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Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Cristo Fernández on Joy, Teamwork, and Trying Again
You may know Cristo Fernandez as Danny Rojas from Ted Lasso, but this conversation reaches far beyond one beloved role.
In this episode, Cristo talks with Tricia about dreaming big, trying again after failure, staying generous, and remembering that we all have something powerful to bring to the table. From his early life in Guadalajara to his years in football, acting, storytelling, and now children's books, Cristo reflects on the people, setbacks, and second chances that shaped his path.
For educators and school leaders, this conversation is a reminder that culture is built in small choices: choosing curiosity over judgment, teamwork over ego, and generosity over individual shine. Cristo speaks with care about the lessons he learned from family, sport, collaboration, and Ted Lasso, including the simple but demanding idea that being kind is cool.
He also shares why failure does not have to mean the end of a dream. Injuries shifted his path away from professional football, but storytelling brought him back to the game in a new way. His story invites listeners to think differently about what success looks like, especially for young people who may be navigating setbacks, uncertainty, or pressure to choose only one version of themselves.
This episode is for anyone working to build school communities where people feel seen, encouraged, and brave enough to try again.
In this episode, we explore:
How Cristo's family shaped his belief in generosity and giving back
Why "being kind is cool" still matters in schools, teams, and creative work
What football taught him about humility, teamwork, and resilience
How failure, injury, and rejection can become part of a larger story
Why Danny Rojas remains a reminder to return to joy
How collaboration asks us to stay open, curious, and willing to learn
What children can teach adults about imagination, courage, and possibility
Why embracing who you are may be one of the strongest "superpowers" we have
For educators, this conversation offers a useful question to carry into the school year: how do we help young people dream big without making them feel like failure closes the door? Cristo's answer is generous and practical. Stay curious. Keep learning. Help others shine. Try again.
Learn more about his new book:
https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/futbol-is-life-futbol-es-vida-9798225012274.html
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By Tricia Friedman
5
1111 ratings
You may know Cristo Fernandez as Danny Rojas from Ted Lasso, but this conversation reaches far beyond one beloved role.
In this episode, Cristo talks with Tricia about dreaming big, trying again after failure, staying generous, and remembering that we all have something powerful to bring to the table. From his early life in Guadalajara to his years in football, acting, storytelling, and now children's books, Cristo reflects on the people, setbacks, and second chances that shaped his path.
For educators and school leaders, this conversation is a reminder that culture is built in small choices: choosing curiosity over judgment, teamwork over ego, and generosity over individual shine. Cristo speaks with care about the lessons he learned from family, sport, collaboration, and Ted Lasso, including the simple but demanding idea that being kind is cool.
He also shares why failure does not have to mean the end of a dream. Injuries shifted his path away from professional football, but storytelling brought him back to the game in a new way. His story invites listeners to think differently about what success looks like, especially for young people who may be navigating setbacks, uncertainty, or pressure to choose only one version of themselves.
This episode is for anyone working to build school communities where people feel seen, encouraged, and brave enough to try again.
In this episode, we explore:
How Cristo's family shaped his belief in generosity and giving back
Why "being kind is cool" still matters in schools, teams, and creative work
What football taught him about humility, teamwork, and resilience
How failure, injury, and rejection can become part of a larger story
Why Danny Rojas remains a reminder to return to joy
How collaboration asks us to stay open, curious, and willing to learn
What children can teach adults about imagination, courage, and possibility
Why embracing who you are may be one of the strongest "superpowers" we have
For educators, this conversation offers a useful question to carry into the school year: how do we help young people dream big without making them feel like failure closes the door? Cristo's answer is generous and practical. Stay curious. Keep learning. Help others shine. Try again.
Learn more about his new book:
https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/futbol-is-life-futbol-es-vida-9798225012274.html