In this episode, Adri sits down with Naomi Fierro Peña, a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, a space for BIPOC adults to engage in creative play as a form of self-care and liberation. 🌿

Naomi shares her journey from being a teacher burned out by the pressures of white supremacy culture to creating a business focused on using art, creativity, and play to foster healing and connection in the BIPOC community. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming creativity as adults, breaking free from the pressures of perfectionism and internalized capitalism, and creating spaces where creativity doesn’t have to be monetized or productive—it can simply be joyful and healing. 🎨

They explore how That Art Party offers BIPOC adults a safe space to reconnect with their creativity, form meaningful connections, and heal through community and play. Naomi also highlights the importance of collaboration with other BIPOC artists, and how her events foster a sense of belonging, freedom, and self-expression.

This episode will resonate with anyone who’s felt disconnected from their creativity, wants to embrace play, or is looking for community-driven spaces that center healing and joy.

Guest Bio:

Naomi Fierr-Peña is a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, an art and play space for BIPOC adults. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher, Naomi now focuses on creating transformative and liberatory experiences through creative playdates, bringing healing and joy to her community through art.

Links:

Website https://www.thatartparty.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/that.art.party/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Naomi’s Journey

04:30 - Burnout and Breaking Free from White Supremacy Culture

08:00 - Creating That Art Party: Art as Liberation

11:30 - The Importance of Creative Play for Healing

16:00 - Internalized Capitalism and Creativity

19:45 - The Healing Power of Play for BIPOC Adults

24:15 - Art as a Tool for Mental Health

28:30 - Building Community Through Creative Play

33:10 - Intentional Living and Curating Meaningful Spaces

39:00 - The Power of Parallel Play and Collaboration

45:00 - Growing Up in San Francisco’s Mission District and Its Influence on Art

50:00 - Final Thoughts: Returning to Your Inner Child"

In this conversation, Adri and Lupe dive into their podcast journey and the concept of 'señorahood,' reclaiming and redefining what it means to embrace adulthood with confidence and authenticity. They share reflections on self-acceptance, self-awareness, and how they’ve learned to set boundaries while embracing creativity and play.

Adri and Lupe discuss the challenges of friendships in adulthood, including the need for intentionality and boundaries to maintain healthy, reciprocal relationships. They also explore the role of social media in connecting with others and finding joy in shared interests.

Together, they reflect on the pressures of internalized capitalism and how to navigate self-worth beyond money or recognition. Lupe opens up about her journey of balancing self-care with nurturing a home environment and the importance of embracing change and aging as part of building community and connection.

Guest Bio:

Lupe Nambo is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and owner of Luna Counseling in Sacramento, California. With a passion for fostering healing through a decolonial, intersectional, and anti-racist approach, Lupe provides a safe and inclusive space for all, while focusing on supporting communities of color.

As a first-generation Latina and daughter of immigrants, Lupe’s journey deeply informs her work, helping clients navigate systemic inequalities and heal from generational trauma.

Outside of her work, Lupe proudly identifies as a certified chillona (crier) with a dash of neuro-spicy flair. You’ll often find her Bookstagramming, crafting creations, cuddling her fur babies, and chasing all of her passions—one tear at a time.

Links:

Website:

https://www.luna-counseling.com/en/home

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/luna_counseling/ and https://www.instagram.com/libros.de.lupe/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Podcasting

02:30 Exploring Señorahood 06:29 Embracing Identity

09:19 Owning Señorahood

13:54 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance

17:24 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

21:07 Cultivating Creativity and Play

25:20 The Role of Reading in Their Lives

28:14 Navigating Friendships: Creating Boundaries and Being Intentional

32:21 The Role of Social Media in Connecting with Others

34:12 Being Open to New Friendships While Prioritizing Time and Energy

36:19 Mutual Understanding and Reciprocity in Healthy Relationships

48:25 Embracing Change and Aging as Part of the Journey

50:54 Cultivating Community and Connection

In this conversation, Adri and Violetta explore the topic of family estrangement, specifically within the BIPOC community. Violetta shares her journey as a Mexican licensed mental health therapist and how her personal and professional experiences led her to focus on family estrangement through her practice, Latinx Estrangement.

Adri and Violetta discuss the misconceptions surrounding estrangement, such as the assumption that reconciliation is always the goal. They delve into the emotional spectrum of estrangement, including the role of guilt, grief, and the need for safety and boundaries. Together, they examine how collectivistic and individualistic values influence the experience of estrangement and the impact of cultural norms like machismo and marianismo.

The conversation highlights the importance of addressing emotions, offering support to those navigating family estrangement, and the power of creating new traditions and communities. Violeta also emphasizes that healing from estrangement often focuses on rebuilding oneself rather than seeking reconciliation.

Guest Bio

Violetta is a licensed mental health therapist and founder of Latinx Estrangement, a practice dedicated to supporting individuals navigating family estrangement, particularly within the BIPOC community. Violetta’s work focuses on breaking down the misconceptions around estrangement and providing the emotional support and resources needed for healing and renewal.

Links

Therapist Profile: https://latinxtherapy.com/therapists/violetta-m-fernandez-lcsw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinx_estrangement/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@latinxestrangement?lang=en

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Violeta’s Background

03:03 Introducing the Topic of Family Estrangement

05:15 Inspiration and Focus on Family Estrangement

09:15 The Influence of Personal Experience on the Approach to Estrangement

12:32 Misconceptions and Barriers to Recognizing Family Estrangement

17:05 The Role of Collectivistic Values in Family Estrangement

21:33 Cultural Values and Family Estrangement

27:14 Understanding the Spectrum of Family Estrangement

34:09 Navigating Guilt and Grief in Estrangement

38:24 Rebuilding Oneself and Establishing New Traditions

44:37 Supporting Loved Ones in Estrangement

In this conversation, Adri and Kita (@lajefakita + @cafecitoconjefas + @kitazuletaphoto) discuss what it means to be a multi-potentialite and how embracing multiple passions can be a superpower in business and life. Kita, a first-gen Mexi-Salvi Jefa, shares her journey of navigating ADHD, balancing diverse roles, and building a thriving community through Cafecito con Jefas. The conversation explores the challenges of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and how multi-potentialites can leverage adaptability and rapid learning to succeed.

Adri and Kita also discuss the importance of community in supporting entrepreneurship, highlighting how Cafecito con Jefas has become a space where Jefas can connect, learn, and grow together. Kita reflects on the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout and how creating a community has empowered her while supporting others.

They discuss showing up authentically in different spaces and how owning your identity as a multi-potentialite can lead to success, even when the world tells you to niche down. Kita emphasizes that leaning into your strengths can be the key to building a business and life that reflects your full self.

Guest Bio

Kita Zuleta is a first-gen Mexi-Salvi Brand Strategist, Coach, Photographer, and Podcaster. She is the founder of Cafecito con Jefas, a community and podcast designed to help Jefas grow their brands, connect with one another, and pursue holistic entrepreneurship. Kita, a neurodivergent creative, believes in embracing all aspects of yourself and using those superpowers to build a business that’s true to you.

Links

Website: https://www.cafecitoconjefas.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cafecito-con-jefas/id1689868420

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafecitoconjefas

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sharing Identities

05:12 Embracing the Multi-Potentialite Identity

09:49 Navigating Multiple Roles and Interests

12:20 Challenges of People-Pleasing and Perfectionism

14:06 The Traits of Multi-Potentialites: Idea Synthesis, Rapid Learning, and Adaptability

19:39 Finding Validation and Fulfillment as a Multi-Potentialite

21:33 Strategies for Managing and Balancing Diverse Roles

25:53 Communicating the Multi-Potentialite Identity

43:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Real-Life Experiences

51:11 Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout

58:12 Paving the Way for Future Generations of Jefas

In this conversation, Adri and Michell explore the intersection of identity, law, and advocacy. Michell shares her experiences as a first-generation queer Latina navigating the legal world and how her background has shaped her journey as a Family Law attorney. The discussion delves into the challenges of being unapologetically herself in the courtroom, where she’s committed to prioritizing accountability, transparency, and fighting for her clients.

Adri and Michell discuss the obstacles she has faced, including microaggressions and the pressure to conform to traditional norms within the legal profession. Michell reflects on what it means to rock the boat and stand firm in her identity, despite these challenges. They also dive into the importance of mental health and self-care, especially for those in high-pressure careers like law, and how Michell has incorporated therapy, community, and boundary-setting into her routine.

The conversation highlights the importance of creating space for oneself and others, standing up for what’s right, and embracing the power of mentorship and community support. Michell shares her vision for a more inclusive legal system and the impact she hopes to make as she continues her journey.

Guest Bio

Michell Flores, Esq. is a first-generation queer Latina Family Law attorney based in Sacramento, California. Recognized as a Rising Star from 2022 to 2024, Michell is passionate about challenging perspectives, standing up for justice, and creating space for others to thrive. With a focus on accountability and doing the right thing, Michell is committed to making a lasting impact on her community through her work in law.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Michell’s Background

02:24 The Influence of Identity on Michell’s Journey

05:09 Choosing Family Law and the Impact of Intersecting Identities

08:51 Rocking the Boat: Being Unapologetically Yourself

13:12 Prioritizing Accountability and Doing the Right Thing

15:00 Aspiring to Be a Judge and Inspiring Others

19:41 Empowering Moments in Court and Planting Seeds of Change

22:21 Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength

27:47 Reflecting on Grief and Prioritizing Mental Health

33:24 Taking Care of Yourself and Seeking Therapy

36:23 Building a Supportive Community and Leaning on Others

38:44 Embracing Challenges and Pushing Through

44:09 The Power of Asking for Help and Seeking Guidance

53:26 Finding Inspiration and Keeping the Inner Child Alive

In this conversation, Adri and Yvonne dive into the intersection of public speaking, introversion, and identity. Yvonne shares her journey as a first-generation public speaker and how she has harnessed her voice to create spaces for others, especially Latinas and introverts, to thrive in public speaking.

Adri and Yvonne discuss the misconceptions about introverts in the public speaking world and how embracing one’s unique strengths can lead to empowerment. Yvonne shares her experience founding ¡Latina, Presente!, a community built to elevate and celebrate Latinas and introverts in public speaking. They explore the challenges of navigating public spaces as an introvert and the cultural expectations often placed on Latinas to remain quiet or deferential.

The conversation highlights the power of storytelling as a tool for personal and professional growth, and the importance of creating safe spaces where diverse voices can flourish. Yvonne and Adri reflect on how storytelling helps build connections across communities, and the impact it has on personal confidence and reclaiming space.

Yvonne also shares tips for introverted public speakers, the importance of creating spaces for practice, and how she sees her community growing to support future generations.

Guest Bio

Yvonne Armenta is a Public Speaker, Consultant, and Founder of ¡Latina, Presente!, a community designed to empower Latinas and introverts to thrive in public speaking. With over 10 years of experience, Yvonne is dedicated to helping others harness their voices and step confidently into any room. She is committed to centering cultural experiences and creating spaces for growth and confidence.

Links

Website: chatswithyvonne.com

Instagram: @latina_presente

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Yvonne’s Background

06:15 Discovering the Power of Public Speaking

12:45 The Intersection of Introversion and Public Speaking

19:34 Challenging Misconceptions About Introverts

25:52 Founding ¡Latina, Presente! and Creating Safe Spaces

30:48 Navigating Cultural Expectations as a Latina Speaker

36:22 The Power of Storytelling and Reclaiming Space

42:15 Empowering Latinas and Introverts in Public Speaking

50:30 Building Confidence and Practicing Public Speaking

56:42 Future Plans for ¡Latina, Presente! and Giving Back to the Community

This conversation explores the topic of parentification, which is when a child is given responsibilities that are not developmentally appropriate for them. Adri Rodriguez and Adriana Alejandre share their personal experiences with parentification and discuss how cultural values, such as marianismo and machismo, contribute to this phenomenon. They also touch on the impact of parentification on mental health and the importance of setting boundaries and finding balance.

The conversation highlights the varying experiences of parentification and emphasizes the need for validation and support for those who have been parentified. The conversation explores the impact of parentification on relationships within a family, both positive and negative. It discusses how parentification can show up at different stages of life and how it can affect siblings and parents. The conversation also delves into the role of boundaries in breaking the cycle of parentification and the challenges of individuation.

Adriana shares her personal journey of healing and the importance of education, community support, and understanding in the healing process.

Guest Bio

Adriana Alejandre is a Trauma Therapist, Consultant and Speaker from Burbank, California, who has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Adriana owns her own bilingual group practice, EMDR and Trauma Therapy focusing on wellness for Black, Brown and Indigenous people. She is also the founder of internationally recognized, Latinx Therapy, a directory and bilingual podcast that destigmatizes mental health myths & highlights Latine mental health professionals.

Links

• Find a Therapist or a Mental Health/Wellness Therapist https://latinxtherapy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/latinxtherapy/

Chapters

00:00 Defining Parentification

08:06 The Experience of Parentification

14:29 Different Manifestations of Parentification

18:44 Cultural Values and Parentification

23:18 The Impact and Challenges of Parentification

25:19 The Impact of Parentification on Family Relationships

32:20 Breaking the Cycle: Setting Boundaries and Personal Growth

36:30 Navigating Grief and Healing

47:20 The Importance of Education and Community Support

In this conversation, Adri and Vreny discuss their journeys and identities. They explore the complexities of identity and how it is shaped by culture, immigration, and privilege. They also delve into the impact of trauma and the healing process. Vreny shares her experience as a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of her own nonprofit, Renacimiento Psychological Services.

Adri and Vreny discuss the importance of mental health services for marginalized communities and the role of personal experiences in shaping professional aspirations. The conversation explores the meaning of Renacimiento (rebirth) and redefining what it means to be a Chingona, Guerrera, or Ponderosa (strong warrior woman).

Adri and Vreny also discuss their journeys of healing and self-discovery. They explore the importance of rest, embracing emotions, and redefining what it means to be strong. They also touch on the role of poetry and writing in healing and the significance of gratitude and honoring ancestors. The conversation concludes with discussing plans and the desire to give back to the community.

Guest Bio

Dr. Vreny Ramirez-Camarena - Born in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, Dr. Ramirez-Camarena, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, immigrated to the United States as a young child with her family, settling in the agricultural community of Salinas, California. As a first-generation college student and professional, Dr. Ramirez-Camarena embraces her bicultural identity - both influenced by her Mexican heritage and her upbringing in the United States. She is the founder/CEO of Renacimiento Psychological Services and founder/host of Psychologists En Comunidad.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/renacimientopsychservices/

https://www.renacimientopsychologicalservices.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Each Other

03:37 Exploring Identity and the Mexican Experience

08:15 The Impact of Trauma and the Importance of Mental Health

16:57 Professional Aspirations and Giving Back to the Community

25:22 Renacimiento: Letting Go and Redefining

27:46 Being a Chingona Guerrera Poderosa: Embracing Strength and Vulnerability

29:48 Embracing Rest and Allowing Emotions

32:04 Redefining Strength and Embracing Vulnerability

37:46 The Healing Power of Poetry and Writing

48:20 Gratitude and Honoring Ancestors

54:12 Future Plans and Giving Back to the Community