Our Other Stories

Madeleine Longoria Garcia
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

This is a podcast inspired by sonder*. Join your host, Madeleine Longoria Garcia, as she navigates deep-dive conversations that cut through the small talk and get into the stories that make us who we are. In an effort to re-humanize the strangers we pass every day and learn more than what is covered on resumes and social media, it's time to start sharing Our Other Stories. *Sonder is the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one's own. Coined in 2021 by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.

  1. Jennifer Anderson: International Community in Activism

    Feb 17

    Jennifer Anderson: International Community in Activism

    And we're finally here with the first guest episode of Season 03. Things are moving a bit slower over here at Our Other Stories this season, but we are working away and having some great conversations to share with you as soon as I can. For now, please enjoy this episode with Jennifer of Anakbayan Portland. We cover her journey into activism, the impact of US imperialism on the Philippines, the importance of community building and creating international solidarity across movements, moments, and cultures. Jennifer shares her personal experiences, including her trips to the Philippines, her work on Precious Seedlings Farm, and the connections between local and global struggles for justice. This is a special conversation as Jennifer and I have known each other for over a decade! We first met when we were both young adults and have each navigated our own journeys that brought us to where we currently are: living in the same city and taking action. Enjoy! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jennifer and Anakbayan 12:01 Understanding US-Philippines Relations 29:28 The Impact of US Imperialism 35:09 Connecting Local and Global Struggles 57:06 Personal Journeys: Returning to the Homeland 01:12:43 Farming, Community Building, and Revolution Keywords Anakbayan, activism, community building, US imperialism, Filipino youth, social justice, migration, farming, international solidarity, advocacy

    1h 19m

  2. Jan 26

    Season 03: Community, Humanization, and Updates

    Summary We're back! After a longer-than-originally-planned hiatus, Our Other Stories is back with this short solo episode with Madeleine. Here, I reflect on the ending of season two of Our Other Stories and share my personal journey over the past few months. I discuss my challenges with overcommitment, the importance of community engagement, and the need for action in the face of societal chaos. I continue to emphasize the significance of recognizing our shared humanity and shared experiences while identifying the life-threatening impacts of dehumanization in today's world. Through Our Other Stories, I highlight the vital role storytelling plays in fostering connection while encouraging you to remain engaged and active in your communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on the Past Season 06:21 Navigating Life Changes and Community Engagement 12:43 The Importance of Humanity in Times of Conflict 18:30 Resistance and Collective Action 24:34 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Community Involvement Keywords podcast, community, activism, mental health, resistance, dehumanization, engagement, life updates, personal growth, storytelling, Paola Ramos, Matthew Torres, neighbors

    26 min
  3. Yvonne Hernández: Healing Through Mindfulness & The Goal of One Million

    10/16/2025

    Yvonne Hernández: Healing Through Mindfulness & The Goal of One Million

    Summary As we near a close to season 02, Yvonne Hernandez shares her journey of becoming a meditation teacher and reiki master and her mission to teach meditation to one million children. She discusses the importance of self-care, cultural heritage, and the impact of meditation on children's emotional well-being. Yvonne reflects on her personal experiences with healing, how big life changes manifested in her physical body, the significance of community, and the creation of Little Om Breaths, aimed at providing mindfulness resources for families. Our conversation culminates in a guided meditation, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and connection. You can find more info on working with Yvonne on her website. Chapters 03:02 Yvonne's Mission: Teaching Meditation to Children 08:45 Yvonne's Journey into Meditation and Reiki 14:52 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Embracing Change 29:21 The Impact of Meditation on Children 45:59 Understanding Disease and Body Awareness 49:32 Exploring Bilingual Meditation and Connection 58:41 Community and Support in Times of Need 01:05:24 Bilingual Guided Meditation Keywords meditation, children, healing, Latina voices, self-care, community, mindfulness, cultural heritage, Reiki, personal growth, Decide Balance, Little Om Breaths

    1h 17m
  4. Sonia Saunders: Building Community through Authenticity & Reflection

    10/08/2025

    Sonia Saunders: Building Community through Authenticity & Reflection

    Summary In this episode, I speak with Sonia Saunders, founder of Mujerón Movement, about the importance of community, cultural identity, and personal growth. We discuss Sonia's journey from pageantry to television to creating a supportive platform for Latinas, the impact of motherhood on her life and business, and the significance of authenticity in building connections and relationships. Our conversation emphasizes the value of asking for help, reflecting on life transitions, learning when to say no, and nurturing relationships within a community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mujerón Movement and Community Building 10:54 Transforming Labels: The Birth of Mujerón 21:00 The Power of Community in Transition 27:20 Owning Your Story and Authenticity 39:49 The Transformative Journey of Motherhood 58:40 Supporting Your Future Self Keywords Mujerón Movement, Sonia Saunders, community building, Latina empowerment, motherhood, authenticity, cultural identity, personal growth, networking, self-discovery

    1h 9m
  5. Areli Barrera Grodski: Fumbling to Your Truth

    10/03/2025

    Areli Barrera Grodski: Fumbling to Your Truth

    Summary In this episode, I speak with Areli Barrera Grodzki, co-founder of Little Waves Coffee Roasters in a conversation that feels like a love letter to North Carolina and the places we call home. We discuss Areli's journey growing up in Cherokee, the challenges of leadership in the coffee industry, and the importance of storytelling and cultural identity. Areli shares her thoughts on embracing imperfection, the immigrant experience, and the significance of personal development in professional settings. Our conversation highlights the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth, as well as the value of community and cultural heritage. Areli and I explore themes of personal identity, cultural representation, and the importance of community. We talk about the impact of nature on our lives, the role of therapy in personal growth, and the journey towards self-love and acceptance. The episode emphasizes the significance of embracing one's roots and the power of voice in shaping narratives. Through our shared experiences, we highlight the beauty of vulnerability and the strength found in connection with others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 09:05 The Connection Between Places 17:26 Exploring North Carolina's Richness 38:53 The Impact of Place on Personal Growth 44:59 Fumbling Through Your Truth 01:02:39 Navigating Identity and Confidence 01:11:40 Cultural Perspectives and Language 01:22:18 The Power of Guidance in Therapy 01:31:06 Embracing the Messy Journey Keywords Areli Barrera Grodzki, Little Waves Coffee Roasters, cultural identity, immigrant experience, leadership, storytelling, coffee industry, personal development, community, entrepreneurship, personal growth, cultural identity, community, therapy, resilience, self-love, representation, nature, change, empowerment, North Carolina, Seattle, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

    1h 39m
  6. Matthew C. Torres: Community, Culture, and Coffee

    09/29/2025

    Matthew C. Torres: Community, Culture, and Coffee

    Summary In this episode of Our Other Stories, Matthew Torres shares his journey as a father, marketer, and founder of Long Beach Coffee Club. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of loneliness, and the role of movement in mental health. Our conversation explores cultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of perfectionism, all while emphasizing the significance of connection and shared experiences in building a supportive community. We explore the significance of heritage, identity, and representation within the Latino community and discuss the importance of embracing our cultural background while also recognizing the diversity within it. The conversation delves into the role of education in shaping understanding, the emotional power of music, and the necessity of open dialogue in a polarized society. We reflect on personal growth, the impact of algorithms on discourse, the continuous journey of learning and connection, and the importance of simply having a good conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Curiosity and Connection 11:45 Building Community through Coffee 23:47 Cultural Influences on Identity and Expectations 43:17 The Complexity of Heritage 50:59 The Power of Language and Representation 01:03:15 Cultural Connections Through Music 01:12:12 Community and Personal Growth 01:21:33 The Role of Coffee Shops in Community Building

    1h 25m
  7. Helen Pelayo: Finding Our Way & Taking Risks

    09/25/2025

    Helen Pelayo: Finding Our Way & Taking Risks

    Summary In this episode, I speak with Helen Pelayo, founder of Lobos Gym in Portland. We explore the importance of community, cultural identity, and the journey of building a supportive community. Helen shares her personal experiences with loneliness, the impact of online communities, and the transformation of her business from a franchise to an independent gym. Our conversation highlights the significance of empowerment through movement and the role of fitness in overall well-being, emphasizing that gyms should be inclusive spaces for everyone. We cover so much ground in this conversation—the complexities of relationships, parenting, and cultural identity. Helen shares the challenges of long-distance parenting, especially within the Latino community, and the societal expectations placed on mothers. She also shares her personal journey of moving to Oregon and the impact it had on her family dynamics as we delve into the importance of community support, the significance of cultural labels, and the need for open conversations about identity. This episode emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing change, and using privilege to amplify voices in the Latine community. Chapters 00:00 Connecting Through Community 08:51 Building an Authentic Business 24:18 Building a Supportive Community 35:35 Embracing Change and New Opportunities 46:46 Feminist Matriarchy in Latino Culture 54:23 Identifying with Latino vs. Hispanic Terminology 01:08:31 Using Privilege to Speak Up Keywords community, cultural identity, fitness, empowerment, diversity, belonging, gym, health, Latina, entrepreneurship, parenting, relationships, cultural identity, Latina voices, gender roles, personal growth, community support, risk-taking, cultural diversity, long-distance parenting, Portland, Latine Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month

    1h 10m
  8. Marisa “Ritzy” Estrada Rivera: Master of None & Honoring Names

    09/22/2025

    Marisa “Ritzy” Estrada Rivera: Master of None & Honoring Names

    Summary In this conversation, Ritzy and I sit down to explore what it means to be a change maker, the journey of self-identification, and the importance of community support. We discuss the nonlinear paths of our lives, the impact of neurodiversity, and the significance of reclaiming names and identities. Our conversation emphasizes the need for discernment in relationships and decision-making, the value of hard conversations, and the role of social media. Ritzy and I also explore the profound significance of names and identity and Ritzy shares the story of how she discovered that her name has been wrong on every legal document for years. We emphasize the need for self-acceptance and vulnerability, highlighting how storytelling can create safe spaces for authentic conversations. We reflect on the challenges faced by individuals of color in embracing our identities and the importance of amplifying diverse voices through media. A note that the place name I forgot in this episode is Wapato* as corrected in the video's captions. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Change Maker 08:32 Navigating Identity and Activism 16:54 Facing Hard Conversations and Growth 31:28 The Evolution of Identity: From Marisa to Ritzy 46:10 Reclaiming Identity: The Significance of Names 01:02:38 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance 01:12:04 The Importance of Storytelling and Connection Keywords change maker, identity, community, neurodiversity, personal growth, self-acceptance, empowerment, names, values, social media, identity, names, heritage, cultural significance, self-acceptance, storytelling, vulnerability, authenticity, Latina voices, personal journey, Word to Your Mama

    1h 21m
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out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This is a podcast inspired by sonder*. Join your host, Madeleine Longoria Garcia, as she navigates deep-dive conversations that cut through the small talk and get into the stories that make us who we are. In an effort to re-humanize the strangers we pass every day and learn more than what is covered on resumes and social media, it's time to start sharing Our Other Stories. *Sonder is the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one's own. Coined in 2021 by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.

Information

  • Creator
    Madeleine Longoria Garcia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Madeleine Longoria Garcia
  • Show Website
    Our Other Stories