This is a podcast inspired by sonder*. Join your host, Madeleine Longoria Garcia, as she navigates deep-dive conversations that cut through the small talk and get into the stories that make us who we are. In an effort to re-humanize the strangers we pass every day and learn more than what is covered on resumes and social media, it's time to start sharing Our Other Stories.
*Sonder is the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one's own. Coined in 2021 by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Jennifer Anderson: International Community in Activism
And we're finally here with the first guest episode of Season 03. Things are moving a bit slower over here at Our Other Stories this season, but we are working away and having some great conversations to share with you as soon as I can.
For now, please enjoy this episode with Jennifer of Anakbayan Portland. We cover her journey into activism, the impact of US imperialism on the Philippines, the importance of community building and creating international solidarity across movements, moments, and cultures. Jennifer shares her personal experiences, including her trips to the Philippines, her work on Precious Seedlings Farm, and the connections between local and global struggles for justice.
This is a special conversation as Jennifer and I have known each other for over a decade! We first met when we were both young adults and have each navigated our own journeys that brought us to where we currently are: living in the same city and taking action. Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer and Anakbayan
12:01 Understanding US-Philippines Relations
29:28 The Impact of US Imperialism
35:09 Connecting Local and Global Struggles
57:06 Personal Journeys: Returning to the Homeland
01:12:43 Farming, Community Building, and Revolution
Keywords
Anakbayan, activism, community building, US imperialism, Filipino youth, social justice, migration, farming, international solidarity, advocacy
26 Jan 2026
Season 03: Community, Humanization, and Updates
Summary
We're back! After a longer-than-originally-planned hiatus, Our Other Stories is back with this short solo episode with Madeleine. Here, I reflect on the ending of season two of Our Other Stories and share my personal journey over the past few months. I discuss my challenges with overcommitment, the importance of community engagement, and the need for action in the face of societal chaos. I continue to emphasize the significance of recognizing our shared humanity and shared experiences while identifying the life-threatening impacts of dehumanization in today's world. Through Our Other Stories, I highlight the vital role storytelling plays in fostering connection while encouraging you to remain engaged and active in your communities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reflections on the Past Season
06:21 Navigating Life Changes and Community Engagement
12:43 The Importance of Humanity in Times of Conflict
18:30 Resistance and Collective Action
24:34 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Community Involvement
Keywords
podcast, community, activism, mental health, resistance, dehumanization, engagement, life updates, personal growth, storytelling, Paola Ramos, Matthew Torres, neighbors
16 Oct 2025
Yvonne Hernández: Healing Through Mindfulness & The Goal of One Million
Summary
As we near a close to season 02, Yvonne Hernandez shares her journey of becoming a meditation teacher and reiki master and her mission to teach meditation to one million children. She discusses the importance of self-care, cultural heritage, and the impact of meditation on children's emotional well-being. Yvonne reflects on her personal experiences with healing, how big life changes manifested in her physical body, the significance of community, and the creation of Little Om Breaths, aimed at providing mindfulness resources for families. Our conversation culminates in a guided meditation, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and connection.
You can find more info on working with Yvonne on her website (https://www.decidebalance.com/links).
Chapters
03:02 Yvonne's Mission: Teaching Meditation to Children
08:45 Yvonne's Journey into Meditation and Reiki
14:52 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Embracing Change
29:21 The Impact of Meditation on Children
45:59 Understanding Disease and Body Awareness
49:32 Exploring Bilingual Meditation and Connection
58:41 Community and Support in Times of Need
01:05:24 Bilingual Guided Meditation
Keywords
meditation, children, healing, Latina voices, self-care, community, mindfulness, cultural heritage, Reiki, personal growth, Decide Balance, Little Om Breaths
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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