SEASON TWO

Halito and salams, y’all!

I’m Assata Dela Cruz—single mom, community organizer, entrepreneur and your resident elder emo.  For so long, I was stuck chasing the perfect outcome, missing the magic in the mess.  But let me tell y’all, two years ago, God humbled me HARD with the biggest reality check.

Now? I’m learning to find beauty in the chaos, those dirt under my fingernails moments.  That’s what Watching the Bloom is all about - embracing growth, one petal at a time.

So, hit that subscribe button on your platform of choice and join me each week as we dig deep, grow together and bloom beautifully.

Mess and all..

motive and mayhem

In these episodes Megan and I take you beyond the headlines. With a keen analytical lens, we unravel the complexities of true crime cases, dissecting not only the facts but also the societal implications surrounding them.

In each episode, we examine cases through a multifaceted perspective—exploring the media's portrayal, systemic injustices and the broader implications on communities. With a focus on social justice and abolitionist principles, the Motive and Mayhem episodes challenge conventional narratives, delving into the root causes of crime and advocating for transformative solutions.

Join us for insightful discussions, thought-provoking critiques and a commitment to uncovering the truths that lie beneath the surface.

This is true crime reimagined.

EPISODES:

Luigi Mangione: Media, Race & the Making of a Terror Narrative (1.3.25)
SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

reali-tea spill

Welcome to Reali-tea Spill, where community organizers by day and Bravo addicts by night bring you the ultimate escape into the world of reality TV. Andrea and I know how to balance the grind of activism with the guilty pleasure of binging our favorite shows and we’re here to spill all the tea!

From dramatic dinner parties to over-the-top confessionals, in these episodes, Andrea and I break down the juiciest moments, messiest feuds and most iconic reality TV antics. With humor, heart and a dash of shade, we dive into everything Bravo and beyond, offering sharp insights and plenty of laughs along the way.

Grab your mocktail of choice, settle in and get ready to kiki with us—because the reality tea is always piping hot!

MY CHEMICAL MOMANCE

In these My Chemical Momance episodes my elder emo bestfriend and I relive our angsty glory days and explore the deep bond we’ve shared with music - from teenage rebellion to the chaos of modern motherhood.

Join Sarah and I as we dive into the soundtracks of our lives, dissecting the songs that shaped us, the bands that saved us and the lyrics that still hit differently. Whether we’re reminiscing about mosh pits or singing lullabies with emo vibes, one thing’s for sure: it wasn’t a phase, Mom.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, nostalgic throwbacks and a celebration of the music that keeps us forever emo at heart.

FRESH PETALS FROM THE GARDEN

Each episode I’ll be joined by inspiring guests from all walks of life—artists, activists, entrepreneurs and fellow seekers—who share their own stories of growth, resilience and transformation.

Together, we’ll explore how the messy parts of life often create the most beautiful blooms.

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, whatever, and join the conversation as we dig deep, grow together and bloom beautifully. Mess and all.

SEASON ONE EPISODES

In case you missed it or just want to give them another listen, here are all of the episodes from season one of Watching The Bloom.

  • Watching The Bloom: The Beginning

  • Intentionality and Discernment in Friendship During Motherhood

  • The Healing Energy of the Jingle Dress: Nurturing the Next Generation

  • Running For Office: Creating Change and Staying Genuine

  • Music as a Lifeline: The Resurgence of Emo

  • The Rise & Fall of Band Aid Records

  • Decolonizing Mental Health Practices

  • DELAY, DEPOSE, DENY

  • Luigi Mangione Deep Dive: The Facts

  • The Road to Fascism: Lessons From The Mangione Case

  • Encore: Music, Motherhood and the Magic of Live Shows