Growing Up Latina

Inside Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen: Jackie Leon on Afro-Latinidad, Identity, and Finding Her Voice

What does "Growing up Latina" look like when you're Afro-Colombian, first-gen, and now starring on Broadway? Actress Jackie León sits with me to talk la sala memories, tough love, Spanish stigma, anti-Blackness in our communities, coming out, and building a career that demands everything. From Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen to writing her own plays, Jackie is proof that grit + heart change the room. Come for the gems, stay for the healing. 🧡 Subscribe, leave a comment with your favorite takeaway, and go see Hells Kitchen on Broadway. Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they already belong.

Kim Osorio Doesn't Back Down From the Media Industry Pt. 2

Familiaaa, for the first time in GUL history we're bringing you a 2-part episode! We welcome back the inspiring and multi-talented media journalist Kim Osorio. In this conversation, Kim opens up about stepping into leadership roles at a young age, the honor of being Puerto Rican representation for her students, and how the media industry has evolved over the years. Most know her as the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source, but Kim's career spans far beyond that. We talk about her days as a showrunner on Growing Up Hip Hop, what it really takes to get a show greenlit, and the media's reaction to her book Straight from the Source: An Exposé from the Former Editor-in-Chief of the Hip-Hop Bible. She also teases her upcoming book The People vs. Hip-Hop, diving into court cases that shaped the culture. Kim has seen it all, and she isn't afraid to share her truth. Don't miss this powerful conversation between two Latinas facing the media industry head-on!

From 9-5 To Editor-in-Chief: Kim Osorio on How She Broke Into The Source Pt. 1

Familia Latinaaaa! 🎙️ This week we sit down with the legendary Kim Osorio — journalist, media executive, and the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Source. Kim opens up about growing up mixed (Black, Chinese, Puerto Rican), moving out at 17, and going from camp counselor to club nights that landed her dream role at The Source. She even clears up the wild rumor about JLo's mom being her gym teacher 👀. From breaking barriers in hip hop media to creating youth programs for the next generation, Kim proves why she's a force in the industry. This is Part 1 of an inspiring conversation you don't want to miss.

Girl Ultra on Creating Music For Herself and Rejecting Conformity

What's up GUL fam! 🌎 Straight from Mexico City's alt-R&B scene, we have the amazing Girl Ultra. From boleros and classical music to blasting My Chemical Romance in her lively chilango sala, music has always been a core part of Mariana's world. She created Girl Ultra as a canvas to push boundaries and fill the gap in Mexico's alternative scene. We get into her latest single Tomás, the way artists protect their art, and how she navigates the pressures of a fast-paced industry. She also shares what it's like preparing for shows and the thrill of touring the globe. This is a raw and inspiring convo between two Latinas chasing big dreams in media—you don't want to miss it! 🎙️✨

From Tiny Desk to Taking Over: J Noa's Biggest Golpe Yet

Mi gente Latinaaa, two-time Latin Grammy nominee and Dominican rap phenom J Noa is here! She opens up about everything—from her viral Tiny Desk performance to the deep roots of her confidence and creativity. Raised in a home full of laughter and El Chavo del Ocho vibes, J Noa credits her unapologetic drive to the strong women who raised her. She shares how legends like Snoop Dogg and Cardi B shaped her flow, and how her EP Los Cinco Golpes turns life's "hits" into hope. From rocking her own float at the Dominican Day Parade to standing firm on free speech through her music, J Noa proves she's more than a rising star—she's a movement. Whether you're here for the jokes, the bars, or the message, this one's for you.