Welcome to Season 5 of Viva la Mami! I'm so excited to share this new season focused on reclaiming our cultura as Latina mothers. In this premiere episode, I open up about what's been happening in my household with my boys who are 4 and under, and how watching them naturally connect with our traditions inspired this season's theme.

I share updates on our podcast journey - we now have over 120 episodes and 6,000+ downloads - and discuss how we're expanding the show while staying true to our mission of empowering Latina moms to redefine madrehood on their own terms.

What You'll Hear:

• How my boys' natural curiosity about our cultura sparked this season's focus on reclaiming our roots
• What "reclaiming our cultura" means for modern Latina mothers and why we don't have to choose between worlds
• This season's exciting lineup including conversations with curanderas, sobadoras, and experts on bilingual parenting
• Four ways you can support Viva la Mami as we grow and expand to new platforms like YouTube
• A major announcement coming this Monday, May 26th that newsletter subscribers will hear first

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode126

Resources Mentioned:

• VLM Newsletter signup: vivalamami.com/newsletter
• VLM Collective: vivalamami.com/collective
• Email: podcast@vivalamami.com
• The VLM podcast is NOW on YouTube!! If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to @vivalamami.

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!

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 challenges faced by the Latino community in accessing healthcare.

She offers practical strategies for meal planning and managing chronic diseases like diabetes through a cultural lens, stressing the importance of balance and inclusion rather than the elimination of cultural foods. We also touched on the impact of stress on eating habits, particularly for busy Latina moms, and how to address these issues holistically.

Mariana’s commitment to cultural sensitivity in her practice, Elemento Health, underscores her dedication to providing accessible and empathetic nutrition care. If you've ever felt shame about your cultural foods or struggled to find a healthcare provider who truly gets you, this episode is for you.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode125

Key topics covered:

• Breaking down barriers to accessing nutrition care for Latinas
• Making traditional dishes healthier while preserving cultural roots
• Managing stress eating and emotional relationships with food
• Practical meal planning strategies for busy mamas
• Culturally sensitive approaches to managing conditions like diabetes

Connect with Mariana from Elemento Health!

• Email: mariana@elementohealth.com
• Instagram: @elemento_health
• Website: elementohealth.com

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!

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 the impact of our cultural background and the importance of self-compassion in the parenting journey. This is an authentic, judgment-free conversation aimed at providing support and reminding mamis that they are not alone in their struggles. We also explore how to break generational cycles of parenting and create a more emotionally secure environment for our children.

For full show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode124

Connect with Jocelyn Flores

• Website: raiz-parenting.com
• Instagram: @raizparenting

Resources Mentioned:

• Get Raíz Parenting’s Break the Cycle Freebie: www.raiz-parenting.com/freebie

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You're listening to the Best of VLM episode series featuring the most popular episodes of the Viva la Mami podcast!

In this episode, we welcome Erika Milla, creator of Spanish En Casita, an online community for parents striving to raise bilingual children. As a dedicated mom raising bilingual kids, Erika shares how she's preserving Spanish at home.

In our conversation, we dive into the mental and emotional struggles of bilingual parenting and the ups and downs of dual immersion programs. Erika also opens up about homeschooling her kids and gives tips for other parents on similar journeys. In addition, talk about the importance of community, cultural pride, and staying intentional in raising bilingual children.

For full show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode123

Follow Erika Milla!

• Instagram: instagram.com/spanish.en.casita

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special bonus episode, I talk with author Catalina Margulis about her debut novel "Again, Only More Like You" which releases TODAY, April 29th, 2025! Catalina shares her journey from journalism and magazine editing to becoming an entrepreneur, book coach, and author while raising four children.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode122

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Catalina's experiences as a working mom inspired her novel's exploration of friendship between women on different sides of the motherhood spectrum
• The challenge of living authentically while balancing family responsibilities
• Finding creative fulfillment through "time sprints" and dedicated self-care that isn't just bubble baths
• Overcoming mom guilt when pursuing personal passions and career goals
• Embracing imperfection and focusing on your strengths as a parent

Connect with Catalina Margulis

• Website: catmargulis.com
• Book Website: againonlymorelikeyou.com
• Instagram: @catmargulis

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special season finale, I wrap up our transformative Balanced Madrehood series by bringing all the pieces together and showing how they create a cohesive approach to motherhood that honors both your heritage and your vision for your family's future.

Throughout the past seven episodes, we've explored the essential elements of creating a balanced madrehood experience: reclaiming our time, prioritizing self-care, rediscovering our passions, setting boundaries with family, breaking harmful cycles, and aligning our parenting with our authentic values.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode121

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How these six elements work together to create a madrehood experience that's truly yours
• The common identity questions many Latina moms struggle with and why this tension is actually a sign you're doing important work
• Real transformations I've witnessed in mamis who embrace the Balanced Madrehood approach
• Details about my Balanced Madrehood coaching program, now open for enrollment!
• An invitation to my special Open House event on Monday, April 28th at 7 PM CT

I'll be taking a three-week break after this episode, but you'll still hear a BONUS episode next Tuesday and our top three episodes from Season 4 in the coming weeks. When I return for Season 5, I'll bring fresh topics and inspiring guests to continue supporting you in your madrehood journey.

Resources mentioned:

• Register for the Open House on Monday, April 28th
• Enroll to Balanced Madrehood (open until May 12th)

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this seventh episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I discuss how aligning your parenting with your core values can transform your motherhood experience from reactive to intentional.

As busy mamás juggling careers, households, relationships, and more, it's easy to parent on autopilot - reacting to situations rather than responding based on what truly matters to us. But when we take the time to identify our core values and create a parenting approach that reflects them, we experience more confidence, less guilt, and a stronger sense of purpose.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode120

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What values really are and why they matter so much in parenting
• A simple exercise to identify your authentic core values (not just what others expect of you)
• How to translate abstract values into concrete, everyday parenting actions
• A 5-minute daily reflection practice that can transform your parenting approach

I share specific examples of how values like respect, connection, and resilience can be put into practice through daily parenting decisions, and explain why parenting from your authentic values is transformative not just for your children, but for you too.

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this sixth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I share one of the most challenging aspects of modern Latina motherhood: giving ourselves permission to break harmful cultural traditions while still honoring our rich heritage.

As Latina moms, we've inherited beautiful traditions that connect us to our roots - but if we're honest, we've also inherited patterns that don't serve us or our children. From "la chancla" discipline and authoritarian parenting to machismo attitudes and the expectation that moms should sacrifice everything for family, how do we honor where we come from while consciously choosing not to carry forward harmful patterns?

In this episode, I name specific cycles many of us experienced growing up in Latino households and provide practical strategies for breaking these patterns while maintaining cultural connection.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode119

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The specific harmful patterns many of us experienced (authoritarian parenting, la chancla culture, machismo, martyr mom syndrome, and more)
• Why breaking cycles doesn't make you any less Latina or connected to your roots
• Practical strategies for breaking generational patterns while honoring your heritage
• How to handle resistance from family members who don't understand your different approach
• Why breaking cycles is actually an act of love for your culture, not a rejection of it

Resources mentioned:

• Latinx Parenting
• Join the Balanced Madrehood waitlist: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood
• Episodes on how to break generational patterns
  • 049. Mindful Parenting and Overcoming Mom Guilt with Emily Daisy Gasca
  • 086. Navigating the Mental Load of Bilingual Parenting with Erika Milla from Spanish En Casita
  • 101. Managing Mom Rage and Emotional Dysregulation with Jocelyn Flores
  • 104. How to Manage Your Energy Without the Mom Guilt with Jessica Lynn Rojas

Feeling overwhelmed by navigating cultural expectations and modern parenting as a Latina mom? Join Balanced Madrehood, Viva la Mami's signature coaching program designed to empower Latina moms to create a more balanced and fulfilling madrehood journey. Head over to vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehood to learn more!

Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.

Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami

Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE

Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com

Have questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠