Viva la Mami

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/episode123Follow Erika Milla!Instagram: instagram.com/spanish.en.casitaFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave 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/episode122In 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 spectrumThe challenge of living authentically while balancing family responsibilitiesFinding creative fulfillment through "time sprints" and dedicated self-care that isn't just bubble bathsOvercoming mom guilt when pursuing personal passions and career goalsEmbracing imperfection and focusing on your strengths as a parentConnect with Catalina MargulisWebsite: catmargulis.comBook Website: againonlymorelikeyou.comInstagram: @catmargulisFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave 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/episode121In this episode, you'll hear:How these six elements work together to create a madrehood experience that's truly yoursThe common identity questions many Latina moms struggle with and why this tension is actually a sign you're doing important workReal transformations I've witnessed in mamis who embrace the Balanced Madrehood approachDetails 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 CTI'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 28thEnroll 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave 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/episode120In this episode, you'll learn:What values really are and why they matter so much in parentingA simple exercise to identify your authentic core values (not just what others expect of you)How to translate abstract values into concrete, everyday parenting actionsA 5-minute daily reflection practice that can transform your parenting approachI 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave 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/episode119In 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 rootsPractical strategies for breaking generational patterns while honoring your heritageHow to handle resistance from family members who don't understand your different approachWhy breaking cycles is actually an act of love for your culture, not a rejection of itResources mentioned:Latinx ParentingJoin the Balanced Madrehood waitlist: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehoodEpisodes on how to break generational patterns049. Mindful Parenting and Overcoming Mom Guilt with Emily Daisy Gasca086. Navigating the Mental Load of Bilingual Parenting with Erika Milla from Spanish En Casita101. Managing Mom Rage and Emotional Dysregulation with Jocelyn Flores104. How to Manage Your Energy Without the Mom Guilt with Jessica Lynn RojasFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this fifth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I dive into what might be the most challenging topic for Latina moms: setting boundaries with family.For many of us, family is everything - our support system, our community, our foundation. But without boundaries, we can't fully show up for the people we love. When we're stretched too thin, resentment builds and our relationships actually suffer.I explore what healthy boundaries actually look like in family relationships (from time and communication boundaries to parenting and financial boundaries), why they're so difficult to establish, and practical strategies for implementing them without the guilt.For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode118In This Episode, You'll Hear:The three biggest barriers that keep us from setting boundaries (including the guilt factor!)How to create systems that do the boundary-setting for youOne simple boundary you can implement this week!Remember, loving your familia doesn't mean sacrificing yourself. True family love has room for everyone's needs—including yours.Join the waitlist for Balanced Madrehood: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehoodFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this fourth episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I touch on another crucial challenge modern Latina moms face: reconnecting with who they are outside of motherhood.When we become moms, our identity shifts almost overnight. Between sleep deprivation and the mental load of running a household, it's easy to lose touch with the woman you were before - the parts that had nothing to do with taking care of others. I share my personal experience of going months without engaging in activities that once defined me, like running or even reading a book uninterrupted.In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why reconnecting with your passions isn't just about having fun, it's essential for your wellbeing and identityThe common barriers that keep us from pursuing our interestsPractical strategies for reintroducing your passions into your busy life as a momHow rediscovering yourself actually benefits your family by making you a more present, patient, and joyful mamiRemember, madrehood isn't meant to be an all-consuming identity that erases everything else about who you are. It's meant to be integrated into your full, complex, multifaceted life.Resources Mentioned:Balanced Madrehood waitlist: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehoodFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this third episode of our special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood series, I tackle a topic that resonates with so many Latina moms: the misconception that taking care of ourselves is somehow selfish.As Latina moms, we've often been conditioned to believe that self-sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. Today, I challenge that notion and explore why true self-care isn't just nice to have, it's absolutely essential for those of us balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode116In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why traditional bubble baths and manicures aren't the only forms of self-care (and may not even be the most effective for busy moms)My personal journey of redefining what self-care means in my life beyond scheduled activitiesHow the cultural concept of "marianismo" creates additional barriers to self-care for Latina momsPowerful mindset shifts to break free from the guilt cycle that keeps us from prioritizing our wellbeingPractical strategies for implementing self-care in your busy life, even if you only have five minutesFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In part 2 of this special 8-episode Balanced Madrehood Series, I'm getting real about why modern Latina moms feel like they're drowning in to-do's while never accomplishing enough.I open up about my own breaking point last October when I had my first-ever panic attack while juggling two toddlers, my business, and a part-time job. That moment forced me to completely rethink how I use my time, and in this episode, I'm sharing the exact strategies that helped me reclaim my days and my sanity.For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode115In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why our attempts to meet our mothers' and abuelas' standards of perfect homes and homemade meals don't work in our modern livesHow saying "yes" to everything (from family functions to school volunteering) is stealing precious hours you'll never get backThe truth about why you're exhausted even when you can't point to what you accomplished (hint: it's the invisible mental load)A simple 3-question framework that makes saying "no" so much easierThe practical time-blocking strategy that's been a game-changer for me and the mamas I coachResources Mentioned:Episode 95: Navigating the Realities of Madrehood: A Raw and Honest ReflectionJoin the waitlist for my Balanced Madrehood coaching program: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehoodFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this first episode of my special 8-part series, Balanced Madrehood, we'll explore what it truly means to be a millennial Latina mom in today's world.In this episode, I open up about my personal journey navigating the complex identity of being caught between cultural expectations and my own authentic parenting style. I share my experience with my first son's baptism versus my different approach with my second son, and how I've learned to make decisions that feel genuine to me despite family and cultural pressures.For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode114In This Episode, You'll Hear:The unique "identity crisis" millennial Latina moms face when caught between traditional expectations and modern valuesMy personal story of feeling inauthentic when conforming to cultural expectations around religious traditionsThe three pillars of what is in the Balanced Madrehood programSigns you might be experiencing this identity struggleHow this identity crisis isn't a flaw and how it's your opportunity to create a new model of Latina motherhoodResources Mentioned:Join the waitlist for my Balanced Madrehood coaching program: vivalamami.com/balanced-madrehoodFeeling 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 @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠