Whether You Like It Or Not

I felt the need to capture this moment in life that I am grateful for. I don't want to focus on things that take away my joy and NEED to constantly remind myself of the beautiful experiences life if giving me in real time, in this present moment. It's an episode that feels more like an audio diary where I share about my kids' birthdays; an upcoming trip to Australia (and me being a bit nerve wrecked); feeling spring in the air - AND ... my dog makes a quick appearance (IFYKYK) Follow my journey on my personal page for snippets of my time in Melbourne, Australia, the layover in New Zealand and a quick visit to Los Angeles, California via @ms.lxpezs - If y'all have any suggestions on places that I need to visit, need to eat at, need to drink at, hit up ya girl! Also, that pause - there's a backstory. I'm ferociously protective of my kids; in this instance, my son was being called down to the office/guidance department at school. I overheard the guidance councillor speak inappropriately to him. I'll share more in the next episode. Stay tuned! Appreciate you lending me your ears and time<3

Joli: "Grow through what you go through is something I truly believe in. Every circumstance, even the ones that cause us pain leads us to a better version of ourselves. The journey of healing is so essential to living a purposeful life. An inspiration, resilient and faith filled woman - married mother of two beautiful children." Okay, you might have caught on that Joli and I recorded this episode before Episode 2 buuutt sometimes our plans shift and that's okay! I also underestimated how much I remembered about my recording equipment with more than just myself and my audio wasn't the greatest in this episode. Bear with me! I was too certain and in the end ... wasn't certain at all. The quality of the audio of the next 3 episodes humbled me. Thank you for your patience. Moody <3

Our first guest of 2024; SZN 2!! Toronto native, born to parents from Dominican Republic, Giselle, shares her personal story and experience having spent approximately 8 months in prison in Aruba (2022-2023). As a woman, mother of 5, wife, sister, daughter, friend, she opens up and shares an emotional recount with Moody (Marii) on the decisions made that led to the eye-opening circumstances. Tune in to hear it first-hand, take in her lessons learned, her worries while being away from her children and loved ones and the challenges of returning home. We will have an opportunity to ask her questions and she will share an update on her transition back to life in Toronto! NEXT STEPS: Listen to this episode and note down any questions/comments you might have for G. We need to know if there's an interest! Send your anonymous questions by Jan. 12th through NGL Anonymous Q&A. Be sure you're following the WYLN IG page to be notified when we are "Live w/ G" on Friday, Jan. 12th from 7:30pm - 8:15pm (there will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the 30-45 min segment) Keep up with G and follow her on her personal instagram account! Gracias for lending us your ears! M

Turning over a new leaf here as we take on SZN 2 of WYLN Podcast! Not going to share a whole blurb here on excuses and how "I'm back and better". Let's let the episodes and outcomes speak for itself :) If you're not already doing so, follow us on Instagram to stay posted with new episode previews and live Q&A's with featured guests! Check out and connect with Melanie if you are looking for someone with extensive experience in not only working with non-profits but also for contracting needs to build a website for that business you've been putting on hold, re-strategizing a current business (or webpage), managing content, marketing and graphic design. She is also a writer! I haven't even told her this yet but she literally saved me from hours of content prep and has helped me get on track with staying consistent! Gracias! M

You read that correctly! After a LONG (sorry, hehe) hiatus, we are launching SZN 2 of WYLN Podcast and are excited to share our *OFFICIAL TRAILER* Be sure to turn on your notifications if you'd like to stay updated with what we have coming in this szn! Gracias for lending us your ears and sharing some time with us. We hope you enjoy what's to come. WYLN Podcast

In this episode, marii sliiightly shares an overview on what y'all can expect from WYLN as a podcast that is hoping to provide a safe space for guests while discussing taboo and controversial topics, while questioning what we may have been taught are "values" as people of the LatinAmerican diaspora. She brings up talks about 'taking up space' as visibly Brown woman/mujer, from multiethnic ancestry and heritage and briefly shares on her experience growing up and often times being referred to as "Spanish" or "Mexican" (often times stereotyped) as a kid.  She also shares an overview on what y'all can expect from WYLN as a podcast that is hoping to provide a safe space for guests while discussing taboo and controversial topics, while questioning what we may have been taught are "values" as people of the LatinAmerican diaspora.  marii briefly shares on her relationship with her first "baby daddy" (more in depth conversation to come on this for sure!) Can any of y'all relate? .. lol - bueeenooo! see ya in the next episodeee!

Disclaimer… I get emotional and cry through the talking (there's a curse word or two); get into some difficult conversations like suicide and injustices towards Indigenous People on the very same lands where our parents, grandparents and relatives sought refuge and opportunities. Yes, in my opinion, it's all connected. Thank you de todo corazon once again for lending me your ears, time and attention <3 Please take a moment to answer the questions, if you are listening from #Spotify; I hope at least half of you enjoyed this episode :P The title is pretty self explanatory and it is 1 hour and 15 mins long so I won't write a bunch of shenanigans here; I promise, even if you gotta break it up into two 37 min sessions or so, it'll be worth it!! As promised, I have included a few links for ya'll who are interested with respect to learning more about Indigenous issues and awareness around National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and ongoing injustices that they are currently (and have been for numerous years) experiencing.  Information to links and articles NDTR and OSD links on background https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Womyn in canada https://nwac.ca/policy/forced-sterilization Link related to food insecurities in rural communities in canada https://www.businessinsider.com/food-prices-high-northern-canada-2017-9 Nestle - "What is happening with water and Indigenous communities?" Article 1: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/makasa-looking-horse-clean-water-access-canada/ Article 2: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2018/oct/04/ontario-six-nations-nestle-running-water IG handle for Dr. Pam Palmater - a Mi'kmaq lawyer, professor, activist and an associate professor and the academic director of the Centre for Indigenous Governance at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as "Ryerson University"). She has been recognized from the community by numerous awards and has even appeared on APTN, CBC and CTV. I encourage y'all to follow her to learn more about Indigenous issues across Canada. https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmater/?hl=en   

Coming back strong, I would say by having WYLN's 1st featured guest with us!!! Ornella (@polifronii_mua on IG) shares her truth and perceptions when it comes to navigating motherhood in this day and age. She opens up with us about some of her experiences as a new (& sometimes working) mom. Although Ornella is currently prioritizing this new journey she is on as a wife and momma of an adoraaablleee baby girl, she has made great strides in her career.  Some of what we discuss on this episode revolve around pregnancy and post-partum challenges such as: - shift in dynamics with the relationships that surround us - shift within ourselves - self-care and what it means to us - the need to voice what we need when we need it! Please note: We do not claim to be professionals and are simply sharing insight based on our own personal journey's/experiences. Parenthood is not a one size fits all, but we're sure you know this already :) Wouldn't it be nice if tiny humans came with a manual? =P Share your thoughts with us on our IG page @WYLN.Podcast and/or leave us a voice message via https://anchor.fm/wyln/message ; please indicate in your message if you consent (or not, that's okay!) to us sharing your voice note on an upcoming episode :) 

The initial trailer wasn't sitting well and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Space is important- especially when you're creating!  When I tried to record content, no matter how hard I tried, my initial space just wasn't doing it for me. This podcast is ever-evolving, like me- so let's hope I like this one enough to not have to feel like I gotta do a "take tres(3)". LMAO HOLLAAA

You know what? Shxt happens. I acknowledge it, I own it and I also refuse to allow myself to be hard on myself for sometimes needing to take a break before I even hit the ground running with a project.  In this episode I talk about the unexpected hiatus, what (and why these factors) took priority over all else and even a new exclusive subscribers/members only feature that will be added to the podcast in the very near future!  *HINT: exclusive episodes will only be available through Spotify.  Take a listen and let me know your thoughts! Thanks for sticking' by me en la buenos y en las malas if you're tuning in despite my lack of consistency.  Sending you love and light,  marii

Yeah- I know I'm late and after much debating with myself of whether or not to do this episode discussing the series after watching it, I just went and did it.  I didn't think my likkle episode 1 was going to get much attention pero it did!  I'm grateful to each and every one of you for sharing your excitement with me on the Selena series! THANK YOU <3 In the end, como que I couldn't put out another episode unless I did this one first.  Take a listen, comment, like and share your thoughts on WYLN.Podcast on instagram! I'd really appreciate it =) Xo- Marii

HEY Y'ALL!!! I am BEYOND AMPED for this lifelong dreeeaaam to come true- the one where we, as fans, get a more in depth look into the life of LA REINA DE TEJANO MUSIC, my IDOL ever since I can remember!  Not only was she a gifted, dedicated artist to her craft and endeavours, she was also an entrepreneur, an amaazing dancer, a fashion icon AND designer, and a humanitarian, as humble as they can possibly come.  I also get into some impacts of colonization and ongoing effects of colonization, even within the Latinx music/entertainment industry. DISCLAIMER: There is cursing up I this muthr.