Unapologetically First Gen

In this episode, we're joined by Lucy Magadichian - immigration attorney, boutique practice owner, and immigrant herself - who has spent over 20 years helping companies and individuals navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law. Lucy breaks down the business side of immigration in a way that's accessible and eye-opening.We talk about why mobility restrictions are one of the biggest hurdles facing foreign workers right now, how antiquated the U.S. immigration system really is, the heartbreaking reality of 15+ year green card waits for some applicants, and the importance of hiring a legitimate immigration attorney (and how to verify one). Plus, Lucy shares her own first-gen story - moving from Bulgaria at age 12, becoming her family's translator, and the sneaker moment that started her American education.Resources & Terms MentionedLearn more about Lucy on her website https://www.lmaglaw.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-magardichian-22abba7/Learn more about H1B Visas: or O-1 Visas or check out the USCIC website for information on other visas or scenarios. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Luisa de Paula Santos—educator, labor organizer, and newly elected member of the Cambridge School Committee. As a first-gen immigrant and current paraprofessional, Luisa brings a powerful perspective from inside the education system.We talk about what it’s like to move from organizing workers to running for public office, what she saw working in schools that pushed her to run, and the complicated realities educators face behind the scenes. From underfunded classrooms to the fear teachers have about speaking up, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how school systems really operate.We also explore the role parents play in school communities, how districts sometimes pit teachers and families against each other, and why building stronger school communities is of the most important ways to support students.Luisa shares what it’s like navigating bureaucracy as a newly elected official, how her first-gen identity shapes her leadership, and why she’s determined to fight for dignity and justice in education.Resources & Terms MentionedLearn more about IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.Get to know Luisa If you live in Cambridge, MA and want to share your perspective, Luisa encourages you to reach out: luisa4schoolcommittee @gmail.com.Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

We made it—one full year of Unapologetically First Gen 🎉For our anniversary episode, we wanted to do something special (and very on brand): invite family into the conversation.In this episode, Lesley and Stacy are joined by two of their older cousins, Michelle and Suzete, for an unfiltered, no-outline conversation about immigration, identity, and what it means to grow up first-gen—even within the same family. As some of the oldest cousins on their dad’s side, Michelle and Suzete helped pave the road the rest of us walked on, and their stories reveal just how different first-gen life can look across ages, neighborhoods, and circumstances.What unfolds is funny, tender, raw, and deeply honest. From early memories of arriving in the U.S., to intergenerational living in the legendary “Braga compound,” to conversations about shame, pride, community, and becoming yourself over time—this episode is a reminder that there is no single immigrant experience.Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on You Tube and Instagram (@UFGPodcast) and on to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode, we slow things down and talk honestly about self-care in times of anger, grief, and nonstop news cycles. We’re not experts, and this isn’t a “just light a candle and you’ll be fine” conversation. It’s a real check-in on what it looks like to take care of ourselves so we can keep showing up.We share what’s been grounding us lately — from therapy tools and reading fiction again, to leaning into play, silliness, and hobbies that don’t need to be productive or monetized. We also talk about setting boundaries with the news and social media, finding balance between staying informed and burning out, and why rest isn’t optional if we want to stay in this work for the long haul.Throughout the episode, we reflect on how self-care helps us move from feeling stuck in anger to feeling empowered, connected, and able to take action — without losing ourselves in the process.Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, Stacy walks us through some of the most common — and most harmful — myths about immigrants in the U.S., using research from the International Institute of New England as a starting point.Lesley reacts in real time, adding personal stories, lived experience, and plenty of righteous anger as we unpack why these myths persist, who they harm, and how dehumanization shows up in policy, media, and everyday conversations.This episode is heavy but necessary. We talk about immigration backlogs, asylum, crime myths, voting misinformation, economic impact, language access, and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Most of all, we talk about why humanizing immigrant stories matters now more than ever.Resources & Terms MentionedThe article used: Dispelling 10 Common Myths About Immigrants and RefugeesIf you want to support adult education check out Randolph Community Partnership or your local adult ed program.  Pasteis De Nata Information on the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi Get information on applying for documented status on USCIS’s site Find and contact your elected representatives Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, more ways to help, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

Happy New Year… and yes, we’re already tired. 😅 In this 2025 recap episode (recorded January 4), the Braga sisters get honest about a year that felt like the longest 12 months ever — politically, personally, and for the immigrant community at large. We talk about job instability, self-employed health insurance sticker shock, the corporate-to-contractor pipeline, and what it really looks like to build a business while life is life-ing.We also bring the levity: jury duty stories, appliances dying in dramatic fashion, a very niche drag show (Hanukings!), and a truly unhinged podcast pitch that made us roll our eyes into another dimension. Plus: our favorite episodes + guests of 2025, behind-the-scenes podcast lessons, and what we’re carrying into 2026 to stay unapologetically ourselves.Resources & Terms MentionedBe our guestYale Appliance - if you live in Massachusetts and need new appliances but you don’t want to support a big corporation. Further listening:Cozypreneur episode that changed Lesley’s lifeStacy’s favorite episode of 2025Lesley’s favorite episode of 2025If you want to check our Lesley’s fancy copy, sign up for her newsletterIf you need fancy copy, contact Stacy. Check out Boston’s Premier Jewish Drag CompanyJoin the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode, the Braga sisters sit down with Kayla Guardado—a yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and somatic curandera—to talk about reclaiming identity, honoring ancestry, and finding rebellion in healing. Kayla shares her journey from Honduras to the U.S., the “be safe, achieve more” mindset so many first-gens inherit, and how grief cracked her heart open and redirected her life’s work. We get into layered healing, why “witchy” is a reclamation, and simple ways to come back to your center when the world feels loud.We also cover: teaching beyond the classroom, generational joy and generational trauma, and building daily rituals that keep you grounded.Resources & Terms MentionedKeyla’s Website  with free meditations and somatic practices Connect with Keyla on IGCurandera (n.): Spanish for “medicine woman”—ancestral healer blending body, spirit, community, and earth-based practices.Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this feel-good convo, the Braga sisters reflect on how their parents have grown alongside them—from “we don’t talk about that” to warm, boundary-respecting grandparents who queue up pranks and apologies. We talk therapy, boundaries, asking for help, and the cultural shifts that made space for softer relationships. Plus: airport independence (!!), phone-call anxiety is universal, and Dad’s legendary prankster era lives on with a new little pink-loving sidekick.Resources & Terms MentionedCheck out your local YMCA and join Lesley in BEAST MODE!Learn all about PAPSY over at StacyBragaCopy.comJoin the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, the Braga sisters sit down with actress Maria Timonina — most recently seen on Netflix’s The Gringo Hunters. Maria shares her journey as the daughter of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, growing up in Ohio, studying acting in Boston, and chasing her dream career in Los Angeles.We talk about family memories, immigrant identity, and what it’s like to navigate being white-presenting but still first-gen in today’s political climate. Maria opens up about ICE raids in her community, the emotional toll of speaking out, and why protecting immigrant rights is personal. She also shares the behind-the-scenes story of booking her first big union role — and how her late cat even made a cameo in the show.It’s a conversation about resilience, community, and learning to be unapologetically yourself, on-screen and off.Resources & MentionsThe Gringo Hunters on NetflixWhy ICE raids are happening in droves Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode, the Braga sisters pick up where we left off—this time diving into the really hush-hush stuff from our childhoods: sex ed, puberty, dating, and using the right names for body parts. We talk about awkward school sex-ed memories (hello, “Know Your Body”), the American Girl puberty books, and what it looks like to have age-appropriate conversations with kids today. We also get into dating under strict household rules, why secrecy breeds better liars (not safer kids), and how we’re approaching honest conversations about birth control, protection, and internet safety with the next generation. Resources & Terms MentionedAmerican Girl books Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes, Too!) The Ultimate Puberty Book for GirlsDonate to Planned Parenthood so teens can continue to get access to reproductive health care Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

In this episode, the Braga sisters get real about the stuff we didn’t talk about growing up—mental health, anxiety, conflict, and “I love yous.” We share stories from childhood (Friday spelling-test stomachaches, anyone?), how those patterns show up in adulthood, and what it looks like to set boundaries with family and clients. We also talk about gentle parenting (for toddlers and coworkers), why conflict felt “off-limits,” and how we’re trying to raise emotionally literate kids now. Plus: a merch update—limited-run vinyl stickers are here, and mugs are back in stock.Resources & Terms MentionedTik tok video about parenting teenagers in 2025: https://www.tiktok.com/@jay176340/video/7530214463270620447Some of Lesley’s kid’s favorite books about feelings:The Color Monster: A Story About EmotionsFeel Your FeelingsRuby Finds A WorryJoin the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

Lesley and Stacy dive into the human toll of ICE raids and policies—family separation, racial profiling, due-process failures—and how the nonstop news cycle is impacting first-gen communities. From local stories to national headlines, they unpack what’s happening, why it feels so heavy, and where values-driven action fits in. We also talk about job market whiplash, vaccine access, and the empathy gap in policy decisions.Resources & Take ActionWant to channel your feelings in a productive way? Here are some places to start:Support immigrant-owned businesses in your area.Learn your rights & share resources from trusted orgs (e.g., local legal aid, community coalitions).Stay informed:Look for news outlets beyond your usual feedLearn about mass incarceration with New Jim CrowMentioned BBC Article: Who has been arrested by ICE under Trump?Protest in creative ways: Mexican Flag car magnets Join the CommunityGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.If you loved this episode, make sure you hit follow so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Subscribing means every new drop shows up right in your feed, and if you take a second to rate and review the show, it helps more first-gens (and first-gen allies!) find us. And of course, share this episode with a friend, a cousin, or anyone who’d love to laugh, nod along, and feel seen with us.

We’re baaaack! In this mid-summer catch-up (recorded July 31) the Braga sisters get real about rest, community, and doing the work without burning out. We talk about summer memories, why we run the show in seasons, and how the nonstop immigration news cycle has felt heavy — especially for first-gens living it. We also share what’s in store for Season 2, unveil our new merch, and invite you to join our email newsletter so you never miss an episode.Resources & Terms MentionedUnlearning Shame: How We Can Reject Self-Blame Culture and Reclaim Our Power by Devon PriceThe Target Takeback (n.) When a brand loudly embraces diversity and inclusion, then backpedals the moment there’s political (or financial) pressure. Then roll it all back out again when it’s profitable. Think: big public campaigns for Black History Month or Pride, followed by sudden cuts to DEI initiatives.The Target Takeback led to large scale boycotts, decreased foot traffic, and ultimately, a 19% drop in sales. Join the Community & Support UsGet your Unapologetically First Gen mug — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen.Join our email list for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments.Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.If you loved this episode, make sure you hit follow so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Subscribing means every new drop shows up right in your feed, and if you take a second to rate and review the show, it helps more first-gens (and first-gen allies!) find us. And of course, share this episode with a friend, a cousin, or anyone who’d love to laugh, nod along, and feel seen with us.

In this season finale of Unapologetically First Gen, we sit down with Lesley’s mother-in-law, Soledad Boyd, for an intimate and unfiltered conversation about coming out later in life, navigating Black and queer identity, and what it really means to live unapologetically.We talk about:What it was like to come out in her 50s after raising three kidsQueerness in a white male–dominated LGBTQ+ scenePride vs. corporate prideBlackness, visibility, and generational unlearningWhy her grandkids won’t grow up with the same shame she carriedAnd the joy (and challenge) of dating as a queer woman in BostonThis one is layered, funny, heartbreaking, and beautifully honest. A powerful end to the season and the perfect listen for Pride Month and Juneteenth.Check out Queer Kids Stuff here: https://youtube.com/@queerkidstuff?feature=shared🎧 Catch up on the season & subscribe to be the first to hear when we’re back this fall. Thanks for listening and supporting the show! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review if you enjoy the show. It really helps us grow.  We’ll see you in the fall! 

In this episode, we’re joined by a very special guest—our cousin, Romeu Bairos, a Portuguese musician, actor, and performer known for traditional Azorean music. We talk about:His time on the Portuguese version of The VoiceWhy singing in your natural accent is a big deal Reconnecting with long-lost cousins and finding home in BostonPissing off MAGA aunties at Portuguese festivalsHis acting career and upcoming movie based on a banned communist novelAnd yes, why capitalism is the cows’ worst enemyWe also get into deeper themes around nationalism, safety as an immigrant in the U.S., and what it means to speak out even when it feels risky.This one’s heavy and hilarious. Check out Romeu’s music here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/6H3GT3ggWowSo4R8LkGPP0?si=eJcGFCLJTFikvig_5TJXTgIf you are being affected by ICE: If you or someone you know is facing immigration enforcement, the ACLU has multilingual guides on how to respond and protect your rights.https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rightsJoin the Conversation:Got episode ideas or stories to share? Join the Patreon to stay in the loop for Season 2. http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastThanks for listening and supporting the show! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review if you enjoy the show. It really helps us grow. 

In this heartfelt, slightly chaotic, and very first-gen episode, Stacy and Lesley reflect on their first season of Unapologetically First Gen—what they’ve learned, how podcasting has unexpectedly deepened their connection with family, and the feedback that’s made them cry (in a good way). What starts as a light episode takes a powerful turn as they dive into the emotional weight of being first-generation, growing up as unofficial translators, and the fear immigrant communities are facing today.From childhood memories and moon cycle superstitions to the heartbreak of ICE raids and political uncertainty, this episode is a raw blend of vulnerability, cultural commentary, and cousin-fueled love.In this episode, they talk about:How podcasting has helped them stay connected to their 40+ cousinsThe technical and emotional lessons learned this seasonHow feedback from listeners—especially family—has shaped their motivationNavigating fear, dual citizenship, and immigrant identity in the current political climateSetting boundaries while still being deeply tied to family rolesThe importance of grassroots community action in the face of systemic threatsResource Mentioned:If you or someone you know is facing immigration enforcement, the ACLU has multilingual guides on how to respond and protect your rights.https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rightsJoin the Conversation:Got episode ideas or stories to share? Join the Patreon to stay in the loop for Season 2. http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastThanks for listening and supporting the show! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review if you enjoy the show. It really helps us grow. 

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, we’re talking about relationships—and specifically what it’s like to grow up in a culture where marriage is expected early, only to end up married to Americans in very different ways.Lesley shares a personal story most people don’t know: she got married at 18 to a Portuguese boy—and divorced by 20. We talk about the pressure to settle down young, the gender roles we grew up with, and the kind of relationships we saw modeled in our community.We also reflect on how marrying outside our culture has forced us (and our partners) to navigate everything from family dynamics to food, language, and privilege. There’s some humor, some heart, and a whole lot of cultural unpacking in this one.🎧 Tune in to hear us talk about: – Getting married young and the aftermath – Why we didn’t end up with Portuguese guys – Mental load, masculinity, and growing alongside your partner – The joy (and chaos) of blending families and traditionsIf you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. 💬 Got your own story about being first gen or marrying across cultures? Share it with us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastConnect with us on Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesley

This week, Lesley & Stacy are diving into the cultural quirks and beliefs that stuck with us long after childhood - aka, all the superstitions we inherited (and maybe still follow). From the iconic Portuguese rooster to the deep-rooted fear of catching a cold from… wet hair?? Yep, we’re unpacking it all.We talk:The legend behind the Galo de Barcelos 🐓Why wearing a jacket became a moral obligationThe war on wet hair and cold feetHouse shoes, slipper politics, and crumb-related traumaAnd the mysterious "needle test" that “predicts” how many kids you’ll haveSprinkled in, of course, are a few chaotic kid stories, cultural call-outs, and laughs about how these things still lowkey run our lives. Come for the folk tales, stay for the barefoot confessions.Share your cultural superstitions with us over on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcast📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, we sit down with our friend Isaac Lungu who shares what it’s been like to move through the world as a perpetual immigrant—from Botswana to several U.S. states, and now Canada.Isaac talks about the layers of identity he’s had to navigate as someone who grew up African, became “Black” in America, and now raises his kid in a third culture. We explore how systemic issues—from racism to healthcare to capitalism—intertwine with personal experience, and what it means to stay rooted when home is constantly shifting.If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and leave us a review. 💬 Got your own story about being first gen? Share it with us over on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastThank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In the second half of their conversation on hustle culture, Lesley and Stacy go deeper into what it actually looks like to unlearn the first-gen overachiever mindset in real life.From letting the dishes sit in the sink to resisting the urge to say yes to every opportunity, this episode unpacks the guilt that comes with rest—and the intentional choices it takes to create a slower, values-aligned life.You’ll hear stories about:Homework protests and raising readersHow burnout sneaks into even your hobbies (hi, Goodreads pressure)What grandma taught us about radical restLearning to say no without apologizingWhy “you can have it all” isn’t the problem—it’s the timeline that’s a lieIf you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything but still not enough, this episode is a reminder: your worth isn’t measured by your productivity.💬 Got your own story about unlearning hustle? Share it with us over on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastFollow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Buy us a cup of coffee by joining our Patreon. 📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In this two-part series, Stacy and Lesley dive deep into the first gen overachiever syndrome—also known as hustle culture, survival mode, or doing-the-most disorder. In part one, they reflect on their college years packed with jobs, volunteer work, and academic overload, and trace those habits back to childhood expectations around rest, success, and self-worth.They also unpack how that hustle mentality shows up in parenting, housekeeping, and even reading for fun (yes, really). You’ll hear about generational shifts—from grandma’s “let the dishes sit” mindset to breaking up with the myth of “having it all at the same time.”Whether you're currently in burnout or just trying to untangle your worth from your to-do list, this episode offers a funny, heartfelt, and unfiltered look at how hustle sneaks into every corner of life—and what it looks like to start letting go.💬 Got your own story about unlearning hustle? Share it with us over on Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastFollow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Buy us a cup of coffee by joining our Patreon. 📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

This week on Unapologetically First Gen, we’re diving into the funny, frustrating, and sometimes embarrassing moments that come with being bilingual.From accidentally telling people we're "constipated" when we mean congested to struggling with vocabulary around politics, shaving cream, or whether it’s a cup or a glass of water… this episode is for anyone who’s ever had a word get stuck between two languages.We also talk about the cultural weight of language—how it shows up in our dreams, how it shapes who we feel fluent with, and why describing our work in Portuguese sometimes feels impossible.💬 Join the convo: Share your sticky language situations on our Patreon: http://patreon.com/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastFollow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Buy us a cup of coffee by joining our Patreon. Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

This week, we’re talking malasadas, sweetbread, and soup that could bring you to tears. But like most of our episodes — it’s not really about the food. It’s about memory, identity, and what gets passed down.We reflect on what it means to preserve cultural traditions when you’ve moved away from the language, the religion, or the neighborhood that shaped them. From our mother’s baking to finding joy in overpriced cereal, this episode is full of stories that will hit home for any first-gen kid trying to keep their culture alive — one recipe (or failed veggie burger) at a time.You can find Chocopic, biscoitos, and Portuguese cheese here:l https://shopportuguese.com Follow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Buy us a cup of coffee by joining our Patreon. Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In this special episode of Unapologetically First Gen, we welcome our very first guest: Remy (yes, just Remy), a creative entrepreneur, twice-over immigrant, and founder of the video editing agency Remy B Reel. Born in Haiti, raised in the U.S., and now living in Ethiopia with his family, Remy shares his incredible journey of navigating life between continents, cultures, and identities.Remy's story is a powerful reflection on resilience, intention, and living unapologetically. We get into what it’s like to parent abroad, the difference between being an immigrant vs. an expat, and why building a slower, more intentional life has made all the difference for his family.Follow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Buy us a cup of coffee by joining our Patreon. 📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, sisters Stacy and Lesley Braga dive into their experiences with education as first-generation college students. They reflect on their early schooling in a bilingual Portuguese-English program, the challenges of transitioning into an English-only environment, and the impact of being the first in their family to navigate higher education.Follow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Support us by buying us a cup of coffee here.📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

In this episode, sisters Lesley and Stacy Braga break down the family dynamics, from sleepovers and road trips to childhood conspiracies and the ever-growing cousin network. They share hilarious stories (including an infamous toothpaste incident), how family bonds shift over time, and the unique experience of growing up in a massive, close-knit immigrant family.📩 DM us on social media—how many first cousins do you have? What’s your funniest cousin memory?📸 Check out our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, including a glimpse of the infamous house from the toothpaste incident!Follow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Support us by buying us a cup of coffee here.📲 Connect with us on Social Media: Instagram and Threads: @stacybragacopy and @StreamlineWithLesleyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnapologeticallyFirstGenPodcastSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever you listen to your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

Episode Summary:In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, Stacy takes us on a journey through her recent trip to the Azores, marking her first time visiting without "the grown-ups." From driving for the first time on the curvy, cliffside roads to navigating the islands’ taxi system, Stacy shares her experiences, challenges, and personal growth throughout the trip.We dive into the deep emotions of reconnecting with family, the nostalgia of visiting, and the stark contrasts between life in the Azores and the U.S. This episode also explores the slower pace of island life, the importance of work-life balance, and the sense of community that shapes everyday living in the Azores.Follow & Support Us:Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Support us by buying us a cup of coffee here. Instagram and Threads: StacyBragaCopy and StreamlineWithLesleySubscribe on PatreonSubscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever you listen to your podcasts. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! ❤️

Episode Summary:After launching our first episode, we got some great feedback on the term "first-generation." In this episode, we're diving into the differences between first-generation American and first-generation immigrant, how we define our own identities, and why language matters.Support the Show:Like, subscribe, and leave a review! It helps more first-gen listeners find the podcast.Share this episode with a friend or family member who would love it!Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Support us by buying us a cup of copy: https://buymeacoffee.com/unapologeticallyfirstgenJoin the Conversation!We know identity is nuanced and personal—how do you define being first-gen? Let us know! DM us on Instagram or Threads at StacyBragaCopy or StreamlineWithLesley

Episode Title: How we Got HereHosts: Stacy Braga & Lesley BragaEpisode Summary:In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, sisters Stacy and Lesley dive into their Azorean heritage, sharing personal stories of growing up as first-generation immigrants from the Azores, a set of nine small islands in the middle of the Atlantic. They explore the unique customs, history, and immigration patterns of the Azorean people, along with heartfelt and humorous anecdotes from their own family’s journey.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The history of Azorean immigration, including why waves of Azoreans moved to the U.S., Canada, and Brazil.The cultural distinctions of the Azores, including language, food, and traditions.Personal family stories about growing up with immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to build a new life in America.How their parents’ experience shaped their own identity and values.The contrast between childhood summers in the Azores vs. growing up in New England.The deep connection between memory and senses—especially the nostalgic power of food and smell.Key Moments:00:01:41 - Introduction to the podcast and today’s topic: Azorean identity and immigration.02:13 - The unique culture of the Azores and how accents differ across the islands.04:36 - The struggles of growing up in a fascist regime and extreme poverty.09:13 - The realities of early education in the Azores, working young, and the significance of having a pair of shoes.13:59 - The journey of their parents’ immigration, the risk of starting over, and their early struggles in America.18:27 - Nostalgic memories of summers in the Azores, childhood adventures, and making lifelong connections with food and traditions.23:08 - The importance of community in Azorean culture, including traditional feasts and resourcefulness in farming life.25:28 - How their parents adapted to life in the U.S. while working multiple jobs to support their family.Ending - Reflections on first-generation experiences and the value of embracing both cultures.Quotes from the Episode:"There are more cows in the Azores than there are people.""Our parents took one big risk—moving to a new country—and then decided they were done with risks for life.""Nothing beats fresh bread coming out of a wood-fired oven. The smell instantly takes me back."Connect with Us:Instagram & Threads: @stacybragacopy | @rather_be_baking_breadHave a First Gen Story? DM us or tag us in your post—we’d love to hear from you!Support the Show:Like, subscribe, and leave a review! It helps more first-gen listeners find the podcast.Share this episode with a friend or family member who would love it!Ideas for Unapologetically First Gen come from sisterly conversation and caffeine. Support us by buying us a cup of copy: https://buymeacoffee.com/unapologeticallyfirstgenUntil next time—keep embracing your roots and making your own path!

Welcome to the very first episode of Unapologetically First Gen! 🎉 In this podcast, we—two sisters, Stacy and Lesley—share what it’s like to grow up as first-generation immigrants. From hilarious childhood moments to deeply personal reflections, we’re here to celebrate the first-gen experience in all its complexity.In This Episode:What unapologetically first gen means to usThe internalized shame many first-gens experience and how we’ve learned to embrace our identityThe double standards around bilingualism in AmericaThe pressures of being the eldest child in an immigrant familyBreaking generational cycles and redefining success on our own termsThe moment we each realized we were different from our peersOur Takeaway:Being unapologetically first gen means fully embracing both sides of our identity—holding space for our parents’ sacrifices while also carving out our own dreams. We are no longer hiding, diluting, or explaining ourselves. This podcast is our way of resisting societal pressures and honoring our roots.Join the Conversation!Did this episode resonate with you? Do you have your own first-gen story to share? We’d love to hear from you!📲 Connect with us on Instagram and Threads:Stacy: @stacybragacopyLesley: @StreamlineWithLesley🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who would love it. Your support helps us grow and continue sharing these important conversations.Until next time, keep embracing your roots and making your own path! 🌱✨