El Patio

In this episode, Ismelka has a special guest and hopeless romantic Alixandria (AA) discussing the intricacies of dating in New York City. They explore why dating in the city is distinct from other places and how some people may come off as “odd” during dates. They talk about some of their craziest dates and some of the fun and good ones too.

AA highlights the importance of understanding oneself in order to navigate the dating scene successfully. In a city as crazy, vibrant, and fast-paced as NYC, self-reflection and self-awareness are crucial for finding a compatible partner amidst the chaos. Join them as they delve into the unique aspects of dating in the city and the significance of inner self-discovery on the path to finding love.

Keep up with AA via her Instagram @alixxania and her TikTok @alixandriaaa. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok.

If you've been enjoying El Patio, this episode, and the whole thing, please leave a review on your preferred platform!

In this podcast episode, Ismelka invites Ciku Wathika, a pop culture and screenwriting enthusiast. They discuss the current state of screenwriting and storytelling and what true diversity representation can be on TV. 

With the rise of streaming platforms, they’re seeing a wider variety of reboots and interesting shows aimed at very specific audiences. They also talk about the significant strides in terms of diversity on TV (being a black woman or PoC woman on TV is the ultimate double-edged sword for representation), while acknowledging there is a long way to go. 

Finally, they end up discussing that in order to create authentic and engaging content, writers and producers must continue to push for diverse perspectives in the writers' room and on-screen representation. However, we must also avoid forced narratives. Screenwriting is evolving, and there's a growing demand for shows that reflect our current cultural climate, but it's important to remember that what's being produced may not necessarily be what different audiences want.

Keep up with Ciku via her Twitter @cikuwathika. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those wonderful reviews on all platforms, kids!

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, to the show, her friend, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Bhava Therapy Group (Therapist and Supervisor) in NYC. They discuss topics, such as, why we need to de-stigmatize therapy for both men and women, mental health awareness, and why this practice can benefit us all in the long run as a society. 

Keep up with Alyssa on her Instagram @alyssaktherapy and find her via Psychology Today here for your mental health needs. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those reviews on all platforms, babes.

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes to the show Realtor and social media queen, Evelyn Robleto! They talk about all things real estate in NYC — from being a realtor in a different state and focusing on rentals, to moving on up in the NYC market and working with buyers through the world-famous brokerage, Serhant. 

Evelyn discusses what it means to be a realtor, best practices for people wanting to dive into the industry, and some real estate projections in the current market. 

Keep up with Evelyn on her Instagram @evelynnrobleto and find her via the Serhant website here for your real estate needs. As always, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Continue leaving those reviews on all platforms, babes.

In this episode, Ismelka brings on Norma Buster, a Director of Client Relations for one of the top law firms that handles tech-based/non-consensual allegations and cases surrounding violence against women. Norma is also a sex positivity advocate and she walks us through multiple journeys, and her interesting intersections while growing up in a strict Cuban-American household to now living a more open life sexually and socially. 

Read more about Norma’s important work here:

ELLE: “My Ex Shared My Naked Photos Online. So I Took Him to Court"

Refinery29: “My Ex Stalked Me & Shared My Naked Photos. Non-Monogamy Helped Me Heal”

Continue following Norma’s advocacy work and life via IG @NormaBuster_ and on her podcast Oral Arguments here. Finally, continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

In this episode, Ismelka welcomes her friend Eileen Gillis, a past coworker (yes, Ismelka loves her past coworkers!), and they talk about it all— like going from being “girlbosses,” to now actual BOSSES!

Ismelka and Eileen discuss their leadership roles, starting with infamous Greek life beginnings, to a current corporate world. They debunk stereotypes regarding being a leader as a woman, and how to manage a group of peers successfully.

Furthermore, they talk about the importance of female friendships, community/colleague support, and leadership - inside and outside of work. More topics include having fun while working, how to “show up,” and a discussion of how we carry ourselves in our personal life which translates to the workplace. Lastly, they touch on what the future holds for woman leaders, and what it means to create a meaningful brand - internally and for the consumer.

Follow Eileen @elnglls on IG and continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

In this episode, Ismelka invites the one and only, Bronx-born and raised, Miko Gamble. They sit down to have a fun and vulnerable conversation about what it’s like to be a “modern mom” and what it means to stay in touch with yourself and your lifestyle, while still being the best parent for a child.

They also talk about raising a child “with a village,” community-based parenting values, and how finding balance is essential when bringing your new best friend into the world!

To learn more about Miko, follow her on IG @m____ko and continue keeping up with Ismelka and El Patio @Ismelka on IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok. Please continue sending recs, feedback, and more!

Wow, it's been a while! For the first episode of El Patio Season 2, Ismelka recaps her trip to the Dominican Republic with her partner, Joe. She also talks about getting back to her routine post-vacation, goals for 2023, and opinions about some of her favorite performances from the Grammy’s.

For 2023, Ismelka would love to hear suggestions for guests, topics, and themes you would like to listen to. DM her via IG @Ismelka or email at ismelkagomez@gmail.com with any thoughts!

As always, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review on your favorite platforms - share with ya friends!

In the season one finale of El Patio, Ismelka invites Aire Atlantica (who is a Billboard charting music producer, audio engineer, sound tech consultant, and Ismelka’s boyfriend) to talk about the journey of becoming a music producer, staying consistent with creativity, setting goals to stay motivated, and more. 

They also talk about some of his latest wins, such as being a producer on a number one album and going viral on TikTok, as well as the journey that led up to this point. 

Keep up with Aire on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @aireatlantica. And stay up to date with Ismelka and what's coming for Season 2 in 2023 via her Instagram @Ismelka. See you in early 2023 for Season 2 of El Patio!

In this episode, Ismelka is chatting solo about her year, discussing her accomplishments, hardships, changes, and life transitions, as well as the positive experiences that this year brought for her. She discusses the journey with grief/loss and then transitions into running through lists of ALL things that were on top of her mind this year. From world news to her favorite restaurants, live entertainment, TV and movies, books, and podcasts.

Ismelka cherishes the positives, such as the best moments she remembers from a very strange year! As mentioned in the episode, keep up with some of her favorite podcasters here:

The Kinswomen

Los Gómez

The Cutting Room Floor

Fluently Forward

Continue to keep up with Ismelka and El Patio Podcast @Ismelkaon IG and @IsmelkaGomez on TikTok.

This episode is in memory of her grandfather José Valdez and her good friend Corey Goodermote. If you feel it in your heart, please donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in Corey’s memoryhere.

In this episode, Ismelka invites Via Abreu, a fellow Dominican-American girly who is a lifestyle content creator and your HR best friend. Through this thoughtful and empowering conversation, they speak about Via’s TikTok boom, her authentic content, and how she got to where she is today. They also discuss her audience, as well as what her ideal viewership is and what it means to be a Dominican and Afro-Latinx content creator in 2022. This candid conversation leads to their thoughts surrounding building boundaries on the internet and IRL while also building trust and vulnerability to have difficult conversations. 

You can find Via on Instagram @fabulous_via and on TikTok @fabulousvia to keep up with her! 

In this episode, Ismelka invites her past apartment neighbor and friend Rachel for a recap on their favorite shows to get through the beginning of cozy season - this one is for the lazy gals and boys or those who just live for TV entertainment. Rachel brings the best energy and hot takes for what’s worth watching, from chill wholesome shows to trashy TV, and some dramas.

You can find Rachel and all of her amazing content @shadyyrach on Instagram, as well as her soon-to-be revamped podcast, at Dish Please!

In this episode, Ismelka invites Kat, her friend and former co-worker from her time as a stylist, to talk about all things fashion and current trends. They discuss the many different types of work in the industry, such as celebrity, editorial, and personal styling. Ismelka and Kat also discuss current fall and winter trends, getting spicy about some current fashion trends and the archetypes that the internet kids are striving for. Are skinny jeans dead? Is vintage staying? Do we gatekeep or nah? Stay tuned!

You can keep up with Kat and her fashion week & award season commentaries plus some fashion advice here and there on IG: @_katjenkins

In this episode, Ismelka talks to Sarah about the romantic notion of New York City and its artists, the dual nature of being ‘halfghani’, and the ever-changing life of the artist in a world that demands financial survival and independence. From growing up on Long Island with a white mom and an immigrant father from Afghanistan, we talk about identity before and after 9/11 and what it means to Sarah to be a Hassan and a New Yorker all at once. Throughout her life, Sarah found herself on an unexpected career path in the arts and wrote about it along the way. Sarah and Ismelka dissect what it means to be the "modern woman" and her different career paths when it comes to creativity and art.

Sarah is a writer, dancer, and proud cat mom living in Manhattan. After twelve years in the auction business, she now works for a rare book dealer and loves it! Follow her adventures in and around the city at @smariehassan and check out her writing at sarahmhassanwrites.Wordpress.com

In this episode, Ismelka is joined by one of her dear high school friends, Karyll! They talk about all things spirituality from their own unique perspectives - from growing up Catholic in their Dominican community to finding their own “patio” within and outside of the Catholic Church. Ismelka and Karyll are both critical of the institution and bond about the positives and negatives and where they are now in their current spiritual journeys.

Karyll is a spiritual guide and offers wonderful services, such as tarot reading, deconstructive chats, and more. Follow her on IG @decolonista to book a service or just for fun spiritual content!

Ismelka has come back full-on academic after Labor Day Weekend to talk about the word "culture," how it is a complicated word and something that is not static. She puts her Anthropology degree to work and wants us all to be a little critical of our everyday conversations. Remember to keep up with Ismelka and new episode releases of El Patio via Instagram @Ismelka. 

In this episode, Ismelka speaks about the end of the summer in NYC ( *insert sad face* ) and a quick life update. Ismelka welcomes her friend, Dom Brillantes to talk about it all - Dom’s queer community in the city, his career trajectory, his wins, and his challenges. Also- vulnerability, REAL TALK about his dating life, and more tea! Keep up with Dom on Instagram @domohhhneek and Ismelka, of course, @Ismelka

In this episode, Ismelka starts by speaking about how it feels to launch a dream project, as well as a quick life update. For her first guest, Ismelka welcomes one of her closest friends, Alexis Gillie. They talk about what El Patio means, their past and current communities, how beauty and “the salon” are important aspects of Black and Latin women’s lives, and more. Remember to follow Ismelka on Instagram @Ismelka and Alexis on Twitter @viewtifullex for more BS.

In this very special first mini-episode, Ismelka introduces herself, and discusses what "El Patio" is all about, as well as the origin of the title. Many exciting full-length episodes, with guests, coming soon! In the meantime, keep up with Ismelka on her Instagram: @Ismelka