In this first episode of my special 8-part series, Balanced Madrehood, we'll explore what it truly means to be a millennial Latina mom in today's world.

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey navigating the complex identity of being caught between cultural expectations and my own authentic parenting style. I share my experience with my first son's baptism versus my different approach with my second son, and how I've learned to make decisions that feel genuine to me despite family and cultural pressures.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode114

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• The unique "identity crisis" millennial Latina moms face when caught between traditional expectations and modern values
• My personal story of feeling inauthentic when conforming to cultural expectations around religious traditions
• The three pillars of what is in the Balanced Madrehood program
• Signs you might be experiencing this identity struggle
• How this identity crisis isn't a flaw and how it's your opportunity to create a new model of Latina motherhood

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the waitlist for my Balanced Madrehood coaching program: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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In this episode, I sit down with my husband Alex Cuevas for our annual conversation about our parenting journey. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of raising our two young toddlers in a one-bedroom apartment, our house-hacking journey to build generational wealth, and how we're working to break generational patterns in our parenting approach. This raw and honest conversation explores parenthood without the traditional "village" and the intentional choices we're making as first-generation Latino parents.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode113

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

• Our house-hacking journey and building generational wealth
• The challenges of raising children in a small space and maintaining privacy
• Alex reflects on his own upbringing and parallels to our current living situation
• Navigating parenthood without the traditional "village" of extended family support
• Breaking generational patterns and creating a different parenting experience
• Balancing partnership and parenthood
• Managing stress and supporting each other as partners

Resources Mentioned

• Latino Dad Connection
• Luna y Cielo Play Café
• First Podcast Episode with Alex: Episode 51

Coming Up Next

Stay tuned for my bite-sized solo episodes in March and April – all under 30 minutes, because I get it - mami life!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we welcome psychologist and certified gentle sleep coach Veronica Ordonez, founder of Lullaby Veronica. From establishing healthy sleep foundations for newborns to managing toddler bedtime boundaries, Veronica shares her expertise on helping families get better rest while respecting cultural dynamics. She opens up about her own journey navigating her daughter's sleep challenges and how that led her to become a sleep coach and provides practical tips for parents struggling with sleep training.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode112

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How to build healthy sleep foundations from birth to toddlerhood
• Gentle sleep training methods vs. cry-it-out
• The common sleep challenges and myths
• Cultural considerations in sleep training
• The importance of prioritizing maternal rest
• Setting consistent sleep boundaries
• Balancing family traditions with healthy sleep habits

Resources Mentioned:

• Upcoming Workshop: Toddler Sleep Success: No More Bedtime Struggles
  • Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  • Cost: $27

Connect with Veronica!

• Website: lullabyveronica.com
• Instagram: @lullabyveronica
• Book a consultation with Veronica

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this intimate solo episode, we dive deep into the emotional journey of extended breastfeeding and the often-unspoken grief that comes with weaning. Whether you're currently nursing your toddler or processing the end of your breastfeeding journey, this episode creates space for the complex emotions that come with this significant transition.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode111

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• My personal story of nursing two children for a combined 5 years
• The three powerful benefits of extended breastfeeding
• The unexpected gifts of weaning
• Processing grief and honoring your journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 77: Why Breastfeeding Is Different The Second Time Around
• Episodes with Latina IBCLCs:
  • 032. Why Breastfeeding Matters For Latina Women with Ileana Berrios
  • 036. How To Get The Right Support In Your Breastfeeding Journey with Kassi Reyes
• Blog Series:
  • 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Stopped Breastfeeding
  • Relactation: What Is It and How to Become Successful At It
  • How To Start the Relactation Process

Connect With Me:

• Schedule a Cafecito Chat

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

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Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this replay episode, we're sharing a preview of our conversation with Ana Lopez from Sex in Spanglish, leading up to our exciting upcoming Viva La Mami Collective event this month!

🎯 Featured Event - Deseos & Placer: Reclaiming Your Desires

Join us for a FREE virtual workshop!

• 📅 Date: Monday, February 10th
• ⏰ Time: 7 PM Central Time
• 📍 Location: Zoom
• 💝 Cost: FREE!

Register for the Workshop Here

Ask your 🔥🔥 questions anonymously to Ana before the workshop!

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode110

Episode Highlights

In this preview, Ana discusses:

• The importance of expecting and preparing for changes in intimacy after having a baby
• Understanding the grief period that new parents experience when transitioning to parenthood
• Common reasons why partners may not want to have sex after baby
• The significance of addressing painful sex and seeking professional help
• Breaking cultural taboos around discussing sexual health and intimacy

Want to dive deeper? Listen to these full episodes:

• Episode 67: Rekindling Sex and Intimacy Post-Baby
• Episode 19: How to Bring Back Your Sex Life

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

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Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In part two of our conversation with Marisa Lopez, we explore how to build generational wealth through real estate investing. From leveraging her civil engineering background to learning from her immigrant parents' property management experience, Marisa shares practical strategies for getting started in real estate, even as a busy working mama. She breaks down different investment approaches, debunks common misconceptions, and reveals how our Latine community has been naturally "house hacking" for generations.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode109

In this episode you'll hear:

• Different ways to invest in real estate beyond traditional landlording
• How to shift from a homeowner to an investor mindset
• Creative strategies for building wealth through real estate
• The importance of networking and finding mentors in real estate
• How to take your first steps into real estate investing

Resources Mentioned:

• Mujerón Movement
• Rich Dad Poor Dad book by Robert Kiyosaki
• Cashflow Quadrant book by Robert Kiyosaki
• Bigger Pockets Podcast
• The FI Investors Mastermind by Diego Corso

Connect with Marisa!

• Instagram: @asiramzepol

Catch Up: Listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Marisa where she shares her journey through divorce and conscious co-parenting as a Latina mom.

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

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Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, I sit down with Marisa Lopez, a civil engineer turned real estate investor, who shares her raw and inspiring journey of breaking generational patterns to create a healthier future for her daughter.

Marisa opens up about navigating divorce as a Latina mom, breaking cultural norms, and building a healthy co-parenting relationship. From being told she might never have children to becoming a single mom at 5 months postpartum, Marisa shares how she found strength through therapy, family support, and prioritizing her daughter's wellbeing. This conversation is especially powerful for mamás considering divorce or struggling with family expectations around separation. Join us as Marisa shows how choosing yourself can be the greatest act of love for your children.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode108

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Marisa's path to madrehood despite medical challenges
• The emotional process of choosing divorce as a new mother
• Breaking traditional cultural expectations around marriage
• Building a support system as a first-generation divorcee
• Creating healthy family dynamics for the next generation

Resources Mentioned:

• Mujerón Movement

Connect with Marisa:

• Instagram: @asiramzepol

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Watch this podcast episode on YouTube!

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this impromptu episode, join me as I take you into a heartwarming and hilarious conversation with my four-year-old son. As we chat in Spanish, you'll hear about his current favorites, his fun adventures, and his adorable refusal to speak English with us.

Today, we celebrate Diego's 4th birthday and my fourth anniversary of madrehood, so join me as this episode promises to bring a smile to your face with the sweet sounds of childhood wonder.

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Watch this podcast episode on YouTube!

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

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Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I share my reflections on the start of 2025, emphasizing the importance of intentional motherhood over traditional New Year's resolutions. I discuss the value of setting intentions that nurture who we already are rather than trying to transform ourselves.

You'll hear about three practical tips for intentional motherhood. Additionally, I introduce my new membership community, the Viva la Mami Collective, and its exciting activities, including Mami Meetups and a mentorship program for Latina moms in the Chicago area.

Join me in redefining madrehood and fostering genuine connections within our comunidad!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

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Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

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Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this replay and last episode of 2024, I reflect on the considerable amount of work moms take on during the holiday season to create joyous memories for their children, despite the immense mental load.

Join me as I share my own experiences and urge moms to prioritize their happiness and well-being during this time of year. This episode will leave you empowered to redefine holiday expectations and to focus on creating joyful connections rather than striving for perfection. The goal is to enjoy the holiday season and make it a memorable time for their families.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode105

On this episode, you’ll hear:

• The mental load of the holidays as a mom
• Tips to overcome the mental load
• How to embrace the holiday season

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Watch this podcast episode on YouTube!

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
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Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠