Amiga, Handle Your Shit

Sometimes, the loudest voices don't represent us. As tension boils in the streets of LA, emotions run high, narratives get twisted, and chaos overshadows the core of what our community truly stands for—dignity, discipline, and heart. So, what happens when Latina leaders who actually live this reality take the mic and tell it like it is?

In this episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite guests, back by popular demand: Marisela Arechiga and Lizette Espinosa. These powerhouse Latinas are educated, driven, and deeply rooted in LA's immigrant community. Marisela, a general contractor and proud daughter of Braceros, and Lizette, co-founder of Solen System AI and a Reagan-era immigrant, bring wisdom, fire, and perspective to this live episode.

Tune in to episode 236 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and listen to our raw and real breakdown of what's really happening in LA. From historical context to misinformation, from emotional triggers to political optics—we cover it all. You'll hear about the danger of bad actors in social movements, the need for peaceful protests rooted in legacy, and how we, as Latinas, must step up, get educated, and model something different for the next generation. If you're tired of the noise and ready for real talk, this one's for you.

Episode Takeaways:

• A moment to reframe: the story behind the three Latina guests at the mic (4:00)
• What immigration law really says (and what most people misunderstand) (5:10)
• Peaceful protest vs. destruction: who's really showing up on the streets? (13:00)
• "You're not representing us": About the embarrassment of violent demonstrations (14:00)
• Are protesters being paid? The role of bad actors and political puppeteering (16:30)
• A tribute to César Chávez and the legacy of peaceful resistance (19:00)
• The importance of optics (and how 30-second clips can destroy credibility) (26:00)
• A toolkit for immigrants and families: what you need to know right now (37:00)

Connect with Marisela Arechiga:

• Instagram
• New Generation Home Improvements Website
• New Generation Home Improvements Instagram

Connect with Lizette Espinosa:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Infanttech's Website

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne's website
• Book: The AMIGA Way: Release Cultural Limiting Beliefs to Transform Your Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever questioned what love, faith, and belonging truly mean?

This episode invites you to explore the courage it takes to reclaim your voice, challenge fear-based beliefs, and embrace a version of spirituality rooted in compassion, not control. It’s a powerful call to live with integrity, even when the world tries to define you by its own narrow standards.

Regina V. Cates is a queer author, activist, and spiritual advisor. Raised in a conservative Christian community in Texas, she experienced years of rejection and abuse before transforming her pain into a mission rooted in love, inclusion, and healing. Her book The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have is a bold call to return to heart-centered spirituality and reclaim faith from fear and dogma.

Tune in to Episode 235 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie speaks with Regina V. Cates about her transformative book The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have. Regina shares her deeply personal journey growing up in a conservative Christian community in Texas, the abuse and rejection she endured, and how she found healing through radical self-love and truth-telling. This conversation extends beyond religion—it’s about reclaiming your humanity, setting boundaries, and navigating life with heart-centered integrity.

Key Takeaways:

✨ Love and fear cannot coexist in the same space

✨ Question systems that divide instead of unite

✨ Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or tolerating abuse

✨ Reclaiming faith means returning to love and compassion

✨ Ego boxing never leads to real resolution

✨ Lead with your heart and define love for yourself

Connect with Regina V. Cates:

• Website
• Facebook
• Substack

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In many Latino households, pain is something you power through—quietly. You work hard, you don’t complain, and you certainly don’t stop to heal. But what happens when your body forces you to listen? Jackie Hernandez was raised to hustle, to push, to handle her shit—until grief and a chronic illness brought everything to a halt. Instead of giving in, she turned her healing into her purpose—and built a wellness empire one green juice at a time.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jackie Hernandez, a wellness entrepreneur, public health advocate, and co-franchisee of two Nekter Juice Bars and an EggBred breakfast concept in Whittier, California. Jackie holds a Master’s in Health Administration from USC and spent years shaping obesity prevention and health equity policy at the local and federal levels. A proud Latina raised in Boyle Heights, she draws deep inspiration from her grandfather—a former Bracero worker and activist—who instilled in her the power of education, purpose, and resilience.

Tune in to Episode 234 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and prepare to hear one of the most inspiring transformations ever shared on the show. You’ll follow Jackie’s journey from high-impact policy work to battling a debilitating autoimmune disease, and how green juice—and grief—ultimately changed the course of her life. Her healing journey became a springboard into entrepreneurship, rooted in her mission to combat food deserts and uplift her community. Through her wellness businesses, Jackie now empowers others—especially Latinas—to embrace holistic health, pursue their dreams, and handle life with grit and grace. She is also working on a series of children’s books that blend healthy habits with cultural pride, continuing her commitment to impact the next generation.

Episode Takeaways:

• A childhood shaped by family separation and cultural pride (2:00)
• The power of a grandfather’s words (7:20)
• Translating for grandma at age 9 (13:00)
• Fighting big food as a Latina lobbyist (18:40)
• Flat tires, vandalism, and burnout (25:00)
• Losing her father—and her health (31:20)
• Healing with green juice and holistic medicine (37:00)
• Turning pain into purpose: Launching Nekter (42:30)
• Books, business, and handling your sh*t (48:00)

Connect with Jackie Hernandez:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does starting young with a clear vision shape the trajectory of one's career?

Individuals who set their sights on a clear professional goal often experience unique opportunities and challenges from the beginning of their journey. This mindset, which can start as early as high school or even earlier, involves thinking strategically about the future, developing key skills, and making deliberate choices that align with long-term ambitions. By approaching their goals with businesslike precision, they set themselves up for both immediate and lasting success.

After graduating from high school at 16, Alexxa Morgan pursued a business and management degree from Pepperdine University as a first-generation college student. Her dedication to volunteering began early, with significant contributions to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she raised $22,000. Her service extended to the San Diego Burn Institute, Fire Prevention Association, and animal welfare groups, earning her three gold service awards from the White House. Alexxa also funded her education through pageantry, becoming Miss Oceanside Fire Prevention 2014. She now applies her experience and innovative spirit in the tech industry, having worked with Google and Apple and contributing to developing a pioneering vertical airlift service.

Tune in to Episode 193 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Alexxa Morgan shares her inspiring journey and career insights. Hear how she developed a businesslike approach from a young age and the pivotal moments that shaped her professional life. Alexxa discusses the challenges she faced, the skills she developed, and the strategies she employed to succeed in her career. This episode provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to set and achieve their professional goals, offering a roadmap for turning youthful ambitions into meaningful accomplishments.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✨ Start young with clear professional goals.

✨ Make deliberate career choices.

✨ Embrace a businesslike mindset for success.

✨ Find inspiration in role models.

✨ Proactive planning leads to long-term success.

✨ Persist through challenges and stay focused.

✨ Surround yourself with supportive networks.

Connect with Alexxa Morgan:

• Instagram

 Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way’s Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Latino community, talking about mental health is seen as a source of shame or weakness. "We don't talk about these things..." or "En esta casa no se habla de eso..." are phrases that, unfortunately, most of us have heard at least once. Luckily, we also have people who confront this silence head-on and speak louder whenever they hear one of those phrases.

In this episode, I'm joined by Maria Case. Maria is a Real Estate Investor, a Mental Health Advocate, and a badass Latina on a mission to break generational patterns. She is also living proof that we can transform personal struggles into a force of change. After dealing with life-threatening illness and family mental health challenges, Maria created Kompashion to break the silence around mental health.

Tune in to Episode 230 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and prepare for the show's history's rawest conversation about mental health. You'll hear about Maria's challenges with mental health, the dozens of dark places she had to go through before finding the path to her mental sanity, and the practices that helped her make it to the other side. You'll also hear about the importance of vulnerability, family support, and community engagement in addressing mental health issues, how to understand pain's purpose, and much more.

Episode Takeaways:

• From struggling to strengthening. Maria's origins and upbringing (3:40)
• Why we don't talk about these things? (6:20)
• The birth of Kompashion (9:30)
• What are the Kompashion boxes and how to get them (15:20)
• Maria shares her top tips for caring for our mental health (21:20)

Connect with Maria Case:

• Visit the Kompashion website
• Instagram
• Get your Kompashion Box!
• Save your spot at Kompashion's Events

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about how stories can shape the way children see themselves and their families?

This week’s episode celebrates the power of representation in children’s literature and the importance of honoring our stories, especially the stories of hardworking immigrant families. When kids see themselves reflected in books, it fosters pride, connection, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Claudia Maldonado is an Early Childhood Specialist, Independent Consultant, and Author with over 20 years of experience in early learning education. She has worked with Federal, State, and County-funded programs and the Family Child Care Network in Southern California. Claudia strongly believes in the power of storytelling, the importance of play, and appropriate early learning practices for young children.

Tune in to Episode 231 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie welcomes Claudia Maldonado, an early childhood educator turned children’s book author. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles, Claudia shares how her experience working with immigrant families and the loss of her sister inspired her to write books that reflect the strength, diversity, and beauty of our communities. Her books, like Mama Works Very Hard and Papa Knows Best, highlight real-life heroes in ways that empower children and honor everyday resilience.

Key Takeaways:

✨ Representation matters in early childhood education

✨ Writing can transform pain into purpose

✨ Multicultural books empower and reflect our communities

✨ Moms and dads are everyday superheroes

✨ Creativity often starts from lived experience

✨ Boundaries and mindfulness support personal growth

Connect with Claudia Maldonado:

• Website
• Instagram
• Buy Claudia’s book, Mama Works Very Hard

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you had to choose today, would you shrink to fit or rise to lead?

In this empowering episode, Jackie sits down with tech powerhouse Nikki Barua to explore the game-changing impact of AI, the immigrant hustle, and the power of representation. Nikkie is a Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Keynote Speaker, and the interim CEO of Latinas in Tech. From growing up in India with a collage of powerful women (with her face at the center!) to becoming a Tech and Innovation Global Leader, Nikki shares how belief, vision, and relentless drive helped her break glass ceilings—and how she's now helping others do the same.

Tune in to Episode 230 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and learn why Latinas must have a seat at the table in AI's revolution. Nikki demystifies AI, offers a blueprint for getting started, and explains why now is the time to lead, not to retreat.

Episode Takeaways:

• How a homemade collage of powerful women shaped Nikki's belief in herself (3:10)
• Making elephants run. What does that mean in business and innovation (8:50)
• How AI is transforming every industry, and why Latinas must get involved now (9:40)
• The #1 mindset shift to stop fearing AI and start using it to magnify your brilliance (12:00)
• Why dreaming bigger is the first radical act of empowerment (21:00)
• What AI can never replace—and how to tap into your superpowers (23:20)
• The ultimate key to handling your shit: Live life on your terms (25:40)
• You don't need to be an engineer to thrive in tech (28:00)

Connect with Nikki Barua:

• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Latinas in Tech Summit 2025: 

• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Youtube
• TikTok
• Click here to get 50% off using the code: AHYS-AA-10*

* Click the link. Select “All access tickets.” And enter the code

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about how a family business can shape your identity and future?

This episode explores the power of legacy, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship. It celebrates honoring where you come from while carving your own path forward, showing that success isn't just about business—it's about connection, community, and staying rooted in your values.

Alex De La Torre is a serial entrepreneur and proud first-generation Mexican American. He is the owner of Aliberto’s, a family-run restaurant chain in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also involved in several real estate ventures and is about to start a used car dealership.

Tune in to Episode 229 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie speaks with Alejandro “Alex” De La Torre, owner of the popular Phoenix restaurant chain, Aliberto’s. Alex shares how his parents' journey and sacrifices inspired him to carry their vision forward, and how he's helping that vision evolve for a new generation. From his hands-on approach to running the restaurant to his pride in representing his family and heritage, Alex’s story is a heartfelt reminder of what it means to lead with heart and intention.

Key Takeaways:

✨ A family business can inspire lifelong purpose

✨ Cultural roots are a powerful source of motivation

✨ Staying humble builds strong community connections

✨ Leadership is about showing up with heart

✨ Success grows from sacrifice and vision

✨ Growth means honoring tradition while innovating forward

Connect with Alex De La Torre:

• Aliberto’s
• Big Pine Cabins
• Streets on Main

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many things in life would've been easier if someone had just told you what the hell was going on? As first-gen Latinas, we’ve heard “de eso no se habla” one too many times. Well, amiga... It’s time we start talking.

This week, in part two of my conversation with Marisela Arechiga, we talk about all the things no one warned us about—not just menopause and perimenopause, but the entire build-up and the full-blown hormonal rollercoaster we ride in the second half of our lives.

Tune in to Episode 228 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and join us in the kind of conversation you'd wish you had with your parents and you'll want to have with your children. We talk about menopause's physical, emotional, and psychological effects, and how it affects us in our personal and professional lives. You'll also hear practical advice on how to mitigate menopause's side effects, the importance of self-care for women over 40, myths and truths about fitness, and much more.

Episode Takeaways:

• We don't talk enough about menopause (3:20)
• A conversation no one is willing to have (11:00)
• Self-care for the long-term game (14:20)
• Why taking some time to breathe is crucial (16:30)
• Latino parents aren't big sharers. It's time to change the narrative (22:10)
• It isn't only about hot flashes and mood swings, it's way bigger than that (26:50)
• Why we must be more mindful about what we put in our bodies (31:20)

Connect with Marisela Arechiga:

• Instagram
• New Generation Home Improvements Website
• New Generation Home Improvements Instagram

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amiga, have you ever wondered why some things feel so aligned while others just don’t sit right—no matter how hard you try? It might be time to explore your Human Design.

In this soulful episode, Jackie taps into the magic of self-awareness, intuition, and transformation with Human Design coach and astrologer Ilona Pamplona. Together, they dive into how Human Design offers a blueprint for understanding your energetic essence, making aligned decisions, and honoring your unique purpose.

Ilona Pamplona is an Astrology Informed Life Coach who believes astrology is the psychology of our ancestors. Blending coaching, astrology, and integrative wellness, she helps clients uncover deep insights through their birth charts. She’s also the author of Human Design Made Easy, an easy-to-use guide to understanding Human Design.

Tune in to Episode 227 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Ilona unpacks the Human Design system, how it differs from astrology, and why it can be a powerful tool for breaking through resistance, especially for first-gen Latinas navigating deeply ingrained expectations.

Key Takeaways:

✨ Human Design shows how your energy flows best.

✨ There are five main Human Design energy types.

✨ Alignment prevents burnout and resistance.

✨ Deconditioning is part of the healing journey.

✨ Your body holds your inner authority.

✨ Awareness leads to greater self-empowerment.

Ready to step into alignment, Amiga? Let’s dive in.

Buy Ilona Pamplona’s book Human Design Made Easy  

Connect with Ilona Pamplona:

• Website
• Instagram
• 
  

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne website
• Buy The Amiga Way's Book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.