THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST

Tired of political noise? Liz from Iowa is cutting through it. Amner Martinez talks with the viral content creator who’s holding leaders accountable, fact-checking the narratives, and speaking up for everyday Iowans. This is politics without the BS.

In this powerful and timely conversation, we sit down with Joshua Barr, a renowned human rights advocate and champion for empathy-driven change, to explore the deeper forces shaping our communities—and the lives of the children growing up in them. Drawing inspiration from James Baldwin’s haunting reminder, “If I am starving, you are in danger,” we unpack what it truly means to live in an interconnected society where the suffering of one ultimately affects us all.

We dive into the real impact of community environments on children, exploring how instability, systemic neglect, and lack of empathy shape the futures of the most vulnerable. From there, we take a candid look at the state of American democracy through the lens of race, discussing the nuanced dynamics behind the Black vote, the Latino vote, and the White vote—and what these patterns reveal about who is heard, who is ignored, and what’s at stake.

Joshua challenges us to rethink how we view civic engagement—not just as political participation, but as a moral responsibility rooted in human connection. He speaks passionately about the role of empathy in leadership, the warning signs of societal collapse, and how division and apathy threaten our collective well-being.

This episode isn’t just about politics or policy—it’s about people. It’s about how we choose to see one another, and whether we’re willing to act on that recognition before it’s too late.

If you care about children, community, equity, or simply want to understand how we rebuild trust across lines of race, class, and power—this conversation is for you.

Connect with Joshua Barr at: https://www.raisingthebarrllc.com/3

In this episode, Amner sits down with Katie Roth, Principal Owner of RC Search Group, to dive deep into the world of recruiting — and what it really takes to build lasting, meaningful careers. With over 20 years of experience in the staffing industry, Katie shares invaluable insight into hiring trends, red flags, and the human side of recruitment.

They discuss:

• Katie’s journey to becoming the owner of RC Search Group

• How small businesses can compete with big companies for top talent

• Advice for job seekers in 2025 — and what to stop doing now

• The most overlooked quality in strong candidates

• Why DEI isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a leadership responsibility

Whether you're a business owner, hiring manager, or job seeker looking to level up — this episode is packed with golden nuggets you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🌐 Visit RC Search Group

• 💼 Connect with Katie Roth on LinkedIn

Amner sits down with attorney and author Christopher Johnson — founder of the Law Group of Iowa and author of the thought-provoking book "Nobody's Coming to Save Us."Together, they unpack what it really means to pursue justice in today's America — especially for marginalized communities. From courtroom battles to policy reform, Christopher shares his journey as a lawyer committed to equity, access, and the uncomfortable truths that shape our legal system.

You'll hear Christopher’s raw perspective on:

• Why he wrote Nobody’s Coming to Save Us and who it’s for
• The biggest legal barriers facing Iowa’s underserved populations
• How the Law Group of Iowa is redefining legal service and accessibility
• Why justice must be proactive — not reactive
• What drives him to keep going when the system feels broken

Whether you're a future lawyer, a policy advocate, or simply someone who cares about fairness, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink how justice shows up — and what it demands of us.

What if the most powerful marketing strategy isn’t a digital ad or viral video—but showing up in your own neighborhood?Emily Steele has spent the last 10+ years proving that community-driven, hyper-local marketing isn’t just effective—it’s the future. She joins Amner Martinez to talk about how brands can shift away from outdated, one-size-fits-all strategies and instead build momentum by being real, human, and deeply connected to place.Emily shares stories from her work building beloved local brands and running a successful agency that prioritizes people over pixels. Her insights are bold, refreshing, and exactly what today’s businesses need.

La cirugía plástica es mucho más que estética. En este episodio de El Amner Martinez Podcast, hablamos con el Dr. Héctor Marcano, un cirujano plástico venezolano con una historia fascinante y una vocación clara: ayudar a transformar vidas.

Discutimos los riesgos de operarse en el extranjero sin regulaciones adecuadas, el impacto de la dismorfia corporal, y la importancia de la reconstrucción mamaria después del cáncer. También profundizamos en los procedimientos para la comunidad trans y cómo la cirugía plástica puede ser un recurso invaluable cuando se hace con ética y responsabilidad.

Si alguna vez has considerado un procedimiento o simplemente quieres conocer más sobre este mundo desde una perspectiva profesional y humana, este episodio es para ti.

📌 Más información sobre el Dr. Héctor Marcano y su clínica:

🔹 Web: https://www.dsmplasticsurgery.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp&utm_term=Des-Moines-Plastic-Surgery&utm_content=website

🔹 Dirección: 6420 Coachlight Dr #100, West Des Moines, IA

🔹Telefono: 515-221-9999

💬 ¿Tienes preguntas o comentarios? Déjalos abajo, ¡nos encanta leerlos!

In this exciting new season of the Amner Martinez Podcast, Amner brings you a very special episode recorded live at Panka Peruvian Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa. Join Amner as he sits down with Mariela, the owner of Panka, for an in-depth conversation about the delicious world of Peruvian cuisine.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of Panka, where Mariela shares her inspiring journey—from bringing the flavors of Peru to Des Moines to running one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Discover the key ingredients and cooking techniques that make Peruvian food so vibrant and flavorful, and learn why Panka’s menu is a true reflection of Peru’s culinary heritage.What you’ll learn in this episode:The story behind Panka and Mariela’s journey to opening the restaurant.Key elements of Peruvian cuisine, from traditional dishes to unique flavors.How Panka stands out in Des Moines’ food scene and its role in bringing people together.Mariela’s passion for sharing her culture through food and creating an authentic dining experience.Whether you're a longtime fan of Peruvian food or new to the flavors of Peru, this episode will leave you hungry for more! Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that goes from Panka’s kitchen to your ears.Follow Panka Peruvian Restaurant:Instagram: @pankadsmFacebook: Panka Peruvian RestaurantWebsite: www.pankadsm.com

Amner takes you on a special journey to Panka Peruvian Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, for a flavorful and insightful conversation with Mariela, the owner of Panka. This episode takes you behind the scenes of the restaurant as Mariela shares the history and influence of Panka, bringing authentic Peruvian cuisine to Des Moines.As Amner and Mariela chat over some of Panka’s most beloved dishes, you’ll hear about the inspiration behind the restaurant, how it honors Peru’s culinary heritage, and how it has become a local favorite. Mariela opens up about her personal journey—from her roots in Peru to making Des Moines a hotspot for traditional and vibrant Peruvian flavors.What you’ll learn in this episode:-The story behind Panka and Mariela’s journey to opening the restaurant in Des Moines.-How Panka’s menu reflects the rich history and influence of Peruvian cuisine.-The key ingredients and traditional dishes that make Peruvian food so distinct and vibrant.-The cultural significance of food in Peru and how Panka shares that culture with the community.Whether you're a longtime fan of Panka or new to the flavors of Peru, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation of what makes Peruvian cuisine so special. Tune in for a savory conversation that celebrates food, culture, and the story of Panka in Des Moines!Follow Panka Peruvian Restaurant:Instagram: @pankadsmFacebook: Panka Peruvian RestaurantWebsite: https://pankadsm.com

Dive into the inspiring world of fitness, perseverance, and personal growth with Jeremiah Wright of "GETITWRIGHT Fitness." In this episode, Jeremiah shares his journey from personal loss to becoming a nationally certified trainer, dedicated to transforming lives through fitness and mindset. Learn how to overcome excuses, develop sustainable health habits, and unlock your potential with practical tips on workouts, nutrition, and goal-setting. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or looking for motivation to keep going, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights.

This episode delves into a profound conversation on building communities, nurturing compassion, and addressing the challenges faced by local movements. Our guest shares the journey of "Good Vibes," a grassroots initiative aimed at creating a space for movement, wellness, and personal growth within the community. From discussing the struggles of sustaining a donation-based model to the challenges of addiction and mental health, we explore the multifaceted issues impacting Des Moines' neighborhoods and the resilience needed to push forward.

Notable Timestamps:

This episode offers insight into the dynamics of community building, the importance of organic growth, and the unwavering commitment to positive change amidst obstacles.