America's Dreamers - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Episode 17: DACA Recipient Goes From Homeless to Grammy Winner Nov 03, 2022

My guest today is Denzel Mendoza, a Dreamer who went from being homeless on the streets of New York to becoming a GRAMMY award winning trombonist.

He was one of 50 undoumented artists who took part in the jazz album called “AMERICAN DREAMERS– VOICES OF HOPE, MUSIC AND FREEDOM” which was lead by composer John Daversa and took home 3 Grammys back in 2019.

Denzel was born in Singapore and came to the US at age 5. And then when he was nine years old, his father left the country and abandoned him along with his mother and sister. It happened just two months before his entire family was set to get permanent residency…

leaving him undocumented.

Denzel has a new digital album out now called “ILLEGAL SON” where he pours out his undocumented experience through this music.

FIRST: In this episode– Denzel chats about fatherhood and dealing with family trauma and the impact his dad’s departure had on his life.

THEN: He shares the ups and downs of chasing a music career in NYC and how he ended up in Portland– and how he picked himself off the streets and got on the road–sharing his music and story all over the United States.

AND FINALLY: How winning a grammy has changed his life, and what he’s up to now.

I would love your feedback! We now have an instagram account for this podcast– go give us some love– we’re at @AmericasDreamers! Or you can tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing the show, it’s a cost-free way to support this content. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.

Episode 16: DACA Dreamer Goes from Burger King to TOP CHEF! Aug 24, 2022

My guest today is Chef Byron Gomez, who’s re-defining what it means to be American… one delicious dish at a time! He’s a DACA Dreamer who went from breaking change at Burger King…. to working at Michelin Star restaurants alongside some world-renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud, Ronny Emboruy, and others… to recently getting selected to be on the Bravo TV show TOP CHEF!

Chef Byron came to the US from Costa Rica when he was 8 years old and grew up in Long Island, New York before moving to Colorado.

FIRST: Chef Byron shares the impact DACA has had on his culinary career, as well as the struggles along the way including working at restaurants for free just to get a bite to eat when money was tight.

THEN: How he got a shot to be on the show TOP CHEF in the middle of the pandemic. What he learned and why you might see on TV again soon!

ALSO: We get into what he’s up to now. He recently left his job as executive chef at 7908 Aspen Supper club… and he now wants to meet you and cook for you?

AND FINALLY: Chef Byron shares his tips to become a star in your own kitchen… some helpful steps to get started if you finally want to learn how to cook or bake!

Episode 15: Latina Pivots from News to Tech Jul 21, 2022

Today I’m chatting with a former news gal: Corina Hierro (@CorinaHierro) who is now a tech entrepreneur. Corina left the news business and became a founding member of the job-finding app called “Chamba” which helps Latinos find jobs by connecting them directly to employers ready to hire!

FIRST: Corina talks about coming to the USA from Mexico and how she got into the News industry and why she decided to leave and start something new in the middle of the pandemic!

THEN: We talk about getting over fear and uncertainty and starting over with your career and life. And how you can find your purpose and passion.

AND FINALLY: Only 2% of people working in tech are Latinas and Corina shares some tips on breaking into the male-dominated industry. And how she’s creating impact in her community through Chamba– an app by latinos for latinos.

I would love your feedback! Find me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing our show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.

We now have an instagram account for this podcast– go give us some love– we’re at @AmericasDreamers

I’ve posted a link there to download the app if you’re interested!

Episode 14: DACA Recipient Dedicates Book to Dreamers Apr 14, 2022

My guest today is the author of the first Children’s picture book written by a DACA Dreamer. Her name is Areli Morales, (@AreliNYC) and she’s a DACA recipient and school teacher. In her book, “Areli is a Dreamer” she shares her experience uprooting from Mexico and moving to New York as a little girl.

FIRST: In this episode, we get into how a failed opportunity landed Areli a huge second chance to publish this book!

THEN: Areli will share 5 amazing tips if you’re interested in writing and publishing your own book one day.

AND FINALLY: We get into what allies– especially teachers in the classroom– can do to support undocumented students or those living in mixed immigration households.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.

We now have an instagram account for this podcast– go give us some love– we’re at @AmericasDreamers

I’ve posted a link there to buy her book if you’re interested!

Episode 13: DACA Lawyer’s Supreme Court Victory Mar 17, 2022

My guest today went from Undocumented to the Supreme Court! Luis Cortes Romero– is an immigration lawyer, advocate, and Dreamer who was part of the team that successfully defended the DACA Program before the U.S. Supreme Court and won.

Luis was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was just 2 years old and grew up in California's Bay Area. He’s currently a partner at NOVO LEGAL GROUP in the Seattle area.

FIRST: We discuss the route that took him to argue before the nation’s highest court to protect the legal program that allowed him to become an attorney in the first place!

THEN: Luis gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it was like during the arguments before the Supreme Court Justices. And a look at the unique team– including one unlikely conservative key player who joined the effort to win the case.

AND FINALLY: What he says immigration advocacy looks like right now during a Biden administration. And what activists should be focusing on right now?

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.

Episode 12: DACA “Dreamer” Runs 100 Marathons Feb 03, 2022

My guest today is Jocelyn Rivas (@JoselintheWarrior), a #DACA recipient who holds the Guinness World Records for both the youngest PERSON and the youngest WOMAN to run 100 marathons! Picture that: That’s running 26.2 miles 100 times over! Jocelyn came to the U.S. from El Salvador when she was 6 years old, and grew up in Los Angeles, California.

FIRST: In this episode, she shares her miraculous birth story. She was born with a medical condition that left her with broken feet. How she defied doctors who thought she’d never walk– let alone run!

THEN: She shares what inspired her to start running, and why she decided to break two world records. When she’s not running, Jocelyn works in tech and we discuss how she navigates working in such a male-dominated industry. And she shares her tips to go after your dream no matter who crazy or unreasonable it may be.

AND FINALLY: We chat about why running forced her to go vegan and why she’s not done yet with pushing the limits of her running– and her advice if you’re hoping to run your first race this year!

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you. Gracias!

Episode 11: DACA Olympian Making History Jan 13, 2022

My guest today is a track and field star who made history at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Luis Grijalva (@LuisGrijalva_) is one of the fastest people on the planet but almost didn’t get a chance to compete because of his immigration status. He’s a DACA recipient who was brought to the U.S. from Guatemala when he was a year old. Luis grew up in Northern California and went to Northern Arizona University and he’s now competing as a professional runner. Because he’s a DACA recipient, competing for the USA wasn’t an option, but given his birth– he was able to compete for Guatemala. And winning a spot was the easy part, the road to Tokyo was so bumpy and a race against time!

FIRST: In this episode, Luis shares all the drama that involved securing a special immigration permit to travel outside of the U.S. and compete at the games. He shares what it took to finally get that document and the unbelievable lengths his Lawyer Jessica Smith Bobadilla (@iamattorneyjessica) had to go to make this all a reality.

THEN: He explains what it was like to make history on that race track at the Tokyo Olympics, where he became the first Central American to qualify for the 5,000 meter race final. His biggest challenge, lesson and the most unforgettable memory. Also, what it meant to him to run his new personal best and set a Guatemalan national record at the Olympics

AND FINALLY: We also get into dealing with critics, mental challenges and all the hurdles that come with being a DACA recipient– and what he recommends for overcoming all that to achieve even the most impossible dream.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.

Episode 10: Latina Founder of the Queer Gym Oct 07, 2021

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQ History month! Today’s episode features a guest who highlights the importance of both celebrations this October 2021.

Nathalie Huerta made history as the Latina founder of The Queer Gym, the first LGBTQ Gym in the US. She’s made it her mission to help clients gain the support they need and feel comfortable while working out without the judgement they may face at regular gyms.

FIRST: In this episode, Nathalie shares what it’s like to grow up in a large Mexican-American family in California. She’s one of 10 kids! And how her parents inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Plus, the one thing she recommends you tackle first, before starting your own business.

THEN: She explains why working out is like dating! We discuss health and fitness and how to find a routine that works for both your mental and physical wellbeing… and actually stick with it!

FINALLY: Nathalie shares her coming out story and gets real about the homophobia that still exists in the Latino community. What she says can be done to combat it and eliminate the toxic conversations and behaviors surrounding the LGBTQ community.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 9: From Farmworker to NASA Astronaut Apr 29, 2021

My guest today is a literal example of reaching for the stars!

Jose Hernandez went from working in the fields with his parents up and down California to becoming the first Mexican-American NASA Astronaut. In 2009, he was part of the STS-128 mission on board the Space Shuttle, Discovery.

FIRST: Jose shares his 6-ingredient recipe for success that helped him land his nearly impossible dream of going to space! It took him 12 tries! He tells us why he didn't give up and what finally got him accepted into NASA.

Jose has broken many barriers but is also honest about both the physical and mental hurdles along the way to achieving his dream.

THEN: Jose’s daughter-- Vanessa also joins us to share what it’s been like to live in her dad’s iconic shadow and how she’s using Tiktok to tell her dad’s story.

AND FINALLY: Jose gets real about dealing with imposter syndrome and how he’s helping others who may be silently suffering. And he also shares how his life has come full circle! He’s back working the fields with his 80-year old dad… but this time they’re working the vineyards and developing their own brand of WINES! And he shares about the new Netflix film based on his life and all the other cool projects he's working on.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 8: DACA Harvard Grad Breaking Barriers Feb 28, 2021

The first episode of 2021! Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Gloria Montiel’s unprecedented career that has broken many barriers and paved the way for countless others in her community. She went from undocumented to the ivy league when she beat the odds and got into HARVARD! Back then she was one of the first undocumented students to ever do that.

FIRST: We discuss her educational journey. Gloria shares the sacrifices, tears and hard work that it took to get into the Ivy League. Including the moment she was once told, "Mexican girls don’t go to Harvard.” Against all odds, she proved she could. And she wasn’t done yet.

LATER: She later became the very first undocumented student to graduate from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education master’s program in learning and teaching. Then she made history AGAIN when she became the first undocumented student to get a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate University.

FINALLY: Gloria shares how she’s using her knowledge, resources, and grant-writing skills to bring in millions of dollars to create opportunities in her Orange County, CA community. You’ll hear how she’s creating opportunities for others like her, by tackling education, health access and community engagement.

AND BONUS: Why the first thing she did after getting her work permit as a HARVARD grad was to apply for a job at McDonald’s!

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 7: Air Force Reservist Soaring to Wealth via E-commerce Dec 03, 2020

December 2020 kicks off the holiday shopping frenzy, and even during the pandemic people are still buying and spending hundreds of dollars on gifts online. And while most of us are spending all that cash, my guest is making THOUSANDS of dollars a day thanks to his side hustle: E-Commerce.

He’s name is Cristian Trujillo and he’s a reservist in the US Air Force who is one of thousands of individual sellers who use e-commerce platforms like Amazon to sell stuff!

In this episode, Cristian shares how he’s able to travel the world… make thousands of dollars per day while only working 4 hours a week.

We also discuss all the different ways you can become a seller: Dropshipping or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and how to make as much money than he’s making now. Cristian tells us his 3 pieces of advice for people looking to get started with e-commerce as a side hustle and he also shares his mistakes including one that cost him $20,000 and how you can avoid those pitfalls. He even shares how his 4 assistants are helping him maximize profits no matter what he sells … including fake rocks!

Cristian came to the U.S. when he was 13 years old from Colombia and settled in Sacramento, CA. Hear how his new business is helping his family back in Colombia and how being in the military has made him a stronger entrepreneur mentality and emotionally! Take a listen and let me know what you think!

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers.

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 6: Olympic Runner Brenda Martinez Oct 01, 2020

Latina Track Star Brenda Martinez on how she defeated all odds and bounced back from defeat to make her American Dream of going to the Olympics a reality.

Brenda represented Team USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics and is now training for round two-- The games in Tokyo. In this episode, Brenda talks about how she ALMOST didn’t make the team-- because of an incident during the Olympic Trials.

FIRST: Brenda talks about the sacrifices her Mexican immigrant parents had to make to help her achieve her Olympic dreams. How she overcame financial hurdles, physical injuries and many rejections… and how she finally found a champion… who helped her achieve her American dream of becoming a world-class Olympic runner.

THEN: How she’s giving back to her community and specifically young kids achieve their own running dreams. Since 2013, Brenda has run a summer running camp in Big Bear. But it’s more than just a running camp, she’s inspiring young girls and boys to go to college and find their passion.

AND LATER: We discuss how the Pandemic has forced her to change her Olympic training as she prepares to make the team for the next Olympics.

Plus, how to start your day like an Olympian! Brenda shares her surprising morning routine-- the 3 THINGS she does before starting her day.

I learned so much about sacrifice and resilience from her! Take a listen and let me know what you think! Tag me on Instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers. Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 5: 'Black Panther' Actor Bambadjan Bamba Aug 27, 2020

Award-winning actor Bambadjan Bamba opens up about how being both black and undocumented has impacted his Hollywood dreams. He’s a working actor based in Los Angeles with credits on many TV shows and movies like the blockbuster film, “Black Panther.” He tells you why this movie has been so powerful in creating cultural change.

Bambadjan was born in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa and was brought to the U.S. when he was just 10 years old. He grew up in New York, where at one point he worked as a taxi cab driver to help pay for acting school before catching his first break.

FIRST, Bambadjan shares about navigating life as an undocumented person and a DACA recipient. And also as a black man and how his identity has presented him with both challenges and opportunities. We also discuss how he’s using his star power to bring awareness to social issues he deeply cares about.

LATER, he also tells us how he’s helping others like him break into the industry and how he’s working to keep the doors of opportunity open in Hollywood through his work with the non-profit ‘Color of Change.’

FINALLY, he shares TWO key pieces of advice for anyone with showbiz dreams! This is an inspirational chat that will give you a shot of motivation! Take a listen and let me know what you think! Check out Bambadjan on his website or on his social media.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 4: DACA Filmmaker’s Hollywood Journey Aug 13, 2020

Imagine shooting a film on your iphone and with a $100 budget… that’s exactly how award-winning director, writer and actor Jorge Xolalpa began his journey to Hollywood. In this episode, we discuss why he gave up a career in law, what inspired him to go into filmmaking. You’ll hear why this rising star in Hollywood is earning his nickname as the “Latino Spielberg.”

Jorge is a DACA recipient who came to the U.S. when he was 9 years old and now owns a film & TV production company called Mighty Aphrodite Pictures that’s creating content championing Women, Latinos and diverse stories.

In this episode, Jorge shares his powerful strategy to making your passion projects a reality, and why you shouldn’t wait for the perfect time to get started. Jorge also explains how to get creativity flowing when you feel stuck and how to get inspired to chase your wildest dreams, no matter your situation or lack of resources. If he made his first film on a $100 budget, he says you too can find a way even when things seem impossible. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias ) and twitter at (@AmericaArias ) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers. For a link to Jorge's movies go to my instagram account.

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 4: DACA Filmmaker’s Hollywood Journey Aug 13, 2020

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias ) and twitter at (@AmericaArias ) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers. For a link to Jorge's movies go to my instagram account.

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 4: DACA Filmmaker’s Hollywood Journey Aug 13, 2020

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias ) and twitter at (@AmericaArias ) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers. For a link to Jorge's movies go to my instagram account.

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 3: Real Estate Investor shares 6 steps to financial freedom Jun 11, 2020

With all the economic uncertainty during this pandemic and recession, it’s hard to imagine a reality where you can become financially independent, quit your job and retire in your 20s or 30s. But that’s exactly what Diego Corzo (@RealDiegoCorzo) wants you to achieve. He’s a DACA recipient and a real estate entrepreneur who’s on the fast-track to becoming a millionaire.

In this episode, Diego shares usable advice on investing, saving and getting into a winning mindset. Diego went from riding his bike to business appointments, to quitting his software engineering job at General Motors to now owning his successful real estate company. You will learn how to see opportunities where people see obstacles. Diego really lives by his motto, “When the door of opportunity is locked, go through the window.”

FIRST, Diego shares the TWO key actions you need to take right now in order to start building wealth and put yourself in a position to survive any life-altering situation like a recession. What do you need to do to prepare if you suddenly lose your job or have to change careers?

THEN, he shares his 6-STEP STRATEGY to become financially independent. Diego tells us how this winning formula helped him own nearly 20 rental properties that allow him to make money while he sleeps. I know this interview will help you whether you want to pay off debt, stay within your monthly budget or even buy your DREAM HOUSE!

FINALLY, Diego leaves with with tools to help you on your journey. He recommends these two books… “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Happy learning and go follow me on instagram if you want to ask Diego questions directly.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

Episode 2: DACA Health Hero on COVID-19 frontlines May 28, 2020

Despite nearly every state reopening its economy and easing lockdown restrictions, the Coronavirus pandemic is still a serious and dangerous reality for healthcare workers across the country. In this episode I speak to Aldo Martinez, a 26-year old Paramedic in Fort Myers, FL.

Aldo says he has to deal with a COVID-19 patient at least once a day during his sometimes 48-hour shifts. He’s also one of thousands of DACA recipients saving lives on the frontlines during this health crisis. That means that as he risks his life saving lives, he’s also worried about an upcoming Supreme Court decision that could alter his immigration status.

According to the Center for American Progress, nearly 30,000 health care workers are DACA Dreamers. They are paramedics like Aldo, but also doctors, nurses, medical techs, and others who are putting their own health and safety on the line to diagnose and treat the disease.

FIRST Aldo gives us a glimpse into his sometimes anxiety-driven shifts during this pandemic, tells us what he’s doing to stay safe and how he deals with the stress and uncertainty of this lockdown.

THEN he shares the one lesson from his parents that helps him get through even the toughest day and how this is fueling his dream of becoming a trauma surgeon in the future. It’s a lovely tribute that will inspire you!

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating!

america-arias.com

Episode 1: Introducing America's Dreamers! May 08, 2020

I went from being undocumented and afraid, broke and with no chance of ever attending college… to living my dream life as an Emmy award-winning producer!

In this intro episode, I share my story about living undocumented and how my life changed thanks to the DACA Program. Also, I share my vision for this podcast and how I hope it will help you ditch your fears, get creative and dream bigger! No matter your immigration status, I’m here to help you navigate all the uncertainty and find a way to chase your dreams.

I would love your feedback! Tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias), Facebook and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #LetsDACAboutit

Please support this podcast by sharing it with others, rating and reviewing my show. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! Thank you for the support! Visit my website: Am erica-arias.com

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