Pete's Picks

Former radio host and producer Eder Díaz Santillan grew up in the north-central Mexican state of Jalisco and spent the majority of his childhood going back and forth between Mexico and Southern California. ⁣ After settling down in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Eder pursued a career in journalism which eventually led him to the creation of his now celebrated podcast “De Pueblo, Catholico y Gay,”  a project that continues to be the driving force behind his message of representation and inclusiveness, particularly within the Latinx LBGTQ+ community. ⁣ Eder and I chatted about the his small town artisanal upbringing, how his relationship with God has changed throughout the years, and why garage  sales are his first American memory. ⁣ @depueblocatolicoygay

An actor, producer, writer, environmentalist and plant-based chef, Laura Delhauer has an understandably hard time telling people what she does at parties. After moving to New York City to pursue a career on stage, Laura merged her passion for environmentalism and theater by creating Hi, Mom!, a series of monologues that amplify different characters impacted by the climate crisis.  
Now the co-author of a new vegan cookbook entitled, “The Vegucated Family Table,” Laura and I discussed how she stumbled into activism, why a lenient geometry teacher helped her pass his class, and what people can do reduce their impact on the environment. 

Eddie Chavez-Ponce grew up in Los Angeles and struggled with self-confidence and weight issues for much of his adolescence and young adulthood. At 18, his weight peaked at 340lbs.  Now 130lbs lighter (naturally) and starting his own fitness and nutrition business, Eddie is a proof that weight management is all about the long game: a delicate combination of discipline, consistency, and education.  
During a sweaty hike on the outskirts of LA, Eddie and I discussed the troubles he encountered in school, some of the reservations he has about the health and fitness industry, and the app that kicked off his weight loss journey.  @eddie_cp

Originally from Holt, Michigan, Monica Ortega is the Host/Producer of the travel show “Monica Goes.” The show aims to inspire people (particularly women) to get out of their comfort zones and go on adventures. The show has been featured on USA Today's 10Best, Matador Network, and Insider Travel. Monica specializes in brand management, content creation and hosting. We chatted about the high and lows of the entertainment industry, the importance of building a personal brand, and strategies to thrive on different social media platforms.  @hostmonicaortega / monicagoes.com

Born in the Philippines, Hector Réal's first business was buying and reselling pagers. Now a Los Angeles native and resident designer, we chatted about assimilating to American life, how to convert your interests into business ideas, and why I should have more respect for accountants.    @iamhectorreal / maroonvaultstudio.com