Growing Up Latina

What does "Growing up Latina" look like when you're Afro-Colombian, first-gen, and now starring on Broadway? Actress Jackie León sits with me to talk la sala memories, tough love, Spanish stigma, anti-Blackness in our communities, coming out, and building a career that demands everything. From Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen to writing her own plays, Jackie is proof that grit + heart change the room. Come for the gems, stay for the healing. 🧡

Subscribe, leave a comment with your favorite takeaway, and go see Hells Kitchen on Broadway. Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they already belong.

Familiaaa, for the first time in GUL history we're bringing you a 2-part episode! We welcome back the inspiring and multi-talented media journalist Kim Osorio. In this conversation, Kim opens up about stepping into leadership roles at a young age, the honor of being Puerto Rican representation for her students, and how the media industry has evolved over the years. Most know her as the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source, but Kim's career spans far beyond that. We talk about her days as a showrunner on Growing Up Hip Hop, what it really takes to get a show greenlit, and the media's reaction to her book Straight from the Source: An Exposé from the Former Editor-in-Chief of the Hip-Hop Bible. She also teases her upcoming book The People vs. Hip-Hop, diving into court cases that shaped the culture. Kim has seen it all, and she isn't afraid to share her truth. Don't miss this powerful conversation between two Latinas facing the media industry head-on!

Familia Latinaaaa! 🎙️ This week we sit down with the legendary Kim Osorio — journalist, media executive, and the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source. Kim opens up about growing up mixed (Black, Chinese, Puerto Rican), moving out at 17, and going from camp counselor to club nights that landed her dream role at The Source. She even clears up the wild rumor about JLo's mom being her gym teacher 👀. From breaking barriers in hip hop media to creating youth programs for the next generation, Kim proves why she's a force in the industry. This is Part 1 of an inspiring conversation you don't want to miss.

What's up GUL fam! 🌎 Straight from Mexico City's alt-R&B scene, we have the amazing Girl Ultra. From boleros and classical music to blasting My Chemical Romance in her lively chilango sala, music has always been a core part of Mariana's world. She created Girl Ultra as a canvas to push boundaries and fill the gap in Mexico's alternative scene. We get into her latest single Tomás, the way artists protect their art, and how she navigates the pressures of a fast-paced industry. She also shares what it's like preparing for shows and the thrill of touring the globe. This is a raw and inspiring convo between two Latinas chasing big dreams in media—you don't want to miss it! 🎙️✨

Mi gente Latinaaa, two-time Latin Grammy nominee and Dominican rap phenom J Noa is here! She opens up about everything—from her viral Tiny Desk performance to the deep roots of her confidence and creativity. Raised in a home full of laughter and El Chavo del Ocho vibes, J Noa credits her unapologetic drive to the strong women who raised her. She shares how legends like Snoop Dogg and Cardi B shaped her flow, and how her EP Los Cinco Golpes turns life's "hits" into hope. From rocking her own float at the Dominican Day Parade to standing firm on free speech through her music, J Noa proves she's more than a rising star—she's a movement. Whether you're here for the jokes, the bars, or the message, this one's for you.

Amigas, today we're joined by Latin Grammy nominated Artist Daniela Spalla! With her new joint album Amorío with Esteman, set to be released August 28th, Daniela talks all about her journey and passion for music. From dealing with the nerves and thrill of performing in the same size venues as her childhood idols, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, to facing social pressures of women aging in the music industry, Daniela opens up about embracing her true self and showing that age is no barrier to ambition or artistry. Her dream has made her fearless, and she's only moving forward. Sit with us on this inspiring, honest, and moving conversation between two women just trying to achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry.

Familiaaa! It's a new week with a new episode, and this week we're chatting it up with the one and only Maria Isabel singer, songwriter, and certified baddie in her bag. From a sweet childhood story about wishing for a little brother (spoiler: she got a "partner in crime") to the vulnerable truth of growing up with anxiety and having a passion for music, Maria opens up about it all. She gets real about her teenage years, anxiety, and the moments that made her say "nope, not doing that alone." We talk about music industry madness, social media pressure, and how she's learning to tune out the noise and trust herself more than ever. This episode is all about growth, glowing up, and getting grounded. Maria's not just finding her voice, she's owning it. So grab your drink, sit back and tap in. You don't wanna miss this magical rollercoaster ride of becoming.

Have you ever manifested something down to the details? Honey Bxby went from crashing on her mama's futon in Asbury Park to living the exact life she once mapped out in her journals. The Puerto Rican, Black, and Italian artist sits with us to talk about finding her voice back in high school, getting discovered off an unreleased song, and the moments that shaped her latest project Raw Honey. We also get into performing with Lil' Kim, the story behind her name, and why she's done feeling like she has to prove her identity to anybody.

From the sala, the heart of her home and culture, Kathleen (Kat) DeLuna, the artist behind one of our favorite bangers growing up, "Whine Up," reflects on the memories, music, and Dominican roots that shaped her. In our latest episode, the singer-songwriter opens up about the duality of Kat versus Kathleen and how embracing her full self—including her faith, her pain, and her purpose—was the key to unlocking her artistry.

We talk familial relationships, divorce, and the power of forgiveness, especially in her evolving relationship with her father. Kat shares how she got closest to God not during the highs but on the way down, and how those moments of surrender helped her become the woman she was always meant to be.

From childhood talent shows to becoming the first Dominican female pop artist to break industry barriers, Kat reveals what it means to stop running from your calling and step fully into who you were born to be. This episode is a celebration of music, faith, healing, and the lives we change simply by being ourselves.

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