Many of us have felt stuck in a job that no longer aligns with who we are or where we want to be. This week on the pod, we candidly share when we’ve experienced  a need for change and how we approached transitions in our careers. We also explore the importance of granting ourselves permission to dream. You’ll also hear a brief conversation with author Marcela Fuentes discussing her novel “Malas”. Rich with cinematic details, this debut novel is a love letter to Tejano culture and...

In this episode of Tamarindo, Lydia Otero discusses their latest book, "L.A. Interchanges: A Brown & Queer Archival Memoir," which draws on their experiences as a queer activist and blue-collar worker in Los Angeles. The episode explores how the intersections of Otero's Brown and queer identities influenced their activism, highlighting memorable moments with communities like Lesbians of Color and Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos, which significantly shaped their journey. Website:...

Welcome to a musical episode of Tamarindo where we speak to two Latinas making waves in the  music scene: Daymé Arocena and Girl Ultra. We also speak about how we can practice self-care as we continue to grapple with the atrocities in Gaza. Listen with care.  Afro-Cuban soul star Dayme Arocena joins Tamarindo to talk about her first album in 5 years, Alkemi, produced by Eduardo Cabra of Calle 13. Blending neo-soul singing, Afro-Caribbean beats and modern pop, Daymé Arocena’s music is a...

Many of us have encountered work situations that don’t always feel inclusive, safe, or where we can be our authentic selves. It can at times feel like we don’t have the power to make a difference where we work. The truth is, with the right tools, resources, and support, there can be ways to start to make a positive change.  On this episode, we speak to Linet Mera, Ph.D., the Co-Executive Director of Calico Culture Strategies, where she leverages both first-hand experience and data-backed...

On this episode of Tamarindo, we speak to Maria Solis Belizaire, the Founder and CEO of Latinos Run. Maria, an activist, speaker, and marathoner, has dedicated her life to uniting the Latino community through running and other forms of exercise. Maria's commitment to health and fitness stems from personal loss and a desire to make a positive impact on her community. Having lost her mother and friends to cancer and heart disease, she saw the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Today,...

Dolores Huerta is an activist, civil rights leader, feminist, and icon. She is the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, which later became the UFW, and she continues to inspire, organize, and energize people to vote and effect change in their communities. She is the Founder of The Dolores Huerta Foundation, which passionately advocates for social justice, focusing on empowering marginalized communities through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and education initiatives....

In this episode of the Tamarindo Podcast, we speak with Katya Celeste Echazarreta González, a trailblazing Electrical Engineer, Science Communicator, and the first Mexican-born woman in space. Katya's groundbreaking experiences at NASA JPL, working on missions like Perseverance and Europa Clipper, shaped her trajectory and fueled her commitment to science and engineering communication. Katya discussed the lasting legacy of her spaceflight for Mexico, Latin America, and the global community,...

This week on Tamarindo, we introduce a new segment discussing news that caught our eye, plus we talk Presidential Election anxiety and consult political commentator Chuck Rocha to help us think about these feelings. Chuck Rocha the founder of Solidarity Strategies, one of the most successful minority-owned political consulting firms.  Articles Referenced: “Forgiveness is good for mental health, a new study shows” - Washington Post “Women who do strength training live longer. How much is...

In this episode of Tamarindo, we speak with Rocío Medina van Nierop, the CEO and Co-founder of Latinas in Tech. Rocío's journey in the tech industry spans over 15 years, during which she has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. Through Latinas in Tech, Rocío channels her passion into empowering Latina women, aiming to break barriers and foster representation in an industry where they are significantly underrepresented.  During our conversation, Rocío shares her experiences and...

On this episode we talk to Lío Mehiel, a  Puerto Rican and Greek actor, artist, and filmmaker who stars in the Netflix feature film, Mutt. The film tells the story of Feña,  a trans man that has a wild day including running into an ex, dealing with estranged family, and the overall challenges of being a young person navigating life and transitions. Lío’s critically acclaimed performance in Mutt earned them the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award in Acting, making them the first trans  actor to...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mirella Díaz-Santos, an expert in Alzheimer's disease research and neurology, as she guides us through the realm of brain health and wellness, with a special focus on the Latiné community. Drawing from her own experiences, Dr. Díaz-Santos shares the profound impact of her grandmother, Estrella, on her journey of Alzheimer's advocacy. Delving into the science, Dr. Díaz-Santos explains the concept of neuroplasticity, illustrating how our brains continually...

In this special episode recorded at Sonoro Studios in Mexico City, Delsy and Brenda kick things off with a playful spin the wheel round, unveiling hilarious anecdotes about themselves. Followed by a conversation around embracing passions, offering insightful tips and tricks on infusing creativity and passion into the everyday. From finding inspiration in the mundane to fostering a mindset of curiosity, they delve into actionable strategies to ignite the spark within. This episode offers a...

Natalia Lafourcade is a multi-Grammy award-winning contemporary musical artist, songwriter, singer, and producer from the state of Veracruz. Throughout her nearly 20-year career she has been part of countless musical projects and among her most popular songs are En el 2000, Un derecho de nacimiento, Hasta la Raíz, Nunca es suficiente, Tú sí sabes quererme and De todas las flores, among others. Natalia Lafourcade speaks to Tamarindo about De Todas las Flores, a musical diary inspired by...

Delsy and Brenda reflect on America Ferrera’s Oscar nomination, Guatemalan community celebrations, and concerning trends around Latina teen birth rates and abortion care access, and a whole bunch more on their minds this election year. (Article mentioned: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/texas-latina-teen-birth-rate-rises-after-abortion-ban-rcna135511) Next, Tamarindo speaks to professor and immigration lawyer, César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández about his forthcoming book WELCOME THE...

This Episode is for all the Fashionistas! We are joined by Cindy Castro, a prominent Latina fashion designer based in New York City. Originally from Ecuador, she pursued her dream of becoming a fashion designer.With a decade of industry experience, Cindy embarked on her mission to create her own women's ready-to-wear (RTW) line. Her brand, Cindy Castro New York, is characterized by a strong commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and remarkable craftsmanship. In this...

We’re embracing transitions at Tamarindo! On this episode, we welcome Delsy Sandoval as Tamarindo’s new co-host. Delsy and Brenda are the co-founders of Encuentro, the sold-out inaugural creative retreat to Puebla, Mexico. They’re building on their partnership by teaming up as Tamarindo’s co-hosts. Speaking of transitions, our guest is personal trainer and spin instructor Marcela Isaza who left behind a successful 20-year career as one of Hollywood’s top entertainment reporters to embark on...

Secretary Julian Castro joins Tamarindo to talk about his new role as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation. Secretary Castro was the youngest member of President Obama’s cabinet when he was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2014,  and in 2020, he ran for US President where he lifted many progressive issues.  He eventually endorsed Elizabeth Warren and I often wished for a Warren Castro 2020 ticket. You can learn more about the Latino Community Foundation here:...

Brenda and Ana Sheila reflect on 2023 and the years working as a duo and co-founders of Tamarindo LLC. Listen to the end for a special announcement.  Tamarindo is a lighthearted show where hosts Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino discuss politics, culture, and self-development. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo...

This episode is for all the curlies! We are joined by Julissa Prado, a cultural changemaker and the Founder/CEO of Rizos Curls, a clean hair care line that celebrates the beauty of curls, coils and waves everywhere through high quality products and educational content.  In this conversation, we get the inspiring origin story of how Julissa went from doing friends' hair in school to a multimillion dollar company that now has products at Target, Ulta beauty, and Sally beauty Mexico.  A story...

Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today. Why does it matter to so many people? Do we really need to stay relevant and what happens if we don't? Episode Summary What is relevance, particularly for POC in the entertainment industry? Mike...

We start this episode with a catch up and dive into some tips that can help listeners that may be struggling with the heaviness of the news and seasonal change. Next, Brenda talks about her experience traveling to Spain to learn about its culture, institutions, and how modern day Spain relates to Latin America and the United States. Our guest is Zack Quintero, the Executive Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), an organization committed to making a cultural home for the...

On this episode of Tamarindo, we are joined by Alejandra Campoverdi, the author of the new memoir, First-Gen. Alejandra Campoverdi's life reads like a series of impressive accolades, but she asks us to look underneath the accolades she describes as the often unacknowledged tolls of being a trailblazer. Some of these trailblazer tolls include “Invisible Inheritances,” “Bicultural Balancing Act,” and “Breakaway Guilt.  In our conversation, she expands on these tolls and reminds us that while...

This week, Brenda and Ana Sheila guest co-host an episode of RISK!, a live show and weekly podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public, created and hosted by Kevin Allison (MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix). You’ll hear RISK’s fourth episode of their Hispanic Lives series, with stories by Marga Gomez, David Arroyo, and Lily Be. Tamarindo is a lighthearted show where hosts Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino discuss politics, culture, and...

On this episode of Tamarindo, we are joined by Lily, the founder of Zapotec Travel by Lily, a sustainable travel company working with 100% small indigenous-owned and women-led businesses and communities outside of Oaxaca City. We explore the indigenous roots of the Dia de los Muertos celebration, anti-indigeneity and discrimination in Mexico, and reconnecting with roots, ancestors, and home.  Jose Richard Aviles guest co-hosts this episode while Brenda is away. José Richard Áviles is an...