Welcome to VNP
Chicago's Only Latine/x Queer-Hosted Podcast!
No Straight Lines.
Just Real Talk.
And you're invited.
Unfiltered conversations celebrating diverse voices: we laugh, break stereotypes, and dive into the unexpected moments that teach us lifelong lessons - one episode at a time.
Your co-hosts Alicia & Dee
The Valuable Nonsense Podcast (VNP) Crew

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Our Vision: Amplifying Voices, Celebrating Community
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We like to think that VNP isn’t just a podcast - it’s the pulse of stories that shape our city. As Chicago’s only Latine/x queer-hosted platforms, we create spaces where stories that have long been overlooked are celebrated, shared, and heard. From honoring the queer Latine/x trailblazers who came before us to building a home for today’s vibrant community, we’re bringing people together through authentic connection, culture, and joy.
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At the same time, we take the heart of Chicago on the road. VNP highlights women-owned, queer women-owned, and queer Latine/x-owned businesses, neighborhood stories, and the people who make our diverse communities thrive. Through these conversations, we connect audiences and brands in a way that feels real, human, and unforgettable.
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Whether it’s our launch party, a celebration of varied identities and resilience, or a feature on your business, we curate meaningful experiences that amplify voices, celebrate culture, and build community.
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Want us to put your business or story in the spotlight? We record on location, or virtually if needed, share your story, and highlight what makes you and your business unique.
Nominate yourself or another she-preneur at the Powered by Her link below - we’d love to feature you or someone you know on the podcast!

The Friendship Rewrite

Once upon a time (aka high school @NDHS), these two girls were not enemies… but let’s be clear - they were definitely not friends.
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Think: polite hallway nods. Strategic eye contact avoidance. Knowing each other’s names only because someone else said them out loud. That kind of relationship.​ One thought the other was “too much.” The other thought the first was “deeply allergic to fun.” And honestly? Both assessments were accurate.
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Fast-forward 10 years.
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Life does its thing. Personalities marinate. Trauma enters everyone's life. And somehow - against all logic - they cross paths again.​ This time, instead of silent judgment, they talk. Like… actually talk.​ Suddenly it’s: “Oh wait… you’re funny.” ---> “Oh WAIT… you’re unhinged, but in a comforting way.”
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What started as a casual catch-up spirals into hours of laughing, trauma-bonding, and asking, “Why weren’t we friends back then?”
(Answer: “Oh wait. You were annoying.” —both laugh, because...growth.)
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Now?
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They’re the kind of friends who finish each other’s sentences, know exactly when to text “Are you free? I need to unpack something,” and have officially gone from mild high-school disdain to chosen family.
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Consider this podcast living proof that sometimes the universe waits until you’re both less annoying before introducing you properly.​ Welcome to our corner of real talk, zero BS, and a whole lot of wisdom we lovingly refer to as nonsense.​ Because if we took ourselves too seriously… this podcast wouldn’t exist!
​Meet the Crew
Get to know the creative minds behind VNP.

Co-Host & Co-Founder of VNP
Dr. Alicia C. Figueroa
Chi-Town bred and fueled by Boricua fire, Alicia is a first-gen doc who doesn’t do sugarcoating, because...honesty saves time, and time shouldn't be wasted. She holds a PhD in Gerontology and EdD in Higher Education. Her research and subject-matter expertise spans queer aging, sense of belonging, adult learning, and paralegal studies. She loves 90s hip-hop and Chicago House music. Friendships resemble rare vinyl records: nostalgic, mildly scratched, and promptly returned if the effort isn’t mutual. Life, to her, is like trying to type a novel on a typewriter while riding a rollercoaster: chaotic, jumbled, but strangely exhilarating. Sarcastic, witty, and blunt by default, she navigates life defying epilepsy and proving that destiny answers to no one but You. She runs on café con ron...yes, she needs balance. This Aries finds intellect sexy and thrives on newness and manners, so "keep it real and don't act brand new" or the novelty will wear off and she gone!

Co-Host & Co-Founder of VNP
Doris (aka Dee) Luna
A proud Chicago native, Doris was born and raised to Colombian immigrants. She is rooted deeply in her culture, family, and community. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2001, she didn't just adapt, she rose and turned her journey into purpose and challenges into strength. A true believer that obstacles are here to build us, even when they try us, Doris approaches everything with humor, love, and support. Because sometimes laughter is medicine and love a part of healing. As an MS advocate, she is dedicated to raising awareness, uplifting others, and reminding people they are never alone in their fight. Dee infuses her work and life with resilience and warmth, proving that strength can still smile.
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Connect with Us!
For collaborations, sponsorships, business features, and other inquiries, reach out to us via social media, email or phone.


















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