Meet Melanie Otero | Host of the Mental Pleasure Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Otero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent was to decide to work on healing my traumas and becoming a better version of myself. The biggest change that served as a butterfly effect to my life was deciding to stop consuming alcohol completely, the day after Mother’s Day in 2021. Ironic right?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being the host on the Mental Pleasure podcast has not only given me the platform to speak about my own struggles with mental health but it has provided others with the opportunity to share their voice, experiences and insight regarding healing, trauma, mental health and overall wellness. There were times where it seemed like pursuing my goals with the podcast seemed easy but there were definitely some trying times and I believe there will always be some kind of obstacle I will have to face and overcome. “Nothing worth having ever comes easy”. What keeps me dedicated and continue pushing is knowing mental health is part of my purpose and setting an example for my son, whom I’d also want to inspire to pursue anything he loves with his whole heart. The most important lessons I’ve learned along this journey are: 1. Believe in yourself and love every part of yourself because this is who is going to take you to each level that you need to be in, in your life. 2. It’s okay, you don’t have to drink alcohol.

I want the world to know that my goal with the Mental Pleasure podcast is to focus on destigmatizing mental health challenges and promoting self-care practices that support emotional and physical well-being. Listeners can expect engaging discussions, practical advice, and a deep sense of compassion and empathy from the Mental Pleasure Podcast, weekly. The show is a valuable resource for anyone looking for a supportive community and a safe space to discuss mental health topics. As for as my story goes, we all have something going on and we’re all just trying to get through this crazy life in one piece, with peace. I am also a fitness cycle instructor at Onelife Fitness. My overall well-being has become very important to me over the years. Being able to combine my love for physical fitness with work is more rewarding than words could describe. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, be sure to sign up for a cycle class! You won’t ever regret putting yourself first.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend to do something fun outside like kayaking the Chestatee River in Dahlonega or go on a fun hike. There are so many great places to eat on the Beltline like Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall. The Beltline is just a great place to jump around and find something to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I would love to individually thank & credit to inspiring me in a variety of ways. To sum it up, my close circle being my family, partner and best friends have always given me much needed advice but they have also shown me unconditional love and support. A great book I’d like to share with everyone and anyone would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a great reminder of discovering and pursuing your purpose, no matter what obstacle you may have to face.

Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-pleasure/id1608824234

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymentalpleasure/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mymentalplease

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyMentalPleasure/videos?sub_confirmation=1

Other: https://linktr.ee/mentalpleasure?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5b1ed856-dcae-4d1d-b57a-b834649f946b&fbclid=PAAaaTIdVyzvMHXdXrLAPxDqOAeOfElNnLLFrmv1tbsHCLlnqv7HxuHfJhlUM

Image Credits
Photographer: Greg Villarreal