PODCAST · news
Flava Podcast
by Carlos Ivan Arroyo jr
Chicago Flava Squad interviewing Chicago Entertainers - Politicians - Motivators - Influencers - Trendsetters and getting up close and Personal.
Episodes
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Chicago’s Empanada Queen Opens Up: Coming Out, Childhood Trauma, Family & Victory | Flava Podcast | EP.110
🥟 You may know the empanadas… but you probably don’t know the woman behind them. Doris Luna, owner of DeLuna Empanada — Empanadas Caseras, steps into the Flava Podcast Studio for a powerful conversation that goes WAY beyond food and entrepreneurship. Doris opens up about her journey coming out…
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🍋 Cindy Flores-Negron Brings the FLAVA! | The Story Behind Windy City Limonada | EP. 109
🍋 Chicago flavor is in the building! Cindy Flores-Negron of Windy City Limonada pulls up to the Flava Podcast and chops it up with Los about her journey, entrepreneurship, building her brand, and putting her own FLAVA on Chicago. This isn’t just about limonada — it’s about vision, hustle,...
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Jason Dónes: From CPS Student to School Board Candidate | Flava Podcast | EP. 108
What does the future of Chicago Public Schools look like — and who gets a voice in shaping it? On this episode of the Flava Podcast, Los sits down with Jason Dónes, who is running for the Chicago Board of Education, Subdistrict 3B. Jason joins us to share his story, his connection to Chicago and...
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You’ve Seen Her Outside… But Do You Know WHY? | Ali Outsidee | EP.107
You may have seen Ali Outsidee all over Chicago — but there’s a bigger story behind why she stays OUTSIDE. Ali Outsidee sits down with Los on the Flava Podcast for a conversation about community, influence, giving back, and using your platform for something bigger than likes and followers. As a...
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Los Finally Answers the Tough Questions | The Story Behind Flava Podcast | EP. 106
This time, the host is in the hot seat! Leticia Andrade and Alex Garcia interview Carlos “Los” Arroyo Jr. about his life, the experiences that shaped him, and the real reason he started the Flava Podcast. There are no easy questions—and Los can’t hide behind the microphone. He opens up about his...
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Why Leticia Andrade Refuses to Look Away | Helping Chicago’s Homeless Friends | EP. 105
What happens when you see someone struggling on the streets of Chicago — do you keep walking, or do you stop and help? On this episode of the Flava Podcast, Los sits down with Leticia Andrade for a powerful conversation about her organization, the work she is doing for our homeless friends in...
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They WON Boricua’s Got Talent… Now What? 🇵🇷 | Flava Podcast | EP.104
🇵🇷 THE WINNERS ARE HERE! The winners of 2026 Boricua’s Got Talent pull up to the Flava Podcast for a special conversation about their talent, their journey, what it took to stand out, and what comes NEXT! Lyrik Cruz joins Los as co-host as we sit down with these talented Boricuas and get the...
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SUSANA MENDOZA THE BATTLE FOR CHICAGO’S FUTURE | Susana Mendoza Makes Her Case for Mayor | EP. 103
Chicago is approaching another defining moment. What kind of leadership does the city need next? Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza sits down with Los on the Flava Podcast for an in-depth conversation about her campaign for Mayor of Chicago and the experiences she believes have prepared her to...
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CPD Officer & Army Veteran and Chicago Podcaster Manny Guzman Shares What Most People Never Hear | EP. 102
What is it really like to wear the badge in one of America’s toughest cities? In this powerful episode of the FLAVA Podcast, host Los sits down with Manny Guzman—Chicago Police Officer, U.S. Army Veteran, and host of the Duty Beyond Duty Podcast. Manny shares his journey from military service to...
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"How Manny Rodriguez Turned Hammers Into Hope” | EP. 101
What does it take to build a successful construction company while changing lives at the same time? In this powerful episode of the Flava Podcast, Los sits down with Manny Rodriguez, founder of Revolution Workshop, to talk about purpose, skilled trades, second chances, and why learning a trade…
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She Changed Thousands of Lives! Meet Delilah Martinez | The Queen of Giving Back 👑 | EP. 100
What does it really mean to give back? In this powerful episode of the Flava Podcast, Los and Suli sit down with Delilah Martinez, known by many as “The Queen of Giving Back.” 👑 From overcoming life’s challenges to becoming a respected entrepreneur and community leader, Delilah shares the…
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AI Expert’s Warning: If You Ignore This, You’ll Be Left Behind! | Alan Stern | EP. 99
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world faster than most people realize. In this eye-opening episode of Flava Podcast, Los sits down with AI expert Alan Stern to break down what AI means for entrepreneurs, creators, business owners, and everyday people. From ChatGPT and automation to the...
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Milwaukee Puerto Rican Fest Founder Pulls Up to FLAVA Podcast! 🇵🇷 Surprise Guest Linda Sol! | EP. 98
This episode is one you don’t want to miss! Suli comes through to co-host the Hot Topic segment with Los, and Josean Daniels from Smash Jibarito joins the conversation as they sit down with the Puerto Rican founder of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Puerto Rican Fest. We talk culture, community, the…
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Street Shooter - He Could’ve Chosen Any Path—Instead, He Chose Chicago’s Youth | Dre Rodriguez | EP.97
What does it take to make a real difference in the lives of Chicago’s youth? In this powerful episode of the Flava Podcast, Los and Liz sit down with Dre Rodriguez, a community leader dedicated to serving young people through nonprofit work and mentorship. Dre shares his personal journey, the...
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Liz Got PERSONAL… Family Drama, Secrets & Truth Finally Revealed! | EP. 96
What started as a regular conversation turned into one of the MOST personal episodes of the Flava Podcast Network 👀 This time, Los sits down with his own co-host Liz as she opens up about family secrets, personal struggles, childhood memories, and truths she’s never shared publicly before. 😳...
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Inside Chicago Politics w/ Ald. Ruth Cruz 🔥 Balancing Power, Family & Real Life | Flava Podcast | EP. 95
Chicago Alderwoman Ruth Cruz pulled up to the FLAVA Table and kept it 100 on city government, politics, and what it really takes to balance power and family life 💼👩👧 From behind-the-scenes in Chicago politics to personal sacrifices nobody talks about… this episode is straight VALUE. Liz was…
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Newborn Nurse to Jewelry Entrepreneur 💼👶 | Christina Rivera Tells All | FLAVA | EP. 94
Christina Rivera pulled up to the FLAVA table and this one is REAL 🔥 She’s a newborn nurse, a mother, and a full-blown entrepreneur building her own clay jewelry business… and in this episode, she breaks down what it really takes to balance it all. Me and Liz sat down with Christina and talked...
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He Built Chicago’s Colombian Fest From NOTHING 🇨🇴 | Jorge Ortega on Culture, Hustle & Legacy | Flava Podcast EP. 93
What does it really take to build something that represents your culture… and STILL thrives years later? In this episode of the FLAVA Podcast, Los and Liz sit down with Jorge Ortega, the founder of Colombian Fest Chicago 🇨🇴, to break down the REAL journey behind one of the city’s most powerful...
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Alderman Gilbert Villegas Talks Chicago’s Future, Leadership & Latino Power | FLAVA Podcast | EP. 92
A major voice in Chicago politics steps into the FLAVA Podcast studio… 🔥 Alderman Gilbert Villegas sits down with Los & Liz for a powerful conversation about Chicago politics, leadership, Latino representation, the future of the city, and what really happens behind the scenes in government. This...
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JOSE GRINGO Echeverría story A Chicago Dancers story | EP. 91
🔥 AY YO CHICAGO!!! THIS ONE RIGHT HERE IS FOR THE CULTURE 🔥 When you talk about REAL stories… REAL friendships… and the heartbeat of Chicago’s dance scene… this episode hits DIFFERENT. 🎙️ José “Gringo” Echeverría pulls up to the FLAVA Podcast and takes us on a journey through: 💃 The golden…
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Struggle to Success in Chicago 🇲🇽🔥| Jessica Perjes (Tacotlan Owner) Shares Her REAL Story | EP. 90
Ay Yo!!! 🔥 This episode right here… THIS ONE DIFFERENT. Jessica Perjes, owner of the legendary Tacotlan Mexican Restaurant, pulls up to the FLAVA Podcast — and this time it gets even deeper with special guest co-host Paloma Greer alongside Los 💯 This is a powerful conversation about Chicago...
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Loss to Legacy: Mikey Sanchez Jr. Building La Sandwichera in Humboldt Park 🇵🇷🔥| EP. 89
Ay Yo!!! This one is DEEP… 💯 On this episode of the FLAVA Podcast, we sit down with Mikey Sanchez Jr., the young entrepreneur behind La Sandwichera, one of the hottest Puerto Rican spots in Humboldt Park on Paseo Boricua 🇵🇷🔥 Mikey opens up like never before… This ain’t just about food — this…
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22 Year Old Chicago Entrepreneur Corey Phillips Is Teaching Financial Literacy & Wealth Building | EP. 88
Ay Yo!!! Chicago stand up! 🔥 On this powerful episode of the FLAVA Podcast, 22-year-old entrepreneur Corey Phillips pulls up to the FLAVA table with Los and Liz to talk about making BIG moves in Chicago and beyond. Corey is on a mission to teach financial literacy, ownership, and wealth building...
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Chicago Community Hero Melissa “Mel” Quintana Opens Up About Her Journey | FLAVA Podcast | EP. 87
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...
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HUMBOLDT PARK to the BENITO BOWL 🌎🔥 | The Chicago Dancer Who Hit the World’s Biggest Stage | EP. 86
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...
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Humboldt Park Boricua becomes Emmy Winner & Community Leader | Adrian Rodriguez | FLAVA Podcast | EP. 85
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…
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The TAX LADY Iraida Andrade Talks Money, Business & The Future of Entrepreneurs | Flava Podcast | EP. 84
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....
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Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes EXPOSES ICE Encounter & The Truth About Chicago and how Dope it is! | EP. 83
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…
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Setbacks to Blessing: Chef Yari Vargas Reopens on Paseo Boricua | Flava Podcast | EP. 82
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...
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Jordan Haddad | EP. 81
Jordan Haddad
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Fashion, Hustle & Reality — Cesar Rolon Speaks on Success | EP. 80
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.…
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Breaking Barriers 🔥 Beast Boy & Black Attack on Hip-Hop, Youth, & Taking Hip Hop to the World | EP. 79
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 🔥…
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Tragedy to Triumph: Dr. Jesus Vishnivetskiy on Loss, Healing, Drag, & Purpose | Flava Podcast | EP.78
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...
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“Surviving the Storm: Daphne Labault’s Journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago” | EP. 77
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...
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Ivan Vega | South Side Chicago, Puerto Rican Identity, Family & Creating Community Through Theater | EP. 76
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,...
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🎥 Julio Gonzalez Jr. | Feeding the Community, Serving the City | Flava Podcast w/ Los & Liz | EP. 75
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,...
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“10 Year-Old Warrior Beating Cancer Then & Now: Zoe the Brave on Flava Podcast!” | EP. 74
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…
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Chicago to Puerto Rico and Back — The Sweet Journey of Churcheria Tropical Creations 🍰🇵🇷 | EP. 73
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...
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🔥 From the Marinated Kitchen to the Movement | Margarita Vazquez on Flava Podcast 🔥| EP 72
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...
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Marisel Melendez | From Young Mom to Restaurant Boss | Flava Pod ft. LOS & Elizabeth Colon-Rivera | EP. 71
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…
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🎙️Tatiana Torres: Teacher, Dancer & Never Too Shy Podcaster joins Los on the Flava Podcast | EP. 70
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...
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Liz Takes Over! | Indigo Nikki’s Journey from Pain to Purpose | Flava Podcast Network | EP. 69
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…
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Foxcito: The Realest Food Critic in Chicago 🍽️ | 25 Years in the Game, No Sugarcoating! | EP. 68
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...
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“Samantha Alvarez Drops Gems & Sings Live at Flava Studio 🎤🔥” | EP. 67
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...
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🌟 Veronica Ocasio: Humboldt Park’s Educator, Community Warrior & Champion for the People | EP. 66
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…
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💡 Dejuan Callister’s Story Will Inspire You | Los & Liz Exclusive | EP.65
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…
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He Escaped Gang Life & Built a Radio Career | Miguel “Mostró” Vázquez Speaks Out 🎙🔥 | EP. 64
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...
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“TikTok Terry Gets Real w/ Los | Family, Career, Amazon Hustle & Going Viral!” | EP. 63
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 &…
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🔥 Café Colao: Love, Humboldt Park & The Truth About the Avena de Coco! | EP. 62
Los & Liz sit down in Chicago’s Humboldt Park with Willmynett & Damián, the heart and soul behind the legendary Café Colao on Paseo Boricua. From meeting on the dance floor to raising a family, they share their love story, neighborhood pride, and how their café became a local and social media…
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🏈 Angel López: NFL Dreams, College Football, Family & Coaching the Next Generation | Flava Podcast EP. 61
Angel López joins Los and Liz at the Flava Podcast table to talk about his exciting journey through college football, the NFL, and a lifetime of coaching. He shares his deep love for his wife, his dedication to working with youth, and powerful stories of triumph on and off the field. From the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Chicago Flava Squad interviewing Chicago Entertainers - Politicians - Motivators - Influencers - Trendsetters and getting up close and Personal.
HOSTED BY
Carlos Ivan Arroyo jr
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Flava Podcast have?
Flava Podcast currently has 115 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Flava Podcast about?
Chicago Flava Squad interviewing Chicago Entertainers - Politicians - Motivators - Influencers - Trendsetters and getting up close and Personal.
How often does Flava Podcast release new episodes?
Flava Podcast publishes regularly with 115 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Flava Podcast?
You can listen to Flava Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Flava Podcast?
Flava Podcast is created and hosted by Carlos Ivan Arroyo jr.
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