follow Pia & Paula on Instagram for a chance to ...

Aug 29, 202344 minEp. 54

Managing Our Money: Spending, Saving, & Security

Pia and Paula admit they aren't financial experts, but they're more than happy to share some tips and tricks that have helped them manage their money in their 20s! In this episode, they offer advice to anyone looking to manage their finances wisely, find joy in their spending choices, and create a harmonious relationship between everyday luxuries and future security. The sisters reflect on how their upbringing in a middle-class family of nurses impacted their view on money. They also offer insig...

Aug 22, 202354 minEp. 53

Making Friends in Your 20s

Pia and Paula understand the uphill climb of making friends in your 20s. But they’re here to remind you that feeling unsure or nervous is completely normal and building genuine and meaningful friendships takes time and effort! Today, the sisters open up about navigating the ups and downs of making friends. They share their tips for connecting with others, what they look for in friendships, and why you need to prioritize your alone time. Plus, Pia and Paula discuss being dog parents and share the...

Aug 15, 202354 minEp. 52

Family Vacations: A Survival Guide

Family vacations are a rare time to slow down, relax, and bond with loved ones without any work-related or outside distractions. For the Cuerquis family, going on big family vacations is a tradition, and Pia & Paula have become professionals in the art of family travel! Today, they're sharing their pros, cons, and expert tips for making the most of family vacations. Being in forced proximity with a ton of family members has its ups and downs, from seeing parents at their happiest and creatin...

Aug 08, 202349 minEp. 47

In Our Learning Era (A New Series)

For Pia & Paula, learning is a never-ending process. With immigrant parents, they've had to figure out important US milestones like college applications, filing taxes, finding a doctor, and pumping gas (shout out to New Jersey) on their own. In this episode, the sisters share the obstacles they've faced in their young adulthood that no one bothered to teach them about sooner! Everyone is constantly learning, and it's totally okay not to have all the answers. Life is full of challenges, and P...

Aug 01, 202342 minEp. 50

Jealousy Is A Disease, Get Well Soon!

If you claim you don't get jealous, you're lying! Jealousy is a natural human emotion that everyone faces, but knowing how to handle it is essential for your personal growth journey. Today, Pia & Paula dive into how jealousy can sneak up on you in relationships, work, and friendships, especially in the era of social media. The sisters open up about the ways they experience jealousy, like craving an influencer's luxurious lifestyle or comparing themselves to picture-perfect couples. The siste...

Jul 25, 202343 minEp. 49

Green, Red, and Beige Flags

While you're probably familiar with red and green flags, there's a new online trend: beige flags. These flags aren't necessarily good or bad, but they add a touch of uniqueness and quirkiness to a person. In today’s episode, Pia & Paula share their own relationship green, red and beige flags! They highlight their green flags, like when someone they’re dating makes their friends laugh and likes to be adventurous with food. They also discuss some red flags, like not following through on tasks ...

Jul 18, 202340 minEp. 48

Birthdays: Parties, Gifts, Dinners & More!

It's Paula's 26th birthday! In this episode, Pia and Paula discuss all things birthday, including the significance of birthdays as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate another year of growth and lessons learned. But, which birthday is the most important? Why did their 18th birthday parties cost $12,000? How do you efficiently plan birthday dinners as schedules get fuller? Plus, Paula's horrible poker face makes opening gifts in front of others almost impossible, and while Pia loves r...

Jul 11, 202338 minEp. 47

Is Closure Really Necessary?

In this episode, Pia and Paula deep dive into the concept of closure, share their experiences with seeking it, and second guess if having closure is really necessary. They question whether closure is about finding answers, mutual agreement, accepting reality, or reinforcing what they already know. The sisters acknowledge that while closure can be helpful for processing emotions and gaining clarity, you also need to be prepared to adapt and move on without dwelling on the need for it. Plus, Pia a...

Jul 05, 202335 minEp. 46

Navigating Balance, Burnout & Boundaries

Between work, socializing with friends, house hunting, recording their podcast, traveling, creating TikToks, and spending time with family, Pia and Paula can hardly find moments to catch their breath! But the sisters are determined to manage everything without being overwhelmed by the stress. They believe finding balance is the key, and in this episode, the sisters dive into what balance means to each of them, how they carve out time for self-care, and their tips for preventing burnout before it...

Jun 27, 202345 minEp. 45

How We're Finding Our Authentic Selves

What does it mean to live as your authentic self? Pia and Paula are still figuring it out! In this week's episode, they want to take you on their journey of self discovery! The sisters discuss the steps they're taking to find their authentic selves, compare the person they are now to who their younger selves wanted to be, and the ways they manage the opinions and perspectives of those who care about them. Paula talks about looking out for her best interest, even if it means occasionally disappoi...

Jun 20, 202344 minEp. 44

Our Origin Story

You may know bits and pieces of Pia and Paula’s background, but in today’s episode, they take a deep dive into their origin story! The girls go all the way back to their birthplace in the Philippines and open up about how they balanced a traditional Filipino upbringing with their New Jersey, All-American childhood. Paula gets real about finding freedom in college, and Pia talks about how, ever since she was little, she’s always felt happiest doing content creation. Make sure you stick around unt...

Jun 13, 20231 hr 2 minEp. 43

New Homes, New Bling, New Beginnings. WE’RE BACK!

THE CUERQUIS SISTERS ARE BACK! After a year of some major life changes––*hint hint* press play to get all the deets––Pia and Paula are back on the mic sharing stories about the realities of life in their 20s. In today’s episode, Pia talks about her big move to Austin and updates on the growth of her business as a content creator. Paula explains why one of her hands feels a little bit heavier… And her plan for her next career pivot! IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - [1:19] Updates about the podca...

Jun 06, 202340 minEp. 42

Love & You (Valentine's Special: Part 2)

LOVE YO'SELF! In the second part of their two-part Valentine's Special, Paula & Pia talk about the most important type of love—self-love. The girls discuss their own insecurities, fears, and doubts and they look back at moments in their life where they've fought back against self-sabotaging and self-loathing. Tune in for a candid conversation about their best practices for finding and maintaining self-love and how they gained confidence in themselves and their actions. Do you have a 'Thought...

Feb 17, 202230 min

Love & Others (Valentine's Special: Part 1)

Let's talk about LOVE! In this week's episode of a two-part Valentine's Special, Paula & Pia talk about their experiences with love thus far. The girls talk about their learnings from their past relationships and the standards & expectations they look for in romantic partners. They define what love looks and feels like for them and answer questions you guys submitted! Tune in for a candid conversation on the realities of love and the happiness (but also baggage) it brings! Do you have a ...

Feb 10, 202251 min

Intentions & Rules for 2022

Paula & Pia are back with their first episode in 2022! Join them for a conversation around goal-setting, new year's resolutions, and the power of intentions. In this episode, Paula & Pia share some life updates (their COVID Christmas, Sophia's new clothing line, etc.), then they get into their "Rules for 2022" and what they want to accomplish this year. Tune in for best practices on setting goals and/or intentions that align with your values. Make the most of this new year by manifesting...

Feb 03, 202249 min

Advice Column #4 (Holiday Gift Guides, Territorial In-Laws, & More)

The girls are bringing back another advice column! Every few weeks, the girls read through listener emails/submissions and share their *solicited* advice and wisdom! In this episode, they talk about how to deal with a territorial mother-in-law, setting resolutions, telling a friend they're a friend no longer, & SO MUCH MORE! This will be the last episode of S3 and of 2021. Tune in for S4, coming Feb 2022! Need advice? Send an email to secondthoughtspod@gmail.com with the subject line 'Advice...

Dec 16, 202143 min
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