how i ended up here

It’s still crazy to think about, but prior to June 2020 I had never done anything like podcasting and now I have my own show and podcast coaching business. But let’s rewind to 2019, when I started a travel blog. My blog was intended to be a side project to fuel my creativity and help me figure out what my next step would be in my career. My blog was a wonderful creative outlet but, after a year of blogging, I realized how solitary it was. I may be an introvert who enjoys hours and hours of alone time but, I’m also energized by deep, meaningful conversations where I truly connect with people.

For a year, I kept asking myself the same questions: “What if I had more time to devote to this?, What else could I do?” Now, in no way am I saying I conjured a global pandemic for my own personal gain - that would be gross. But the fact is, as I was asking myself those questions, the COVID pandemic hit and I was furloughed from my job and I suddenly found myself with a ton of time on my hands. As scary as that time was, I knew I couldn’t waste it - and it was a LOT of time considering we couldn’t go anywhere.

As an avid podcast listener, the idea popped in my head that a podcast might be a great fit for me. The medium is great for connecting with others in an intimate way and I could showcase my natural gifts of being a good listener, curious, and creative. Even though I was terrified of putting myself out there, my ‘why’ was bigger than my fear and I pressed on.

Around the same time that I decided to start a travel podcast, the whole world was shutting down because of COVID. Part of me thought, ‘Who starts a travel podcast in the middle of a pandemic?!?’ And yet…we were all stuck at home and still wanted to travel. I sensed that hearing stories about travel while we couldn’t, might just be the thing to help fill that void. 

I also found myself navigating the content creator space during a social justice movement. George Floyd had just been murdered by police, and America was largely divided. In the beginning, it was challenging to find a way to be supportive of change without feeling like my efforts were performative. I was doing a lot of questioning and soul-searching about who I wanted to be and how I wanted to show up as a human and content creator. 

I knew that I wanted to be part of change and use my platform to represent and empower underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. As a Latina, I personally wanted to see more voices represented in the travel space and in podcasting in general. Celebrating and uplifting diverse voices quickly became a part of my bigger ‘why’ for my podcast. Thus the Explorer in You podcast was born! I absolutely loved speaking to so many wonderful travelers around the world and sharing their unique stories.

“I believe in a world where women own their voices &

build businesses that give them the freedom they desire.”

where we are today

I realized that with my marketing, PR and communications background, experience developing thought leaders, and podcasting know-how, I was well-suited to help purpose-driven female entrepreneurs amplify their voices and businesses through podcasting. So in 2021, I founded Podcast & Amplify, a podcast strategy businesses.

Because I believe podcasting is the best way to market your business, build community, and grow your credibility, I launched the Podcast & Amplify podcast where I bring on business leaders and personal development experts and also share weekly solo episodes where I give you valuable podcasting tips. And of course, uplifting underrepresented voices is still a big part of my mission, from who I serve to the guests I invite onto my show.

Today, I’m speaking on podcasts, at conferences, and hosting workshops to help others find their voice and share it with the world. It’s truly work that lights up my soul, so thank you for being here! ;)

it’s not all business

here are a few fun facts about me

• I’m the youngest of three girls and we have an “adopted” fourth sister.

• I stopped eating red meat in middle school.

• I became an auntie at 16 years old and it’s one of the best roles I get to play.

• I met my husband working at Blockbuster Video in high school.

• I attended the University of California, Santa Cruz where I majored in Literature and minored in Art History. Our mascot is a banana slug. ;)

• I’m a first generation college graduate.

• I lived in Italy for a summer and ate so much gelato that I developed a stomach bug and had to go to the doctor. #worthit

• I’ve been married for 25 years and we have three fur babies: two cats (Bailey and Blossom) and a dog (Henry).

• I love to travel and my first podcast was a travel podcast.

• I was a shy child and hated being the center of attention. Look at me now!

• In true introvert fashion, I love curling up with a good book, hiking in the redwoods, and gazing at the ocean.

I 100% believe in you!

I believe in the power of your voice & I’d love to partner with you to re-imagine your podcast.

If you’ve read this far, thank you!

I’d love to connect. Come say ‘hey’ on Instagram.