Very Caliente

By Pablo Alsina, Jenni LopezSociety & Culture Business Entrepreneurship Alternative Health Health & Fitness Personal Journals

Very Caliente episodes

July 28Three Seconds of Inspiration - Courage, Action & Letting Go of Regret
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
EP 031 - Three Seconds of Inspiration - Courage, Action & Letting Go of Regret
Summary
Pablo and Jennie go solo again, this time on what they call the three seconds of inspiration: the tiny window where an idea shows up before the seven seconds of reasons to talk yourself out of it takes over. Jennie traces it back to pitching her bestselling book on the spot when a publisher told her not to hang up. Pablo unpacks why doing nothing is still an action, and why regret, not failure, is the real enemy. They talk faith over guaranteed timing, why time only ever exists as now, and why movement beats meditation when you're stuck. Jennie closes with her director trick: you can always switch the channel on your own story.
Main Topics
Doing nothing as a hidden action, not a neutral choice

The three seconds of inspiration versus the seven seconds of resistance

Taking uncomfortable action without knowing the how

Letting go of regret and making peace with the past

Faith, timing and connecting the dots only in hindsight

Time as something that only ever exists as now

Patience versus forcing a timeline that isn't ready

Going seven layers deep to find your real why

Movement over meditation when you're stuck

Walking meditation and listening to your own answers

Catching your thoughts before they become your story

The director trick: switching the channel on your own life
Intriguing Quotes
"Doing nothing is actually an action you are taking." – Pablo Alsina
"When you're inspired and you have that passion, even though you don't know the how, just take that uncomfortable action. There's growth on the other side a hundred percent." – Jennie López
"You cannot connect the dots forward, you can only connect them backwards." – Jennie López
"Time isn't real. The only time is now." – Pablo Alsina
"The body is movement. Life is movement." – Pablo Alsina
Key Moments
[00:30] - Welcome and going mano a mano on today's topic

[01:23] - Doing nothing is still an action

[01:52] - Jennie's three seconds of inspiration and the book pitch that became a bestseller

[03:37] - The ten second breakdown: three seconds of inspiration, seven seconds of resistance

[05:05] - Getting out of a rut through movement

[05:52] - Faith over guaranteed outcomes and the husband's investment story

[07:52] - Why time only ever exists as now

[08:55] - Jennie's NFL cheerleading trial and the three seconds that led to a Super Bowl ring

[09:42] - Pablo's one man play, three years in the making

[11:23] - Balancing action with patience

[12:00] - Going seven layers deep to find your real why

[14:08] - Movement over meditation when you're stuck

[16:02] - Walking meditation and listening to your own thoughts

[17:01] - The director trick: switching the channel on your own story
Notable Guests / Resources
Pablo Alsina - Broadcaster, storyteller, and podcast host

Jennie López - Speaker, author, and co-host of Very Caliente

Intentional Unicorn - Jennie López's bestselling book referenced throughout the episode
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

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22 min
July 21One Billion Acts of Kindness - Community, Science & the Power of a Smile with Dr. Lisa Tan
Very Caliente
Hosts:
Pablo Alsina & Jennie López

Summary
Dr. Lisa Tan, international speaker and philanthropist, joins Pablo and Jennie to break down how Pásalo Pa'lante, the kindness movement she helped build alongside Te Amo PR, united all 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico and set an official world record with over a million pledged acts of kindness. She unpacks the HeartMath Institute science behind heart coherence, why devices on other continents picked up Puerto Rico's "global heart song," and the simple power of a smile. The movement's next target: one billion acts of kindness across all 195 countries.
Main Topics
The night that sparked Pásalo Pa'lante

Uniting all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities around one cohesive vision

Setting a world record with over a million pledged acts of kindness

HeartMath Institute and the science of heart coherence

Why the "global heart song" kept registering after the record closed

The smile challenge, and the science behind why it works

Scaling from one million to one billion acts of kindness across 195 countries

Staying positive without losing yourself to the pushback

Becoming a kindness ambassador at joinpasa.org
Intriguing Quotes
“We didn't have to wait for the next hurricane to hit the island before we started being kind to our neighbors.” – Dr. Lisa Tan

“Kindness is inherent in every single one of us. This is who we are in our natural state of being.” – Dr. Lisa Tan

“We're trying to create a tsunami of kindness through the world.” – Dr. Lisa Tan

“Simple as a smile is an act of kindness. Everyone can smile.” – Dr. Lisa Tan
Key Moments
[01:37] - The night that sparked Pásalo Pa'lante

[04:39] - Uniting 78 municipalities around one cohesive vision

[07:33] - HeartMath Institute and the science of heart coherence

[11:19] - The next goal: one billion acts across 195 countries

[14:21] - Becoming a kindness ambassador

[16:25] - The smile challenge, and why it works

[20:51] - The impact of just one person

[23:10] - Staying positive without losing yourself to the pushback

[26:15] - Where to find Pásalo Pa'lante
Notable Guests / Resources
Dr. Lisa Tan, international speaker and philanthropist

Find Lisa on Instagram @dr.lisatan

DrLisaTan.com

Pásalo Pa'lante: joinpasa.org

Te Amo PR: teamopr.org

HeartMath Institute: heartmath.org
Special Announcements
Pásalo Pa'lante is aiming for one billion acts of kindness across all 195 countries. Join as a kindness ambassador at joinpasa.org.

🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
29 min
July 14The Cancer Was a Blessing - Faith, Exits & Success Without Stress with Carlos Malatesta
Summary
Carlos Malatesta, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, joins Pablo and Jennie to unpack how surviving stage three lymphatic cancer with a 30% survival rate rebuilt the way he works and lives. He traces his path from a childhood in Venezuela after his father’s abandonment, watching his mother work five jobs to keep the family afloat, through building APEX Energies out of a BP Solar subsidiary. After his relapse, Carlos traded an all-hours hustle for one priority a day, daily yoga and the school run, and still doubled revenue three years running before selling the company in 2022 for over 100 million euros. He closes on the deal he made with God during radiotherapy, Fundación Carlos Malatesta, and why he now believes the cancer was a blessing.
Main Topics
Growing up in Venezuela after his father’s abandonment

His mother working five jobs to raise three kids alone

Building APEX Energies out of a BP Solar subsidiary

First cancer diagnosis in 2015 and a false sense of “cured”

Stage three relapse and a 30% survival rate

The deal made with God during radiotherapy

Trading an all-hours hustle for one priority a day

Doubling revenue three years running while working less

Selling APEX Energies in 2022 for 100+ million euros

Fundación Carlos Malatesta and feeding street kids in Venezuela and Colombia

Success Sin Estrés: helping entrepreneurs grow without burning out

His book ¡Feliz!
Intriguing Quotes
“Looking back, I can tell you that cancer was a blessing.” – Carlos Malatesta

“Dios está conmigo y nada me va a pasar.” – Carlos Malatesta

“I never imagined that working less could earn more.” – Carlos Malatesta

“Never, never give up. Even if you only have a drop of energy left, move forward with that drop.” – Carlos Malatesta
Key Moments
[01:53] - Growing up after his father’s abandonment and his mother’s five jobs

[05:59] - Faith as the anchor: “Dios está conmigo y nada me va a pasar”

[07:58] - Why, looking back, the cancer was a blessing

[09:33] - Choosing family and health over the hustle after the relapse

[10:56] - The daily non-negotiables: school run, yoga, one priority a day

[13:57] - Life after the exit: five new ventures and Success Sin Estrés

[15:11] - The deal made with God and the promise to help street kids

[17:47] - Fundación Carlos Malatesta, the book ¡Feliz! and where the funds go

[19:15] - Closing message: never, never give up
Notable Guests / Resources
Carlos Malatesta, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author of ¡Feliz!

Find Carlos on Instagram @carlosmalatestaoficial

CarlosMalatesta.com

Fundación Carlos Malatesta, partnered with Hogar Bambi and Fundación Niños de los Andes

Success Sin Estrés mentorship program
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 min
July 07Shift Happens - Movement, Joy & Resilience with Damilare Adeyeri
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
Summary
Damilare Adeyeri, known as The Joy Activator, joins Jennie and Pablo fresh off visiting 28 countries and living in eight of them. A former Tony Robbins stage coach, licensed dance fitness instructor, TEDx speaker and Ironman triathlete, Damilare breaks down the neuroscience behind why moving your body shifts your emotional state faster than willpower alone. He walks through the daily resets he uses with coaching clients, why he chose to face a childhood fear of drowning by racing triathlons, and the three things he's found every human wants regardless of culture: happy, healthy, wealthy. He closes on the philosophy behind his book Shift Happens!, and the reminder that the past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.
Main Topics
From Nigeria to 28 countries visited, eight countries lived in

Dancing and coaching the world's stages alongside Tony Robbins

The neuroscience of movement: why the body drives emotional state

Living with intention instead of waiting to feel motivated

The jumping jacks reset: interrupting negative thought patterns with humor

Happy, healthy, wealthy: the three things everyone chases, everywhere

Overcoming a childhood fear of drowning to become an Ironman triathlete

Racing without music: building mental endurance the hard way

The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence

Shift Happens!: the book, the brand and The Joy Activator philosophy
Intriguing Quotes
“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” – Damilare Adeyeri

“You are only stuck if you're not moving.” – Damilare Adeyeri

“If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong.” – Damilare Adeyeri

“When shift happens, make shift happen.” – Damilare Adeyeri

“I believe that many Latinos or Latin people have African blood anyway, so I'm part of you.” – Damilare Adeyeri
Key Moments
[00:03] - Damilare joins: Latinos and Africans share more than people realize

[00:39] - Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton and Cumbia: dancing through 28 countries

[01:31] - Touring and coaching the world's stages with Tony Robbins

[02:18] - The neuroscience of movement and emotional state

[06:03] - Living with intention: building movement into the daily routine

[09:49] - Happy, healthy, wealthy: the three things everyone wants, everywhere

[11:54] - The eight countries Damilare has called home

[13:27] - The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence

[16:58] - From fear of drowning to Ironman triathlete

[20:06] - Racing without music: mental endurance in an Ironman

[22:49] - Shift Happens!: the book, the brand and the philosophy behind it

[24:09] - Where to find Damilare and his book
Notable Guests / Resources
Damilare Adeyeri, The Joy Activator: coach, TEDx speaker, Ironman triathlete and author of Shift Happens!

Find Damilare on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

joyinsideout.com

Shift Happens! available on Amazon: amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.de, amazon.com.au
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
28 min
June 30The Boardroom Journey - Leadership, Diversity & Reinvention with Dr. Keith Dorsey
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
EP 027 - The Boardroom Journey - Leadership, Diversity & Reinvention with Dr. Keith Dorsey
Summary
Dr. Keith Dorsey joins Pablo and Jennie to break down how regular people actually earn a seat in the corporate boardroom. From 29 years across the Air Force and corporate America to a USC doctorate in organizational change and leadership and five active board seats, Keith walks through his three career chapters, why the good old boys club persisted for so long, and the four protagonists he built into his book The Boardroom Journey to give readers a roadmap by life stage. He kills the myth that there aren't enough qualified women for boards, names the false CEO and CFO prerequisites blocking them, and closes on the personal vision, mission and value reset every leader should run on themselves before they retire.
Main Topics
Three career chapters: Air Force, corporate America, portfolio career

Why the boardroom looked like a mystery for decades

The four protagonists at life stages 25, 40, 55 and 62

Killing the not-enough-qualified-women myth

False CEO and CFO prerequisites versus actual skill set gaps

Cybersecurity, talent, risk and supply chain: the gaps boards really need filled

Starting with nonprofit boards in your 20s

Broadening your career track at 40 to widen your board journey

Dream big, reflect, build a personal vision, mission and value statement

Fail forward fast: life is 10% what happens, 90% how you react
Intriguing Quotes
"If you have those as the prerequisites, you're going to get mostly men." – Dr. Keith Dorsey

"When I was in my 30s, I couldn't even spell board." – Dr. Keith Dorsey

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react." – Dr. Keith Dorsey

"How often have we taken the time to do a personal vision, mission and value statement on us?" – Dr. Keith Dorsey

"There's not just one way to get the door in. You have to be intentional." – Jennie López
Key Moments
[00:14] - Jennie introduces Dr. Keith Dorsey

[00:52] - Three career chapters: Air Force, corporate America, portfolio career

[04:03] - The good old boys club and why boards stayed a mystery

[05:16] - People who broke in had a plan: dining room tables, sponsors, intentionality

[06:42] - The four protagonists at 25, 40, 55 and 62

[09:18] - The myth: the prerequisite was always CEO and CFO from Fortune 500

[09:48] - Swap the prerequisite for skill set gaps and the cornucopia opens up

[11:31] - Why Keith chose to write the book about women specifically

[14:47] - The 25-year-old: learn what a board is, start with nonprofits

[16:24] - The 40-year-old: broaden your track before retirement

[17:17] - The 55-year-old: analyze gaps, MBA, voluntary skill stretches

[18:26] - The 62-year-old CEO: connect the dots on board experience

[18:45] - Air Force as leadership ground: break you down to build you back up

[21:52] - Dream big, reflect, build a personal vision, mission and value statement

[22:40] - Reverse engineer the end in mind and bat over .900

[23:33] - Life is 10% what happens, 90% how you react
Notable Guests / Resources
Dr. Keith Dorsey - Author of The Boardroom Journey, board strategist and five-time corporate director

Find Keith on LinkedIn as Dr. Keith D. Dorsey

boardroomjourney.com
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
27 min
June 23The Confidence Muscle - Confianza, Discipline & Showing Up
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
EP 026 - The Confidence Muscle - Confianza, Discipline & Showing Up
Summary
Pablo and Jennie go solo for a hosts-only round on confianza. Why so many people sit on big dreams waiting for confidence that never magically arrives. Where their own confidence really came from, why imposter syndrome has become the new crutch, and what to do instead. Pablo on switching the definition of nerves so the same body sensation becomes fuel. Jennie on flipping the spotlight off yourself and onto the person you're there to help. Both on confidence as a muscle: do the thing you said you'd do, surround yourself with people from every walk of life, learn languages, never stay in one box. And the closer: live present, accept the movie you're in, dream big anyway.
Main Topics
Confianza as the missing ingredient most people are waiting on

Why splitting men and women on confidence is the wrong frame

The narrative trap of imposter syndrome

Education and exposure as the foundation of confidence

Switching nerves into positive energy

Taking the spotlight off yourself when you speak

Confidence as a muscle built through follow-through

Procrastination as the killer of motivation and confidence

Beginner's mindset and doing new things at any age

Confidence in who you are over copying somebody else

Parenting: support plus honest critique

Living present and accepting the movie you're in
Intriguing Quotes
"Procrastination is what kills motivation, it kills energy, and at 1000% kills your confidence." – Pablo Alsina
"As soon as I changed the spotlight off me and onto the person I am there to help, the nerves flow into really good positive energy." – Jennie López
"The body does not know I am nervous, I am happy, I am excited. It just knows sensations." – Pablo Alsina
"Do the difficult thing. Not because you did the difficult thing, but because of the person you become and the impact you have." – Jennie López
"If you are yourself, nobody is you." – Pablo Alsina
Key Moments
[00:00] - Welcome and the topic of confianza

[02:04] - Why splitting men and women on confidence is the wrong frame

[03:35] - Imposter syndrome as the new crutch

[04:15] - Education as the foundation of confidence

[05:31] - Learning from every culture and every walk of life

[08:15] - Switching the definition of nerves into positive energy

[09:35] - Jennie's speaker tip: take the spotlight off yourself

[10:46] - Confidence as a muscle built through follow-through

[12:10] - Beginner's mindset and the modern dance class story

[13:01] - Pablo on going bald at 18 and choosing confidence anyway

[15:25] - Parenting confidence into your kids

[18:33] - Life as a movie with peaks and valleys

[22:23] - From World Series to Palm Springs weather and the Instagram message

[23:20] - Do the difficult thing for the person you become
Notable Guests / Resources
Pablo Alsina - Broadcaster, storyteller, and podcast host

Jennie López - Speaker, author, and co-host of Very Caliente
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
26 min
June 16Runway to Reinvention - Fashion, Community & Live Experiences with Leila Ciancaglini.mp3
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López

Summary
Leila Ciancaglini, founder of RLC Talent Agency, joins Pablo and Jennie for a re-recorded conversation covering her 23-year run building one of LA's busiest talent operations. She retraces landing Tecate Beer and Budweiser on $15,000 and one credit card, the COVID pivot into producing her own monthly fashion shows, and launching RLC Talent Magazine and the RLC Backstage docuseries, now selected for the Indie Night Film Festival. Plus confidence over talent, an anti-OnlyFans message for young models, and the gratitude and family values that keep her grounded.
Main Topics
23 years running RLC Talent Agency

From Argentina to PCC College: how a derailed masters became a modeling agency

Landing Tecate Beer and Budweiser on $15,000 and one credit card

Confidence over talent: Pablo and Leila on believing in yourself

The COVID pivot: producing her own monthly fashion shows

Launching RLC Talent Magazine and the RLC Backstage docuseries

Why chasing OnlyFans money is the shortest, emptiest path

Building community at Santa Anita Park, Cielo Farm and Raffy Lounge

Gratitude, meditation and family as the real markers of success
Intriguing Quotes
“If you have confidence in what you do and you believe it’s the right path, it will go well.” - Leila Ciancaglini

“Don’t give your body away for money, because in the end you will feel empty.” - Leila Ciancaglini

“We all have a talent, we are all stars. Each person has a star inside.” - Leila Ciancaglini

“Confidence is a killer quality. It can matter more than talent, intelligence or connections.” - Pablo Alsina
Key Moments
[00:19] - Pablo introduces Leila Ciancaglini with playful World Cup banter

[01:26] - Leila on 23 years running her agency and her path through theatre, TV, film and radio

[03:01] - A derailed masters, PCC College, and the spark for an international agency

[03:50] - Starting the agency on $15,000 and one credit card, no fallback plan

[05:09] - Landing Tecate Beer and Budweiser for Mexican Independence Day, 2002

[06:02] - Table by table at conventions: how she built her client base

[06:14] - Pablo on confidence over talent

[07:40] - Leila on self-confidence and self-esteem

[08:23] - The COVID pivot: from empty contracts to producing her own fashion shows

[10:45] - Launching RLC Talent Magazine two years ago

[11:45] - RLC Backstage docuseries selected for the Indie Night Film Festival

[13:17] - Pablo's question: the OnlyFans effect on modeling

[13:39] - Leila's advice: don't trade your body for money

[15:34] - Jennie on playing the long game instead of the short game

[16:28] - Building a following at Santa Anita Park, Cielo Farm and Raffy Lounge

[17:58] - No nationality filter: why the door is open to everyone

[18:38] - Pablo's tribute: 15 years, same energy, same smile

[19:23] - Gratitude, meditation and putting the phone down

[21:58] - Helping without expecting anything back

[22:42] - Where to find her: Leila Ciancaglini TV, RLC Talent Agency, RLC Talent Magazine
Notable Guests and Resources
Leila Ciancaglini - Founder, RLC Talent Agency; host, Leila Live TV Show

Website: rlctalentagency.com

Instagram: @rlctalentagency, @leilaciancaglinitv

Magazine: RLC Talent Magazine

Docuseries: RLC Backstage, selected for the Indie Night Film Festival

Venues mentioned: Santa Anita Park (Arcadia), Cielo Farm (Malibu), Raffy Lounge (Malibu)
Special Announcements
RLC Backstage is screening at the Chinese Theatre following its Indie Night Film Festival selection.

Leila is inviting Jennie and Pablo to be featured in an upcoming issue of RLC Talent Magazine.

Follow @leilaciancaglinitv and @rlctalentagency on Instagram for show dates and magazine drops.
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
26 min
June 09Calladita No More - Voice, Faith & Stepping Into Your Power with Hady Méndez
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López

EP 024 - Calladita No More - Voice, Faith & Stepping Into Your Power with Hady Méndez
Summary
Hady Méndez, best selling author of Calladita No More, joins Pablo and Jennie from Madrid. She walks through climbing the corporate ladder at Slack and JP Morgan, what finally pushed her to stop staying quiet, two years living and serving as a missionary in Cochabamba, Bolivia with formerly incarcerated women, and the role faith has played at every step. Spanglish from start to finish, with a refrain that anchors the whole conversation: Lo que es para ti, nadie te lo quita.
Main Topics
The death-by-a-thousand-cuts moments that became Calladita No More

Writing a Spanglish book on purpose, no italics on the Spanish

Doing a tech demo in Spanish for a room full of Spaniards

Two years in Cochabamba, Bolivia with Franciscan Mission Service

Ministry of presence: showing up consistently for incarcerated women

Faith in the workplace and the angel managers who change everything

The Dale Carnegie class that unlocked her speaking career

Building a book by Latinas, for Latinas, for the community

Author era: book event in Madrid and what's next

Don't ask for permiso: step into your power and use your voice
Intriguing Quotes
“Lo que es para ti, nadie te lo quita.” — Hady Méndez

“I didn't think I would write a book ever, ever, ever.” — Hady Méndez

“Don't just use your power for you, use it for us, for everybody. Keep the door open.” — Hady Méndez

“You don't need anybody's permiso.” — Hady Méndez

“Faith has always played a role in how I show up in the workplace.” — Hady Méndez
Key Moments
[00:31] - Pablo and Jennie open from Spain to international

[01:25] - When did calladita become no more

[02:52] - Pablo on why the bilingual title hits

[03:20] - Spanglish on purpose, no italics

[05:41] - The cold tech demo in Spanish for a room full of Spaniards

[07:29] - How the book is built: refrains, stories, lessons, reflection

[08:55] - Use your power for the community, keep the door open

[09:50] - Two years in Cochabamba, Bolivia with Franciscan Mission Service

[10:29] - Ministry of presence and the prison support group

[11:49] - What the women gave back: cariño, friendship, te ves enfermita

[13:25] - Faith in the workplace and the angel mentor moment

[14:27] - Lo que es para ti, nadie te lo quita

[17:14] - The 30 year on manager who paid for the Dale Carnegie class

[20:50] - Her author era: book launch, two year lead, surprise of her life

[21:44] - By Latinas, for Latinas: every collaborator on the book

[22:11] - First book event in Madrid, 24 de abril

[23:11] - Final words: find your purpose, your chosen family, your power

[24:44] - Where to find Hady online
Notable Guests and Resources
Hady Méndez - Best selling author of Calladita No More, speaker, coach

Book: Calladita No More

Website: calladitanomore.com

Instagram: @CalladitaNoMoreBook

LinkedIn: Hady Méndez

Substack: Hady Unfiltered, Sin Pelos de la Lengua

Organization: Franciscan Mission Service
Special Announcements
Hady's first Madrid book event is on 24 de abril at an English language bookstore.

Follow @CalladitaNoMoreBook on Instagram for events and updates.

Visit calladitanomore.com to grab the book.

Subscribe to Hady Unfiltered on Substack for sin pelos de la lengua takes.
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

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27 min
June 02Just Go Do It - Leadership, Faith & Latinas Rising Up in HR with Priscilla Guasso
Very Caliente
Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
EP 023 - Just Go Do It - Leadership, Faith & Latinas Rising Up in HR with Priscilla Guasso
Summary
Priscilla Guasso, CEO of Manifesting Leadership Group and founder of Latinas Rising Up in HR, sits down with Pablo and Jennie. She walks through 20 years in HR across hospitality, healthcare and technology, why she finally left corporate to build her own thing, the IVF journey that gave her daughter Amalia after three losses, and the scrappy phase she's living in right now where everything is rough but real. Faith, community, and the courage to "just go do it" sit at the heart of the conversation.
Main Topics
20 years in HR across Hyatt, healthcare, and tech, anchored in corporate Chicago

The leap from corporate America to building Manifesting Leadership Group

Founding Latinas Rising Up in HR and scaling it to 11,000 women, now expanding into LATAM

"Just go do it": the catalyst phrase from her friends that finally pushed her

The 20 year built Rolodex and why she only adds two or three people a year

AI as a tool, not a soul replacement

The Netflix partnership that helped amplify Latinas Rising Up in HR from one to 11,000

Motherhood after three losses: meeting daughter Amalia through IVF

The scrappy phase: rough, real, growing in public

Faith, mindset shifts, and the prayer partner system that keeps her going
Intriguing Quotes
"You don't have to have it all figured out. What you do have to do is make a wave in the water." — Priscilla Guasso

"I'm in my scrappy phase." — Priscilla Guasso

"It's a tool. It's not meant to replace you, nor can it because it doesn't have a soul." — Priscilla Guasso on AI

"I'm not gonna regret not being with my daughter or my family." — Priscilla Guasso

"Where's your soul? Where is your realness?" — Pablo Alsina
Key Moments
[00:30] - Pablo and Jennie open and introduce Priscilla

[01:38] - Twenty years in HR across Hyatt, healthcare and technology

[02:09] - The friends who said "just go do it" and Latinas Rising Up in HR is born

[03:25] - Pablo on career switching vs staying in one lane

[05:11] - Growth on the other side of uncomfortable

[05:46] - "You don't have to have it all figured out"

[06:12] - In her scrappy phase: rough, learning, real

[08:00] - Pablo on AI flattening soul and realness in everyone's posts

[08:30] - Curating the Rolodex over 20 years and reading the room at events

[10:52] - The Netflix partnership and how it amplified Latinas Rising Up in HR

[12:55] - Motherhood, three losses, IVF, and Amalia the miracle baby

[16:09] - Her phenomenal husband, family backup, and running the LA speeches

[17:31] - Jennie's "daddies don't work" story

[18:43] - The wake up tomorrow podcast that reframed everything

[18:43] - Faith as the grounding force in good days and hard days

[20:30] - Prayer partner Edith and the magnitude shift of asking for help

[21:50] - Where to follow Priscilla and plug into the community
Notable Guests and Resources
Priscilla Guasso - CEO of Manifesting Leadership Group, founder of Latinas Rising Up in HR

Instagram: @PriscillaGuasso

Latinas Rising Up in HR: latinasrisingupinhr.com

Manifesting Leadership Group: manifestingleadership.com

Partnership: Netflix talent team

Upcoming: Latinas Rising Up in HR trip to Spain, September
Special Announcements
Follow @PriscillaGuasso on Instagram for the good, the bad and the ugly

Visit latinasrisingupinhr.com if you're in HR and want to plug into the community

Visit manifestingleadership.com for HR fractional and business support

Share this episode with anyone in their scrappy phase or thinking about leaving corporate
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24 min
May 26Calm Ambition - Magic, Acting & Following the Signs with Steve Valentine
Very Caliente

Hosts: Pablo Alsina & Jennie López

EP 022 - Calm Ambition - Magic, Acting & Following the Signs with Steve Valentine

Summary

Pablo and Jennie sit down with actor and magician Steve Valentine, currently starring as the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice at Eldorado Reno. Steve walks through his journey from a small English town to Hollywood, the calm ambition that carried him through ten years before Crossing Jordan, his one man show Life and Other Deceptions, his Magic on the Go online school, and his core message: be unrealistic, jump out of the plane and learn to make the parachute on the way down. Honest, generous, and very caliente.

Main Topics
From England to Hollywood on a cruise ship with a couple of thousand bucks

Refusing to be boxed in: actor, magician, writer, producer

Playing the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice at Eldorado Reno

“Bad writing” from the universe and learning to read the signs

Ten years away from magic, and the torrent of creativity that came back

Crossing Jordan and the lesson in being your own type

Voicing Harry Flynn in Uncharted 2, and the Nolan North / Christopher Walken dubbing story

Jump out of the plane, learn how to make the parachute on the way down

Intriguing Quotes
“Calm ambition. You’re not quite sure when or how, but I always kept at it.” — Steve Valentine

“Maybe I’ll be my own type.” — Steve Valentine

“Jump out of the plane, learn how to make the parachute on the way down.” — Steve Valentine

“Be unrealistic. The people who made it were unrealistic.” — Steve Valentine

Key Moments
[00:01:25] - Cirque Alice at Eldorado Reno, playing the Mad Hatter

[00:02:32] - DJing in the former Yugoslavia before the war forced him out

[00:03:44] - “Calm ambition”: not knowing when or how, but always kept at it

[00:04:59] - “Bad writing” from the universe

[00:05:51] - Ten years away from magic and the creativity that came back

[00:06:50] - Life and Other Deceptions: writing the one man show

[00:10:32] - Garth Brooks’ ‘Unanswered Prayers’ and Michael Caine’s journey

[00:13:22] - “Maybe I’ll be my own type”: how Crossing Jordan happened

[00:16:16] - Houdini series and the hundredth anniversary pitch

[00:16:44] - Buying the rights to Gerry Cottle’s Confessions of a Showman

[00:18:56] - Voicing Harry Flynn in Uncharted 2 and Dragon Age

[00:21:22] - Magic on the Go: teaching the craft, not just the secret

[00:23:19] - Buy the ticket: creating your own opportunities

[00:24:30] - “Be unrealistic”: the people who made it were unrealistic

[00:26:30] - Where to find Steve online

[00:29:23] - A magic trick to close the show

Notable Guests and Resources
Steve Valentine - Actor, magician, writer, producer

Instagram: @SteveValentine

Website: SteveValentine.com

Magic school: magiconthego.com

Podcast: Magicians Only

Current show: Cirque Alice at Eldorado Reno

Screen credits: Crossing Jordan, Monster High, The Gourmet Detective

Voice credits: Uncharted 2 (Harry Flynn), Dragon Age

Special Announcements
Catch Steve as the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice at Eldorado Reno.

Sign up at magiconthego.com to learn the craft properly.

Listen to season one of the Magicians Only podcast.

🎧 Connect with the Hosts

Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛒 Support the Show

Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share

#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift #AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026
🎧 Connect with the Hosts
Follow Jennie (@IntentionalUnicorn) and Pablo (@PabloAlsina) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, bonus wisdom, and pure good vibes.

🛍️ Support the Show
Love what we’re doing? Share the show, leave a review.

🔥 Hashtags to Follow & Share
#VeryCaliente #LatinxPodcast #BilingualPodcast #MindsetShift
#AuthenticityMatters #PositiveEnergy #CourageCultureConversation #PodcastLaunch2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
32 min

About Very Caliente

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Welcome to Very Caliente—the podcast that turns up the heat on culture, connection, and real conversation. Hosted by the always insightful Pablo Alsina and the ever-radiant Jenni López, this bilingual duo brings you a refreshing blend of brains and boldness with every episode.

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