Salucita

Welcome to Episode 007 of the Salucita Podcast. This week, we sit down with Grupo Vanguardia. They are the undeniable pioneers of the new wave of Chicago entertainment, dominating everything from massive festival stages to the viral live music workout events taking over the city.We take a deep dive into the true evolution of the band. Through different eras, different lead singers, and changing bandmates, Vanguardia has always found a way to reload, stay incredibly organized, and remain completely on top of their game. We talk about why everyone hires them first. When people book Vanguardia, they know exactly the caliber of show they are going to get every single time.We discuss the absolute craze of live groups playing at Pilates and workout events, and how Vanguardia became the immediate top of mind choice for this entirely new cultural space. But we also go back in time. Manny and I reminisce on the great memories we have always had with this group, looking back at incredible milestones like playing Millennium Park and performing right in front of the White House in Washington D.C.Then, we get into the reality behind the glamour. We talk heavily about the mental side of being a working musician and performer. They open up about the heavy expectation of putting aside daily, personal issues the second they hit the stage just to make sure the crowd is entertained. We discuss the true cost of their success, the reality of missing out on family events, and the weight of lost birthdays and holidays.At this table, we do not look for clickbait answers. We get completely underneath the surface. Heavy, lighthearted, and beautifully real, this is a complete look at the men behind the music and the sacrifices they make for their craft.This is where the Mexican American duality comes to talk. Pull up a chair. Pour a drink. Welcome to Salucita.

Welcome to Episode 006 of the Salucita Podcast. This week, we sit down with Angélica Gallegos. She is the massive voice who built an empire from the ground up, dominating YouTube and TikTok while writing the exact emotional reality of her fans. But the road to navigating two worlds was anything but easy.She trusted us with the entire, unfiltered picture of her journey. She opens up about being a highly gifted student with major scholarships on the table, and the defining moment at 22 when her father and brother told her not to move across the country to chase her vision. She packed her bags and left anyway.She describes the serendipitous sequence of events that led her to California to collaborate with her friends, people who are now core members of her team and full time music professionals. We talk about how this leap of faith helped her build her massive YouTube presence, which eventually evolved into her explosive TikTok following in 2020.We dive deep into her songwriting process. She explains how writing is pure therapy, the harsh reality of writing hit songs only to sell them to other artists, and the moment she finally decided to keep the best tracks for herself. She does not just write music; she writes the exact emotional reality of her fans because, in her own words, “guys are all the fucking same.”We also get the untold, raw story of her relationship with Grammy award nominated Jose Esparza. Angélica details the 2019 ultimatum where she told him it was everything or nothing. When he chose nothing, she walked out. It took 30 minutes and a conversation with his brother for him to come to his senses and chase after her, where they finally agreed to date like normal people. She opens up about getting him out of debt and how he simply needed a change of scenery from Los Angeles to get his life organized.David shares the real origin story of their connection. After José filmed a music video right here at La Tequileria, David did a deep dive and was instantly hooked on their music and their vibe. That initial spark built the authentic relationship we have today. This broadcast also officially introduces Eric Suarez to the podcast, bringing another Suarez behind the desk to be our new vibes on the mic. Eric is a longtime friend of co host Manny Cabrera and is fundamental to the operation, constantly building the genuine relationships that fuel this platform.She also talks about the reality of navigating profound personal loss, the beautiful milestone of their baby girl arriving in just a few months, and their plans to tour together as a family. In a massive Salucita exclusive, José joins her on set to perform two songs live at the barrel table.Heavy, lighthearted, and beautifully real, this is a complete look at the woman behind the voice. This is where the Mexican American duality comes to talk. Pull up a chair. Welcome to Salucita.

The hardest fight happens before the lights ever come on.Welcome to Episode 005 of the Salucita podcast. This week, we sit down with professional boxer Gio "El Cabrón" Cabrera (21-2) right in the middle of Fight Week. Fresh off his high-profile, 12-round war with Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz, Gio opens up about the extreme, often dark psychology of combat sports at the highest level.We break down the grueling reality of fasting, the science of the weight cut, and the monk-like mental fortitude required to survive against the best in the world. From the art of taking opponents to "deep water" until they lose hope, to confronting the internal monologue of fear, this is a masterclass in the absolute mental discipline it takes to step into the fire. Vamos.🔔 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and leave a comment below. Every interaction helps push the culture forward.[The Visual Experience]Watch to the full episode on YouTube:[www.youtube.com/@SalucitaPod][The Network & Connect]Follow the movement and behind-the-scenes content:🥃 Salucita Podcast: [@SalucitaPodcast]🎙️ David Suarez: [@davidasuarez]🎙️ Manny Cabrera / Gente Fina: [@midwest.manny] / [@gentefinachicago]📍 Filmed on location at La Tequileria (Melrose Park, IL): [@LaTequileria][Timecodes / Chapters]0:00 - Intro & The Reality of Fight Week[XX:XX] - Reflecting on the Pitbull Cruz Fight29:00 - The Dark Psychology of Boxing & "Losing Hope"30:00 - The Flow State: When Combat Becomes Effortless57:00 - The Spiritual Cut: Fasting, Pain, & Monk-Like Fortitude1:01:00 - Confronting Fear & Finding Your Internal Fuel Source

At just 12 years old, Jonathan Zaragoza was waking up at dawn to tend the fire in a backyard wood-burning oven, mastering his family's 200-year-old recipe for oven-roasted goat. Now known as the GOATBOY, he’s gone from the South Side of Chicago to becoming a Michelin-recognized chef, a modern torchbearer of Mexican culinary heritage, and a YouTube sensation sharing his culture with millions.In this episode of the Salucita Podcast, David and Manny sit down with Jonathan to talk about his meteoric rise in the culinary world. From building the iconic Birrieria Zaragoza with his parents and becoming an executive chef by the age of 22, to stepping out on his own to build a massive digital community, Jonathan breaks down his incredible journey. We also get into the deep cultural roots behind his food, what it means to carry on a family legacy while carving your own path, and the philosophy behind his famous salsas.Drop a comment and let us know your favorite part of the episode!👇 Follow Jonathan Zaragoza:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goatboyintlInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goatboyintlTikTok: @goatboyintl👇 Follow The Salucita Podcast:Instagram: @salucita.podcastTikTok: @salucita.podcastListen on Spotify/Apple: https://open.spotify.com/...👇 Follow The Hosts:David Suarez: Instagram: @davidasuarezTikTok: @davidasuarez70Manny Cabrera: Instagram: @midwest.mannyTikTok: @midwestmanfred📍 Powered by La TequileriaInstagram: @la.tequileriaReservations: https://www.exploretoc...#JonathanZaragoza #GOATBOY #SalucitaPodcast #MexicanAmerican #ChicagoChef #BirrieriaZaragoza #ChicagoPodcast #MexicanCuisine #LaTequileria

At just 16 years old, Gabino Montalvo walked into a dark studio at 3 AM to meet a "God Figure" and sign his first major label deal with Del Records. Now, he’s one of the brightest stars in the Mexican-American music scene, operating completely on his own terms.In Episode 003 of the Salucita Podcast, David and Manny sit down with Gabino to talk about the realities of the modern music industry. From hacking Snapchat for views when he was 14 to navigating his future as a solo artist, Gabino breaks down the business of Banda. We also get into the great fashion debate (streetwear vs. rhinestones), who he looks up to in the local scene, and close it out with a live tuba jam session right here in the barrel room.Drop a comment and let us know your favorite part of the episode! Follow Gabino Montalvo:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabino.juniorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabino.juniors?igsh=dW44NWYwNHp2Yjc3 Follow The Salucita Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salucita.podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@salucita.podcastListen on Spotify/Apple: [Insert Audio Link] Follow The Hosts:David Suarez: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidasuarezTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidasuarez70Manny Cabrera: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwest.mannyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midwestmanfred Powered by La TequileriaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.tequileriaReservations: https://www.exploretock.com/latequileria#GabinoMontalvo #SalucitaPodcast #MexicanAmerican #BandaMusic #MusicIndustry #ChicagoPodcast #DelRecords #Corridos #LaTequileria

Welcome to Episode 002 of the Salucita Podcast. This week, we sit down with Grammy-nominated powerhouse Jose Esparza. He is the mastermind behind some of the most massive regional Mexican hits of the last five years, penning tracks for industry giants like Christian Nodal and The Aguilar Family. But the road to becoming regional royalty was anything but easy.In this episode, we get into a deep, honest conversation about the realities of the music business. Jose opens up about hitting rock bottom with $70,000 in debt and the turning point that changed his trajectory entirely: his wife, Angélica Gallegos. Together, they have built an undeniable empire, and Jose shares how being part of this power duo put him in the best place he has ever been, both personally and professionally.We also explore the emotional cost of his art. Jose breaks down the personal struggle of writing a song that is incredibly close to his heart, only to place it in the hands of a different artist. For the young composers and singers listening, he drops invaluable advice on what it actually takes to break through and survive in today's music world.Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming year, discussing his potential tour ideas, his evolving personal style, and what he likes to wear as he steps into this next chapter of his career.Topics Covered in This Episode:• The realities of the industry and overcoming $70,000 in debt.• The emotional struggle of giving deeply personal songs to other artists.• Writing hits for Christian Nodal, The Aguilar Family, and more.• How Angélica Gallegos changed his life and building a power duo.• Essential advice for young composers and singers trying to break through.• What to expect next year: Tour ideas, fashion, and personal style.Make sure to subscribe to the channel for more conversations with the artists and entrepreneurs shaping the culture. Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite track written by Jose.

In the premiere episode of Salucita, we sit down with Hector De La M to discuss the journey from his roots in the legendary group Vanguardia to his rise as a solo artist.Hector opens up about the massive split that fractured Vanguardia years ago and how that pivotal moment forced him to reinvent himself. We talk about the reality of the music business, his experience touring with Christian Nodal, and why he refuses to glorify "narco culture" in his lyrics.From getting drunk by mistake at three years old (true story) to his new focus on health and fatherhood, this is the side of Hector the cameras don't usually see.Topics Covered:• The Vanguardia Legacy: The true story behind the split of his former group and starting over.• The Solo Grind: Building the "Hector De La M" brand and touring with Christian Nodal.• The Values: Why he steers clear of Narco Corridos to set an example for his kids.• The Lifestyle: Prioritizing health, family, and the funny story of his first drink at age 3.Pull up a chair. Salucita.