Behind the Scenes with Humberto Rodriguez

In this episode, I reflect on the recent statements from Dolores Huerta and the broader conversation surrounding her account involving Cesar Chavez. After listening to her interview with Maria Hinojosa, I found myself sitting with the weight of a woman who carried a painful truth for decades to protect a movement she helped build. But what struck me just as much was the response. Instead of engagi...

A Conversation with Raquel Izquierdo Lopez In this in-depth conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with Raquel Izquierdo Lopez to discuss the realities of leadership in today’s climate of public scrutiny, social media pressure, and political tension. They explore what accountability truly means, how mental health plays a role in leadership, and why collaboration and open dialogue are essential...

In this candid and raw conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Juan “Johnny” Bombela. Together, they explore what it means to grow up between cultures, the challenges of identity, and the realities of hustling to survive and succeed. From family struggles and broken homes to building businesses and raising kids, Juan opens up about the lessons he’s learned...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes with Humberto Rodriguez , I sit down with Ryan Vasquez to talk about resilience, identity, and the power of community. Ryan reflects on his experiences growing up in Wapato, a town often associated with poverty, addiction, and struggle, and shares why those challenges don’t define him, or the people who come from there. From early speeches to his powerful runs...

⚠️ Content Warning:This episode contains discussions of childhood neglect, parental substance abuse, and a disclosure of child sexual abuse. These are shared from lived experience and may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care, and prioritize your well-being. If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, know that you are not alone and support is available. In this deeply p...

Kari didn’t start out chasing trophies, she just wanted to feel better after having kids. But one fitness class turned into a passion, and that passion turned into a lifestyle of competing, coaching, and building discipline in and out of the gym. In this episode, she opens up about her first show, building confidence, how she meal preps as a mom, and the mindset shift that helped her stop relying...

In this unapologetically honest episode, I sit down with law student and community advocate Gloria Guizar to unpack some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. We cover a wide range of topics, from the hidden layers of Project 2025, systemic racism, and mass deportation plans, to the deep-rooted privilege embedded in American institutions. Together, we explore how race, politics, me...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Kimberly Starr, Suicide Prevention Speaker, Theatre Intimacy Director, and author of 457 Days: A Mother’s Journey Along Grief’s Path . Together, we explore the threads that shape who we are: cultural identity, the impact of grief, the role of art in healing, and the deep human desire to belong. Kimberly shares her powerful journey th...

Fatherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and trust. We guide, we protect, and we give everything we can, but there comes a time when we must learn to let go. In this short episode, I reflect on the struggles of watching our children walk their own path, the pain of distance, and the faith it takes to remain steady. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s powerful words on parenting, this is an honest, raw...

In part two of my conversation with Liz Vossenkemper, we dive deep into the moments that shaped her—her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and the traumas many will find relatable. Liz opens up about the passing of her father, the journey to healing, and the power of owning your story. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that growth often comes from the hardest parts of our journey....

In this first episode of a two-part series, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with Liz Vossenkemper, MSN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, Medical Director at United Family Center, to dive into the layers of her story. This conversation isn’t just about where Liz is today, it’s about the journey that brought her here. Part 1 touches on her work as a professional and ends with Liz taking us back to her 8-year-old s...