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)

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

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!

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

What Cynthia's Drinking: Freixenet Zero Brut (non-alcoholic sparkling wine)
What Jessica's Drinking: 2023 Chenin Blanc from Encanto Vineyards (Lake County)
This week on Wine & Chisme, we sit down with Cynthia Prato- Army veteran, author, and certified life coach, for one of our most powerful conversations yet.
Cynthia opens up about enlisting in the National Guard on a dare, becoming a military interrogator, and being one of the only women in her unit. She shares her experiences with military sexual trauma (MST), the PTSD she carried silently for years, and the moment she realized her unhealed trauma was affecting her son.
From growing up as a Mexi-Nica in Miami to serving in Hungary during post-9/11 tensions, Cynthia's journey is raw, real, and ultimately redemptive. We talk about:
✨ Being the first Latina woman in her family to serve
✨ Navigating relationships while carrying unprocessed trauma
✨ The decision to stop drinking and start healing
✨ Setting boundaries with family
✨ Why self-care doesn't require a spa day
✨ How to find your purpose when life doesn't go as planned
This conversation gets deep, but it's also filled with hope, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Cynthia reminds us that healing isn't linear, it's never too late to choose yourself, and whatever you're not changing, you're choosing.
Guest: Cynthia PratoWebsite: BeyondTheHorizonllc.comInstagram: @beyondthehorizonconsultingBook: Get It Together Without Losing Your Mind (Available on Amazon)

🍷 Wine of the Episode
2022 Parra Wines Chardonnay
About This Episode
In this powerful conversation, Jessica sits down with Alondra Alvarado, President & CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition, to explore the deeply personal and systemic realities of food insecurity—both locally and across the nation.
Together, Jessica and Alondra discuss the current state of hunger in San Diego and nationwide, the dignity-centered approach needed in food assistance programs, and how community advocacy can create lasting systems change. It's a conversation about resilience, legacy, and the power of honoring every family's right to nourishment.
Connect with Alondra
Instagram
LinkedIn
San Diego Hunger Coalition
About Wine & Chisme
Hosted by Jessica Yañez, Wine & Chisme is where diverse voices share unfiltered stories of career, love, and transformation—one glass of wine and heartfelt conversation at a time.

Wine of the Episode: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon by Delgadillo Cellars
Join Jessica Yañez and Erika Sanchez for a late November/early December Chisme session where they dive deep into cultural conversations, community boundaries, and current events over wine. From Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance to debates about representation and AI technology, this episode covers the complex gray areas we navigate in modern life.
[00:00 - 07:00] Welcome Back & Thanksgiving Catch-Up
Taking a Thanksgiving break (no apologies!)
Family gatherings and blending in-laws
The 22-pound turkey situation and plans for smoked turkey feasts
[07:00 - 10:00] Wine Time
Jessica's 2016 Delgadillo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Erika's Cointreau Citrus Spritz
Announcing the updated Tamales & Wine Guide (coming mid-December!)
[10:00 - 24:00] Bad Bunny, Rosalía & Cultural Pride
Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl halftime performer
The controversial Rosalía response and "colonizer behavior"
Katie Miller's podcast with Charlotte Jones about the performance
Why Bad Bunny's unapologetic Spanish-language stance matters
[24:00 - 37:00] Community Conversations & Boundaries
When to center yourself vs. when to listen
The Bomba debate and staying in your lane
Protecting community while avoiding division
Learning from lived experiences outside your own
[32:00 - 35:00] Coleman Domingo & Representation
Latine representation in "Wicked"
Two things can be true: being Black AND Latino
Breaking down limiting perspectives on identity
[35:00 - 42:00] Unity vs. Division
Historical context: when Irish and Italians weren't considered "white"
Economic issues disguised as racial ones
The importance of respectful disagreement
Why echo chambers prevent growth
[42:00 - 50:00] AI Resurrection App
The creepy new app for "talking" to deceased loved ones
Jessica's memories of her grandmother
Alternative: recording parents' stories with QR codes
Does AI help or hinder the grieving process?
[50:00 - 58:00] CBS Paramount Layoffs & DEI Dismantling
All people of color laid off; white employees reassigned
The importance of DEI beyond just race
Barry Weiss named editor-in-chief despite no network experience
What happens when we lose diverse newsrooms
[58:00 - 1:07:00] Mariah Carey's Sephora Ad
The commercialization of "It's Time"
Tone-deaf timing with SNAP benefits controversy
When organic moments become marketing strategies
The "Sephora kids" phenomenon
[1:07:00 - 1:16:00] Money, Greed & Billionaires
Why do wealthy people always want more?
Elon Musk as the first trillionaire
Comparing Mackenzie Scott's giving to others' hoarding
Jeff Bezos sponsoring the Met Gala and buying Condé Nast
[1:16:00 - 1:21:00] Is Vogue Still Relevant?
How smartphones and social media changed fashion media
The double-edged sword of instant information
Missing the early days of organic Instagram
[1:21:00 - 1:27:00] AI Everywhere
Can't tell what's real anymore
Protecting elderly parents from sophisticated scams
The danger of AI voice replication
When convenience becomes scary
[1:27:00 - 1:34:00] Golden Girls Are Forever
Watching the Golden Girls special
Realizing they were in their 50s and working!
How ahead of their time they were on social issues
Betty White's legacy and San Diego's own Mario Lopez
[1:34:00 - End] Final Thoughts
Living in the gray area of life
No one can take away your determination
Recapping the year ahead
Preserving ourselves with wine!
The Wine & Chisme Podcast celebrates Latine voices, culture, and community—one glass of wine and honest conversation at a time.

What We Are Sipping On:
2022 Chardonnay, Parra Wine Co.
Episode Description
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Wine & Chisme Podcast, Jessica sits down with Vanessa Vigil, Chief Marketing Officer at nglMitú, a leading digital media brand dedicated to elevating Latiné voices and culture.
Vanessa shares her personal journey into media, the evolution of nglMitú, and the responsibility and joy that come with telling authentic stories from across the Latiné diaspora. From combating stereotypes to celebrating our community’s joy, creativity, and complexity, Vanessa breaks down how nglMitú uses storytelling to shift narratives in mainstream media — and why representation behind the scenes matters just as much as what appears on screen.
Grab your glass and settle in — this conversation is honest, empowering, and full of the cariño and cultura you expect from Wine & Chisme.
Key Takeaways

Authentic storytelling is a responsibility, not a trend. Vanessa shares why nglMitú centers lived experience, community insight, and nuance in every project.

Diversity within the Latiné community must be acknowledged and celebrated. One narrative can’t represent an entire diaspora — and nglMitú reflects that through multiple creators and voices.

Representation behind the scenes matters. Hiring Latiné creatives, writers, and decision-makers directly impacts the stories that reach the public.

Community is a superpower in media. nglMitú’s success stems from building trust and creating content that resonates across generations.

Brands and partners play a role. Vanessa explains how collaborative opportunities can elevate Latiné creators instead of stereotyping them.

Latiné joy is revolutionary. Telling stories that highlight our humor, brilliance, resilience, and love shifts culture more than people realize.

🍇 Wines Featured
Jessica: 2001 Día de los Muertos Cabernet Sauvignon by Honrama Cellars
Lupe: Loves chilled Pinot Noir and Cunois but was traveling during this recording
Episode Summary
In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Jessica sits down with Lupe Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. Together, they unpack what reproductive justice truly means for the Latiné community — from access and education to bodily autonomy and policy representation.
Lupe shares her journey from science and advocacy to leading one of the nation’s most impactful organizations fighting for reproductive freedom. This conversation dives into the intersections of health care, immigration, and social justice — and why it’s critical for Latiné voices to be centered in these conversations.
Connect with Lupe Rodríguez
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
https://www.latinainstitute.org
IG: @latinainstitute

Wine I'm Drinking: 2021 Día de Muertos Cabernet by Honrama Cellers

This week we're sipping on:

Jessica: 2022 Merlot from Vinos Unidos, Sonoma, CA

Erika: 2012 Pinotage from Oak Mountain Winery, Temecula, CA
October is here, spooky season is wrapping up, and Jessica and Erika are catching up like only they can — with laughter, a little chaos, and a lot of chisme! From how fast the year has flown by to cozy fall rituals, funny life updates, and the realities of adulting, this episode is your monthly dose of wine-fueled girl talk.

🍷 Featured Wine:
Balanza Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir – a crisp, elegant rosé from Willamette Valley, OR.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Wine & Chisme Podcast, host Jessica Yañez sits down with Crystal Roman, the powerhouse founder, CEO, and creative behind The Black Latina Movement. Jessica and Crystal dive deep into what it means to claim space in media, own your identity, and challenge the narratives that have historically erased Afro-Latine voices.
From creating opportunities for women of color on stage and screen to navigating the complexities of identity, Crystal shares her journey of turning frustration into fuel and passion into purpose.
⏰ Timestamps & Notable Moments
0:02 – Welcome & IntroductionsJessica introduces Crystal Roman, highlighting her multifaceted roles as founder, writer, producer, and CEO of The Black Latina Movement.
1:20 – Representation in MediaJessica and Crystal discuss the critical importance of visibility for Black and Brown women in storytelling and production.
5:45 – Owning Identity in a Fragmented Media Landscape
Crystal opens up about creating a movement that honors intersectionality — and how authenticity became her greatest strength.
12:10 – Building a Movement from the Ground Up
How The Black Latina Movement began as a small theater project and grew into a nationwide platform amplifying underrepresented voices.
18:30 – The Weight of Being “The First”
Crystal shares candid reflections on being a trailblazer in spaces that weren’t built for her — and how community keeps her grounded.
24:00 – Representation Beyond the Screen
A conversation on why media ownership and decision-making roles matter just as much as on-camera representation.
Connect with Crystal
Website: www.blacklatinamovement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklatinamovement/

🍷 Featured Wine: Parra Wino Co – “Tómalo Frío”
Content Notice:
This episode contains candid conversations about childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, complex trauma, and the emotional impact of immigration experiences. We discuss survivor stories and the healing journey with sensitivity and care.
If you are currently in crisis or these topics feel overwhelming, please prioritize your well-being. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offer free, confidential support 24/7.
We believe in the power of sharing our stories, and we honor wherever you are in your own journey. Take care of yourself, and come back when you're ready.
Con amor,Jessica & The Wine & Chisme Team
Episode Summary
In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, host Jessica Yañez sits down with Rosa Casquino, a Latine licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and speaker who helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse and toxic relationships reclaim their power.
Rosa shares her personal and professional insight into how trauma shows up in everyday life, why many people don’t realize they’re in toxic situations, and how to begin healing. Together, Jessica and Rosa explore how community, culture, and conversation are vital in the journey toward self-trust and freedom.
Timestamps & Key Moments
00:00 – Intro & WelcomeJessica introduces Rosa and sets the tone for a brave, healing conversation.
03:20 – Meet Rosa Casquino, LCSWRosa shares her background, her work with trauma survivors, and her mission to help people feel less alone in their experiences.
07:45 – The Complexity of Recognizing TraumaHow childhood patterns and cultural expectations can make it hard to identify toxic dynamics later in life.
13:10 – Cultural Silence and ShameThe unspoken rules within Latiné communities that keep people quiet about abuse — and how breaking that silence is an act of liberation.
20:25 – Healing Isn’t LinearRosa discusses what healing really looks like — the ups, the relapses, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for yourself.
28:40 – Tools for SurvivorsHow to find the right therapist, build emotional safety, and create supportive spaces for your healing journey.
35:50 – Jessica’s ReflectionJessica shares how conversations like this remind her why Wine & Chisme exists — to heal, connect, and empower through storytelling.
40:00 – Closing ThoughtsRosa offers a message of hope and encouragement to anyone listening who’s still finding their way through the pain.
Connect with Rosa:
Website: Https://thehealingguidecounseling.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.healing.guide.therapist
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealingguidetherapist

Wine in This Episode:
Seis Soles, 2022 'Colibri' Lodi Carignane
In this week's conversation, Jessica welcomes back returning guest Rachel Matos — a creative leader and storyteller who shares how her journey has evolved since her last appearance on the show. Together, they explore what it means to honor change, step away from outdated expectations, and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of growth.
Rachel opens up about finding peace in transition, redefining what success looks like in this stage of her life, and how she continues to show up for herself and her community with authenticity. This episode is a reminder that evolution isn’t about starting over — it’s about becoming more of who you’ve always been.
Connect with Rachel:
Website: https://racheldmatos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheldmatos/
Connect with The Wine & Chisme:
Website: https://www.thewineandchismepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewineandchisme/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewineandchisme
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewinechismepodcast

In this very special live-recorded episode, Jessica visits Balanza Vineyard in the heart of Oregon’s Dundee Hills to sit down with Chaly and Kerry Balanza and hear the beautiful love story that became the foundation of their wine journey.
From their first meeting on a tennis court in Austin, Texas, to falling in love with Oregon Pinot Noir, and finally planting roots in wine country, Chaly and Kerry’s story is one of passion, risk-taking, and a deep devotion to creating community through wine, food, and hospitality.
You’ll hear how an impromptu vacation turned into a life-changing decision, what it was like to plant their very first vines in 2014, and how they transformed a rugged piece of farmland into the welcoming estate and boutique B&B that now hosts travelers from around the world.
Together, they share how their wines—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé, and the playful Block Party Pinot—reflect not only the beauty of the Dundee Hills but also the adventurous spirit that brought them here.
This is a conversation about love, legacy, and the magic that happens when you take a leap of faith into the unknown
Website https://www.balanzavineyard.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balanzavineyard/