HugTalk

Hugo sits down with Jad El Reda — sports editor at LA Times en Español, son of Lebanese immigrants, born in Colombia, raised between cultures, and now rooted in Los Angeles. Three worlds. One man. And a story that doesn't fit neatly into any box.Jad opens up about what it means to carry multiple identities at once — feeling the weight of what's happening in Lebanon and Colombia simultaneously, growing up in a Colombian-Arabic school where two languages and two worlds collided, and eventually finding his footing in the US through the universal language of sports. They talk about using journalism as a platform to shine light on stories and people who deserve to be seen, coaching youth soccer as an act of love, and why Jad refuses to believe he's "made it" — because the moment you stop growing, you stop living.And then, toward the end, Jad delivers what might be the most honest message of the entire episode: we have forgotten to be human. No religion required. No ideology. Just the simple, radical act of caring for one another before the game is over.Don't lose faith. Lose fear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

Hugo sits down with Amanda Dollinger — meditation teacher, spiritual guide, branding creative, and someone he's admired from afar for years. This one goes deep. Amanda opens up about resisting her calling for as long as she possibly could, the "innumerable ego deaths" it took to finally accept who she is, and what happens when you spend years trying to fit a gift into a mold that was never made for you.They get into the mental health crisis and its connection to self-acceptance, the danger of tying your identity to your career, and why the future belongs to the most authentic version of you — not the most productive one. Amanda also takes on one of the worst pieces of advice in her industry (hint: it involves the algorithm and a whole lot of junk food content), and shares what spirituality has truly taught her about worth, worthiness, and what it means to just be.This episode is a mirror. It's for anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit the archetype — and needed someone to remind them that the archetype was never the point.Don't lose faith. Lose fear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

Hugo sits down with Alex Withmory — a fellow Peruvian, a wildly talented drummer, and someone Hugo has been rooting for since they crossed paths on a music video set seven years ago. In this one, they get into what it was like coming to LA barely knowing English, finding your footing in a music scene where Peruvians are few and far between, and how stubbornness can be your greatest strength and your biggest obstacle at the same time.Alex opens up about what it means to build your identity around your craft — and what happens when you start to question whether that's enough. They also touch on the role of AI in the music industry, why live music might be the last thing technology can truly replace, and the beauty of just saying yes to gigs and seeing where they take you. Don't lose faith. Lose fear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

Hugo sits down with longtime friend and digital artist Rey Paez for a raw, real conversation about what it means to keep creating when the world feels like it's working against you.Rey opens up about a tough year — slow commissions, quiet events, and the economic pressure that makes every artist ask "is this still worth it?" — and why he keeps picking up the pencil anyway.They go deep on AI: Rey's honest fears about a future where creativity gets replaced, and Hugo's perspective as someone who uses AI as a tool to move faster without losing his voice. Together, they explore what makes human art irreplaceable, the value of personality-driven branding, and why the next chapter for creatives might be less about the work itself and more about who you are.This one's for every creative who's ever felt defeated and came back anyway.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

What happens when a sports journalist, a community radio kid, and a whole lot of heart walk into a podcast? This.In this episode of Sol Meets Heart, Hugo sits down with Sacramento-area sports journalist Jeremiah Salmonson — beat writer for the Kings and A's, co-host of the Section 105 podcast, and one of the most authentically hardworking people in the game.Jeremiah opens up about what it really takes to build a career in sports media from the ground up — from hosting a community radio show at 14 with zero pay, to covering NBA press scrums and accidentally cutting off DeMar DeRozan twice in two days.

What does it actually take to rebuild when your body, your dreams, and your sense of self, if they all fall apart at the same time? In this episode, Hugs sits down with Sebastian — music producer, DJ, and all-around force of nature — for a raw and real conversation about survival, purpose, and the music that saved his life.Sebastian opens up about the health crisis that left 85% of his body unable to function, how Western medicine gave him answers that didn't add up, and the energy healer who finally gave him answers. But this isn't just a recovery story — it's a story about what happens when you stop waiting to be found and start doing the work. From growing up undocumented in the US to finding freedom on a dance floor, from spiritual breakthroughs to building mental models that keep him from breaking down — Sebastian doesn't hold back. And neither does this conversation.If you've ever felt trapped, doubted your gifts, or told yourself you don't want something just so you don't have to chase it — this one's for you.You were not built to fit in. You were built to stand out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

Today Hugs talks to Jacquelinne about her role as a Career Coach, discussing everything from interview coaching to helping set up your resume. You can find her by looking up MyResumeSquad anywhere on socials, or even just typing that on Google.

Interviewing multi-talented comedian Morgan Jay about what it he does to make this a career for himself.

I interview The Donkey Island Penitentiary about what it's like being a band nowadays. I hope you enjoy getting to know the boys as much as I did.

Today we talk to Jackie about the world of dance, and how dance classes were affected during quarantine, and how it connected like-minded people.

We now speak to Adan about he found himself through spirituality and how it helped him become a better musician. Let's learn about Hinduism and how a theology so old is still making impact in our every day lives.

Hugs interviews Mark Pelli about what it's like to be a working musician. Mark Pelli is an independent artist performing music all over the world, and talk about how he had to adapt for Covid.

Today on Career Day, I interview a child therapist and talk about how quarantine has affected children. Some tips on how we can help and how the quarantine has affected us personally.

This season I want to dedicate my desire to learn more about religions and different spiritual beliefs. Today's episode is about Islam, and I interview my friend B about his experience growing up Muslim and what it means to him.

This week we talk to Ayad who started an app-based laundry service called Orange Bag. He talks to us about how he got there and why he thinks time is the most valuable resource.

If you've ever wanted some insight into the life of a flight attendant, Brooke helps break it down letting us know from how the training is to the kind of lifestyle you can expect. She also talks about her writing career where we discuss the copy she writes, along with her book she just published, No Bad Days.

Today, we are speaking to Mike Paul about his IT and Cybersecurity business. Learn about the types of hackers that exist and some things you can do to help prevent being targeted.

Turning two passions into one, learn more about Eric and LIFT Enrichment and how teaching kids to cook can help build a better relationship with your kids. Eric is a Chef and teacher that developed an interesting after school program for kids.

I interviewed Gabe about his marketing agency and how he uses his superpowers for good. Learn about the different aspects of marketing, and what some benefits of working remotely can entail.

James Rodriguez is a recruiter, and it's his job to find the right people to fill other company's positions that are open. Listen in to find out what recruiters look for and some great tips on how to land a job (even without experience).

Learn about a mobile bartender who also has a taste for coffee. From doing wedding events to real estate open houses, learn more about Luis Moreno and his story.

This episode is great not only for learning on what it takes to be a realtor but also provides some information in the home buying field if you were interested in being a homeowner. I interview Marvin about his story in Real Estate.

In a world where social media has taken over. We speak to a social media manager in this episode. Tune in to hear Chyna's story!

I didn't know there were people who dive into dumpsters, find practically new things, and then sell them online literally making you think about how one man's trash can be another man's treasure. Hear my interview with Will and Jenni, as we talk about how they resale things as a full time job.

Introduction episode of a new series made to help those who don't know what career path to take with their lives. In today's episode, I interview Manny Medina, the owner of Milkyway Teahouse in Downey. Have you ever wondered what it's like to own a boba tea business? Being a small business owner is not easy, but Manny loves what he does, check out what he had to say!