Branding Rafi

Suzette Rodriguez joins Branding Rafi for a high-energy conversation about building a career in media, staying authentic on the mic, and what it really takes to thrive in radio at the highest level. From hosting on Phoenix's 104.7 KISS FM to syndicated shows across multiple major markets, Suzette shares how passion, personality, and persistence helped shape her journey. In this episode, Suzette opens up about her roots, from creating school spirit in high school to strategically building relationships that helped launch her into the world of broadcasting. Her story is a reminder that big opportunities often start with bold moves, creative thinking, and a willingness to stand out. Hector and Suzette dive into ambition, influence, and the evolving power of radio, offering listeners an inside look at balancing multiple markets, staying relevant, and using your platform to connect with people at scale. This episode is packed with insight, hustle, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of iHeartRadio's standout voices.

In this episode, Hector sits down with the guys behind On The Patio (OTP) to break down how everything really started—from random Instagram Lives during the pandemic to building a platform that people genuinely connect with. What began as two family members just "chopping it up" turned into a podcast built on real conversations, raw honesty, and showing up consistently even when nobody was watching. As they dive deeper, the conversation opens up around the realities of building something from scratch—viral moments, creative differences, and the tension between chasing content versus staying authentic. The crew shares how their dynamic evolved, why they nearly walked away from it all, and how their bond as family ultimately kept everything together. It's not just about content—it's about trust, accountability, and knowing when to put the relationship before the business. They also touch on growth, bringing new energy into the team, and what it takes to keep pushing forward in a space full of egos and noise. From late nights and low views to selling out events and building a real community, this episode is a look at what happens when consistency meets belief—and why having the right people around you makes all the difference.

In this episode, Hector sits down with Edgar Sarmiento, owner of AZ Thread, to talk about building a business from the ground up, staying consistent for over a decade, and what it really takes to grow in your city. From sneaker culture and vintage fashion to running marathons and giving back to the community, Edgar shares his journey, mindset, and the daily discipline behind his success. This is a conversation about hustle, identity, and staying true to your roots while leveling up.

In Episode 2 of the Branding Rafi Podcast, Hector Sanchez sits down with Phoenix native and sneaker artist Vic Almighty to break down how a simple passion turned into a full-blown brand. From cleaning used sneakers in high school to restoring rare pairs and working with professional athletes, Vic shares the real journey behind his success—including the risks, early struggles, and mindset it took to bet on himself when there was no clear blueprint. They dive into how he built his name from a Twitter handle into a recognized brand, the grind of developing his skills over more than a decade, and how key opportunities with brands like Rejuvenate and Hat Club helped him level up. The conversation also highlights the importance of networking, consistency, and being a genuinely good person in building long-term relationships and opportunities. This episode is a raw look at what it actually takes to build something from nothing—and why continuing to evolve creatively and stay uncomfortable is the key to long-term success.

In the very first episode of Branding Rafi, host Hector Sanchez sits down with Glendale native and viral content creator Lalo Hurtado to talk about building something real—from the ground up. From running a family-owned seafood food truck to blowing up on social media, Lalo shares how he turned a tough moment into momentum, balancing business, content, and community along the way. The conversation dives into everything from internet fame and staying authentic, to giving back, family roots, and what it really means to make an impact locally. It's a raw, funny, and honest start to the podcast—full of energy, real stories, and a glimpse into the people helping shape the culture and community around Rafi.