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...
130. Living in Mexico: Your Questions Answered About Our Upcoming Move!
In this first episode of the "Living in Mexico" series, I'm diving deep into our family's big move to Mexico! After posting about our decision on social media, you all flooded my DMs with the most thoughtful questions, and I'm answering them all. From the practical logistics of dual citizenship to finding schools for the kids, I'm sharing everything about this crazy adventure we're embarking on as a family of four.
What You'll Hear:
How we're navigating dual citizenship for our familyThe real scoop on Mexican school systems - from guarderías to Montessori s...129. Breaking Generational Cycles Through Restorative Parenting with Alex Fernandez
In this Father's Day episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Fernandez, an educator and father who's been working in Chicago Public Schools for 17 years. As someone who works at my son Diego's school and presented on restorative practices, Alex 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.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode129
What You'll Hear:
Why "...128. [Episodio en español] Cómo amamantar sin rendirse con Liscar Bonilla
En este episodio EN ESPAÑOL, invitamos a Liscar Bonilla, fundadora de Amalactar y autora de su primer libro, "Amamantar y no rendirse en el intento: 100 consejos para mamás." En esta conversación, compartí mi propia experiencia de relactación, y Liscar nos brindó consejos invaluables sobre cómo navegar la lactancia como mamás latinas, y desmitificamos algunos mitos que han afectado mamás que desean amamantar.
Lo que escucharás:
Mi experiencia personal con la lactancia maternaLos 3 consejos más importantes de Liscar para una lactancia exitosaCómo desmitificar creencias dañinas como "la...127. We're Moving to México!
The secret is finally out - my family and I are moving to Mexico! In this episode, I'm joined by my husband as we share the announcement that's been two years in the making. We're relocating to León, Guanajuato with our boys, and I'm so excited to bring you along on this incredible journey.
I open up about how this decision came together - from our four-week trip to Mexico that changed everything, to the stars aligning with our current living situation, and most importantly, our boys being at the perfect age for this adventure.
126. Season 5 Premiere
Welcome to Season 5 of Viva la Mami! I'm so excited to share this new season focused on reclaiming our cultura as Latina mothers. In this premiere episode, I open up about what's been happening in my household with my boys who are 4 and under, and how watching them naturally connect with our traditions inspired this season's theme.
I share updates on our podcast journey - we now have over 120 episodes and 6,000+ downloads - and discuss how we're expanding the show while staying true to our mission of empowering Latina moms to redefine madrehood on their own terms.<...
125. Best of VLM: How to Honor Your Cultural Foods While Meeting Your Health Goals with Mariana Dineen
You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!
In this episode, we welcome Mariana Dineen, a registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health. She shares the importance of nutrition within the Latino community, especially for mothers striving to adopt a healthier lifestyle while preserving cultural traditions. Mariana emphasizes the significance of cultural relevance in nutrition counseling, overcoming language barriers, and the unique challenges faced by the Latino community in accessing healthcare.
She offers practical strategies for meal planning and managing chronic...
124. Best of VLM: Managing Mom Rage and Emotional Dysregulation with Jocelyn Flores
You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!
In this episode, I delve into the all-too-common experiences of emotional dysregulation and ‘mom rage’ that many Latina moms face. Joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Jocelyn Flores, founder of Raíz Parenting, we discuss practical tools like mindful breathing techniques and setting healthy boundaries to help manage these overwhelming emotions.
Jocelyn also shares insights on the impact of our cultural background and the importance of self-compassion in the parenting journey. This is an...
123. Best of VLM: Navigating the Mental Load of Bilingual Parenting with Erika Milla from Spanish En Casita
You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!
In this episode, we welcome Erika Milla, creator of Spanish En Casita, an online community for parents striving to raise bilingual children. As a dedicated mom raising bilingual kids, Erika shares how she's preserving Spanish at home.
In our conversation, we dive into the mental and emotional struggles of bilingual parenting and the ups and downs of dual immersion programs. Erika also opens up about homeschooling her kids and gives tips for other...
122. [Bonus Episode] 'Again, Only More Like You': Author Catalina Margulis on Motherhood, Friendship, and Finding Your True Self
In this special bonus episode, I talk with author Catalina Margulis about her debut novel "Again, Only More Like You" which releases TODAY, April 29th, 2025! Catalina shares her journey from journalism and magazine editing to becoming an entrepreneur, book coach, and author while raising four children.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode122
In this episode, we discuss:
How Catalina's experiences as a working mom inspired her novel's exploration of friendship between women on different sides of the motherhood spectrumThe challenge of living authentically while balancing family...121. Balanced Madrehood: Creating Your New Legacy (Season Finale)
In this special season finale, I wrap up our transformative Balanced Madrehood series by bringing all the pieces together and showing how they create a cohesive approach to motherhood that honors both your heritage and your vision for your family's future.
Throughout the past seven episodes, we've explored the essential elements of creating a balanced madrehood experience: reclaiming our time, prioritizing self-care, rediscovering our passions, setting boundaries with family, breaking harmful cycles, and aligning our parenting with our authentic values.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode121
...
120. Balanced Madrehood: Aligning Your Core Values with Parenting
In this seventh episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I discuss how aligning your parenting with your core values can transform your motherhood experience from reactive to intentional.
As busy mamás juggling careers, households, relationships, and more, it's easy to parent on autopilot - reacting to situations rather than responding based on what truly matters to us. But when we take the time to identify our core values and create a parenting approach that reflects them, we experience more confidence, less guilt, and a stronger sense of purpose.
For detailed show n...
119. Balanced Madrehood: How To Honor Your Heritage While Leaving Harmful Traditions Behind
In this sixth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I share one of the most challenging aspects of modern Latina motherhood: giving ourselves permission to break harmful cultural traditions while still honoring our rich heritage.
As Latina moms, we've inherited beautiful traditions that connect us to our roots - but if we're honest, we've also inherited patterns that don't serve us or our children. From "la chancla" discipline and authoritarian parenting to machismo attitudes and the expectation that moms should sacrifice everything for family, how do we honor where we come from while consciously choosing...
118. Balanced Madrehood: Setting Loving Boundaries Without the Mom Guilt
In this fifth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I dive into what might be the most challenging topic for Latina moms: setting boundaries with family.
For many of us, family is everything - our support system, our community, our foundation. But without boundaries, we can't fully show up for the people we love. When we're stretched too thin, resentment builds and our relationships actually suffer.
I explore what healthy boundaries actually look like in family relationships (from time and communication boundaries to parenting and financial boundaries), why they're so difficult to establish...
117. Balanced Madrehood: Rediscovering Your Passions Beyond Motherhood
In this fourth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I touch on another crucial challenge modern Latina moms face: reconnecting with who they are outside of motherhood.
When we become moms, our identity shifts almost overnight. Between sleep deprivation and the mental load of running a household, it's easy to lose touch with the woman you were before - the parts that had nothing to do with taking care of others. I share my personal experience of going months without engaging in activities that once defined me, like running or even reading a book uninterrupted.<...
116. Balanced Madrehood: How to Prioritize Self-Care as Latina Moms
In this third episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I tackle a topic that resonates with so many Latina moms: the misconception that taking care of ourselves is somehow selfish.
As Latina moms, we've often been conditioned to believe that self-sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. Today, I challenge that notion and explore why true self-care isn't just nice to have, it's absolutely essential for those of us balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode116
In This Episode, You'll...
115. Balanced Madrehood: How You Can Reclaim Your Time Back As a Busy Mom
In part 2 of this special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood Series, I'm getting real about why modern Latina moms feel like they're drowning in to-do's while never accomplishing enough.
I open up about my own breaking point last October when I had my first-ever panic attack while juggling two toddlers, my business, and a part-time job. That moment forced me to completely rethink how I use my time, and in this episode, I'm sharing the exact strategies that helped me reclaim my days and my sanity.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode115<...
114. Balanced Madrehood: Navigating The Modern Latina Mom Identity Crisis
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 <...
113. Annual Check-In with My Husband on Parenting, Partnership, and Breaking Patterns
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:
...112. Creating Healthy Sleep Habits: From Newborns to Toddlers with Verónica Ordóñez
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:
...111. Processing Grief After Extended Breastfeeding
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 yearsThe three powerful benefits of extended breastfeedingThe unexpected gifts of weaningProcessing grief and honoring...110. [Replay Episode] Rekindling Sex and Intimacy Post-Baby with Ana Lopez from Sex in Spanglish
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 Highlig...
109. How to Create Generational Wealth Through Real Estate with Marisa Lopez
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...108. VLM Spotlight: Navigating Divorce as a Latina Mom with Marisa Lopez
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...
107. When Your Four-Year-Old Steals the Show: A Conversation With My Son
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.
106. New Year, Same You: How to Embrace Intentional Madrehood
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...
105. [Replay Episode] Navigating the Mental Load of the Holidays
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.
<...
104. How to Manage Your Energy Without the Mom Guilt with Jessica Lynn Rojas
In this episode, we welcome Jessica Rojas, a certified health and wellness coach, work-life balance expert, and founder of Jessica Lynn Wellness. She shares her insights and strategies on maintaining balance and managing energy effectively. We dive into the myths of the 50/50 balance and explore practical tips for prioritizing self-care, setting realistic goals, and breaking free from societal and cultural expectations. Jessica addresses the cultural conditioning many Latinas face, where being constantly busy is seen as a badge of honor, and helps us reframe these limiting beliefs.
This episode is especially valuable for Latina moms who are...
103. How to Honor Your Cultural Foods While Meeting Your Health Goals with Mariana Dineen
In this episode, we welcome Mariana Dineen, a registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health. She shares the importance of nutrition within the Latino community, especially for mothers striving to adopt a healthier lifestyle while preserving cultural traditions. Mariana emphasizes the significance of cultural relevance in nutrition counseling, overcoming language barriers, and the unique challenges faced by the Latino community in accessing healthcare.
She offers practical strategies for meal planning and managing chronic diseases like diabetes through a cultural lens, stressing the importance of balance and inclusion rather than the elimination of cultural foods. We also touched...
102. [Replay Episode] How to Practice Self-Gratitude as Moms
In this replay episode and Thanksgiving edition, I discuss the significance of expressing self-gratitude, especially for moms who often neglect to acknowledge their own efforts while caring for their families. Join me as I share ways on how you can practice self-gratitude.
These practices are not only beneficial to your own mental and emotional well-being but can also serve as an inspiring model of self-appreciation for your children.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode102
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The importance of self-gratitudeHow to...101. Managing Mom Rage and Emotional Dysregulation with Jocelyn Flores
In this episode, I delve into the all-too-common experiences of emotional dysregulation and 'mom rage' that many Latina moms face. Joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Jocelyn Flores, founder of Raíz Parenting, we discuss practical tools like mindful breathing techniques and setting healthy boundaries to help manage these overwhelming emotions.
Jocelyn also shares insights on the impact of our cultural background and the importance of self-compassion in the parenting journey. This is an authentic, judgment-free conversation aimed at providing support and reminding mamis that they are not alone in their struggles. We also explore how t...
100. Thank You for 100 Episodes!
In this special 100th episode, I reflect on the journey of creating this podcast, from its start in 2022 to reaching this monumental milestone. I discuss the initial challenges and inspirations behind starting the Viva la Mami podcast, and how it has evolved over time. I also share the lessons I've learned and the transformations I've undergone through interviewing Latina moms and Latine experts. More importantly, I talk about the significance of this podcast in creating a community and elevating Latina voices and experiences. Finally, I express my hopes for the future of the Viva la Mami podcast and call...
099. [Replay Episode] How to Raise Children Through a Lens of Social Justice with Samantha Siers
In this episode, I reflect on the emotional aftermath of the 2024 Presidential Election and the importance of focusing on family and community during uncertain times. Because I needed time to rest, I made the decision to replay an impactful interview with a Latina mami, social worker, and Obama Foundation Scholar, Samantha Siers.
As mamás, we have been or will be having many difficult conversations with our children. Some of these conversations will be related to social justice-related issues like racism, poverty, and homelessness. In order for us to dismantle biases and prejudices, we should be mindful of...
098. How to Honor Our Loved Ones For Día de los Muertos
In this deeply personal episode, we explore how to honor our loved ones during Dia de los Muertos while teaching our children about this beautiful tradition. After losing my bisabuela this July, I share the interview I recorded with her exactly one year before her passing, along with three meaningful ways to keep our ancestors' memories alive.
I emphasize the importance of capturing and preserving family stories through recordings, the significance of setting up an altar for Día de Muertos, and living out the legacy passed down by our ancestors.
For detailed show n...
097. VLM Spotlight: From Beauty Content Creation to Authentic Madrehood with Rocio Isabel
In this Viva la Mami Spotlight episode, we welcome content creator Rocio Isabel as she shares her personal journey from beauty content creator to an advocate for authenticity and mental health in motherhood. Rocio opens up about the challenges she faced, including postpartum anxiety and raising biracial, bilingual children in a less diverse community. She highlights the importance of preserving cultural identity through family traditions, food, music, and teaching her daughters Spanish. Rocio also emphasizes the value of seeking support - building online and offline communities - and embracing one's roots while navigating the complexities of madrehood. Her story...
096. Fitness Tips for the Modern Latina Mom with Vanessa Flores
In this episode, we discuss a holistic approach to fitness and health, specifically catered for busy moms. Vanessa Flores shares her journey from battling unhealthy body image and eating habits to creating Kettlebell Kickstart, a platform for simple and realistic fitness routines. We discuss the cultural challenges Latina moms face, emphasize viewing self-care as an investment in family well-being, and debunk fitness myths within the Latine community. Vanessa shares practical strategies for overcoming workout procrastination, balancing traditional foods with nutrition, and achieving mental resilience are highlighted. Through personal anecdotes and success stories, we talk about the importance of small...
095. Navigating the Realities of Madrehood: A Raw and Honest Reflection
In this State of Motherhood Address, I discuss the realities of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community within the Viva la Mami platform. I openly share my personal struggles with mental health, identity pressures, and the challenges of balancing family and entrepreneurship. My conversation touches on cultural expectations, the clutter of physical and mental spaces, and the necessity of self-care and seeking help.
I also encourage others to join in embracing their true selves, acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay, and fostering a supportive environment for sharing experiences.
For detailed...
094. [Replay Episode] How To Set Boundaries With Your Latino Family
This replay episode explores the importance of establishing boundaries for your well-being as a bicultural Latina mom. We discuss the concept of espacio personal and how it applies to madrehood while acknowledging the cultural nuances of setting boundaries within a collectivist Latino family structure.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why boundaries are crucial for your mental and emotional healthHow to communicate boundaries with love and respect using the "Te quiero, pero..." approachStrategies for navigating unsolicited advice and setting boundaries with family members (like your mamá stopping by unannounced!)Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are...
093. Crafting Your Own Parenting Style as a First/Second Generation Latina Mom
Feeling torn between cultural traditions and modern parenting? You're not alone! In this solo episode, we explore the process of building a unique parenting style that aligns with our values as first or second-generation Latina moms. I share strategies for developing a parenting style that honors your Latina heritage while embracing modern values.
We discuss the challenges of balancing traditional cultural values with modern parenting approaches, navigating cultural expectations, and addressing language barriers and societal stereotypes.
This episode offers strategies for identifying core values, educating oneself on parenting styles, communicating with partners, finding community support...
092. Making Time For When There's No Time As Moms
In this episode, I tackle the challenge of how moms can prioritize ourselves when time is stretched thin. I identify common barriers, such as cultural expectations and internalized guilt, and share five strategies for self-care, including redefining 'me time', learning to say no, delegating tasks, multitasking strategically, and embracing good enough.
I emphasize that self-care is necessary, not selfish, and encourage you to start small with simple, actionable steps. Additionally, I share information about my coaching program, Balanced Motherhood, designed to help Latina moms create balanced and fulfilling lives.
For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami...
091. How To Dream Big With A Fertile Imagination with Melissa Llarena
In this episode, we welcome Melissa Llarena, who is a business coach, a mami, and author of Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower for Maximum Impact. We discuss the importance of nurturing imagination as mamis, pulling inspiration from our cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. Melissa shares her journey from growing up in a chaotic environment to becoming a published author and business coach.
Our conversation covers practical steps for reawakening, playing with, and stretching our imagination, as well as tips for balancing motherhood with personal ambitions. We also address imposter syndrome, leveraging human ca...
