Daily Inspiration: Meet Joanna Carrillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Carrillo. 

Hi Joanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Growing up writing in journals became my outlet for my emotions. Later on, in life, while going through crushes or broken hearts, writing letters helped me process those feelings of heartbreak. Most often, going through a breakup leaves room for questions that are left unsaid and full closure is not achieved. Have you ever written a cathartic letter to a crush? Letter to My Ex has become a place where people can release their feelings and emotions of heartbreak, hope, or healing in letters. Also, just listening to other letters can help not feel so alone with what you may be going through or have been through before. Letter to My Ex started off as just a way to release these letters out into the world but it became something more. It became a place for wellness and self-love, self-confidence, and self-worth through self-improvement. I have received letters from different places in the world, from different people of age and culture – and all their letters are unique in its own way because everyone’s heart is unique in their own way. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road starting Letter to My Ex Podcast. I’m no audio engineer or licensed therapist about love and relationships. It’s been such a huge learning process for me. From creating my own website to picking the right microphone to editing the audio. Props to all those that are creating something new and different that they are used to! I am enjoy the struggles and seeing the growth of this podcast. Listening to my first episode and hearing how bad the first audio is makes me cringe! But it’s a rite of passage for beginner podcasters. Just got to start! 

Receiving letters has not been easy either – I do all the marketing myself, so that’s been a learning process as well. I know how hard it must be to be vulnerable enough to share a letter with friends and family, let alone a stranger broadcasting it on listening platforms haha! So, I never want to rush the process of receiving letters as it is up the writers’ heart to let that letter go. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It was a little hard for me choosing what I identify as my professional life and career. Am I a creative? I feel like I am the vessel for writers to share their beautiful letters with me on my podcast platform. When doing my initial search, I couldn’t find any podcast strictly dedicated to letters to an ex. How many people out there also find it freeing to write a letter to their ex? 

I am most proud of the writers who sent in their letter as well as my listeners. As I previously mentioned, it takes a lot of vulnerability. I couldn’t be where I am at creating these episodes without them. I strive to continue being a better host with more intentional content for my audience. I am proud of those going through heartbreak because I know and hope they know; they will be stronger on the other side of this. 

What set me apart from others? I would have to say my empathy. I’ve written letters throughout my life because that was the best way for me to deal with and heal. I understand first-hand how much heart goes into these letters. I’m honored to not only empathize with these beautiful letters but to be the host of Letter to My Ex Podcast. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned how lonely we can truly feel during times like these. Missing our friends, family, and loved ones. Missing their hugs and their in-person laughs – it really makes us cherish such precious times we have with them. 

Contact Info:

• Email: lettertomyexpodcast@gmail.com
• Website: www.lettertomyexpodcast.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lettertomyexpodcast