Other People's Shoes

Which would you rather indulge in, lemons or tamales? I feel like it's a pretty easy choice, right? Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect it. Sometimes, it feels like all we have are lemons—sour, bitter, and hard to swallow. But what if, instead of making lemonade, we made something heartier, something rich with culture, love, and perseverance—like tamales? In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Alvarez, a woman whose life is a testament to resilience, hustle, and the power of staying true to oneself. From a young age, Leslie learned the value of hard work and determination. Whether it was selling homemade oatmeal cookies to buy a bike or making tamales to support her family, she embraced the philosophy: “Where there is a will, there is always a way.” This mantra has carried her through some of life’s toughest moments. Leslie’s journey is one of incredible highs and devastating lows—financial struggles, relationship breakdowns, health crises, and career setbacks. She has faced them