Viva la Mami - Latina Motherhood, Modern Parenting, Latina Well-Being
Latina motherhood is a complex journey, interwoven in two identities that often make us feel ni de aquí, ni de allá (not from here, not from there). However, Viva la Mami® is committed to providing Latina moms, allies, and professionals who support Latina moms with the knowledge and tools to further identify and understand the challenges and triumphs of Latina motherhood.Join Jessica Cuevas as we discuss culturally relevant topics that will help inform and empower Latina moms in whichever season they are in on their motherhood journey. We'll be joined by Latina moms, experts, and professionals who can offer advi...
175. When Life Changes the Plan: How Moms Can Move Through Uncertainty (Goodbye for Now)
In this solo episode, I'm sitting down with you to share some big news. My family and I are moving back to Chicago after a year and three months of living in México. I talk about how this season has taught me to move through uncertainty, and I share two mindset shifts that are helping me through the change. I also share the lesson my three- and five-year-old boys taught me about resilience. And after five years, seven seasons, and 25,000 downloads, I'm officially saying goodbye to the podcast, for now. Gracias for being part of this journey!
174. How to Build a Bilingual Library That Actually Reflects Our Cultura with Nina Sanchez
In this episode, I sit down with my fellow Chicagoan Nina Sanchez, publisher and co-founder of ¡Viva! Los Libros, a bilingual children's bookstore that's now becoming a press. We talk about why less than 1% of books published in the US are bilingual, why "authentic" Spanish books aren't always what they seem, and how Nina wrote her first book, Somos: We Are, as a love letter to Latine kids during one of the scariest seasons our community in Chicago has lived through. If you've ever struggled to find books that look and sound like your family, this conversation is for y...
173. Bringing Bilingual Joy Into Your Home With Daniela Palacios from Para KIDS!
In this episode, I sit down with Daniela Palacios, founder and CEO of Para KIDS!, a bilingual children's media company helping families raise kids who are proud of both their languages and their cultures. Daniela's journey started as an older sister watching her younger brother struggle to speak Spanish — and it turned into a mission to make sure no kid grows up feeling disconnected from their language or their culture. We talk about what it really means to raise a bilingual child with love, play, and practical tools, and why giving yourself grace matters just as much as giving yo...
172. Redefining Breastfeeding: Honoring Our Latina Roots with Vanessa Morones
In honor of Latinx Breastfeeding Week, taking place September 8-14, I sat down with Vanessa Morones, a perinatal program manager, WIC breastfeeding peer counselor, and co-chair of LATCH (Latina Chicana Task Force) and the Latinx Lactation Collaborative.
We talked about why La Semana de la Lactancia exists, the predatory history of formula marketing, the myths and creencias many of us grew up hearing, and how to normalize extended and tandem breastfeeding in our own families. I also open up about my own relactation journey and what it taught me about the power (and vulnerability) of this experience.<...
171. Mamis Abroad: Giving Yourself Permission to Travel the World with Bianca Alba
For this episode of the Mamis Abroad series, I sat down with Bianca Alba, founder of This Latina Travels. This episode is for every mami who has ever seen someone else's trip on Instagram and thought, "why not me?" We get into the mindset shifts, the guilt, and the very real logistics of traveling as a mom, whether that's a family vacation, a solo mom-cation, or your first trip abroad. Bianca shares us practical tools to make it happen. If you've ever felt like travel was a luxury reserved for someone else, this episode is your permission slip.
<...170. Mamis Abroad: How to Build a Virtual Assistant Business From Anywhere with Abbey Ashley
In this episode, I sit down with Abbey Ashley, founder of The Virtual Savvy and one of the leading voices in virtual assistant education, to answer a question I get from mamis in my community all the time: what can I do for income if I move abroad?
Abbey breaks it all down - what a VA business actually is, what skills you need to start, how to land your first client, and whether this model can truly support a life outside the US. If you've been dreaming of raising your family in another country without giving...
169. [Bonus Episode] How to Give Yourself Grace When Life Doesn't Go As Planned
I'm kicking off Season 7 of Viva la Mami, and I'm doing it a couple weeks later than I planned, and I'm telling you exactly why. In this bonus episode, I catch you up on everything: why the season launch got delayed, what our first summer in Mexico actually looked like, and the lesson I keep coming back to when life doesn't go according to plan. I'm also sharing what's ahead this season - new guests, more Mamis Abroad stories, and solo episodes where I open up about my own journey.
What You'll Hear
Why...168. How to Tell the Difference Between an Expat and an Immigrant
In this solo episode, I share about why I don't consider myself an expat, even though I moved from the United States to Mexico. I break down what the word "expat" actually means, who it tends to describe, and why I believe it's rooted in privilege. I also share why I see myself as an immigrant instead, coming back to the country my parents fled decades ago, and what it's been like navigating that identity almost a year into our move to México.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode168
167. Mamis Abroad: Cómo Crear Comunidad Cuando Eres Mamá Inmigrante con Sandra Bermudez
En este episodio en español de mi serie Mamis Abroad, tuve el honor de conversar con Sandra Bermúdez, de "Sandra Sin Filtro", una mamá venezolana que ha vivido no una, sino dos migraciones: primero de Venezuela a México, y después de México a Estados Unidos.
Hablamos de lo que significa crear comunidad desde cero, de criar hijos que se sienten orgullosos de ser de varios lugares, y de esas diferencias culturales - grandes y pequeñas - que una siente en carne propia cuando se muda de país.
Para obt...
166. Mamis Abroad: How to Build a Life Abroad Without Having It All Figured Out with Vanessa Mota
In this episode of the Mamis Abroad series, I sit down with Vanessa Mota, a Dominican-American content creator, digital publisher, author, and founder of My Dominican Kitchen.
Vanessa made the boldest move by packing up her life in New Jersey and moving solo to the Dominican Republic. She has spent 12 years building her bilingual food brand for the Dominican diaspora, and now she's creating from the island itself. We talk about the empty nest season, what it really means to come home to your roots, and why you don't have to be ready to take the leap.<...
165. How We Found A New Home in Mexico Without the Guilt
After 10 months of living in our first house in Mexico, we made a decision that surprised us: we broke our lease early. But this episode isn't just about the logistics of moving - it's about the deeper realization that came with it.
I'm sitting down solo to share why we left, what we discovered about housing options in Mexico that I never knew existed, and the uncomfortable (but necessary) conversation about privilege, generational progress, and what it really means to have choices your parents didn't.
If you're a child of immigrants navigating the complexity of...
164. [REPLAY] Living in Mexico: How to Find and Secure a Rental
This week I'm bringing you a rerun of one of our most-asked-about episodes! After 10 months of living here in León, we decided to break our lease early to find housing that better fits our family, and we're spilling all the tea on what led to that decision next week. But first, here's where our housing story began. Listen to this episode to understand the foundation, then tune in next week for the "why we left" conversation. Consider it your homework before next week's episode drops!
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In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I...
163. What Every First-Gen Parent Needs to Know About College Admissions Right Now
In this solo episode, I'm getting real about what it actually takes to help your child get into college in today's landscape, because spoiler: it's not the same process we went through. As a first-gen parent myself with 14 years of combined college admissions and counseling experience, I'm breaking down what's changed, what still matters, and how you can start building a real strategy this summer, whether your kid is a rising junior or senior.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode163
What You'll Hear:
What "first-generation" actually...162. Navigating College Admissions as a First-Gen Parent
In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a side of me I don't often share - my professional story. I walk you through my journey as a first-generation college student, how I stumbled into the world of higher education, and the decade-long career in college admissions and counseling that followed. And yes, I have a BIG announcement at the end that I'm so excited to finally share with you.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode162
What you'll hear:
My experience navigating the college...161. Reclaim Your Path: Why I Left A Job, Chose México & Am Building on My Own Terms
In this solo episode, I'm giving you the life update I've been meaning to share and I'm keeping it real. From accepting a corporate job out of desperation (and quitting nine days later) to deciding to stay in México for another year, and finally announcing the new business I'm building from scratch.
This episode is for every first-generation mami who's ever felt like she had to prove herself, restart, or choose between stability and freedom.
What You'll Hear:
The first-gen mentality that almost kept me stuck in a job that didn't a...160. Mamis Abroad: How Fear of Staying Can Push You to Move Abroad with Jess Winns
In this episode of the Mamis Abroad series, I'm sitting down with Jess Winns, a mom of four, published author, entrepreneur, Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Transformational Leadership Coach, who made the bold decision to pack up her family and move to Playa del Carmen, Mexico as a single mom.
We talk about the moment she knew it was time, what it's really like to build a life from scratch in a new country, and why she says the secret is to stop telling people your plans.
This episode is for every mami who has...
159. Mamis Abroad: How to Build a Home Anywhere in the World with Lina Molina
In this Mamis Abroad series episode, I sit down with Lina Molina, a Latina mama of three who has been raising her family across continents. Lina shares what it really looks like to pick up your life, move to a country you know nothing about, and still show up as a grounded, intentional mother.
We talk about building community from scratch, raising trilingual global kids, keeping your cultura alive far from home, and redefining what "home" even means when you've lived in five countries. If you've ever dreamed about moving abroad but felt scared, this episode is...
158. How to Raise a Bilingual Child Without Losing Yourself
In this VLM Spotlight episode, I sit down with Cynthia Contreras, a wife, Latina mom, and bilingual reading specialist. What started as a chat about raising Spanish-dominant kids turned into a beautiful exploration of identity, healing generational trauma, and what it really means to show up for our children while still showing up for ourselves.
Cynthia shares her journey from being the only Latina in her Wisconsin classroom, to becoming a first-gen college graduate, to intentionally building a bilingual home for her 5-year-old son. If you've ever felt the pressure of raising kids between two cultures...
157. Best of VLM: How to Raise Spanish-First Kids Without the Guilt with Lucía Garrett
This week, we welcome Lucía Garrett, founder of Pato Pato and the brilliant mind who coined the term "Spanish-first kids." As someone currently raising Spanish-dominant children myself, I was so excited to dive deep into this intentional approach to bilingual parenting. Lucía shares why the Spanish-only stage is so crucial for our kids and how we can stay confident in our choices, even when family members question us or when we feel like we're not doing enough.
Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.
What Yo...
156. Best of VLM: How to Heal Your Gut Health as a Latina Mom with Dr. Alma Medina
In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Dr. Alma Medina, a certified functional medicine coach and pharmacist, right here in the Chicago area. As a fellow first-gen Latina mama, we dove deep into healing from the root - addressing gut health issues, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue that so many mujeres in our community struggle with. We also explored how to reclaim the nutritional power of our traditional Latino foods and why functional medicine is the key to breaking generational health cycles.
Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.<...
155. Best of VLM: Breaking Generational Cycles Through Restorative Parenting with Alex Fernandez
I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Fernandez, a father and educator with over 15 years of experience. Alex has presented on restorative practices and brought such valuable insights about intentional parenting from the Latino dad perspective. Our conversation really resonated with me, especially as we discussed the challenge of breaking generational cycles while honoring our cultural roots.
Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.
What You'll Hear:
Why "what are you modeling?" is the most important question we can ask ourselves as parentsHow...154. Creating Maternal Health Awareness After Loss
In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Eddie Garcia, Elisa Garcia, Christina Galindo, and Jessica Bess to hear Francilia Garcia's story - a beloved wife, first-time mother, and advocate who tragically passed away from childbirth complications just weeks after welcoming her twin boys.
Through their grief, Francilia's family created Francilia's Twice the Love Foundation to raise awareness about preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and postpartum risks that claim too many mothers' lives.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode154
A note before listening: This episode discusses...
153. How to Stop Feeling Stuck and Rethink the "American Dream"
In July 2024, I was featured in The New York Times in an article about how childcare costs are limiting women’s ability to work. The headline captured exactly how we felt at the time: stuck.
In this solo episode, I share the real story behind that moment and how my family made the strategic decision to move from Chicago to León, Guanajuato. I break down the real cost of living for a family of four in the U.S., the childcare math that so many moms are quietly navigating, and the mindset shift that helped us sto...
152. Mamis Abroad: How to Find Remote Work with Karina Wright
In this episode of the Mamis Abroad series, I sit down with Karina Wright, a content creator, community builder, and certified no-gatekeeping reina! Karina made the bold decision to move back to the motherland with her husband and teenage son, and she has been sharing every step of the journey with her growing community at @karinalifeinmexico.
She is giving our people real, practical resources on how to find remote work, navigate the emotional load of returning, and build a life on your own terms. Whether you are thinking about making this move or just need some inspiration...
151. 3 Things You Must Do Before Moving Abroad
In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the three action steps I wish I had before we made the move to Mexico - the same ones that helped our family go from dreaming about life in Mexico to actually living it. Whether you're thinking about moving abroad for a year or permanently, this episode is your reality check and your permission slip all in one.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode151
What You'll Hear:
Why immigration paperwork is the very first thing you need to tackle...150. Mamis Abroad: Making Radical Decisions for Your Kids' Future with Alyssa Bolaños
In this episode of the "Mamis Abroad" series, I sit down with Alyssa Bolaños, the Latina mom behind @casabolanos, who made the radical decision to leave the U.S. with her family and embrace world schooling abroad. We dive deep into what it really takes to uproot your life, sell everything you own, and create a new future for your kids outside of the United States. Alyssa's story is raw, honest, and incredibly inspiring, especially for those who've been feeling that whisper of "what if we just... left?"
For detailed show notes, visit v...
149. Mamis Abroad: Creating Space for Moms Moving Back to Their Roots
In this episode, I'm introducing a brand new series called Mamis Abroad and sharing some exciting updates about resources I'm creating specifically for mamás like you who are considering moving to Mexico with your family.
I've noticed a serious gap in representation when it comes to Latina moms who are traveling or moving abroad. Most of the content out there is centered around digital nomads and expats, but what about those of us who are reverse migrating, going back to our roots, to the countries our families came from? That's exactly why I'm creating t...
148. How to Break Free from Marianismo with Juda Avila, MA, AMFT
In this week's episode, we welcome Juda Avila, a bilingual therapist and postpartum coach who's doing incredible work with first-gen Latina moms. As someone who experienced postpartum depression twice and grew up witnessing the silent sacrifices of Marianismo, Juda brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation. We dive deep into the cultural expectations that keep us silent about our struggles, the identity loss that comes with motherhood, and most importantly, how we can redefine what it means to be a "good mom" without erasing ourselves in the process.
For detailed show notes, visit <...
147. Why the U.S. Isn’t Built for Mothers (And What Latina Moms Deserve Instead)
In this solo episode, I’m checking in with you. There is so much heaviness right now in the United States, especially for our Latino community, and I felt called to pause and hold space for everything Latina moms are carrying. From fear and uncertainty to burnout and survival mode, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, you are not weak, and you are not imagining how hard this feels. This is a compassionate conversation about motherhood, mental health, community, and giving ourselves permission to slow down and take care of our nervous systems during a re...
146. How to Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet | Season 6 Premiere
Welcome to Season 6 of Viva la Mami! In this solo episode, I'm getting real with you about our move to Mexico, the lessons 2025 taught me, and how we can make 2026 our best year yet. Whether you're questioning the "American Dream", struggling with mom guilt, or dreaming of making a radical change in your own life, this episode is for you.
Let's redefine madrehood together - one decision at a time.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode146
What You'll Hear:
What 2025 taught me about moving t...145. How I'm Navigating 4 Months in Mexico
In this week's solo episode, I'm sharing what life really looks like four months into our move to Mexico as a family of four. I'm hustling, navigating new routines, and learning what it means to be truly present with my family in a culture that prioritizes connection over constant productivity.
I also get vulnerable about the guilt I feel seeing my community struggle back in the US, the unexpected ways my body is adjusting to a new altitude and climate, and why I'm obsessed with how involved Mexican parents are in their kids' education. I'm also sharing...
144. Living in Mexico: How to Get Dual Citizenship as Mexican Americans
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm sitting down with my husband to talk about something so many of you have been asking about - how to get dual citizenship in Mexico!
This has been our most-asked question since we shared our own journey to becoming dual citizens earlier this year. I'm walking you through our very different experiences. We're also getting real about the process, the paperwork mishaps, the differences between doing this in Mexico versus at the consulate, and why reclaiming this part of our heritage has been so meaningful for our...
143. Living in Mexico: How to Find Work and Build Income Streams Abroad
This has been the #1 question flooding my DMs and emails: "How did you find work to move to Mexico?"
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm finally answering your biggest question! I sit down with my husband to share our real, unfiltered experience navigating employment while living abroad. From his remote job to my freelance work, passive income streams, and the realities of working internationally, we're breaking down exactly how we make it work financially in Mexico.
If you've been dreaming of making the move but feel stuck because of your job si...
142. Living in Mexico: Why We Joined the Reverse Migration Wave
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I sit down with my husband to have an honest conversation about why so many people are fleeing to Mexico in 2025. We talk about being part of a massive wave of reverse migration, what it means to be children of immigrants returning to the motherland, and why the timing couldn't feel more right (or necessary).
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode142
What You'll Hear:
Where we fit as second-generation Mexican Americans in this reverse migration movementOur honest...141. Living in Mexico: Let's Talk About Gentrification (And Why It's Complicated)
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm sitting down with my husband to tackle one of the most controversial topics we've faced since moving to México: gentrification.
As second-generation Mexican Americans living in León, Guanajuato, we're getting real about whether we're part of the problem, what gentrification actually means, and how our experience differs from what's happening in other places across Mexico. This conversation isn't easy, but it's one we need to have.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode141
What You'll He...
140. Living in Mexico: How to Find and Secure a Rental
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm sitting down with my husband to walk you through our entire housing journey here in León, Guanajuato. I'm answering one of your most-asked questions: How do you actually find a place to live in Mexico? Spoiler alert: it's not as simple as browsing Zillow!
I'm sharing all the things I wish someone had told us before we started house hunting. If you're thinking about making the move to Mexico or you're just curious about what expat life really looks like, this episode is packed with practical ad...
139. How to Build Generational Wealth Without Sacrificing Your Dreams with Jannese Torres
This week, we welcome Jannese Torres, host of the Yo Quiero Dinero Podcast and author of Financially Lit, and we got REAL about motherhood, money, and breaking generational cycles.
For years, Jannese believed that motherhood was incompatible with financial freedom, watching her own mother sacrifice everything. Now, as a new mami, she's completely rewriting what it means to be a Latina mother while building generational wealth for her daughter.
This conversation is for every mamá who's tired of giving from an empty cup and ready to model abundance instead of sacrifice.
For d...
138. How to Navigate Unexpected Childbirth and NICU Challenges with Xochitl Carmona
I had the most vulnerable and empowering conversation with Xochitl Carmona, founder of Werk Mija and host of the Werk Mija podcast. As a fellow Latina entrepreneur and now mami, Xochitl opened up about her "dramatica" entrance into motherhood, her NICU experience, and how she's intentionally redefining what it means to be a Latina mother while running a successful business. This conversation touched my heart because it reminded me why we need to keep sharing our stories - especially the ones our cultura has taught us to keep quiet about.
For detailed show notes, visit <...
137. Living in Mexico: 5 Things That Shocked Us in Our First Month
In this episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm joined by my husband Alex as we reflect on our first month living in Mexico.
We discuss the unexpected challenges and surprises we've encountered during the first month of living abroad as second-generation Mexican Americans. Plus, we unpack five key surprises that have reshaped our perspective on life in Mexico.
Join us as we navigate this new chapter and offer insights for anyone considering a big move abroad.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode137
In...
136. To My Latina Mamis: We Will Not Be Erased
I felt an overwhelming urge to break from my regular programming and speak directly to my Latina mama community about what's happening right now. Even though my family and I moved to Mexico over a month ago, my heart is still very much with our people in the United States. This completely unscripted episode comes straight from my heart as I process the Supreme Court's recent ruling that essentially gives ICE agents the green light to racially profile Latinos.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode136
What you'll hear:<...
