Our Other Stories

And we're finally here with the first guest episode of Season 03. Things are moving a bit slower over here at Our Other Stories this season, but we are working away and having some great conversations to share with you as soon as I can. For now, please enjoy this episode with Jennifer of Anakbayan Portland. We cover her journey into activism, the impact of US imperialism on the Philippines, the im...

Summary We're back! After a longer-than-originally-planned hiatus, Our Other Stories is back with this short solo episode with Madeleine. Here, I reflect on the ending of season two of Our Other Stories and share my personal journey over the past few months. I discuss my challenges with overcommitment, the importance of community engagement, and the need for action in the face of societal chao...

Summary As we near a close to season 02, Yvonne Hernandez shares her journey of becoming a meditation teacher and reiki master and her mission to teach meditation to one million children. She discusses the importance of self-care, cultural heritage, and the impact of meditation on children's emotional well-being. Yvonne reflects on her personal experiences with healing, how big life changes manife...

Summary In this episode, I speak with Sonia Saunders, founder of Mujerón Movement, about the importance of community, cultural identity, and personal growth. We discuss Sonia's journey from pageantry to television to creating a supportive platform for Latinas, the impact of motherhood on her life and business, and the significance of authenticity in building connections and relationships. Our conv...

Summary In this episode, I speak with Areli Barrera Grodzki, co-founder of Little Waves Coffee Roasters in a conversation that feels like a love letter to North Carolina and the places we call home. We discuss Areli's journey growing up in Cherokee, the challenges of leadership in the coffee industry, and the importance of storytelling and cultural identity. Areli shares her thoughts on embrac...

Summary In this episode of Our Other Stories, Matthew Torres shares his journey as a father, marketer, and founder of Long Beach Coffee Club. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of loneliness, and the role of movement in mental health. Our conversation explores cultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of perfectionism, all while emphasizing the significance of conn...

Summary In this episode, I speak with Helen Pelayo, founder of Lobos Gym in Portland. We explore the importance of community, cultural identity, and the journey of building a supportive community. Helen shares her personal experiences with loneliness, the impact of online communities, and the transformation of her business from a franchise to an independent gym. Our conversation highlights the sig...

Summary In this conversation, Ritzy and I sit down to explore what it means to be a change maker, the journey of self-identification, and the importance of community support. We discuss the nonlinear paths of our lives, the impact of neurodiversity, and the significance of reclaiming names and identities. Our conversation emphasizes the need for discernment in relationships and decision-making, th...

Summary In the first guest episode of season 2, Kita Zuleta shares her journey of creating Cafecito con Jefas, a community aimed at supporting Latina entrepreneurs that she built in an effort to combat loneliness while navigating life challenges. Kita discusses the importance of authenticity, connection, and embracing one's cultural identity. She emphasizes the role of community in personal gr...

Summary Welcome to the second season of Our Other Stories! This season, we are celebrating Latine/x/o/Hispanic heritage. But what does that mean? Join me, Madeleine, as I define these terms, share my own relationship with each of them and reflect on my identity and the complexities surrounding these terms. In this episode, I share my personal experiences growing up in the very diverse city of Los...

Summary Season 01 is pau! This is the wrap up episode and I'm so glad you're here. In this short and sweet episode, I talk about the journey of navigating this first season, what you can expect in Season 02, and how you can connect with me, Madeleine, as the creator of this podcast. The episode serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the connections that bind us together. Don't...

Summary In this conversation, I speak with Joan Obra, a dear friend and somatic hypnotist, about her multifaceted journey through life, exploring themes of identity, migration, and the impact of cultural influences. Joan shares her experiences as a Filipina American, the challenges of fitting into societal expectations, the model minority, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. Our...

A trigger warning that we discuss themes of war and violence in this episode. Summary Adriana M Rodriguez is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, community builder, and host of the Entre Tías y Amiguis podcast. Adri specializes in generational healing, family systems, and supporting first-generation professionals, adult children of immigrants, and people who are breaking cycles to c...

Summary In this episode, I share my family's migration story from Mexico to the United States, focusing on my mother's side. I reflect on the importance of understanding family history, the complexities of cultural identity, and the role of language in shaping one's sense of belonging. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, I emphasize the need for conversations about herit...

Summary In this episode of Our Other Stories, Maya Nguyen shares her family's migration story, focusing on her father's journey as a Vietnamese refugee. She discusses the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by immigrant families. Our conversation highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and the need for deeper connections with family mem...

Season 01 Episode 05 Sibu Szymanowska: Finding Home and Global Identity Summary In this conversation, Sibu Szymanowska shares her multifaceted journey as a migrant, exploring themes of identity, community, and the complexities of cultural exchange. From her experiences growing up in Costa Rica to her travels across the globe, Sibu reflects on the challenges and privileges of being a global citizen...

Season 01 Episode 04 Evan Raymond Spitzer: Global Events and Migration Summary In this episode, Madeleine Longoria Garcia and Evan Spitzer delve into the complexities of migration stories, focusing on our own family histories and the broader implications of immigration. We discuss the impact of global events on migration patterns, the bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining citizenship, and t...

Season 01 Episode 03 David Palazuelos: Assimilation and Identity Summary In this conversation, Madeleine Longoria Garcia and David Palazuelos explore themes of identity, migration, and community. They discuss the challenges of defining oneself beyond professional titles, the importance of personal connections in the coffee industry, and the impact of migration stories on community dynamics. David...

Season 01 Episode 02 Victoria Magaña Ledesma: Home, Hope, and Family Legacy Summary In this conversation, Madeleine speaks with Victoria Magaña Ledesma, a first-generation Latina and founder of Misma Lani Farms in Hawaii. They explore Victoria's family's migration story from Mexico to the United States, her experiences growing up in a multicultural environment in Hawaii, and the challenges faced b...

Season 01 Episode 01 Bracero: My Family's Migration Story Summary In this episode, Madeleine shares her family's migration story, focusing on the journey of her grandparents from Tlaxcala, Mexico, to the United States. She discusses the historical context of migration, the impact of the Bracero Program, and the challenges faced by immigrants. The episode emphasizes the human aspect of migration, t...

In the inaugural episode of 'Our Other Stories,' host Madeleine Longoria Garcia introduces the podcast's concept, inspired by the idea of 'sonder'—the realization that everyone has their own unique story. She emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories to foster understanding and connection among people. This episode outlines the podcast's structure, which will include solo episodes and gue...

Many stories coming soon