Normal Gossip Bonus Episode: Try Hard with Erika Casupanan
Sep 17, 2025
This week, Erika Casupanan, the vibrant winner of Survivor 41 and host of Happy to See Me, takes center stage. She shares her journey from a timid choir alto with childhood dreams of stardom to confronting her karaoke fears head-on. Listeners are captivated as she recounts reclaiming her identity, the anxiety of public performance, and the supportive environment of a sapphic bar. Erika's transformation highlights that connection trumps perfection, proving that it's never too late to chase your passions.
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Validation Blocks Trying New Things
- Alex frames trying new things as hindered by craving external validation. She argues adults can't rely on constant validation, so perfectionism can stop exploration.
Secret Singing Lessons And Pause
- Erika took secret singing lessons as a young adult but quit because she couldn't afford them. She then stopped singing regularly until much later in life when she revisited lessons privately.
Middle School Loss Of Confidence
- In seventh grade Erika's confidence fell after moving schools and puberty amplified anxiety about being seen. A failed musical audition role contributed to her retreat from performing.
