Ever since I applied to become an American citizen, I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be the "perfect" American. To answer this question I have to face a childhood trauma before I take my oath. This is the final episode of season two. Stay close to me on social media or my website for details on the next season! ¡Hasta pronto! ABOUT THE SHOW: Latina media producer and curiosity expert Maribel Quezada Smith brings you the bilingual podcast, DIFERENTE. Where we celebrate and explore ...
Aug 01, 2021•13 min•Season 2Ep. 159
#158. In this solo Spanish-language episode of DIFERENTE, I explore why it's so challenging to listen to our intuition while seeking perfection. En este episodio de DIFERENTE exploro la dinámica entre la intuición y el deseo a llevar una vida perfecta. ----more---- ABOUT THE SHOW: Latina media producer and curiosity expert Maribel Quezada Smith brings you the bilingual podcast, DIFERENTE. Where we celebrate and explore the complexities of living life between two (or more) cultures. Learn, grow a...
May 05, 2021•26 min•Season 2Ep. 158
#157. In this episode I catch up with my friend, fellow podcaster and artist, Stephania Ramos to chat about the common thread that unites so many of us multi cultural folks, the idea that love needs to be somewhat toxic to be real. I call this type of love, "amor de telenovela", you know where slapping someone is a turn on, "no" often means "yes", and being passive aggressive and playing hard to get is the only way to win. That's the impression of love Stephania and I had growing up, and it stai...
Apr 12, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 157
#156 - In this Spanish-speaking episode of DIFERENTE, I catch up with my BFF from Aguascalientes, Mexico Stephania Ramos, after more than 20 years of not seeing or speaking to one another. (That's a story for the next episode.) Steph and I talk about the multiple culture shocks we lived when we moved to the U.S., each of us at a different age, and how these experiences taught us how to love ourselves and our accents. En este episodio de DIFERENTE, me vuelvo a conectar con mi BFF de Aguascaliente...
Mar 18, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 156
#155 - Arianna Davis, Senior Director of Editorial & Strategy at Oprah and Hearst Magazine's New Multiplatform Lifestyle Brand, and the author of "What Would Frida Do, A Guide to Living Boldly", joins me for this DIFERENTE conversation. We talk about the things we've learned, through Frida Kahlo's story, about sex, feminism and how not to be in a toxic relationship. This Women's History Month, Frida's story reminds me that it's important to continue the discussion on intersectional feminism ...
Mar 03, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 155
#154 - Do you think your parents gave you a specific name so that you could be called something else? Something that doesn't really sound like your name, but it makes people comfortable, it's easier this way. I know my parents named me Maribel (Mah-REE-bel). That was always my name, until we moved to the U.S., and one day my dad picked up a call from someone wanting to know if MaryBell was home. My name would not return until the last quarter of my senior year in college, when I finally realized...
Feb 22, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 154
As people of multicultural and multiracial backgrounds, we're often hit with the most random and intrusive questions. Constantly being asked to define ourselves in order to be properly catalogued, and boxed in, according to society's expectations. Why is that? And why do people of multi-racial identity have to divide themselves into percentages, 50% this, 30% that, rather than embracing all their ethnic backgrounds as wholes? I know the math doesn't make sense, but neither does having to explain...
Feb 05, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 153
One of the coolest things I've learned from another culture is how to meditate. Meditation was never part of my life as a child in Mexico, or even as a teenager in Ohio. I discovered it later in life, when I was struggling to figure out how to "tone down" my Latina fury-a title I gave to my reactionary personality back then. Little did I know that it wasn't a matter of appeasing anything, but re-directing my energy, becoming more mindful meant practicing not only how to process emotions better, ...
Jan 18, 2021•30 min•Season 2Ep. 152
Let's kick off the New Year with real talk that might make some of you uncomfortable. As a person of color, I deal with "buyers remorse" whenever I'm called to invest in myself or my business. Things like hiring help, paying a business coach, going to therapy, even upgrading my sheet thread count have made me feel bougie, or like an impostor. Raise your hand if you've heard or have said these words out loud: "Therapy's for white people", "coaching is for rich people", or my own version: "nannies...
Jan 06, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 151
With last week's premiere of Selena, The Series on Netflix, I was reminded of the immense Spanglish subculture that exists within the Latinx community and how there's a lot of debate on whether or not Spanglish is an "acceptable" form of communication. The verdict might be still be out on that, but one thing is certain, much like Selena, el Spanglish is here to stay. Helping me explore this topic is my friend, Sonia Alejandra Saunders , founder of Mujerón Movement , A judgment-free women’s empow...
Jan 06, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 150
As we prepare to celebrate the holidays without our extended families this 2020 I have been thinking a lot about my first Thanksgiving in the United States, a lonely and weird time, not too different from this year. The good news is that we made it through back then, just like we'll come out of this year as well, by learning how to feel gratitude in the midst of so much pain. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS Latina media producer and curiosity expert Maribel Quezada Smith brings you...
Nov 25, 2020•13 min•Season 2Ep. 149
My guest Denise Soler Cox , filmmaker, top 100 podcaster, two-time TEDX speaker and coach, who produced a short film called " Being Eñye ", the stories about American-born Latinos who don't feel Latino enough or American enough. Sound familiar? I thought so! We chatted about finding our way around the world when you're someone who lives within two cultures, feeling like you have to justify who you are, and what it means to belong in this ever-evolving global culture. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWI...
Nov 11, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 148
What do Día De Muertos and the United States Presidential election have in common? NADA. But this week, they land within 24 hours from each other, and they are both equally important in our bicultural lives! That's why I put this episode together with three things you should know about El Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), and FIVE things you can do to keep yourself calm during this election week. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada...
Nov 02, 2020•30 min•Season 2Ep. 147
Because Diferente is a bilingual podcast, this episode is in Español. This is a narration of my experience during one of my first (early) encounters with racism in the United States. Tied together with verifiable facts on the topic, and information about anti-racism practices by three experts, in order of appearance: Roger Senserrich, Editor y Activista Maricela Becerra, PH.D. , Professor at UCLA Lizz Florival , Afrolatinax, Author, Poet, Podcaster En nuestra comunidad Hispana, continua siendo c...
Oct 26, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 146
The past few months have felt like we are living inside of a SciFi movie, often trying to figure out what's real and what's make believe. That's why in this episode I wanted to take some time to reflect about how this Pandemic has affected us on a personal level. Because sometimes we have to be reminded that there are real people behind these COVID-19 numbers, with real life and death consequences. In the first part of this episode I had a conversation with Activist, Kristin Urquiza who lost her...
Oct 19, 2020•37 min•Season 2Ep. 145
Welcome back! Bienvenidos de regreso a DIFERENTE! The bilingual podcast that celebrates and explores the complexities of living life between two (or more) cultures. I'm your host, Maribel Quezada Smith, a producer, and creative consultant, from Mexico City, living in the U.S., who loves Hip Hop and Cumbia. I created Diferente to learn, laugh, and grow, alongside you. With stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate ...
Oct 12, 2020•18 min•Season 2Ep. 144
Living the Diferente Life! * BONUS EPISODE * This episode is from a podcast that I was a guest on called Cafe con Pam, hosted by my friend and fellow podcaster, Pam Covarrubias. I wanted to share it with you because it fits perfectly with the spirit of getting out of my comfort zone, which I have been all about this summer. Pam and I talked about my childhood in Mexico, my journey as an immigrant in the United States, the meaning of love, and other things that I haven't shared before. Stay tuned...
Aug 12, 2019•52 min•Ep. 145
SPECIAL THROWBACK EPISODE. As promised, here's one of my favorite episodes from season one with Licensed Clinical Therapist, Adriana Alejandre. We talked about how fear and not dealing with our baggage can really hold us back. Stay tuned for season dos of DIFERENTE! Here's the full episode description: Feeling Stuck. How to not let fear hold you back. In this episode of Diferente podcast, I wanted to explore the topic of fear and how it affects our confidence. And I invited Adriana Alejandre, a ...
Jul 22, 2019•41 min•Ep. 144
#143 - This is the final episode of season one of Diferente and the most open and honest moment I've had on the podcast so far. I've asked you repeatedly this year to question the norm and dare to step outside of your comfort zone, and it's only fair I do it too. Because it has come to my attention that some people might be getting the impression that I have my life in perfect order, well I don't! Though I can't pretend I haven't tried to. :-) (Control issues, remember?) So in this season finale...
Jul 03, 2019•16 min•Season 1Ep. 143
#142 - My guest this episode is comedian, actor and Daily Show Correspondent, Roy Wood Jr . His latest hilarious and thought-provoking comedy special is called “No One Loves You”, where he explores some of today's most complicated issues, from the plight of the black superhero to protests during the national anthem. Roy Wood Jr’s comedy has entertained millions across stage, television, and radio. In 2017, he was named the new host of Comedy Central’s storytelling series, “This is Not Happening,...
Jun 13, 2019•48 min•Season 1Ep. 142
#141 - In my opinion, the worst kind of heartbreak is when someone you love passes away. A few weeks ago our friend and guest on Different, Shawn Boxe, passed away. You might remember the episode he was in, last summer. If you do, you probably remember his inspiring outlook on life. So I want to share his episode with you again. In honor of his memory, and the Boxe family, who was so welcoming to us when we were in Canada last week for the funeral. I also want to share some of the things that I ...
May 30, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 141
#140 - This is another special rough cut edition of Diferente where I am exploring the cultural appropriation of Mexican food, the traditions and the irony of it all! Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram or Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg...
May 08, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 140
#139 - This is another special rough cut edition of Diferente. Exploring perfection and how the idea of being perfect kills our passion, our creativity, and basically just unnecessarily burdens us when all we need to realize is that we are better off being imperfect. Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram or Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg...
May 01, 2019•11 min•Season 1Ep. 139
#138 - If you spend any time on social media, this episode is for you! This is a very special unedited episode of Diferente. Don't worry, we'll get back to editing soon enough. In the meantime enjoy this raw and authentic piece I titled "The Other Woman". Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram or Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg...
Apr 24, 2019•13 min•Season 1Ep. 138
#137 PART TWO - Continuing my conversation with industry disrupt-her and entrepreneur, Miki Agrawal. MIKI IS A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR WHO USES CREATIVITY AND DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO AND CHANGE CULTURE. SHE IS THE FOUNDER OF SEVERAL ACCLAIMED SOCIAL ENTERPRISES: WILD , THINX , ICON & TUSHY AND SHE IS ALSO AN AUTHOR. Her latest book is called DISRUPT HER a rallying cry for women to radically question the status quo. To learn more about Miki, or any other guest on Diferen...
Apr 17, 2019•28 min•Ep. 139
#137 This is the final conversation in our six-part ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERIES. And in this episode, I chat with industry disrupt-her and entrepreneur, Miki Agrawal. MIKI IS A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR WHO USES CREATIVITY AND DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO AND CHANGE CULTURE. SHE IS THE FOUNDER OF SEVERAL ACCLAIMED SOCIAL ENTERPRISES: WILD , THINX , ICON & TUSHY AND SHE IS ALSO AN AUTHOR. Her latest book is called DISRUPT HER a rallying cry for women to radically question the statu...
Apr 10, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 137
#136 PART TWO - This is the second part of my conversation with entrepreneur and shoe designer, Salone Monet. We're continuing our journey and conversations on entrepreneurship. In this episode, we cover the growing pains that come with being an entrepreneur and launching your dream business. Salone Monet is a lifelong passion for shoes turned this political PR girl into an entrepreneur. After receiving a degree in Communications from American University in Washington, DC, she created digital co...
Apr 03, 2019•27 min•Ep. 138
#136 We're continuing our journey and conversations on entrepreneurship. In this episode, we cover the growing pains that come with being an entrepreneur and launching your dream business, with entrepreneur and shoe designer, Salone Monet. Salone Monet is a lifelong passion for shoes turned this political PR girl into an entrepreneur. After receiving a degree in Communications from American University in Washington, DC, she created digital content for the federal government and trade association...
Mar 27, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 136
#135 PART 2 - Continuing episode 135 with my guest, Attorney Sydnee Mack. Whether you are a side hustler, entrepreneur or just getting your toes wet in the world of being your own boss, you don't want to miss all of the wisdom and inspiration these wonderful entrepreneurs have to share! Atlanta-based Attorney and entrepreneur Sydnee Mack shares her own story of how she was not loving the idea of being a business owner when she started, and how after living through a difficult personal experience...
Mar 20, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 135
#135 - Continuing the ENTREPRENEUR series with my guest, Attorney Sydnee Mack. Whether you are a side hustler, entrepreneur or just getting your toes wet in the world of being your own boss, you don't want to miss all of the wisdom and inspiration these wonderful entrepreneurs have to share! Atlanta-based Attorney and entrepreneur Sydnee Mack shares her own story of how she was not loving the idea of being a business owner when she started, and how after living through a difficult personal exper...
Mar 13, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 135
