Espiritu Coffee Chats

Arlene Salcedo & Valerie Utteria

**Producer's Message for Espiritu Coffee Chats:** Hey listeners! We're so excited to bring you Espiritu Coffee Chats, where Arlene and Valerie dive into soulful conversations blending the worlds of spirituality, business, and of course, artisan coffee. Every episode is brewed with the intention to inspire, empower, and spark meaningful growth. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an entrepreneur, or a coffee lover, there's something here for you. So grab your favorite mug, get cozy, and join us for some down-to-earth chats that'll feed your spirit and fuel your dreams. Thanks for listening and being part of our growing community!

  1. EP 30 Being a Latina Entrepreneur in 2026: Navigating Fear, DEI Rollbacks, and Building Business During Political Uncertainty

    MAR 26

    EP 30 Being a Latina Entrepreneur in 2026: Navigating Fear, DEI Rollbacks, and Building Business During Political Uncertainty

    Some conversations don't have a tidy ending, and this is one of them. Arlene and Valerie sit down for one of their most honest episodes yet, naming what it actually feels like to be a Latina entrepreneur in the US right now, when political pressure is heavy, DEI funding is disappearing, and most of us are trying to build something meaningful while carrying all of it in the background. They move from the emotional to the practical. Grief, ancestral fear, the tightness in the chest that comes from watching the news. And then: how to protect your business, own your audience, use your voice, and keep building without shrinking. This episode won't give you a resolution, but it will remind you that you are not alone in what you are feeling. Key themes: the DEI rollback and what it means for communities of color, building an email list and platform you own, using your authenticity as a business tool, collective grief and how it lives in the body, and why community matters more than ever in this season. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it and leave us a review. It genuinely helps the show grow. Follow us on Instagram: @espiritucoffeechats | @lunasoulwellness | @surjecoffee How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary Email: Arlene: arlene@lunasoulwellness.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    36 min
  2. EP 28 Part 2- 2026 Business StrategySystems AI Contracts for Founders

    FEB 25

    EP 28 Part 2- 2026 Business StrategySystems AI Contracts for Founders

    If Episode 27 was the reflection, this is the execution. In this follow-up episode of Espiritu Coffee Chats, we turn founder lessons into real systems for small business growth in 2026. This conversation is for women in business and Latina entrepreneurs who are ready to: • Implement operational systems • Use AI strategically (without losing their voice) • Build contracts that protect growth • Structure decision-making frameworks • Align embodiment with leadership We break down practical business strategy for 2026 — from backend systems to founder discipline — so you can scale without chaos. This isn't hustle culture. This is structure, clarity, and sustainable growth. If you're serious about evolving from founder energy into CEO leadership, this episode gives you the blueprint. Start with Episode 27 for context, then implement here. 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love! How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: arlene@lunasoulwellness.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    33 min
  3. EP 27 Latina Founder Lessons from 2025- Data Boundaries Intuition

    FEB 20

    EP 27 Latina Founder Lessons from 2025- Data Boundaries Intuition

    If you're a Latina entrepreneur or woman founder navigating growth, 2025 likely changed you. In this episode of Espiritu Coffee Chats, we break down the real founder lessons from 2025 — the data we ignored, the intuition we overrode, the systems we delayed building, and the boundaries we finally learned to hold. This is a behind-the-scenes conversation about what it actually takes to grow a small business as a woman in business balancing vision, spirituality, leadership, and strategy. We talk about: • Founder decision fatigue • When intuition beats analytics — and when it doesn't • Revenue plateaus and system gaps • The difference between being busy and being strategic • Why many Latina business owners delay operational structure If you're preparing for 2026 and want to build smarter instead of just working harder, this episode will ground you. And in Part 2, we move from reflection into implementation — systems, AI, contracts, and business strategy for 2026. Listen to Episode 28 next to learn how to apply these lessons. 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love! How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: arlene@lunasoulwellness.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    25 min
  4. EP 26 How to Build a Personal Brand Rooted in Confidence, Clarity & Courage

    FEB 14

    EP 26 How to Build a Personal Brand Rooted in Confidence, Clarity & Courage

    From ESL Teacher to Empowered Brand Photographer: Carina Flechner on Confidence, Visibility & Building a Purpose-Driven Business In this inspiring episode, we sit down with San Diego-based personal branding photographer and empowerment coach, Carina Fleckner, to explore her powerful journey from a 23-year career in education to capturing the true essence of women through branding photography. Carina shares how live music, a secondhand camera, and a desire for purpose-led work ignited her pivot into personal brand photography, and how she now helps women step into their power, reclaim their confidence, and show up unapologetically in their business and visibility. What we talk about in this episode: How Carina transitioned from teaching to full-time photography Why confidence is the foundation of your personal brand How photography can help you embody your next-level identity The importance of showing your values in business — even when it feels scary Behind the scenes of her new initiative, The EmpowerHer Project Real talk on activism, alignment, and attracting clients with shared values Whether you're building your brand, prepping for a photoshoot, or learning to be more visible in your purpose-led business, this episode is a must-listen. ✨ Connect with Carina on Instagram: @carinafleckner_photography 📸 Click here to download Carina's Signature Brand Shoot Method - a brand shoot prep guide 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love! How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: iamlunasoulwellness@gmail.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    46 min
  5. EP 25 Love & Legacy: Building a Business with Your Partner (Without Breaking Up)

    FEB 11

    EP 25 Love & Legacy: Building a Business with Your Partner (Without Breaking Up)

    Love, Money & Legacy: Chris on Balancing Business, Creative Purpose & the Future of Finance In this refreshing episode of Espiritu Coffee Chats, we sit down with Chris, co-founder of Surje Coffee and Valerie's partner, for a soulful and smart conversation on navigating love, business, and the evolving economy. Chris is the first masculine energy to grace the podcast, bringing grounded wisdom, intuitive financial literacy, and a unique blend of creativity and discipline. From how to survive building a business with your fiancé to why everyone needs a "tripod life" (doing what you love, who you are, and how you earn) — this episode is full of gems. ☕ Highlights from this episode: The unexpected intersection of love and entrepreneurship How Chris balances being a founder, full-time employee, and actor Why financial literacy is an act of self-responsibility and legacy The power of plant medicine in conflict resolution (yes, really) What the history of money teaches us about adapting to economic change A surprising question that left even Chris speechless: What has entrepreneurship taught you about love? This conversation blends money mindset, relational maturity, and creative ambition in a way that's rarely heard especially from the male perspective. A must-listen for founders building with heart, purpose, and partnership. Grab your favorite drink, hit play, and get ready to reflect on your own relationship with business, purpose, and the people you love. 👥 Connect with Chris & Surge Coffee on Instagram 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love! How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: iamlunasoulwellness@gmail.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    22 min
  6. EP 24 From Fear to Financial Flow: : Rethinking Money, Bitcoin & A Real Talk About Money

    10/15/2025

    EP 24 From Fear to Financial Flow: : Rethinking Money, Bitcoin & A Real Talk About Money

    In this episode of Espiritu Coffee Chats, Valerie sits down with her fiancé and business partner, Christopher Yian, to unpack one big question: what does it mean to make money human again? Chris opens up about his 10-year college journey, his learning with Bitcoin and financial freedom, and how he turned a traditional Environmental Health & Safety career into a path of entrepreneurship, curiosity, and purpose. Together, they explore the deeper layers of money, mindset, and meaning—how our relationship with wealth can shift from stress and survival into sovereignty and empowerment. From the history of currency to the rise of Bitcoin and their lessons as founders of Surje Coffee, this conversation blends finance, freedom, and flow—with a side of cafecito, of course.   📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love!   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction  01:21 Chris's Background and Career Journey 05:24 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 10:04 Discovering Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency 13:05 Understanding Money and Currency 19:18 The Creation and Impact of Bitcoin 22:53 Understanding Bitcoin: Digital Gold 24:11 Bitcoin as a Form of Freedom 24:51 Global Impact of Bitcoin 28:22 Personal Empowerment Through Bitcoin 32:03 Getting Started with Bitcoin 35:53 The Future of Blockchain Technology 37:51 Entrepreneurship and Money Lessons 40:24 The Journey of Surje Coffee 41:32 Building a Community-Focused Business 45:49 Conclusion and Next Steps   How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: iamlunasoulwellness@gmail.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com

    47 min
  7. EP 23 Ayahuasca Round 2- Ancestral Healing Quantum Lessons Radical Acceptance

    09/24/2025

    EP 23 Ayahuasca Round 2- Ancestral Healing Quantum Lessons Radical Acceptance

    In this powerful episode of Espiritu Coffee Chats, Arlene and Valerie share their most recent ayahuasca experiences—Arlene's third journey and Valerie's fourth. Together, they open up about the sacred healing, grief release, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual downloads they received while working with a male shaman for the first time. From navigating ancestral lineage grief, radical acceptance, and Reiki self-healing to visions of Egyptian goddess energy, light codes, and even conversations with beloved pets who've passed on—this episode dives deep into the transformational power of plant medicine. We also discuss: ✨ How to prepare for ayahuasca safely & respectfully ✨ The importance of shamans, energy, and safe group settings ✨ Debunking myths around "the purge" ✨ Quantum lessons, coding, and what it means to truly listen to your body ✨ Balancing masculine & feminine energies during ceremony Whether you're curious about ayahuasca, exploring plant medicine as a spiritual tool, or seeking stories of radical healing, this episode offers heartfelt reflections, practical insights, and a reminder of the sacredness of this medicine. 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Instagram @espiritucoffeechats and let us know how you feel about the future of trade policies. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love! How to connect with us: Social media Arlene Salcedo: https://www.instagram.com/lunasoulwellness/ Valerie Urrutia: https://www.instagram.com/surjecoffee/ Websites: https://surjecoffee.com/ https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/ https://surjecoffee.com/pages/coffee-subscriptions https://www.lunasoulwellness.com/apothecary   Email: Arlene: iamlunasoulwellness@gmail.com Valerie: valerie@surjecoffee.com Podcast: espiritucoffeechats@gmail.com   00:00 Introduction to Esper Coffee Chats  00:51 Ayahuasca: A Sacred Journey 01:54 Preparing for the Ayahuasca Experience 03:28 Valerie's Fourth Ayahuasca Experience 05:08 Emotional Release and Healing 12:20 Ancestral Healing and Radical Acceptance 16:21 Masculine and Feminine Energies in Ayahuasca 19:36 Valerie's Reflections and Insights 21:20 Val's Third Ayahuasca Journey 28:42 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Ayahuasca 29:01 Grieving and Healing Through Ayahuasca 29:34 Ayahuasca Surgery: A Unique Experience 30:33 The Emotional Purge and Supportive Environment 32:10 Lessons from Ayahuasca: Self-Care and Boundaries 34:04 Post-Ceremony Reflections and Insights 48:37 The Importance of Safe Ayahuasca Practices 51:47 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

    56 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

**Producer's Message for Espiritu Coffee Chats:** Hey listeners! We're so excited to bring you Espiritu Coffee Chats, where Arlene and Valerie dive into soulful conversations blending the worlds of spirituality, business, and of course, artisan coffee. Every episode is brewed with the intention to inspire, empower, and spark meaningful growth. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an entrepreneur, or a coffee lover, there's something here for you. So grab your favorite mug, get cozy, and join us for some down-to-earth chats that'll feed your spirit and fuel your dreams. Thanks for listening and being part of our growing community!