Celebrating our 100th episode feels surreal, and I’m beyond thrilled to have you here with me today! This milestone episode is one of reflection, growth, and an immense amount of gratitude. For those who have been with me since episode one, gracias from the bottom of my heart. Your support has been invaluable in this journey, and I want to share with you why I started this podcast, the transformations it has brought about, and my hopes for the future.
The Birth of the Viva la Mami Podcast
Two years ago, I stood hesitantly at the crossroads of starting something new, something that I hoped would become a meaningful resource for Latina moms like myself. Back then, my aspirations bounced around like restless butterflies in my mind until I finally decided to invest in an inexpensive microphone from Amazon, assembling my courage to launch what would become the Viva la Mami podcast.
The inspiration to create this podcast stemmed from a lack of representation – voices and stories about Latina motherhood coming beneath the more visible surface of mainstream narratives. My vision was to cultivate a platform where Latina moms could share honest experiences and knowledge, breaking through familiar stereotypes that often follow us. As a soon-to-be blogger turned podcaster, I realized that speaking came more naturally to me than writing – an audio platform would allow Latina voices to resonate widely and authentically.
Transforming Through Stories
Reflecting on these past episodes, I see immense personal and professional growth. I was a mom juggling a 9-to-5 job, podcasting from my home office and Diego, our oldest, was just less than 2 years old! Today, my life and perspective have broadened significantly, elevated by the stories and insights shared by so many inspiring guests. These women brought their diverse experiences to the table, painting a rich tapestry of Latina motherhood.
Getting to hear firsthand accounts from notable Latina moms – ranging from corporate leaders to stay-at-home moms – changed me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Each conversation contributed to a deeper understanding of our roles and struggles, reminding me (and hopefully you, too) that we’re not alone in facing challenges unique to motherhood and cultural identity.
Building and Growing As a Community
This podcast is more than just a series of episodes; it is a community-building endeavor. It’s not merely a business model or a funnel to other services. The Viva la Mami podcast exists to foster connections, share honest conversations, and learn from each other’s journeys. The bond among us grows as we collectively discuss topics essential to our everyday lives, from bilingual parenting to mental health.
Managing, Motivating, and Moving Forward
When people ask how I manage the podcast along with the chaos of life, my honest answer is, “I don’t really know.” There have been numerous times when the thought of quitting crossed my mind. Yet, each time, the meaningful impact of the podcast pulled me back, whether through an opportunity to speak, an invitation to join other shows or heartwarming messages from listeners. These moments reaffirm the value of our work and the vital stories we share.
Looking to the future, I am excited to continue this journey. Your input is invaluable – I encourage you to let me know what topics or stories you’d like to hear next. Whether it be via email or a DM on Instagram, I want this podcast to grow with your needs at its heart. This is a platform where your voice can resonate, and I look forward to discovering more ways to support each other in our roles as empowered Latina moms.
This 100th episode is a celebration of voices – mine, yours, and each inspiring guest featured on this journey. It has been an honor to create a space for open dialogue, learning, and community. Thank you, gracias, for being a part of the Viva la Mami podcast, for your support, and for staying tuned for the next chapter of this incredible narrative. Together, we will continue to elevate our voices and redefine what it means to be a Latina mom in today’s world.
Show Notes
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 experts. More importantly, I talk about the significance of this podcast in creating a community and elevating Latina voices and experiences. Finally, I express my hopes for the future of the Viva la Mami podcast and call for listener feedback on desired topics and guest suggestions.
Thank you, mil gracias, for being part of this journey!
Resources Mentioned:
- Get my inexpensive microphone from Amazon!
About Jessica Cuevas
Jessica is the founder and creator of Viva la Mami, LLC a community centered around Latina motherhood. Jessica created this platform after not finding empowering stories about experiences of Latina moms. She realized that there was a lack of representation in this space and felt there was a need for mamis to share their stories and to learn more about the nuances about motherhood through a cultural lens.
Viva la Mami’s mission is to empower the modern Latina mom to redefine the meaning of madrehood through education, story-telling, and cultural relevance all while bringing comunidad together.
