In this episode of The Journey To Creating Viva La Life Media, we’re leaning back into the raw, off-the-cuff energy you’ve been asking for. We kick things off with a 10-minute catch-up on my life before diving into a deep-layered conversation on the trends and cultural shifts shaping our world in 2025.

From the psychological grip of the Backstreet Boys and musical nostalgia to the complex evolution of beauty standards and "Skinny BBL" culture, we’re pulling back the curtain on why we consume what we do. We also get real about "Black Fatigue"—exploring the mental and cultural weight of navigating mainstream media in today’s climate.

What we’re diving into today:

• ​The Nostalgia Trap: Why our brains are hardwired for the Backstreet Boys and how nostalgia is being weaponized in modern music production.
• ​Cultural Commentary: The state of street culture in mainstream media and the transition from appreciation to appropriation.
• ​The Fatigue is Real: A candid look at "Black Fatigue" and its heavy implications on our creativity and well-being.
• ​Beauty Standards 2.0: From BBLs to Ozempic—how the "ideal" body is shifting again and what it means for the next generation.
• ​The Everest Obsession: Why are we so fascinated by the danger of K2 and Everest? Analyzing the psychology of extreme achievement.
• ​Industry Watch: The future of streaming culture and the 2025 trends every creator needs to have on their radar.

Enjoyed this raw check-in? If you’re a fan of the unscripted moments, let me know in the Spotify Q&A or DM me on socials. Don't forget to subscribe for more deep dives and behind-the-scenes updates!

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Welcome back to the Nostalgia Series for a late-night chat! This week's check-in covers a whole range of subjects that have been on my mind. Ever felt the need to gatekeep your personality? Yeah, me too. I also talk about my new, very chill therapeutic hobbies, how the holidays are going down as a single mom, and the funny balance of trying to be athletic while also loving to 'loaf' (a.k.a. chill hard). Plus, you know I had to observe the latest social media trends, meme humor, and the wonderfully cringey people we all see online. Stick around 'til the end as we wrap it all up with a quick chat on podcast growth and listener engagement. Thanks for rolling with the midnight release! ❤️

Email us: ⁠vivalalifemedia@gmail.com

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Check out our other podcasts, blog posts, LIVE! shows, music page and more! ⁠https://ashtontoneecasilla.wixsite.com/vivalalifepodcast/⁠⁠ ⁠

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Listen to our Music Podcast, Crash Course Pod: https://www.spreaker.com/show/6430540

Before Likes were dollars and algorithms ran your life, social media was pure, chaotic performance art. Host Ash Tone kicks off the new, nostalgia-focused Season 7 by logging back into the Golden Age of Digital Socializing—and the sheer emotional trauma that came with it.

From the analog origins of the Party Line and BBS communities to the dial-up modem shriek of the late 90s, we trace the history of connecting with strangers online. This episode dives deep into the high-stakes drama of AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), where Away Messages were used to signal heartbreak, deep thoughts, and your current mood with cryptic song lyrics.

Then, we revisit the brutal reign of MySpace (2003): the glittering HTML nightmares, the emotional blackmail of the Top 8 Friend ranking, and the agonizing pressure of choosing your Profile Song to define your existence. It was a time of ultimate digital freedom and ultimate teenage angst.

A journey back to the internet before it was polished—when we were the designers, the DJs, and the curators of our own garish, beautiful web profiles.

(Note: The main topic content begins at the 11:00 mark. New listeners, feel free to skip ahead! Loyal listeners, Ash takes the first 10 minutes for a personal catch-up and life update.)

Email us: ⁠vivalalifemedia@gmail.com

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Check out our other podcasts, blog posts, LIVE! shows, music page and more! ⁠https://ashtontoneecasilla.wixsite.com/vivalalifepodcast/⁠⁠ ⁠

Listen to our NEWEST PODCAST, Crash Course Pod: ⁠https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crash-course-pod-one-hit-wonders-across-the-decades--68597004⁠

Follow us on Instagram! ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vivalalifepodcast/⁠

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