Tamarindo

Today, we’re bringing you a conversation with Senator Lena Gonzalez, Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She represents over one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which includes Southeast Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Catalina Island. She shares how her upbringing shaped her commitment to public service and how she’s fighting for immigrant rights, environmental justice, and community dignity. A reminder that there are real champions in our government working for us every day.

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1
 

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the face of so much uncertainty, including economic uncertainty, considering a career change can seem especially daunting. To help our listeners navigate a career pivot with intention, we speak to Michelle Seijas, a trauma-informed coach about how to make  career moves that align with our values and pay us our worth.  Listen to this episode if you want to know what to ask yourself to explore a career move, how to handle a disappointing review, and the steps you can take to bring in more of what you want in your career and everyday life. 

More about Michelle: With nearly 20 years of experience in leadership, where she created roles, built teams, and coached people to thrive in their role, she supports professionals—especially women of color— in navigating the discomfort and possibility of leveling up, whether within their current organization or beyond. Learn more about Michelle: https://www.michelleseijas.com/

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Tamarindo, we’re joined by Andrea Vidaurre, a Peruvian-American climate justice organizer and co-founder of the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice. Andrea was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize for her groundbreaking work ensuring that frontline communities, especially those in Southern California’s Inland Empire—are heard in the fight against environmental racism and pollution caused by the warehousing and logistics industries.

We dive into Andrea’s journey as an organizer, the roots of her activism, and how community-led efforts are reshaping environmental policy not just in California, but across the country. She shares what it means to challenge systems of power from within, how to find joy in resistance, and why organizing with and for your community is the most powerful force for change.

Join us Yoga and Mindful Walk on Wednesday, July 23 at 6p.m. at LA’s State Historic Park. (Donate what you can, proceeds to benefit Street Vendors): Register here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-and-mindful-walk-fundraiser-tickets-1442312829499?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’ve got something special for all our travel lovers out there. Our friends at Alma Explores—a Latina-owned boutique travel company that curates super thoughtful, small group adventures—are inviting you to join their amazing Dia de Muertos trip: Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2025. Whether you want to join a group trip or plan something custom and private, check them out at AlmaExplores.com.

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s guests are on a mission to get to the root causes of hate to build a more just and inclusive Los Angeles. They are both part of LA vs Hate, which aims to address the normalization of hate and inspire people to stand up to it, build understanding about what constitutes a hate act and how to report it, as well as support individuals and communities as they heal from the trauma of hate.Learn more about the campaign: https://www.lavshate.org/

If you see or experience hate, report it at LAvsHate.org or by calling 211.

Bamby Salcedo is a prominent and celebrated transgender Latina activist and the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, where she steadily leads this nationally recognized organization that advocates for and addresses the issues of transgender Latinas throughout the United States. The TranslLatin@ Coalition is an LA vs Hate partner. Learn more: https://www.translatinacoalition.org/

Fidel Rodriguez is a Senior Human Relations Consultant at the LA County Human Relations Commission, the agency behind LA vs Hate. He is a longtime educator, former radio host, community organizer, and cultural historian who leads outreach for LA vs Hate. Through his work with Divine Forces Media and his deep engagement with youth, Indigenous teachings, and hip hop, Fidel has been building peace and confronting hate at the grassroots level for decades.

Translatina Coalition is one of the many incredible network partners that provide services for those who make reports to LA vs Hate. In order to provide services that are directly relevant and supportive of all identities and backgrounds, LA vs Hate partners with different orgs that serve different communities across the region, like CHIRLA, the LGBT Center, AAPI Equity Alliance, LA Commons, etc. You can see the full list here:https://www.lavshate.org/our-network-partners

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Tamarindo, we sit down with Luis Cornejo, licensed therapist and host of the Queer Magic Podcast, to explore the power of chosen family in queer and Latine communities. Luis shares their personal journey and the vital role chosen family has played in their life, both personally and professionally. We discuss the emotional and cultural dynamics of navigating family expectations, the psychological impact of unsupported biological ties, and practical tools for building and maintaining supportive networks. Throughout the conversation, Luis offers insights on community care, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering collective healing — leaving listeners with affirmations and guidance for cultivating meaningful connections.

We also reference CHIRLA, please join us in donating and standing with CHILRA:https://www.chirla.org/get-involved/donate-support/

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Lucy Flores, a fierce advocate for our community and the co-founder of both Luz Media and the Latino Media Consortium.

Lucy’s story is inspiring. She is one of 13 children who was raised primarily by a single parent, her dad, who worked multiple jobs to sustain the family. As a teen, she spent time in juvenile detention, but she overcame these challenges to become one of Nevada’s first-ever Latinas elected to the State assembly. Her commitment to justice was shaped by those early experiences and has never wavered.  It is what continues to guide her work today ensuring that our stories are told, by us and for us. We talk to Lucy about why we need more Latino-led newsrooms, now more than ever, and how her work with the Latino Media Consortium aims to do something about.

Resources Mentioned on this pod:

• The Latino Media Consortium: https://wearelatinomedia.org/
• Snap Judgment Episode: Jorge, Gina y Dante: https://snapjudgment.org/episode/jorge-gina-y-dante-snap-classic/
• Happiness Lab Episode: How Smart Phones Changed Childhood:https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/how-smartphones-changed-childhood-and-what-to-do-about-it
• Donate to CHIRLA: https://www.chirla.org/get-involved/donate-support/give-today/

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamarindoPodcast-143

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re listening to this on Wednesday April 23rd, there’s still time for you to join us Tonight for our live storytelling event at 6:30pm in Highland Park, get free tickets at tamarindopodcast.com/live

We met with representatives from the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation to talk about their 2025 Raices Report and how it helps advance a community-driven policy agenda for Latinos in Illinois and why it matters beyond that state.

Celina Villanueva, a proud Chicago native, serves as the State Senator for Illinois' 12th District and co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. At her core, she is a community organizer, always working to amplify the voices of those she represents in Springfield.Passionate about environmental justice and raising awareness for domestic violence, Celina continues to champion these causes.

Oswaldo Alvarez is a Chicago native who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF), where he oversees all programs, operations, and organizational development.  Before joining the ILLCF, Alvarez was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker as Illinois’ inaugural Census Director. In this role, he led the state to achieve its highest self-response rate ever, ranking first among states with over nine million residents. Fluent in Spanish, he has dedicated his career to serving and uplifting the Latino community in Illinois.

Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We’re here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com

Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.

SUPPORT OUR SHOW

Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1

Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast 

Tamarindo podcast is a Latina-hosted podcast that discuses Latine culture, politics, and personal-development. It is hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval who are both based in Los Angeles. At the intersection of advocacy and self-care, we discuss culture from a progressive Latina lens including political issues, mental health and well-being, and personal development. Our guests are changemakers advancing justice, culture-makers breaking barriers, or healers including therapists and health practitioners promoting the wellbeing of Latinos.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.