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We’re kicking off 2026 with a fresh start and some long-overdue updates. In this episode, Ivan and Gene break their brief 2025 hiatus, addressing and dispelling a few rumors along the way, while also debuting brand-new show music.

The conversation dives into our goals for 2026 and why setting meaningful goals matters more than making short-lived resolutions. We reflect on the challenging job market facing new college graduates and discuss whether AI is playing a role in reshaping career opportunities. From there, we explore one of the most common goals people set each year (losing weight) and the pressure, frustration, and noise that often come with it.

Ivan shares some of the things that genuinely annoyed him in 2025, including weight-loss culture, travel brag headaches, and driving frustrations - do you agree with his takes? Gene weighs in on how celebrities often preach how others should live, while quietly doing the opposite themselves. 

Together, we share a powerful and honest message about the importance of self-love and giving yourself grace.

We also highlight the growing impact of Latino football players and coaches in the sport today, and close the episode by reflecting on the cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s DTMF, one year after its release.

Intro and outro music by DJCoachK.

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this powerful and mission-driven episode of The Modern Latino Podcast, we sit down with Willy Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the International Salsa Museum, to discuss the past, present, and future of salsa music.

Willy shares his journey as a professional pianist, musical director, and producer who began his career at just 15 years old and went on to perform worldwide with legendary artists and orchestras. From serving as musical director for the Tito Puente Jr Orchestra to touring globally with his band La Excelencia, Willy reflects on the moments that shaped his career and deepened his connection to the power of music.

We dive into the current state of salsa music, the responsibility of preserving its legacy, and what inspired Willy to launch The Valens Agency—a boutique entertainment agency dedicated to supporting artists, businesses, and cultural institutions. He also shares the deeply transformative experience of a salsa tour through Haiti, where he witnessed firsthand how music can heal, inspire, and change lives.

A major focus of the conversation centers on the creation of the International Salsa Museum: why it matters, the progress made so far, and the challenges that still lie ahead. Willy explains the importance of building a permanent space dedicated to the history, education, and future of salsa music for generations to come—and how the community can play a role in making this vision a reality.

This is an inspiring conversation about culture, purpose, and giving back. A must-listen for salsa lovers, musicians, cultural advocates, and anyone passionate about preserving our stories through music.

🎶 If you love salsa music and believe in its legacy, this episode is for you.

For more information about the International Salsa Museum and to donate, please visit:

Website – The International Salsa Museum

Curated Spotify Playlist - Que Viva La Salsa!

Willy’s Instagram - @WillyTheProducer

Instagram - @intlsalsamuseum

Facebook - IntlSalsaMuseum

Youtube - @intlsalsamuseum6571 

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this episode of The Modern Latino Podcast, we sit down with podcast expert and entrepreneur Harry Duran to explore the intersection of identity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A longtime friend of the hosts, Harry shares his journey from spending over 20 years in the corporate and consulting world to becoming an early podcast adopter and building multiple podcast-driven businesses.

As the founder of FullCast, a full-service, done-for-you podcast production and marketing agency, Harry helps thought leaders, brands, and conscious creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts with clarity and purpose. Through FullCast, he has supported more than 120 clients in turning podcasts into powerful platforms for authority, connection, and business growth.

Harry is also the host of Podcast Junkies, where he interviews top voices in podcasting and digital media, and the Vertical Farming Podcast, a forward-thinking show focused on innovation, sustainability, and the future of food. Across both podcasts, he has interviewed over 400 guests and gained a deep understanding of how podcasting can be used as a long-term relationship-building tool.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of Latinos owning their Latinidad, finding and using your voice with confidence, and building meaningful, long-term relationships through podcasting. Harry also shares how his passion for music and DJ culture fuels his creativity and entrepreneurial mindset.

Whether you’re considering starting a podcast, scaling a creative business, or stepping fully into your authentic identity, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

For more information about Harry and his work, please visit:

Website – HarryDuran.com 

Agency – FullCast.co

Linkedin - Harry Duran

Podcast - Podcast Junkies

Podcast - Vertical Farming

Instagram - @IAMHarryDuran

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dennis Garcia - author, retired attorney, and educator - whose career and storytelling have been shaped by a lifelong dedication to justice, culture, and heritage. A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law and the University of New Mexico’s Business program, Dennis practiced both civil and criminal law and served as a Judge before shifting to a career in education, where he taught government and law at a public high school in Tucson, Arizona.

Dennis joins us to discuss his latest book, Las Madres: Latinas in the Heartland Who Led Their Family to Success, a moving chronicle of three generations of women in his family - Candelaria, Rafaela, and Irene - who embody resilience, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of Latina mothers. From early life in Mexico to the Kansas plains of 1900, their journeys tell a universal story of courage and transformation amid poverty, prejudice, and the pursuit of a better life.

Through Las Madres, Dennis reminds us that the immigrant story is one of enduring determination, and that every path toward success is uniquely paved with sacrifice and hope. His heartfelt storytelling preserves the voices of the women who helped shape the American heartland and continues to inspire new generations of readers, particularly Latina women, to dream boldly and persevere.

As part of our mission to highlight Latinos who inspire and uplift, this episode shines a spotlight on Dennis Garcia’s remarkable journey - a testament to how cultural pride, education, and storytelling intertwine to build the American experience.

For more information about Dennis Garcia, please visit:

Website – dennisraphaelgarcia.com

Instagram - @drgarciaauthor

Facebook - drgarciaauthor

Amazon -  Las Madres

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In celebration of Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on Leslie Arredondo-Cordero, a trailblazer in the world of music strategy and marketing. With an impressive career spanning Paramount, TikTok, and her own consultancy, Deluz Music, Leslie has been at the forefront of integrating music into branding, advertising, and entertainment.

We explore her journey from freelancing to becoming a leader in creative music strategy, her time as Commercial Music Lead at TikTok, and the groundbreaking campaigns she’s worked on—securing iconic tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, and AC/DC for major marketing initiatives. Leslie also shares insights into the evolving music industry, the impact of social media on music discovery, and how emerging trends are shaping the future of sync licensing and brand partnerships.

Beyond music strategy, Leslie is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As Co-Chair of SOMOS, Paramount’s Latine Resource Group, she helped drive authentic representation in media, earning an Imagen Award for her impactful work. In this episode, she discusses the importance of representation in the music industry and how DEI initiatives can create lasting change.

Tune in as Leslie shares her career highlights, advice for aspiring music professionals, and her vision for the future of music marketing. Whether you're a music lover, industry professional, or brand strategist, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed!

Join us in celebrating the achievements of women like Leslie, who are shaping the future of music and media.

To learn more about Leslie, you can find her at:

LinkedIn: LAC Music

Web: LAC-Music.com

Instagram: LAC Music

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Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

Support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Espinosa, the creator of The Salsa Project, an educational initiative dedicated to celebrating and preserving the art of Salsa. Through documentaries, events, and community engagement in NYC, The Salsa Project seeks to honor Salsa’s rich cultural legacy and inspire young Latinos to embrace their heritage.

Brandon shares his deep personal connection to Salsa, from childhood memories at family parties to the influence of legendary artists like El Gran Combo and Fania. He discusses the inspiration behind The Salsa Project, the challenges of launching the initiative, and the vital role storytelling plays in preserving this vibrant tradition. We explore how Salsa remains a powerful expression of Latino identity and how its future depends on keeping the music and dance alive for younger generations.

Looking ahead, Brandon talks about exciting upcoming projects, including collaborations with the International Salsa Museum, and reflects on the most rewarding moments in his journey. He also offers words of encouragement for young Latinos passionate about their cultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime Salsa lover or just discovering its magic, this episode will inspire you to embrace the rhythm, history, and passion of this iconic art form.

To learn more about The Salsa Project and support their mission:

Web: TheSalsaProject.com

Instagram: thesalsaprojectnyc

Facebook: thesalsaprojectnyc

Support the mission: The Salsa Project NYC

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this episode, we speak with Martin Mayorga, founder of Mayorga Coffee, a company built on the mission of supporting producers in Latin America and addressing the inequities in the food industry. Martin shares his journey, from spending his childhood in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Peru to immigrating to the United States with his family. Witnessing the privilege of life in the U.S. compared to the socioeconomic disparities faced by food producers, Martin knew by the age of 18 that he wanted to use his access to the U.S. market to create meaningful change.

Martin opens up about the challenges his company has faced as a Latino-founded brand. For years, Mayorga Coffee battled assumptions that their products were secondary in quality, often relegated to stereotypes because of their name. However, Martin and his team have remained steadfast in their mission, proudly standing by the quality of their products and the richness of their heritage.

This conversation highlights the importance of redefining perceptions, uplifting marginalized communities, and creating a legacy of respect and empowerment. Martin’s story and vision are a testament to resilience, pride, and the power of using business as a force for good.

To learn more about Mayorga Coffee and to buy their products visit:
https://mayorgacoffee.com/

Our audience can get 15% off of their order of Mayorga Coffee by using code: "Martin15"

Visit their social media at:

Facebook: MayorgaOrganics
Instagram: MayorgaCoffee
YouTube: MayorgaCoffee
LinkedIn: MayorgaCoffee
Martin Mayorga's LinkedIn: Martin Mayorga

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Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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This is a special episode as we are officially launching our video podcast channel! 

In this interview, we chat with Andy Amendola, the creator of Red Racer Books, whose mission is to introduce young readers to the multifaceted world of motorsports. Through vividly illustrated stories, the books highlight diverse characters in various roles, inspiring curiosity and showcasing opportunities beyond the driver’s seat. By focusing on science, technology, teamwork, and diversity, Andy aims to ignite dreams, foster bonds between parents and children, and encourage a love for discovery and shared passion.

Andy shares his personal journey of becoming an author and micro-publisher, which began during the pandemic with some TV binge-watching and a Kickstarter campaign. What started as a newfound hobby has blossomed into a meaningful platform for introducing young readers to Formula 1 racing while celebrating cultural diversity and promoting STEM education. He also reflects on the joy of involving his family in this exciting creative endeavor.

As a first-generation American with roots in Uruguay, Andy opens up about how family expectations have shaped his career path. He explores the unique experience of being a “modern Latino,” balancing two cultural worlds. This conversation offers insights for aspiring authors and is packed with inspiration for anyone chasing their dreams. Don’t miss this compelling episode!

For more information about Andy his wonderful series of books, please visit:

Website – www.RedRacerBooks.com

Instagram - RedRacerBooks

Amazon -  RedRacerBooks

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Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this interview, we sit down with Isabella Ferrari (aka Penny), a Buddhist witch, author, and holistic transformational coach. Penny, who is of Brazilian and Italian heritage, is the founder of Greenwitchcom, a global community of over 100,000 people dedicated to exploring witchcraft, ancient practices, and spiritual wisdom. She launched her business during the 2021 pandemic and has since experienced remarkable growth, offering personalized coaching, masterclasses, and workshops to share her knowledge.

Penny is the author of Witchcraft Simplified, Crystals Simplified, and she's currently working on her next book. In March 2023, she launched Our Sacred Sisterhood, a membership space focused on empowering women and supporting their healing journeys. Central to Penny's work is her belief in the importance of healing both individual wounds and the collective wounds of Witch and Sisterhood, themes that play a key role in her coaching and community-building.

Dividing her time between Italy and the UK, Penny has devoted her life to studying witchcraft and ancient healing practices. She continuously seeks innovative ways to blend these traditions into transformative methods that help individuals find peace, happiness, and balance.

Additionally, Penny’s YouTube channel offers a wide range of engaging and insightful content, covering various topics that we know you’ll enjoy. We’re excited to share this conversation with you!

For more information about Penny and her work, please visit:

Website – PennyTheWitch.com

Instagram - greenwitchcom

Youtube -  Penny The Witch

TikTok - greenwitch_com

Patreon - SacredSisterhood

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Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this episode we speak with Paula Andrea Arbelaez-Stone. She is a Bilingual (English & Spanish) NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 17 years of experience in the counseling field. Some of her specialties are Individual, couples & family counseling. She certifications and training in REBT and Trauma-Informed Therapy.

Paula shares her background and explains how she found herself in this field after migrating to the US from Colombia. She uses her experience of coming from an immigrant family to help her support her clients. 

We discuss issues that Latinos face every day that can prevent them from seeking and obtaining mental health support such as cultural stigmas, the political environment, resource limitations, language barriers and more.

We also discuss sources of stress that can cause mental health issues such as social media and social political stress – which many people are dealing with on the back of the U.S. Presidential election. She shares valuable insight and recommendations that we know will be helpful to anyone who listens.

If you or someone you know is may need help finding Mental Health resources, feel free to contact Paula via the information below. Also, feel free to pass along the additional resource information that Paula shared below:

Paula Andrea Arbelaez-Stone LMHC

[email protected]

(631) 561-1987 or (631) 371-3134

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1241939

Long Island Counseling Resources: 

Long Island Crisis Center: Free Counseling and Crisis Hotline:

https://www.longislandcrisiscenter.org/

Town of Brookhaven Free Counseling Services - Ages 12-24

https://www.brookhavenny.gov/333/Counseling-Services

Suffolk County Resource Guide for Immigrants

https://www.scnylegislature.us/DocumentCenter/View/60553/2018-Suffolk-Community-Resources-to-Assist-Undocumented-Immigrants-PDF?bidId=

Suffolk County Directory of Behavioral Health Services

https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departmen

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Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

Support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.