This Ain’t About Us

Mikey sits down with us to talk about self love, how he won't date until he is happy, and his advice to us about men. 

Mikey started his love for food as a kid. His passion ignited at age 4 when he tried to surprise his grandma and almost burned down her kitchen. Mikey’s connection to food and family traditions are embedded in his unique version of New Mexican street food. Burnt Fideo was a concept born from “prep meals with a twist.” His goal was to preserve New Mexican culinary cuisine in a healthy format. Within months of the opening, Mikey had to re-think his business model to survive and thrive in the pandemic and the new norm, Burnt Fideo (B2).

Tania sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about dating narcissists, a first date that didn’t go as expected, expectations for paying on a first date, and not wanting marriage.

Tania owns the small batch dessert business called Tania's Tasty Kitchen, she works as an IT engineer during the day, and is a single mom to a teenager! Keeping busy with life and a business doesn't allow much time for dating, but she has plenty of stories to make you laugh!

Erica DC sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about being a single mother, co-parenting, dating as a black woman, how asthma and one night stands don’t mix, and the work she does in the community for suicide prevention and reproductive health.

Erica was born and raised in Albuquerque, and does a lot throughout the state. From politics to parenting, she is trying to find balance in the midst of it all during these crazy times.

Kim Apodaca and Britt McVey sit down with Alex and Kristen to talk about their mother/daughter relationship, how they used their trauma to heal their wounds, and how that trauma led them to the loves of their lives. 

Born in Hollywood, California, Kim has been naturally bent toward fashion and eclectic culture. It was the attraction to beautiful things that landed her in the hair and make-up industry for the last eighteen years. Six years ago, she decided to venture out and open her very own boutique, Andy & Edie, located in the heart of Nob Hill. When she’s not immersed in creativity, Kim spends most of her time with her Fiancé, three kids and three grandchildren. 

Born and raised a Burquena, Britt spent her early years wrapped up in drug use, promiscuity and navigating her core daddy issues. After diving into her spiritual practice and embarking on trauma work, she finds herself loving her Prince Charming, mothering her three young boys and mentoring women at Limelife by Alcone where she is an executive leader and beauty educator. 

Kim and Britt share a unique mother/daughter relationship that has flourished into a secure friendship. Although Kim’s relationship decisions while being a single mom impacted Britt, it wasn’t all for the negative. They are truly best friends who have weathered through many storms and stages of their lives. Together, they feel empowered to speak to women about healthy boundaries, healing generational trauma and leaning in to their inner roar.

Amber Armijo sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about friend-zoning good guys, how being the breadwinner ruined a relationship, getting catfished by strippers, and things that make a person lose their sex appeal.

Amber is a 22 year-old who works at an engineering lab, owns her own house and truck. She’s definitely accomplished a lot in her young age! She plans on starting a mechanical engineering bachelors program next year. She absolutely loves anything that has to do with the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and riding her horses. She’s just trying to live life to the absolute fullest while maintaining a positive attitude!

Derrick Sloan sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about his experience in the film industry, growing up as a pastor’s son and how that’s shaped his mindset regarding relationships, and how a current “situationship” has left him feeling insecure.

Derrick works in film. He’s an aspiring actor, former open mic comedian extraordinaire, incredible dancer, and indelible personality. If you hangout down, you’ve most likely seen Derrick. His unique style, sick dance skills, and booming personality are one in a million.

Eric Banda sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about his picks for Burque’s Sexiest Men Alive (drink industry edition), red flags, and dating his best friend.

Eric has been working at The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall and Saloon for the last 10 years. He’s also worked with various bars/restaurants and one distillery (Left Turn). After his first 4 years in the industry, he wanted to better his skills, so he decided to pursue better flavor profiles and hop into Albuquerque’s craft cocktail scene, in doing so, he honed his skills to produce fast, yet delicious cocktails!

Nohelani Ader was born in Hawaii and raised in Albuquerque, NM. She is the beverage director/bar manager at Safe House Distilling Co. She’s currently chasing dreams and collecting goals! 

Nohelani sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about red flags, going on a date to a nude beach, and crazy dating situations she’s seen as a bartender.

Kendra Jean Brand sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about her online dating opener, the time she thought she got ghosted but tragedy struck instead, and a polyamory experience.

Kendra is an Albuquerque transplant who works in local government and enjoys community activism. She has been most known for performing as a comedian but has been taking a semi-hiatus since starting grad school for Public Administration. She‘s a single lady who enjoys her two pups, supporting local arts and performance, and plays way too many board games.

Chris Brennan sits down with Alex and Kristen to talk about being single even though he is a romantic serial monogamist, the struggles of dating as a musician, his love at first sight experience in Nicaragua, and what he plans to do with his Executive MBA once he graduates.

Chris is a local musician, most notably as the singer for the band Reviva and as solo artist, Irie Kristoff. He is a healthcare administrator for a local non-profit and is currently pursing his Executive MBA from UNM‘s Anderson School of Management. He was born and raised in Albuquerque. In his free time he enjoys yoga, meditation, and long runs by the Bosque.