The First Gen Madrina

Hosted by Sara Diaz

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134

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The First Gen Madrina is a podcast for social work students and professionals who are ready to build a career that doesn't cost them their peace. Hosted by Sara Diaz, LCSW, this show blends real talk with practical tools for anyone navigating this field. Each episode digs into the parts of social work that grad school never prepared you for: burnout that gets treated like a personal failing instead of a systemic issue, the guilt that comes with setting boundaries, advocating for fair pay in a field that expects you to sacrifice for it, and the quiet grief of being "the first" to do any of this. Sara brings her own story as a first-gen Latina and licensed clinical social worker into every conversation, along with guests who understand what it's like to hold space for everyone else while trying to figure out who's holding space for you. Whether you're still in your MSW program or years into practice, this is your reminder that rest isn't a reward you have to earn, ambition and burnout aren't the same thing, and you don't have to do this alone. Welcome to the familia.

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60 recent

September 29, 2026Episode 13329 min

E133 Why Are There Few Male Social Workers?

In this episode of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, Sara sits down with Michael Avila, a first-gen Latino therapist and founder of BrightMinds Therapy, to talk about what it's really like being one of the only men in the room in a field dominated by women. Michael opens up about growing up as a first-gen kid navigating anger, identity, and machismo, and how mentorship helped him find his way to social work. Together, he and Sara dig into the double stigma men of color face entering the mental health field, why "having it all together" is one of the biggest myths in our profession, and how authenticity can actually be the thing that builds trust with clients rather than breaking professionalism. If you've ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to fit what "professional" is supposed to look like, this conversation is your permission slip to stop. In this episode: Why representation in social work isn't just about race, but gender too The myth of "having it all together" as a therapist Tattoos, self-expression, and redefining professionalism For more information on The First Gen Madrina and The Madrina Network Community for Social Workers, visit thefirstgenmadrina.com.

September 15, 2026Episode 13215 min

E132 How to Create More Representation in Social Work with Sara

In this episode of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, we're tackling a topic that doesn't get enough attention in social work and mental health: representation. We break down the lack of male representation in social work, therapy, and other helping professions. We also talk about why diversity in social work matters beyond gender including the need for more men of color, LGBTQ+ clinicians, and non-binary and gender non-conforming professionals in mental health spaces. Representation isn't just about optics; it's about creating a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves and making healing more accessible for everyone. Whether you're a social worker, therapist, clinician, student, or someone who's benefited from seeing yourself represented in care, this episode is for you. For more information on The First Gen Madrina and The Madrina Network Community for Social Workers, visit thefirstgenmadrina.com.

August 26, 20269 min

Bonus Episode: Surprise Update About The Podcast

For the first time since launching The First Gen Madrina Podcast , I'm pulling back the curtain on a decision that's been months in the making. Growth doesn't always mean starting over. Sometimes it means getting clearer about the impact you're meant to make. In this episode, I'm sharing a personal update that reflects where this journey is headed, why this next chapter feels so important, and how it will create more intentional conversations for our community moving forward. Whether you've been here since the beginning or you're just finding this podcast, this episode is an invitation into what's next and trust me, you won't want to miss it. Press play to hear the announcement and be among the first to join me for this exciting new chapter. Subscribe to the Madrina Money podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts or find it here: https://themadrinamoneypodcast.buzzsprout.com !

August 19, 2026Episode 13139 min

E131 How to Redefine Success On Your Own Terms with Melissa Gallardo

What does success look like when the version you were taught no longer feels aligned? In this episode, Sara sits down with Melissa Gallardo, founder and CEO of Valorosa Candles, a culturally inspired home fragrance brand rooted in Latin traditions, identity, and belonging. Together, they explore what it means to grow up first generation while navigating assimilation, identity, and the pressure to fit into definitions of success that were never fully our own. Melissa shares how growing up as a Salvadorian-American in a predominantly white community shaped her relationship with culture, language, and home and how building her business became an unexpected journey back to herself. From climbing the corporate ladder and landing the “dream job” to realizing fulfillment couldn’t be found in titles alone, Melissa opens up about taking the leap into entrepreneurship, redefining success on her own terms, and building something deeply aligned with purpose, impact, and community. This conversation is a reminder that success is not always linear and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is give ourselves permission to choose differently. In this episode, we talk about: • Growing up first generation and navigating identity across cultures • Assimilation, belonging, and reclaiming cultural roots • Building a business inspired by nostalgia, home, and Latinidad • Letting go of traditional definitions of success Because success isn’t always about reaching the top. It’s about creating a life that feels like home.

August 5, 2026Episode 13011 min

E130 How to Redefine Success with Sara

As first gens, many of us grew up with a very specific definition of success: get the stable job, make good money, buy the house, choose the career that others respect. But what happens when the life everyone imagined for you doesn’t align with the life you actually want? In this episode, Sara shares her personal journey of redefining success from choosing social work despite criticism and concerns about money, to later taking the leap into entrepreneurship and creating The First Gen Madrina. This conversation explores the pressure many first-generation professionals carry, the tension between financial security and fulfillment, and the belief that we have to sacrifice purpose in order to be financially stable. If you’ve ever questioned your career path, felt guilty for wanting something different, or wondered whether you can build a life that includes both purpose and financial success.... this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: • First-generation expectations around career and success • Choosing a path others may not understand • Redefining success beyond status and income • The relationship between money, survival mode, and fulfillment • Entrepreneurship and building a values-aligned life • Why time and flexibility became part of Sara’s definition of success Because success doesn’t have to look the way you were taught. It gets to look like you.

July 15, 2026Episode 12947 min

E129 How to Reclaim Your Story and Turn It Into Leadership and Impact with Chris Ward Jr.

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to reclaim your story and how your lived experience can become one of your greatest leadership assets. Our guest, Chris Ward Jr., Strategic Advisor and Leadership Storytelling Strategist, breaks down how visionary founders and high performers can transform complex life and business journeys into clear, compelling narratives that actually move people. Chris introduces the idea of “Story Powered Confidence” and what he calls your “Human Premium”, which is the deeper, soulful expertise that comes from lived experience. Together, we unpack how storytelling isn’t just about communication, but about identity, clarity, and stepping fully into your voice as a leader. If you’ve ever felt like your story was too messy, too complicated, or not “enough,” this conversation reframes it all: your story isn’t something to fix, it’s something to lead with. This episode includes: 1. How to reclaim your personal and professional story and use it as a foundation for leadership and confidence. 2. How storytelling shapes authority, influence, and the ability to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. 3. How to access your “Human Premium” and use lived experience as a strategic asset for impact and purpose. Check it out now!

July 1, 2026Episode 12812 min

E128 How to Reclaim Your Story and Step Into Your Power

Welcome back to a brand-new season of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, and this month, we’re diving deep into Reclaiming Your Story as a First Gen . In this powerful kickoff episode, we explore what it truly means to reconnect with your voice, your truth, and your narrative. As first-generation individuals, many of us were raised in environments where survival came before self-expression. Unfortunately, silence, sacrifice, and strength may have been necessary, but it often came at the cost of not being seen and heard. This episode unpacks how and why so many of us “lost” our stories, not because they didn’t exist, but because we didn’t always feel safe, empowered, or supported enough to tell them. You’ll learn: What it actually means to reclaim your story (without forcing a positive spin) How inherited beliefs and unspoken rules shape your narrative Why storytelling is a form of healing, not just sharing The role of therapy and safe spaces in processing your experiences How to navigate guilt, family ties, and boundaries while honoring your truth Why discernment matters when choosing who gets access to your story This conversation is a reminder that you are not just a product of your experiences; you are the author of how those experiences shape you. So, the question is: What story are you ready to reclaim?

June 17, 2026Episode 12739 min

E127 How to Turn Money Conflict Into Clarity with Dr. Jen Fry

What if conflict isn’t the problem? It is just a skill that we were never taught, especially when it comes to money. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Jen Fry a conflict literacy expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of JenFryTalks. Together, we dive into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation around conflict and money. We discuss the tension, the silence, the expectations, and the unspoken pressure so many of us carry, especially as first-gens. From her experience as a former NCAA coach to leading over 250 trainings, Dr. Jen breaks down what it actually means to handle conflict in a way that builds trust instead of tension. Because let’s be real, when money is involved, conflict can feel even heavier. We talk about: Why avoiding conflict around money is costing you more than you think How to communicate clearly about finances without guilt or shame The difference between boundaries and being “selfish” when it comes to money If you’ve ever struggled to talk about money, set financial boundaries, or navigate family expectations, this episode will challenge you and equip you with the tools to show up differently.

June 3, 2026Episode 12610 min

E126 How to Break the Silence Around Money and Conflict

Welcome to the first episode of a brand-new season where we’re diving deep into Conflict and Money. When we think about money, we usually focus on numbers: how much we make, spend, or owe. What often goes unspoken is how conflict, both internal and relational, shapes our financial lives. In this episode, we unpack the ways conflict shows up beyond arguments. Sometimes it’s the conversations we avoid, the boundaries we struggle to set, or the silence we carry around money. As first-generation individuals, many of us were never taught how to navigate these moments, especially when money has been tied to survival, stress, or family expectations. We talk about: Why avoiding money conversations is a form of conflict How people-pleasing and guilt impact financial decisions The emotional weight of supporting family while trying to build your own future What it means to advocate for yourself financially without shame This isn’t just about money. It’s about your voice, your boundaries, and your mental health. If you’ve ever felt anxious, stuck, or guilty when it comes to money… this episode is for you. Grab your cafecito or your wine, and let’s start the conversation!

May 20, 2026Episode 12533 min

E125 How to Avoid the "Good" Social Worker Trap with Stephanie Sorady, LCSW

What happens when being “good” social worker becomes your identity? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Stephanie Sorady, LCSW, a Latina trauma therapist, speaker, and founder of Luz Trauma Therapy. Together we unpack the hidden weight that many first-gen social workers may carry. From people-pleasing and over functioning to the deep impact of parentification, Stephanie brings a trauma-informed and culturally grounded perspective to the patterns that keep us stuck. Together, we explore how these roles show up in our relationships, mental health, and sense of self, and most importantly, how to begin unlearning them. This conversation is especially for social workers who have been taught to hold it all together, often at the expense of their own needs. Stephanie shares insights on setting boundaries, navigating relational stress, and redefining what it means to be “strong” in a way that actually honors your well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you have to do it all for everyone else...this episode is for you.