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Bianca and Axel are getting real. This week, Bianca sits down with Axel to talk about growing up LGBTQIA+ and Latino while navigating family, culture, dating, and the messy journey of becoming fully yourself. They open up about identity, belonging, and why being queer doesn’t make us any less Latino. MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel talks about what it really means to want a “traditional man” in today’s dating world, from the dependable fathers, tíos, and abuelitos many of us grew up around, to the parts of machismo we do not need to bring back. He reflects on how dating, commitment, gender roles, and partnership have changed, questioning whether people are actually asking for traditional men or simply emotionally mature, intentional partners who show up with consistency, respect, and real effort. MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel talks about how social media has shaped our 20s, from feeling behind and comparing our lives to everyone else’s, to the way everything can start to feel a little fake or performative. He reflects on dating, friendships, burnout, and why real connection feels harder to find, while also reminding us that our 20s are supposed to be about figuring ourselves out, not performing our lives for everyone else.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel explores the evolution of personal 'types' in relationships, emphasizing how they change with personal growth and life experiences. He discusses the difference between superficial attractions and deeper values, and offers insights on redefining what we seek in partners.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel sits down with Giselle​ Carrillo, an East LA native whose journey into community empowerment is as inspiring as it is transformative. They talk about overcoming early challenges, navigating expectations, and what it took to finally embrace her passions and choose a different path. Giselle shares how that decision led to the creation of Los Courage Camps, an organization helping youth build confidence, courage, and connection through the ocean. Today, she’s creating life-changing experiences for communities that have often been left out. It’s uplifting, empowering, and a reminder that following your passion can create impact far beyond yourself.RESOURCESwww.loscouragecamps.orgwww.instagram.com/couragecamps/www.instagram.com/gisellecc/MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel sits down with Amy Duarte, a first-gen advocate whose journey through the foster care system is as powerful as it is eye-opening. They talk about navigating life without stability, the emotional weight of growing up in the system, and how those experiences shaped her identity and purpose. Amy opens up about the challenges foster youth face, the gaps within the system, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. Today, she’s using her voice to advocate for foster youth and push for meaningful policy change. It’s honest, emotional, and a reminder that your story can become your power.RESOURCEShttps://nfyi.org/https://www.childrennow.org/https://www.plannedparenthood.org/MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel shares personal insights and practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations with immigrant parents, emphasizing vulnerability, timing, and understanding cultural differences.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel dives into some of the most unhinged Reddit confessions about relationships, exploring the wildest stories and the lessons they reveal about trust, boundaries, and human nature.*Learn more about domestic violence resources available in your area.*MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel discusses Bad Bunny's groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime performance, highlighting its cultural significance, visual elements, and community representation. He explores the themes of identity, activism, and the impact of guest performers, ultimately reflecting on the performance as a historic moment for Latino culture and its representation in America.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel talks about therapy through a first-gen Latino lens, not as an expert, but as someone who needed help and finally asked for it. Growing up with “échale ganas”, therapy felt unfamiliar, scary, and even shameful. Axel shares what pushed him to start, the fear before the first session, and how therapy gave him language, boundaries, and permission to rest. This conversation is for anyone who’s been curious about therapy but unsure if it’s “for them.” You’re not weak, you’re human, and you deserve support.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel sits down with Carlo Lupercio, a first-gen creative who went from corporate PR to building his own influencer management agency. They talk about growing up first-gen, navigating college and corporate spaces without a roadmap, and the pressure to chase stability over passion. Carlo opens up about losing a job, redefining success, and choosing to build something rooted in his values. Today, he’s the founder of Lupercio Media, an agency centered on uplifting Latino, women, and LGBTQIA+ creators. It’s honest, grounding, and a reminder that trusting yourself can be the biggest pivot of all.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel gets into Latino holiday chisme, the loud, loving, slightly toxic kind we all know too well. He talks chaotic family questions, unsolicited opinions, dinner debates, and the unspoken rules that somehow show up every year. Through listener stories and hot takes, he unpacks the humor and the holiday traditions, especially through a first-gen lens. It’s funny, honest, and reflective, a reminder that messy families can still be loving families, and that protecting your peace is part of growing up.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel dives into the world of job interviews through a first-gen lens, where “bragging” feels wrong and confidence feels complicated. From researching companies to negotiating salaries, he unpacks the lessons, small wins, and quiet power of owning your story. It’s real, insightful, and a reminder that you’re not just getting the job, you’re breaking ceilings every time you show up as yourself.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel sits down with Jasmine Minchez Lopez, a first-gen poet who turned her story into art. They talk about growing up between cultures, discovering poetry as a way to heal, and finding power in spaces like Get Lit. From family reactions to building her own path, Jasmine opens up about identity, courage, and the magic of using your voice when the world doesn’t expect you to. It’s honest, soulful, and a reminder that your story, exactly as it is, is worth telling.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel tries speed dating for the plot, and for the podcast, obviously. He shares the highs, the awkward, the cute moments, and the chaos of meeting guy after guy in rapid-fire rounds. He talks about what the experience taught him about connection, presence, and letting himself be seen. It’s vulnerable, funny, and a reminder that sometimes the best stories happen when you stop swiping and just show up.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel shares his experience growing up first-gen, from navigating college culture and family expectations to finding belonging and pride in his story. He opens up about the challenges, the culture shocks, and the moments of resilience that shaped him along the way. Axel also reflects on what it means to carry family dreams while creating your own path, a heartfelt tribute to identity, growth, and everyone building the blueprint from scratch.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel talks about what it’s really like dating in today’s world. The apps, the “hey” messages, and the situationships that never stood a chance. He opens up about why finding real connection feels harder than ever, what he’s learned about dating with intention, and why he still believes love isn’t dead… it’s just taking its time.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.

Axel shares what it was like being chosen as the commencement speaker for his graduation at California State University, Fullerton. He opens up about the inspiration behind his speech, a heartfelt tribute to his culture, his upbringing, and the people who shaped him. Axel also reflects on how the speech unexpectedly went viral, reaching thousands online, including, surprisingly, his own therapist.MIJO PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijopodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastWebsite: https://www.mijopodcast.comAXELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelperez.png/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themijopodcastDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests. They do not reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any agency, or organization.