What does it mean to create legacy when the system tells you you don’t belong? In this powerful episode, Roxy and KJ sit down with Venezuelan-born creative and DACA recipient Dani Cardenas, founder of Tiny Stage Entertainment. Dani shares her family’s harrowing escape from political persecution in Venezuela, growing up undocumented in New York, and how she turned fear into fuel by building one of Miami’s most impactful creative platforms. From immigration, identity, and internet culture to purpo...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In this episode of Growing Up Spanglish, artist and curator Lauryn Lawrence joins Roxy and Kovi to talk about growing up Afro-Caribbean in South Florida, preserving culture through food, and choosing tenderness over transaction in art and identity. From stew peas and short hair to photography and feminism, Lauryn keeps it real, raw, and rooted. Timestamp Guide: [00:00:00] Intro + Spanish Word of the Day: Colegio [00:02:50] Meet Lauryn Lawrence: Artist, curator, Afro-Latina storyteller [00:04:10]...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 3
After being sentenced to federal prison, Amanda and Legend wrote over 300 letters to each other — letters that would eventually become the foundation of their nonprofit, 300 Letters. In this powerful episode, they join Roselyn to share their journey from incarceration to inspiration. We talk about: Growing up in survival mode What it really means to be labeled a “felon” How incarceration impacts entire families — not just individuals Rebuilding after prison, raising emotionally-aware sons, and f...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In the Season 3 premiere, Roselyn sits down with Puerto Rican multidisciplinary artist D’ana, aka COVL, to talk about growing up in Miami, navigating the in-between of cultural identity, and creating art that heals. From the word of the day (mudanza) to the challenges of being “Latina enough,” this episode is full of laughter, love, and real talk about the diaspora experience. ⏱️ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome back! Duolingo owl is dead, and Roselyn is teaching us Spanish now 01:45 – Word...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In the season 2 finale of 'Growing Up Spanglish,' host Roxy visits Cafe Antilles in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn. Joined by cafe owners Drew and Erick, they discuss their connection to Miami, their Caribbean roots, and the unique cultural blend that inspired their menu. The episode delves into their college days as fraternity brothers at Johnson & Wales University, the importance of Dominican and Haitian camaraderie, and the founding of Antilles Cafe. The episode also highlights the importance...
Oct 29, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of 'Growing Up Spanglish,' host Roxy sits down with Miami DJ, Kamari Esson, at CoLab Studios. Kamari shares his family's Cuban heritage and their unbelievable migration story. He also discusses how his diverse musical tastes influenced his DJ career and reflects on the post-COVID club scene in Miami, celebrity encounters, and the unspoken rules of DJing. The episode is a heartfelt blend of nostalgia, family traditions, and the unique history of Miami's growth and gentrification, ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, Abe Acay shares his incredible life story. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Abe opens up about his Afro-Cuban heritage and the challenges his family faced, including his father's political imprisonment and their emigration to the USA in 1991. Abe discusses his early passion for performing arts, growing up in culturally rich Hialeah, and the impact of his parents' untimely passing on his life. Abe's journey from Miami's vibrant arts scene to teaching theater resonates deeply as ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Meet Tony M. Centeno, also known as Tony MC, a Cuban and Puerto Rican music journalist. He opens up about deciding between speaking English or Spanish in elementary school and how it affected him. The conversation dives into the influence of Latin music, discovering reggaeton in his teen years and his experiences interviewing high-profile Latin artists like Ozuna and Anuel. We also get to hear about the importance of brotherhood & mentorship through his fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi. And of c...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, Roxy and KJ talk with Mario De Los Santos, aka Telescope Thieves, about his Dominican heritage, growing up in the Hialeah park system, and his diverse musical journey from rap group to dance-rock band member. The conversation also delves into Mario’s transition from music to software development, spurred by the pandemic as well as the decision to step back from his DJ career to finding happiness and balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 6
Wendy Giovanna shares her life story of moving from Colombia to the U.S. at the age of six, dealing with the challenges of undocumented status, family separation, and growing up mostly alone. Wendy discusses the strain her parents' pursuit of the American dream placed on their marriage, her subsequent spiritual journey and passion for art. We touch on Christina Aguilera and Shakira, contextualizing their artistic journeys within broader discussions about identity and heritage. Learn more about y...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 6
Melissa Marin discusses her Colombian heritage, life in West Palm Beach, and her diverse career from soccer to the music industry to motherhood. We explore the intersection of cultural identity, dating interracially, and the balance between artistic integrity and modern marketing techniques like TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Meet Ricky Perez, a Salvadoran-American from West Palm Beach. Ricky discusses his journey from graphic design to owning Zipitios, a Mesoamerican taqueria. He shares his experiences hosting 'Tacos & Hip Hop' parties and his family's immigration story. Listen as he highlights his culinary inspirations from Mexico and his plans to open a restaurant in a now safer El Salvador. The episode underscores his passion for food, culture, and community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Jun 26, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 4
This episode we sit down with Shanice, an Afro-Latina of Costa Rican descent. The discussion delves into personal experiences with colorism and racism, reflecting on family dynamics, societal expectations, ethical travel, and the importance of community. Additionally, it highlights the pivotal role of nurturing young black girls and preserving cultural legacies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This week’s podcast episode features guest Kangela (a.k.a. Kangie). We delve into Kangie's experiences of growing up as an immigrant from Peru, adopting a new cultural identity in America, and her creative journey. The conversation also highlights significant moments like Kangie's name change, her community-building efforts through art and music collectives like X-Laced, and the emotional impact of returning to Peru after many years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Angel Martinez recounts his transition from the Dominican Republic to the United States, exploring the impact of his family connections, cultural changes, and personal growth influenced by his father's choices. Through discussions on resilience and changing identities, he presents a modern view on love and family relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Wrapping up season 1 with Hialeah's finest, Gustavo Villalobos. We dive into his Colombian and Argentinian summers as a kid, the controversy behind how Latino's identify and Roxy's beef with Rosalia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 25, 2023•54 min•Season 10Ep. 9
In this episode we sit down with Aldhair, creative director and founder of Up 2 Something Studios. We discuss his mother's influence in his creative career, the responsibility of providing for family back home in Venezuela and his love for zombie movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 18, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Reyna Noriega, multihyphenate creative and Afro-Latina, gives us insight into her Caribbean upbringing, the complexity of defining and defending your ethnicity and creative process behind her feminine and colorful art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 13, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
A true pillar of the community, Vivian Azalia shares how her mother’s deliberate decision to raise their Peruvian family in the mixed neighborhoods of Miami influenced her art and her philanthropy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 02, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode we chat with Mimi Davila, known as part of Miami legends "The Chonga Girls". Going viral is the goal for many, but Mimi breaks down what happens when that stigma follows you everywhere, even after you leave the 305. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
We know Safe Stadick as a staple in Shoe Gallery with his Deep City Vintage collection, but his stamp on the culture was cemented long before that. In this episode, Safe dives into his introduction to music, vinyls and a legendary moment in reggaeton history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 07, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode we sit down with Pancho aka Manuvers, Miami nightlife staple and DJ. With classics like Chocolate Sundays at Purdy Lounge and The Love Below, Pancho has made space for those looking to escape the glitz & glamour that Miami is infamous for. Listen as he shares his Chilean upbringing and how hip hop changed his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 24, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode we sit down with stylist and creative director MariAngel, as she shares her journey from Nicaragua to Miami and how she got into the sneaker game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 10, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
¡Hola! I'm Roxy and I’m the host of Growing Up Spanglish, a podcast by and for Latine's navigating culture and assimilation in the US. In the first episode, producer KJ and host Roxy, discuss the inspiration for this podcast and explore growing up in Miami as a Puerto Rican kid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 26, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1