I felt the need to capture this moment in life that I am grateful for. I don't want to focus on things that take away my joy and NEED to constantly remind myself of the beautiful experiences life if giving me in real time, in this present moment.

It's an episode that feels more like an audio diary where I share about my kids' birthdays; an upcoming trip to Australia (and me being a bit nerve wrecked); feeling spring in the air - AND ... my dog makes a quick appearance (IFYKYK)

Follow my journey on my personal page for snippets of my time in Melbourne, Australia, the layover in New Zealand and a quick visit to Los Angeles, California via @ms.lxpezs - If y'all have any suggestions on places that I need to visit, need to eat at, need to drink at, hit up ya girl!

Also, that pause - there's a backstory. I'm ferociously protective of my kids; in this instance, my son was being called down to the office/guidance department at school. I overheard the guidance councillor speak inappropriately to him. I'll share more in the next episode. Stay tuned!

Appreciate you lending me your ears and time<3

Joli:

"Grow through what you go through is something I truly believe in. Every circumstance, even the ones that cause us pain leads us to a better version of ourselves. The journey of healing is so essential to living a purposeful life. An inspiration, resilient and faith filled woman - married mother of two beautiful children."

Okay, you might have caught on that Joli and I recorded this episode before Episode 2 buuutt sometimes our plans shift and that's okay! I also underestimated how much I remembered about my recording equipment with more than just myself and my audio wasn't the greatest in this episode.

Bear with me! I was too certain and in the end ... wasn't certain at all.

The quality of the audio of the next 3 episodes humbled me.

Thank you for your patience.

Moody <3

Our first guest of 2024; SZN 2!! Toronto native, born to parents from Dominican Republic, Giselle, shares her personal story and experience having spent approximately 8 months in prison in Aruba (2022-2023).

As a woman, mother of 5, wife, sister, daughter, friend, she opens up and shares an emotional recount with Moody (Marii) on the decisions made that led to the eye-opening circumstances. Tune in to hear it first-hand, take in her lessons learned, her worries while being away from her children and loved ones and the challenges of returning home. We will have an opportunity to ask her questions and she will share an update on her transition back to life in Toronto! NEXT STEPS: Listen to this episode and note down any questions/comments you might have for G. We need to know if there's an interest! Send your anonymous questions by Jan. 12th through NGL Anonymous Q&A.

Be sure you're following the WYLN IG page to be notified when we are "Live w/ G" on Friday, Jan. 12th from 7:30pm - 8:15pm (there will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the 30-45 min segment)

Keep up with G and follow her on her personal instagram account! Gracias for lending us your ears! M

In this episode, marii sliiightly shares an overview on what y'all can expect from WYLN as a podcast that is hoping to provide a safe space for guests while discussing taboo and controversial topics, while questioning what we may have been taught are "values" as people of the LatinAmerican diaspora.

She brings up talks about 'taking up space' as visibly Brown woman/mujer, from multiethnic ancestry and heritage and briefly shares on her experience growing up and often times being referred to as "Spanish" or "Mexican" (often times stereotyped) as a kid.

She also shares an overview on what y'all can expect from WYLN as a podcast that is hoping to provide a safe space for guests while discussing taboo and controversial topics, while questioning what we may have been taught are "values" as people of the LatinAmerican diaspora.

marii briefly shares on her relationship with her first "baby daddy" (more in depth conversation to come on this for sure!)

Can any of y'all relate? .. lol - bueeenooo! see ya in the next episodeee!

Disclaimer… I get emotional and cry through the talking (there's a curse word or two); get into some difficult conversations like suicide and injustices towards Indigenous People on the very same lands where our parents, grandparents and relatives sought refuge and opportunities. Yes, in my opinion, it's all connected.

Thank you de todo corazon once again for lending me your ears, time and attention <3 Please take a moment to answer the questions, if you are listening from #Spotify; I hope at least half of you enjoyed this episode :P

The title is pretty self explanatory and it is 1 hour and 15 mins long so I won't write a bunch of shenanigans here; I promise, even if you gotta break it up into two 37 min sessions or so, it'll be worth it!!

As promised, I have included a few links for ya'll who are interested with respect to learning more about Indigenous issues and awareness around National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and ongoing injustices that they are currently (and have been for numerous years) experiencing.

Information to links and articles

• NDTR and OSD links on background
  https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
  
• Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Womyn in canada
  https://nwac.ca/policy/forced-sterilization
  
• Link related to food insecurities in rural communities in canada
  https://www.businessinsider.com/food-prices-high-northern-canada-2017-9
  
• Nestle - "What is happening with water and Indigenous communities?"
  Article 1: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/makasa-looking-horse-clean-water-access-canada/
  Article 2: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2018/oct/04/ontario-six-nations-nestle-running-water
  
• IG handle for Dr. Pam Palmater - a Mi'kmaq lawyer, professor, activist and an associate professor and the academic director of the Centre for Indigenous Governance at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as "Ryerson University"). She has been recognized from the community by numerous awards and has even appeared on APTN, CBC and CTV.
  I encourage y'all to follow her to learn more about Indigenous issues across Canada.
  https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmater/?hl=en