Flava Podcast

Chicago community leader Melissa “Mel” Quintana joins Los and Liz on the FLAVA Podcast to share her inspiring story — the struggles she faced, the lessons she learned, and how she’s fighting to uplift the Chicago community. From overcoming obstacles to becoming a voice for the people, Mel breaks down what it really takes to create change in your city. This is a conversation about community, leader...

Chicago, this episode is SPECIAL! Los sits down with world-renowned choreographer Lyrik Cruz — a proud Puerto Rican from Chicago who just touched one of the BIGGEST stages in the world… the BENITO BOWL alongside Bad Bunny and global performers. 🇵🇷🐰🏈 From the streets of Humboldt Park to performing on a historic halftime stage, Lyrik represents CULTURE, GRIND, and PRIDE. His journey proves that a...

Adrian Rodriguez joins Los at the FLAVA Podcast Table for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations yet. Growing up in the streets of Humboldt Park, Adrian opens up about witnessing his first murder as a child, surviving a tough life in the hood, and pushing through trauma, struggle, and adversity to become a leader for his neighborhood and his people. This is a story of survival, growt...

Iraida Andrade, known as “The Tax Lady,” sits down with Los at the Flava Podcast Studio to drop real game on taxes, entrepreneurship, and how business owners can prepare for the future. If you’re an entrepreneur with big ideas, side hustles, or a growing business — this episode is a MUST WATCH. Iraida breaks down taxes in a simple way, talks about financial growth, and gives powerful insight for b...

Chicago politics just got REAL. On this episode of the Flava Podcast, Jessie Fuentes returns for her second appearance — and she’s not holding back. She talks about: • Her personal encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) • What’s really happening in Chicago • The state of the country • New businesses and economic growth in her ward • Community leadership and accountability An...

Chef Yari Vargas is BACK — and this chapter hits different. After unforeseen circumstances forced the closing of her restaurant on Fullerton, Chef Yari didn’t fold. She leaned into her faith, trusted God’s plan, and came back stronger. Now, her extremely famous restaurant is reopening on Paseo Boricua, and the community is buzzing with excitement. On this powerful episode of the FLAVA Podcast Netw...

Jordan Haddad

Cesar Rolon pulls up to the Flava Podcast Network and drops real gems from the fashion industry 💎 With years of hands-on experience, Cesar Rolon is a seasoned creative who’s lived the reality of the fashion world — from the grind behind the scenes to the discipline it takes to stay relevant. Known for his eye, creativity, and industry knowledge, Cesar shares powerful lessons on branding, consiste...

Chicago breaking legends Sergio Rodríguez (Beast Boy) and CJ Williams (Black Attack) pull up to the FLAVA Podcast and really chop it up with Los 💥 This episode is BIG CULTURE. We talk about: 🔥 How breaking saved lives 🔥 Teaching discipline, respect, and confidence to Chicago’s youth 🔥 Traveling the WORLD through breaking 🔥 Bringing Hip-Hop culture to the masses the RIGHT way 🔥 The responsibi...

Dr. Jesus Vishnivetskiy stops by Flava Podcast Studio and sits down with Los and Nissa for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Vishnivetskiy opens up about the heartbreaking murder of his sister — a victim of domestic violence — and the terrifying days of a manhunt as his family lived in fear while the killer was still on the run. He shares how tha...

Daphne Labault of Plena Mercancía joins Los and Liz on the Flava Podcast for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago after Hurricane Maria. Daphne opens up about life on the island, rebuilding after tragedy, navigating a new life in Chicago, and preserving Puerto Rican culture through coffee, community, and entrepreneurship. 🌴☕🇵🇷 This episode is filled...

Actor, producer, and photographer Ivan Vega stops by the Flava Podcast to hang with Los and Liz for a powerful Chicago conversation. Ivan breaks down what it was like growing up on the South Side of Chicago as a Puerto Rican in a predominantly Mexican community, being raised in a blended family, and how those life experiences shaped his purpose. As the Co-Founder & Executive Director of UrbanT...

Julio Gonzalez Jr. stops by the Flava Studio and sits down with Los and Liz for a powerful conversation about giving back to the community through food, service, and heart. From feeding neighborhoods to supporting families and uplifting Chicago one block at a time — Julio breaks down his mission, his hustle, and why serving others is his purpose. This episode is full of gems, inspiration, and real...

Join host Los on the Flava Podcast as he sits down with an extraordinary 10-year-old hero: Zoe. After conquering her kidney cancer battle—35 rounds of chemo, 6 rounds of radiation—Zoe became a published author and now shares her story to bring comfort, courage and hope to every child facing medical challenges. She opens up about how when she’s not reading or writing her story, she loves playing ma...

On this episode of the Flava Podcast Network, Los and Liz sit down with Sachayra Cintron, owner of Churcheria Tropical Creations. She shares her inspiring story of bringing Puerto Rico’s traditional pastries and Flava’s to Paseo Boricua, and her journey from Chicago to Puerto Rico and back to the city she loves. Tune in for laughter, culture, and a whole lot of FLAVA— straight from the heart of th...

Margarita Vazquez, creator of The Marinated Kitchen, joins Los on the Flava Podcast to share her incredible journey — from cooking up her mouthwatering sofrito and garlic paste that’s taking the food world by storm, to stepping into food demos and advocating against domestic violence after the tragic loss of her sister. Margarita is more than a chef — she’s a community leader, giver, and voice for...

Marisel Melendez, co-owner of Chicago’s famous Ponce Puerto Rican Restaurant and one of the hosts of Boricua Talks, pulls up to the Flava Podcast Studio to chop it up with LOS! 🇵🇷🔥 They talk about life in Chicago, balancing motherhood while chasing education, and the hustle of running one of the city’s most loved Puerto Rican spots. PLUS — her co-host Elizabeth Colon-Rivera joins the convo, bring...

In this episode of The Flava Podcast, Los sits down with Tatiana Torres — a school teacher, dancer, and host of the Never Too Shy Podcast. Tatiana opens up about her life journey, dating experiences, childhood memories, and the strong bond she shares with her mom and grandmothers. She also talks about her passion for helping kids, what drives her as an educator and creator, and how she’s inspiring...

Los is out, and Liz is running the show! 🎤 This episode of the Flava Podcast Network dives deep with Indigo Nikki — an inspiring entrepreneur, community leader, and woman of faith who’s turning her pain into purpose. 🙏✨ From facing poverty and mental abuse to rising up with perseverance and love, Indigo shares how she’s building businesses that give back to the community she came from. 💪🏽💜 G...

In this episode of the Flava Podcast, Los and Liz sit down with Fox Peña, better known as Foxcito — Chicago’s realest food critic and the man behind Foxo Food Reviews. With over 25 years in the restaurant business and a reputation for keeping it 💯, Foxcito breaks down his journey from Subway franchise owner to viral social media food personality. He talks about: 🍴 His rise on Instagram & You...

Samantha Alvarez, Founder and Creative Director of Inspirate Marketing Co., pulled up to Flava Studio to chop it up with Los. With Liz out of town, Samantha held it down—sharing her journey from nonprofit leadership to building a boutique agency rooted in purpose, passion, and community. A proud Chicagoan of Puerto Rican and Honduran descent, Samantha also opened up about her mission to empower wo...

Los and guest co-host Carmen Santiago-Keenon sit down with Veronica Ocasio — a beloved educator, faith-driven leader, and true champion of the people. For the first time on a podcast, Veronica shares her journey growing up in Humboldt Park, her struggles and victories, and the love story that made her part of a powerful couple. With her passion for education and her fight for justice, Veronica has...

This one’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and anybody chasing purpose. 🙏 Los & Liz sit down with Dejuan Callister, who shares his powerful journey of overcoming obstacles and turning struggles into success. His words are full of wisdom, faith, and motivation that will light a fire in you to keep pushing forward. 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Hit like, drop a comment, share with...

Los and Liz had an incredible conversation with Miguel “Mostró” Vázquez, a Chicago radio personality who beat the odds. Raised in Humboldt Park, Miguel grew up surrounded by gangs, drugs, and crime. With his brothers in prison, the streets could’ve claimed him too—but radio saved his life. From hosting La Calle, one of Chicago’s hottest Latin radio shows, to now owning Radio Ritmo Mix, his story i...

Chicago’s own TikTok Terry (@tiktokterry23) pulls up to the Flava Podcast Network with Los for a dope sit-down you don’t wanna miss! We chop it up about: • 🔑 Balancing family & kids while chasing dreams • 💼 His career journey from Amazon grind to TikTok fame • 📱 The power of social media & going viral • 🎮 A hilarious This or That game that will have you laughing! Terry keeps it 100 abo...