Comic Cristela Alonzo

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews comedian Cristela Alonzo about her life and comedy. Alonzo discusses growing up in poverty as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, her mother's bravery in leaving an abusive marriage, and the challenges of navigating a mixed-status family in a border town. She also shares how her experiences have shaped her comedy, which often explores themes of class, immigration, and identity. Alonzo talks about putting her dreams on hold to care for her family and how she eventually found her way to stand-up comedy. The conversation also touches on her activism and her desire to give a voice to marginalized communities.