These are dark times, gente. Orange 2.0 is here, and things are bad. But we are not alone because we have each other's back. We will fight for us, we will continue to thrive together, we will save us, como siempre. Rely on one another now more than ever. And don't forget to rest, create and rest some more! We have our work cut out for us.

As Latines, we cannot afford to sit this election out. It sounds crazy, but I believe we are under threat with the very real possibility of a second Trump presidency. These mofos are really out here giving us a step by step plan of what they envision for our community. Spoiler? Their America does not include you. There is way too much at stake for us.

Sources used for this episode:

@informed_immigrant on Ig

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/alien-enemies-act-explained

https://civilrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Project-2025-Immigrants-Rights.pdf

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-10-24/trump-says-hell-undertake-the-largest-deportation-in-u-s-history-is-that-possible

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/politics/2024/10/21/the-future-of-the-daca-program-uncertain-as-legal-battle-continues

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-project-2025-trump-conservative-blueprint-heritage-foundation/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/us/politics/trump-msg-rally-speaker-remarks.html

Welcome back! We kick off Season 2 of the Better Than Good Enough by talking to Juan Carlos de la Rosa AKA The Modern Macho (@themodernmacho on Ig)! Juan Carlos is building an amazing platform where his mission is to redefine masculinity, help fathers break problematic cycles in parenting and to guide men toward wellness, wholeness, and honest self-reflection in order to live more empowered, healthy, and peaceful lives. 

Juan Carlos also graciously shares with us about his own very real experience of coming into painful awareness of the negative impact problematic masculinity was wreaking on his relationships - to romantic partners, to his son, to other men, and to himself- and how he gained the courage, insight, and passion to make the necessary shifts AND help other men do the same. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!

Connect with more of Juan Carlos' content and offerings by following his work on Ig @themodernmacho :)

Business and Life Coach Wendy Amara talks to us about her unique journey into becoming a successful entrepreneur and mujer who empowers other mujeres to build their dream life! Wendy is a true trailblazer who is not just unapologetically taking up space in traditionally white, male dominated spaces as a proud Latina, but who is also making space for fellow Latinas to follow and join her. She shares resources for those looking to embrace their ambitions and get moving towards their goals - Do not miss this episode!

You can follow and keep up with Wendy:

@wendyamara on Ig

wendyamara.com

Also, go check out her inspirational podcast, Yes, Mujer, Build It!, wherever you get your podcasts!

Viridiana Rodriguez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Reiki practitioner, joins us for the second episode in our Latinx and mental health series! She shares with us about the invaluable, cycle-breaking work she is currently doing through her Amarte Community and through her own therapy practice, Amar Therapy. Viri highlights the ways in which she has incorporated "non-traditional" -but very ancient and powerful- interventions to meet the mental health needs of our community. Also, she shares with us about her own journey into the mental health profession and how it has fueled her passion and commitment to helping our people heal. Please don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!!

Follow Viridiana and her beautiful community on IG: @amartherapy & @amarte.community

For more information on how to work with her, go to her website: amartherapy.com

Returning guest, Prima Jessi, comes back to talk about her unmedicated birth experience. The Latinx maternal mortality rate in the US surged significantly since 2019. It is no secret that the birth experience for communities of color in this country is alarming - particularly for the Black and Hispanic populations. Jessica talks to us about how she was empowered to imagine and make real her own beautiful, safe, and dignified birth experience despite the abysmal state of birth care and access to birth resources/support for women of color in the US.

Jessica and Erika shared a few birth prep/support resources that were extremely helpful for them. Here they are for those that are interested:

Instagram accounts by white women

@painfreebirth

@builttobirth

Instagram accounts by women of color:

@parterajennysilva

@badassmotherbirther

@jamaabirthvillage

Articles on Latinx/Black maternal mortality mentioned:

Gruber, Cupito & Dobson, 2013

Hoyert, 2022

2023 CNBC news article by Bertha Coombs: The US has high maternal mortality rates - and it has gotten worse for Latinas

This week I talk about access to mentorship (or lack thereof) in the Latinx community. I share some of my own experiences of moving through higher education spaces without mentorship and highlight why mentorship - across all areas of life - is crucial for the liberation of our people. Enjoy!

PLEASE keep the conversation going! Follow @betterthangoodenoughpod on instagram and tik tok. Leave me a comment, like, and share any content you resonate with- it helps a lot!

Email the podcast with questions, feedback, suggestions, or share your own story on any of the topics we have covered in previous episodes! Write to [email protected]

This week I want to share with you a little about my experience of what I'm calling "achievement guilt," and I'm curious if any of my Latinx people know what I'm talking about? That uncomfortable feeling you get when you realize your life has comforts and benefits that your ancestors - perhaps even your own parents- never got to enjoy or couldn't even imagine? I'm not alone, right??

I want to know how this shows up for you, IF it shows up for you, and how you deal with it. Enjoy!

Current college senior, Cristina, talks to us about the many challenges of being an undocumented student in higher education AND gives us insight into how it is nonetheless very possible to obtain a college education despite legal status! She openly talks about a situation that is not commonly discussed even amongst Latinx circles. Enjoy!

It's BTGE's very first monthaversary!! I promise this won't be a monthly thing (lol), but as you'll hear, I have very important reasons to celebrate every milestone I can. This week, it's just me for the briefest of check-ins to reflect, celebrate, and give you all a little glimpse into my own experience of starting something new in a format I have zero experience with. If anything, I hope this is a reminder or permission for you all to celebrate yourselves no matter how small your wins are. I assure you: your wins are major, they matter, and I'm so proud of you. Enjoy!