This week, we chat with our friend Alejandro, a Cuban immigrant, about his incredible journey to Richmond, VA. He shares the hurdles of getting a US visa, the culture shock of abundance in America, and his efforts to support his family in Cuba.

Episode Highlights: ✨

• Visa Interview Strategy: Alejandro shares his unique approach to a successful visa interview, emphasizing showing intent to return home. ☕️
• A Five-Year Visa?! Discover how Alejandro secured a rare five-year visa! 🤩
• Costco Culture Shock: Alejandro recounts his "mind-blowing" first trip to Costco, highlighting the contrast in food availability compared to Cuba. 🤯
• Conscious Living: Learn about Alejandro's heightened awareness of waste and gratitude for resources, stemming from his upbringing where rationing was a reality. 🙏
• Supporting Family in Cuba: Alejandro discusses regularly sending essential items to his family in Cuba. ❤️
• The Cuban Exodus: He touches on the pervasive theme of immigration in Cuban society. 🌍
• Internet Access in Cuba: Alejandro clarifies the current state of internet access in Cuba, noting its cost and limitations. 📶
• Family's Hopes for the US: Hear about his family's interest in moving to the United States and the complexities of the legal immigration process. 📜
• "Wet-Foot, Dry-Foot" Policy: A brief mention of this controversial policy and its impact on Cuban immigration. ⚖️

Also Featured: 🤩

• Exercise Equipment Origins: Learn the surprising history behind common gym equipment like the treadmill (originally a torture device!), kettlebells, medicine balls, and dumbbells. 🏋️
• Local Richmond Events: Get the scoop on upcoming events! 🎉
  • Carytown Sidewalk Sale 🛍️
  • Pride Night at the Diamond ⚾️🌈
  • Drag Brunch at The Hof Garden 👑
  • Nappy Roots at the Ember Music Hall 🎤
  • Pride on Forest Hill 🌳🌈
  • Ribs and Reds at Ashton Creek Vineyards for Father's Day! 🍖🍷
• Band of the Week: This week's featured band is Radar Theory, a raw rock and roll band. 🎸
• Business of the Week: Shout out to Still Life Studio RVA, a new pottery place in Scott's Addition. 🏺
• Brewery Updates: Updates on Lickinghole Creek Brewery and Hardywood opening a new spot at the airport. 🍻
• Fitness Shout-out: A special mention for RVA Kicks Club and MJ, a trainer at Self Made Training Facility. 💪
• Father's Day Appreciation: A heartfelt shout-out to all the dads! 🙌
• Garden Grove Closing: A bittersweet announcement about Garden Grove brewery shutting down after 10 years. 😢
• Upcoming Episode Tease: A sneak peek at the next episode featuring Alan an RVA author and musician with The Ham Biscuits!