Momma Braga Unfiltered was born from a place of truth – a desire to create a space where lived experiences could be shared without judgement, without filters, and with an open heart.
Season 1 became a tapestry of courage, culture, resilience, and connection. Each guest brough a story that reminded us of the power of community and the beauty of being human.
Episode One: Warrior Spirit – My Conversation with Steven Spice
Kicking off Season 1 with Steven Spice was a gift I didn’t know I needed. Sitting across from someone who has walked through fire and still chooses light reminded me why I created Momma Braga Unfiltered in the first place. Steven’s honesty, vulnerability, and quiet strength set the tone for the entire season.
As he shared his journey—marked by hardship, healing, and a fierce commitment to growth—I found myself learning right alongside him. His story reaffirmed that resilience isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something we build. That speaking our truth, even when it shakes us, can be the very thing that sets us free. And that community, compassion, and connection matter more than we often admit.
What I carried with me from this episode was simple but powerful: We all have a warrior within us. Sometimes we just need someone brave enough to speak first so we can find our own voice.
Steven did that. And I’m grateful he chose our platform to share a piece of it.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Two: A Father’s Fight – My Conversation with Steve Melo
My conversation with Steve Melo—known to many as the hilarious Ben Fate—revealed a side of him that most never see. Behind the comedy is a father carrying a weight that would break many, yet he continues to show up with love, grit, and unwavering devotion.
Listening to Steve share the story of raising two sons with Type 1 diabetes was both heartbreaking and humbling. He walked me through the terrifying night his eldest fell into a diabetic coma during the pandemic, the signs they didn’t recognize, and the moment everything changed. When his second son was later diagnosed, the family faced the journey again—this time with knowledge, but still with fear.
What struck me most was the honesty in his exhaustion and the strength in his hope. The sleepless nights, the constant monitoring, the carb counting, the emotional toll—it’s a reality few understand. Yet Steve continues to find purpose in the chaos, whether through advocacy, creating tools to help other parents, or using humor as a lifeline.
What I learned from Steve was profound: Parenting through crisis isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about doing the best you can with what you have, even when you’re scared, tired, or unsure.
His love for his boys is fierce. His resilience is inspiring. And his story reminded me that behind every diagnosis is a family fighting with everything they’ve got.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Three: Culture, Comedy & Heart – My Conversation with Hugo Brito
My time with Hugo Brito was pure joy. Sitting with the man behind Brito Comedy and the iconic Vavó Brito felt like catching up with a cousin who makes you laugh until your stomach hurts—then surprises you with a moment of truth that stays with you long after.
What moved me most was hearing Hugo talk about performing at Carnaval da Terceira in the Azores. This wasn’t just a show for him—it was a homecoming. A dream fulfilled. A chance to stand on the same stage his parents once did and reconnect with the traditions that shaped him. Listening to him describe the festival’s energy, the music, the theatre, the community pride—I felt the heartbeat of our culture in every word.
Hugo also opened up about his evolution as an artist, from his pro‑wrestling days as “The Azorean Adonis” to becoming a comedian who bridges two worlds: Portuguese and North American. What I learned is that he doesn’t have to choose between them. Vavó Brito and English stand‑up aren’t competing identities—they’re both parts of who he is, and together they make his voice even stronger.
Our conversation naturally drifted into the importance of keeping our language and traditions alive for the next generation. Hugo’s comedy does more than entertain—it preserves, celebrates, and connects. And beneath the laughter, he spoke honestly about mental health, creative freedom, and the beauty of doing what you love without pressure.
What I carried with me from this episode was simple: Authenticity is powerful. Culture is grounding. And joy is a form of resilience.
Hugo is a man rooted in family, fueled by gratitude, and guided by the desire to make people laugh while honouring where he came from. And yes—his dream of a Vavó Brito movie? I believe it’s only a matter of time.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Four: Identity, Creativity & Culture – My Conversation with The Portugeek
My conversation with Alex Duarte—The Portugeek himself—felt like sitting with someone who understands the beauty of being proudly Portuguese and unapologetically geeky. What I loved most was how naturally he blended both worlds, showing that identity isn’t something we choose between; it’s something we carry with pride.
Hearing Alex talk about being bullied as a kid for loving the things that made him unique struck a chord with me. To see him now—creating props, cosplaying, writing, and building a community around authenticity—was a reminder of how powerful it is to reclaim the parts of ourselves we once hid. His transformation from “The Sunkist Shark” car enthusiast to The Portugeek wasn’t just a rebrand; it was a homecoming to who he truly is.
We bonded over our shared experiences growing up Portuguese in Canada—folklore dancing, church bands, community halls, and the bittersweet reality of watching our cultural spaces shrink. Alex spoke beautifully about raising his two teenage daughters, teaching them to embrace their heritage while encouraging them to be their own people. There was so much love, humour, and honesty in the way he described fatherhood.
And then there was the fun side—Disney marathons, Demon Slayer cosplay, anime obsessions, and the joy of fandoms that bring families together. When he talked about his debut novel, The Assignment, born from a vivid dream and now sitting on shelves across major retailers, I couldn’t help but feel proud of him. His creativity has no limits.
What I learned from Alex was simple: There is power in embracing every part of who you are—your culture, your passions, your quirks, your story.
He reminded me that nostalgia is a gift, creativity is healing, and being a “geek” for what you love is something to celebrate, not hide.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Five: Food, Culture & Heart – My Conversation with David Rodrigues
My conversation with David Rodrigues was a beautiful reminder of how culture, creativity, and community can come together in the most unexpected ways. What started for him as a moment of boredom has grown into a movement—one that celebrates Portuguese identity through food, humour, and storytelling. Sitting with David, I could feel how deeply he loves our culture and how intentionally he shares it with the world.
Hearing him talk about reimagining traditional recipes with a modern twist made me appreciate the artistry behind his content even more. What looks effortless on screen is actually hours of planning, filming, editing, and voiceovers—all done with heart. And when he spoke about involving his two sons in his videos, teaching them Portuguese through cooking and play, it reminded me how powerful it is to pass down our traditions in ways that feel joyful and natural.
We explored everything from his bilingual colouring book to his two cookbooks featuring 100 authentic recipes, each one preserving the flavours and memories of our heritage. His “I’m So Portuguese” series had us laughing, but also reflecting on the shared experiences that connect the Portuguese diaspora across generations.
What stayed with me most was David’s humility. Despite his success, he remains grounded—lifting up small businesses, supporting other creators, and staying true to the values his parents instilled in him. You can hear the pride in his voice when he talks about them, especially his mother, who has become a fan favourite in her own right.
What I learned from David was this: Culture is meant to be lived, shared, and celebrated—and when you lead with authenticity, everything else falls into place.
He left me inspired to cook, create, and honour the traditions that shaped us, knowing that every recipe and every story carries a piece of our legacy forward.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Six: Raw, Real and Unpologetic – My Conversation with Joe Botelho
Joe Botelho was raw, honest, and full of heart. Behind his unapologetic, dirty comedy, I met a devoted father and hardworking provider carrying an incredible amount on his shoulders. Hearing him speak about raising a daughter with multiple special needs — autism, epilepsy, and a rare genetic disorder — reminded me of the strength, love, and resilience that so many parents quietly live every day.
Joe opened up about juggling a full‑time job, family responsibilities, and an 11‑year comedy career that thrives on authenticity and crowd work. His commitment to being real, even when it gets him banned from shows, showed me how much courage it takes to stand on stage as your true self.
We also explored his complicated relationship with culture, and the humour he pulls from those experiences. What touched me most was the unity within his family — his wife, his son, and his daughter — all supporting him through the chaos, challenges, and laughter.
This interview reminded me that behind every comic is a human story shaped by love, struggle, identity, and grit. Joe’s honesty and humour left me inspired by the way he keeps showing up — for his family, for his craft, and for himself.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Seven: From Grief to Global Connection – My Conversation with Grace Cross from The Baby Spot
Speaking with Grace reminded me why I love creating spaces where parents can be honest, vulnerable, and celebrated. Hearing how The Baby Spot grew into a global community showed me the power of storytelling—how families around the world are more connected than we think.
Grace’s openness about miscarriage, stillbirth, and her ectopic pregnancy taught me how essential it is to keep breaking the silence around grief. I was especially moved by her reminder that fathers need support too, and that their emotional experiences are often overlooked.
Our discussion on global parenting trends reinforced something I’ve been feeling in my own work: parents are craving simplicity, cultural connection, and permission to be “good enough.” I loved exploring how traditions, recipes, and heritage are becoming anchors for families, and how imagination is making a comeback over tech-heavy toys.
What stayed with me most was Grace’s vision for the future—one where mental wellness, community, and authenticity guide how we raise our children. It reminded me that presence matters more than perfection, and that every family deserves to feel seen and included.
This conversation left me inspired, grounded, and grateful for the global parenting community we’re all building together.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Episode Eight: The Hustle, The Heart, The Humanity — My Conversation With Steve of Da Podcast
My conversation with Steve (FingaStylz) was one of the most emotional and eye‑opening moments of the season. Sitting with him, I didn’t just meet a podcaster who has shown up every week for nine years — I met the resilient, thoughtful, deeply human soul behind the mic.
Hearing Steve talk about growing up in a Portuguese household in Toronto reminded me of how powerful culture and food can be in shaping who we become. His love for Portuguese cuisine, especially the dishes tied to his late mother, spoke to that universal longing for home and connection.
What moved me most was his honesty about caring for his mother from such a young age. Listening to him describe becoming her translator, her helper, her strength — all before he was even old enough to understand the weight he was carrying — taught me so much about resilience, empathy, and the quiet ways children learn to survive. His reflections on family distance, loss, and the painful narratives placed on him were heartbreaking, yet he shared them with grace and even humour.
I learned how wrestling and video games weren’t just hobbies for him — they were teachers, escape routes, and eventually the creative spark that led to Da Podcast. And when he spoke about leaving Portugal at 18 with only $300, determined to build a life on his own terms, I felt the full force of his courage.
But the moment that stayed with me was when he talked about his wife — the person who finally gave him the unconditional love, stability, and sense of home he had been searching for his entire life. Their little family, complete with two Maine Coon cats, is a testament to the idea that family is built through love, not blood.
This interview reminded me why I created Momma Braga Unfiltered: to honour the stories that shape us, the pain that strengthens us, and the humanity that connects us. Steve’s journey is a powerful example of turning hardship into purpose, and I walked away inspired by his heart, his humour, and his unwavering authenticity.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Momma Braga Final Reflection
Season 1 taught me that when we speak from the heart, we create ripples. We empower. We inspire. We heal. And this is only the beginning. A special heartfelt thank you to each of my guests from Season 1 for the honour and opportunity to amplify their voice and share a piece of them with the world.
Season 2 is coming soon – with even more heart, more lived experiences and more unfiltered conversations. Make sure to subscribe to our channel to not miss a single episode or to rewatch the stories from Season 1.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
