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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!