Santana Says Podcast

On this episode of Santana Says, Santana welcome mentor and youth anger management specialist Mike Mathis during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and after Father’s Day. Mike shares his journey from street life and eight years in prison to being discovered through church and building a mentorship platform that now reaches 48 states with 78,000 kids in a database, plus a center opening in Mayfie...

Santana returns to “Santana Says,” thanking supporters as the show continues toward 100 episodes, and frames this episode as an homage to Sexual Assault Awareness Month while approaching Mental Health Awareness Month. She recaps recent school-based Sexual Assault Awareness presentations in Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools, discusses school mergers, layoffs, and how students and staff...

Today we have a special edition of the show Santana is joined by her three daughters (ages 9, 11, and 12) for “Bring Your Daughters to Work Day 2.0” during April awareness months after Women’s History Month. The girls introduce themselves, share interests like track, reading, and a youth retreat, and reflect on transitioning from a charter school to a Catholic private school, citing more clubs, op...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! It’s 2026, the show’s three-year anniversary is here and its Black History Month! Let’s get to 100 episodes! The past few months have been active and productive as a single parent and mental health provider. The episode highlights Black History Month and “love month,” celebrating artists and cultural moments including Bad Bunny’s Grammy recognition for a Spanish-langu...

Hello Hello beautiful people, welcome back to  Santana Says! This time, our guest is the co-director of IRTF Cleveland, an organization devoted to human rights, anti-militarism, and grassroots activism. We discuss everything from Hispanic Heritage Month to the importance of collective community efforts, and even touch on the power of intergenerational collaboration.  00:00 Welcome to Santana Sis:...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! I know, I've been M.I.A. but I'm back and today we have topics! From life transitions, including a new job and the juggling act between corporate and entrepreneurial aspirations, to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Let's talk summer break, the Puerto Rican Parade, my mom's recovery from heart surgery, and so much more! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:27 New...

Join us for a special finale of our Dope Dad series! In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Ronnie Holman, a Cleveland-based playwright, author, and an amazing dad. Ronnie shares his journey of overcoming the absence of his own father, navigating financial hardships, and breaking generational curses. He opens up about the importance of being present in his daughters' lives, the...

Hello hello Beautiful People! It's another edition of Santana Says! In this episode, we're diving into our 'Dope Dad' series, spotlighting amazing fathers who are making a difference. Today, we chat with Kenn Mitchell, a dedicated father to a young daughter and an entrepreneur with a passion for fitness and fashion. Kenn opens up about redefining co-parenting, balancing his role as a dad while pur...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! Today we kick off the 2nd Dope Dad series with Alby to talk life, fatherhood, and personal growth. The profound influence of his mother (who we just had on the show) overcoming the challenges of growing up without his biological father, and the emotional weight of being the eldest sibling. This conversation is packed with jewels of wisdom for parents, single dads, and...

Hello Hello Beautiful People, Welcome to another edition of Santana Says Featuring Jenny Valez, a proud military woman and mother from Cleveland. We discuss Mental Health Awareness Month, her complex cultural background, experiences in the military, the importance of mental health, and the powerful role of faith. Jenny shares her inspiring personal journey, dance passions, and upcoming adventures...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! Today we welcome Abby Santos, a resilient mother and grandmother who shares her profound journey through life, love, and mental health. From growing up with challenging family dynamics to overcoming traumatic experiences and finding solace in her faith, Abby's story is one of strength, forgiveness, and transformation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! Its time for another edition of Santana Says! In this episode, we dive into celebrating Women's History, Autism Awareness, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We highlight powerful conversations with incredible guests and discuss the crucial intersection of artistry and advocacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Hello Hello Beautiful People, Today on Santana Says, we continue a rich conversation about Women's History Month, the significance of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Reflecting on personal experiences and historical contexts, Santana explores themes of advocacy, cultural heritage, and the interconnectedness of individual and collective histories. Learn mo...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! This week we wrap up Women's History Month and honor April's significance as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Joining the conversation is Antoinette McDaniel, a Chamorro woman from the Mariana Islands, who shares her journey of reclaiming her indigenous language and the importance of community, respect, and history. Together,...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! It’s Women's History Month, let’s talk personal journeys, and the power of community with special guest Adalia Connor. From leading in the Hispanic community of Cleveland to thriving in the car sales industry, Adalia shares her incredible story of resilience, advocacy, and passion. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, motivation, and celebration of achieveme...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! Let’s get into Womens History Month starting out with special guest Lauren R. Welch. A passionate advocate, brand strategist, and publicist, Lauren shares her inspiring journey, her commitment to uplifting communities, and her powerful insights on representation, advocacy, and self-care. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with empowerment and actionable a...

Hello Hello beautiful people, to another edition of Santana Says! In this special episode, we dive deep into the world of art, poetry, and love with our incredible guest, Substance. We explore everything from the complexities of creative expression, navigating the journey of life, to the empowering experience of asking for your worth as an artist. Substance opens up about her beginnings in poetry,...

Hello Hello, Beautiful People!!! Today let’t touch on the challenges and triumphs of January 2025, from enduring personal and communal hardships to celebrating the vibrant art scene in Cleveland. Also the significance of mental health, the importance of cultivating positivity, and the power of community. She shares insights from her own experiences as a bilingual therapist and celebrates Black His...

In this heartwarming episode of Santana Says, we delve into the life journey of Rosa. From teenage motherhood to overcoming personal hardships, Rosa shares invaluable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of family support. Join us as we explore her experiences of navigating relationships, embracing new beginnings, and finding peace in self-love and community. If you're seek...

Hello hello Beautiful People! We’re back on another feel Good Friday and continuing the unwrapping lessons series with the real-life story of Maricely aka Sally From the Valley who opens up about her life - from experiencing domestic abuse and raising four kids, to the difficult decision to leave and build a better future. She candidly shares how therapy helped her deal with buried traumas, the gu...

Hello Hello Beautiful People! Today Melissa is joined by long-time friend and creative powerhouse, Sarah Taylor. Sarah discusses the ups and downs of the past year, sharing key lessons learned and the power of embracing intentionality and collaboration. They explore topics like personal growth, the importance of mentorship, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and living authentically. Sarah also...

Welcome to another episode of Santana Says! In this edition, we wrap up our 'Take Me to School' series and dive into the heavier themes of life's journey: the weight of the school year, coping with grief and loss, and living with fear. We discuss the importance of mental health and how we can foster healthier and more supportive communities. The episode also highlights Megan Thee Stallion's recent...

Hello Hello beautiful people! Welcome to another edition of Santana Says! This week, we dive deep with Reinaldo, a Navy vet turned designer, community activist, and VP of the New Era Young Lords, Ohio Chapter. We chop it up about everything from his roots in Cleveland to his transformative journey in Puerto Rico. Discover the hustle behind Cultura Clothing Co., Ricky's art vibes, and how the Young...

Hello hello Beautiful People! We’re back with a new edition of the show. Today we dive deep into the multifaceted challenges and triumphs of managing blended families, entrepreneurship, and raising children, including those with special needs. Featuring insights from entrepreneur and mother Stephanie Van, we explore the dynamics of relationships, the power of faith, emotional resilience, and perso...

This week our Host sits down with Watts, the producer behind Santana Says, an artist who transitioned from rapper to award-winning Host. Watts shares his experiences overcoming challenges in the music industry, growing up, and passionately transitioning to podcasting. The episode highlights his podcast ventures, including 'No Offense Though' and 'Blerds and Clips', and the birth and evolution of P...