Brick Breakers Podcast

In this episode, I explore men’s mental health through the voices of 35 men who anonymously participated in a mental health survey. As a woman, I realized I had a lot of assumptions about what men experience, but very little understanding of the pressures, fears, expectations, and emotional struggles many carry every day. After hearing men in my own life share experiences with anxiety, depression,...

This episode is personal and reflective. I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of protecting young girls and boys from situations they may not fully recognize as unsafe at the time. I share parts of my own experiences growing up and what I understand now about grooming, older men, and how easily boundaries can be crossed without you realizing it in the moment. I’m speaking from my perspect...

In this episode, I share one of the most personal experiences of my life. I finally encountered Gods presence like I have never before once I surrendered. I found myself in a white room, facing a trash can filled with everything I thought I needed to hold onto: guilt, shame, comparison, punishment, control. At first, I didn’t want to let it go. Part of me believed those things made me better. Stro...

In this episode of Brick Breakers , we explore what it means to see your worth through the relationships you build—with God, with others, and with yourself. I reflect on seasons of waiting, answered prayers that didn’t come right away, and how God answers prayers—even when it feels delayed. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, questioned your value, or wondered if God was listening, this episode is for...

In this first episode of 2026, we’re talking about what it actually takes to become the person you’ve been saying you want to be. Becoming a new version of yourself isn’t just about motivation or setting goals — it’s about accepting the lifestyle that comes with them, preparing for that life, and grieving the version of you that kept you comfortable but stuck. In this episode, we talk about: The h...

In this raw and personal episode, I share my story of losing my dad — from his deportation when I was 13 to the painful reality of his passing years later. I talk about reconnecting in Mexico, the anger and guilt I carried, his salvation prayer, and the lessons grief continues to teach me. This episode is for anyone navigating loss, complicated family relationships, or the invisible walls we build...

You’re capable. You’re ready. Start anyway. In this episode of Brick Breakers , I open up about the moments I waited too long — whether it was helping my dad with his immigration status, getting serious about my health after having my first baby, or passing on a career opportunity out of fear. If you’ve ever said “I’ll start tomorrow” , this one’s for you. Time doesn’t wait. And neither should you...

In this episode of Brick Breakers , I open up about the deep inner work that helped me change how I see myself—from guilt and shame to self-respect and confidence. I share how I struggled to forgive myself, how I stopped downplaying the life I worked hard to build, and how I found the courage to set boundaries that protect my peace. I also tie in powerful tools from neuroscience and self-image psy...

Stop letting emotions run the show. In this episode, we explore why emotional regulation is tough , the damage it can cause, and simple tools to help you take control. If you’re ready to stop self-sabotaging and start healing—this is for you. 🎧 Follow the journey: IG → @brickbreakerspodcast YT → youtube.com/@brickbreakerspodcast

Grief isn’t always about losing someone to death. Sometimes, it’s about letting go of a version of yourself, a relationship, a dream, or a future that no longer exists. In this solo episode, I share the layers of grief I’ve lived through—from losing my mom at 13, to becoming a mom myself, to the painful distance from my chronically ill father. I talk about how grief doesn’t just disappear—it chang...

Labor can feel terrifying, especially when it’s your first time. The unknown, the pain, the “what-ifs”—it’s a lot to process. I know because I had those same fears. In this episode, I’m sharing how I shifted my mindset, prepared my body, and built confidence for one of the biggest moments of my life. From my birth plan and the fears I faced to the reality of labor and postpartum recovery, I’ll tak...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 on Brick Breakers ! In this solo episode, I’m sharing the personal doubts I’ve faced in rebranding and restarting this podcast, along with my journey of overcoming obstacles. From a challenging upbringing filled with adversity to finding the courage to share my story, this episode dives into breaking through the brick wall of self-doubt. I’ll talk about why tak...

In this exhilarating episode of Brick Breakers Podcast, join us as we delve into Patricia Vazquez Topete's incredible journey through her first brutal Half Ironman in Hawaii—and her decision to return. Patricia, a powerhouse in finance and community advocacy, shares the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth she experienced during this grueling endurance race. Get inspired by her determination,...

In this compelling episode, join Rachel, a certified Spiritual Life Coach and Reiki practitioner based in Fresno, California, as she courageously shares her journey of overcoming feelings of disconnection throughout her life. Delving into pivotal moments of realization, Rachel candidly discusses how these feelings impacted her life and the transformative steps she took to cultivate connection and...

Today's guest is Zeek Gomez with over a decade of experience in tattooing across Tulare County and Kings County. Zeek is not just a tattoo artist, but also a talented painter involved in the arts scene in downtown Visalia, CA. Check out the links below to check out his art. @browndogtattooz @brickbreakerspodcast

Tony Bernard is the owner of the Old Foxx Tattoo shop in Visalia, CA. He went to a graphic design school in Arizona's and brought back his talent to his hometown. On this episode he talks about having faced an injury that completely changed his life. And how he was able to pivot 2 years of not being able to use his leg. Old Foxx Tattoo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldfoxxtattoo/?hl=en Tony...

From Selma to the bustling cities of Fresno and Clovis, Brandan Duran's voyage is a tale of resilience and transformation. A journey marked by financial struggles, unexpected detours, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Today, we unravel his story of triumph over self-doubt and the relentless pursuit of his true potential. Don't miss this episode, where Brandon shares the inspiring...

Patricia Vazquez Topete is a finance industry leader and community advocate dedicated to positive change. She has a strong track record in economic development and championing policies for English language learners, immigrants, and farmworkers. Her roles on the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Task Force and in the Governor's Office, as well as her work at the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, reflec...

Gladys Martinez is a Mexican American woman entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two. She graduated from Fresno State with a BA in business administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. She was the student entrepreneur of the year in 2019, director of Grind Fresno, and currently an entrepreneurship mentor for a high school. She works as a tax specialist, has her own business, Nelias Birra Sauc...

Today's guest is Kristen James. She is a musician and artist. She grew up in the Central Valley and graduated from Fresno State with a degree in studio art. In this episode she talks about tools that helped her face anxiety and hopelessness in her life. Discipleship School: https://gapyear.radiantvisalia.com/ Kristen Social Media: https://instagram.com/kristenjamescreative?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==...

Some days we can feel on top of the world and other days we don't know what we are doing. If you feel stuck or need a reminder of what we are capable of when we unlock our minds, keep listening. The guest in this episode is Mukesh Chinreddy, an international student from India. He got his bachelors in India at SRM University and then came to California State University, Fresno to get his masters'...

If your someone who is trying to find balance between your spirituality and leadership, this podcast episode is for you. Even if you are just someone living day by day, we all encounter leadership roles, whether it's at work or at home. Today's guest is Lisa Alvarado. She was born and raised in Visalia, CA to teen parents and high school sweethearts Yvette and Lisandro, who were born on opposite s...

Do you feel stuck? In this podcast Alfredo Magana Villegas talks about overcoming a survival mindset and changing it into a growth one. He is a first generation Fresno State Alumni. He grew up in a low-income community which inspired him to want to help others reshape their mindset from surviving to growing. He started a small business called Unstruggle Wealth to help people with financial service...

If you have ever dealt with grief or know someone who has this is a good episode to tune into. Jessica Lozano-Delgado is a mom of threw graduated from Fresno State and is very involved in her community. She is an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community, she started Visalia's first podcast and in 2019, she was the president's award winner for Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce an...

Having someone you love deal with a chronic illness can be intimidating and scary. But at the end of the day there are always ways to overcome that life challenge. In this podcast Alicia Porras will talk about how she has helped her chronically ill mother and also helped herself keep a positive outlook on their situation.  Check out her Instagram at humble_cbd humblehempproducts.com