De la Roots

In this episode, we welcome back Pierre Fleury as we discuss the harmful affects of Manosphere content, unpack how patriarchy appears in our daily lives, in our relationships and the socialized behavior in young men and boys in today's world.

We are back!
In this episode, Mireya sits down with her cousin Veronica for an honest conversation about the beauty and complexity of female friendships. Together, they reflect on the ways women show up for one another through different seasons of life—celebrating the laughter, the loyalty, and the quiet moments of support that often go unseen. They also explore the challenges that can arise in friendships: jealousy, miscommunication, growing apart, and learning how to set boundaries while still holding love for one another. Through storytelling and reflection, this conversation highlights how women can nurture friendships that are rooted in honesty, accountability, and deep care.

A little bit about our guest: 
Veronica is an early childhood educator with a deep passion for supporting the emotional well-being of children and families. She spent much of her adolescence and young adulthood involved in inner-city community outreach and service work, including trips to Uganda and Mexico that focused on youth and family support. These experiences shaped her commitment to breaking cycles of generational trauma and creating nurturing environments for children to thrive. Today, Veronica works closely with families as a preschool teacher, helping guide early childhood development while emphasizing emotional health, care, and community.

Domestic violence isn’t just physical—it’s about control, manipulation, and deeply ingrained societal norms. In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Fleury, a Violence Prevention Educator committed to ending intimate partner and gender-based violence. We unpack the misconceptions around abuse, explore how unhealthy communication patterns escalate, and discuss how men can be part of the solution. Listen in as we challenge what we think we know about domestic violence and work toward safer, healthier relationships.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Somoza to discuss the history and influence of Hip Hop in Central America and Puerto Rico.

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of Western Medicine in the United States with special guest- Zuleima Jimenez, a certified birth worker, who joins the discussion in exploring how its development is strongly linked to systemic exclusion and marginalization. We discuss the critical role of birth workers and the ongoing impact of medical racism on communities of color. Additionally, we shed light on how the Medical community excludes holistic and Indigenous practices in academic spaces, emphasizing the importance of integrating these diverse perspectives to create a more inclusive and just healthcare system. 

In this episode, we delve into fast fashion, identity, and pop culture with our featured guest, Nathan Elguea. Tune in as we explore the intersections of consumer culture and personal expression in today's society.

In this episode, we invite a special guest, Sara Campos, as we delve deep into the multifaceted journey of LGBTQIA2s+ individuals as they navigate the complex landscape of relationships amidst the backdrop of race, sexuality, and gender identity. From the turbulent waters of early adolescence to the shores of adulthood, Campos shares their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs in the quest for love, acceptance, and self-discovery. Throughout history, mainstream media has often failed to represent the diverse spectrum of queer relationships. From stereotypical portrayals to outright erasure, the lack of authentic representation has left many feeling unseen and unheard. We explore the impact of this media void on the lives of LGBTQIA2s+ individuals, discussing how it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to feelings of isolation and alienation. 
Our guest shares their experiences of grappling with intersecting identities, from navigating cultural expectations to reconciling their own internalized biases. Additionally, we examine the importance of fostering healthy queer relationship representation in film and media. By amplifying diverse voices and showcasing authentic narratives, we can challenge existing norms and empower LGBTQIA2s+ individuals to embrace their identities and love freely.


About our special guest: 
Originally from Ventura/Oxnard, CA, Sara knew they needed a change from their small city to a more significant, different experience. After randomly selecting Portland, OR, on the map, Sara moved in August 2016 to attend undergraduate school at Concordia University-Portland, where they graduated a semester early with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Sports Management. Once dedicated to an idea, Sara intentionally ensures they follow through. After determining they wanted to attend grad school out of college, they spent two years at Portland State University, where they received a Master of Business Administration in June 2023. If you ask Sara what they are proud of. They’ll initially be unsure, but ultimately, they have a lot! They are incredibly proud of their skate nonprofit and Queer Skate PDX team, who help them keep it running. Sara is proud of their skate advocacy work, community organizing, education, fiancee, family, and friends. If you tune into a conversation with Sara, you’ll often hear them talk about skating. However, when they’re not skating or working, you can find Sara working on reigniting their passion for creative arts like rug tufting, leather working, journaling, digital art, and poetry.

In this episode, we invite- Emily Henard, as she shares her journey through adulthood, tips on self-care, experiencing an identity crisis, and balancing social work and her mental health.


About our guest: Henard is a 27-year-old, queer, disabled woman raised in Ojai, California. Henard received her bachelor's degree in psychology and Child Development from Cal Poly. While in San Luis Obispo, (SLO) she dedicated her work to providing community-based mental health services to children, youth, and their caregivers who were experiencing/at risk of homelessness, involved with Child Welfare Service or the justice system, and facing other behavioral challenges and socio-economic barriers. Henard is finishing her Master's in Social Work at the California State University of Northridge.

In this week's episode, we sit down with Jodi Chin as she shares her personal experience navigating through different work environments as a woman of color. We discuss the micro-aggressions and blurred lines between what is considered professional and personal. Whether you've had a job that was/is emotionally, physically, or mentally taxing- we've all been there.

On this episode we invited the creatives behind Thirteen Creative Projects and Casaterra that make art dedicated to communal love, identity, and resistance. This is a special episode because all these creatives including Anita are from San Pedro, CA and all but one go as far back to attending middle school together. It's a rather sweet moment reflecting on how these creatives came to be collectively.
Insta's:
@thirteencreativeprojects
@casaterra.co
@fuxkluis
@myvisualbottega
@briannalaurelss