The Modern Frida

Hosted by Jennifer Valdez

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

The Modern Frida is a space where I share what I’m learning in real time—through personal stories, creative lessons, and my process of building a life around art and music. I also sit down with other creatives to talk about their journeys and how they move through life as artists to be successful. So if you’re someone who’s determined to build a life you love around your passions—and maybe has a slight love-hate relationship with social media—this is the place for you!

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60 recent

May 11, 20261 hr 2 min

The Journey to Goldilocks: Finding Balance in Art & Life with Jimmy Khalo

In this episode of the Modern Frida Podcast, I sit down with independent artist Jimmy Khalo to talk about why I genuinely believe they did everything right.From creating an entire album world from scratch with almost no budget, to producing their own music, building physical press kits, shooting visuals with intention, and refusing to become “just another link” online — this conversation reminded me what artistry really looks like.We talk about:• building art with intention• burnout, balance & creative identity• learning to say yes to yourself• the pressure of being an independent artist• creating without permission• making physical art in a digital world• sending music to record labels• and the emotional journey behind the album “Goldilocks”If you’re looking for inspiration as an independent artist, this episode will remind you what’s possible when you fully believe in your vision.Listen to Jimmy Khalo’s music:https://jimmykhalo.com/goldilocksFollow Jimmy Khalo:https://www.instagram.com/jimmykhalo00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:03 Discovering Jimmy on Threads03:28 Origin of Jimmy Kahlo05:03 Learning Production and Influences07:54 Pandemic to First Singles09:43 Naming the Album Goldilocks11:20 Rushing Burnout and Balance13:58 Album Vision and Sweet Spot17:36 Cover Art Water Symbolism20:40 DIY Team and No Budget24:11 Song Highlights and Chase Story25:47 11 Genres and Musical Palette28:29 Advice Clarity and Permission35:46 Say Yes First37:19 Art Deprivation Story40:06 Numbers Versus Connection43:27 Pitching Labels IRL49:04 Press Kit Power Move54:13 No Rules In Music56:44 Making The Music Video59:14 Keep Creating Closing“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

April 26, 202626 min

Do You Even Need Social Media to Succeed? Rethinking Life Beyond Likes and Views

What if the thing you’ve been told will “grow you” is actually what’s draining you?In this episode, I get honest about my relationship with social media—the highs, the lows, and why even when the numbers go up… something still feels off. What would it look like to step back and choose real life connection over constantly posting?If you’ve ever questioned whether you need to be online to build a life you love, this episode might shift something for you.Inside👇 the disconnect between “doing everything right” online (posting, showing up, growing) and still feeling unfulfilled how chasing numbers, views, and engagement can quietly affect self-worth the emotional crash that can come even when your content performs “well” why stepping back and taking breaks from social media has been part of my reset process what I’m learning about the difference between digital connection and real-life connection how I’m beginning to rethink what “success” actually looks like as a creative the shift toward creating with more intention instead of pressure or algorithm-chasing a reminder that it’s okay to question your relationship with social media—and choose differently “Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

April 21, 202613 min

What your messy room says about you

What if your messy room has nothing to do with being messy or owning too many things?Because I really thought that was my problem… until it clicked.After two years of decluttering and trying to keep my space clean, I realized it’s not about organization—it’s about decision making. The “maybes,” the “I’ll deal with it later,” and the versions of myself I hadn’t fully let go of.In this episode, I’m talking about the real reason your room keeps getting messy, how clutter is connected to your mindset, and why learning to make small decisions can impact your self growth, creativity, and overall direction in life.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed maybe it’s not about cleaning your space… maybe it’s about clearing who you no longer are.Tune in if you're over the chaos!If you enjoy this episode, you'll definitely like 75. The Dark Side of Thrifting and its Impact on your Mental Heathlisten to my album here <3“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

April 17, 202614 min

The Event That Stopped My Procrastination & Had Me Taking Action Towards My Desires

If you've ever seen me and thought "Wow she really goes for what she wants and gets it done" or anything close to that, let me tell you that was not always the case. In fact I use to be someone who lacked motivation and the will to initiate action. But one moment in my early twenties changed that for me and today I'm sharing that story with you.So if you've been feeling like you're falling short and not hustling enough towards your dreams tune in because this might be the story that makes it click fore you <3“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

April 10, 202613 min

Creating Without Chasing Like Lana Del Rey

Lately I’ve been noticing how easy it is to just keep pushing through things without really checking in with myself. My energy, my habits, my environment… all of it kind of blends together until something forces me to slow down and pay attention.And in the middle of those thoughts, I started thinking about Lana Del Rey.The way she seems to move through life, the choices she’s made, and how different that feels from the way we’re usually told success is supposed to look.In this episode, I talk about:that moment I realized I might be ignoring my own signals why I’m finally taking my cycle and energy more seriously (because clearly I can’t keep pretending I’m the same person every day of the month) this weird tension between wanting more… but also wanting peace so badly and what I actually think I want my life to look like when I’m not performing it for anyone“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

April 9, 202619 min

For the ones dying for change but God is asking to you to stay put

In this episode, I’m coming back to the podcast after some time away and sharing honestly about where I’ve been. I didn’t think I would continue podcasting, especially as my focus has shifted more toward music, but seeing that you’re still here, still listening💕 it really means something to me.I’m embracing a new way of showing up: less polished, less perfect, but more real. From recording in my car to reflecting on everything I’ve been learning lately, I’m leaning into being a student of life and a teacher of what I’m learning.I share a recent experience of planning my sister’s birthday, how it threw off my routine, and what it taught me about discipline, burnout, and getting back on track. I also talk about my relationship with the gym and how it mirrors so much of life—especially when it comes to pushing through resistance and not falling back into old patterns.This episode is really about learning how to keep going, even when you don’t feel like it—and how to create a new experience, even when your circumstances haven’t changed.“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

March 23, 202635 min

Kid Cudi Once Said "It’s Easier to Just Do"

In this episode, I'm joined with multidisciplinary artist Ashley Trabue to talk about the gap between ideas and action—and why so many creatives get stuck living in their heads.Inspired by a quote from Kid Cudi, we dive into what it really means to stop imagining and start creating. From overthinking music videos to navigating perfectionism, social media pressure, and creative identity, this is an open conversation about choosing messy action over waiting for the “perfect” moment.We also explore: Why your ideas don’t need to be perfect to be shared How taking action actually creates clarity The pressure of social media—and how to move past it Letting go of perfection and embracing imperfect art Why creativity grows the more you use it If you’ve been sitting on ideas, overthinking your next move, or waiting until everything feels “ready”—this episode is your reminder to just start.❤️“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

September 27, 202511 min

Is It Time to Let Go of Instagram?

Y’all, Instagram was draining me. I spent $700 on a social media coach, tried to follow all the advice… and still felt stuck, frustrated, and over it. In this episode of the Modern Frida Podcast, I get real about why IG just wasn’t working for me—and how I finally decided to pivot to YouTube.I’m talking about creating content that actually feels good, not chasing likes, algorithms, or anyone else’s version of “success.” If you’ve been questioning whether it’s time to step back from Instagram—or just need some encouragement to do your thing without guilt—this episode is for you.“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

September 22, 202514 min

Multi-Passionate or Multi-Talented? Why it psychologically matters

Are you multi-passionate, multi-talented, or somewhere on between? In this episode, I break down the difference and why it matters for your creative journey. Inspired by Keke Palmer’s Master of Me, I share lessons on embracing multiple gifts, letting go of hobbies that no longer fit, and thriving in the seasons of creativity.What You’ll Hear (Timestamps): 00:00 – Intro: Multi-passionate vs. multi-talented 04:15 – Lessons from Keke Palmer’s Master of Me 11:40 – Why you don’t have to monetize every hobby 18:05 – The freedom that comes from creative seasons 24:30 – How to evolve without losing yourself 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you consider yourself multi-passionate, multi-talented, or something else? Drop a comment or send me an anonymous message—I’d love to hear from you!“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show

September 5, 2025Episode 8335 min

Just Keke | How She Turned Headlines Into Art | Album Review

From the album’s three-act structure to its bold visuals, I dive into how Keke turns real-life headlines into art—mixing vulnerability, humor, and her unstoppable triple-threat energy into a project that honestly deserves way more love!If you’ve ever wondered whether Just Kiki is worth your time—or if Keke has real space in music—this conversation will help you hear it with a new perspective.“Don’t just listen—text me! Even a quick ‘hey, this spoke to me’ counts. I love hearing from you, and I actually read everything you send.”Support the show