Ep. 29 Luis Roman Islas - Growing up Street Smart

Ep.33 Fernando Deveras - Liberating Brown Fatherhood

What kind of father are you striving to become? And what are you working to break free from? For many of us Brown fathers, we carry generational trauma and inherited ideas of masculinity that don’t always serve us—or our familias. In this episode, Efrain Reyes sits down with Fernando Deveras to unpack liberation, healing, and how these two powerful forces shape our journey through fatherhood." Guest Bio: Fernando Deveras is a proud son of Mexican immigrants, father to a 10-year-old son, community organizer, and certified educator. He currently serves as the Resident Dad and Director of Community Engagement at Latinx Parenting, a trauma-informed, healing-centered organization supporting Latine families. Fernando’s work centers on empowering working-class families through education, organizing, and advocacy. A former middle school teacher and Restorative Justice Practitioner, he brings a deep commitment to community healing, connection, and breaking cycles for future generations. Guest Links: Instagram @Fernando.deveras @latinxparenting Latinxparenting.org [Fernando Deveras is a proud son of Mexican immigrants, father to a 10-year-old son, community organizer, and certified educator. He currently serves as the Resident Dad and Director of Community Engagement at Latinx Parenting, a trauma-informed, healing-centered organization supporting Latine families. Fernando’s work centers on empowering working-class families through education, organizing, and advocacy. A former middle school teacher and Restorative Justice Practitioner, he brings a deep commitment to community healing, connection, and breaking cycles for future generations.] If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

Ep.32 Brian M. Smith - Cafesito Talk with Grinchos

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Brian M. Smith, founder of Grinchos Coffee. In this episode, Brian opens up about his upbringing in the Bay Area and the rich cultural influences of his Peruvian mother and Canadian father. His story is one of identity, resilience, and the passion that led him to create Grinchos Coffee. We invite you to support Brian’s work by exploring his unique coffee offerings at grinchos.online [https://grinchos.online/]. If you believe in our mission to uplift and empower fathers through community and storytelling, consider supporting Latino Dad Connection with a donation via Venmo: @Latinodad_Connection Thank you for being part of this journey.

Ep.31 Vince Chafin - From Boys to Men: The Power of Mentorship!

In this episode, Efrain Reyes welcomes one of his mentors and teachers, Vince Chafin, for a powerful conversation on the importance of men’s work. Together, they explore how working with men can be a transformative remedy for many of the challenges we face in today’s world. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Be sure to listen through to the end—Vince shares exclusive details about his upcoming Master Facilitation Class happening this May. Guest Bio: Passionate leader with two decades of experience in men's work, serving as a dedicated Trainer, Instructor, Facilitator, Leader and Speaker for renowned organizations like Sacred Sons and the ManKind Project. Expertise in Gestalt, Family Systems, Somatic, IMAGO, NLP, Bioenergetic therapies, along with proficiency in modalities such as Clean Language and Shadow Work. Vince has supported diverse programs from Women Within to H.E.R., Boys to Men, Sober Living and Recovery Facilities. Vince has also been Invited to lead trainings for Indigenous communities at Pine Ridge S.D. and in Western Europe including Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Canada to share his knowledge and hard won wisdom. Learn more about Vince Chafin’s work: Visit www.vincematoska.com [https://www.vincematoska.com/]

Ep30. Jesus Solorio- We're not saving our cultura—our cultura is saving us

In this podcast, Efrain Reyes talks sits down with Jesus Solorio and chats about how how we can use ancestral teaching and practices to support our mental and spiritual health. Guest Bio :Jesus is a Xicano, born and raised in Los Angeles (Tongva territory) by migrant parents from Michoacán (Purépecha territory), Mexico. In 2012, I earned my Master’s in CounselingPsychology with a focus on Community Mental Health from the California Institute ofIntegral Studies. My professional experience spans roles as a therapist, lead clinician, supervisor, and program manager in organizations such as Instituto Familiar de La Raza, La Familia Counseling Service, and Kaiser Permanente. I am the founder of Ollin Marriage & Family Therapy, a thriving private practice that incorporates Indigenous worldview with Western psychotherapy. Currently, I serve on the Council of 13 for the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology, am a member of the Latinx Therapist Action Network, and teach at San Francisco State University. My work is culturally responsive, social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, and rooted in re-indigenizing and liberation psychology. I incorporate humor, focus on the healing relationship, and utilize approaches such as narrative therapy and trauma healing modalities like EMDR. I honor my mentors, including my mother and sisters, and those who have guided me in my professional journey—Maestra Concha Saucedo, Dr. Sal Nuñez, and Tio Samuelin Martinez—who taught me to work with authenticity and love. I have apprenticed in Medicinal Drumming Praxis and trained in Chicanx Affirmative Therapy, EMDR, and Generative Somatics. As a Mexica Mitotiani and Huehuetero with Calpulli Nanahuatzin, my cultural roots deeply inform my practice. Above all, I am a husband and proud father to a young Huitzin (hummingbird). If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

Ep. 29 Luis Roman Islas - Growing up Street Smart

In this episode, Efrain Reyes sits down with Luis Roman Islas to explore his journey of growing up in Los Angeles as the son of street vendors. Luis shares the invaluable lessons he learned from witnessing his parents' dedication, resilience, and hard work—lessons that continue to shape his path today. Now a ceremonial tattoo artist, first-generation Mexican American, and devoted father of three, Luis infuses his artistry with deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Beyond his work as an artist, he is a passionate advocate for men’s healing and empowerment, actively supporting multiple men’s groups while walking his own path of self-discovery. Through his art and storytelling, Luis strives to honor his roots, break generational cycles, and create transformative experiences that inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their true essence. If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"