Viva la Mami - Latina Motherhood, Modern Parenting, Latina Well-Being

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...

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...

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 us...

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 di...

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 par...

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 challeng...

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/epi...

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 W...

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,...

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...

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 smil...

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 commun...

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 an...

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...

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 chal...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 conversati...

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 prese...

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 cu...

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-bein...

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, an...

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 health H...

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 tradit...