We had the best chat with Diana Bernal, founder of Corner Office Latinas, on the podcast today! Do not miss this critical episode full of practical advice on thriving in the workplace, jumping back into it when you've been away, and maxing out your ability to network. All four women on today's show are seasoned career coaches, so today's episode is overflowing with tangible advice on thriving as a professional Latina!  Diana Bernal is a career strategist - often the first Latina on leadership teams. She holds a Masters in Human Resources and a Bachelors in Business. Diana is passionate about increasing the representation of Latina leaders in the business world. Her experience has led her to build high-performing teams time and time again.

We are all a work in progress. After starting as one rocky podcast five years ago, we have seen tons of growth in consistency, flow, production, and reach! We thought about this and knew we had to bring this topic to the podcast. This episode will serve as moral support for those hoping to get better at everyday things like technology, finances, and more. Run don't walk to this super relatable show! We know you'll be so happy you did.

Today, LUL's favorite Mexican-American Chef, Marcela Valladolid, is on the show. Esta mujer ha hecho de todo; she has been the host and guest of several cooking shows, has written cookbooks, and has been an entrepreneur with her business, Casa Marcela. She also connected with women worldwide during the pandemic with her live virtual cooking classes. Marcela and her sister, Karina, created a community of women who brought our Mexican culture, music, and good vibes to a kitchen near you. Chef Marcela became a household name in the U.S. with her second show, Mexican Made Easy, on Food Network. Over the years, she has written cookbooks, such as Fresh Mexico: 100 Simple Recipes for True Mexican Flavor and Casa Marcela: Recipes and Food Stories of My Life in the Californias. She has also been part of numerous culinary shows, such as The Kitchen, Best Baker in America, and The American Baking Competition. She was on The Apprentice with Martha Stewart and starred in Selena + Chef with Selena Gomez. This is an episode you do not want to miss if you need support, inspiration, and to feel seen in this world! We promise... you'll fall in love with Chef Marcela as we have and possibly master a new recipe or two!

It's our monthly random show full of everything you'd expect... conversations on food, travel, and holidays, plus much-needed girl time & college reunions. We discuss delicious meals, fun times reconnecting with each other in person, and memories of Halloween movies and the fall season. Listen to this one to laugh and be in a great mood among AMIGAS! Per usual, the women of LUL talk about what it's like to transition in all seasons of life as mommas, travelers, amigas and so much more! Tune in to hear how we did with our annual vision board plan and what more we hope to achieve!

Earlier this month, LUL hosted its third annual Breakthrough Brunch and it was a hit. From the location to the panelists, great conversation to amazing giveaways, and interactive activities... this was one of our favorite brunches yet! Don't miss this recap which is sure to bring you the best moments from our day filled with inspiration and networking. We share gems from our panelists including wisdom, vulnerability, and practical tips to reach personal and professional success!

We completely failed last week!!! We were together, as we love to be, but rarely get to enjoy, and decided to record 3 shows. We got to it and loved them... one about aging and the other about our heroes becoming evil. We laughed and thrived during our rarely 'recorded-in-the-same-room' episodes. We decided to break late for dinner, we returned to our final show to find out we were recording on MUTE for the entire first 90 minutes! OH MY... lesson freaking learned. Join us for this candid show to hear about the aftermath of this big ol' failure and to experience the labor of love and 'we-can-do-it-no-matter-what' vibes this podcast, and us women, continue to share!

Networking these days is way more than exchanging biz cards with strangers at awkward events. While it's not always easy to do there are some fun ways to make networking easier and put yourself out there. In this episode, we give practical tips on why it's necessary to mix and mingle and how to embrace it once and for all. We also spend time exploring how you can combine networking with pleasure/travel! This one is sure to inspire you! Plus, you're in luck, because our networking signature event is this Sat., 10/12 in sunny SoCal. We have only a few spots left. Get your tickets at leveluplatina.com/events! You'll be so GLAD you did! Brunch includes raffle prices, free headshots, yummy brunch with open sangria and mimosa bar, as well as an inspiring panel of incredibly successful and talented entrepreneurs!!! 

If you know LUL, you know we TRAVEL! We are not only casual vacationers... but travel experts! Traveling on the cheap or splurging for nomad memories, this episode is full of great money-saving advice! We have done it all... from studies abroad, to sabbaticals, and entire summers immersed in new cultures. Now, we've even got 1/3 of us having moved her son across the country for college; so with all that, we've learned A LOT! In this episode, we share our travel hacks from college 20 years ago to today... there's so much to learn about seeing the world on your terms with young kids, solo, and even while collecting credit card perks and loyalty rewards! Travel enthusiasts new and old MUST listen to this one, you'll be so glad you did! 

It's our first random show for the fall so of course we chatted about all things end of summer like wrapping up vacations and kicking-off football season. We talk about everything from now being "those" tias at quinceañeras, to Spanglish that is anything but, & what it's like to feel like we are entering a new era of adulting! Don't miss it!

In this show, the women of LUL shared tales of grief in traditional and non-traditional forms and they made space for all of it! What the episode sadly missed we will tell you about here to round out a very heartfelt podcast... Coach Vero shared how soon she's returning to the workforce and how being home with her kids for 6 years has been a true blessing. Now that blessing is something she is beginning to deeply grieve as she prepares to return to work leaving behind her most important role yet as a stay-at-home mom! Fighting through many tears, Vero shared so candidly about how much she will miss this time in her children's lives. She's ready for the next chapter in her career, but the whole transition also includes sadness as this part of her motherhood journey ends!  This story led to Coach Irene sharing in the episode how she's managing non-traditional grief as she approaches the realities of soon becoming an empty-nester and Coach Cecy so beautifully shared how she continues to mourn the loss of her beautiful mother! Be warned you won't hear much from Coach Vero throughout his one as she cried her way through, but you WILL feel all her love and her co-hosts' love to as they continue to show up for each other on the show, and in real life, as they navigate milestones, loss, and the sadness that comes with life changing! 

Sometimes we see the Instagram posts and think those people are having a blast on their vacation! We see the couples, the families, the milestones and the FOMO really kicks in. But, have you ever thought about all the stories you don't hear? Not every vacation is what it seems on social media. Today we talk about 3 unique trips that were unexpected and what we learned from it all. For some of us, we'd go so far as to call them vacations from hell because at least one boyfriend got dumped right after their trip with our co-host! There are great pieces of advice throughout this show. so don't miss it!

On this, the last random show, of our summer series we discuss our crazy adventures in childrearing. It's been a fun summer bringing you short episodes on life whether it was chatting about sending kids to college, accountability partners, divorce, career transitions, self-care, or raising babies, we've tackled a lot, and wow are we so glad we did! We were happy to have you along for our summer ride! Enjoy this last show with rapid-fire thoughts on a topic that makes us think about our own first-gen. Latina childhoods, our journeys as mommas, and more.

We are at it again talking about what it takes to better ourselves as "Cuarentonas Y Buenonas!" We've aged as best we can as beautiful Latinas striving for long lives and big health; and, while we are not perfect, here we are trying. Check out the many ways we are taking care of ourselves, the ways we can surely improve (doctor's orders), and our thoughts on the hilarity of bodies changing as the decades fly by! This is a great show among friends that all women will relate to! Don't miss it.

Accountability partners work! Come to this episode to get inspired and learn how to use a community of one or many to help you reach your goals. Goals can be as simple as getting more organized or as complex as tackling your limiting beliefs and finally getting out of your own way. No matter the goal, at LUL, we use the accountability buddy method both in the guilt-free squad group mentoring space we provide, and as coaches. Learn the difference by streaming this inspiring episode. This is an especially important episode for women seeking to finally mix it up and get some major goals accomplished!

Today, we bring you another listener-requested topic for the summer series. If you've had a kiddo or plan to, you know life will soon change. As those changes occur, mommas often question if it's time to step back from their careers or lean more into them! Each of our co-hosts has experienced the end of maternity leave, and all went on three unique journies adjusting to motherhood. Today, we share those experiences, doubts, and challenges with our listeners. This is a wonderful show to listen to with or without children of your own. Listening may even give you insights into how to support coworkers and direct reports venturing into motherhood under your leadership or with your support! 

You know at LUL we love to eat! So much so we began this show munching away. We discuss all things yummy and yucky when it comes to treats during our monthly random episode! Don't miss this fun and funny show. And by the way, you've been warned... you'll leave this one feeling hungry! And before you go... today's the last day to GOBBLE UP Breakthrough Brunch tickets at a discount. Early bird pricing ends today. Get your tickets now at leveluplatina/events!

 In this deeply personal episode, our co-hosts share what it was like as they ventured off to college, sent their first-born nieces and nephews off, and for the first time... one of their children to college for the first time! The emotions get real with Coach Irene’s son moving away this Fall. As we talk about the transition we share what it means to feel all the feels and how to support our family members as they go through this inspiring and sad milestone of life! Don't miss this one and make sure to like, comment, and share... especially for those mommas going through the same! It takes a village of amigas to get through the happy sadnesses of life... and this is definitely one of those moments! 

What are you exposing yourself to this summer? Are any great shows, movies, books, or musical artists circling in your orbit? Is it something new or maybe some oldies, but goodies? Whatever it may be we're all consuming content these days with music apps and streaming services. With that in mind, for this quick summer series.... we are discussing recent reads, movies, and shows we are into! Don't miss it!  

In this week's episode, we discuss what it feels like to include or exclude elderly parents and the guilt that arises from the latter. A loyal LUL listener proposed this summer series topic, so we gladly dived right in. If you're struggling with family guilt especially as you navigate aging parents you don't want to miss this quick and easy summer series listen!  And one last thing, our early bird ticket sales for the 3rd Annual Breakthrough Brunch are only on sale ONE MORE WEEK. Save $25 bucks and get your tickets today at leveluplatina.com/events!

The summer series is here! Every summer LUL has short and sweet episodes ranging in lifestyle topics, from family to career and everything in between. And we began this series with a BANG! Do not miss this first show on divorce and how to support friends and family who may be navigating separation in their lives. This is such a great show covering how we've tackled the "big D" as outsiders and what we've learned by being less judgmental along the way! Everyone should listen! There's something for everyone in one short & digestible episode.  And don't forget to submit your podcast topic ideas with LUL! Comment, DM, or email... all contact info. available while listening to the show! 

Are you ready for a GOOD LAUGH!?!?! In this monthly feel-good random show, we go deep into the nonsense. Prepare to laugh. Find out our take on ghosts, flowers if they could talk, and our cartoon crushes. This is only a glimpse of the chaos that ensues. Do not miss this hilarious random show because we can all use a RANDOM laugh among good friends from time to time!

Do you run your own business? Are you thinking of starting one? Is it hard to stay motivated in your professional life? Don't miss this important episode covering what it takes to stay in business for ourselves... especially now that we've reached 5 years since our founding. Some of these tips apply to career growth in general because the skills that make us great entrepreneurs are often the same skills that give us great careers.   If you need career or business-building motivation this is one show you DO NOT want to miss! We also share fun details about the 3rd Annual Breakthrough Brunch happening on Sat., 10/12/24! Early bird sales are available at leveluplatina.com/events, so get your ticket before we sellout. This event will sell out in order to keep to a small intimate feel. Don't miss out and get your tickets today!

Here we are... 250 episodes later! After 5 years our podcast is maturing and we have grown up a little more, too! Because do you ever really stop growing up? We got to thinking about how we're finally "adulting" and what it means to be an adult. From changing our ways during college days, to what it means to have raised an adult of our own (one of our co-hosts will have an 18-year-old as of this summer)! Contemplate with us on this episode full of reflection as we grow older, wiser, and stronger with each passing year! And again, happy 5th bday to our podcast and happy episode 250 - a milestone very few reach in the podcast game!  

Sometimes you look up and think, "I need a reset!" Sometimes a good pattern gets boring and you lose valuable momentum. Whatever your problem with consistency, this episode covers how to restart, renegotiate, or re-invent your goals! This one everyone can relate to. Listen to get re-inspired as we approach the middle of the year and to also hear exciting details on our upcoming Breakthrough Brunch and don't forget to save the date: Oct. 12, 2024 11am in So CAL!

You're going to love this month's random show. We are streaming live together from San Francisco Ca. talking about fights we've had as business partners, food b/c it wouldn't be a random show without it, extracurricular activities for kids including us as niñas, and what's in the news! Do not miss this much-needed episode full of girl time, girl-talk, gummie bear chewing, and some wound-healing conversation.   Trigger warning: there is a very brief mention of domestic violence in today's episode. Listen with care.  

There's nothing better than a conversation with the three of our hosts under one roof and that's what we have for you today as we battle the topic of MEAN GIRLS! We've both been on the receiving end of mean-girl treatment and sadly, we've also dished it out! So don't miss this super candid convo and how we've survived mean girls. We are so candid we even talk about the times we've clashed among ourselves and how we manage to keep our 25+ year friendship plus a business alive & well!

It's mental health awareness month so we want to shed light on the importance of mental health services and support. It's also a great time to think about the differences between working with a therapist and working with a coach! Better yet, there's so much growth that happens when working with both a life coach AND a therapist! Don't miss this episode if you're interested in learning the difference between both experiences and what you should consider when embarking on a relationship with therapists, coaches, or professional mentors!

Welcome to another episode of the Level Up Latina podcast. Today we have Leyna Topete back on the show. Leyna was our guest about 3 years ago (for episode 90) and appeared to tell us all about her lifestyle brand, Impromptu. A brand we've grown to LOVE! In that show, Leyna also told us about HERToo, the nonprofit she founded to raise funds to help women with the cost of breast cancer treatment (in honor of her mom). Leyna is back today because she wanted to share something very personal in her life that she believes all women should hear about. This is a CANNOT-MISS show. With cancer diagnoses on the rise and impacting women younger and younger this show is full of practical advice to manage everything from pre-cancer screening to treatment.  IMPORTANT REMINDER: these are stories shared from lived experience and no one on today's show is an actual medical professional. Please see your doctor for specific questions on cancer diagnoses and treatments. We also do not endorse any of the resources shared by our guest, but for ease of listening include some here: Prolon 5 Day Fast and Dr. John Link Author of The Breast Cancer Survival Manual. For more info. on Leyna and the incredible work she does, please visit, HERtoo (hertoobreastcancer.org) or Impromptu Beauty (https://www.impromptu.life). One final note, while we always do our best to ensure background noises are kept to a minimum, today's show was recorded in a bustling home (filled with love) in Puerto Rico... we hope you'll embrace the charm of the real-word "melodies" working their way through your speakers during this VERY IMPORTANT podcast episode & subject matter.  

The only thing certain is CHANGE. We all deal with it differently, but there's no escaping it. Don't miss this reflective episode where the LUL co-hosts share how change has impacted their lives, all the changes they're looking forward to, and so much more! By the way, this episode will cover grief and the loss of a loved one, so we want to warn those that may want to prepare in advance for the feelings we'll candidly explore. Thank you for listening and sending us your thoughts on the show! We love our listeners' feedback! 

Skiing disasters, blinded by the eclipse, and failing bones. This wouldn't be the monthly random show if we didn't talk about our hilarious day-to-day lives!  If you're new here, there's one thing for certain, we three amigas always bring it when we talk about random realities. We laugh, we sometimes cry, and we always reminisce. Catch this show and feel good after you do... the random show is one for the homegirls! Thanks for taking the time to listen, review, and share your favorite LUL episodes!

CONSUELO, ViX’s New Original Comedy, Premieres on April 19, and today on the Level Up Latina podcast, we are honored to have the star of the show, Cassandra Sánchez Navarro discussing all things sexual freedom & women's empowerment. Set in Mexico City in the 1950s, the series CONSUELO masterfully combines drama and comedy through the character of a woman from Mexican high society who, after being abandoned by her husband, must manage to survive while taking control of her destiny and her pleasures, including the sale of sex toys. CONSUELO combines the conflicts of classic melodrama with the self-confidence of modern comedy to deal with current issues, magnified by the historical and moral context of the time, just before the beginning of the Sexual Revolution, making the series a unique blend of relevance, irreverence and entertainment.   Don't miss this exciting bilingual episode to learn about such a hilarious show with an empowering premise, and an even more dynamic star, our newest LUL bestie, Cassandra Sánchez Navarro!  Listen, like, and share... because everyone needs to watch CONSUELO on ViX! 

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In episode 241 of the Level Up Latina podcast, we chime in on the importance of stress management and share our personal experiences of surviving it. We also share helpful tips from Mental Health of America. Don't miss this thoughtful show and share it with an amiga who may need a pick-me-up from the woes of a stressful career, relationship, or general overwhelm because we all deserve peace of mind and a leveled-up well-being!

Our LUL life coaches have helped countless women on their journey to negotiating higher salaries, getting out of debt, and earning hard-earned bonuses. In this episode, we talk about one client's apprehension around the news of a big raise and we go into our co-hosts' journeys as they earned more through their careers! This is a great episode for anyone leveling up financially; and for those looking to feel inspired by the lessons our coaches have learned as they've elevated their financial positions while making the best decisions for them, guilt-free! Don't miss this important conversation.

As Women's History Month comes to a close we spend our random show reflecting on questions relevant to womanhood, supporting women, growing (and some mourning) female relationships, and evolving. Don't miss this vulnerable and real show if you need the inspiration to celebrate yourself, and your friends, or simply want to spend time in reflection! It's always beautiful to reflect on how far you've come and what other women meant to you along the journey! 

Setting boundaries is rough. For many first-gen. Latinas growing up means feeling very boundary-less. Learning about what we want to set as our boundaries, and reinforcing them, doesn't always come easy. Check out this hot topic as our three co-hosts share what they've learned through the years regarding boundary-setting, what's important in their lives, their relationships, and how they ask (or don't) for their wants to be respected!   

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, on the podcast today we talk about influential women (mostly Latinas) from our past and present. Some we know personally and many lived long ago and still inspire us today. With this show, we celebrate the power that it is to be phenomenally Latinas and extraordinarily female! Speaking of extraordinary, on today's show we learn about one of our co-hosts, Coach Irene's contributions to her latest book (Extraordinary Latinas, Vol. 3, available on Amazon.com) and we talk about how March 11 was proclaimed "Latina History Day" in the city of Los Angeles. On the show, our co-host mentions the 7th, but please note we meant the 11th... though really, every day should be LATINA APPRECIATION/HISTORY DAY :)~ 

Job hopping is so much more prevalent in this generation and for good reason. The coaches of LUL talk about the trends they're seeing with clients deciding to job-hop or stay. Our hosts also tackle personal experiences and so much more in this extensive episode covering all things career movement! No matter your generation, or work industry, this episode will empower you to make the most of your career within the same company, while changing companies routinely, and even as an entrepreneur! This is a CAN'T MISS episode... stream it today!

Those new to our podcast may not know we record one random episode every single month. And so here it is for Feb. 2024. This show goes any and everywhere and the topic is usually light and easygoing. We discuss trips, fun, and all too often food! Today, our topic goes much deeper as one of our co-hosts shares about a recent and significant loss in her life. This is an episode not to be missed. Honest emotions (and support while we're letting them flow) are what every Leveled Up woman needs in her life. We hope you'll join us for this beautiful random show among longtime amigas; mujeres with over two decades of love holding them together!  And for anyone who's lost someone they love, we hope our show is uplifting & validating to you especially!

The ladies of LUL share their take on how they encountered sex for the first time, what's changed, and what Latino/Catholic guilt they needed to release to be truly fulfilled in the bedroom. Each host shares unique and personal stories that we hope will help liberate more women to embrace sex and intimacy to enjoy this exciting part of life!

Routines can be hard but also the BEST thing for us. Whether you're navigating a new workplace or workout routine, an after-holiday "back to normal" vibe, or maybe just a new routine with new people in your life, this show is full of practical tips that will help you stick to a pattern of behaviors that work for you! Listen, share, and comment... share with us your favorite routine hacks!

This is the best episode to listen to for a New Year reset! We reintroduce each of our co-hosts, and give an update on life, and our thriving coaching businesses & individual backgrounds! Start here if you're NEW to LUL :) And until then, we are wishing you a 2024 full of blessings and breakthroughs.

We thought this would be a light episode on Christmas icebreakers, but somehow we all cried before we knew it!  Reminiscing about the holidays brought up a lot of first-gen Latina emotions around the holidays. We think back to traditions, how they made us feel then, and what they mean to us now. Bring on the tender hearts and stream this episode stat! It'll put you in a festive, grateful, and fun-loving mood. Disclaimer: Santa comes up, so be careful with the little ears that might be around!

You might think this episode is not for you if you're not a parent, but think again... we talk about all the ways our 'kid-free self' talked about how we'd get it all right, and yet here we are "eating our words!" For moms and non-moms alike, this episode will make you reflect on how you were brought up, how you might be raising your children, or how you might not make plans on being the "best" because everyone's best is very different. Check out this judgment-free episode! It'll make you laugh and think, so don't miss it! 

Today we bring you THE show of all shows... where Cecy plugs her very serious music career, which Irene will manage, and Vero will produce all while baking holiday pies. Ok... not completely serious, but maybe just a little because this is a random show! We talk about Cecy's birthday as we record on the actual day as well as other chaos to recap a month of holidays, vacations, and life in general. This is most definitely a completely off-the-rails show. Stream it if you want a very good laugh. You'll be so GLAD you did!!!

Sometimes, life becomes so routine that we forget what we once dreamed of having or accomplishing! Or maybe for some, we take what we worked for for granted. Today, we reflect on the last time we were excited about something. That something could be from many moons ago to just recently. Either way, the ladies of LUL spend time dissecting the power of gratitude and excitement... and eventually, we discuss how that personal excitement leads to personal gifts not only as coaches but as friends! Don't miss this thought-provoking episode!

Career talk is here! This week on the show we discuss how to make career transitions work for you when you're new in a role, new to any field, or just plain changing things up with a current employer. Sometimes the best times to shine are times of transition. Come ready to take notes during this very important show filled with practical tips, but more important, filled with ways to boost your outcomes AND your confidence in the working world!!! Don't miss this.

Do winter months bring you down? Are you a fan of all things fall? Is your family into holidays to the max? Whether you love pumpkin spice, the holiday season, or traditions that are part of this season, this episode is for you! We talk all about our November feels - the good & the bad - because all feelings are welcome here. Take a listen, comment, & share! And this holiday season give yourself the gift of connection... join LUL's Guilt-Free Squad for group coaching and a community of caring women! Learn more at LevelUpLatina.com!

We bring you such a great show today on Dia De Los Muertos with so many great topics covered... prepare to laugh as we leave in a lot of the usual outtakes that don't make our final shows. The humor in our mistakes & the aftermath of them is a must-listen-to experience! This show is intended to cover traditions around life and death, Dia de los Muertos, and taking care of us (though we don't quite get there)! Don't miss this jam-packed, sure to make you laugh, no doubt YOU WILL RELATE episode!