What happens when curiosity becomes a way of life? In this episode of Mucha Malentía, I sit down with my friend and Grammy Award-winning artist A.J. Haynes; singer, songwriter, activist, actor, and front-woman of the Louisiana soul-rock band Seratones.

Together, we talk about growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, finding your voice, balancing art and advocacy, and what it means to stay rooted while continuing to evolve. We also discuss A.J.'s work in reproductive rights advocacy and the curiosity that continues to guide her creative journey, and that has inspired her to create a space for "re-mothering".

Plus, we spill a little Malen-tea and talk about everything from Louisiana food opinions to toxic creative traits.

☕ Topics we explore:• Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana• The evolution of Seratones• Art, activism, and identity• Reproductive rights advocacy• Learning through music and language• Creativity, curiosity, and reinvention• Malen-tea Time

About A.J. Haynes

A.J. Haynes is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, activist, and frontwoman of the acclaimed Louisiana-based band Seratones. Known for her powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and fearless artistic evolution, A.J. has built a career that bridges soul, rock, funk, and roots music while remaining deeply connected to her Louisiana roots. In 2025, she received a Grammy Award for her contribution to A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, honoring the legendary Clifton Chenier.

Connect with A.J.Instagram: @ a.j.haynes

Connect with Malentina📬 Substack: muchamalentia.substack.com📸 Instagram: @ lamalentina

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might enjoy it too.

Mucho corazón. Mucha malentía. 💋

What happens when you follow your destiny before you feel ready?

“No one is a prophet in their own land.”

It’s a phrase I’ve never managed to forget. I remind myself of it often in moments when I feel lonely or unseen. Feeling unseen is something many artists experience, but for me, it’s a feeling I’ve carried since I can remember. In some ways, that’s tragic, but over time, I’ve learned to loosen its grip on me by doing the one thing that has always helped: taking risks and putting myself out there anyway.

My guest for Episode 3 of Mucha Malentía reminded me just how powerful that choice can be.

Dustin Dale Gaspard, contestant on Season 28 of The Voice and a proud Louisiana native, is someone I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing as a peer in the Louisiana music scene. Dustin embodies a rare combination of charisma, soul, and deep-rooted cultural pride. So it was no surprise to see him earn the ultimate moment on national television: all four celebrity judges turning their chairs during his blind audition.

As the first artist to sing in Cajun French on national television, Dustin took a risk that was both personal and historic. In this conversation, we talk about destiny, courage, impostor syndrome, and what happens when you choose to step into the spotlight, even when you’re not sure you’re ready.

I truly can’t think of anyone more deserving of the recognition Dustin is receiving both locally and nationally. His talent is undeniable, but it’s his heart and his willingness to be seen that make his journey so powerful.

✨ Listen to Episode 3 of Mucha Malentía and join us for a conversation about risk, identity, and the strange, beautiful ways life can change when you dare to be seen.

I’ve noticed something about myself lately: I like certainty.

I like knowing how something will work before I begin, how the opportunity will land, how the plan will unfold, how the risk will pay off.

But what if the “how” isn’t ours to solve?

In this episode of Mucha Malentía, I sit down with longtime friend and 2026 Miss Gay America winner, Travis Guillory, known on stage as Tracy La Louisianne, to talk about what happens when you choose movement over mastery.

We talk about:

* Saying yes before you feel ready

* Living with impostor syndrome while still showing up

* Surprising yourself through action

* Why failing forward will always reveal more than staying stuck

This conversation isn’t just about drag or pageantry. It’s about agency. It’s about understanding that clarity often follows action, not the other way around. Winning a crown didn’t begin with certainty. It began with a decision.

And maybe that’s the point.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that movement is more honest than perfection. That choosing, even imperfectly, is braver than waiting for guarantees. This episode felt timely for me. Maybe it will for you, too.

Listen to Episode 2: Don’t Worry About the How below.

If it resonates, share it with someone who needs the reminder to move.

With malentía,Michelle

Maggie Koerner joins me for Episode 1 of Mucha Malentía to talk about breakdowns, breakthroughs, and the courage it takes to become yourself.

In this conversation, we get honest about reinvention, resilience, and what it really means to keep showing up. Mucha Malentía is a video podcast about the guts it takes to be who you are and follow what your heart calls you to do, even when the road gets messy.

Follow Maggie Koerner on Instagram: @maggiekoerner

Subscribe to Mucha Malentía on Substack: https://muchamalentia.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram: @lamalentina

Substack: https://substack.com/@malentina?utm_source=menu

Episode 0 - Welcome to Mucha Malentía, a video podcast about courage, creativity, and becoming who you really are. Host Michelle Malentina shares why this show exists, what “malentía” means, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. 💋