Discover what Lent really means and how it can transform your spiritual journey. We dive deep into the significance of fasting, personal experiences, and practical tips for growing closer to God during this reflective season.

• Unpacking the essence of Lent and its significance 
• Personal stories and experiences with faith and Lent 
• The importance of giving up distractions and embracing prayer 
• Advice on starting small and making the most of the Lenten season 
• Cultural practices surrounding Lent, especially in Hispanic communities 
• The role of community and family in celebrating Lent 
• Practical ways to engage in Lent without feeling overwhelmed 
• Encouragement to reflect genuinely on personal faith and growth 
• Final thoughts on preparing for Holy Week

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe for more enriching conversations.

What happens when you combine mariachi music, personal journeys, and unexpected career paths? Martha Gallegos, the "mariachi girl" of Chicago, joins us to celebrate our podcast's 10th episode milestone and share her captivating musical journey. Martha opens up about performing across the city, even sharing the stage with legends like Los Tigres del Norte. Our friendship, which started on social media, has blossomed into a real-life connection, and together, we reminisce about all things music, including her unique quinceañera Waltz song inspired by "Amor Real." Martha's excitement for the future is infectious, and our shared love for artists like Sin Bandera, Camila, and La Oreja de Van Gogh makes for an engaging discussion.

Growing up undocumented in the U.S. brings its challenges and triumphs, and I share my personal experience of this journey, having been brought to the country from Mexico as a child. Working at an immigration law firm, I find fulfillment in helping others navigate their legal battles, drawing from my own story and the limitations of programs like DACA. The emotional and practical struggles of feeling different from peers are highlighted, underscoring the importance of understanding and patience. Through this heartfelt conversation, listeners are invited to reflect on cultural identity and the power of music as a bridge to one’s roots.

The mariachi scene is full of unexpected encounters and exciting opportunities, and I recount my transition from aspiring teacher to political science major, ultimately drawn to the vibrant world of mariachi. Performing as the only woman in a male-dominated group comes with its challenges, but the colorful and sometimes hilarious experiences make it worthwhile. From having an unofficial "fan club" to navigating bizarre gigs, the journey is lively and entertaining. Family support and a shared musical passion have shaped my identity and aspirations for releasing original music. As we wrap up, we reflect on music's profound connection to happiness and fulfillment, inviting you to consider what truly brings you joy.

Blake Alexander shares an inspiring journey through the worlds of music, cooking, and tailoring, highlighting the importance of resilience and personal growth. He emphasizes that the pursuit of one's passions and embracing small victories can lead to fulfilling life's dreams.

• Discussion of personal growth and resilience in 2024 
• Insights into restaurant life and culinary education 
• Background on the making of his album "One and Only" 
• The role of custom suit designing in Blake's career 
• Reflections on maintaining identity and passion in the entertainment industry 
• Importance of mentorship and community support

What if a server from La Onda Banquet Hall in Las Vegas could become a renowned dance crew leader in Chicago? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Daniel Flores, the visionary CEO and founder of New Generation. With his remarkable choreography and the support of leaders like Miss Shirley and Julie, this episode takes you through a vibrant tapestry of dance styles and the spontaneous creativity that defines their performances. Through a lively "this or that" game, we reveal dance preferences and set a fun and engaging tone for our conversation.

Throughout this journey, we explore the diverse dance styles that define New Generation, from traditional bachata and cumbia to the energetic beats of reggaeton and hip-hop. Discover how Daniel's inclusive teaching philosophy and the influence of his early days in Las Vegas have shaped his approach to choreography, blending personal challenges with artistic pursuits. We dive into the role of dance as a therapeutic tool and a unifying force that bridges generations, shedding light on its cultural significance, especially in quinceañeras.

As we look ahead, exciting plans for 2025 unfold, including opening a dance hub and community space to nurture young talent. With upcoming innovative choreographies that feature props like tarimas and ribbons, the future looks bright for New Generation. The episode is a heartfelt celebration of gratitude and community support, highlighting the transformative impact of fostering a nurturing environment where talent can flourish. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or simply curious about the art form, this episode is filled with passion, teamwork, and dreams for the future.

This episode brings the excitement and insights from PodFest 2025, exploring the value of networking and learning in the podcasting world. Fernando and Robert share personal anecdotes, actionable tips, and the transformative power of community in podcasting. 
• Overview of PodFest and its significance 
• Personal journeys in podcasting and overcoming introversion 
• Valuable takeaways from classes and speakers 
• Importance of networking and building connections 
• Humorous and relatable storytelling from the event 
• Future goals and inspirations for their podcasts

Step into the dynamic world of Envy Streetwear with our latest episode featuring the multifaceted J.Limon, a Waukegan native who's making waves both as a hip-hop artist and as the co-owner of this vibrant store. We capture the essence of his journey from crafting health-conscious juices and living a natural lifestyle to hitting remarkable streaming numbers with his music. J's story is an inspiring blend of creativity and entrepreneurship, rooted in a shared love for music and vintage streetwear that began in high school with his brother. Our discussion covers everything from the significance of turning 30 to the serendipitous opportunities that arise from networking and connections.

Reflecting on the sounds that shaped our youth, like 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin’," we explore how music influences identities and careers. J shares his evolution from Lyrical G to J Limon, maintaining integrity in his lyrical content influenced by his church upbringing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of rebranding, drawing inspiration from artists like Nipsey Hussle and J. Cole. Our conversation underscores the power of genuine relationships over superficial online engagements and the hustle it takes to open for artists like Polo G. We also touch on the broader themes of achieving financial freedom and the relentless drive needed to transition from basement sales to owning a storefront.

Our journey doesn't stop at music and fashion. We delve into cultural insights from time spent in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the valuable lessons learned from observing the resilience of immigrants and refugees. These experiences fuel our passion for setting and achieving big goals, encouraging listeners to stay motivated and inspired. J shares exciting news about his upcoming single "Ain't No Stoppin'" and invites you to follow his journey on social media. Plus, get ready for our participation in Podcast Fest in Orlando and a sneak peek into Jay's upcoming fashion show. Join us for an episode brimming with inspiration, ambition, and the drive to turn dreams into reality.

This episode celebrates nostalgia and family connections as we reminisce about our childhood summers in Mexico and our recent trip to Disney. We explore the joy of family vacations, Eduardo’s journey in the culinary world, and the importance of balancing personal aspirations with familial expectations. 

• Reflecting on the holiday season and family gatherings 
• Adventure stories from childhood in Mexico 
• Contrasting experiences of vacations at Disneyland versus Santiago 
• Eduardo’s culinary journey at Byway Brewery and his growth 
• Discussing the importance of friendships and personal dreams 
• Setting goals for the new year while honoring family traditions

Ever wonder how martial arts and creative pursuits intersect in the most unexpected ways? Join us on this episode of Little Chi Podcast as my cousin, Sayra Jimenez, takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through her world of Jiu Jitsu, where she recently earned her first stripe. We share laughs about our quirky morning routines and reminisce about childhood creative projects, like filming our own version of "iCarly." We also explore the fun chaos of family gatherings and the joy of discovering new music, with a playful nod to Sayra's sometimes slower pace in the music scene.

Living with ADHD isn't just about facing challenges; it's also about embracing creativity and unique perspectives. Sayra and I share personal stories that highlight the whirlwind of internal dialogue and how it has influenced our creative processes. From the inception of "Gym Menace" to managing ADHD through various methods, we emphasize the importance of patience, understanding, and support. Listen as we unpack how ADHD can shape brand creation and personal growth, offering insights into managing this dynamic condition with humor and grace.

Personal growth is a journey filled with self-discovery, balance, and faith. We dive into the discipline required to nurture the mind, body, and soul, discussing how setting clear goals can turn dreams into realities. From fitness routines to spiritual growth, we highlight the value of gratitude and the joy of embracing change. Discover practical advice on achieving balance and the transformative power of faith, and hear how spiritual practices can fill voids material possessions simply cannot. Whether you're seeking a fitness kickstart or a deeper connection with your spirituality, this episode is packed with inspiration and guidance to help you prioritize growth and self-improvement.

Quinceañera choreography maestro Rolando Alonso graces the Little Chi Podcast, sharing the secrets behind his success in orchestrating memorable dances for over 15 years. From creating a thriving dance team that collaborates seamlessly to manage a hectic schedule of 23 quinceañeras this year, Rolando's story is one of passion, resilience, and teamwork. Tune in as he discusses overcoming a career-threatening foot injury, the road to recovery, and the personal growth it inspired. As the quinceañera season draws to a close, Rolando reflects on the joys of family time and adjusting to a quieter pace during the holidays.

Feel the holiday magic as we talk about the traditions and quirks that make this season special, from decking the halls with budget-friendly decor to the therapeutic joy of multiple Christmas trees. Our conversation takes a festive turn, with tales of favorite holiday playlists setting the scene for cherished family moments that outshine the stress of gift-giving. A humorous mishap with a broken wine glass gift reminds us of the invaluable role laughter and friendship play during the festive season. We touch on the occasional delight of social gatherings, especially when surrounded by good company that lifts the spirits.

Explore the captivating evolution from dancer to choreographer with Rolando, as he reminisces about early encounters and pivotal moments that shaped his journey. Rolando opens up about the challenges and triumphs in the dance industry, from his first steps in choreography to branding a dynamic dance team that appeals to young talents. Delve into the nuances of creating a dream quinceañera, balancing traditional elements with unique personal flair. Rolando's engaging stories offer an enlightening perspective on passion, creativity, and the fulfillment found in dancing and teaching others to shine on stage.