In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, host Julissa Contreras welcomes back Jack Fuller (GypjaQ) for a deep conversation about identity, spirituality, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of anti-Blackness in spiritual spaces and the power of art as a means of healing and empowerment. GypjaQ shares insights into their creative process for their new EP, Invocamus: Facing the Tower, emphasizing the importance of intention and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Brunch Table

02:27 Embodiment and Self-Discovery

05:36 Anti-Blackness in the Ocha Space

15:25 Cultural Practices and Community

19:04 Shouting Out Resilience and Artistry

22:08 The Power of Ancestral Veneration

26:19 Navigating Anti-Blackness in Community Spaces

33:17 Understanding Corruption in Black-Led Nations

41:48 The Birth of Creative Projects: Intent and Process

47:30 The Creative Process and Spirituality

50:13 Sigils and Their Significance

53:53 Engaging with Spirituality and Music

58:19 Entitlement and Spiritual Command

01:03:55 The Journey of Deconstruction and Empowerment

01:09:21 Community and Collective Healing

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, host Julissa Contreras engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Saudi Garcia, a changemaker and activist who supports organizations like In Cultured Company. They explore themes of Dominican and Haitian relations, the impact of capitalism on community, and the importance of joy and personal well-being in activism. Saudi shares her journey as a doctora and the significance of understanding cultural history while navigating the complexities of identity and social justice. The discussion emphasizes the need for community-centered approaches and the rejection of capitalist norms in favor of sustainable relationships and collective well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to In Cultured Company and Its Impact

02:36 Saudi Garcia: A Change Maker's Journey

06:36 Balancing Activism and Personal Well-Being

08:47 Brunch Favorites: Food, Drink, and Gossip

11:54 Cultural Reflections on Dining Out

16:02 Shoutouts to Community and Resilience

22:53 The Personal is Political: Understanding Our Circumstances

27:57 Dominican-Haitian Relations: Unpacking Historical Narratives

34:30 Miseducation and Identity

38:28 Historical Narratives and Racial Dynamics

45:45 Exploitation and Community Responsibility

51:23 Decentering Capitalism for Community

01:03:25 Imagining a Sustainable Future

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronche, host Julissa Contreras welcomes back Vida Valdes, a spiritual guide and practitioner. They discuss the transformative power of community in spiritual journeys, the importance of self-love, and the concept of life happening for you rather than to you. Vida shares her experiences with surrender, intuition, and ancestral guidance, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and the role of retreats in fostering these connections. The conversation also touches on the nuances of appreciation versus appropriation in spiritual practices, highlighting the need for reverence and understanding in one's spiritual journey. They discuss the significance of intuition, the dangers of appropriation, and the necessity of setting boundaries in spiritual practices. Vida emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity and history while navigating the complexities of spiritual journeys. The dialogue culminates in a powerful reminder that love is the foundation of all spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Journeys

03:04 The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth

05:43 Life's Challenges as Spiritual Initiations

08:06 The Importance of Surrender and Patience

10:49 Tools for Spiritual Connection

13:57 The Influence of Ancestry and Nature

16:45 Personal Growth Through Adversity

19:14 Brunch Favorites and Family Dynamics

21:12 Celebrating Community and Retreats

23:19 The Essence of the Rebirth Retreat

33:54 Connecting with Ancestral Guidance

35:52 The Power of Triggers and Healing

38:19 Navigating Personal Power and Spiritual Integrity

41:23 The Retreat Experience: Growth and Reflection

43:30 Appreciation vs. Appropriation in Spiritual Practices

01:02:44 The Power of Self-Love through Spirituality

01:08:01 Boundaries in Spiritual Journeys

01:11:17 The Human Experience and Spiritual Growth

01:17:33 Connecting with Ancestors

01:22:56 Embracing Ancestral Wisdom and Identity

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, Julissa welcomes Ayesha Ophelia, a creative and dreamer who works with woman who are interested in creating lives that look as good they feel. Ayesha shares her journey of empowerment, play, and the healing power of somatics, traditional chinese medicine, and the art of devotion. Ayesha emphasizes the need for self-discovery, the role of death and transformation in personal growth, and the importance of making art a playful and liberating experience. The conversation encourages listeners to explore their own paths and embrace the journey of self-expression.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ayesha Ophelia

02:56 Brunch Favorites and Conversations

10:44 The Power of Somatic Healing

22:45 Embracing Change and Ego Death

26:00 Navigating Grief and the Psychedelic Experience of Death

29:17 The Artistic Relationship with Grief

35:33 Devotion as a Pathway to Creation

41:37 The Creative Process: Play and Collage

48:00 Finding Freedom in Authenticity and Expression

Ayesha Ophelia Links

•  Website: https://www.ayeshaophelia.com

•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayeshaophelia

•  Vessel 2026: https://www.youarethevessel.com

•  Community & Library: https://www.theunlearningportal.com

•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanitiescurriculum

  Free Community Space on Heartbeat: https://app.heartbeat.chat/humanities/invitation?code=57B55B

Vessel: For those who want to go deep and creatively liberate. Humanities / The Unlearning Portal (on going courses and classes)

In this episode of Ladies Who Brunch, host Julissa Contreras engages in a deep conversation with Janett Liriano, CEO of Inaru, a Dominican chocolate brand. They explore themes of cultural identity, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the complexities of race and anti-blackness within the Dominican and Black American communities. The discussion highlights the significance of ethical sourcing, community spending, and the need for holistic conversations about identity and history. Janett shares her journey of building a cacao business in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of community, perspective, and integrity in entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges faced by farmers in the cacao industry and the need for a more equitable business model that values their contributions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding different perspectives and the power of commitment in driving change within communities.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Brunch Table

01:04 Introducing Janett Liriano and Inaru

01:57 The Legacy of Chocolate and Family Connections

03:34 Supporting Local Businesses and Social Justice

04:19 Brunch Favorites and Personal Stories

05:36 Boccia Topics: Politics and Gender Dynamics

06:18 The Diagnostic Tool of Brunch Conversations

08:02 Growing Up and Eating Out: Cultural Reflections

10:05 Cheers to Dope Brands and Community Support

13:44 Shouting Out Ethical Shopping Platforms

17:06 Empowering Communities Through Conscious Spending

19:29 Tuta Loca: Conversations on Race and Identity

25:58 The Narrative of Division

28:14 Understanding Identity and Intersectionality

32:49 Trauma Responses and Survival Strategies

37:09 The Economic Context of Racism

42:18 Building Bridges Across the Diaspora

47:46 The Gift of Identity and Perspective

50:33 The Importance of Perspective in Conversations

53:59 Navigating Identity and Contributions

55:52 Building in the Dominican Republic

59:40 Unpacking the Cocoa Supply Chain

01:03:04 Revolutionizing Cocoa Processing

01:04:54 Building a Brand with Integrity

01:07:14 The Power of Belief and Community

01:12:50 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business

01:16:35 Defending Your Worth in Business

01:22:20 The Value of Local Knowledge

01:26:42 Integrity in Business Practices

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronche, host Julissa Contreras welcomes Dolores Pereira, a multifaceted artist and cannabis entrepreneur, to discuss the challenges faced on Broadway and the intersection of cannabis and wellness. Dolores shares her journey in the arts, her passion for creating community spaces, and her new venture, Loud and Lifted, which aims to reclaim cannabis as a form of ancestral medicine. The conversation also touches on mental health initiatives and the importance of supporting Black and Brown voices in the cannabis industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:10 Who is Dolores? A Multifaceted Artist

04:10 Brunch Favorites and Personal Stories

07:01 Childhood Dining Experiences

09:28 Celebrating Community and Collaboration

11:29 Mental Health and Community Support

14:12 Broadway's Labor Issues and Artist Struggles

18:54 The Disconnect in Broadway Productions

23:59 Creating a Supportive Environment in Production

24:57 The Launch of Loud and Lifted

26:08 Building a Legacy in Harlem

30:27 Cannabis and Community Wellness

36:30 Navigating the Cannabis Industry's Challenges

45:58 Advice for Aspiring Cannabis Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronche, host Julissa Contreras engages in a deep and insightful conversation with revolutionary artist Daníel Colón. They explore themes of authenticity in the influencer culture, the challenges of social media, and the importance of community connection. The discussion also delves into personal stories about food, cultural reflections, and the role of psychedelics in healing–all while celebrating community initiatives like The Writers Hood. Daníel and Julissa explore the multifaceted impact of AI on society, discussing the ethical implications, the need for community engagement, and the importance of self-reflection in activism. They emphasize the necessity of navigating fear and uncertainty while fostering resilience and integrity in the face of societal challenges. The dialogue also touches on spirituality, leadership, and the role of animal medicine in guiding transformative practices.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Bronché Table

01:03 Introducing Daniel Colón: The Revolutionary Artist

02:27 Navigating Authenticity in the Digital Age

06:38 The Illusion of Social Media Community

10:20 Exploring the Collapse of Celebrity Culture

10:30 Brunch Favorites and Personal Stories

12:39 Deep Conversations Over Meals

14:19 Growing Up with Food and Culture

16:34 Conscious Consumerism in Today's Economy

18:45 Shoutouts to Community Initiatives

22:32 The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

27:26 The Journey of Integration

29:19 Exploring Different Psychedelics

33:40 AI: The Superstar of the Moment

35:24 The Paradox of AI and Humanity

42:28 Navigating the Future with AI

46:57 The Role of Authenticity in Creation

57:22 The Quest for Democracy and Shared Truth

01:00:26 AI and the Cycle of Oppression

01:02:44 Transformative Justice and Spirituality

01:05:23 Integrity in Social Justice

01:17:06 Creating Space for Mystery and Community

Host, Julissa Contreras, and guest Lynsey Ayala Rinaldi explore the transformative power of plant medicine, particularly cannabis, and the importance of surrendering to the process of personal growth. Lynsey shares her journey from art school to becoming a healer and community leader, emphasizing the significance of trust in spirit and the art of noticing in our daily lives. The conversation highlights the need for community connection, the lessons learned through surrender, and the launch of Yabisi, a space for healing and education.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Brunch Table

01:20 Lindsay's Journey and Community Impact

02:56 Surrendering to Challenges

07:05 Introducing Yabisi and the School of Remembrance

10:29 The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

14:53 Brunch Questions and Personal Favorites

19:59 Plants for Regulating the Nervous System

25:54 Cheers to Dope People Doing Dope Shit

26:52 Celebrating Influential Figures

29:12 The Power of Herbal Medicine

30:34 The Journey of Surrender

42:49 Lessons from Surrender

59:00 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, host Julissa Contreras reunites with theater director Tatyana-Marie Carlo, director of the off-broadway hit Vámonos. Tatyana shares her journey in the theater world, discussing the challenges of being a Latina director and the importance of authenticity in creative spaces. The conversation also touches on the power of educational institutions, hustle culture, the value of local arts organizations, and prioritizing joy in the creative process.

Follow:

Podcast: @ladieswhobronche

Guest: Tatyana-Marie Carlo @tatyanamariec

Host: Julissa Contreras @jewleesah @storyquo

Music by: Joe Endozo @animalanimal_music

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Community and Connection

01:25 Tatyana's Background

02:26 Brunch Favorites and Cultural Influences

06:10 Dining Experiences and Family Traditions

08:20 The Role of Gossip in Conversations

09:51 Shoutouts to Arts and Community Initiatives

13:52 Reflections on Cultural Narratives and Representation

18:28 Experiences in the Dominican Republic

22:35 Cultural Insights and Experiences in the Dominican Republic

23:21 The Impact of Hustle Culture on Entrepreneurs

30:42 The Journey to Becoming a Theater Maker

38:40 Navigating Challenges in Creative Spaces

46:27 Embracing Authenticity and Joy in Leadership

Takeaways:

Community facilitates connections that lead to lifelong partnerships.

Brunch is a space for sharing and connection.

Gossip can be a tool for connection and safety.

Cultural narratives in theater are vital for representation.

Local arts organizations play a crucial role in community building.

Hustle culture can be unsustainable and harmful.

Authenticity is key in creative spaces.

Joy can coexist with hard work in the creative process.

Education can transform career trajectories in the arts.

Being underestimated can be a source of strength.

Keywords:

community, theater, Latina, hustle culture, authenticity, connections, brunch, cultural narratives, local arts, joy

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, host Julissa catches up with Rachel La Loca, a multifaceted comedian, writer, and educator. Rachel shares her insights on teaching podcasting, the evolving nature of media representation, and the power of storytelling within the community. The discussion turns into a heartfelt exploration of finding love after divorce, and the importance of keeping your heart open to new possibilities.

Follow:

Podcast: @ladieswhobronche

Guest: @rachellaloca 

Host: Julissa Contreras @jewleesah @storyquo

Music by: Joe Endozo @animalanimal_music

In this episode of Ladies Who Bronché, Julissa and Bue engage the intersections of art, community, and personal experiences. They explore the concept of being a 'peaceful warrior' and how art serves as an outlet for rage, especially in times of social unrest. The discussion shifts to the importance of community in nurturing creativity and the complexities of recognition in creative spaces. They also dive into the duality of wealth and goodness, and the impact of privilege on individual experiences.

Podcast: @ladieswhobronche

Guest: Carmen LoBue @carmenlobue

Host: Julissa Contreras @jewleesah @storyquo

Music by: Joe Endozo @animalanimal_music

Themes: Community, Art, Rage, Food, Culture, Recognition, Privilege, Wealth, Self-Care

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Brunch Table

01:26 Exploring the Concept of a Peaceful Warrior

02:10 Art as an Outlet for Rage

06:27 The Importance of Community in Art

10:23 Cultural Significance of Food

12:49 Conversations Over Brunch

13:46 Shoutouts to Inspiring People and Projects

18:42 Critique of Recognition Systems in the Arts

30:00 Building Trust and Community Needs

35:11 Understanding Privilege Through Experiments

38:26 Defining Lack and Its Impact

42:34 Wealth, Goodness, and Community Support

48:22 Grounding Techniques and Community Inspiration

53:33 Animal Medicine: Lessons from Nature

Key takeaways:

• Art can be a powerful outlet for rage.
• Community plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity.
• Food holds cultural significance and brings people together.
• Conversations over meals can deepen connections.
• Recognition in creative spaces often comes with challenges.
• Wealth can coexist with goodness, but it depends on the individual.
• Understanding privilege is essential in addressing social issues.
• Grounding techniques are important for mental health.
• Building community can lead to shared resources and support.
• Self-care is vital in navigating life's challenges.