In this episode of From the Fire Escape Podcast, hosts Taina Carrero and Iris la Blanca take you back to the 1980s South Bronx—a time of struggle, survival, and unstoppable hustle.

Amidst economic decline, factory closures, and the crack epidemic, families had to find creative ways to make ends meet. From side hustles and government cheese to community-driven resilience, we explore how hard work, sacrifice, and determination kept the Bronx alive.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The financial realities of Bronx families in the ‘80s
• How multiple jobs, side gigs, and playing the numbers kept households afloat
• The power of community: sharing food, childcare, and resources
• The rise of grassroots organizations that rebuilt the Bronx
• A personal journey of overcoming hardship, hustling for education, and defying the odds

This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a testament to resilience and a reminder that the hustle never stops. Whether you’re working multiple jobs, building a business, or chasing a dream, this episode motivates you to keep pushing forward.

🎧 Plus! We share must-read book recommendations for entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and success.

Tune in now and get inspired! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on socials for more Bronx stories and real talk.

📚 Book Recommendations from this Episode:

• The South Bronx Rising: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of an American City” (3rd Edition)– Jill Jonnes
• Rich Dad Poor Dad” – Robert Kiyosaki
• Think and Grow Rich” – Napoleon Hill
• Atomic Habits” – James Clear
• The Wealth Money Can’t Buy– Robin Sharma.

Community groups discussed in this episode:

https://www.sebcodevelopment.org/about/

https://mbdhousing.org

https://www.bkcianyc.org

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthefireescape.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@from.the.fire.escape

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromtheFireEscape

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Fromthefireescapepod@gmail.com

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Episode 3: "Journey to Orchard Beach"

For many Bronx kids, a trip to Orchard Beach wasn’t just a day in the sun—it was an escape, a celebration, and a rite of passage. In this episode of From the Fire Escape Podcast, hosts Taina Carrero and Iris la Blanca take you on a nostalgic journey to the Bronx’s beloved “Playa.”

From packed family outings with coolers full of arroz con pollo to blasting freestyle music on boomboxes, they reminisce about the sights, sounds, and energy that made Orchard Beach a summer sanctuary. But beyond the fun, they reflect on what these trips represented—joy in the midst of struggle, a community coming together, and the simple moments that made childhood unforgettable.

🎧 Tune in for stories of summer adventures, resilience, and the magic of making the best out of what you have. Because sometimes, the best getaways are right in your own backyard

📚 Book Recommendations from this Episode:

• The Bronx Nobody Knows by William B. Helmreich
• Yes Yes Y’all: Oral History of Hip-Hop’s First Decade by Jim Fricke & Charlie Ahearn
• Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

Follow us and stay connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthefireescape.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@from.the.fire.escape

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromtheFireEscape

Contact us:

Fromthefireescapepod@gmail.com

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Services offered by your hosts:

Travel savings and bookings: tgetaways.com

Real Estate Services (NY): tcarteam.com

Book publishing & Consultations irislablanca.com

B2B Consultations: adguys.io

Growing up in The Bronx in the 1980s wasn’t easy—crime was high, resources were limited, and families often struggled to make ends meet. But through it all, one thing remained strong: the community. In this episode of From the Fire Escape Podcast, hosts Taina Carrero and Iris la Blanca take a heartfelt look back at the tight-knit neighborhoods that raised them.

They share stories of how neighbors stepped in as second parents, how store owners looked out for local kids, and how a sense of shared responsibility kept families afloat. They also reflect on the role of the fire escape—not just as an emergency exit, but as a lifeline for connection, where neighbors sent messages, shared stories, and found support in one another.

Even when families had little, they still gave—sharing meals, tipping the grocery clerk, and making sure no one was left behind. This episode reminds us that true wealth isn’t measured in dollars but in the bonds we build and the kindness we show.

📚 Book Recommendations from this Episode:

• The Dancing Gangsters of the South Bronx by Willie "MB" Estrada
• Tuesdays with Morrie- Mitch Albom
• Power of Intention- Dr. Wayne Dyer
• Down These Mean Streets- Piri Thomas

Follow us and stay connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthefireescape.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@from.the.fire.escape

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromtheFireEscape

Contact us:

Fromthefireescapepod@gmail.com

Contact form

Services offered by your hosts:

Travel savings and bookings: tgetaways.com

Real Estate Services (NY): tcarteam.com

Book publishing & Consultations irislablanca.com

B2B Consultations: adguys.io