In this episode of Getting Real with Rueben, Rueben sits down with a few of the powerhouses behind one of San Antonio’s most iconic family businesses—Karolina’s Antiques. What started as a small shop on the city’s West Side has grown into a vibrant cultural hub celebrating Latino heritage, creativity, and community. Karolina shares how her family turned passion into legacy, how they’ve stayed authentic in a changing city, and what it means to represent cultura through fashion, art, and entrepreneurship.

Watch this inspiring conversation about tradition, resilience, and staying true to your roots while growing your brand in modern San Antonio.

San Antonio’s own Kristi Waters — drag queen, performer, and community icon — sits down for her first full tell-all interview since announcing her Stage 3 cancer diagnosis.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Kristi opens up about the moment she got the news, the hardest days of treatment, and the community that lifted her through it all. She reflects on how illness reshaped her relationship with her craft, her body, and her mental — and what it means to return to the stage as a new version of herself.

Balancing humor and heartbreak, Kristi also shares stories from her legendary drag career, her favorite performances, and her renewed sense of purpose as she steps back into the spotlight.

This episode isn’t just about survival — it’s about rediscovering your power when the lights go out, and the courage to shine again.

Follow Kristi Waters:

Instagram: @thekristiwaters

TikTok: @thekristiwaters

In this episode of Getting Real w/ Rueben, I sit down with Mark Loves Horror — San Antonio’s local horror critic known for spoiler-free reviews, daily horror content, and deep dives into what scares us.

We talk about how growing up in Texas influenced his horror fandom, the power of storytelling in fear, balancing authenticity with audience growth, and even what he’s personally terrified of beyond the screen.

If you love horror movies, haunted history, or just want to get to know someone who lives in the shadows—this conversation is for you.

Follow Mark Loves Horror:

Instagram: @MarkLovesHorror

TikTok: @MarkLovesHorror

n this episode of Getting Real with Rueben, I sit down with Erika Prosper, former First Lady of San Antonio, community leader, and advocate for Hispanic culture and education. Erika opens up about her journey, the lessons she’s learned in leadership, and how her Mexican-American heritage shapes her vision for family, business, and community empowerment.

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month series, Erika shares inspiring insights on resilience, identity, and giving back to San Antonio. Whether you’re passionate about leadership, culture, or community impact, this conversation will leave you motivated to create change where you are.

Follow Erika:

Instagram: @the_erika_prosper

In this episode of Getting Real with Rueben, I sit down with Gabby — the creative force behind Siempre San Antonio, a platform dedicated to celebrating the culture, people, and hidden gems of the Alamo City.

Gabby opens up about her personal story, her “why,” and the passion that fuels her mission to highlight San Antonio in an authentic way. We dive into the origins of Siempre SA, the impact it’s had on local businesses and the community, and how Gabby stays grounded while running one of the city’s most loved Instagram accounts.

Whether you’re a lifelong San Antonian, a business owner looking to understand local influence, or someone curious about how passion projects turn into powerful movements, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Follow Gabby:

TikTok: @siempresanantonio

Instagram: @siempresanantonio

On this episode of Getting Real w/ Rueben, I sit down with Kristian Carranza, candidate for Texas House District 118, to talk about her journey from high school cheerleader on the Southside of San Antonio to a community leader and political challenger. We dive into her 2024 campaign, the lessons she learned, and her strategy for the upcoming 2026 race!

We also tackle the critical topic of gerrymandering in Texas and what it means for fair representation, our education system, and communities of color. Kristian shares her perspective on the fight for equity, inclusion, and empowering underrepresented voters.

Along the way, we reminisce about our shared high school experiences, explore her roots in Southside San Antonio, and discuss how her lived experience shapes her mission to fight for justice, opportunity, and progress.

Whether you care about Texas politics, Democratic values, voting rights, or fair representation, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and a real look at the people shaping our future.

Follow Kristian Carranza:

Instagram: @KristianforTX

Facebook: @KristianforTX

www.kristianfortexas.com

In this powerful episode of Getting Real w/ Rueben, I sit down with The Real Estate Dolls, trailblazers in the real estate industry and the only transgender real estate brokers in the country.

We get real about their transition journey, navigating identity in a competitive market, and the new wave of fame that has brought their story to national attention. From their earliest days in real estate to becoming sought-after voices for LGBTQ+ representation and visibility, their story is one of resilience, authenticity, and undeniable success.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• ​Life before and after transition—personally & professionally
• ​How they built a thriving real estate business from the ground up
• ​The challenges & victories of being openly transgender in the industry
• ​Their rise to fame & what’s next for The Real Estate Dolls
• ​Advice for others chasing dreams while staying true to themselves

This is more than a conversation about real estate—it’s a celebration of living boldly, breaking barriers, and building the life you deserve.

Follow & connect with The Real Estate Dolls:

Miss Jame:

TikTok: @Missjamiethebroker

Instagram: @missjamiethebroker

Kasandra:

TikTok: @kasandrathebroker

Instagram: @kasandrathebroker

#TransgenderVoices #LGBTQRepresentation #RealEstateSuccess #BreakingBarriers #GettingRealPodcast

In this episode of Getting Real w/ Rueben, we sit down with viral TikTok couple Alan-Timoteo Villon and Ruben Hernandez-Villon; two proud Latino content creators who’ve built a loyal following by showing up as their full, unapologetic selves.

We dive deep into their journey of love, identity, vulnerability, and visibility. From navigating social media as a couple to embracing body transformation, Latinx culture, and the pressure (and privilege) of influence.

Topics We Cover:

Follow Alan:

TikTok: @alantimoteov

Instagram: @alantimoteov

Follow Ruben:

TikTok: @Rubenhndzv

Instagram: @Rubenhndzv