Café with Strangers

We’re back in Seattle for this week’s episode where we get to meet Kevin. Kevin is a first gen Salvadoreño American who grew up in Southern California for a majority of his life before spending time in Chicago but ultimately ended up in Seattle. Tune into his episode to hear him talk about family and untangling its politics, culture shock and experiences living in Chicago and mental health, including dissociative disorders.

TW: domestic abuse, mention of death

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

Follow the podcast on Instagram at @cafewithstrangers. If you're interested in being part of the podcast, send an email over to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

Join me this week in speaking with the third and last guest of the Los Angeles trip, Marisol. Sitting across from each other in a library study room, she recounts what it was like growing up first gen as the youngest of eight children, memories of time spent in Mexico and career changes. With some difficulty, but a lot more strength, we discuss the subjects of alcohol abuse and sexual assault.

TW: sexual assault, alcohol abuse, mention of domestic violence

National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 800-662-4357

Follow Marisol on Instagram @marimarisolc.

Follow the podcast on Instagram at @cafewithstrangers. If you're interested in being part of the podcast, send an email over to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

In this week's episode we meet Marilyn, a woman who traveled from Colombia to America as a young girl with her mother in a journey that lasted over six months. Join me in talking with Marilyn as she openly shares what it was like for her growing up in several states, from dealing with traumatic school situations to the loss of her mother and its aftermath. Together we also touch on the subject of self-harm.

TW: self harm, abuse, death

Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation by Steven Levenkron

Follow the podcast on Instagram at @cafewithstrangers. If you're interested in being part of the podcast, send an email over to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

Café with Strangers heads down to SoCal to spend some time in sunny Los Angeles and where we meet our first guest from the trip, Susana. In this week's episode you'll hear Susana talk about her experiences and struggles leaving Guadalajara, Jalisco as a little girl and growing up in LA. Together we discuss generational traditions and expectations, including the subjects of machismo and gender roles.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @cafewithstrangers or twitter @cafewithpodcast. If you're interested in being part of the podcast, send an email over to [email protected]

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

In this week's episode we meet Candice. Recorded in a park on a warm day, Candice talks about growing up Mexican and Filipino, the similarities between both cultures and the identity struggles she faced. We also discuss what it's like being a middle child, religion and culture and struggles going through school.

Follow Candice on Instagram @cannjari.

Follow the podcast on IG @cafewithstrangers or if you're interested in being part of the podcast, send an email to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

In the last several hours that Café with Strangers spent in the Bay Area, I spoke to Mark Anthony, Oscar and David and then briefly with Elyssa and her plus one. I've known these amazing human beings for nearly a decade but, as we sat around David's dining room table, I got to know them a little bit better . Join me in this bonus episode as the group talks and laughs together about being latinx in America.

Follow the podcast for the most recent updates on Instagram @cafewithstrangers. If you're interested in being part of the podcast, you can send an email to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

This episode is dedicated to Rebecca.

In this week's episode we are joined by a special guest, my dear friend, Hector. Sitting on his couch on a chilly Bay Area night, you'll hear Hector talk about family and growing up in the Bay, a guy name Campa and how one person started him on the positive outlook he still has to this day.

TW: child death

Follow us on Instagram @cafewithstrangers or send an email to [email protected] if you're interested in being a part of the podcast.

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

Café with Strangers leaves the Pacific Northwest and travels down to the San Francisco Bay Area where we meet this week's guest, Rose. Join us in learning about their experiences living in California, growing up third gen, gender identity and mental illness, including sobriety.

Follow Rose on Instagram or TikTok @exorpiona.

Follow CWS on Instagram @cafewithstrangers or if you're interested in being a part of the podcast, send an email to [email protected].

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

Meet Adalisia, a Portland native and the last guest from our PDX trip. In this episode we hear her talk about growing up in a multicultural household, the struggles faced with a parent being deported and mental health. All with a heavy dash of ADHD spiced into the conversation.

Follow Adalisia on Instagram @_adalisia_

Follow the podcast on Instagram @cafewithstrangers or send us an email at [email protected] if you're interested in sharing your story.

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).

In a first time event we're joined by two guests, Gabby and Abby, in this week's episode. Join me in getting to learn what's involved for these newly weds to get citizenship status for Gabby, the emotional events involving their sexuality and their culture shock experiences. Together we discuss stories of similarities and differences we share as Mexicanas.

TW: mention of suicide/suicidal ideations

Follow us on Instagram @cafewithstrangers.

Music by lenoxbeatmaker (IG).