This week, the one and only Jessica Marie Garcia, known for her role as Jasmine in Netflix's "On My Block," plus many more - shares her journey, awakenings, big questions, and mission. We chat the wisdom of motherhood, parenting, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and her experiences balancing personal identity with professional roles. Jessica Marie Garcia is a force and I can't wait for y'all to dive in.
Curly Velasquez is that rare kind of soul who reminds us that showing up as your full self — curls, corazón, cultura and all — is not just powerful, it's necessary. He’s joy wrapped in vulnerability, tradition blended with transformation, and he's been helping so many of us see ourselves with a little more love. Whether he’s sharing stories about growing up, queerness, spirituality, or just everyday life with his signature humor and depth, Curly holds space for truth and I'm grateful to be in co...
Ariel Vera is a Peabody Winner and digital creator with a unique vision and style. Using his channel URBANIST he uncovers the secrets of our cities. He has 1.6M total followers interested in his uncoverings! In this episode we chat history and urbanism, and how their secrets, stories, and magnificent wonders all around us!
Necar Zadegan is a force of love and joy. A polyglot, an artist, and an overall joy to be around. In this episode we chat being artist, how we got here, treating every moment like it's our last, and mainly we just laugh. Enjoy xo
Pamela Zapata is the founder and CEO of Society 18. She is a talent manager disrupting industries, and helping her clients achieve generational wealth. She is a consultant and Forbes Next 1000 Honoree. And every time we link up we get into the real real! This is a beautiful conversation but living life now, not later.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva is a Guatelombian (Guatemalan-Colombian) American writer. Her book Candelaria was named one of the best books of 2023 by VOGUE and USA Today. Her work explores the intersections of Latina identity, feminism, hair removal & what it means to belong. In this incredible convo we chat turning off our phones, bringing back Selena through seance, and paving our own way.
This week we are connecting with the one and only Anirudh Pisharody, an Indian American actor from Fox's 911 and Never Have I Ever. We chat all about craft, acting, being role models, taking risks, and being our biggest obstacles! It's a beautiful episode. Enjoy!
Mariah Caudillo is the brilliant sex educator behind SexEdFiles, whose motto is simple but revolutionary: “Shame-free, inclusive, and quality sex ed—let’s learn together.” From unlearning the myths we grew up with to understanding why real sex education is about so much more than just sex, Mariah breaks down the barriers that keep us from having open, honest, and necessary conversations. No shame, no awkwardness—just real talk about bodies, pleasure, and everything in between. Tune in, take note...
In this episode of Brown Enough, comedian Pooja Tripathi joins usfor a deep (and hilarious) dive into creativity, art, humor, coffee culture, and all things New York. Her BK Coffee Shop videos have racked up millions of views and a feature in The New York Times. Pooja has mastered the fine line between satire and reality—especially with her viral collaborations that “don’t exist but sort of do.” We unpack the magic of making something from nothing, the absurdity of the internet, and why everyone...
Are we shaped more by nature or nurture? It’s a question science has wrestled with for years. In todays bonus episode, yours truly, Christopher Rivas is on the The Story Collider Podcast, he is diving into family histories to uncover how the past continues to shape the present. Don’t miss this powerful exploration of identity, legacy, and self-discovery. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
In this electrifying conversation, Dellara breaks down how technology is a tool for liberation, the power of abundance over scarcity, and why confidence is the foundation for creating a better world. She dives into her book The Dreamer’s Playbook, discussing strategies for hacking the education system, cultivating confidence, and using technology to amplify marginalized voices. Together, Dellara and Christopher Rivas explore the intersection of manifestation, purpose, and the radical act of drea...
This is a bonus episode from our friends over at Las Paleteras. Las Paleteras is a fun, energetic, and mindful podcast hosted by Cesar Camacho, Ana Sheila, and Jose Richard Aviles (Nalgona), all three queer Latinx artists. Las Paleteras Podcast centers the lived experience while also engaging with supportive, guiding, and authentic conversations. This podcast celebrates the good, the bad, and the ugly, in the hopes that our conversations create a safe space for anyone seeking wanting to feel see...
What does it take to create meaningful change in an industry that still resists it? How do we reclaim our narratives? In this episode of Brown Enough, we dive in with Alexis Garcia and Mariana Da Silva, two visionary storytellers reshaping Hollywood from the ground up. Alexis and Mariana are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, creating films and plays that challenge stereotypes, and open doors for other Brown creators. They share the hustle, the heart, and the hard-earned lessons be...
What does it mean to live in harmony with nature? In this episode of Brown Enough , we head to the snow-covered trails of Utah to go dog sledding with Dana and Fernando, the founders of Rancho Luna Lobos. More than just a sled dog sanctuary, Rancho Luna Lobos is a way of life—rooted in respect, balance, and deep connection to the land and the animals that call it home. We talk about their journey, the wisdom they've gained from their dogs, and the lessons we can all learn about trust, leadership...
Jeanell English is the co-founder of Elizabeth and Minnie, a new publishing company that is lifting voices and lifting stories. A community first independent publisher giving power and IP to underrepresented communities and creators. In this episode we chat books, art, risk taking and how book clubs are a great place to find someone if you are single. Enjoy!
Today we speak with two artists from City of Asylum - the world's largest sanctuary for artists in exile, facing political persecution. Exiled artists receive financial and medical support for their families and free housing. A safe space to keep being artists. Founded in 2004 by Henry Reese and Diane Samuels, it is The U.S. headquarters for the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN), which called the organization a “model for the world.”
Wassup y’all - this is a little bonus in the feed today. I wanted to share that Brown Enough is officially out in paperback today! It now comes with and includes a study guide and the Enough Workbook or as we call it - the field guide to enoughness. At a time when the stakes feel impossibly high, I’m reminded of the power of story to connect, heal, and inspire. My hope is that Brown Enough continues to be more than a book. I hope it becomes a tool, a mirror, a bridge—a way for us to see each oth...
Paola and I both got same lesson early on, "the jack of all trades is the master of none," and we both rejected this lesson early on by mastering story! Paola Mendoza is a mother, filmmaker, author and organizer. She has many beautiful books and films in the world. She is also a fierce activist, organizing movements for change wherever possible. This is a beautiful episode - enjoy!
In this inspiring episode we sit down with three phenomenal entrepreneurs: Ariell Ilunga, Bety Le Shackelford, and Edith Gutierrez. Together, they share their journeys of following their hearts, overcoming challenges, and answering the call to create meaningful change in their communities. They explore resilience, purpose, and the power of staying true to yourself when the road gets tough. This episode is a celebration of determination, creativity, and the strength it takes to pursue your dreams...
Kati Fernandez is a proud born and raised Dominicana and now a top executive at ESPN. On this episode we get into all things pitching, getting things made, being fearless, and how somehow she can read up to 70 books a year!
Indya Moore is an American actor and model. They are known for playing the role of Angel Evangelista in the FX television series Pose. Time named them one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019. In this convo we chat Hollywood, being a revolutionary, mushrooms, joy, and more.
Faatimah A is the founder and CEO of the WPBA, The Womens Premier Basketball Association. She plays for the Jamaican National Team, is an incredible mentor, and overall a huge inspiration on what it means to listen to the call and make dreams come true.
Solidarity is stronger than gravity—and stronger than the corporate greed that’s invaded every aspect of American life. But building it is hard. It requires empathy, commitment, courage, and clarity of vision. From years of experience, I can tell you that housing advocate Tara Raghuveer has done something remarkable. Starting with her neighbors in Kansas City, Mo., she created a tenants union that’s become a leader in the fight for better regulations, protections, and rights for renters. This ye...
Christopher talks being Brown, Brown Enough, and Making it in America at City of Asylum in Pittsburg, PA. An organization dedicated to providing asylum to artists facing political prosecution... He is in conversation with Betty Cruz. Enjoy!
Brown Enough fam - it has been a LONG time … and after a much needed hiatus I am back with some exciting happenings and news! Yes, we are coming back with new episodes in the new year, with incredible guests and collaborations - but in the meantime - I’m on here to let you know that The RUBIROSA podcast is now on it’s own feed! Rubirosa - all about Porfirio Rubirosa, the Dominican Diplomat James Bond was based on. If you listened and want o listen again, just loo up RUBIROSA wherever you listen ...
Here’s another episode from you, our amazing listeners.
Chris has been practicing meditation for more than ten years now. It’s his daily morning routine to sit and be present in the moment. The practice of meditation has been life changing for him. Today, Chris gets into the roots of yoga and meditation as he speaks with Rosie Acosta and Susanna Barkataki - both women of color in the world of wellness.
Saadia Khan knows first-hand what it is to be an immigrant in the United States. She’s an activist, a social entrepreneur, a mother of two and a podcast host of two shows - Immigrantly and Invisible Hate . Today, Saadia chats with Chris about her dual identity as a Pakistani American, how she’s amplifying stories and narratives of immigrant communities and how she feels about America.
Comedian Erik Rivera has been making audiences laugh for more than a decade. He sits down with Chris to talk about how identity and family life makes it into his jokes, and about creating a supportive and inclusive comedy ecosystem.
A star is on the rise and she’s making her big splash in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new Broadway show, Bad Cinderella. Her name is Linedy Genao. The Brooklyn native plays the leading role of Cinderella putting her own twist to the character. And this is not the Disney version we all know of.
