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In this episode Cynthia and guest, Luis Cornejo, explore themes of authenticity, identity, and the impact of cultural norms such as marianismo and patriarchy on individuals, particularly within the queer community. They discuss the importance of embracing multiple identities, the challenges of binary thinking, and the need for liberation from oppressive structures. This conversation highlights the struggles faced by both queer individuals and men under patriarchal expectations, emphasizing the value of self-expression and vulnerability in the journey towards healing and acceptance. Luis and Cynthia explore the complexities of parenting, generational trauma, and the impact of cultural expectations on maternal relationships. They discuss the emotional struggles that arise from societal norms, particularly Marianismo, and how these affect both mothers and their children. This dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-love, individuality, and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the gifts and burdens of inherited guilt and the significance of nurturing relationships in a healthy, empowering way. The conversation concludes with reflections on cultural perspectives of femininity and masculinity, and the journey towards self-acceptance and freedom in self-expression.

Find more information on Luis´offerings at https://www.luis-cornejo.com/

Join us the last Sunday of the Month all of 2025 for Sobremesa, a live free podcast conversation. RSVP at rootedinreflection.org

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In this episode, Cynthia discusses the importance of visibility and taking space in the community, especially in light of recent ICE raids and the historical context of displacement, with Marilyn Mejia Peña. They explore the emotional impact on the Latino community, the ancestral resilience that informs their experiences, and the duality of grief and joy. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, the significance of cultural identity, and the healing power of nature and community. They also touch on the role of music and creative expression as forms of resistance and healing.

Thanks to Marilyn Mejia Peña of Resilience Social Work Inc for her time, wisdom and art in times of darkness. You can find more ways to work with Marilyn at marilyn@resiliencesocialwork.com
www.resiliencesocialwork.com

Join us Sunday July 27, 2025 at 9:30amPST for Confetti All Around Presents Sobre Mesa, a FREE Live Podcast Platform for us to be in community with you and talk about what´s really going on at our tables these days. Join the Rootedinreflection.org newsletter to get more information. We will be hosting SobreMesa every 4th Sunday of the Month all of 2025. Pull up a chair.

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In this episode, Cynthia engages in heartfelt conversation with Irelia Ozaeta, owner of Cosmic Rose Apothecary. They explore themes of friendship, vulnerability, and personal growth, discussing how Irelia transitioned from a successful career in education to embracing her passion for plants and herbal remedies. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the journey of self-discovery, and the power of service through love and nature. In this engaging conversation, Cynthia and Irelia explore the themes of energy, community, and personal growth through the lens of herbal remedies and intentional living. They discuss the significance of Moonwater Farm, the importance of empowering the next generation, and the beauty of collaboration in creating meaningful experiences. The dialogue reflects on ancestral strength, the courage to share stories, and the journey of uprooting and blossoming into new opportunities.

Thank you to Irelia, founder of Cosmic Rose Apothecary.

Follow Irelia Ozaeta on IG at: cosmic_rose_apothecary

on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cosmicroseapothecary

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In this special host takeover/Mash-Up-Collab episode the mic is passed and the script is flipped. Cynthia Alonzo Perez, LCSW, host of Confetti All Around, takes the hot seat on the other side of the conversation as Marilyn Mejia-Peña, LCSW, host of Resilience Social Work Podcast guides a powerful and vulnerable dialogue.

Together, they explore the deeply rooted cultural construct of Marianismo—how it has shaped generations of Latinas, impacted identity, and contributed to cycles of self-silencing and sacrifice. Cynthia shares her personal journey with Marianismo, offering a rare glimpse into what her Marianismo looks like, her healing process, the grief that comes with letting go of inherited roles, and the creative tools that helped her reclaim her voice.

This conversation is layered with heart and insight, touching on self-value, emotional freedom, and the courage it takes to disrupt intergenerational patterns. You’ll hear reflections on imperfection, joy, and what it truly means to give ourselves permission to live fully and authentically.

A must-listen for anyone navigating cultural expectations, healing from inherited narratives, or simply craving real talk about resilience, identity, and liberation.

Cynthia Alonzo Perez, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) first gen creative, author, therapist, mother and inner child advocate. Cynthia believes “Inner Child Healing IS Intergenerational Healing” so much that she created courses and books to dive into the science and indigenous intersections of inner child healing as ancestral connection and a conscious awakening. Cynthia has a B.A. in Xicane/Latine Studies and a Master’s in Social Work but her inner child is in many ways her creativity co-pilot and has shown her this expansive way of “working”. Cynthia is the host of the podcast Confetti All Around and has a wellness agency called Rooted in Reflection.

Find Cynthia, her services and shop where you can buy her latest book ⁠My Marianismo: Nurturing Myself from the Roots to the Bloom ⁠ at ⁠https://rootedinreflection.org/⁠

IG @ rooted_in_reflection TT @rootedinreflection

Marilyn Mejia-Peña, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and visionary grassroots entrepreneur dedicated to transforming lives through compassion, sharing expertise, and strengthening resilience. She is the founder and driving force behind Resilience Social Work Inc., which began as a solo practice in 2022 and is now composed of a diverse talented team of clinicians who share the same vision. She leads a mission to uplift and heal communities through comprehensive Trauma-Informed training, consultation, mental health therapy services, social media mental health awareness and wellness campaigns and her latest project hosting the Resilience Social Work Podcast.

Find Marilyn, her services and products including the Podcast Worksheets for this episode to join the collective healing movement at ⁠https://resiliencesocialwork.com/⁠

IG @resiliencesocialwork TT@resilience.socialwork

Marilyn Mejia-Peña, LCSW, Founder, CEO

Resilience Social Work Inc.

562-384-9299

10601 Walker St., Suite 170

Cypress, CA 90630

marilyn@resiliencesocialwork.com

www.resiliencesocialwork.com

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In this conversation, Cynthia and Nikolai discuss the transformative power of literacy and education, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences, relationships, and creativity in teaching children to read. They explore Nikolai's books, which aim to make literacy accessible and engaging for everyone, and reflect on the sacredness of learning and the role of community in education. In this conversation, Nikolai and Cynthia explore the transformative power of modeling in parenting and education, emphasizing the importance of understanding mistakes as learning opportunities. They discuss personal experiences that shape educational philosophies, the significance of community in learning, and the vision for a future where love and support are central to the educational process. The conversation highlights the need for accessible resources and the role of relationships in fostering a nurturing learning environment.

Purchase Nikolai’s books Reading is For Everybody on her website

Follow Nikolai's work https://iamraisingreaders.com/work-with-nikolai

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Cynthia reflects on her transformative break, discussing the emotional turmoil and healing journey she experienced. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her work and shares insights on connecting with ancestral roots through everyday tasks, particularly in the kitchen. The conversation highlights the significance of gratitude and self-discovery in personal growth, as well as the power of mundane rituals to foster deeper connections with one's heritage.

This episode includes readings from her latest book, My Marianismo, available at rootedinreflection.org.

This episode was recorded early January 2025 and reflects that timeline. Stay tuned for more Marianismo cuentos! Please review our podcast if you enjoy these conversations. Thank you for listening!

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Water as a Mother Figure

In this solo episode Cynthia reflects on various childhood years where water, sacred agua, has nurtured, cared for and protected her. She shares, with gratitude, personal stories of being mothered by water and women who've felt like water throughout her life. This conversation holds space for the ebbs and flows of milestones and memories.

If you like this episode, you'll love Cynthia's latest book entitled, "My Marianismo: Nurturing Myself From The Roots to the Bloom" available at rootedinreflection.org

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Cynthia welcomes Georgina Garay Lozano, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to discuss her passion for inner child work and the importance of addressing taboo topics in therapy. Georgina shares her experiences working with sexual abuse survivors and the challenges faced by first-generation individuals in navigating family dynamics and self-identity. The conversation delves into the impact of cultural expectations, emotional labor, and the necessity of setting boundaries for personal well-being. Through their dialogue, they explore the complexities of generational healing and the role of parents in shaping their children's emotional landscapes. In this conversation, Cynthia and Georgina explore the complexities of family dynamics, the journey towards inner validation, and the importance of creating space for vulnerability in parenting.

Work with Georgina at: https://latinxtherapy.com/therapists/georgina-garay-lozano-lmft/