What It’s Like To Be Here

cliquecommunications
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semimonthly

Everyone has a story — and I want to listen. I’m Kiki, a storyteller, journalist, and proud Latina from Chicago. This podcast is a space to share authentic conversations with everyday people who shape our communities — from creatives and professionals to parents, organizers, and dreamers. Rooted in my experience as a first-generation Mexican and Indigenous woman, I explore stories of resilience, identity, and belonging through the lens of our lived experiences. These are the untold stories — of those who may not be famous but are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. Join me as we reflect on what it means to live, grow, and thrive in today’s world — with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of corazón. This is ... What It's Like To Be Here. 

  1. 12h ago

    Sn 2, Ep. 2: Finding Your Own Pace | Daisy Návar

    In this episode, I sit down with Daisy Navar, a Chicago native, government affairs professional, and proud tía, for a conversation about growing up on the city’s North Side, finding her way into politics, and learning to appreciate life at a different pace. Daisy takes me back to her childhood near Racine and Belmont, sharing memories of walking to school, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and hearing the sounds of Wrigley Field from home. We talk about how her upbringing and college experience opened her eyes to social inequities and eventually led her into civic engagement. But this conversation isn't just about politics. At 42, Daisy is thinking differently about success, slowing down, and making room to enjoy the simple things, like a good cup of coffee. It's a conversation about Chicago, service, ambition, and what it means to find your own pace.   Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

  2. Oct 5

    Sn 2, Ep 1: Finding Community Through Art | Ricardo “Naco” Gonzalez

    In this episode of What It’s Like To Be Here, I sit down with artist Ricardo “Naco” Gonzalez for a conversation about art, identity, culture, and community. Ricardo shares how his love for drawing started as a kid while watching cartoons and how that early curiosity eventually grew into a life as a muralist, wheat-paste artist, and comic book artist. We talk about his connection to his Mexican roots and Michoacán, and how learning about Mexican art in high school helped him begin to better understand his own identity. Ricardo also reflects on the artists and cultural workers who influenced him, including Héctor Duarte and Pablo Serrano, and the importance of finding community through art. We talk about his recent mural in Blue Island, Illinois, which tells the story of the Pullman Strike, and what it means to use public art to preserve history and create space for people to see themselves reflected. This is a conversation about finding where you come from, figuring out where you belong, and using art to build connections along the way. More about Naco:  https://www.instagram.com/nacoart Article discussed: https://cliquecommunications.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/chicago-artists-the-educator-naco/  Roho's video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSV3bQwCaO2/     Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

    Sn 2, Ep 1: Finding Community Through Art | Ricardo “Naco” Gonzalez

  3. Jul 28

    Bonus Episode: The Communities That Shape Us | Pablo Serrano

    In this bonus episode, Pablo Serrano reflects on his time at the University of Illinois, the ways history continues to echo through our communities, and what it means to stand in conviction. It's a conversation about culture, belonging, courage, and the people who remind us what showing up looks like.    Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

  4. Jul 20

    Ep. 20: The Mama on a Mission | Leticia Andrade

    For as long as I've known Leticia Andrade, she's been a hustling real estate broker, helping families achieve their dream of homeownership while making a meaningful impact in her community. In this episode, Leticia shares her journey of becoming a young mom, how that experience shaped her perspective on success, why financial stability and homeownership are so important to her, and the role faith has played throughout her life. We also talk about her commitment to serving others through her monthly Chicago Homeless Outreach and a free therapy resource she recommends for those in need. Follow Leticia on Instagram: @SoldByLeticia Resources: Chicago Homeless Outreach (3rd Saturday of every month)  The Family Institute at Northwestern University (free therapy services for qualifying individuals)   Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

  5. Jul 6

    Ep 19: Pouring from a Full Cup | Heidy Mendez Grimaldo

    In this episode of What It’s Like to Be Here, I sit down with longtime friend and community leader Heidy Mendez Grimaldo. Heidy shares her incredible journey from arriving in Chicago as a seven-year-old immigrant from Guatemala to becoming a "powerhouse" of community service on the city's Southwest side. The conversation dives deep into the origins of her nonprofit, A Blessing Hand, which sparked into existence during the 2020 pandemic. After seeing a single Facebook post of a neighbor helping others, Heidy set up her own food table within 48 hours—a small act that evolved into a vital partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.   Mental Health Crisis First Responders: 312-597-5483 (Call or text) A Blessing Hand on Facebook | A Blessing Hand on Insta Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

  6. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    Bonus episode: EXPO Collective

    In this lively and personal episode, I sit down with two of my closest friends, Roho Garcia and Ricardo Gonzalez, to reflect on how our paths first crossed and what sparked the creation of EXPO Collective. We revisit the journey of building a collaborative community of over 30 artists, and talk honestly about the inspiration, challenges, and lessons learned from a project that, while no longer active, still left a lasting impact on all of us.   Listen to Roho's interview - scroll up. It's episode 3.  Sources:  EXPO FB EXPO IG Art of Futbol 2011 Blue 1647 Badass Crosstitch Find What It's Like To Be Here wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and on YouTube! Don’t forget to rate, subscribe, comment and like the podcast!  Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Page

  7. Jun 15

    Ep 18: Telling the Artists' Tale | Luis Tubens

    In this episode of What It’s Like To Be Here, I sit down with spoken word artist and poet Luis Tubens—also known as LoganLu—for a conversation rooted in art, identity, and community. We explore his life in Pilsen, how he turned storytelling into a career as a tour guide and owner of Pilsen Public Art Tours, and the places poetry has taken him—both creatively and personally. Luis also shares his vision for the future and what it means to build something meaningful through art.   Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and on YouTube! Don’t forget to rate, subscribe, comment and like the podcast!  Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Page

  8. Jun 1

    Ep 17: Canciones de la Vida | Jose Alfredo Guerrero

    In this episode, I sit down with Jose Alfredo Guerrero, a Chicago-based educator, musician, and vocalist whose voice you might recognize from across the Chicagoland area. I first met José about 15 years ago during a karaoke night—honestly, I noticed his voice before I ever saw him. Raised in La Villita and a graduate of DePaul University, José has built a reputation for his powerful performances, especially his unforgettable covers of Juan Gabriel. He also performs in the cabaret show Asi Fue: Canciones y Confesiones. We talk about his journey through music, his work in education, and how his talent has opened the door to some truly special moments where he’s been able to share his voice with others. He also has a podcast! Check it out here: Stage Left, Right Vibes.  Follow Madera Once on Instagram.   Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and on YouTube! Don’t forget to rate, subscribe, comment and like the podcast!  Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Page

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Everyone has a story — and I want to listen. I’m Kiki, a storyteller, journalist, and proud Latina from Chicago. This podcast is a space to share authentic conversations with everyday people who shape our communities — from creatives and professionals to parents, organizers, and dreamers. Rooted in my experience as a first-generation Mexican and Indigenous woman, I explore stories of resilience, identity, and belonging through the lens of our lived experiences. These are the untold stories — of those who may not be famous but are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. Join me as we reflect on what it means to live, grow, and thrive in today’s world — with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of corazón. This is ... What It's Like To Be Here. 

Information

  • Creator
    cliquecommunications
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    What It’s Like To Be Here