Que Bola?

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Virginia Otazo, a talented food journalist currently making waves at The Infatuation, one of the most respected food publications in South Florida. We kicked off the conversation by expressing gratitude for the support the podcast has received, emphasizing that this endeavor is driven by passion rather than profit. Virginia shared her journey into the world of food journalism, which began with her background in creative writing. Despite her parents' skepticism about her career choice, she followed her passion and found herself immersed in the restaurant industry. After moving to Washington, D.C., for love, she started working in restaurants, quickly rising through the ranks due to her dedication and love for the craft. Her experiences in various roles, from server to general manager, shaped her understanding of the restaurant business and ultimately led her to her current position at The Infatuation. We delved into the unique ap

In this episode of the Que Bola Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two incredibly talented and hard-working creatives from South Florida, Chef Frankie and Soflaaa Guillermo Alfonso. We kicked off the conversation by expressing gratitude for the support I've received from my listeners, emphasizing the importance of community in this one-man band operation. As we delved into their journey, I learned how Frankie and Guillermo came together during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. They shared the origin story of their food show, La Jama, which was born out of a desire to help local restaurants struggling during lockdowns. Their passion for food and authenticity drove them to create content that not only showcased delicious meals but also supported their community. They emphasized the importance of staying true to their roots and focusing on the Miami food scene, regardless of where they travel. Throughout our discussion, we explored the significance of authenticity in their work. Frank

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celia Almeida, the newly appointed editor of the cultural and arts division at the Miami New Times. Celia has been a significant force in shaping Miami's arts coverage, and her journey in journalism is nothing short of inspiring. We kicked off the conversation by exploring Celia's early passion for writing and music, which was ignited during her teenage years while working at a bookstore. She shared how her love for music magazines like Rolling Stone and Mojo fueled her desire to write about music, even though she initially thought it was just a pipe dream. Celia's journey began with freelancing for the New Times in 2016, where she took on various roles, eventually returning as the arts editor at the start of this year. Celia explained her motivation for returning to the New Times, emphasizing the importance of covering the cultural heartbeat of Miami. We discussed how her role has evolved to encompass a broader cultural perspective, moving

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Dopetavio, a multifaceted fashion designer, nightlife curator, and reality TV influencer. Our conversation delved deep into his unique journey as a creative entrepreneur, exploring how his upbringing and experiences shaped his passion for fashion and design. We kicked off the episode by discussing how Dopetavio's name, "Dope Tavio," originated as an Instagram handle before evolving into a brand that embodies his vibrant personality and creative vision. He shared how his early experiences shopping with his mother and being immersed in the nightlife scene influenced his love for fashion. From a young age, he was drawn to the artsy and eclectic world of fashion, inspired by icons like Madonna and the vibrant culture of the 80s and 90s. Dopetavio recounted his journey into fashion design, revealing how he began creating clothes in high school and quickly turned his passion into a profitable venture. He emphasized the imp

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Abel Sanchez, also known as Miami Stadium, a passionate historian and cultural resource dedicated to preserving the rich history and culture of South Florida. Abel's journey began in 2016 when he created an Instagram page to share his love for Miami's historic sports venues, which has since evolved into a thriving platform with nearly 70,000 followers. We kicked off our conversation by discussing the current state of Miami as we emerge from the pandemic. Abel shared his insights on the city's rhythm and pulse, noting the ongoing construction and the influx of international money that seems to cater more to expats than to locals. We explored the idea that Miami has always been a destination for tourists, and how this has shaped the city's identity over the years. As a historian, Abel emphasized the importance of understanding Miami's past, including its cultural influences and the stories that often go untold. We delved into the significance

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of speaking with Caiti Waks, a passionate nonprofit organizer dedicated to ocean conservation through her organization, Debris Free Oceans. Our conversation delved into the pressing issue of waste management and the urgent need for a shift towards a zero-waste lifestyle, particularly in Miami-Dade County. We kicked off the episode by discussing Caiti's background and what inspired her to dedicate her life to environmental advocacy. Growing up in South Florida, she developed a deep love for the ocean, which was further solidified by a transformative experience in Nicaragua, where she witnessed the harsh realities of waste management in impoverished communities. This eye-opening moment propelled her to take action, leading her to establish environmental initiatives during her high school years and eventually pursue a career focused on ocean conservation. Caiti explained the concept of zero waste, emphasizing its aspirational nature and the importance of fostering

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the creative journey of Derick G, a talented photographer and car enthusiast from Miami. Join us as we explore how his passion for cars opened doors in the music video industry, leading to incredible opportunities and connections. Derick shares his early experiences in the car scene, from model cars to lowriders, and how these interests transitioned into a successful photography career. He recounts memorable moments from iconic music video shoots, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned along the way. We also discuss the impact of social media on socializing and creativity, the challenges of navigating relationships in a cliquish environment, and the significance of finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Derek emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in the creative community, and how maintaining a positive outlook can lead to unexpected opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights o

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of chatting with the hilarious Brittany Brave, a rising star in the comedy scene, originally from South Florida and now making waves in NYC. We kicked things off with some light banter about sports jerseys and the cultural phenomenon surrounding Taylor Swift, where Brittany shared her candid thoughts on pop culture and fandoms. As we delved deeper, Brittany opened up about her journey into stand-up comedy, which was sparked by her experiences as a domestic violence survivor. She discussed how her painful past became a source of material that resonated with audiences, leading her to embrace her comedic voice. We also touched on the challenges of navigating the Miami comedy scene, which she described as cliquish and immature compared to the more expansive New York environment. Brittany shared her insights on the importance of authenticity in comedy, emphasizing the need to stay true to oneself despite external pressures. We explored the dynamics of kindness versu

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I sat down with Will Thompson, the owner of Dead Flamingo Hospitality, Better Days, and Casa Tikki. Will shared his journey from starting as a bartender at TGI Fridays and P.F. Chang's to becoming a managing partner in various bars. He discussed the dynamics of the service industry in South Florida, highlighting the challenges and camaraderie among industry professionals. Will emphasized the importance of treating his team as a cohesive unit and creating a positive work environment. He also touched on the complexities of relationships within the industry and the need for self-care and mental health awareness. Overall, the episode provided insights into the hospitality industry and the personal growth experienced by individuals working in the field.

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the opportunity to interview several creative entrepreneurs and artists at Trina's second annual Rockstar Festival. The guests included Maiyia The Don, Bri Biase, Joddy Catalan, Nia Amber, Pretty Porcelain, Jessica Dime, 50 Jitt Steppa, Omni Clutch and Saint Riche. Each guest shared their unique journey in the entertainment industry, highlighting their challenges, successes, and aspirations. Maiyia The Donn expressed her excitement about performing at the festival, while Bri Biase shared her experience of overcoming challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated industry. Joddy Catalan discussed her transition from Colombia to the US and her passion for music. Nia Amber emphasized the importance of self-confidence and empowerment in the industry. Pretty Porcelain shared her journey of leaving her comfort zone to pursue her dreams in Miami. Jessica Dime, a Memphis native, talked about her entrepreneurial journey and the importance of authenticity in the music

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gladys Ramirez, the executive director of City Theater Miami. Throughout the conversation, Gladys shared her journey from starting in theater at a young age to becoming a leader in the South Florida theater community. She emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and authentic theater experiences for diverse audiences. Gladys highlighted the challenges of securing resources and funding for productions but emphasized the value of persistence and clear vision in overcoming obstacles. She also stressed the significance of effective communication and listening skills in her role. Overall, Gladys's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and leaders, showcasing the importance of perseverance and passion in pursuing one's dreams.

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, we had a dynamic lineup of guests at the second annual Trina Rockstar Festival. The host, Daron Figueroa, engaged with a variety of creative entrepreneurs and artists, delving into their journeys and experiences in the creative industry. From SapphireBlazee discussing her hosting and interviewing experiences at the festival to SupaCindy sharing her challenges and successes in the radio industry, each guest brought a unique perspective to the conversation. Major, an artist signed to Roc Nation, shared insights into his music career, highlighting the importance of confidence and self-belief in the industry. Zoe Brinks, a performer with a vibrant personality, discussed the challenges of completing her first album and the importance of financial backing in the music industry. The episode showcased the diverse experiences and journeys of creative entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, self-confidence, and authenticity in pursuing success in the creati

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, Mr. Mike Ortiz sits down with the host to discuss the journey of JoJo Tea, a unique tea company based in Miami. They delve into the origins of JoJo Tea, starting with a humble $2,000 investment and a passion for the art of tea brewing. The conversation explores the deep roots of tea culture, from the Big Bang to the formation of earth and the development of tea bushes. Mr. Ortiz shares his personal transformation from a yoga instructor to a tea master, guided by his Buddhist teacher's teachings on the practice of gong fu tea. Listeners get an inside look at the intricacies of tea brewing, the different types of teas available, and the sensory experience of tasting high-quality teas. Mr. Ortiz reflects on the challenges of running a tea business in a city like Miami, where every detail matters in predicting customer behavior and meeting demand. Join the host and Mr. Ortiz as they uncover the hidden world of tea, its ancient origins, and the modern-day challenges of run

Hey, what's up, fam? It's your boy Darwin Figueroa, back with another episode of Que Bola, the podcast where we dive into the world of creative entrepreneurs in South Florida. In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the talented and dynamic crew of Strange Bass. Lamebot, Mad Savvy, Guapo El Tigre, Noel Perez behind the scenes - these musicians, producers, and DJs have been making waves in the South Florida bass scene for almost a decade. We kicked off the episode with some casual banter, reminiscing about Friendsgiving and the good old days of booty bass crews. The conversation quickly delved into the evolution of the music industry, from the wild days of Uncle Luke to the current landscape of cancel culture and self-censorship. As we delved deeper into the discussion, the crew shared insights into their creative process, experiences with different venues in South Florida, and the changing dynamics of the music scene post-pandemic. We explored the impact of technology on music production, t

In this captivating episode of the Que Bola Podcast we embark on a transformative journey with Jess Marquez, an extraordinary individual whose life has been a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of creativity, resilience, and self-discovery. As we delve deep into her remarkable transition from Miami's renowned nightlife promoter to a flourishing visual artist and versatile creator, we uncover the intricacies of her personal and professional evolution. For more than 15 years, Jess Marquez was a name synonymous with Miami's vibrant nightlife scene. Known affectionately as "Simply Jess" she held the prestigious title of Miami's #1 nightlife promoter, curating unforgettable experiences for countless individuals seeking an escape from the daily grind. Her tenure in the nightlife industry was marked by exuberant nights of dancing, laughter, and camaraderie. Jess cherished the responsibility of ensuring that every guest who entered her world left with cherished memories. Little did she know that these seemingly simp

Thomas Kennedy, originally from Argentina, immigrated to the United States at the age of 9. Growing up, he witnessed the struggles his undocumented parents faced, inspiring him to become involved in progressive activism and immigration reform advocacy. He earned a degree in International Relations from Florida International University and a Master's in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami. Thomas has worked for various nonprofits and civil rights organizations, including the Service Employees International Union, The New Florida Majority, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition. As Political Director for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, he managed statewide electoral campaigns and led successful voter registration efforts, registering 29,000 voters in 2018 and 2019. He also played a significant role in passing amendment 4, which restored voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians. Thomas was involved in campaigns to improve conditions for migrant children in detention camps, including one in Home

In this mind-expanding conversation, we delved deep into the fascinating realm of AI in music, explored the rich origins of Reggaetón, confronted the challenges faced by struggling artists, and reveled in the sheer joy of creating magnificent works and reaping substantial rewards. Prepare to be amazed as we unravel these captivating subjects and uncover valuable insights that will leave you inspired.

Why is it important to get better at things, be happy in your head, be thankful, and think differently about what it means to do well in your creative adventures? Well, if you listen to our special guest The Galactic Effect and think about what he went through, you might learn something about your own creative adventures. Galactic tells stories and gives advice about his quest through self-improvement, mental health, and gratitude. He talks about these things openly and shows that he wants to grow, and help others who have similar problems. Str8 up being a creative requires Facing adversity, building resilience and addressing mental health amongst other things. After the episode ask yourself what new strategy will you apply to your own challenges on your creative journey @GalacticEffect @quebolapodcast @freshorphresh @deefig305

Hold onto your hats folks, because we've got a wild one for yall! Andrew Otazo, the mastermind behind the Miami Creation Myth, has done it all - from advising officials on Cuba policy, to firing tanks and running with 30lbs of trash. And if that wasn't enough to impress you, he's also rubbed shoulders with the Mexican president. But enough about his illustrious career, let's get to the juicy bits! In this episode, we dive into his dope ass book (yup, we said it), Miami Creation Myth. And let's just say, our love for soccer jerseys is not the only thing we have in common. We also chat about wokeness (being able to appreicate differences in experiences & perspectives or lack thereof), and all the crazy twists and turns that have led him to his current creative journey. So buckle up, because it's gonna be a wild ride with Andrew Otazo - the man, the myth, the legend.   IG: @miamicreationmyth @quebolapodcast @freshorphresh @deefig305