Tamarindo

On this episode, we are joined by Gabriela Fresquez, a Mexican-American hyphenated: actor, writer, television host and stand up comedian. Most recently, she wrote, produced and hosted Telemundo’s first-of-its-kind English language news show, Radar, with the tagline, “Not Your Abuela’s News Show.” We talk about the evolving world of News Media generally, but especially when it comes to speaking to younger generations and the difficult task of connecting with broad Latinx communities that we always say, are NOT a monolith.  It’s a great conversation that talks about nuance, the use of humor and connection in sharing information, and what we’re hopeful about when it comes to our and future generations.  You can find Gabriela Fresquez on Instagram and Twitter and watch her show Radar on Youtube!  Lastly, before we get into our interview, we acknowledge the heartbreaking leaked brief that indicated that the SCOTUS is looking to roll back Roe v. Wade. We will be discussing this in a future episode but had to ad

This week on Tamarindo, Curly Velasquez and Maya Murillo from The Super Secret Bestie Club join the show for this special crossover episode. You’ll get to hear us talk about friendship, who we were in middle school, and learn more about The Super Secret Bestie club, another great podcast from Sonoro Media. We also announce a special perk for Tamarindo Podcast listeners. We know you all love to read and that you are mindful about where you spend your dollars. So if you want to support a Latina-owned, independent, online book store dedicated to intersectional and anticolonialist stories, now you can by shopping at xolobooks.com and using the code TAMARINDO to get 10% off your purchase.   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, representation, and life!  Brenda and  Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo p

On this episode of Tamarindo, we are talking all about sex.  We are joined by Dr. Janet Brito, a nationally certified Latinx sex therapist, supervisor, speaker, and trainer. Currently based in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is the founder of the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health and The Sexual Health School. She’s been featured in Oprah Magazine, The Huffington Post, Playboy, Healthline, Women’s Health Magazine,Thrive Global, and Bustle.  Together we talk about what's often behind the unhealthy relationships we have with sex and why pleasure is our right and an important part of our liberation. Then, Dr. Janet Brito answers all the questions submitted by you! Follow Dr. Brito here.  Ana Sheila mentions Adrienne Maree Brown’s book Pleasure Activism and quotes a part of her interview from the podcast Pleasure Activism- Change that Nourishes You.   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheil

On this episode, Brenda and Ana Sheila catch up after a brief break. Then, you'll hear Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez speak about her phenomenal book, “For Brown Girls: With Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts.” Even if you haven’t picked up her book, you’ll gain some great insights about the writing and publishing process, and get to learn more about what fuels Prisca’s bold and unapologetic voice that’s inspired Latina rebels all across the country.  Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez is a storyteller, public theologist, and a feminist. The bulk of her work is around making accessible, through storytelling and curating content, the theories and heavy material that is oftentimes only taught in the racist/classist institutions known as academia.   Use promo code TAMARINDO and order a copy of her book at our favorite Latina-owned book store: https://www.xolobooks.com/   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and

On this episode, you’ll hear Brenda and Ana Sheila as guests of L.A. Taco Live with Laura, a popular YouTube show from LA’s best online publication. Laura interviewed us and we reflected on Women’s History Month and our favorite taco spots, plus so much more. Laura is an educator and reporter with L.A. Taco, and you can follow her on IG at @hungryineastlos    Don’t miss L.A. TACO Live with Laura every Thursday on Youtube.com/LATACO   Checkout more of L.A. Taco:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/lataco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losangelestaco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lataco   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, representation, and life!  Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media.

Today, we speak to Kathy Cano Murillo, the full-time creativepreneur and author also known as Crafty Chica. She has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Buzzfeed and more. Kathy shares nuggets helpful to anyone ranging from how to recover from rejection, how to actually practice self love, how to be always ready for opportunities, and ultimately how the best thing you can do to get what you want is to start from where you are. You’re gonna want to take notes for this one. Kathy has a new book out called Crafty Chica Creates celebrating 20 years of her brand. You can follow her IG and TikTok @craftychica - as well as her website, CraftyChica.com.    Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, representation, and life!  Brenda and  Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production suppor

This week on the pod, we talk to Dr. Manuel Pastor about how we can build a better economy centered on people, equity, and mutuality.  Dr. Pastor talks to us about his latest book, “Solidarity Economics:Why Mutuality and Movements Matter” which he co-authored with Dr. Chris Benner.  Here is what Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder of PolicyLink,  has to say about this book.  “In this powerful blueprint for an equitable future, Manuel Pastor and Chris Benner provide a bold critique of conventional wisdom about who owns the economy.  They challenge us to radically imagine how we can design OUR economy to be fully inclusive and guided by the principles of mutuality and solidarity, ensuring that we put people first.” Dr. Pastor ‘s research generally focuses on issues of the economic, environmental and social conditions facing low-income urban communities – and the social movements seeking to change those realities. You can learn about him and about Solidarity Economics here: https://solidarityeconomics.org/  

In light of continued attacks on the rights of trans people, we are revisiting our episode with Lizette Trujillo, a parent and advocate for LGBTQ+ lives. Her son Daniel has been speaking out, including recently in Arizona and Texas, to advocate for the rights of all kids, including trans kids. We’re so inspired by him and all those standing up to hateful legislation, including a Texas legislation that aims to criminalize gender affirming healthcare for children: https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/02/25/texas-officials-threaten-transgender-children-and-families   On this episode, Lizette shares how raising her trans son has changed her life and how leading with love made her into the fierce advocate and activist she is today. This powerful conversation happens as hundreds of heartbreaking anti trans bills are being passed across the country and our trans community are being denied basic human rights. We hope this conversation inspires you to open your hearts and get more involved in supporting our trans communit

Today, we are talking to Zahra Noorbakhsh, a Femisnit,  Muslim, and Iranian American comic that we love! She’s a brilliant educator that has an on-going standup and storytelling workshop that always sells out and that you all need to checkout.  Zahra’s work is empowering, especially to those who want to sharpen their comedy writing and performing, even when society is bombarding us with messages that we are not enough. Working with Zahra is THERAPEUTIC, you’ll soon hear why. Look out for Zahra later this year with her very own Comedy Special and keep up with her at zahracomedy.com.   Don’t forget to sign up for our event March 1: Step Into Your Voice & Power, details at tamarindopodcast.com/events   Sign up for Brenda’s workout class starting Mach 7. Details are at tamarindopodcast.com/workout   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on c

On today’s episode we are joined by Jasmine Higgins, the queer Latina behind the award winning podcast Infertilidad Latina. Infertilidad Latina was born out of Jasmine’s heartbreaking and overwhelming journey to expand her family. We talk about misconceptions around infertility which affects 1 in 8 women and is defined as not being able to conceive after one year. Jasmine also shares about what family expansion looks like for LGBTQ+ families and why that led her to kick off supporting these communities through a family planner and 1:1 support. Ana Sheila also mentions her visit to a fertility clinic in Mexico called Centro de Fertilidad.  Ultimately, we want to ground this conversation in the belief that a family is whatever you define it as and that deciding to expand or not expand a family is a very personal and sometimes difficult decision and process. As always, visibility and representation is so important.  Jasmine mentions Resolve.org and Cade foundation in addition to her podcast Infertilidad Latina

We talk to probably one of the coolest English professors on the planet, Dr. Steven Alvarez. He created a course and platform called “Taco Literacy” where he explores Mexican foodways and what these foodways can teach us about American history and migration. He’s also an author, a poet, and a musician. Learn more about his journey from a small town in Arizona to going viral on Vice for his work with Taco Literacy. Learn more about him and his work tacoliteracy.com and on this episode.   Follow Dr. Alvarez: @Chastitellez We mention this article:  https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/02/oklahoma-bill-fire-teachers-offending-christian-morals-teaching-biology/ https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/06/02/in-changing-u-s-electorate-race-and-education-remain-stark-dividing-lines/   Don’t miss our event “Step Into Your Voice and Power” happening on March 1 at 6pm PT: https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance

On this episode of Tamarindo we speak to comedian, writer, and actor Aida Rodriguez. With her own HBO MAX comedy special and upcoming TV series, Aida is taking the comedy world by storm and we love to see it!  Aida talks about the power of comedy in overcoming adversity while sharing her experience as an outspoken Afro-indigenous woman in a field that continues to be dominated by men.  We get into the importance of staying grounded in our purpose and in connection with community as well as the need for nuance, openness, and gce in many of the conversations that are happening in the broader Latinx community around identity and representation. The wisdom, gems, unapologetic realness, and inspiration is non stop on this episode.  Check out the trailer for Aida’s standup special Fighting Words on HBO Max here and  follow her on instagram and Twitter!  This episode is sponsored by Alma Explores who has a special opportunity just for Tamarindo Podcast listeners. Alma is opening up registration to her upcoming t

Today, we are talking to Yvette Borja, the founder, host and producer of the Radio Cachimbona podcast. A graduate of Stanford Law School and Yale College before that, Yvette is now a staff writer at Balls & Strikes where she gets to call out problems with our legal system while getting paid to do what she loves. We talk about the shows we’re loving, why this SCOTUS is garbage, and what moved her to pivot her career. Listen to Radio Cachimbona: https://www.radiocachimbona.com/ Keep up with Yvette on Twitter: @yvetteborjaAZ  We reference these articles: https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/01/16/us/spanish-homework-racist-new-york-mill-middle-school/index.html https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-18/california-to-remove-in-lakech-affirmation-from-ethnic-studies Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, repr

In this episode of Tamarindo, Brenda and Ana Sheila go back in time and talk about their favorite things and memories from the early 2000s. They then delve into the popular trend of using the phrase “La Toxica” everywhere from songs to boats to aprons. A person with toxic qualities as anyone who is abusive, unsupportive, or unhealthy emotionally. Now, the word has started taking all types of meanings in the public sphere from empowerment, to humorous, and not surprisingly, also as a way to dismiss women.  Learn Brenda and Ana Sheila's take on all this, and how to spot toxic behavior, in ourselves and others, and what we can do about it.  This article from Mind Body Green is referenced on the show: 19 Signs Of A Toxic Relationship & What To Do If You're In One Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, representati

This episode is co-hosted by Benjamin-Sharom Rodriguez, a queer, Mexican-Israeli (Free Palestine!)-American writer, director, and comedian, who joins Brenda to reflect on the New Year, new love, and the movie Don’t Look Up. Ben and Brenda also chat about how over 5 million people signed a petition seeking justice for a Colorado truck driver named Rogel Aguilera-Moderos who received an outrageous 110-year sentence for a tragic accident. (Ana Sheila will be back next week) Our guest is Boyle Heights born and raised, the Honorable Judge Lucy Armendariz who talks to us about how she brings her whole self to work and leads with compassion as a  judge presiding over cases in East LA. Her remarkable story and message is a great way to start 2022!  Motivated by her experiences as a foster child, Judge Armendariz has a long history of involvement in her community. Judge Armendariz bounced between homes before a long-term placement provided the stability that facilitated her pursuit of a college education. Determine

On this last episode of the year, Brenda and Ana Sheila invite some friends to reflect on the best books, shows, movies, and moments of 2021.   You’ll hear Catherin and Rosa of Latinx Lens, a podcast where two Latinas talk about Latino representation & contribution in film & television while also reviewing an array of films all through their unique Latina lens, check them out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latinx-lens/id1518650275   We also talked to Jackie Gonzalez from Traviesa Reading Club, you can follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/traviesa_readingclub/?hl=en Brenda spoke to Eddie Carmona, Campaign Director at the National Immigrant Law Center to get a recap of 2021 in terms of immigration policy. To get involved with NILC, go to:  https://www.nilc.org/action/ https://www.nilc.org/get-involved/waystogive/   Follow NILC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @NILC   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con c

Ana Sheila and Brenda love traveling to Mexico and many folks, like Ana Sheila, have made the relocation from the US to Mexico City in recent years. Our friend Alma Tilghman, founder of the travel company Alma Explores joins us to talk about living and traveling in Mexico.  Before our chat with Alma, Brenda and Ana Sheila catch up and talk about taking time to recharge.  Alma Explores is a travel company that creates meaningful travel journeys for the curious and mindful explorer. They partner with local communities to bring you cultural experiences and private curated trips that educate, inspire, and feed the soul. Check out their website at https://almaexplores.com/   Take our listener survey by December 17: https://contact675925.typeform.com/to/reCekfav?typeform-source=linktr.ee   Take the LGBTQ+ Women’s Survey: bit.ly/PodTamarindo   Suggested Reading:  Mexico City’s Remote Worker Problem Biden Expands Remain in Mexico Policy   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics

Shame is the voice in our ear that tells us we’re not enough, that asks us who we think we are when we have the courage to try to do or be. On this episode of Tamarindo, we are joined by guest Angelica Maria, a Chicana poet & singer. She is an advocate of divine femme power, an internationally touring artist & mami of the poetry book “They Call Me”.Together we unpack shame; we ground in what shame is, why we experience it, and how we can stop giving it so much power while embracing the power of vulnerability.    During the conversation, we reference Brene Brown’s Ted talk “Listening to Shame” and Glennon Doyle’s Book “Untamed”.    Angelica reads a poem from her poetry book called  “They Call Me bien creida” and we play a portion of her song “Me Vale”, from her forthcoming album.    Our episode is sponsored by Alma Explores, Marisa Ramirez Consulting, and by Justice Work. Justice work is encouraging our community to participate in the first ever National LGBTQ+ Women*s Community Survey to help address th

We’ve partnered with Con Todo Press, a publishing company dedicated to creating children’s books that celebrate Latino leaders and culture to help fill the gap in the publishing industry, where Latina/o/x stories are vastly under-represented, to talk about the importance of Latinx representation in children’s books.  We speak to Con Todo Press founder, Naibe Reynoso who shares how the 2016 election inspired her to shift from a career in on air journalism to create Con Todo Press and counter the misrepresentation of Latinos in the media and hostile climate for our communities that she experienced. Learn how children’s books are an important component to movement building and changing narratives.  Reynoso’s latest book “Courageous Camila” about a little girl who finds courage and inspiration from her mom’s immigrant journey, is out December 8th.    20% Off Bilingual Kids Books You can check out all of Con Todo Press’s books at https://www.contodopress.com/ and get 20% off using our promo code TAMARINDO at

This week, we reflect on Dia de Los Muertos, talk about unique ways folks celebrate the holidays, and leave you with a calma practice you can use ahead of those difficult moments with family. We also speak to Mariah Castañeda, the host of the hit new podcast “SmokeScreen: The Sellout.”  Mariah is a Los Angeles reporter who covers local politics, environmental issues, and  immigrant rights issues. Her work has been featured in L.A. Taco, the New York Times, Voice of OC, and Fusion.  “SmokeScreen:The Sellout” podcast is produced in collaboration with grassroots media organization L.A. TACO. It is an investigative series about corruption, gentrification, and the city council member that sold out his community in favor of big developers. Checkout the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smoke-screen-the-sellout/id1525807626 Articles referenced: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/how-white-women-helped-propel-republicans-victory-virginia-n1283153 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/critical-r