What It’s Like To Be Here

In this bonus episode, Pablo Serrano reflects on his time at the University of Illinois, the ways history continues to echo through our communities, and what it means to stand in conviction. It's a conversation about culture, belonging, courage, and the people who remind us what showing up looks like.    Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/

For as long as I've known Leticia Andrade, she's been a hustling real estate broker, helping families achieve their dream of homeownership while making a meaningful impact in her community. In this episode, Leticia shares her journey of becoming a young mom, how that experience shaped her perspective on success, why financial stability and homeownership are so important to her, and the role faith has played throughout her life. We also talk about her commitment to serving others through her monthly Chicago Homeless Outreach and a free therapy resource she recommends for those in need. Follow Leticia on Instagram: @SoldByLeticia Resources: Chicago Homeless Outreach (3rd Saturday of every month)  The Family Institute at Northwestern University (free therapy services for qualifying individuals)   Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of What It’s Like to Be Here, I sit down with longtime friend and community leader Heidy Mendez Grimaldo. Heidy shares her incredible journey from arriving in Chicago as a seven-year-old immigrant from Guatemala to becoming a "powerhouse" of community service on the city's Southwest side. The conversation dives deep into the origins of her nonprofit, A Blessing Hand, which sparked into existence during the 2020 pandemic. After seeing a single Facebook post of a neighbor helping others, Heidy set up her own food table within 48 hours—a small act that evolved into a vital partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.   Mental Health Crisis First Responders: 312-597-5483 (Call or text) A Blessing Hand on Facebook | A Blessing Hand on Insta Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/whatitsliketobeherepod/  And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToBeHere  Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and like the podcast! Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-like-to-be-here/id1848903390  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVo7MzDRo2hzoYJX8Hnjx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CliqueCommunications/podcasts Podcast Page: https://whatitsliketobehere.podbean.com/ 

In this lively and personal episode, I sit down with two of my closest friends, Roho Garcia and Ricardo Gonzalez, to reflect on how our paths first crossed and what sparked the creation of EXPO Collective. We revisit the journey of building a collaborative community of over 30 artists, and talk honestly about the inspiration, challenges, and lessons learned from a project that, while no longer active, still left a lasting impact on all of us.   Listen to Roho's interview - scroll up. It's episode 3.  Sources:  EXPO FB EXPO IG Art of Futbol 2011 Blue 1647 Badass Crosstitch Find What It's Like To Be Here wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and on YouTube! Don’t forget to rate, subscribe, comment and like the podcast!  Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Page

In this episode of What It’s Like To Be Here, I sit down with spoken word artist and poet Luis Tubens—also known as LoganLu—for a conversation rooted in art, identity, and community. We explore his life in Pilsen, how he turned storytelling into a career as a tour guide and owner of Pilsen Public Art Tours, and the places poetry has taken him—both creatively and personally. Luis also shares his vision for the future and what it means to build something meaningful through art.   Find it wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and on YouTube! Don’t forget to rate, subscribe, comment and like the podcast!  Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Page