Growing Up Spanglish

In this powerful episode of Growing Up Spanglish, we sit down with Panamanian-Haitian creative strategist and wellness founder Cristina “Cris” Jerome (@cristinaashly_) for a conversation that bridges culture, burnout, and the radical act of rest. From her no sabo kid upbringing in Virginia to building community in Miami, launching the beloved RnBae showcase, and now leading the mental health nonpr...

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dominicana, entrepreneur, and mother Ashley Flete — and this time, we’re talking about strength, purpose, and doing it scared. Ashley walks us through her career journey, from working as a news anchor to suing her former employer in a class action lawsuit — and how that moment of risk opened the door for so many others. We also get into spiritual gro...

This week on Growing Up Spanglish, we’re joined by Dominican-American media host, marketing coordinator, FAMU grad, and proud mama Ashley Flete for the first of a two-part conversation about parenting, boundaries, and healing out loud. Ashley grew up in a traditional Hispanic household — old-school values, tight-knit family, summers in DR. But now as a mother, she’s raising her daughter with more...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Peruvian-American singer Marcel Ledoux, we explore music, identity, and the pressure to be culturally “authentic.” Marcel opens up about his artistic evolution, the tension between creativity and belonging, and what it means to reconnect with your heritage — even if you didn’t grow up speaking the language. 🎙️ We talk Drake, Bad Bunny, NSYNC, the power of vulnera...

Marcel Ledoux joins Roxy and Kovi to talk about growing up Peruvian-American, feeling disconnected from his culture, and the identity crisis that shaped his life. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we explore what it means to feel like an outsider in your own culture, how therapy sparked a healing journey, and why reclaiming identity isn’t always simple. Timestamps: 00:00 – Word of the Day:...

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Miami artist @Coinslot, we dive deeper into the role of art in activism, why separating the artist from the art is so complex, and how today’s culture is shaped by social media, stan behavior, and censorship. We also explore the making of his evolving universe of original characters, and the future of art in the age of AI and digital pressure. This episo...

In this powerful two-part episode, Roxy and KJ sit down with Cuban-Honduran artist Coinslot, whose bold art and bolder opinions have sparked conversation across Miami and online. From growing up in the 305 to navigating the politics of identity, immigration, and social media, this episode dives deep into the personal stories and cultural tensions that shape our communities. Whether you agree or no...

What does it mean to create legacy when the system tells you you don’t belong? In this powerful episode, Roxy and KJ sit down with Venezuelan-born creative and DACA recipient Dani Cardenas, founder of Tiny Stage Entertainment. Dani shares her family’s harrowing escape from political persecution in Venezuela, growing up undocumented in New York, and how she turned fear into fuel by building one of...

In this episode of Growing Up Spanglish, artist and curator Lauryn Lawrence joins Roxy and Kovi to talk about growing up Afro-Caribbean in South Florida, preserving culture through food, and choosing tenderness over transaction in art and identity. From stew peas and short hair to photography and feminism, Lauryn keeps it real, raw, and rooted. Timestamp Guide: [00:00:00] Intro + Spanish Word of t...

After being sentenced to federal prison, Amanda and Legend wrote over 300 letters to each other — letters that would eventually become the foundation of their nonprofit, 300 Letters. In this powerful episode, they join Roselyn to share their journey from incarceration to inspiration. We talk about: Growing up in survival mode What it really means to be labeled a “felon” How incarceration impacts e...

In the Season 3 premiere, Roselyn sits down with Puerto Rican multidisciplinary artist ⁠D’ana, aka COVL⁠, to talk about growing up in Miami, navigating the in-between of cultural identity, and creating art that heals. From the word of the day (mudanza) to the challenges of being “Latina enough,” this episode is full of laughter, love, and real talk about the diaspora experience. ⏱️ Episode Highlig...

In the season 2 finale of 'Growing Up Spanglish,' host Roxy visits Cafe Antilles in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn. Joined by cafe owners Drew and Erick, they discuss their connection to Miami, their Caribbean roots, and the unique cultural blend that inspired their menu. The episode delves into their college days as fraternity brothers at Johnson & Wales University, the importance of Dominican and Ha...

In this episode of 'Growing Up Spanglish,' host Roxy sits down with Miami DJ, Kamari Esson, at CoLab Studios. Kamari shares his family's Cuban heritage and their unbelievable migration story. He also discusses how his diverse musical tastes influenced his DJ career and reflects on the post-COVID club scene in Miami, celebrity encounters, and the unspoken rules of DJing. The episode is a heartfelt...

In this episode, Abe Acay shares his incredible life story. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Abe opens up about his Afro-Cuban heritage and the challenges his family faced, including his father's political imprisonment and their emigration to the USA in 1991. Abe discusses his early passion for performing arts, growing up in culturally rich Hialeah, and the impact of his parents' untimely passing...

Meet Tony M. Centeno, also known as Tony MC, a Cuban and Puerto Rican music journalist. He opens up about deciding between speaking English or Spanish in elementary school and how it affected him. The conversation dives into the influence of Latin music, discovering reggaeton in his teen years and his experiences interviewing high-profile Latin artists like Ozuna and Anuel. We also get to hear abo...

In this episode, Roxy and KJ talk with Mario De Los Santos, aka Telescope Thieves, about his Dominican heritage, growing up in the Hialeah park system, and his diverse musical journey from rap group to dance-rock band member. The conversation also delves into Mario’s transition from music to software development, spurred by the pandemic as well as the decision to step back from his DJ career to fi...

Wendy Giovanna shares her life story of moving from Colombia to the U.S. at the age of six, dealing with the challenges of undocumented status, family separation, and growing up mostly alone. Wendy discusses the strain her parents' pursuit of the American dream placed on their marriage, her subsequent spiritual journey and passion for art. We touch on Christina Aguilera and Shakira, contextualizin...

Melissa Marin discusses her Colombian heritage, life in West Palm Beach, and her diverse career from soccer to the music industry to motherhood. We explore the intersection of cultural identity, dating interracially, and the balance between artistic integrity and modern marketing techniques like TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Ricky Perez, a Salvadoran-American from West Palm Beach. Ricky discusses his journey from graphic design to owning Zipitios, a Mesoamerican taqueria. He shares his experiences hosting 'Tacos & Hip Hop' parties and his family's immigration story. Listen as he highlights his culinary inspirations from Mexico and his plans to open a restaurant in a now safer El Salvador. The episode underscores...

This episode we sit down with Shanice, an Afro-Latina of Costa Rican descent. The discussion delves into personal experiences with colorism and racism, reflecting on family dynamics, societal expectations, ethical travel, and the importance of community. Additionally, it highlights the pivotal role of nurturing young black girls and preserving cultural legacies. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

This week’s podcast episode features guest Kangela (a.k.a. Kangie). We delve into Kangie's experiences of growing up as an immigrant from Peru, adopting a new cultural identity in America, and her creative journey. The conversation also highlights significant moments like Kangie's name change, her community-building efforts through art and music collectives like X-Laced, and the emotional impact o...

Angel Martinez recounts his transition from the Dominican Republic to the United States, exploring the impact of his family connections, cultural changes, and personal growth influenced by his father's choices. Through discussions on resilience and changing identities, he presents a modern view on love and family relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wrapping up season 1 with Hialeah's finest, Gustavo Villalobos. We dive into his Colombian and Argentinian summers as a kid, the controversy behind how Latino's identify and Roxy's beef with Rosalia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we sit down with Aldhair, creative director and founder of Up 2 Something Studios. We discuss his mother's influence in his creative career, the responsibility of providing for family back home in Venezuela and his love for zombie movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reyna Noriega, multihyphenate creative and Afro-Latina, gives us insight into her Caribbean upbringing, the complexity of defining and defending your ethnicity and creative process behind her feminine and colorful art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices