Advertise on podcast: Growing Up Latina

What does "Growing up Latina" look like when you're Afro-Colombian, first-gen, and now starring on Broadway? Actress Jackie León sits with me to talk la sala memories, tough love, Spanish stigma, anti-Blackness in our communities, coming out, and building a career that demands everything. From Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen to writing her own plays, Jackie is proof that grit + heart change the room. Come for the gems, stay for the healing. 🧡   Subscribe, leave a comment with your favorite takeaway, and go see Hells Kitchen on Broadway. Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they already belong.

Familiaaa, for the first time in GUL history we're bringing you a 2-part episode!  We welcome back the inspiring and multi-talented media journalist Kim Osorio. In this conversation, Kim opens up about stepping into leadership roles at a young age, the honor of being Puerto Rican representation for her students, and how the media industry has evolved over the years. Most know her as the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source, but Kim's career spans far beyond that. We talk about her days as a showrunner on Growing Up Hip Hop, what it really takes to get a show greenlit, and the media's reaction to her book Straight from the Source: An Exposé from the Former Editor-in-Chief of the Hip-Hop Bible. She also teases her upcoming book The People vs. Hip-Hop, diving into court cases that shaped the culture. Kim has seen it all, and she isn't afraid to share her truth. Don't miss this powerful conversation between two Latinas facing the media industry head-on!

Familia Latinaaaa! 🎙️ This week we sit down with the legendary Kim Osorio — journalist, media executive, and the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source. Kim opens up about growing up mixed (Black, Chinese, Puerto Rican), moving out at 17, and going from camp counselor to club nights that landed her dream role at The Source. She even clears up the wild rumor about JLo's mom being her gym teacher 👀. From breaking barriers in hip hop media to creating youth programs for the next generation, Kim proves why she's a force in the industry. This is Part 1 of an inspiring conversation you don't want to miss.

What's up GUL fam! 🌎 Straight from Mexico City's alt-R&B scene, we have the amazing Girl Ultra. From boleros and classical music to blasting My Chemical Romance in her lively chilango sala, music has always been a core part of Mariana's world. She created Girl Ultra as a canvas to push boundaries and fill the gap in Mexico's alternative scene. We get into her latest single Tomás, the way artists protect their art, and how she navigates the pressures of a fast-paced industry. She also shares what it's like preparing for shows and the thrill of touring the globe. This is a raw and inspiring convo between two Latinas chasing big dreams in media—you don't want to miss it! 🎙️✨

Mi gente Latinaaa, two-time Latin Grammy nominee and Dominican rap phenom J Noa is here! She opens up about everything—from her viral Tiny Desk performance to the deep roots of her confidence and creativity. Raised in a home full of laughter and El Chavo del Ocho vibes, J Noa credits her unapologetic drive to the strong women who raised her. She shares how legends like Snoop Dogg and Cardi B shaped her flow, and how her EP Los Cinco Golpes turns life's "hits" into hope. From rocking her own float at the Dominican Day Parade to standing firm on free speech through her music, J Noa proves she's more than a rising star—she's a movement. Whether you're here for the jokes, the bars, or the message, this one's for you.

Happy National Latina Day!    Amigas, we have the wonderful creator and host of Hella Latin@ podcast, Odalys Jasmine! Join our raw, reflective, and nuanced conversation where Odalys Jasmine gets real about her deeply personal journey as a Latina from Southeast San Diego, California. She talks about growing up with community abundance, experiencing homelessness during the 2008 financial crisis, and eventually being enlightened about Latino history and politics which led to the creation of Hella Latin@. She reflects on Latinos not having control of their own narratives, the pressure to assimilate in the U.S. workforce, and why she proudly chooses to show up unapologetically Latina. We dive into the interviews that changed her, like learning about the lack of mental health awareness for Latino men and intergenerational trauma with Dr. Mariel Buque. Odalys Jasmine emphasizes that our voices are power and that Latinos have a right to take up space. From cleaning jobs with her mom to couch surfing in college to building a platform that partners with schools and nonprofits, Odalys Jasmine proves that embracing our scars can shape resilience and purpose. Join this conversation between 2 Latinas owning the radical act of being seen.

Amigas, today we're joined by Latin Grammy nominated Artist Daniela Spalla! With her new joint album Amorío with Esteman, set to be released August 28th, Daniela talks all about her journey and passion for music. From dealing with the nerves and thrill of performing in the same size venues as her childhood idols, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, to facing social pressures of women aging in the music industry, Daniela opens up about embracing her true self and showing that age is no barrier to ambition or artistry. Her dream has made her fearless, and she's only moving forward. Sit with us on this inspiring, honest, and moving conversation between two women just trying to achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry.

Familiaaa! It's a new week with a new episode, and this week we're chatting it up with the one and only Maria Isabel singer, songwriter, and certified baddie in her bag. From a sweet childhood story about wishing for a little brother (spoiler: she got a "partner in crime") to the vulnerable truth of growing up with anxiety and having a passion for music, Maria opens up about it all. She gets real about her teenage years, anxiety, and the moments that made her say "nope, not doing that alone." We talk about music industry madness, social media pressure, and how she's learning to tune out the noise and trust herself more than ever. This episode is all about growth, glowing up, and getting grounded. Maria's not just finding her voice, she's owning it. So grab your drink, sit back and tap in. You don't wanna miss this magical rollercoaster ride of becoming.

Have you ever manifested something down to the details? Honey Bxby went from crashing on her mama's futon in Asbury Park to living the exact life she once mapped out in her journals. The Puerto Rican, Black, and Italian artist sits with us to talk about finding her voice back in high school, getting discovered off an unreleased song, and the moments that shaped her latest project Raw Honey. We also get into performing with Lil' Kim, the story behind her name, and why she's done feeling like she has to prove her identity to anybody.

From the sala, the heart of her home and culture, Kathleen (Kat) DeLuna, the artist behind one of our favorite bangers growing up, "Whine Up," reflects on the memories, music, and Dominican roots that shaped her. In our latest episode, the singer-songwriter opens up about the duality of Kat versus Kathleen and how embracing her full self—including her faith, her pain, and her purpose—was the key to unlocking her artistry.   We talk familial relationships, divorce, and the power of forgiveness, especially in her evolving relationship with her father. Kat shares how she got closest to God not during the highs but on the way down, and how those moments of surrender helped her become the woman she was always meant to be.   From childhood talent shows to becoming the first Dominican female pop artist to break industry barriers, Kat reveals what it means to stop running from your calling and step fully into who you were born to be. This episode is a celebration of music, faith, healing, and the lives we change simply by being ourselves. Stay connected with Us! #GrowingUpLatina #GUL LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE

What happens when your relationship becomes the record? Raquel Berrios of Buscabulla joins us to talk about her latest album, Se Amaba Así—a deeply romantic project exploring the psychological dynamics of her relationship with partner and bandmate Luis in a way that feels more grown and vulnerable.   Raquel also opens up about motherhood, the spiritual practices that keep her grounded, and reclaiming the bold emotional intensity of Latina icons like La Lupe, La India, and Ednita Nazario, women who weren't afraid to feel out loud.   This episode is a deep, honest look at love, art, the emotional work behind both, and what happens when you turn your real life into art. Se Amaba Así is a mirror, a reflection, una invitación to love louder, go deeper, and maybe cry while you dance. Because when you're willing to tell the truth, you don't just create something beautiful, you become someone braver.

After experiencing the kind of back-to-back heartbreak that could break anyone, Nitty Scott said ya basta. She was forced to pause everything, including the rollout of her project Jiggy Mami. In this conversation, she shares how trying to push through the pain only masked it, and why choosing rest, therapy, and truth over performance became her only option. We dive into what it really takes to manage yourself as a mujer in music, from booking gigs and budgeting to building a team, and why "f**k you money" isn't just about success. For Nitty, financial freedom means safety, especially for women trying to escape toxic situations. She shares that during her time managing herself, she made more money and gained more opportunities than ever before—proof that going independent doesn't mean losing power, it means taking it back. She also opens up about being told to downplay her Puerto Rican roots and hide her relationships, even being discouraged from dating Kendrick Lamar, all in the name of being "marketable." Now she's reclaiming every part of who she is: queer, Black, Boricua—sin miedo. When asked what message she'd leave for the next generation of Latinas and creatives who feel unseen, Nitty said: "To live out loud because your existence in itself is important in a system that doesn't want you." From writing poetry in her childhood bedroom to surviving abuse and chasing her dream in NYC at 16, Nitty's story is a blueprint for healing, evolving, and never letting the world erase you.

DJ Jadaboo went from spinning in her bedroom to DJing Paris Hilton's Coachella party—and that's just the beginning. In this week's episode, she chats with us about growing up Black and Mexican in a small California town, navigating mental health, and how music became her safe space and her calling.   What you'll hear:  The story behind her viral rise during the pandemic "Girl, I posted myself online, it went viral... and it kind of spiraled upward into being a full-time career... but I've been doing it for almost 10 years now."  DJing for Kendrick Lamar, Kehlani, and Latinx House at Sundance  What it's like feeling caught between cultures—and owning both "I'm proud to be both a Mexican American and a Black woman. I know who I am."  What she's calling in for 2025 (and why it's deeper than just gigs)   If you've ever felt like you had to prove where you're from or who you are, this episode is your reminder: your raíces and your rhythm are your power. You don't need to shrink to fit the room. You already belong in it.

Ever tried to create something beautiful while everything around you felt like it was falling apart? That's exactly what Immasoul did with her debut album Pistola. In this episode, she opens up about losing both of her parents during the writing process, growing into her sound, and trusting herself every step of the way. She talks about blending Afrobeats, regional Mexicano, and trap—her way, no formulas. From tequila-fueled studio nights with PJ Sin Suela to writing for Godfather of Harlem and landing in Rolling Stone, Immasoul lets us in on what it really took to make this album. If you've ever made something out of pain, or felt yourself changing while chasing a dream, this one's for you.

You ever feel like everyone's ahead of you, and you're just trying to figure it out? This episode's for you.   In this week's episode, we're sitting down with one of our favorite content creators, Christine Cruz. This Brooklyn-born Dominicana, went from shy girl in East New York to working with top beauty brands and building an IG community of over 100K. From working graveyard shifts at JFK to becoming a full-time content creator, Christine took a leap of faith. With a little push from her cousin Monica Style Muse, she moved to LA with no camera, no real plan, and nothing but the belief that she was meant for more and that God's timing is always better than our own. In this honest and inspiring convo, you'll also hear: What it really took to grow her platform from scratch How her first brand deal with Bomba Curls became a full-circle moment Dealing with imposter syndrome The ups and downs of content creation when you're self-taught and self-funded Building confidence And how growing up around powerhouse mujeres shaped her hustle If you've ever second-guessed yourself, this episode will remind you to bet on yourself even when the path isn't clear. You're already that girl — you just need to see it for yourself.