Pink Salt

Maddy and Evan are one of the lucky couples who made it to the other side of the harsh realities of the Covid-19 quarantine. To get there, they had to meet each others' other sides. As scary as that was, they had the foresight to know it wouldn't be forever and they decided to love anyway. Cases are gaining momentum again, and who's to say they won't have to enter another storm before the dust has settled and they've had time to fully process the first? No one can say, that's who. But we'll all be rooting for them after this episode!

Hopefully everyone made in through the 4th of July holiday weekend without an episode of Pink Salt. I was distraught. We're coming back strong with Alex and Lisa, a newly-wed couple with enough joy, jokes and patience for bad movies to last the lifetime they will spend together. While Alex holds nothing on quite as high a pedestal as Lisa holds Selena Quintanilla, she still appreciates his conversion into the cult following... and his developing tolerance for Puerto Rican food. These have been minimal among their challenges both as a dating couple and a married couple, and I'm honored for them to have shared those challenges with us. Cheers to them!

My cousin Cecilia introduced me to the term "Bonus Dad," and when you hear this episode where she talks with hers, you'll understand why "Stepdad" just doesn't cut it. Alan's intentional approach to fatherhood has made him a father figure to so many in his family and community. Alan and Cecilia talk about why prioritizing their relationship with God has been so important, and who they credit for keeping the peace through the ups and downs. Happy Father's Day, Alan!

Happy Father's Day Papi!

I was one of the majority of children who are rarely included in the decisions that have massive implications on their lives. Particularly in regards to their parents’ divorce, a move, a change in school - the adults make those decisions. Maybe I have a chip on my shoulder that no one ever bothered to even check in with the younger me to see how I was dealing with those big changes. In some family dynamics it’s bad or uncomfortable to bring up difficult topics. Every time I find the courage to ask a difficult question, I’m amazed by how gracefully my dad meets me with an answer. This is one such conversation - one that brought us a little closer and a little more clarity and healing and laughter on the other side. Thank you, Papi. 

Alternative Titles for this episode include: "If we go to a party, I don't want anybody to have more fun than me," "Give me some good news," and "My Guys." The latter is my favorite because it's the perfect depiction of a man's relationship with three boys he helped make into men... and how much they love him for it. Hard work, resilience and positivity are traits Taylor might say he strives for because of the man is dad is; Rich might say his guys are who inspire him to be more hardworking, resilient and positive. But Rich also taught his kids not to skip over the pain and frustration which makes success and happiness taste so sweet. We're not skipping over it in this conversation either. Happy Father's Day Rich!

There's a special place in heaven for the people on this planet who decide to adopt. Parenting is not an easy job, but chances are if you've considered adoption, there's plenty more to it than you thought. From losing their first match to the time it takes to bond with a baby you didn't carry - and everything in between - Matt and Mike share a story of resilience. Having these guys for parents, along with all of their hobbies, Nora is bound to be one happy camper some day. Happy Father's Day, Matt and Mike!

Welcome to an exclusive inside scoop with my best friend and new mom, Titi Chloe. In this episode, we laugh a lot - probably more than you can stand - as we revert back to our fifteen year old selves. Her baby joins us about halfway through, so if you're listening to this, you'll be present for a beautifully intimate moment. This moment is only one of so many that make the sacrifice and surrender of life as we know it a no-brainer. Elena, one day you will know how lucky you are to have been born into this family. I know because of how lucky I am to know them. Chloe, it's been an honor to watch you evolve into this role. Thank you for coming on and Happy [First] Mother's Day!

Big or small, every family has secrets, big or small. This family has chosen to confront the secrets they were keeping from themselves and from each other. In this episode, we talk about the price and the payoff of the courage it took to face those secrets and the fears associated with them. This mother-daughter duo are a testament to the growth and healing that come with finding the authenticity we choose to hide. Happy Mother’s Day, Nancy!

Bonus Mom is the new Step Mom for all of those blended families out there! Stephanie is my bonus mom, and she opens up in this episode about some of the challenges of being a mother to a child with different abilities, a step mother, and finding balance. Her motherhood journey may look very different from what she imagined when she was younger, but her embrace of the winding roads and detachment from expectation is a true inspiration to all. Happy Mother's Day, Steph!

Welcome Santa Cruz! Yeah that's my mom real name and in this very special Mother's Day episode we celebrate her. We all have a relationship with our mother, whether we know her or not, whether or not she's living, and whether its good or bad. This is one that exists for everyone and likely ebbs and flows through a spectrum of feelings. My mom and I live that spectrum through this episode. She's a single mother who did her best which was not always appreciated, but she loved me fiercely anyway. Thank you mom, and Happy Mother's Day!