Sweet or Savory with Alyssa and AJ Rafael

Happy 2026 🥂We didn’t expect to start the new year like this — but here we are.In this episode, we talk about our recent podcast clips going viral from the power of Bretman Rock, how it feels watching conversations take on a life of their own online, and the wild differences in reactions across platforms. Then we shift gears and share our 2026 vision boards — what we’re manifesting, what we’re slowing down on, and what we’re prioritizing this year, from creativity and career goals to health, finances, and intentional living.It’s a shorter episode, but a real one. Thanks for being here, whether you’ve been listening since day one or just found us through a viral clip.Stay sweet or savory 💛

In our final episode of the year, we’re reflecting on it all. We talk about our New Year’s wishes and expectations, look back on our episode with Bretman Rock, and recap how our Christmas tour went—highs, lessons, and everything in between. We also dive into parasocial relationships and what it means to connect with an audience in the age of the internet. A cozy, honest way to close out the year. ❤️

DA BADDEST has entered the chat. And honestly, he needs no introduction but in case you’ve been living under a ROCK…Our guest on the pod is singer, songwriter, actor, athlete, activist, occasional scientist on the mf side, star of Crystal of the Day, coconut connoisseur, and cultural icon himself… Bretman Rock.Bretman been our most requested guest since we started this podcast. In this episode, Bretman gets real with us about childhood trauma, growth, healing, and the moments that shaped who he is today. He also spills some tea on the best and worst celebrities he’s ever met, and of course, we put him through all the classic Sweet or Savory questions. Including the ultimate one… can you be friends with your ex?

Podcast uploaded straight from our hotel room bed in Waikiki 🌺We’re in Hawai‘i getting ready for the Our Little Christmas tour (Blue Note Hawaii on 12/4, Blue Note Napa on 12/11, and Dynasty Typewriter on 12/14), Huge thank you to Hawaiian Airlines for taking such good care of us for tour!In this episode, we reminisce about the times we’ve seen our moms experience rage (kinda), share some unhinged childhood stories, and AJ opens up about his most embarrassing fan interactions. Tune in!

The studio FLOODED… and survived! This week, we’re back in our space after AJ’s heroic battle with a hairline crack, one confused True Value employee, and a tube of black caulk he very confidently asked for out loud. From there, the chaos only escalates.Alyssa recaps Girls’ Night™️, where her PR shelf was raided with Olympic-level enthusiasm, while AJ explains how he accidentally gave away ✨seven✨ LabuBoos because the kids at Cousinsgiving kept winning (and because he has a soft heart and no self-control).We also break down everything that goes into self-producing a tour — the hotels, flights, commissions, merch, the budget stress, and why we do it anyway. And yes… we hint at some big Rafael family updates we can’t share yet.We wrap with excited updates about the new Christmas music we recorded this week (hello, Troy Laureta magic), and a reminder to grab tickets for Hawaii, Napa, and LA before the shows hit next week.It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s very us.Stay sweet… or savory.