I'm Not Yelling! I'm Dominican: First-Generation Caribbeanites Navigating Life Podcast

Growing up, watching our parents navigate a new world with courage and determination has left a lasting impression on us. Despite language barriers and cultural clashes, their pursuit of home ownership and education laid the groundwork for our dreams. This thought-provoking episode explores what it means to dream big while breaking generational cycles, particularly as first-generation Americans from the Dominican and Caribbean communities, navigate identity and build a life that honors the past but reaches toward a greater future.

Through authentic conversations, we confront imposter syndrome and perfectionism—two inner battles many Latino, Black, and Brown communities face as we break into spaces not designed for us. We celebrate the self-discovery journeys of traveling internationally and investing strategically—milestones made possible by the sacrifices of our parents. These uplifting and provocative discussions are rooted in healing generational traumas and finding strength through community with like-minded people.

Balancing dreams with action is more than a concept—it’s a daily practice. We dive into elevated conversations around parenting as first-gens: how to protect our children without stifling their growth. We discuss the anxiety born from overprotection and the resilience built through failure. In a digital world full of comparisons, we advocate for setting small, actionable goals and embracing your path, however uncertain it may feel.

This episode is also a celebration of purpose. We share personal stories of discipline, goal-setting, and accountability, tying them to our broader mission: elevating the voices of Black and Brown communities and supporting Black entrepreneurship, especially innovative solutions that uplift Black farmers. Our podcast journey is of cultural empowerment, where familiar voices offer Caribbean perspectives and Dominican voices that aim to raise awareness through stories and shared truths. This episode invites you into a space of growth, empowerment, and healing. Managing cultural identity clashes and overcoming life challenges takes work, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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What if the stories we tell could reshape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Award-winning children's book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris joins us to discuss the transformative power of storytelling, particularly within Black, brown, and Afro-Latinx communities. Through her journey, we gain insights into the challenges faced by diverse voices in the publishing industry and how effectively reaching diverse audiences can create a more inclusive narrative landscape. Alyssa shares how her storytelling is inspired by her abuela, whose tales of joy, love, and resistance are a testament to the healing power of authentic narratives.

Storytelling isn't just a means of expression; it's a crucial tool for empowerment, education, and connection. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of cultural representation and personal storytelling, highlighting how these narratives shape our identities and connect us to our ancestors. We explore the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in passing down legacies through generations, underscoring how stories can inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. From fiction to nonfiction, we examine how stories convey profound truths and empower communities to challenge exclusionary narratives.

In an era where authoritarian influences loom large, the role of storytelling becomes even more vital. Through anecdotes and cultural lenses, like the significance of food and critical thinking, we discuss how storytelling helps maintain control over our narratives and fosters community pride. Alyssa's experiences demonstrate how children can be encouraged to take pride in their heritage and think critically about the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the joy and resilience of living with cultural pride, advocating for empathy, unity, and the importance of remembering and sharing our hidden histories.

How to connect with Alyssa and her resources:

Alyssa's Website: alyssaauthor.com

Resources to help you on your publishing journey 

Books

• Platanos are Love is a picture book about how plantains shape Latinx culture, community, & family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
• Los plátanos son amor (Spanish)
• The Bronx Is My Home is a LOVE letter to The Bronx! A picture book celebration of the history, landscape, cuisines, cultures, and activities unique to this vibrant community.
• Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book is a joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice with themes around overcoming fears, love & immigration.
• Gloriana, presente. De República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish)
• Bold, Brilliant and Latine Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present

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Join us for an elevated conversation as we explore the fascinating world of spirituality in the modern age, with a spotlight on toxic spirituality and the rise of spiritual influencers. In this episode, we unpack how platforms like Instagram have given rise to a new wave of influencers—some uplifting, others exploitative—shaping the spiritual narratives of today’s Caribbean, Latino, and first-generation American communities.

Drawing from personal experiences and authentic conversations, we highlight the importance of vulnerability and accountability in spiritual leaders. We also explore how unethical gurus can prey on those seeking healing and clarity, especially in black and brown communities navigating identity, faith, and cultural clashes.

Through thought-provoking insights and diverse conversations, we contrast the traditional roles of religious institutions like the Catholic Church with modern influencer culture. Our dialogue offers a realistic take on spiritual influence, pushing back on the idea that positive thinking alone can solve life's problems. Instead, we advocate for sharing life experiences, embracing emotions, and healing generational traumas as keys to overcoming life challenges.

We also tackle the delicate balance of providing emotional support—knowing when to simply hold space and when to step in with love and guidance. This episode is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality grounded in community, culture, and self-awareness. Whether you're part of the Dominican community, African diaspora, or a community of like-minded people on a journey of growth, you’ll find this conversation both provocative and uplifting.

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As we watched our mother, lost within the depths of dementia, respond with sheer joy to the beats of bachata and merengue, a profound truth unraveled before us: movement is a powerful healer. Our latest episode invites you to witness the transformative power of dance and movement, which transcends mere physical benefits. Through stories from our own lives, we highlight how reconnecting with ancestral rhythms can release stagnant energy and address unresolved emotional burdens. Movement, as we discuss, becomes a bridge to joy and healing, especially for those within the diaspora, where dance naturally offers solace and release.

The journey continues as we explore how intentional actions, like joyful movement and healthy eating, bolster our well-being. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in our physical and mental health. Sharing a family member's experience, we reveal how dancing led to unexpected benefits such as weight loss, reduced joint pain, and an uplifted mood, even amid the challenges of arthritis and dementia. We shed light on how movement offers a sense of purpose and connection, helping manage feelings of depression and anxiety, and providing a path to mental well-being.

With a touch of humor, we recount our adventures in an advanced African dance class, underscoring the importance of choosing activities that truly resonate with us. By reimagining exercise as an enjoyable endeavor, we unlock its potential to reduce tension and prevent chronic diseases. Whether it's the soothing flow of yoga or the gentle energy of Qigong, finding joy in movement is essential.  

Asian Squat Somewhat explained

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Imagine a world where artificial intelligence serves as both a beacon of progress and a harbinger of ethical challenges. What if the very technology designed to streamline our lives also carried the potential to amplify societal discrepancies? Join us for an authentic conversation with Juliette Powell, a revered AI ethics and governance expert, as we unravel the profound influence AI exerts across industries and communities, especially those that are Black and Brown. Together, we explore Juliette's inspiring journey from a data scientist to a champion of inclusive tech advocacy, emphasizing the critical need for diverse conversations in shaping the future of AI.

Our conversation peels back the layers of AI's pervasive presence, from popular culture depictions to its unsettling role in military and surveillance operations. We scrutinize AI tools intended for law enforcement and predictive algorithms that, while designed for security, raise significant privacy concerns. These thought-provoking questions of morality, privacy, and cultural nuances surface as we dissect the complexities of AI's rapid evolution, highlighted by experiments like the Moral Machine. This episode serves as a call to action, raising awareness and underscoring the responsibility we all share in navigating the digital landscape thoughtfully and ethically.

As we turn our focus to healthcare, we celebrate AI's transformative potential in enhancing diagnostics and patient outcomes, while acknowledging the pressing risks of bias and lack of diversity in its development. The dialogue extends to balancing technological progress with personal privacy, advocating for critical thinking and intentional interactions with AI. By promoting awareness and education, our aim is to prepare ourselves and future generations—especially first-generation Americans—for an AI-driven world, ensuring these advancements truly benefit all. Join us for this elevated conversation that delves into the heart of AI's impact on society, urging a mindful approach to innovation.

Find Juliette @:

www.juliettepowell.com 

Linkedin

Book: The AI Dilemma

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Want more episodes and exclusive content? Sign up for our paid subscription on substack.

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We welcome constructive feedback and topic ideas, so please shoot us an email at www.imnotyelling.co/contact-us.

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