Vida aka Life Podcast Nancy Rivera

Welcome Alexis! Alexis is my cousin’s daughter. She has a daughter, and is happily married. Our conversation started with her discussing how becoming a mother has changed her life. She and her husband have decided to parent their daughter using Gentle Parenting. After studying early child development, she learned just how traumatic certain parenting styles can be. She learned that just because things she experienced as a child were common; they were not necessarily normal. Together with her husband, they strive to provide their daughter as much of a toxic-free environment that is possible. After therapy, talking to her parents, and becoming a mother herself, she has forgiven her parents for their transgressions. There are no perfect parents, but breaking generational curses is possible. Then we talk about her husband’s family.  After many incidents with them, they decided to cut ties. She explains how just because you are related to someone, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with their toxic behavior. She gives her advice on dealing with toxic family. And lastly, Alexis shares her goals. Listen in!

Welcome Julia! Julia is my husband’s cousin’s wife. We start with talking about how we met and then her middle school troubles. In high school, she met her sweetheart. They moved in together at a very young age. And 15 years later, they are happily married.  They have kept their love strong. Patience and forgiveness are key.  Growing up her father was very strict, while her mother was very loving.  Her relationship with her mother has always been a very close and supportive one. On the other hand, her father ended up leaving her family, and virtually broke their relationship. Time has healed their relationship, but he now lives in Mexico.  This however has given her the chance to visit Mexico more often. And trust she loves to travel! Julia also shares about her new business that is doing so well. Follow them on Instagram @charmingcuterie. She also shared her wishes for expanding her family.  Julia also talked about legalizing her status here in the US. And lastly, she talks about her goals, goals, goals. Listen in!

Welcome my Sobrinos! Celeste and Joe are back…but this time together with Ulysses! Celeste is my oldest sister’s daughter. Joe is my oldest brother’s son. And Uly is my older sister’s son.  We started with me sharing one of my fondest memories of each of them. They then each shared their favorite childhood memories of each other. I posed them the question of how they encourage and learn from each other. Celeste and Joe also shared their experiences of adapting to different households; when they visited their other parent’s house.  We also discussed each of their dating situations at the moment, and their dating approach. Since they currently spend a lot of time together, they shared their thoughts on what the future holds for their relationship. We end with a lightning round! I had soo much fun recording this episode. Listen in!

Welcome my Chicas! Susy, Vanessa, and Lisa are back…but this time with Celeste! I got the Chicas together for this second Chicas Chat. The ladies first discuss their experiences with their children during the Pandemic.  Celeste discusses her outside perspective, since she doesn’t have children.  We then discuss the role we play when family members are feuding. Is it a good idea to get involved? And of course, no Chicas Chat is complete without talking about our relationships! Next the Girlies talk about unfriending and blocking on Social Media. When is it okay, if ever? We end our talk with the Chicas sharing what they’re currently streaming. Listen in!

Welcome my Daddy! Manuel is my father.  My father grew up in rural Michoacán.  We begin with my dad sharing about how life was as a child.  He was raised by his grandmother, and saw his mother very little.  He helped raise the animals en el Rancho, and harvested a variety of crops. At 19, he decided to come to the United States when his friend convinced him of the idea. Here, he worked at a restaurant in Costa Mesa, California.  The owner of the restaurant moved him to their other restaurant of the same name, The Derby, in Arcadia, California.  Starting off as a dishwasher, he made his way up the chain.  Seeing the potential in my father’s work ethic and talent, the owner started to groom him to become the Head Chef.  After years as Head Chef at the prestigious restaurant, he decided to open his own restaurant. He then details how he met my mom.  And we end with discussing my dad’s bout with COVID-19.  His appreciation for life has grown immensely. ¡Disfruten!

Welcome my Mami! Teresa is my mother, and spoiler alert this interview is in Spanish! Mom grew up along the border of Michoacán and Guanajuato, in rural Mexico.  She talks about growing up and what her responsibilities en El Rancho were as a little girl.  She then details the traditional engagement of her older sister.  My grandfather and uncles were part of the Bracero Program.  And as such, she came to California at the age of 14 for the Pizcas.  From California, Oregon, and Washington, she picked different fruits and vegetables.  Eventually she made her way down to the Los Angeles area with her newborn son.  She worked for a teacher, and went to adult school to learn English.  It’s there, where she met my father. We end our talk with her sharing what she would like to do next in her retirement. ¡Escuchen!