Send us a text

Here’s the story behind GD Burgers in La Puente. I sat down with Daniel “Danny” Hyun, who went from leading at LA Fitness to helping his father at the family counter—and then taking over. His path blends discipline, service, and a deep commitment to the San Gabriel Valley. If you’ve ever wondered how a family business grows into a neighborhood staple, this is it.

GD Burgers is classic SGV comfort: char-broiled burgers, teriyaki plates, and generous portions made for regulars. You’ll find it at 14273 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91746. More than a menu, it’s a story of a son honoring his dad’s work while putting his own stamp on the place.

Danny also treats social media like a craft. In our conversation, he shared that his creative Instagram posts bring in 5–7 new customers every day. It’s consistent, personal, and rooted in community—proof that honest storytelling still moves people.

In this episode, we dig into the jump from fitness to food, how leadership habits transfer to the kitchen, and what it takes to keep a small business thriving in the SGV. Watch, then go say hi to Danny and taste what he’s building in La Puente.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Wendy Yu and Huong Thai are the co-founders of Happy Humble Hub, a unique community space in Alhambra, California designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. Their stories of resilience, risk-taking, and vision are deeply rooted in the San Gabriel Valley, and their work is inspiring a new wave of creativity and connection across Southern California.

About Wendy Yu
Wendy grew up in the San Gabriel Valley as the eldest daughter of a Chinese immigrant family. From a young age, she shouldered responsibilities far beyond her years—acting as a translator, financial planner, and advocate for her parents while excelling in school and work. She became the first in her extended family to graduate from college and later the first to step into entrepreneurship. Her life experience taught her the value of perseverance, education, and community support, and she now channels that into Happy Humble Hub.

About Huong Thai
Huong emigrated from Vietnam to California at the age of four and spent her formative years in the San Gabriel Valley. After building a successful career in San Diego in both tech and healthcare, she felt called to return to her hometown. Leaving behind financial stability and career security, Huong took a leap of faith, moving back into her parents’ living room without a clear plan. That decision ultimately led her to meet Wendy, and together they launched Happy Humble Hub as a place where others could also take risks, pursue passions, and build community.

About Happy Humble Hub
Happy Humble Hub is a creative “third space” beyond home and work, located in Alhambra in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. The Hub hosts a wide variety of events, including weekend pop-up markets for local artists, stand-up comedy shows, yoga classes, board game nights, and community workshops. It is designed as a venue where people can gather offline, connect in authentic ways, and celebrate creativity. With its lush, immersive atmosphere and flexible event spaces, Happy Humble Hub is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new destinations in Los Angeles County.

In this episode, Wendy and Huong share their personal journeys—navigating immigrant family dynamics, career transitions, and the courage to start something new from scratch. Their stories highlight the resilience and vision that fuel entrepreneurship and community building in the San Gabriel Valley.

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, community building, small business development, or the future of creative spaces in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, this episode is for you.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Dr. Richard S. Cheung is a second-generation chiropractor and athletic trainer who has been serving the Pasadena community since 1998. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. With more than 26 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in sports medicine, injury recovery, and corrective rehabilitation.

At his private practice on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Dr. Cheung provides personalized, hands-on care in a warm and welcoming environment. He treats a wide range of conditions, from chronic neck and back pain to auto accident injuries, sports-related trauma, scoliosis, and postural imbalances. Patients consistently commend him for his thoroughness, attentiveness, and ability to deliver lasting relief.

Dr. Cheung is also a certified Kinesio Taping instructor and has taught courses nationwide and internationally since 2011. In addition to running his practice, he has served as Director of the Sports Medicine Residency program and is currently an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Cheung is a committed community leader. He has served as board president for Friends In Deed, co-chaired the LA’s BEST advisory board, and is currently on the board of the Asian American Professional Association. He also volunteers as a medical director for local high school sporting events, continuing to support youth and families through health education and service.

In his personal time, Dr. Cheung enjoys family life, yoga, outdoor activities, and staying engaged in wellness initiatives across the San Gabriel Valley. His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to healing, education, and community impact.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Kaila Yu is a Los Angeles–based luxury travel and culture journalist whose bylines include The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and more. Before her journalism career, she was an actress, an import model, the lead singer of the rock band Nylon Pink, and a student at UCLA. Each chapter of her life, as she shares in her upcoming memoir Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty (Crown, releasing August 19, 2025), was deeply marked by fetishization—often by others, but painfully, at times, by herself.

In her memoir, Kaila traces how growing up in the late '90s and early 2000s with limited and hypersexualized Asian female representation shaped her identity. Without authentic role models in media, she learned early that being seen often meant being objectified. She leaned into visibility through modeling, music, and entertainment, but struggled with constant performance—writing overtly sexual lyrics, undergoing body-altering surgeries, and living through years of haze and internal disconnection.

Fetishized boldly dismantles the narratives media, culture, and history have forced onto Asian American women. Kaila writes with raw honesty about coercion, trauma, and pain—including being manipulated by a pornographer and having the footage distributed without her consent. She weaves these personal stories with cultural critique, referencing everything from the War Bride Act of 1945 to the myth of the “submissive Asian woman,” and how tropes like these continue to impact real lives. Her writing is both personal and political—an act of truth-telling, resistance, and healing.

Now, as she nears publication of her debut book, Kaila is stepping into long-form storytelling with courage and clarity. Her goal: to provide strength and education for others who have experienced similar objectification, and to invite everyone—especially Asian American women—into a deeper understanding of their worth. Through her journalism, her art, and her voice, Kaila Yu is fighting for a world where visibility isn’t conditional on being fetishized.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Chris Martinez is a second-generation Cuban American from Miami whose life took flight in 2010 when he enlisted in the military and served in Hawaii. At just 23, he began investing in real estate—building a portfolio across Florida, Hawaii, and California. His early success speaks to his entrepreneurial mindset and strategic vision.

By 2017, Chris fully transitioned out of the military to launch a vacation rental business in Hawaii. His ability to balance property management, guest experience, and local tourism gave him a solid foundation in hospitality and real estate operations. In 2020, he moved to the San Gabriel Valley to attend USC, where he earned his undergraduate degree and is now nearing completion of a master’s in Real Estate Development.

While rooted in the SGV, Chris and his wife have made San Gabriel their home, reinforcing their personal and professional investment in the community. He earned his contractor’s license and founded Modern Evolution Homebuilders—a general contracting firm delivering quality craftsmanship in home building, renovations, and ADUs. His USC credentials and veteran background add depth to his leadership in residential development.

Chris also works with Vinco Vinco Realty Group as a licensed California real estate broker with experience in affordable housing and commercial developments. His work includes facilitating transactions on behalf of major landlords like GE Capital and Westfield, and supporting community land trusts and FHA-backed housing. Across roles, he bridges investment, construction, and community impact in LA markets.

At home in San Gabriel with his wife and twins, Callisto and Elara, Chris blends family life with a mission-driven career. He builds not just homes, but long-term community value—drawing from his Cuban-American roots, military discipline, and USC expertise to build a future for his family and his region.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Jackson Ridd is a Los Angeles–based mentalist and magician whose performances blend psychological insights with theatrical flair. A resident star at Black Rabbit Rose, Rideau Speakeasy, and the Wonzimer Gallery, Jackson delivers immersive stage shows and intimate close‑up routines. His work has been praised as “both perplexing and haunting,” reflecting his talent for forging deep, psychic connections with audiences.

His television and festival credits include appearances on CW’s Masters of Illusion Season 11 and Miss Brown at the Tribeca Festival. At Tribeca, he showcased sleight‑of‑hand mastery for a documentary on advantage play, reinforcing his reputation as a magician who transcends simple tricks.

Jackson’s approach is rooted in his fascination with the subconscious. His early interest in pendulum rituals, I‑Ching, and spiritual play shaped his focus on mentalism over conventional magic. He seeks to elevate the everyday, inviting audiences to see the beauty hiding in perception.

Beyond entertainment, he’s committed to giving back—supporting youth arts education and addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. This sense of purpose merges into his artistry: he sees magic not just as illusions, but as tools for empathy and connection.

Off stage, Jackson channels his energy into adventurous pursuits like rock climbing, scuba diving, and sports cars. These challenges mirror his magical ethos: curiosity, physicality, and pushing boundaries. His broad interests fuel the creative spark that defines both his lifestyle and performance.

__________

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Jonathan “JDM” Wong’s journey reads like the ultimate dream for anyone immersed in Japanese car culture. Born in Hollywood and raised in Pasadena, he fell in love with modified JDM cars as a teen. Alongside high school friends, he co-founded Team Macross 7, linking up with other import crews through AOL’s Import Racing chatrooms and staging drag races and car shows across the SGV—solidifying his place in SoCal’s grassroots tuning scene.

In 1998, Jonathan joined Super Street Magazine as an associate editor. His deep passion for JDM tuning and charisma helped define the magazine’s authentic voice. Over the next 15 years, he rose to editor‑in‑chief, traveling across the U.S. and Japan in search of standout sport compacts. Under his influence, the brand surged online—becoming the first auto title to hit 1 million followers on Instagram and Facebook.

Jonathan’s own builds echo his ethos: he painstakingly restored a '90 Civic EF Si using a rare one‑off Rocket Bunny kit directly from Kei Miura of TRA/Kyoto—an emblem of his dedication to authenticity and community trust. His storytelling and editorial instincts also shaped magazine culture; in a MotorTrend oral history, he recalled how Super Street carved its identity by helping readers install mods themselves—a nod to their DIY roots.

After departing Super Street in 2014, Jonathan pivoted into media agency work. He now serves as an account manager at The ID Agency, steering major automotive clients like Formula DRIFT. His expertise continues influencing car culture, albeit behind the scenes. Off duty, he’s equally colorful—passionate about graffiti, sneaker collecting, ’90s hip‑hop, global food adventures with his wife, and, of course, SoCal cruise nights.

__________
Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Erika Herrera and Milton Arredondo are the heart and soul behind Domestic BBQ, the family-owned California-style barbecue spot that’s become a local favorite in La Puente and Covina. They made the bold leap from corporate life to smoky kitchens, turning a weekend hobby into a flourishing restaurant. Their success isn’t just about cooking—it’s about bringing people together with food that feels both comforting and inventive.

What makes Domestic unique? Erika and Milton infuse each dish with handcrafted care: meats slow-smoked up to 14 hours, a secret 16-blend dry rub, and signature sauces—all prepared fresh daily. They honor classic Texas-style barbecue while adding their own spin, drawing from their Hispanic heritage and California flair. It’s barbecue with a twist—using premium ingredients like Angus beef, Duroc pork, and Jidori chicken, paired with locally brewed craft beers.

The menu is filled with stand-out items, but one creation has become a cult favorite: the Brisket Flautas. This clever mash-up wraps their tender, smoky brisket in a crispy tortilla, topped with chipotle crema, cotija cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. It’s got the crunch of a street taco, the flavor of a backyard smoker, and the kind of umami punch that makes people do a double take. It's California BBQ at its boldest—and it’s unforgettable.

Behind the scenes, Erika and Milton remain deeply rooted in the community. Their staff is locally sourced, every corner of the restaurant reflects hometown pride, and their commitment to scratch-made quality makes them a destination worth visiting. Erika says the best part is seeing smiles on customers’ faces, while Milton notes that having his wife as a business partner gives him a sense of security and trust as they navigate every challenge together. Their journey shows that when passion meets partnership and heritage meets creativity—you get barbecue that’s as meaningful as it is mouthwatering.

__________
Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

Amber Tan and Waldo Yan didn’t set out to build a viral dessert destination—but that’s exactly what they’ve done with 626 Hospitality Group, home of the wildly beloved 626 Ice Cream in Arcadia, CA. What began as a passion project blending heritage, nostalgia, and culinary creativity has now become one of the most talked-about food spots in the San Gabriel Valley. From lychee-strawberry swirls to yakult soft serve, their flavors aren’t just delicious—they’re deeply personal.

In this conversation, Amber and Waldo share the journey behind their soft-serve shop, from the earliest days experimenting in their home kitchen to the pop-ups that built their loyal following, and finally to launching a brick-and-mortar space decorated with details from their childhoods. Every element inside 626 Ice Cream is intentional—from the vintage décor to the flavor profiles rooted in their Asian-American upbringing. Even their soft-serve machines tell a story, passed down from another beloved SGV dessert shop that closed its doors.

But what really stands out about Amber and Waldo is their commitment to community. They’re not just serving desserts—they’re creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. Despite being open only a few days each week, the lines stretch down the block, with guests eager not just for a treat, but for an experience. Their story is one of love, thoughtfulness, and staying true to your roots while building something brand new.

Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

Send us a text

If you’ve spent any time in the San Gabriel Valley, you’ve probably crossed paths with Jason Marshak—or at least with someone who’s used his pomade. A proud Alhambra native for over 40 years, Jason is the founder and face behind Dr. Rubin’s Pomade, a locally loved grooming brand rooted in tradition and style. What started with a 1944 formula has grown into a movement of smell-good, look-good, feel-good energy—bottled and handmade right here in Southern California.

Jason’s obsession with quality and community runs deep. Dr. Rubin’s Pomade isn’t just hair product—it’s an experience, a throwback to craftsmanship with a modern soul. Every tin is made with care using the best ingredients, and you can find his work at their flagship shop in downtown Alhambra or their second location by the port in San Pedro. Whether it’s classic pomade, beard oil, or cologne, it all comes from the same mission: to help people feel sharp and confident.

Over the years, Jason has taken Dr. Rubin’s on the road, exhibiting at more than 350 shows, concerts, and festivals. His love for face-to-face connection and his infectious SGV pride have earned him a cult following. But what means the most to him? Giving back. Dr. Rubin’s has donated thousands of handmade products to charities, shelters, and causes that matter—a quiet but powerful part of his work that never makes the front page.

Beyond the pomade tins and event booths, Jason is a storyteller, a local history buff, and a passionate eater with a soft spot for SGV’s legendary food scene. He lives with a bunch of dogs, one cool cat, and a deep love for the community that raised him. Tune in to hear how he built something timeless—and how a little bit of style can still go a long way.

__________
Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]