It takes strength to be a woman in 2024. But it must’ve taken something more like moxie to be an immigrant female in the 1970’s. This photo was taken at my birthday party. If you squint, you can see a mariachi band playing a Vicente Fernández song behind my great aunt Rachael and myself. This day kicked off filming for the first episode of a reality TV series called “Unshakable Moxie.” Before it premieres on February 13, 2024 I want you to hear straight from me that this has been one of my favorite projects I’ve ever been a part of. This series created a space for my cohost Toni and I to interview some of the most radiant and resilient women across the country. Their influence in the arts, politics, medical field, and the general raising of humankind have inspired me, to say the least.

Although we met with six phenomenal women, there are countless more in my life that have taught me about perseverance and power. One of them being great aunt Rachael. She taught herself an entire language, put herself through school, became a math teacher, and was kind enough to let me borrow this handmade Mexican vestido (dress) that she wore as a teenager. I can’t wait for you to glean as much wisdom from this series as I did. Thank you to the women that have not only forged a way before us, but also graciously hold the door open as we follow in their footsteps.

How can I describe the sound of this new record? I’d call it a bridge. I’ve always been passionate about highlighting the commonality between two seemingly different worlds. As my producer and I entered that focused phase of writing in studio with some of our favorite songwriters in Nashville and L.A., we shared some of our early demos with a mariachi arranger in El Paso, Texas. His response was this, “Country is the folk of America. Mariachi is the folk of Mexico. You’ve found the bridge.” And the bridge isn’t as long as you might think! From as early as I can remember, every family party, quinceañera and anniversary celebration featured a beautiful blend of country songs, tejano, regional Mexican and classic mariachi band music. I can’t wait to share this history and heritage with you. Come, join my family and know that you are welcome to take part in a culture that is marked by hospitality, humility and dancing. In the words of my grandfather, “La música no tiene fronteras” which means “music has no borders.”

Dusty. Barren. Wasteland. Tumbleweeds. These are not words you’d typically associate with Christmas but it’s exactly what I just experienced in America’s largest border town. El Paso is right on the line of Juarez, Mexico and Texas. I grew up coming here for weeks at a time from the time I was born. Heck, while I was in the womb I was likely already sharing abdomen space with tamales and listening to Vicente Fernandez at a cousin’s quinceañera (15th birthday). My grandparents immigrated to this beautifully desolate city in their 20’s and my mom was born and raised here. TexMex to her core.

When we asked her where she wanted to spend Christmas this year, I didn’t expect such a clear and abrupt answer. She’s a quiet woman, like her dad. Very smart and very meek. Always nervous about drawing too much attention to herself. But she can’t help it. She’s so beautiful, people just want to stare. “I want to be with my dad this year.” It was grandpa’s first holiday without his beloved wife, Irene Castillo.

We all supported her hope, packed our bags and unwrapped Christmas gifts, and took the flights to get to the end of the edge of this country. I’m glad we did. It was just the family game nights, shooting clay pigeons in the desert or the best store bought menudo you’ll find in this region. It was being with people who revered, loved and admired Grandma Irene. Like a fan club that had just memorialized their lead singer. Grandma was a movie star to us all. Like a diamond in the dust. We’re all going to spend the rest of our lives trying to be just like her. Maybe that’s why I’m wearing this sparkling cowgirl hat behind her old trailer in the middle of nowhere.

I hope your Christmas was as merry and bright as mine was.