Momma Braga Unfiltered is an extension of Momma Braga’s beloved Inspiring Corner, offering a fresh, open space for people to share their stories in their own voice. Through honest conversations, we aim to spark inspiration, empowerment, and connection for all who listen.
Season 2
Join host Melanie Braga on Momma Braga Unfiltered for an inspiring conversation with Marissa, the visionary founder of Maker Market Collective—a vibrant hub in Port Credit, Mississauga that empowers local makers and celebrates creativity. Discover how Marissa transformed a spark of an idea during the pandemic into a thriving retail space featuring over 70 local vendors. Hear her insights on community collaboration, flexibility in small business, and staying human in the entrepreneurial grind. From creative origins to community impact and future dreams like workshops and youth creativity programs—this interview is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose.
📍 Location: Maker Market Collective, 113 Lakeshore Rd East, Port Credit, Mississauga
Join Melanie Braga for a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation with Devin Meireles—writer, storyteller, and cultural advocate—on Mama Brega Unfiltered. In this powerful episode, Devin shares how exploring his Portuguese-Azorean roots shaped his identity, inspired his writing, and led to his latest book, The Scars Saudade Wrote. Devin opens up about reconnecting with family traditions, embracing cultural pride, the creative power of authenticity, and breaking the silence around infertility—a topic rarely discussed openly in the Portuguese community. His journey of vulnerability and growth offers hope, connection, and lessons on honoring where we come from while creating who we are.
In this heartfelt episode of Momma Braga Unfiltered, host Melanie Braga sits down with the inspiring duo Dr. Lakeisha Culpepper and Derrick Culpepper — the powerhouse couple behind Active Dads Rule and the viral “Super Dad” video seen by over 50 million viewers worldwide. Together, they share how one simple moment of love — Derrick combing his daughter’s hair — turned into a global movement redefining fatherhood. From their humble beginnings to mentoring through faith, leadership, and laughter, the Culpeppers open up about parenting, resilience, and breaking generational cycles to build stronger, more intentional families.
In Part 2 of this heartwarming Momma Braga Unfiltered interview, host Melanie Braga reunites with the unstoppable duo Dr. Lakisha Culpepper and Derrick Culpepper — the powerhouse couple behind Active Dads Rule.
This continuation dives even deeper into their shared mission of faith, family, and service — and how they’ve built a marriage rooted in communication, grace, and growth. From balancing love and leadership to raising children with heart and purpose, the Culpeppers unpack what truly keeps their relationship strong after 25 years.
In this episode of Momma Braga Unfiltered, Melanie Braga sits down with JCT — the Luzo King — for a powerful, heart-filled conversation about music, identity, and perseverance.
Discover how this Luso-Canadian artist and producer has built his own musical universe, blending Portuguese soul with global urban energy. From performing with an accordion at age 9 to creating chart-moving anthems and producing independently under his brand JC7, JCT opens up about his creative process, his Azorean roots, and how he’s redefining success on his own terms.
Coming soon…June 2
Coming soon…June 9
Coming soon…June 16
Season 1
Steven Spice is a remarkable young man whose strength and spirit continue to inspire everyone who meets him. Living with Chiari Malformation, a rare brain disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord, Steven has faced intense challenges – including neurological symptoms and multiple surgeries – yet he continues to advocate, educate and shine with resilience. It’s been four years since Steven last joined us on Momma Braga, making this long-overdue conversation even more meaningful. We’re honoured to welcome him as the very first guest as Momma Braga Unfiltered – a perfect full-circle moment for a true warrior.
A powerful episode of Momma Braga Unfiltered as we flip the script with Steve Melo (Ben Fate of Comedy Portuguese) to talk about the realities of Type 1 Diabetes in children. Honest, insightful and truly eye-opening. Tune in and join the conversation.
In this lively episode, we chat with Hugo Brito, the brillant mind behind the iconic Vavo Brito. We dive into Carnival traditions, the importance of attending comedy shows with an open mind, embracing cultural humour and the role of mental health in creative work. It’s heartfelt, hilariuos and full of cultural pride.
A warm, funny, and culture-filled conversation with The Portugeek, where we give into Portuguese heritage, parenting, creativity, Disney, anime love and his new book The Assignment. It’s nostalgic, geeky, heartfelt and full of laughs – a true celebration of community and identity.
In this episode of Momma Braga Unfiltered, we sit down with Portuguese-American creator and cookbook author David Rodrigues to talk food, culture, family, and the power of staying authentic. From viral comedy to preserving traditions for the next generation, David shares his journey, his cookbooks, and his mission to uplift the Portuguese community. A warm, funny, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.
This episode is wild, honest, and full of laughs. I sit down with unapologetic comedian Joe Botelho to talk comedy, family life, raising kids (including a daughter with special needs), anime, superheroes, and everything in between. I even spill a few Momma Braga secrets… and yes, the bloopers are priceless. If you love real talk with heart and humour, you’re in the right place.
Get ready for an inspiring and heartwarming episode of Momma Braga Unfiltered as Melanie Braga sits down with her best friend and The Baby Spot founder, Grace Cross!
Together, they dive into the global pulse of modern parenting — from breaking taboos around miscarriage and mental health to celebrating cultural diversity, family structures, and the beauty of imperfect parenting. Discover the latest 2026 parenting trends, from nostalgic 90s throwbacks to the return of traditional play and the rise of mindful, self-compassionate parenting.
Grace also shares powerful insights on the future of family wellness, community, and the importance of raising children with empathy and authenticity. Tune in for laughter, real talk, and a celebration of parents everywhere — because every story matters, and every parent belongs.
Get ready for one of the most honest, emotional, and inspiring conversations you’ll hear this year. Melanie Braga sits down with Steve “FingaStylz,” creator of Da Podcast, to uncover the real story behind the mic—his Portuguese roots, childhood resilience, self‑made journey back to Canada with just $300, and the love that rebuilt his life. From wrestling lessons to healing through family (and cats), Steve opens up like never before. If you love raw storytelling, cultural pride, and the heart behind creative hustle, this episode is a must‑watch.
