This Is EZ With Friends
By Erika Zapata
This Is EZ With FriendsAug 29, 2023
This is EZ with Jasmine - Cattiness Amongst Women
Welcome to Season 3 of This Is EZ With Friends!
Jasmine Garcia is a curator, resin artist, podcaster, event host, and vinyl DJ. When Jasmine isn't creating art, she can be found networking, collaborating, connecting with, and supporting underground artists.
I met Jasmine at one of her art shows and, admittedly, felt a little inadequate in her presence. She's heavy into the music scene and as you've gathered from her resume, she can really do it all.
We met for a hike a few weeks later, and she agreed to come chat on the podcast about the challenges that sometimes arise when trying to collaborate with other women. We talked about insecurities, and the cattiness that shows up in certain female relationships.
We rescheduled this episode a few times, and I was on the verge of telling Jasmine to forget about the whole thing. In fact, I did tell her to forget it. We had a mini-argument through text when I told her that I didn't feel she was supportive of my project, and also felt that she didn't have respect for my time (so scary, I know). After some extremely mature back-and-forth, we decided to record anyway. We discuss it on the podcast, among other things.
It's a good one. Press play!
You can follow Jasmine @florecita_jazz on Instagram, which will lead you to the many other pages that showcase her Vinyl Hangouts and Art Shows. Follow. Engage. Support.
#thisisezwithfriends #thisisezwithjasmine #cattiness #cattinessamongwomen #matureconversations #femalepodcasters #latinapodcasters #TIEZWF #vinylhangouts #artshows #womensupportingwomen
This Is EZ With Family - Bonus Xmas Episode
This is EZ with Mario Zapata - Una Entrevista Con Mi Papa/An Interview With My Dad
Mario Zapata is Nicaraguense and he came to this country on September 19, 1978/1979 (he didn’t seem sure, and I’m not sure either). He traveled on PanAmerica’s final flight from Nicaragua to LAX and arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon. He’s also my dad.
My parents divorced when I was four, and I’ve spent my entire life trying to piece together what happened. I’m still not sure, but I had the desire to get to know my dad a little better since I didn’t grow up in the same house as him. He indulged my curiosity by sitting with me and allowing me to ask him a series of random questions ranging from “What’s your favorite movie” to “What’s the greatest compliment you’ve ever received.” I spent the month of September trying to get 1000 listens, and realized that this podcast isn’t really about that. It’s about sharing stories and documenting history. 20 years from now, this interview will still exist. This conversation is a time capsule, and I’m so grateful. Thank you to everyone who listened to all of this season’s episodes. I love you. I appreciate you. Until next time.
Mario Zapata es nicaraguense y vino a este país el 19 de septiembre 1978/1979 (no parecía seguro el, y yo tampoco). Viajó en el último vuelo de PanAmerica desde Nicaragua a LAX y llegó a las 4:30 de la tarde. Él es mi papá.
Mis padres se divorciaron cuando yo tenía cuatro años y pasé toda mi vida tratando de averiguar lo que pasó. Todavía no estoy segura, pero tenía el deseo de conocer un poco mejor a mi papá porque no crecí en la misma casa que él. Él satisfizo mi curiosidad sentándose conmigo y permitiéndome hacerle una serie de preguntas como "cuál es tu película favorita" hasta "cuál es el mejor elogio que has recibido". Pasé el mes de septiembre intentando conseguir 1000 escuchas y descubri que este podcast no se trata realmente de eso. Se trata de compartir cuentos y documentar historia. Dentro de 20 años, esta entrevista seguirá existiendo. Esta conversación es una cápsula del tiempo y estoy muy agradecida. Gracias a todos los que escucharon todos mis episodios. Los amo. Los aprecio. Hasta la proxima.
This is EZ with Naomi - Immigration/Work-Life Balance
Naomi Cruz and I were at the same party several years back when I found out she was an immigration lawyer. I had so many questions and only asked a few for fear of coming off as a total creeper. I stalked her for years - attending several of the same parties, co-hosting the games at our mutual friend’s baby shower, and finally luring her onto the podcast as part of my higher, diabolical plan. She has no idea about this, so please don’t tell her. Naomi is Oaxacan, has been a lawyer for 10 years, and owns an immigration law firm with a partner. She joined the podcast to drop knowledge about immigration and school us commoners on what the situation really is. We all know that these types of careers can be taxing, so of course I asked Naomi what she does to unwind when she’s not using her law powers to help the Latino immigrant population of Los Angeles. What I found is that Naomi can do it all. She is the poster woman for work-life balance. If you’ve always been curious about immigration and/or work-life balance, this episode is for you. If you’ve never been curious about it, it’s for you too. Press play, boo.
This is EZ with Lauren - Only Children/Virgos
Lauren Renee is 25 and full of life. She's a queer artist, model, and actress who joined the podcast to talk about people-pleasing until we realized we're both only children and Virgos, so we talked about that instead. Topics include homophobia, loneliness, abandonment issues, and our leap into maturity as a result of growing up around adults. Lauren shared her story of being brought up in East LA with her aunt and grandmother after her mother got married and left for Mexico. It's an awesome conversation, in which we both got pretty vulnerable. Join us. Press play.
You can follow Lauren at @laureen_renee. Episode edited by Alex Zamora (@zamoravisuals)
This is EZ with Raymundo - Being Central American
Raymundo Archila is a filmmaker in every sense of the word. He’s a storyteller, writer, director, and editor, who is currently promoting his short film “Manhunt,” also known as “La Siguanaba,” based on a Central American urban legend. He joined the podcast to talk about his experience as a Salvi youth in a predominantly white and Asian neighborhood. His connection to his Central American roots went from non-existent to hyper-present. He stays involved in the Salvadoran community and seeks to promote his culture in everything he does. Some of his friends refer to him as the Salvadoran senator and it checks out. Press play to hear us bond over our Salvi/Nica roots.
You can find Raymundo Archila @raymundoarchila.
This episode was edited by Alex Zamora (@zamoravisuals)
This is EZ with Trish - Travel
This is EZ with Nereida - Crossroads
Has life ever brought you to a crossroads? A place in your timeline where you’ve had to decide whether to stay in the same old relationship, job, apartment, or friendship - or take a leap of faith and try something totally different and outside of your comfort zone?
Nereida Gutierrez wears many hats but identifies as an artist, creative, and community organizer. She is a beacon of light and a force to be reckoned with. Relationship struggles and a strong desire to be there for her son drove her to move to LA and become her own boss. Now she answers only to herself, and it’s really awesome to hear about. We talk about quitting jobs, quitting relationships, saying yes to ourselves, and trying to move away from the societal pressures that tell us we have to work and live by a certain set of rules. It’s an amazing conversation, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you. Press play, honey!
You can follow Nereida at @nerdayduh, which will link you to her artist account @nereidaarts. Her art can be found at @artspacehp. Go check it out!
This is EZ with Erika - A Solo Experience
Work has been insane, I did my first-ever comedy open-mic a few weeks ago, and the truth is that I didn’t have an episode lined up for you. On yesterday’s mental health walk, I decided to record my first-ever solo episode. Topics include but are not limited to inner child work, the stand-up experience, a dance while walking group that I’d like to start, social media, a documentary about Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, and Taylor Swift. It’s random. It’s uncensored. It’s untamed. It’s me. And I hope you like it. Press play!
This is EZ with Rosario - Being Afraid & Doing It Anyway
Rosario Calatayud-Serna is a founder, administrator, non-profit professional, and a creative. She’s also one of the coolest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Rosario joined the podcast to talk about her beginnings in the nonprofit world, and opening a business in Huntington Park at the height of the pandemic. When I asked Rosario how she continued to pursue one goal after another without fear, she assured me that fear was present the entire time, but she did all of it anyway. We talk about building the muscle in our minds that allows us to say “not today, fear” over and over again. This podcast inspired the hell out of me, and I hope it does the same for you. Press play!
Find Rosario on instagram @rorocs @artspacehp @thepophop @latienditaccg. What isn’t she involved in? Am I right?
This episode was edited by the very talented Alexandro Zamora: @zamoravisuals.
Enjoy!
This is EZ with Nicole Presley - Food. Love. More Food.
Nicole Presley is a Latina culinary rockstar with an inspiring story. She left her career in marketing behind to pursue her dream of creating her own culinary brand. She started vlogging in 2011, and eventually, her brand took off. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because you may have seen Presley’s Pantry on the shelves at Target or Walmart. Perhaps you’ve seen her book “Viva Desserts” on the shelves at Vroman’s. She is an incredibly talented woman with a story that will make you want to get out there and pursue your own dreams. We chatted about food, matchmaking, marriage, and food again - because why not? This episode will leave you feeling hungry, in every way possible. Press play, foodies!
This is EZ with Rachel - Sensitivity
Tickets to Losing Your Humanity can be found here: www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6630?tab=tickets.
This is EZ with Nicole - Reparenting Yourself
Nicole Lopez is a proud born and raised SELA activist, community organizer, and congressional candidate. When she's not talking about politics (or pop culture) she loves talking about the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and chasing dreams. Oh, and she loves talking about her dogs! Overall, Nicole loves connecting with other women of color as they work to uplift each other and break generational curses. She graced the podcast with stories about growing up in a traditional Mexican household and learning to become her biggest advocate after dealing with traumatic events in childhood and being hospitalized in 2020. Her insight will make you reflect on whether or not you're showing up for yourself in your own life. If you've ever battled your parents' voices inside your head, this one is for you. Press play!
This is EZ with Dale - Not Having Kids
Dale Trumbore is a celebrated composer and writer. If you don’t believe me, check out her bio at daletrumbore.com. She’s been praised by The Washington Post and The New York Times for her work, and it’s no surprise to me. We used to be neighbors, and hearing her play the piano through the wall of our duplex, remains one of my most soothing memories. She joined the podcast to talk about her decision to not become a mother, which made me feel a lot less alone in making that decision for myself. We talked about societal pressures, weighing pros and cons, feeling guilty, feeling judged, feeling selfish, and finally feeling relieved, and excited for our childless futures. It’s empowering. It’s honest. It’s EZ with friends. Press play!
You can read more about Dale at https://www.daletrumbore.com/.
Check out Dale's book here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Staying-Composed-Audiobook/B09WXQP7T4?qid=1652916772&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=94QBX8XH068MD6Y1BNZB
This is EZ with Danellia - Being Multidimensional
Danellia Arechiga aka Dane Real is the multidimensional mami. She’s a birth worker, a mother, a teacher, a healer, a musician, a writer, and one of the most free and confident women I’ve ever met. We met back in the early 2000s and lost touch for many years until we reconnected on social media. Her Instagram captions were like warm hugs for my soul. I told her while we were recording, that I wasn’t stalking her, but I kinda was. She was and still is, so authentic. Her energy is absolutely electric. She creates healing and nurturing spaces for women, and last year I had the privilege of having her guide me through a vaginal steaming. I’m so grateful that she agreed to join the podcast to talk about sexual wellness, solo dance parties, saying yes to creativity, and learning to love the skin you’re in. Women like Danellia are a gift, and I’m so glad I get to share her with all of you. What are you waiting for? Press play!
How you can connect with Dane:
Instagram @themultidimensionalmami : https://www.instagram.com/themultidimensionalmami/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themultidimensionalmami
Twitter: @_DaneReal: https://twitter.com/_DaneReal
Personal website: https://www.danelliaarechiga.com/
This is EZ with Mark (again) - Slowing Down in 2023
The podcast is back, and so is Mark, for this introductory episode about slowing down in the new year. I know that it’s March, but it’s never too late or too early to start implementing healthier habits and behaviors. I talk about shoveling food into my mouth at an alarming rate, having road rage, and the benefits of my break from social media at the end of last year. If you’re feeling burnt out and tired of living life in the fast lane - take a load off, boo. Stop what you’re doing and go have a listen. So great to be back! Happy March, everyone!
Host: Erika Zapata
Guest: Mark Morales
Editing: Thomas Zipperer
This is EZ with Aileen - 28 Years of Friendship
The season finale of This is EZ with Friends has arrived and I am honored to share it with all of you. Aileen Paola Villarreal Castillo and I have been friends since 1994. We shared a love of Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harry Potter, The Backstreet Boys, and Back To The Future. Our braces and hairy legs set us apart from the rest and we owned our awkward pre-teen phase like a couple of divorcees who didn’t need to take shit from anyone.
Aileen got in trouble in the fourth grade for writing “Aileen DiCaprio” on all of her assignments. That’s the least of her accomplishments. Homecoming queen. University of Notre Dame graduate. Senior Personnel Manager for the Notre Dame Football team. Director of Media Relations for the Detroit Tigers. PR & Client Services Director at Independent Sports & Entertainment. Ex-girlfriend of Kevin Richardson (she dumped him). We killed two bottles of champagne and talked about being kids together, coping with imposter syndrome, and learning to appreciate the gifts we bring to the world. It’s a beautiful episode. It’s a beautiful friendship.
Thank you to my very sweet and wonderful community of supporters. It has truly been a pleasure churning out these episodes. Nothing gives me more joy than sitting down with the people I love and getting deep with it. If you’ve read this far, I’ll let you in on a little secret. At the end of this episode (you have to push through the jingle at the end), there are SIX WHOLE MINUTES of bonus content. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. Podcast out!
This is EZ with Jess - Becoming a Mom at 43
Jessica Estrada always knew that she wanted to be a mom. At age 40, she made peace with her single life and even contemplated having a baby on her own. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life. They got pregnant within their first six months of dating and, sadly, Jess miscarried. She took the experience in stride and hoped that she would get another shot at motherhood. At 43, Jess is engaged and just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Lucas. She joins the podcast to talk about the raw truths of pregnancy and motherhood. Topics include an at-home birth plan, a complicated labor, breastfeeding, mom guilt, sleep deprivation, and all the joys that motherhood has to offer. Press play for some refreshing honesty.
This is EZ with Marissa - Marriage, Health, and Vulnerability
Marissa Leal is an artist, a dental hygienist, and one of my favorite people in the world. She volunteered her time and her story to the podcast, and to say that I am grateful would be understating it. Marriage struggles, health struggles, and a fear of vulnerability made for a difficult year for Marissa. But don’t worry, it was a healing podcast for both of us. Life isn’t always easy, but it’s EZier with friends. Press play, listeners.
Check out Marissa’s Instagram: @night.mare_creates
Or her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/nightmarecreatesshop/?etsrc=sdt
This is EZ with Jake - Depression & Suicidal Thoughts
Jake Rothfeld grew up in a New Jersey town where an opioid epidemic created a rise in suicide cases. It was commonplace for Jake to find out that someone he grew up with had succumbed to dark thoughts. Despite having great parents and an excellent support system, he battled his own demons during his seventh grade year. Jake brings so much insight to the podcast, which allowed me to talk about my own battle with depression. Have you ever felt inadequate? Maybe you’ve been called “too sensitive.” In any case, this one’s for you.
Resources for suicide prevention can be found below:
This is EZ with Mark - Getting Older, Dealing with Grief & Accepting Your Own Mortality (It's funny, I promise)
Mark Morales is a Texas native, an ex-musician, and definitely not my old boss. He and I caught up after COVID times and busy lives. Mark talks about losing his mom during the pandemic and coming to terms with his mortality after her death hit his family pretty hard. It’s not a sad podcast at all, because Mark is a glass-half-full kinda guy. He’s funny, he’s smart, and he’s one of the coolest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. If you don’t catch yourself giggling through this episode, you can have your money back. Topics include: hair loss, getting older, selling breast milk, and reincarnation. Need I say more?
This is EZ with Christina - Dating in 2022
Christina Arzate spent a few years getting to know herself before setting up her Hinge profile, joining a sexual empowerment group, and dying her hair purple and pink. Christina wears wrestling t-shirts to dates and she DGAF. Her optimism about dating in these dark times is a breath of fresh air. She shares funny dating stories and real issues that plague a dating culture that values casual relationships over long-term connections. Spoiler alert: everyone is lying about this. In this episode, we coin the term “raw dogging people with your emotions.” It’s funny, it’s provocative, and it’s just plain old truth. Do yourself a favor and press play.
You can find Christina Arzate's sexual development coach at @iamjocelynsilva on Instagram.
This is EZ with Monica - Self Development, Therapy & Emotional Hard Ons
Just one note because I couldn’t remember the name of the website during the podcast, so I’m sharing .
Mark Manson’s website is called Life Advice That Doesn’t Suck. You can check it out by visiting markmanson.net/. His material is excellent. You won’t regret it.
I just finished taking his “Improving My Life” course. So good.
This is EZ with Erik V. - Coming Out/Just Being
Erik is an aquarius. He’s left handed and color blind. He joins the podcast to tell his beautiful coming out story - a process that he refers to as finally “just being.” Erik’s Catholic upbringing in a Mexican household created a tumultuous journey to self discovery. He was prepared to hide his truth in order to avoid telling his parents, but life had other plans. Erik fell in love in his early thirties and could no longer hide his true self. Four powerful letters. An angry song. A man unchained and no longer willing to dilute himself for the comfort of others. Have a listen!
If you or your family are experiencing difficulties during your coming out journey, here are some resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm
Love and light. Thank you so much for listening.
This is EZ with Kim: Toxic Relationships
Erika and Kim talk about their long, toxic relationships in their early twenties. Being young and in love isn’t easy, especially if you’re with the wrong person. Listen to what they did, how they learned, and what they know now.
This is EZ With Friends - Trailer
Hello and welcome to the trailer episode for This is EZ With Friends. My name is Erika Zapata and I am your host. I’m just a woman who decided to start a podcast after a long battle with paralyzing fear of the unknown. I haven’t found a niche yet, but so far I’ve had the great privilege of discussing toxic relationships, spirituality, and coming out as queer with some wonderful guests. Thank you for listening and I hope you’ll stick around for the long haul.
Special thanks to:
Mark Morales: Original Music
Alex Zamora (@zamoravisuals): Podcast Photography
Ralph Moreno: Podcast Equipment
Jessica Estrada: Telling me to just publish this already and stop waiting for it to be perfect.
For more content - please visit www.thewhothewhat.com
Or find me on Instagram @ez_thewhothewhat
If all else fails, you can email me at thewhowhatblog@gmail.com