Behind the Scenes with Humberto Rodriguez

In this episode, I reflect on the recent statements from Dolores Huerta and the broader conversation surrounding her account involving Cesar Chavez.After listening to her interview with Maria Hinojosa, I found myself sitting with the weight of a woman who carried a painful truth for decades to protect a movement she helped build.But what struck me just as much was the response.Instead of engaging with what was said, many have shifted the conversation toward her personal life—her relationships, her children, and her character.In this episode, I explore:Why survivors often stay silent for yearsHow power operates within movements and leadershipWhy legacy and harm can exist at the same timeAnd what it reveals about us when we question the woman instead of examining the systemThis is not about erasing history.It’s about understanding it more honestly.Topics:Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, farmworker movement, leadership, power dynamics, survivor advocacy, cultural conversations

A Conversation with Raquel Izquierdo LopezIn this in-depth conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with Raquel Izquierdo Lopez to discuss the realities of leadership in today’s climate of public scrutiny, social media pressure, and political tension.They explore what accountability truly means, how mental health plays a role in leadership, and why collaboration and open dialogue are essential for building trust within a community. The discussion touches on education, school board advocacy, misinformation, and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.This episode is an honest look at resilience, authenticity, and the ongoing work of serving others with integrity.If you care about leadership, education, civic engagement, and creating positive change in your community, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and perspective.

In this candid and raw conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Juan “Johnny” Bombela. Together, they explore what it means to grow up between cultures, the challenges of identity, and the realities of hustling to survive and succeed. From family struggles and broken homes to building businesses and raising kids, Juan opens up about the lessons he’s learned and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward. This is more than just a story—it’s a reflection of resilience, community, and staying true to who you are.Listeners will hear about:The meaning behind Juan choosing the name “Johnny” in business.Struggles of belonging as Mexican-American in both Mexico and the U.S.Family stories of loss, survival, and growth.The pressure to provide and the cost of chasing success.How culture, music, and upbringing shape identity.⚠️ Disclaimer "Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal stories and experiences that touch on sensitive topics, including immigration, family struggles, drugs, and past involvement in street culture. These accounts are shared for the purpose of storytelling, awareness, and reflection. They do not represent or encourage illegal activity, and listener discretion is advised."

In this episode of Behind the Scenes with Humberto Rodriguez, I sit down with Ryan Vasquez to talk about resilience, identity, and the power of community.Ryan reflects on his experiences growing up in Wapato, a town often associated with poverty, addiction, and struggle, and shares why those challenges don’t define him, or the people who come from there. From early speeches to his powerful runs honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Ryan speaks honestly about what it means to carry the weight of both hardship and pride.Together, we explore themes of survival, liberation, and how cycles created by colonization and systemic oppression continue to impact Native and Chicano communities today. This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and full of lessons about leadership, healing, and redefining freedom.⚠️ DisclaimerThis episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including:Poverty, addiction, and homelessnessColonization and systemic oppressionMissing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Trauma and community strugglesListener discretion is advised, especially for those who may be triggered by these subjects.

⚠️ Content Warning:This episode contains discussions of childhood neglect, parental substance abuse, and a disclosure of child sexual abuse. These are shared from lived experience and may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care, and prioritize your well-being. If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, know that you are not alone and support is available.In this deeply personal and emotional episode, I sit down with my daughter Lillyana before she leaves home to begin the next chapter of her life. We talk about our relationship, our shared struggles, how we became a family, and the journey from broken beginnings to unconditional love.This raw conversation reflects on trauma, resilience, and what it means to truly choose each other. Some of what we discuss is difficult, but it’s real. This episode isn’t polished. The audio is rough in spots, but the heart is there.We hope our story offers comfort, understanding, or connection to anyone navigating similar paths.🎧 Audio Disclaimer:⚠️ Heads up: the audio quality in this episode is not ideal. There are background sounds, overlapping dialogue, and occasional volume inconsistencies. We apologize in advance and thank you for your grace as you listen through the imperfections to hear the heart of the message.

Kari didn’t start out chasing trophies, she just wanted to feel better after having kids. But one fitness class turned into a passion, and that passion turned into a lifestyle of competing, coaching, and building discipline in and out of the gym.In this episode, she opens up about her first show, building confidence, how she meal preps as a mom, and the mindset shift that helped her stop relying on motivation and start relying on habits. We talk about body image, parenting, coaching others, and how to take your first step, no matter where you're starting from.If you’ve ever felt stuck or self-conscious about walking into a gym, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

In this unapologetically honest episode, I sit down with law student and community advocate Gloria Guizar to unpack some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. We cover a wide range of topics, from the hidden layers of Project 2025, systemic racism, and mass deportation plans, to the deep-rooted privilege embedded in American institutions.Together, we explore how race, politics, media manipulation, and religion have been weaponized to divide us, and how communities of color, particularly immigrants and minorities, continue to carry the weight of a nation built on their backs. This isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about truth, reflection, and the hope of building something better.We talk about:The truth behind Project 2025 and political distractionHow racism is embedded in American systemsImmigration, DEI, and the hypocrisy of the "American dream"Religion, white fragility, and social controlWhat it means to be patriotic and critical of your country⚠️ Disclaimer:This episode includes candid conversations about racism, immigration, politics, LGBTQ+ rights, religion, and identity. It also discusses Project 2025 and its implications for marginalized communities. Please note: this is not legal advice. The opinions shared are personal reflections and do not reflect professional legal counsel.Listen in if you're ready for a no-holds-barred conversation on truth, power, and what it’s going to take to create lasting change in America.#BehindTheScenes #SocialJustice #Project2025 #Immigration #DEI #LatinxVoices #RealTalk #SystemicRacism

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Kimberly Starr, Suicide Prevention Speaker, Theatre Intimacy Director, and author of 457 Days: A Mother’s Journey Along Grief’s Path. Together, we explore the threads that shape who we are: cultural identity, the impact of grief, the role of art in healing, and the deep human desire to belong. Kimberly shares her powerful journey through loss, advocacy, and connection, while I reflect on my own upbringing, the support of my mother, and how theater helped me find my people.⚠️ Content Disclaimer:This episode contains open and honest discussions about suicide, grief, and loss. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a local support line.This conversation is raw, reflective, and full of insight. Whether you’ve experienced grief, searched for your place in the world, or simply love powerful stories, this one’s for you.#BehindTheScenes #GriefJourney #CulturalIdentity #SuicidePrevention #TheaterHealing #PodcastConversation

Fatherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and trust. We guide, we protect, and we give everything we can, but there comes a time when we must learn to let go. In this short episode, I reflect on the struggles of watching our children walk their own path, the pain of distance, and the faith it takes to remain steady. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s powerful words on parenting, this is an honest, raw reflection about the hardest lesson in fatherhood, learning to love from a distance while trusting that one day, they will remember where home is.

In part two of my conversation with Liz Vossenkemper, we dive deep into the moments that shaped her—her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and the traumas many will find relatable. Liz opens up about the passing of her father, the journey to healing, and the power of owning your story. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that growth often comes from the hardest parts of our journey. Don’t miss this powerful continuation of her story. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics such as substance use and the death of a loved one, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

In this first episode of a two-part series, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with Liz Vossenkemper, MSN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, Medical Director at United Family Center, to dive into the layers of her story. This conversation isn’t just about where Liz is today, it’s about the journey that brought her here. Part 1 touches on her work as a professional and ends with Liz taking us back to her 8-year-old self, reflecting on challenges that shaped her path. Through vulnerability and honesty, Liz shares the early moments that influenced her leadership and the person she’s become. This is only the beginning of a powerful and inspiring discussion. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we go even deeper into Liz’s story.