Podcast 1: Mafer Rosero (14/04/2026)

Welcome to the Podcast

Introduction and Context

• The host welcomes Mafer to her first podcast, emphasizing that it will be recorded for YouTube but only they will view it. This sets a relaxed tone for the conversation.

• The host encourages Mafer to share her experiences as if speaking to an audience interested in learning from her, creating a supportive environment.

Discussion on Recent Experiences

• Mafer reflects on her past week, highlighting positive interactions with team members regarding new strategic plans for their company starting in May. She values these connections and discussions.

• The downside of her week was the lengthy travel time involving two flights (Pasto to Bogotá and then Bogotá to Buenos Aires), totaling nearly 14 hours, which she found exhausting.

Travel Experiences and Preferences

Travel Insights

• Mafer shares that this trip marks her fifth or fourth visit to Buenos Aires, recalling her first trip before the pandemic around 2018 or 2019 with friends while working at Seuros Fala. She emphasizes that work often drives her travels now.

• After getting married and having a child, she notes that traveling has become more challenging but still expresses a desire to explore the world further. Her favorite countries include Mexico for its culture and food, as well as Turkey for similar reasons.

Cultural Appreciation

• Mafer describes Mexico as one of her favorite destinations due to its rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and favorable exchange rate compared to Colombian pesos. She appreciates how affordable it is for travelers from Colombia.

• Her admiration extends to Turkey where she has traveled twice; she loves its cuisine and unique places like Cappadocia, which left a lasting impression on her due to its stunning landscapes and cultural richness. Additionally, she mentions owning a Turkish shop in Pasto selling various items from Turkey after being inspired by her travels there.

Exploring Turkey: Travel Insights and Personal Reflections

The Experience of Traveling in Turkey

• The speaker shares positive experiences about traveling in Turkey, highlighting the quality of hotels and guides. They emphasize that being a guide in Turkey is a respected profession requiring university education.

• The speaker visited several cities including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Ankara (the capital), Antalya, and Fethiye. They mention engaging activities like paragliding.

• Their trip lasted almost 15 to 20 days with daily travels to different cities. This extensive travel was part of their effort to evaluate tour circuits for customers.

• Before selling tours, the speaker personally experienced the circuits to assess quality regarding hotels, guides, food, and overall experience.

Transitioning into Motherhood

• The conversation shifts to motherhood as the speaker reflects on how having children has transformed their life perspective. They describe their children as central to their universe.

• The speaker mentions that both Emilion and Antonia were planned children. They express happiness about becoming a mother despite acknowledging significant life changes.

• Discussing the transition into motherhood, they recall a calm pregnancy experience but recognize that many aspects of life have changed since then.

Perspectives on Parenting

• The speaker emphasizes that while parenting changes one's lifestyle significantly, it is not inherently good or bad; it's simply different from previous experiences.

• A suggestion is made to focus solely on English during discussions for better expression and clarity in communication.

• The importance of feeling open to share personal experiences is highlighted. It’s noted that this conversation serves as a safe space for self-expression without external judgment.

Advice for Future Parents

• The speaker acknowledges understanding the difference between pre-parenthood expectations versus post-parenthood realities based on shared information from various sources like family and friends.

• They recommend trusting one’s instincts when raising children rather than strictly adhering to advice from others.

• Emphasizing flexibility in parenting approaches, they note that babies come with blank slates (or "white brains"), allowing parents freedom in shaping their upbringing without preconceived notions or customs dictating choices.

Parenting Insights and Experiences

Initial Advice for New Parents

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts regarding parenting decisions, suggesting that not all advice is necessary if it doesn't resonate with the parent's feelings.

• A key piece of advice is to remain calm and breathe when faced with challenges in parenting, indicating that stress management is crucial.

• Enjoying the fleeting moments of babyhood is highlighted as essential; these early years pass quickly, and parents should cherish their time with their children.

The Role of a Parent

• The moment a child first calls a parent "daddy" signifies a profound change in life, marking the parent as a hero in the child's eyes.

• Parents serve as role models for their children; everything they do sets an example, both positive and negative. This underscores the responsibility parents have in shaping their child's behavior.

Sharing Responsibilities

• It’s important for both parents to share duties related to childcare; parenting is not solely the mother's responsibility but should be a joint effort.

• New parents may experience sleep deprivation initially (around two hours per night), but this phase lasts only about one month, alleviating some concerns about long-term exhaustion.

Coping with Sleep Deprivation

• When caring for a newborn, it's vital to support each other; if one parent attends to the baby while the other rests, it helps manage fatigue better.

• Many new parents exaggerate how much sleep they lose during this period. In reality, there are opportunities to rest when babies sleep.

Understanding Baby's Needs

• Initially, new parents might struggle with understanding why their baby cries. This can lead to frustration until they learn their baby's cues over time.

• The challenge lies not just in sleeping less but also in deciphering what causes distress when babies cry unexpectedly. This learning curve can be daunting at first.

Transitioning into Parenthood

• After about a month of adjusting to life with a newborn, many parents begin to understand their baby's needs more clearly and develop routines around them.

• Establishing a new routine post-baby takes time; however, once settled into this new rhythm, daily life becomes more manageable despite initial disruptions.

Establishing a Baby Routine

Importance of a Baby Routine

• Establishing a routine for the baby is crucial, as it helps in creating predictability and structure in their daily activities.

• A consistent routine allows parents to utilize their free time effectively, knowing when the baby will sleep or need attention.

• With a set schedule, parents can plan personal activities like haircuts or errands while the baby is napping.

Transitioning Between Languages

• The speaker emphasizes the benefit of explaining concepts first in Spanish to clarify thoughts before expressing them in English.

• This method aids in articulating ideas more clearly, making it easier to communicate complex thoughts in English.

Managing Sleep Patterns

• It’s noted that establishing a routine may take time; babies often have irregular sleep patterns initially.

• Parents are encouraged to implement routines gradually, even if the baby continues to wake at different times during the day.

Professional Guidance on Baby Care

Role of Professionals

• In Colombia, professionals assist new parents by teaching them about infant routines and care practices.

• These experts provide structured advice on managing naps and feeding schedules for newborns.

Parental Experience and Adjustments

• The speaker reflects on preparing for parenthood while balancing work commitments and family life.

• Maternity leave policies allow for extended time off (up to five months), enabling parents to bond with their newborn without work distractions.

Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

Challenges of Re-entering Work Life

• Transitioning back into work after maternity leave can be emotionally challenging for parents due to separation from their child.

Working from Home Benefits

• The discussion highlights how working from home can ease this transition by allowing more time spent with children compared to traditional office settings.

Discussion on Work and Family Life

Balancing Work and Personal Life

• The speaker reflects on the challenges of working long hours but notes that recent changes have made it easier to manage work-life balance.

• There is a discussion about preparing for parenthood, indicating that the speaker feels they still have much to learn before having a baby.

Passion for Travel

• The conversation shifts to the speaker's passion for travel, highlighting their enjoyment in advising others on travel destinations.

• The speaker shares insights into optimal travel times for Europe, suggesting April to early June as ideal months due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Seasonal Travel Insights

• The speaker emphasizes that summer months (July and August) are less favorable for traveling in Europe due to high temperatures and large crowds.

• A comparison is made between travel seasons in Europe versus Mexico, noting that while European seasons are distinct, Mexico offers good weather year-round depending on the city.

Weather Considerations in Mexico

• The speaker warns against traveling to Cancun during hurricane season (late October and November), as it can lead to poor weather conditions.

• They mention plans for a Disney cruise in October, indicating an interest in Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas.

Concert Plans and Music Preferences

Upcoming Concert Plans

• The speaker expresses excitement about attending a concert by Bad Omens, a metal band from the US, scheduled for December in Mexico.

Musical Tastes

• A brief exchange reveals differing musical preferences; one enjoys heavy metal while another prefers Alejandro Sanz's music.

Celebrity Connections

• Discussion includes personal connections with celebrities; one participant mentions being fond of Alejandro Sanz’s girlfriend who is Peruvian.

Closing Thoughts

• As the conversation wraps up, there’s an indication of continuing discussions in future podcasts while switching back to Spanish.