WE ARE SACRAMENTO

Episode 36: How America Really Works, Police Encounters, the IMF & UFC Talk In Episode 36, the crew dives into American politics, government, and the systems that shape everyday life. Why do so many Americans feel disconnected from how their own country works? We break down the International Monetary Fund (IMF), U.S. foreign policy, economic influence, and how American financial power can impa...

🎙️  Episode 35 is here! This week, we’re covering a little bit of everything! We dive into the  Clancy case , talk about the  sale of the Lakers , and then Beto takes us into survival mode with the big question:  Would you survive the zombie apocalypse? 🧟‍♂️ It’s a mix of serious conversation, sports, and plenty of fun as we debate what we would do if the world suddenly went full zombie! 🔥 Tune...

We Are Sacramento Podcast | Episode 34 This week on We Are Sacramento, we get into the people who mean well but somehow end up getting in the way. 😅 Mario talks about those “helpful” people who think they’re moving things forward, but sometimes end up slowing the whole process down. 🏈  Miles  gets into the latest sports headlines, including the San Francisco 49ers owner and the recent arrest inv...

We Are Sacramento Podcast | Episode 33 Episode 33 is all over the map in the best way possible. 😂 Mario kicks things off with  pet peeves  and the little things people do that can drive you absolutely crazy. Mari goes down the rabbit hole asking  “What the hell happened to all those alien videos?”  👽 We had UFO footage, mysterious sightings, people claiming they had answers… and then suddenly, s...

Episode 31 dives into the personal, the painful, and the pulse of the city. Mario opens up about his ongoing weight loss journey, reflecting on the discipline, setbacks, and mindset shifts that come with it. He also revisits the idea of bringing back  MySpace , exploring whether nostalgia and community-driven platforms still have a place in today’s social media world. Mari shares a deeply emotiona...

Lamondo Hill II is an actor, writer, filmmaker, husband, and father of two boys. Born and raised in Richmond, California, his early experiences with adversity shaped the way he sees the world and the stories he's compelled to tell. Passionate about storytelling in all its forms, he's building a career one project at a time through ReelHill Productions, creating films and conversations that...

We Are Sacramento – Episode 29 The World Cup energy is in full swing this episode as Mario dives into the global fan culture, spotlighting the passion of Mexican supporters and the unexpected rise of Scottish fans as crowd favorites. It’s more than just the game—it’s identity, pride, and the electric atmosphere that turns stadiums into living, breathing celebrations. Mari takes us into dream-mode,...

🎧 Episode 28: Fighting Through Barriers with Ayahna Gonzales In this powerful episode of  We Are Sacramento , the crew sits down with special guest  Ayahna Gonzales , a 19-year-old rising boxing star from Sacramento State’s Combat U program. Ayahna shares her journey into boxing, stepping into a sport that hasn’t always made space for women, and how she’s helping change that narrative one fight a...

We Are Sacramento Podcast – Episode 27 Episode 27 takes us global, personal, and deeply real all in one ride. Mario kicks things off by diving into the World Cup—but not just from a soccer perspective. He breaks down how the World Cup is bigger than the game itself, touching on culture, identity, economics, and how the world comes together (and sometimes clashes) on one stage. Mari brings the ener...

Episode 25 is a real conversation starter 🎙️ Mario dives into the city budget and asks the question we’re all thinking… where is the money really going? He also gets into the grind of training new employees and how much patience is actually enough before it starts costing more than it’s building. Mari taps into something we all struggle with… what does “good sleep” even mean anymore? Is it hours,...

Episode 21 taps into real life, real pressure, and real perspective. Mario opens up about fatherhood, reflecting on raising his kids and the responsibility of creating safe spaces where they can grow, express themselves, and feel protected in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. The conversation then shifts into the classroom, breaking down the double-edged sword of technology—how it can em...

Episode 20 feels like a late-night drive through the heart of California—history, culture, real-life pressure, and a little viral magic all riding in the same car 🚗✨ Mario opens things up with a nostalgic nod to the iconic California letters, originally from Disney and now finding a new home at the California State Fair—a full-circle moment for the culture and the capital city. From there, he ta...

Episode 19 taps into history, healing, and a little pop culture debate all in one ride 🎙️ Mario reflects on the legacy of Cesar Chavez, recent allegations of abuse and rape. From there, the conversation shifts into something more personal, as Mario opens up about living with PTSD and his experiences navigating antidepressants—keeping it real about the highs, lows, and what it means to keep pushing...

Episode 18 is one for the culture. Mario opens the conversation with a deep dive into the Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny, breaking down the symbolism woven into the stage design, visuals, and cultural references. He talks about what it means to see Hispanic identity centered on one of the biggest stages in America, and how powerful it feels to witness representation that is bold, una...

We Are Sacramento – Episode 17 In Episode 17 of the  We Are Sacramento  podcast, the crew dives into real-life conversations that hit close to home in Sacramento and beyond. Mario breaks down the uncomfortable truth about jealous friends, how envy shows up in adult relationships, and when support turns sideways. Mari tackles the current political insecurity shaping everyday life, unpacking how unc...

🎙️  We Are Sacramento Podcast | Episode 16 In Episode 16, Mario opens up about parenting in real time. From the bittersweet feeling of being less needed as your kids grow, to the challenge of raising children in a deeply polarized political climate, it’s an honest reflection on family, identity, and staying grounded when the world feels loud. Mari breaks down turning point and the idea of all Amer...

Mario opens the show with the electric buzz swirling around the newly dropped NFL halftime-show teaser, breaking down what the vibes hint at and why the league is stirring the pot this early in the season. Miles steps into sports with a prediction bold enough to rattle the helmets on the shelf, calling for the Raiders to snag a Super Bowl  before  the Niners do. It’s confident, it’s chaotic, and i...

Episode 13  is a full Sacramento sampler with a side of sports tea. Mario kicks things off with a look toward the future, breaking down a proposed light rail project aimed at finally connecting Sacramento to West Sac and what that could mean for commuters and the region. He also gives credit where it’s due, noting how Sac PD’s contact and communication with the community has been getting noticeabl...

Episode 12 – Santa’s Origins, Community in Crisis, and Leadership on the Court In this episode of  We Are Sacramento , Mario dives into the fascinating history of Christmas — from ancient winter traditions to how Santa Claus became the red-suited cultural icon we know today. Mari brings the conversation back to the community with a heartfelt discussion on the  Fortunate Feast , the importance of t...

🎙️ Episode 11 – News, Trends, Sports &… Tacos? In this week’s episode of We Are Sacramento , Mario dives into some heavy local news, including recent shootings and property damage affecting the community. He also breaks down the latest TikTok craze — the quarter-zip trend — and why everyone suddenly wants one. Mari shares hilarious (and slightly chaotic) updates on how her house is turning int...

Episode 10 – Tourism Trouble, Brand Battles & Owning a Racehorse?! In Episode 10 of  We Are Sacramento , Mario dives into the world of  tourism in Sacramento  — the good, the bad, and the unexpected downsides that come with a booming visitor economy. From crowded neighborhoods to rising prices, he breaks down what increased tourism could really mean for our city. Mari puts the whole squad —  e...

🎙  Episode 9 – Change, Credit, and Card Games In this episode of  We Are Sacramento , Mario dives into the power of language — exploring the benefits of speaking multiple languages and why so many people fear change in their personal and professional lives. Mari breaks down the growing world of alternative credit — from “buy now, pay later” trends to how they compare with traditional credit system...

🎧 Spotify / Apple Podcasts Description Episode 8 — Haunted Eats and Costly Streets Mario dives into how the USDA’s food subsidies impact what we eat and how it affects local communities. He also uncovers some of Sacramento’s most haunted places — including the mysterious Citizen Hotel. 👻 Mari shares a story about a zoo taking in pet donations to help feed their animals and opens up about her own...

🎙️ Episode 7: What We Love vs. What We’re Good At In this episode of  We Are Sacramento , Mario dives into a thought-provoking conversation about the  things we love to do but aren’t necessarily good at , and the  skills we’re great at but don’t always love  — exploring how that balance shapes our creativity, work, and happiness. Meanwhile, Mari keeps things grounded by highlighting  everyday conv...

🎙️ Episode 6: Borders, Barriers, and Survival In this episode, Mario and Mari dive deep into the  real-world impacts of broken immigration policies  — how poor execution and lack of humanity are hurting the very foundation of our country. Mario breaks down the ripple effects these policies have on families, communities, and the economy, while Mari sheds light on a chilling topic:  North Koreans ri...