Do you say “taco” or “thaco”? “Queso” or “Kay-so”? As 4th generation Mexican-Americans, we connect to our culture in different ways than our first generation relatives and friends. Today we talk about what it means for us to be Latino and how we express our own cultural identities as siblings, in honor of Latino Heritage Month. 

Spoiler alert: music is a huge part of our cultural identities. Here are the songs and playlists we mention, specifically:

• Las Mañanitas - origin and lyrics
• Sobre Las Olas - a Mexican Waltz, info at Journal of the Society of American Music
• El Rey by Vicente Fernandez
• Michael’s Spotify playlist of Mexican composers
• Apple Music’s Somos: Voces playlist
• The full Somos music collection representing Latinx heritage

Michael’s new cookbooks:

• Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico
• Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories

Alisa’s cultural exploration questions:

1. How do you define your cultural identity?
2. In what ways do you live out your cultural heritage?
3. What's important for you to keep, treasure, preserve for yourself as you get older? 
4. What's your favorite part about your cultural identity?

If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at [email protected] or @seriouslythoughpod.

More from Alisa:

• The Happy Cactus
• @thehappycactusclub

More from Michael:

• Bolt Wealth Management 
• @michaeldm