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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

Get ready for an exhilarating conversation that will leave you inspired!

Welcome to another episode of Que Bola, the podcast where we talk to movers and shakers in the world of creative entrepreneurship. Today, we have a very special guest: D.U. Ivan, a producer, actor, and musician who has made a name for himself in the industry. In this episode, we'll be talking to Ivan about the challenges he has faced as a multi-talented artist and how he has managed to turn his passion into a successful career. One of the biggest challenges facing creative entrepreneurs is determining their skill set and whether they can make money from their talents. D.U. Ivan will share his insights on how to conduct research and structure your business to make the most of your skills and turn your creative passions into a profitable enterprise. We'll also be diving into the importance of marketing your business and building a brand that stands out in a crowded market. D.U. Ivan will share his tips for creating a unique brand voice and visual identity that resonates with your target audience and helps you s

Episode 72 of The Que Bola Podcast features an interview with Ahol Sniffs Glue, a visual artist based out of Miami, Florida. Ahol is known for his unique style of art, which blends disparate themes from mass media, popular culture, and marginalized pockets of society. His work often draws inspiration from the urban environment and systems of society that dehumanize its inhabitants. In this podcast, Ahol shares his journey as an artist, his inspirations, and the themes that drive his work. Background: Ahol Sniffs Glue is a South Florida native who has been creating art since he was a child. He started out as a graffiti artist, but soon transitioned into more traditional forms of art. Ahol's style is characterized by its rawness and simplicity, yet it conveys complex themes and emotions. His work often features drowsy eyes, which are a reflection of his unique vision of life, labor, and unrequited love of the mean streets of Miami.  In the podcast, Ahol discusses his background and how he got started as an arti

Attention all music lovers! If you're looking for a producer who knows how to push boundaries and bring diversity to the table, look no further than Miami Beat Wave. With a list of production credits and collaborations that includes heavyweights like Dead Prez, N.O.R.E., ¡Mayday!, Ras Kass, Locos Por Juana, Sizzla, Killer Mike, Joel Ortiz and more, Miami Beat Wave knows how to create a wide range of music styles. From hard-boiled Hip Hop tracks with Grammy-nominated rapper Omniscient, to balls-out rock tunes like “Guess You Forgot” with David Correy and radio-ready pop stompers like "So Fresh" with Scotty Boi & Rick Ross. Not only is Miami Beat Wave a master at producing, he also has a wealth of experience in recording and mixing, having worked on projects for artists such as Suenalo, Dj Drama's “Gangsta Grillz”, Talib Kweli and more. He's even ventured into the video game and television market, contributing his trademark sound to a Nintendo DS game. Don't miss out on the next big thing in music productio

Jodeci Bird is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Miami music scene. With her unique blend of talent, beauty, and youth, she is poised to take the world by storm. Her latest single, "WYD," is already making waves and is available on all digital platforms, as well as on YouTube with the official music video. Born and raised in South Dakota, Jodeci has always had a passion for music. From a young age, she was singing and performing at local events and quickly gained a devoted following. As she grew older and honed her craft, she began collaborating with other artists and performing at larger venues. In the past year, Jodeci has really begun to make a name for herself. She has been featured on numerous radio stations and in various online publications, and her music has been played on major music streaming platforms.  Jodeci is not just a talented musician, but also an ambitious and driven young woman. She is always working on new music and has big plans for the future. With her talent and drive, there is n

In Episode 69 we featured special guest Bryant Mckinnie. For those who may not know, Mckinnie is a former NFL offensive tackle who played for teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens. He was a key member of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII. During the podcast, Mckinnie shared some interesting insights and anecdotes from his time in the NFL. He talked about the challenges he faced as a young player trying to make it in the league, and how he learned to overcome those challenges through hard work and determination. One of the things I found most interesting about Mckinnie was his perspective on the importance of mental toughness in football. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Overall, it was a really enjoyable and enlightening listen. If you're a fan of football or just interested in hearing from a successful athlete, I'd definitely recommend giving this podcast a listen.

Tropical Latin dance music duo Oro Fresco has arrived. Combining Bass with Latin Elements with the aim of bringing joy and happiness to dancefloors worldwide. In this convo we discussed how the duo came to be, our musical influences and general approach to making Tropical Dance Music. ​ @orofresco  @goldenfloramusic @deefig305 @freshorphresh