Episode 125 - Spanish-language television helped shape culture, identity, and political power in the United States.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by media entrepreneur and author Javier Marín to discuss his new book, Live from America: How Latino TV Conquered the United States (Grupo Planeta). Javier traces the rise of the Spanish International Network—now Univision—from its early days to its emergence as the nation’s leading Hispanic media network.

We go behind the scenes to explore the personal rivalries, strategic decisions, and cultural shifts that turned Spanish-language TV into a powerful force—from telenovelas and soccer to news and politics. The conversation also highlights how the U.S. became the world’s second-largest Spanish-speaking country and the role Latino media played in shaping national history.

A compelling look at the network that helped give a community its voice. 🎙️

Find Book at - https://www.amazon.com/Live-America-Latino-T-V-Conquered/dp/B0G6DRVYCQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W8RORZY0H9FO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wE0KV6hr3IDRNewiFqI_EvNAJOe1UDqkGvsoATuQBm_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.I2ScgWh6J11aiz3thvqPK3YRQinkhsuymMrefUPQ8YQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=live+from+america+javier+marin&qid=1770710551&sprefix=Live+from+Amer%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

Episode 124 - Before sunrise on July 16, 1945, the New Mexico desert became the epicenter of a new and terrifying era. The Trinity test—the world’s first nuclear explosion—changed the planet forever, without warning the tens of thousands of people living nearby.

In the years that followed, families across surrounding communities began to suffer mysterious and devastating health effects. They became known as the Downwinders—ordinary people living with the consequences of an extraordinary and closely guarded secret.

This episode explores Downwind, a world-premiere opera by student composers Michael Smith and Demian Galvan. After traveling to New Mexico to better understand the land and the legacy of Trinity, the composers bring these often-ignored stories to the stage. As Smith writes, “While the family in our opera is fictional, the reality that they face is not.”

Together, we examine the history, the harm, and the haunting beauty of a work that asks a powerful question: what does progress cost—and who is made to pay the price?

Ticket Sales Link -

https://music.utexas.edu/events/5255-downwind

Episode 123 - Texas State University’s New Program Helps ‘LIFT’ Small Business Growth

Small businesses fuel local economies — but growth requires the right tools, training, and support. In this episode, we spotlight Texas State University’s Learning and Insights for Forward Traction (LIFT) accelerator, a six-week program designed to strengthen marketing skills and help small businesses scale with confidence.

Developed by Texas State’s SCALEUP initiative and delivered in collaboration with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and community partners, LIFT recently graduated more than 300 small business leaders from across Texas and beyond. Participants reported major gains in marketing confidence, social media strategy, goal setting, and practical execution.

You’ll hear insights from program leaders Dr. Josh Daspit and Dr. Marlene Orozco on how research-driven training translates into real-world growth, as well as why access to practical tools matters for long-term economic stability. We also explore how entrepreneurs are redefining branding, leveraging analytics, and using innovative resources like an AI Business Coach to accelerate their businesses.

Whether you’re a business owner, chamber leader, educator, or economic development professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how targeted education and partnerships can strengthen entrepreneurs and communities statewide.

Tune in to learn how LIFT is helping small businesses move forward — faster and smarter.

SCALE UP - SCALEUP : Texas State University

Podcast Guests

Dr. Josh Daspit is an Associate Professor of Management at Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business and the founding director of the SCALEUP initiative. He’s a nationally recognized expert in entrepreneurship and family business, with more than 50 publications and ranked among the top three most productive family business scholars in the country. His work focuses on translating research into real-world solutions that help small businesses grow.

Dr. Marlene Orozco, LIFT Program Lead and Research Fellow with SCALEUP. Her research centers on inclusive entrepreneurship, Latino and immigrant-owned businesses, and turning data into practical strategies that strengthen communities. She has led major national research efforts, including contributions to the State of Latino Entrepreneurship reports.

Episode 122 - Security vs. Sustainability: The Future of the Rio Grande Guest: Jessie F. Fuentes, Founder & Owner, Epi’s Canoe & Kayak Team

The Rio Grande is more than a border — it’s a lifeline for communities, wildlife, and commerce. But floating buoys, razor wire, and increased militarization are reshaping the river’s safety and future.

Join us as Jessie F. Fuentes shares firsthand insight into how these changes are impacting the environment, local businesses, and cross-border cooperation — and why protecting borders should never mean destroying the resources that sustain our communities.

Episode 121 - Today’s guest is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, resilience, and purpose come together. Lupita McGregor Almuhana is the Founder and CEO of Stressie, a tech-enabled wellness platform delivering fast, personalized, evidence-based tools to help people manage stress and thrive at work.

With nearly two decades of experience driving growth in global marketing and business development—and a lifelong mindfulness practice that took her from yoga studios to India—Lupita bridges science and soul in everything she builds. Her resilience was shaped early, beginning work at just 14 to help support her single mother, an experience that instilled a powerful work ethic and empathy-driven leadership style.

Holding a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard, Lupita is on a mission to make mental health support accessible, scalable, and human-centered for today’s workforce. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and how technology can elevate wellbeing in the workplace.

Website - https://www.stressieapp.com/

Episode 120 - Dave Munson didn’t launch Saddleback Leather from a sleek office or a polished pitch deck. He started in a dusty leather shop in Mexico—with a hand-drawn sketch, a leap of faith, and one ironclad rule: no breakable parts. His mission? Building something so rugged and well made his kids would fight over it when he was gone.

What came next reads more like an action movie than a business plan. Dodging hitmen. Getting thrown by a raging bull. Living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Even accidentally working for the nesmafia.

Out of that chaos was born Saddleback Leather—now a global, iconic brand known for its 100-year warranty, old-world craftsmanship, and a cult-like following that swears by every stitch.

In this episode of Latino Business Report, we dive into a story of grit, faith, and fearless entrepreneurship—and what it really takes to build a legacy that outlasts trends, titles, and lifetimes.

Because the boldest businesses—and the best adventures—are the ones you never planned.

Website - https://saddlebackleather.com/

Book - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/theyll-fight-over-it-when-youre-dead-dave-munson/1147277060

Episode 119 - New Year’s resolutions are easy to make—and just as easy to abandon. If you’re serious about real change this year, this episode is a must-listen. We sit down with Laura Ramirez, a seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, to break down why most resolutions fail and what you can do differently starting now. Laura delivers seven clear, practical tips to help you stop drifting, refocus on what matters, and turn good intentions into consistent action. This isn’t about perfection or wishful thinking, it’s about accountability, momentum, and making changes that actually stick. If you don’t want this year to look like the last one, press play.

Episode 118 - The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, family, and celebration—but for many, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ramirez, a seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s toughest moments.

Laura shares practical strategies and insights to help you manage the emotional ups and downs that can arise during Christmas. From coping with holiday stress to finding peace amidst the chaos, this conversation offers tools to support your mental well-being during the festive season.

Whether you’re feeling merry or a little overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to make this holiday season more balanced and meaningful.