Episodes
![Episode 21/52. TOMMY GONZALEZ- “Don’t say it, do it”](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Episode 21/52. TOMMY GONZALEZ- “Don’t say it, do it”
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Episode 21/52 is out now!
This time I had the great pleasure to chat with City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez.
In 2014 he was appointed the City Manager of El Paso, Texas.
With a budget of approximately $1 billion in operations and $1 billion in capital expenditures; Tommy oversees more than 6,000 employees including 500 leaders.
Tommy is an impressively high performing leader with a vast and varied experience. Under his leadership, El Paso has won the All-America City (AAC) Award in 2018 and 2020, and 2021; and was named an AAC finalist four years in a row while achieving $221 million in cost savings.
Tommy’s work ethic and high performing leadership skills are impressive. His winning mindset has allowed him to overcome challenges and face adversity since a young age.
During this episode we talk about his humble beginnings in Lubbock, TX , how football helped him develop his character and work ethic, as well as the challenges he faces as City Manager.
Tommy also talks about the accomplishments his team has been able to achieve throughout the city and he addresses his most recent salary increase.
We also talk about El Paso going from one of the top Covid-19 infected cities in the nation last year, to being recognized as having one of the highest vaccination rates among US cities including the role he played when Judge Ricardo Samaniego and past City Mayor Dee Margo disagreed over stay-at-home orders.
Tommy talks about the short and long term future of El Paso and he provides advice on becoming better, more effective leaders as well as establishing a winning mindset among many other great things.
This is a great conversation you don’t want to miss!
Other topics covered:
- “Don’t say it, do it” mentality
- Delta variant
- Prioritizing city needs
- Developing strategic planning
- Property Taxes
![Episode 20/52. MATT U JOHNSON- Create Your Own Opportunities!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
Episode 20/52. MATT U JOHNSON- Create Your Own Opportunities!
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
Wednesday Aug 04, 2021
Episode 20/52 is out now.
This week we had the great pleasure to chat with international recording artist, professional SAG actor and entrepreneur Matt U Johnson
Matt U Johnson is of Jamaican descent. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, at age thirteen he decided to pursue a career in music. His lyrical singing style is unique, blending solid elements of Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae along with EDM.
Matt U’s passion, ambition and positivity has led him to work and collaborate with Reggae Super Stars Buju Banton, I-Wayne, Hip Hop artist’s Mann, Cash Out, Jazz Cartier, EDM legend Kshmr & Latin Grammy nominee Christina Eustace at Minerpalooza in front of 35k of people.
During this episode we talk about his journey in the entertainment biz, why he moved to El Paso, the challenges he faces as an independent artist as well the importance of a solid work ethic. Matt also talks about dealing with rejection, “hate” and he explains the importance of having a positive mentality in the industry. Enjoy!
![Episode 19/52. MONIKA- Trust Yourself!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Episode 19/52. MONIKA- Trust Yourself!
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
This week we had the great pleasure to chat with On Air Personality, Monika.
Monika was raised in Hollywood, Calif., and then moved several times and eventually settled in El Paso.
Monika's fun, positive, and caring personality has enabled her to work in the radio industry for over 20 years.
She's someone genuinely involved with the progress of the community, Monika is always looking to find innovative and creative ways to make a positive impact through the Arts, Community Outreach Programs, LGBTQ+ events, among others. Enjoy.
![Episode 18/52. RICHIE MARRUFO- Express Yourself!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Episode 18/52. RICHIE MARRUFO- Express Yourself!
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Born and raised in El Paso, Richie is a spoken word poet, musician and the current Project Director of the Barbed Wire Open Mic Series. Richie is a huge supporter of the local artistic community. He is also a college educator and a writer for the film/production studio, Power at the Pass, among many other endeavors. Richie’s mission is to give the community performance space and encouragement to express themselves and share stories through art.
![Episode 17/52. IRIS LOPEZ- Determined to Succeed!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Episode 17/52. IRIS LOPEZ- Determined to Succeed!
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
This week we had the great pleasure to chat with Iris Lopez.
Iris Lopez is a news journalist currently working as a weather reporter for KVIA News in El Paso TX. Most recently, Iris founded "Mija, Yes You Can", a non profit organization aiming to encourage and remind women and young girls that an equal world is possible.
Iris' determination and "yes, you can" attitude has helped her surpass many difficulties in her career as well as in her personal life. She is always willing to go the extra mile in order to pursue the things that bring her happiness. Enjoy!
![Episode 16/52. ROMY HERNANDEZ- Follow Your Dreams!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Episode 16/52. ROMY HERNANDEZ- Follow Your Dreams!
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
This week we had the great pleasure to chat with Romy Hernandez.
Romy is an entrepreneur, mom, local influencer and overall, a bad@$$ woman!
Romy’s positive mindset and “never-give” up attitude has helped her through difficult moments in her life and definitely played a big role in finding success in pursuing her life goals.
During this episode we talk about her journey being a single mom at 16, her experience working at a job she absolutely hated, why she decided to use social media as a way to promote her brand and the importance of finding strong female role models.
This is a great conversation you don’t want to miss!
Other topics covered-
- Mom’s unconditional love and support
- Dealing with social media haters (don’t miss this story)
- Importance of multiple streams of income
- And much more..
![Episode 15/52. DIEGO MARTINEZ (Diego Robot)- Change Begins with You!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Episode 15/52. DIEGO MARTINEZ (Diego Robot)- Change Begins with You!
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
This week we had the pleasure to sit down with Diego Martinez aka Diego Robot. Diego is one of El Paso’s most prominent artists and is the creative force behind Casa Ortiz, a gallery in Socorro, Texas.
Born and raised in El Paso, Diego is best known for his “robot” paintings which he uses to connect and establish his identity. Diego is heavily involved in our community, he often collaborates with other local artists and organizations. He donates his time, skills as well as paintings to local charities such as the Child Crisis Center of El Paso.
During this conversation, Diego shares his difficult path to work as a full time artist while suffering from bipolar disorder. Diego talks about the importance of having the right people around to support him, both professionally and personally. Diego also talks about his creative process as well as the current art scene in El Paso. Enjoy.
Other topics covered:
Business mindset
Pricing Art
Casa Ortiz/Socorro
Podcasting
And much more…
![Episode 14/52. ALEXANDRIA SERRA- Live Up to Your Full Potential!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Episode 14/52. ALEXANDRIA SERRA- Live Up to Your Full Potential!
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
This week we had the pleasure to sit down with Alexandria Serra. Alex is a criminal defense attorney, an entrepreneur, and someone truly invested in the progress and well being of our community.
Alexandria is not your typical lawyer. Alex uses her vast knowledge and expertise to provide value to the community by educating and bringing awareness to important law related subjects all while sharing her exciting, friendly and easy going personality.
During this conversation, Alex shares how her life motto, “living a life to your full potential” has led her to start many ventures. Alexandria gives her opinion on what “true happiness” is and talks about the process and the insecurities she had to overcome in order to use social media to promote her business as well as her personal brand. Alex also shares a few personal struggles she is currently navigating through with the intention of helping others. Enjoy.
Other topics covered-
- Misconception about lawyers
- Differences between men and women attorneys
- Lack of female role models in the 915
- Being Vegan
- And much more…
![Episode 13/52. CALEB LARA- Pursuing your Passion](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Episode 13/52. CALEB LARA- Pursuing your Passion
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
On this episode, we had the pleasure to sit down with Caleb Lara from the TV show, Elevate El Paso. Caleb has lived a very interesting and amusing life to put it mildly. At age 13, Caleb gave a sermon in front of 500 people, he worked as a local model, he then became an award winning photographer and then transitioned to work on television. He is now a marketer, producer and TV host whose main goal is to enrich the quality of life of its audience. Caleb is known for being someone who is not afraid of taking risks in order to pursue his goals.
During our conversation we talked about the importance of living a purpose driven life. He gives advice on finding something greater than yourself in order to achieve happiness. Caleb also shares his opinion on where El Paso stands in regards to growth and how we can move our city forward. Enjoy.
![Episode 12/52. GESUINA LEGASPY- Take the Risk!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/10283082/pic19_300x300.jpg)
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Episode 12/52. GESUINA LEGASPY- Take the Risk!
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
This week we had the great pleasure to sit down with Gesuina Legaspy.
Gesuina’s story is inspiring and definitely worth sharing. Even though she is young, Gesuina has been an entrepreneur most of her life. She is the proud owner of GAL Fashion and most recently, Maximus, a high-end fashion store for men.
Gesuina is fearless and someone who believes in taking risks over regret any day of the week!
Her success is no causality, Gesuina’s impeccable work ethic, passion and willingness to try new things sets her apart from the rest.
During this conversation, Gesuina talks about her start in fashion, how her go-getter attitude has shaped her persona and how she processes failure, among many other things.
We also discuss a bit about her personal life, getting married during high school, her life after a 10-year marriage and how she has been able to recover from an addiction to alcohol. Enjoy.
*Due to technical difficulties, we had to use the back up sound. Thank you