In this episode, @janinavela opens up about one of the most transformative seasons of her life. From growing up as one of the Philippines' earliest YouTube creators, to stepping away from content creation while battling depression in private, to finding a deeper sense of purpose through journalism, advocacy, and faith. This conversation is about identity, healing, courage, and the journey of becoming more authentic in a world that constantly expects you to perform.
This episode also dives into Janina's perspective on politics, religion, and speaking up despite criticism. As a pastor's kid who chose to enter the world of political journalism, she shares why she believes faith and civic engagement should not be separated, how she prepares herself for public backlash, and why standing up for justice is deeply connected to her Christian beliefs. We also talk about mental health, social media, the importance of privacy, and what it means to cultivate a \"secret place\" with God in a world filled with noise and distraction.
We discuss:
• Why Janina took a hiatus from content creation
• The hidden struggles she was facing behind the scenes
• The relationship between faith, politics, and social responsibility
• Why Christians shouldn't be afraid to engage in difficult conversations
• How Janina handles criticism and online backlash
• The importance of having a strong sense of identity
• What her \"secret place\" with God looks like
If you've ever felt lost, overwhelmed, discouraged, or afraid to speak up for what you believe in.. this episode is for you.
Credit: @janinavela x @smalltalkpodcasts
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