Vida aka Life Podcast

Welcome Alexis! Alexis is my cousin’s daughter. She has a daughter, and is happily married. Our conversation started with her discussing how becoming a mother has changed her life. She and her husband have decided to parent their daughter using Gentle Parenting. After studying early child development, she learned just how traumatic certain parenting styles can be. She learned that just because things she experienced as a child were common; they were not necessarily normal. Together with her husband, they strive to provide their daughter as much of a toxic-free environment that is possible. After therapy, talking to her parents, and becoming a mother herself, she has forgiven her parents for their transgressions. There are no perfect parents, but breaking generational curses is possible. Then we talk about her husband’s family.  After many incidents with them, they decided to cut ties. She explains how just because you are related to someone, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with their toxic behavior. She gives her advice on dealing with toxic family. And lastly, Alexis shares her goals. Listen in!

Welcome Julia! Julia is my husband’s cousin’s wife. We start with talking about how we met and then her middle school troubles. In high school, she met her sweetheart. They moved in together at a very young age. And 15 years later, they are happily married. They have kept their love strong. Patience and forgiveness are key. Growing up her father was very strict, while her mother was very loving. Her relationship with her mother has always been a very close and supportive one. On the other hand, her father ended up leaving her family, and virtually broke their relationship. Time has healed their relationship, but he now lives in Mexico. This however has given her the chance to visit Mexico more often. And trust she loves to travel! Julia also shares about her new business that is doing so well. Follow them on Instagram @charmingcuterie. She also shared her wishes for expanding her family. Julia also talked about legalizing her status here in the US. And lastly, she talks about her goals, goals, goals. Listen in!

Welcome my Sobrinos! Celeste and Joe are back…but this time together with Ulysses! Celeste is my oldest sister’s daughter. Joe is my oldest brother’s son. And Uly is my older sister’s son. We started with me sharing one of my fondest memories of each of them. They then each shared their favorite childhood memories of each other. I posed them the question of how they encourage and learn from each other. Celeste and Joe also shared their experiences of adapting to different households; when they visited their other parent’s house. We also discussed each of their dating situations at the moment, and their dating approach. Since they currently spend a lot of time together, they shared their thoughts on what the future holds for their relationship. We end with a lightning round! I had soo much fun recording this episode. Listen in!

Welcome my Chicas! Susy, Vanessa, and Lisa are back…but this time with Celeste! I got the Chicas together for this second Chicas Chat. The ladies first discuss their experiences with their children during the Pandemic. Celeste discusses her outside perspective, since she doesn’t have children. We then discuss the role we play when family members are feuding. Is it a good idea to get involved? And of course, no Chicas Chat is complete without talking about our relationships! Next the Girlies talk about unfriending and blocking on Social Media. When is it okay, if ever? We end our talk with the Chicas sharing what they’re currently streaming. Listen in!

Welcome my Daddy! Manuel is my father. My father grew up in rural Michoacán. We begin with my dad sharing about how life was as a child. He was raised by his grandmother, and saw his mother very little. He helped raise the animals en el Rancho, and harvested a variety of crops. At 19, he decided to come to the United States when his friend convinced him of the idea. Here, he worked at a restaurant in Costa Mesa, California. The owner of the restaurant moved him to their other restaurant of the same name, The Derby, in Arcadia, California. Starting off as a dishwasher, he made his way up the chain. Seeing the potential in my father’s work ethic and talent, the owner started to groom him to become the Head Chef. After years as Head Chef at the prestigious restaurant, he decided to open his own restaurant. He then details how he met my mom. And we end with discussing my dad’s bout with COVID-19. His appreciation for life has grown immensely. ¡Disfruten!

Welcome my Mami! Teresa is my mother, and spoiler alert this interview is in Spanish! Mom grew up along the border of Michoacán and Guanajuato, in rural Mexico.  She talks about growing up and what her responsibilities en El Rancho were as a little girl.  She then details the traditional engagement of her older sister.  My grandfather and uncles were part of the Bracero Program.  And as such, she came to California at the age of 14 for the Pizcas.  From California, Oregon, and Washington, she picked different fruits and vegetables.  Eventually she made her way down to the Los Angeles area with her newborn son.  She worked for a teacher, and went to adult school to learn English.  It’s there, where she met my father. We end our talk with her sharing what she would like to do next in her retirement. ¡Escuchen!

Introducing the Comadriando with Laura Series! Welcome my coworker Laura. In this series, we will answer our friends and listeners questions. Do you have a problem you would like your Comadre's opinion on? Do you have a question? Any question?? Well, we can help! :) Laura gives such good advice. And when I created this podcast, I knew I wanted to create this series with her. In this series, listeners will write in, detailing their problems, and we will give our in depth, genuine, practical advice on the matter. For this episode, Laura and I posted on our Facebook/Instagram asking for questions. Our peeps came through! And after gathering all these questions, we have brought them here and answered them. This episode is UNEDITED. Listen in to our unfiltered conversation!

Welcome my sis! Susy is my older sister, and we start off by talking about what compelled her to pursue college clear across the country (from Cali to Michigan). Susy was the first in our family to go to college, and her main reason for making college a priority was our parents. She details the excitement of being a Freshman in college. And then quickly realizing that she was alone, across country, and with boundless freedom. Susy ended up getting pregnant during a secret spring break trip to visit her then boyfriend. While their baby led them to move in together, she details on what finally was the last straw in their relationship. She also talks about the guilt of failing her parents, and how that fueled her to return to MSU, and finish her bachelors. We end our talk with discussing her goals, goals, goals. Listen in!

Welcome my sis! Vanessa is my older sister. We start by talking about her journey with the Lord, and how she finally surrendered. She then talks about being a single mother. She talks a bit about becoming a mommy for the first time, and how she set the bar as high as possible for her son Ulysses. Vanessa’s boys are about 10 years apart, and life has been different for each of them; as has been her approach to raising them. In her career, Vanessa went from an entry level customer rep to a Marketing Manager. She details her career path, and how certain people along the way helped her get to where she is now. Vanessa also talks about her experience with welfare, and how no one should feel ashamed if they have to use it. We end our talk with discussing her goals. Listen in!

Welcome Sylvia! Sylvia is my cuñada aka cuñis. We start with her story of how she got pregnant in her sophomore year of high school. She discusses her experience going through a depression, after her breakup with her father’s son. She shares how she raised a wonderful young man, while co-parenting. She then details her academic journey from high school to community college. Sylvia changed majors, took some time off, but at the end she received her associates in Child Development. All throughout, she had her Mother's and her family's support. She also talks about partying, dating, and playing soccer. We end our talk with discussing her goals. Listen in!

Welcome Annabel and Liz! The ladies join me for a Chicas Chat. We start by telling the story how we met, which was at a club! The ladies then share a bit about college and what got them there after high school. They also share how they paid for college and their careers now. And no girls chat is complete without catching up on the dating scene…or lack thereof! Ladies, meeting someone during a pandemic is possible! They share their views on marriage and how their expectations have changed, if at all from their 20s to their 30s. Traveling is a big part of both Annabel’s and Liz’s lives. They talk about the places they have been, and the story of how they ended up in Miami. Listen in!

Introducing the Parejas Series! Where I host a couple to chat all things relationships. Welcome our Compadres! Julio and Annie are very close friends of ours, and the Padrinos of our son. We start the podcast with talking about how everyone met. They share about their Chalinillo partying days. Being together for so long, and married for 13 years, they share what’s the secret to their love and marriage. Julio shares about the struggles he went through when he lost his Father. We talk about our Vegas Days. Annie shares her story about going back to school and choosing her major. Julio then shares about growing up with his 10 siblings. And we end with both sharing their goals. Listen in!

Welcome Laura! We start off by talking about her big Mexican family, and a bit about her experience growing up. We then talk about Social Media and how her perception has changed. She shares how she has changed the way she works her Social Media, and how and when she consumes it. We discuss the toll Social Media can have on your mental well-being, and how you should always protect your mental health. And end, with Laura sharing her goals for her future. We need a part 2!

Welcome Los Primos! Angel, NeNe, Ivan and Jr are cousins who grew up together in the OC. We begin by talking about a couple childhood stories. And of course, we had to talk about soccer. They also share about their Abuelita, and what she meant to them. And after much persistence, they only share 1 story about Angel’s bachelor party in Las Vegas. The guys discuss their current relationship statuses and childhood trips to San Luis Potosi. We end with talking about their goals. Of course, there’s laughs and jokes throughout. This being my first group podcast, this was dope!

Welcome Alex! My carnalita’s BFF talks about her pregnancy. This being her first, she has some jitters, but during a Pandemic…its heightened! She also shares her experience about being undocumented in College and her mother’s insurmountable support to see her thrive. Although it took her longer than she planned, she finished College and started her career. And she shares what it was like to visit Peru for the first time as an adult. Can’t wait for baby’s arrival! Of course, she’ll be back for Mommy Talk. #part2amust

Welcome Karen! My middle school best friend tells us about her abrupt move in high school from California to Kentucky. Talk about culture shock! She details the struggles she and her family went through, when their father chose to go his own way. We also discuss the sacrifices made to get her Masters degree. And she tells us about her new job working with middle schoolers. We touch briefly on the Pandemic and BLM Movement. And of course, we discuss her goals, goals, goals. Listen In!

Welcome Jessica! She talks about finally transferring to Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) after years at Santa Ana College (SAC) and working full-time. All while finding out she was pregnant! She explains what fueled her to keep going and graduate with her Bachelors. Then we delve into breastfeeding!! A passion for both of us, so you know we had a lot to say! She also shares her work in the nonprofit world. We end with her short and long term goals. Can’t wait for part 2! Listen in!

Welcome my nephew! Joe talks about growing up in two different households, and how it impacted his beliefs. He talks about having siblings, half-siblings, and step siblings, but in the end all FAMILY. He then talks about graduating high school, and his decision not to go to college. He also opens up about a couple experiences while working at the "Happiest Place on Earth." We end with his thoughts on the Pandemic, BLM, and goals goals goals! Listen in!

Welcome my Hubby! He talks about his passion for soccer, from playing since he was 6 to "retiring". He also tells us about his decision to go to ITT Tech after graduating high school. Then how becoming a father has changed him. We end with talking about the Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Can't wait for Part #2! #BLM

Welcome my little sister! She tells her story of finding out she was pregnant in her senior year in college, then details her relationship with her then boyfriend, and how he went from her baby daddy to her husband. Listen in!

Welcome to the Vida aka Life Podcast! In this first episode, I introduce myself and the podcast. Can't wait to bring you all these stories! #Podcast #chicana #latina #latinx #Story #Storytelling #vida #Life #vidaakalife