Wine & Chisme

Turning Chronic Pain & Corporate Burnout into a Latina Owned Branding Studio with Marisa Gonzales

What we're Sipping Jessica ia aipping a 2022 Parra Wine Co. Chardonnay from Zenith Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley, while Marisa sips nettle tea with electrolyte salt. Episode Summary In this episode of Wine & Chisme, Jessica sits down with Marisa Gonzales, a proud Mexican-American graphic designer, brand strategist, and the founder of Marisa Gonzalez Studios, for a deeply personal and empowering conversation. Based in Kansas City, Kansas, Marisa shares what it was like growing up as one of the only Latinas in a predominantly white suburb of Missouri, how chronic migraines and a serious car accident reshaped her path, and how she overcame medication dependency to reclaim her health and creativity. She also opens up about walking away from a toxic corporate job as a new mom, and how all of these experiences led her to build an intentional, client-centered design business that centers the voices of women, minorities, and nonprofits. What We Cover in This Episode Growing up Latina in Blue Springs, Missouri, one of the only Mexican-American families in a predominantly white suburb How Marisa's parents kept her culture alive through weekly family dinners, Mexican music, and tostadas at abuela's house- even without teaching Spanish The shared Gen X/elder Millennial experience of being raised without Spanish, and the generational trauma behind it Experiencing racial bias in school. From a teacher who gave her less attention than white students, to friends casually throwing around slurs The car accident in her 20s that broke her nose, injured her spine (C1/Atlas), and escalated into chronic migraines Her journey with Fioricet dependency, the first time she has spoken about this publicly, and how her husband Travis helped her taper off gradually Overcoming rebound migraines caused by the very medication she was using to function at work The toxic corporate job she left cold- on the day they wrote her up for calling in after her infant son got sick Using her maternity leave to quietly build her design business on the side before making the leap full-time Her non-traditional career path: graphic design → production artist → burned out at 2008 recession → physical therapy assistant → office job → full-time entrepreneur How her dad's encouragement to "follow your heart" changed the direction of her life What it means to center Latinidad and lived experience in brand strategy How she vets clients and intentionally limits her workload to protect her health and family Her certifications: Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and MWBE through the Kansas Department of Commerce Practical branding insight: why having a "signature look" is non-negotiable for standing out About Marisa Gonzales Marisa Gonzales is the CEO, Principal Strategist, and Designer of Marisa Gonzalez Studios, a boutique brand and web design agency based in Kansas City, Kansas. She helps women-owned businesses, minority entrepreneurs, and nonprofits build standout brands and websites that don't just look beautiful — they work. A proud Mexican-American woman, Marisa grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, navigating life as one of the few Latinas in a predominantly white community. That experience — of being unseen, mislabeled, and underestimated — shapes everything about how she shows up for her clients today. She is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and as a Minority Women's Business Enterprise (MWBE) through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Marisa also lives with chronic migraines and late-diagnosed ADHD, and has built her business around flexibility, intentionality, and listening to her body — modeling for her clients that sustainable success is possible. Connect with Marisa Marisa's Website: MarisaGstudios.com → MarisaGstudios.com Instagram: @MarisaGStudios Facebook: Marisa G. Studios LinkedIn: Marisa Gonzalez

Plan- Don't Panic: A Latina Political Scientist Guide to Identity & Power in America

Wine Selection French Vinchot (mulled wine) - the last of a homemade batch from the holidays Episode Description Political scientist and paralegal Desiree Collado joins Jessica Yanez for an urgent conversation about Latino identity, political power, and community protection. With over 30 years of experience and work with the United Nations, Desiree breaks down the current political landscape and provides practical guidance for navigating uncertain times. Desiree Collado is a Dominican-American political scientist and paralegal with 30+ years of experience. She has worked with UN ambassadors on international resolutions and is dedicated to preserving Latino narratives and advancing understanding of the Latine experience. Guest Bio Desiree Collado is a Dominican-American political scientist and paralegal with 30+ years of experience. She has worked with UN ambassadors on international resolutions and is dedicated to preserving Latino narratives and advancing understanding of the Latine experience. Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Introduction Jessica introduces the urgency of today's conversation Why this episode focuses on current political events [00:04:00] Growing Up Between Two Worlds [00:12:00] Assimilation vs. Identity [00:16:00] Living on the Hyphen [00:23:00] Military Service & Exploitation [00:26:00] Anger as a Love Language [00:28:00] The GOP Strategy: Repetition [00:29:00] Plan, Don't Panic [00:37:00] Credentials & Qualifications [00:42:00] Latino Political Power [00:45:00] They Colonized the Rich [00:48:00] Venezuela Discussion [00:57:00] The Identity Crisis Continues [01:03:00] Optimism for the Next Generation [01:06:00] This Cannot Last Long [01:09:00] Practical Safety Tips [01:13:00] Minnesota Police Officers Stopped by ICE [01:16:00] Final Call to Action Connect with Desiree Instagram: @MadiDez (follow stories for sourced political analysis)

Mexican Wine & Valle de Guadalupe: O'Wineside Baja Wine Festival

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Wine & Chisme. Before diving into this special festival episode, host Jessica Yañez addresses the current state of our nation and the importance of community solidarity during these challenging times. In this episode, Jessica takes you to the O'wineside Baja Wine Festival, the second annual celebration of Mexican wine and Baja California's culinary spirit held in Oceanside, California. Join her as she connects with vintners from Valle de Guadalupe and shares their incredible stories and wines with you. Episode Highlights: A heartfelt message about current events and community resilience Behind-the-scenes footage from the O'wineside Baja Wine Festival Exclusive interviews with Baja California vintners An introduction to Mexico's premier wine region: Valle de Guadalupe Wineries Featured (in order of appearance): Salto de Fe Valle de Tintos Vinos de Garza Vinos Senti Menti Lomita Finca La Carrodilla Mina Penelope Winery Emevé Solar Fortún Hacienda Guadalupe Wines Vena Cava Winery Bodegas de Santo Tomás Vinos Plata Event Details: When: October 2025 (Second Annual Event) Where: Valle Oceanside at Mission Pacific Beach Resort, Pacific Lawn, Oceanside, CA Hosted by: MICHELIN-starred Chef Roberto Alcocer in partnership with La Competencia Distributing Featured: 27+ premium Baja California wineries Wines Tasted: 80+ wines from Valle de Guadalupe Culinary Experience: Gourmet bites featuring Imperia Caviar, 5 Jotas Jamón Ibérico, and Harbor Pelican Fish Market Baja Oysters Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico's premier wine-producing region, often called "the Tuscany of Mexico" or compared to Napa Valley from decades past. Key Facts: Location: Just 90 minutes south of San Diego and 14 miles north of Ensenada Production: Produces approximately 90% of all Mexican wine Number of Wineries: Nearly 200 wineries (as of 2024) Climate: Mediterranean-like climate with proximity to the Pacific Ocean Elevation: Vineyards planted at altitudes between 1,000-1,250 feet History: Wine production dating back to 1791 when Jesuit priests began growing grapes Learn More About Valle de Guadalupe: Valle de Guadalupe is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the Americas The region holds an annual Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) Most Valle de Guadalupe wines are consumed within Mexico and rarely exported to the US US Customs Information for Wine: California residents: 2 bottles per person duty-free Non-California residents: Up to 5 cases of wine allowed Always declare your purchases and follow customs regulations This episode begins with a powerful message about recent events affecting our community. Jessica honors the names of those we've lost: Renee Nicole Good Alex Pretti Luis Gustavo Nuñes Cáceres Geraldo Lunas Campos Victor Manuel Diaz Parady La Luis Beltrán Yañez-Cruz Heber Sanchez Dominguez Liam Ramos and countless others still being held in detention centers The Wine & Chisme Podcast creates an intimate space where professionals, artists, and changemakers across communities of color share their unfiltered stories of career, love, and personal transformation—all over a glass of wine and genuine conversation. Connect with Wine & Chisme: Website: www.thewineandchismepodcast.com Instagram: @thewineandchisme Host & Creator: Jessica Yañez Episode Theme: O'wineside Baja Wine Festival Season: 6 Production: Jessica Yañez

2025 Year In Review: Political Chaos, Celebrity Scandals & Our Biggest Podcast Year Yet

Hola mi gente! Welcome to our year-end chisme episode where Jessica and Erica break down EVERYTHING that happened in 2025—the good, the messy, and the absolutely wild. IN THIS EPISODE: Why this felt like the longest AND shortest year ever The Trump administration's impact on our communities Kendrick vs. Drake: The Super Bowl moment that changed everything Prince Royce & Romeo Santos' disappointing ICE interview response Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's engagement + the controversy around her silence Jimmy Kimmel & Stephen Colbert's cancellations The CBS News shakeup & Barry Weiss controversy Madonna & Cher dating younger men (and why the double standard is real) The death of MTV as we knew it Diddy documentary & Danity Kane resurgence PLUS: Wine & Chisme podcast stats—770% audience growth! 🎉 What We're Drinking: Jessica: Vin Chaud (French mulled wine made by Antonio) Erika: Orange juice (with imaginary Prosecco 😂) 2026 Plans: Taking January off, returning in February with fresh interviews and wine stories. Ready to let go of fear and step into our power!

"Where's Chris Hansen?" 80's Music, Generational Trauma & Braking Cycles with Raven Rodriguez

Join Jessica Yañez for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation with Raven Rodriguez, the viral TikTok creator behind the beloved music reaction videos with her Gen Z and millennial daughters. With over 280,000 followers, Raven has built a community by showing her daughters '70s and '80s music videos—and their reactions are pure comedy gold. In this episode, Raven shares the origin story of how blocking her daughter on TikTok led to internet fame, why she shows Maya "traumatic" videos (Chris Hansen has entered the chat!), and how she's intentionally breaking toxic generational patterns in Latino households. From sneaking out as a teen to creating safe spaces for her daughters, Raven opens up about motherhood, mistakes, and building trust through adaptability. You'll laugh, you'll cringe at the problematic lyrics we all sang without thinking, and you'll leave inspired by the beautiful relationship Raven has cultivated with her daughters—one video at a time. Topics discussed: How Raven's TikTok journey started (spoiler: her daughter blocked her) The viral music reaction videos and why they resonate Growing up Latina in the '80s vs. raising Gen Z daughters Normalizing inappropriate male behavior in music and culture Breaking generational trauma and building trust with your kids Chris Hansen, Queen Latifah, and the running jokes that unite generations Why social anxiety doesn't stop Maya from being hilarious on camera Upcoming movies and songs Raven can't wait to show her daughters Follow Raven Rodriguez: TikTok: @blkbird8