Meet Lindsey Teo

We were lucky to catch up with Lindsey Teo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I definitely get my resilience from my mom.

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother. No matter what hardships came her way, my mom always made it through to the other side. She might have been battered and bruised, but she never gave up. Through everything, she stayed bright, fun, loyal, and outgoing—she didn’t let life’s challenges take away her light.

Watching her navigate those moments with so much strength made me want to strive to be like her. To be a strong woman. Her example shaped so much of who I am today and how I approach the challenges in my life. I carry her resilience with me, and it’s something I hope I can pass on as well.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What makes Girl, Not This so special is that it’s for everyone. No, seriously—everyone. I’ve had conversations with people navigating fertility struggles, dealing with microaggressions in predominantly white spaces, opening up about their experiences with sexual assault, and, of course, me sharing my own chaotic-yet-relatable personal stories.

At its core, Girl, Not This is all about creating a safe, open space for people who are ready to prioritize their mental health, unpack the baggage they’ve been carrying, and, dare I say, work on breaking those pesky generational curses. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a movement, a community, and maybe even a little therapy session (minus the copay).

To me, Girl, Not This isn’t just a project—it’s a piece of my heart, and I truly believe it’s something special.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Empathy-Being able to genuinely connect with people’s experiences is key. Whether it’s someone sharing a deeply personal story or a listener feeling seen through the podcast, empathy creates the foundation for meaningful conversations and a sense of community.

2. Vulnerability-Opening up about my own struggles and growth has been one of the most impactful aspects of this journey. It’s not always easy to share the messy parts of life, but being real and honest helps others feel comfortable doing the same.

3. Storytelling-The ability to weave stories—whether they’re mine or someone else’s—has been crucial. Storytelling not only keeps people engaged but also helps translate complex emotions or tough topics into something relatable and digestible. It’s about finding that balance between humor, heart, and depth.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My biggest obstacle? It’s me. Seriously, I’m my own worst critic. I get in my head about not being good enough, not being tech-savvy enough, or not having the fanciest equipment. I mean, I’m literally a girl with a beat-up MacBook and a microphone that’s seen better days.

But I’m not letting those thoughts win. I keep pushing forward, whether it’s dropping a new episode, hopping on IG to post a reel, or just showing up for my community. It’s a daily battle to remind myself that done is better than perfect and that the heart behind Girl, Not This matters way more than the gear I use. Am I overcoming it? Slowly but surely. Let’s just say I’m a work in progress—like my MacBook’s screen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Girlnotthis_la
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gcYH2xqV8KR7ajehAtr2y?si=J30-cS9YRuOrC9oYSRKdOw

Image Credits

Luz Castillo-Barba