De la Roots

Episode 34: Girlhood isn't always gentle: Female friendships, how to keep them and when to let go

We are back! In this episode, Mireya sits down with her cousin Veronica for an honest conversation about the beauty and complexity of female friendships. Together, they reflect on the ways women show up for one another through different seasons of life—celebrating the laughter, the loyalty, and the quiet moments of support that often go unseen. They also explore the challenges that can arise in friendships: jealousy, miscommunication, growing apart, and learning how to set boundaries while still holding love for one another. Through storytelling and reflection, this conversation highlights how women can nurture friendships that are rooted in honesty, accountability, and deep care. A little bit about our guest:  Veronica is an early childhood educator with a deep passion for supporting the emotional well-being of children and families. She spent much of her adolescence and young adulthood involved in inner-city community outreach and service work, including trips to Uganda and Mexico that focused on youth and family support. These experiences shaped her commitment to breaking cycles of generational trauma and creating nurturing environments for children to thrive. Today, Veronica works closely with families as a preschool teacher, helping guide early childhood development while emphasizing emotional health, care, and community.

Episode 33: Understanding Domestic Violence: Communication, Expectations and Abuse

Domestic violence isn’t just physical—it’s about control, manipulation, and deeply ingrained societal norms. In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Fleury, a Violence Prevention Educator committed to ending intimate partner and gender-based violence. We unpack the misconceptions around abuse, explore how unhealthy communication patterns escalate, and discuss how men can be part of the solution. Listen in as we challenge what we think we know about domestic violence and work toward safer, healthier relationships.

Episode 32: Hip Hop and Politics

In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Somoza to discuss the history and influence of Hip Hop in Central America and Puerto Rico.

Episode 31: The History of Western Medicine in the U.S, The Importance of a Doula And The Impact of Medical Racism ft Zulie Jimenez

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of Western Medicine in the United States with special guest- Zuleima Jimenez, a certified birth worker, who joins the discussion in exploring how its development is strongly linked to systemic exclusion and marginalization. We discuss the critical role of birth workers and the ongoing impact of medical racism on communities of color. Additionally, we shed light on how the Medical community excludes holistic and Indigenous practices in academic spaces, emphasizing the importance of integrating these diverse perspectives to create a more inclusive and just healthcare system.

Episode 30: Fast fashion, Identity, and Pop Culture ft Nathan Elguea

In this episode, we delve into fast fashion, identity, and pop culture with our featured guest, Nathan Elguea. Tune in as we explore the intersections of consumer culture and personal expression in today's society.