DIFERENTE

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 the complexities of living life between two (or more) cultures. Learn, grow and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra MRbKWUtadPpGe6ZxpPag

#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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

#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 stained every relationship we both had. Until one day we each realized the secret to letting go of that toxic idea of love had nothing to do with other people or canceling Telenovelas, and everything to do with ourselves. ----more---- JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM or TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

#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 Aguascalientes, Mexico-Stephania Ramos-después de mas de 20 años de no saber nada de ella. Platicamos sobre las adversidades que vivimos debido al choque cultural de mudarnos a Estados Unidos, y cómo estas experiencias nos enseñaron a amarnos a nosotros mismos y a nuestros acentos. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM or TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

#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 and feeling safe in our bodies regardless of sexual orientation. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM or TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Dimitrios Mylis Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

#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 I had been trying so hard to fit in for so many years, that I had forgotten who I really was. Fast forward to now, I'm still struggling to correct people when they mispronounce my name. So I brought this episode back from season one, where my friend Tareya Palmer joins in to chat about one of the biggest things we have in common, people never know how to pronounce our names, and why "Justice" is more than just a word to her. Connect with Tareya on Instagram @_Thesociallight. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM or TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Dimitrios Mylis Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 yourself every day. In this episode we explore the BIG question and what biracial identity means in today's world with professional gofer, spokesperson and fellow podcaster, Cheyenne Woods. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM or TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Dimitrios Mylis Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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, but how to be kind to myself and others. Years later I realized that I didn't need to tone down anything, I just had to get to know myself better in order to focus my energy correctly. As a Latina, it took me a long time to realize that there's NOTHING wrong with having a passionate, fiery, or "sassy" outlook, and meditation helped me discover this, and so much more! That's why I love learning about meditation and sharing the gift of mindfulness with others. Feel free to use this meditation playlist I curated to help get you on your way! JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 are for rich white ladies". The sad truth is that we keep participating in this narrative as if the world wasn't already constantly telling us that we're not good enough to have these things. For so many people I know, that's often the perception. Well I say F*CK PERCEPTION. ¡NO MAS! I will not hold myself back by these limiting beliefs, and neither should you! That's why I asked, Transformation Coach, and fellow podcaster, Tangia Renee Estrada to join me in dismantling these lies, by exploring the cultural nuances that make it so difficult for us to wash away the impostor syndrome, and the fear of making "rich white lady decisions". JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS. And learn more about me at maribelqs.com 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 empowerment community where EXTRAORDINARY Latina women come together in search for self growth, regardless of their language preference. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS 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 and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra ARCHIVAL AUDIO SOURCES: Channel 6 News Sonja Weinkopf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqPoYbuOFvw KENS Channel 5 San Antonio, TX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbCxWt47y4Y Selena (film), 1997, Warner Brothers

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 the bilingual podcast, DIFERENTE. Where we celebrate and explore the complexities of living life between two (or more) cultures. Learn, grow and be inspired by stories and interviews about cultural identity, questioning the norm, and becoming empowered, among other topics that relate to the bicultural experience. ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 TWITTER: @Maribel_QS ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra

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 común el racismo. Es por eso que decidí crear este episodio, para que lo podamos compartir con nuestros seres queridos. Así ya no pueden haber mas excusas para decir que no entendemos lo que es el racismo actual. En esta narración, desde mi experiencia personal, explico como me di cuenta que el racismo nos afecta a todos. Por favor ayúdame a compartir este episodio con toda la gente que puedas. Solo de esta manera vamos a lograr cambios reales en nuestro camino hacia un mundo donde el racismo sea solo un recuerdo. #BlackLivesMatter JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS Producer, Maribel Quezada Smith Editor: Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme music by Andres Sierra Other tracks: "Gravity" by prod. waytoolost, and "Break Up" by Samhu

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 father to COVID-19, about the effect of the virus on the Hispanic community, and how she's turning her grief into action to help other victims of this pandemic. Also, in the second part of the episode you'll hear some of the people in my life share what they've learned since the pandemic started and how they're coping with this "new normal". Special thanks to all those who took the time to personally contribute to this episode! JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS ----more---- EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Editor - Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme Music by Andres Sierra

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 to the bicultural experience. I'm back for season two with a whole new outlook and a new direction for DIFERENTE. In this episode I tell you where I've been, what I've been up to, and what I've learned since launching the podcast in 2018. JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER: @Maribel_QS EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Editor - Julian Rodriguez Diferente theme Music by Andres Sierra

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 for season dos of DIFERENTE! That's right, I'm on break. We all need time to reflect and refresh! If you miss me too much, come hang with me on Instagram or Twitter @Maribel_QS. ¡Hasta pronto! :-)

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 Licensed Clinical Therapist in California, to join us for the ride! Adriana specializes in helping people get through trauma, grief, and loss. Most recently, she has become a disaster mental health worker to assist in national disaster relief efforts, including helping survivors of Hurricane Harvey and the Las Vegas massacre. If you’ve ever experienced self-doubt, which most humans do, or if you’re wanting to make a change in your life and fear is stopping you, then this episode is for you! Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram and Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Editor - Mauricio Mozo Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg

#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, I get into why it's important to be honest about the kind of life you want to live, versus the kind of life other people might want you to live, and how stability doesn't always equal happiness. Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram and Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Editor - Mauricio Mozo Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg

#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,” which will launch the fifth season next year. We talked about his life while growing up in the south, that thing that almost ruined his career before it started, and cultural stereotypes just to name a few. If you haven't seen Roy's Comedy Central Special you can find it here: No One Loves You. COMEDY CENTRAL CLIP "Snitch Cop": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJpVLlnWeJg Make sure you check out Roy's Comedy Tour schedule: https://www.roywoodjr.com/ Come chat about all things Diferente with me on Instagram and Facebook EPISODE CREDITS: Producer/Host - Maribel Quezada Smith Editor - Mauricio Mozo Diferente theme Music by Keagan Stromberg Special clip by Roy Wood Jr. and Comedy Central.