Amiga, Handle Your Shit

Have you ever questioned what love, faith, and belonging truly mean? This episode invites you to explore the courage it takes to reclaim your voice, challenge fear-based beliefs, and embrace a version of spirituality rooted in compassion, not control. It’s a powerful call to live with integrity, even when the world tries to define you by its own narrow standards. Regina V. Cates is a queer author,...

In many Latino households, pain is something you power through—quietly. You work hard, you don’t complain, and you certainly don’t stop to heal. But what happens when your body forces you to listen? Jackie Hernandez was raised to hustle, to push, to handle her shit—until grief and a chronic illness brought everything to a halt. Instead of giving in, she turned her healing into her purpose—and buil...

How does starting young with a clear vision shape the trajectory of one's career? Individuals who set their sights on a clear professional goal often experience unique opportunities and challenges from the beginning of their journey. This mindset, which can start as early as high school or even earlier, involves thinking strategically about the future, developing key skills, and making deliberate...

In the Latino community, talking about mental health is seen as a source of shame or weakness. "We don't talk about these things..." or " En esta casa no se habla de eso... " are phrases that, unfortunately, most of us have heard at least once. Luckily, we also have people who confront this silence head-on and speak louder whenever they hear one of those phrases. In this episode, I'm joined by Mar...

Have you ever thought about how stories can shape the way children see themselves and their families? This week’s episode celebrates the power of representation in children’s literature and the importance of honoring our stories, especially the stories of hardworking immigrant families. When kids see themselves reflected in books, it fosters pride, connection, and confidence that lasts a lifetime....

If you had to choose today, would you shrink to fit or rise to lead? In this empowering episode, Jackie sits down with tech powerhouse Nikki Barua to explore the game-changing impact of AI, the immigrant hustle, and the power of representation. Nikkie is a Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Keynote Speaker, and the interim CEO of Latinas in Tech. From growing up in India with a collage of powerful women...

Have you ever thought about how a family business can shape your identity and future? This episode explores the power of legacy, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship. It celebrates honoring where you come from while carving your own path forward, showing that success isn't just about business—it's about connection, community, and staying rooted in your values. Alex De La Torre is a serial entrepre...

How many things in life would've been easier if someone had just told you what the hell was going on? As first-gen Latinas, we’ve heard “de eso no se habla” one too many times. Well, amiga... It’s time we start talking. This week, in part two of my conversation with Marisela Arechiga, we talk about all the things no one warned us about—not just menopause and perimenopause, but the entire build-up...

Amiga, have you ever wondered why some things feel so aligned while others just don’t sit right—no matter how hard you try? It might be time to explore your Human Design. In this soulful episode, Jackie taps into the magic of self-awareness, intuition, and transformation with Human Design coach and astrologer Ilona Pamplona. Together, they dive into how Human Design offers a blueprint for understa...

How long would you retain a manager who indulges in the perks of leadership but ignores its responsibilities? In today's special episode, we shoot things up with Marisela Arechiga. For our first-ever live episode, we decided to start with a banger: we analyze the aftermath of the LA fires. From omissive leadership to questionable political choices, we look deeply into the negligent attitude of tho...

Happy Women's Month, Amigas! This month is all about celebrating our strength, resilience, and the power of supporting one another. As women, we uplift and inspire each other, creating spaces where we can thrive, lead, and embrace our true selves. Together, we continue to break barriers and redefine success on our own terms. Tune in to Episode 225 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit , as Jackie shares her...

First generations and virtually every immigrant in the US know what diversity looks and sounds like. They know the struggles and the advantages of growing up in diverse environments but as entrepreneurs, do they know how to market their businesses in places where diversity is queen? Do you? In this episode, we meet a true powerhouse, Liliana Gil Valletta. Liliana is a former corporate executive tu...

Have you ever felt like life was guiding you toward a bigger purpose, even when you couldn’t see the full picture? In this episode, Jackie Tapia reflects on a full-circle moment as she shares a special interview conducted entirely in Spanish. She discusses her book, Amiga Way, the courses she has developed, and her mission with The Amiga Way Academy. Jackie also talks about her journey of self-dis...

Unfortunately, the Latino community has been permeated by an outdated narrative, and undervalued public perception about Latinos in our society  The way out? Is to look at ourselves through a different lens, highlight our strengths, and resignify what is seen as "negative traits" as advantages. In today's episode, we welcome the incredible Claudia Romo Edelman—host of A La Latina Podcast, fou...

Have you ever noticed how your friendships shift over time?  The people we connect with in childhood, during college, or in our early careers often play different roles in our lives as we grow. Priorities change, responsibilities increase, and our personal growth shapes the kind of friendships we seek. Some friendships endure through every phase, while others naturally fade or take new forms....

Once you realize that the failed business, the flopped test, or the heartbreak that split you in half did nothing but push you in the right direction, everything shifts. As cliche as it might sound, life is about perspective—rejection is re-direction.   In this episode, we meet the inspiring Monique Loza . Art and design have always been in Monique's blood—she even designed her own dress...

What’s holding you back from starting your dream business?  Fear of failure can often stand in the way of making bold moves. But what if embracing failure could actually help you succeed? Starting a business requires courage, resilience, and a mindset shift that transforms challenges into growth opportunities. The journey may not transform, but it’s always worth it. Brenda Palache is a serial...

Latino families carry both the weight of tradition and the power of unconditional support—the expectation for daughters to become mothers first, yet also the ability to help them break those very norms and become a badass Latina. In this episode, we meet Monica Aleman, a first-generation Latina who, against (almost) all odds, built a successful career in a male-dominated industry. With a Bachelor'...

Have you ever wondered what makes mezcal so unique compared to tequila? In this episode, we delve into the mezcal world with Mayra Villas, whose family produces this traditional spirit through their company, Hacienda Oponguio. Together, we explore mezcal's artistry and cultural roots, from its production process to its deep ties to Michoacán’s history and identity. Mayra Villa is an advocate for p...

Every new year feels like typing the first words on a blank page. There is no way to predict how the story will unfold, but we can rely on our past experiences to build it. We can use them to avoid pitfalls, explore fresh opportunities, and revisit ideas that didn’t work but still hold potential. In this episode, as we stretch our fingers and begin crafting our 2025 story, we pause to reflect and...

As we continue to navigate challenging times, it’s essential to hold on to hope. This episode sheds light on the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the city's unprepared response to the crisis. We explore how leadership failed to protect residents and manage the disaster effectively and the need for stronger future planning to prevent such tragedies from repeating. Tune in to Episode 215 of...

Most people pray for answers or solutions, yet they are right there. The only thing we need to pray for is wisdom to identify them. This week, in another flashback from the vault, we revisit the second most downloaded episode of 2024, my conversation with the magical Xitlalt Herrera. Xitlalt is the Founder and CEO of X Level Inc., a dynamic entrepreneur and a creative force. She relies on authenti...

Giving back to the community that forged us isn't only an act of gratitude, it is also a beautiful way of healing. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome superstar Annie Gonzalez to the show. Annie is a Creator, Artist, and Healer, best known for her roles at "Gentefied," "Vida," "Shameless," and "Flamin' Hot," the story of a Frito Lay's janitor who helped the company disrupt the snacks indus...

Have you ever wanted to drive without taking your eyes off your baby in the back seat? Today , we open the vault and revisit the most downloaded episode of 2024, my conversation with Lizette Espinosa . Lizette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Infanttech, a wife, a mother, a Latina businesswoman, and the creator of Zooby, a car baby monitor. Born in Mexico, Lizette grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs a...

What does financial independence mean in a world increasingly shaped by digital surveillance?  As technology evolves, so do how our financial and personal freedoms are monitored and, in some cases, restricted. From the rise of central bank digital currencies to the growing influence of blockchain technology, navigating this new era requires a proactive approach to safeguarding both privacy an...