My Perspective on the World Part VI: Mario

The LEO podcast and Shot of Truth Podcast presents Undocumented and Unafraid: Protests, Power, and Surveillance an episode unpacking what we are experiencing as immigrant folks in this country. We discuss the real-life impacts of these ongoing immigration policies rooted in dehumanization and exploitation.

People are coming together—learning, organizing, having difficult conversations, and speaking out against daily injustices. As immigrants, we know that staying informed, having resources, and leaning on our community is how we keep moving forward! Tune in to Shot of Truth for a roundtable discussion, co-hosted by Yuriana Garcia, with Alma C., Ronnie J., Jose C., and Priscilla A. We’ll talk about organizing, how we’re taking action to protect our communities, and how we’re navigating these challenges ourselves. Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify and at shotoftruthpodcast.com.

Carolina joins us with an open heart to discuss healing, embodiment, and creating intentional spaces while honoring self. She talks about her role being a mental health therapist and balancing that with her identity and other aspects of her life. We talk about the harm of isolating yourself and how important it is to be with community right now. Carolina is the Founder of Healing Vibraz, which promotes healing and mental wellness through a social justice and liberation-based perspective that aims to bring a space for individual and collective community healing. Check out this episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

In this episode, I sit down with Cheska Mae Perez to talk about balancing our wants, family needs, responsibilities, and optimism in tough times. We discuss so many things including growing up in poverty and breaking generational cycles, redefining community in 12+ cities, healing, and finding liberation. Cheska’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. You won’t want to miss her powerful message to start the year with purpose and connection. Thank you Cheska for your vulnerability and all the things that drive you to be the beautiful person you are.

We love our undocu soccer babes—it's true! In this episode, we highlight Mario, who poured his heart into connecting with others and sharing his journey of turning dreams into reality. Mario reflects on the role soccer and family have played in shaping who he is today, and how his curiosity, desire to learn, and connections with others have expanded his view of the world. A huge shoutout to everyone who made this series possible and to those who joined us on this unforgettable Cultural Leadership Fellowship Summer 2024 journey in Portugal. It's been an honor to witness your stories and growth.

Ronnie James calling in from New York! Ronnie joined the Cultural Leadership Fellowship envisioning how he could create opportunities like this for Undocumented Black folks. Believe it or not, we recorded days before he took off to Trinidad to lead his cohort with UndocuBlack Network! We shared many laughs and moments we enjoyed together and in community. He also shares about reconnecting with his sister in London, traveling abroad with his partner, and returning home to Saint Lucia for the first time with his mom! Tune in to this special episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Shot of Truth Podcast website!

Up next in our series is Karen from Portland, OR, who shares her incredible solo journey across Europe. Along the way, she formed meaningful connections with so many kind people and reflects on the impact of her experience. From traveling with the CLF cohort to venturing out on her own, Karen takes us through some truly memorable moments. Known for her thoughtful words and genuine spirit, Karen had everyone dancing wherever she went. Tune in to this special episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Shot of Truth Podcast website!

Miss International!! Rita came through with so much realness. She talked about how she faced two of her biggest fears—losing her grandmother and father before seeing them again and traveling to Mexico without the anxiety of what might happen if she went back. She also broke down what’s next for DACA and challenged us to step out of our comfort zones. The way I witnessed this person evolve from this experience is beautiful. Thank you for holding us accountable Rita!

Rogelio joins us to share the importance of utilizing advanced parole to reconnect with family and see the world! The stories he shares are deeply rooted in community care and love and thats felt across my time with him and in this episode. From sharing moments of joy to moments of growth with people he met along the way. Confessionals included!

A series requested by you all! As I’ve had the immense privilege of traveling on AP as a DACA recipient, I’ve also had the privilege of helping others do the same through the Cultural Leadership Fellowship. Through my travels, I have met the most amazing people, pushed myself deeply out of my comfort zone and learned a thing or two along the way. This episode is an intro to a series highlighting 5 individuals who will be sharing how their perspective on the world changed once they had the opportunity to travel outside of the US. But first, let me tell you a little bit about my experience in Portugal, Berlin, and Amsterdam. From drug taxis to smoking lounges, it was lit. Enjoy!