Podcasts about diaz

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Duke head coach Manny Diaz! From detailing his aggressive portal strategy to landing quarterback Darian Mensah, to navigating a tough schedule and fueling the storied UNC rivalry, Diaz lays out his blueprint for building a winning culture. He speaks candidly about the trait he sees in championship teams, the rising support for Duke football, and even offers advice to his former colleagues at ESPN.   0:00 - Manny Diaz on Duke's competitive advantage 3:35 - Manny Diaz talks portal strategy and QB Darian Mensah 13:35 - Duke's demanding schedule 19:56 - The trait that leads to wins 24:12 - Manny Diaz on the support for Duke football 28:01 - The Duke-North Carolina rivalry 32:26 - Manny Diaz shares some advice to those at ESPN 37:53 - Duke's potential pathway to the CFP 40:37 - 16-team CFP coming in 2026? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cynthia Diaz is a Salvadoran-Honduran American artist, beauty visionary, and content creator from Los Angeles. As a proud first-generation Latina, she is on a powerful journey of breaking generational cycles and redefining what the American dream looks like through faith, creativity, and fearless self-expression. Cynthia first found success in the beauty industry, working with top brands and artists, using glam as her way to tell stories and uplift her community. Now, she's introduced music into her world amplifying her voice through Latin pop and reggaetón while continuing to lead with purpose and pride in her roots. Every project she touches whether it's a makeup look, a video, or a song—delivers a message. For Cynthia, art is not just a form of expression, but a calling. Through her work, she reminds other Latinas that they are worthy, powerful, and never too late to build the life they dream of. In this week's episode, Cynthia shares her mother's incredible story of crossing the border and how that resilience was passed down to her - eventually being the strength she needed to take the ultimate leap of faith and choose a creative career path. Nothing in her life has been easy, but she's been taking on every challenge with a smile on her face. Keep up with Cynthia on their LinkTree and Instagram @thecynthiadiaz.  For all Hella Latin@ updates, follow @hellalatinopodcast on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn. More at odalysjasmine.com. To learn more about your ad choices visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

In a recent episode of Valley Today, host Janet Michael engaged in a compelling discussion with Michael Diaz, Chairman of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB). The conversation aimed to shed light on the essential services and support that the CVEB provides to veterans in the local community. Diaz, donning many hats, passionately explained the board's mission and operations. Janet opened the conversation by referring to a previous show featuring Dan Abel from the Rotary Club of Winchester, which highlighted the Healing Fields of Honor event at Handley High School. Diaz elaborated on Heroes Hill, where CVEB partners to provide services to veterans who might be unaware of their existence. The Healing Fields event involves placing 800 flags on the front lawn of Handley High School, symbolizing a profound tribute to service members. Michael Diaz detailed the origins of the CVEB, which was established in 2017 after branching off from a larger four-state veterans board. The CVEB serves various counties including Frederick, Winchester, and Page, although they are flexible in referring veterans to other boards if needed. Diaz discussed the unique function of the CVEB, which, while promoted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), operates independently. The board's primary objective is to identify local veterans' needs and rally community stakeholders to address these needs. “The VA operates at a 35,000-foot level, focusing on big-picture items,” Diaz explained. The CVEB aims to meet specific local requirements that may be overlooked by broader federal programs. They also relay community feedback to the VA, representing a private-public partnership geared towards bettering veterans' lives. Throughout the conversation, Diaz emphasized the importance of community partnerships and resources. He noted that CVEB's activities range from financial assistance to housing and healthcare, with a roster of active and inactive community partners that help meet diverse needs. The board's efforts are holistic, involving organizations like Heroes on the River and Project Healing Waters, which provide recreational and therapeutic activities for veterans. These partnerships enable the board to minimize challenges by leveraging various community resources. Janet highlighted the critical role of awareness in accessing veteran services. Many veterans may not know about the resources available until they're in urgent need. Diaz urged veterans to apply early for benefits and engage with community organizations to preempt future challenges. He shared examples of how timely applications for disability ratings can significantly impact veterans' financial stability later in life. Diaz explained that CVEB's services extend to family members, recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans' families. The board also offers support for mental health issues and traumatic brain injuries, partnering with organizations like Brain Injury Services. Education is another crucial area, with Díaz noting that the GI Bill provides expansive opportunities for veterans, including degree programs and certifications, which significantly enhance their post-service lives. The discussion concluded with details about CVEB's physical and digital touchpoints. For those who cannot attend events like the Healing Fields of Honor, the board's website (nsvcveb.org) offers extensive resources and a membership directory. They also hold monthly meetings, fostering networking and collaboration among community organizations. Those meetings happen on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9am - 10:30am at 'The Hive' located on the campus of Shenandoah University. Janet wrapped up by encouraging family members and friends of veterans to reach out to CVEB. Whether accessing services or becoming community partners, engagement is key to strengthening the support network for veterans. Michael extended an open invitation to community organizations to join efforts in supporting veterans, making a collective impact on the lives of those who have served. With events like the Healing Fields of Honor and month-to-month community collaborations, CVEB aims to continue its mission of service above self.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Mariners at White Sox 7:40PM ET—Jhonathan Diaz is expected to start for Seattle. Diaz has one appearance allowing no runs and a strikeout in 1 1/3rd innings at home to the Tigers. The left hander has 17 career appearances with an ERA of 4.66 with WHIP of 1.71 in 46 innings with 6.4 strikeouts in 0.78 home runs per nine innings over 4+ seasons.

Where does our DeLorean take us this week? It's a flashback episode. Today, we bring you the Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly 2008 classic, Step Brothers. Plus, tons of Kathryn Hahn and Joaquin Phoenix love! All this and more before heading Back to the Future. Join two Chicanos as they hop in their Delorean and travel Back in Time to revisit the movies, music, and moments of their past. 

L'émission qui dit tout haut ce que le monde du foot pense tout bas ! L'« After Foot », de 20h à minuit, émission de foot la plus puissante en France, entame sa 19e saison ! Cette année, c'est Nicolas Jamain qui pilote les premières parties de soirées : « Génération After » les soirs sans matchs, de 20h à 22h, émission composée de chroniqueurs qui ont grandi avec l'After. Avec Kevin Diaz, Walid Acherchour, Jennifer Mendelewitsch, Damien Perquis, Simon Dutin, Jimmy Braun et Sofiane Zouaoui. Au programme, des débats passionnés, de nombreux invités. ""After Live"" les soirs de matchs, de 20h à 23h. Venez vibrer sur les soirées de coupes d'Europe, Ligue 1, Ligue 2, Equipe de France et Coupe de France. Jérôme Rothen, Emmanuel Petit et Lionel Charbonnier viennent renforcer le dispositif les soirs de Ligue des Champions, Europa League et Europa Conférence League. En deuxième partie de soirée, de 22h (ou 23h) à minuit, place à la version originelle et historique de l'After autour de Gilbert Brisbois, Daniel Riolo et Florent Gautreau. Cette année encore, Thibaut Giangrande pilote l'After Foot le samedi soir. A ses côtés, Walid Acherchour, Kévin Diaz et Damien Perquis. Le dimanche, Jean-Louis Tourre prend les commandes en direct du stade de l'affiche principale de la journée de Ligue 1 avec Kévin Diaz. Cette saison est aussi l'éclosion de la libre-antenne de l'After : Plus d'une cinquantaine de dates autour des meilleurs matchs de la saison, pour venir débattre avec Nicolas Vilas et Thibaut Giangrande à partir de minuit. Rendez-vous au 3216, surs les réseaux sociaux ou le chat Youtube pour participer à l'émission.

Chaque jour, écoutez le Best-of de l'Afterfoot, sur RMC la radio du Sport !

Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres MLB Pick Prediction by Tony T. Mariners at Padres 9:40PM ET—Jhonathan Diaz gets the start for Seattle. Diaz in his lone appearance allowed no runs with a strikeout in 1 1/3rd innings. The left hander in 17 career appearances has an ERA of 4.66 with WHIP of 1.71 in 46 innings striking out 6.4 with 0.78 home runs per nine innings.

Tipeee : https://fr.tipeee.com/tatami-connexion/Import Fight : https://import-fight.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorPLaRoGMlD5TMi_ToZnEBnkq6Mr3p_RFLl7lU5Idm0R0ySUfQdCode : TATAMI10Bienvenu sur le format actualité MMA et JJB du podcast TATAMI Connexion : Restons Connecté !Chaque semaine nous allons parler des sujets qui anime nos sports et qui attise toutes les conversation !Cette semaine programme chargé avec :- KSW Lyon- La suite pour Parnasse- Makhachev vs JDM à Perth ?- Topuria vs Oliveira- DDP vs Chimaev- Jones et Diaz vont coacher une Téléréalité en Russie- Une série sur Rocky/Creed en préparation- Questions auditeurBonne écoute !!

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Katie Diaz, Managing Partner of the Dan Diaz Biotech Breakfast Club. Katie shares the deeply personal story of her father, Dan Diaz, whose ALS diagnosis changed the course of her life- and inspired her to continue the work he started. Together we explore the importance of empathy, the emotional layers of navigating a rare disease and how Katie transformed grief into advocacy, mission and action. Enjoy!To Learn More:Katherine (Diaz) Harakel The Dan Diaz Biotech Breakfast Club:https://thedandiazbiotechbreakfastclub.godaddysites.com/

In this joyful, wide-ranging convo, we're joined by the radiant Diaz—aka @dancingwarrior on Instagram! We dive into the origin story behind his vibrant online presence, how he found his footing in the yoga and movement world, and his spicy takes on the satire behind his videos. We chat about Bali as influencer HQ, cell phone use in class, his bold career shift into yoga, and the journey of finding your people in this field.Of course, we also go delightfully off-topic—covering relationships, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and a surprising confession about the one secret item Bradshaw always packs on retreats. (Hint: it's very... Bradshaw.)Diaz is funny, grounded, and an absolute joy to talk to. This episode felt like catching up with an old friend, and we're already dreaming about visiting him in Bali someday. Until then, we'll be following along and cheering on whatever he does next.Find Diaz Online:Instagram: @thedancingwarriorWeekly Yoga Classes: @yoga_pranava @serenitybaliYouTube: Diaz's ChannelUPCOMING RETREATS:Nicaragua Yoga Retreat for Students (Feb 2026): More InfoYoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (March 2026): More InfoJOIN OUR FUNNY FAM: Community LinkPODCAST SUBSTACK: Subscribe HereFOLLOW US:@thefunnythingaboutyoga@cayayogaschool@gianagambino@bradshawwishMORE LINKS:Caya Yoga SchoolGiana Yoga Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal clawed back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with champions Liverpool at Anfield. This was about Arsenal's resilience, but their sluggish first half and defensive frailties nearly cost them dearly.Despite a disjointed start-deflated after their Champions League exit-Arsenal showed character after halftime. Martinelli's header sparked hope, and Merino's rebound finish leveled the score. Yet, defensive lapses and Merino's late red card left Arsenal hanging on, with Odegaard almost snatching a winner in stoppage time.Liverpool's early dominance and Gakpo's opener exposed Arsenal's back line, and Diaz's quick follow-up left the Gunners reeling. But Arsenal's fightback, even with ten men, halted Liverpool's celebrations and extended their unbeaten away run, though doubts linger over their top-five finish hopes.While Martinelli's sharpness and Merino's impact offered positives, Arsenal's inconsistency in big moments persists. Liverpool, meanwhile, saw a party atmosphere soured by a late disallowed goal. Now an even bigger challenge is upon as we could potentially lose 3 players in addition - Merino suspension and Trossard and Rice injury doubts. Let's say a prayer for this team and hope for the best. Hoping for some more good news…until then —Up The Arsenal!

Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. First-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz had the home support in party mode again as they celebrated being Premier League champions against a team who had been their nearest rivals for the crown. However, the Gunners fought back impressively in the second period, while Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction as a substitute also served to change the mood. Here, Reds reporter David Lynch reflects on the performance, and discusses the Alexander-Arnold controversy that is threatening to sour the run-in. He also heaps praise on Conor Bradley for his performance at right-back and goalscorers Diaz and Gakpo. Check out this review of the game and make sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section. For more Liverpool news, make sure you like and subscribe, and don't forget to follow David on X, Facebook and Bluesky @davidlynchlfc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IWP Ep79 Tony Coturri and Noel Diaz - A conversation. Today's episode is a little different.  A conversation between Noel Diaz of Purity Wine, the Study wine bar and the Richmond Wine Collective, he was also my very first interview for the podcast, way back on episode 2 and Tony Coturri of the Coturri winery, who has been making natural wines longer than anyone in California. Noel came up with the idea and Tony was up for it! They discuss what has changed over the last 50 years in California Natural wine, some of the struggles and the surprising bright spots, there's lots of talk about farming and how wine fits in with the rest of our food.  We had a great time sneaking the recording in while By The Way was getting started. You can find Noel and Barrie's wines at PurityWine.net or follow them @puritywine Tony's wines can be found at Coturriwinery.com or follow him at cotturi_wineryFollow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/indiewinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email indiewinepodcast@gmail.com with questions, comments or feedback. Please rate or subscribe or if you are able consider making a donation to help me keep telling wine stories ad free and available for everyone. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/IndieWinePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indie-wine-podcast/id1673557547⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/06FsKGiM9mYhhCHEFDOwjb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indiewinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cory Diaz 5-8 by Phil Kornblut, Chris Burgin, and Josh Cohen

Elise White Diaz is well-versed in the challenges facing diverse students from difficult backgrounds. Prior to her work in public education, Elise's passion for trauma-informed pedagogy began when she moved to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to serve at a school for child laborers in the garbage dump. There she taught bilingual and ESL education at the secondary level, and learned so much from her students who overcame obstacles and went on to college.  Upon returning to the United States, Elise brought her experiences to a diverse district in North Texas. She wove together principles from culturally-relevant, trauma-informed education and language acquisition in innovative ways, bringing dramatic gains in standardized test (STAAR) scores. Soon after, she began to mentor and coach teachers in how to recreate these routines. Elise has served in various roles in Emergent Bilingual education, including co-teaching, instructional coaching, writing curriculum, and offering professional development to Texas schools. As a consultant for Seidlitz Education, Elise enjoys supporting teachers in their important work of building language and connection across cultures and obstacles. She holds a Master's degree from Fuller Seminary in Intercultural Studies and lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children. She is a member of the National Association for Bilingual Education and Women-for-Orphans-Worldwide, and returns to Central America wherever she can.

Robert Prevost of the United States has been named Pope Leo XIV. Kelsey Dallas with the Deseret News joins the show to discuss the significance of this new selection. Father Martin Diaz Paster of Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City joins with live reaction.

Chaque jour, écoutez le Best-of de l'Afterfoot, sur RMC la radio du Sport !

Ernesto Diaz, presidente Professional Solutions EssilorLuxottica para Latam by Diario La república

Pascale Renaud-Hébert parle de la semaine nationale de la santé mentale! Sébastien Diaz parle des rigidités et manies de tous, qui peuvent déranger lorsque nous sommes en voyage! Marie-Soleil Michon se demande combien de temps aurions-nous pu rester des enfants? BONNE ÉCOUTE !

Here's the thing: no matter what your catalyst is, whether it's a layoff or you quit and pivoted, you'll always end up where you need to be. Take our guest, Lucia, for example. She was laid off during the pandemic, and soon after, she realized her dream wasn't to be an art director for Amazon. That company, by the way, laid off her entire team as soon as things got rough. Now that she had the freedom to take a breath and think about what she actually wanted to do, Lucia knew she wanted to work for herself and be an illustrator. Now, she's a successful working artist who has partnered with some of the biggest brands in the world.    Lucia Diaz is a published illustrator and co-author of Viva Latina, created in collaboration with Sandra Velasquez, the visionary CEO of Nopalera. As a sought-after public speaker, she has delivered impactful talks for prestigious brands, including American Express, Target, WBENC, We All Grow Latina, and Latinas in Tech. In her work as an illustrator, she has partnered with iconic global brands such as DIOR, Tiffany & Co., CHANEL, Giorgio Armani, SAKS, DVF, and Carolina Herrera, elevating events through live sketching and art that captures the essence of culture and elegance. Lucia Diaz's passion for illustration stems from a deep desire to ensure Latinas see themselves authentically represented.    Growing up, the only Latina she encountered in history books was Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. This lack of visibility inspired her to take action. Studies indicate that Latinas constitute only 3-5% of the figures featured in U.S. history textbooks—a statistic that does not reflect their profound contributions to America's legacy. Through her art and storytelling, she illuminates the power of representation. Whether creating inspiring illustrations or leading dynamic workshops, her mission is to celebrate Latinas, amplify their voices, and ensure young girls—like her goddaughter—see themselves in stories of wisdom, strength, and achievement.   In this week's episode, she shares her story of how she went from being a child of a low-income family to working with luxury brands and having an extremely coveted mentor. She went from being laid off to creating a successful business that works with some of the biggest brands in the world. She now shares her story and encourages other artists to start working for themselves rather than relying on corporate entities that don't care about them. Listen to Lucia's episode for incredible entrepreneurial tips, real-life experiences, and heartfelt connections now.    Follow Lucia on: Instagram: @holaluciadiaz LinkedIn: Lucia Diaz LLC Book Link + Subscribe: https://fearlessyaya.com/subscribe/ Check out Lucia's services here: https://byluciadiaz.com/services    Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com How to work with Erika: Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here. Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.   Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

Send Us A Question You Want ON AIR!Episode 217:In this powerful and deeply freeing episode of She Cultivates, we're joined by Anioris — a woman on a mission to help faith-filled women reconnect with their bodies, embrace their femininity, and walk confidently in the freedom God designed for them.Janioris Diaz Rodriguez, is the founder of FEM by Janioris, where she creates transformational spaces through boudoir photography, intimacy education, and a thoughtfully curated lingerie line. She's also the host of the F is for Female podcast and the visionary behind Noir Night Conference, where she sparks honest and holy conversations about sex, sensuality, and womanhood.Together, we dive into topics often whispered about—but deeply needed in our faith communities—including:

What does sofrito—a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking—have to do with reimagining business, food security, and conveying a history lesson about a rich and sometimes complex culture? For today's guest, it's everything. If you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement... then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for. In this episode, you will hear:   Food has a cultural foundation passed through generations. Cultural identity can be preserved and taught through everyday meals. How to make the best sofrito if you don't have time to cook. Food is more than just food – it's heritage, intention, and a story. The story of the Puerto Rican pasteles is shared. Food choices are power moves, shaping local or global economies. Imagination makes it possible to wear multiple hats and still stay rooted in purpose. You don't need permission to do things differently, just the will and a plan. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact by Melissa Llarena Audible   Audio Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CY9BZH9W/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0   Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0D5B64347/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0   Or, download a free chapter at fertileideas.com       About Crystal Diaz   Crystal Díaz has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of food, marketing, and cultural advocacy. She co-founded PRoduce, Puerto Rico's digital marketplace for locally grown food. Crystal is also the force behind El Pretexto, the island's first culinary farm lodge, where food and imagination meet 2,600 feet above sea level. A committed advocate for food security, she collaborates with Espacios Abiertos to advance agricultural policy. Crystal holds two master's degrees, including one in Food Studies from NYU. She's been recognized by Fast Company and El Nuevo Día for her creative leadership and impact in the local food movement. Quotes that can change your perspective:  “If you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen.” – Crystal Díaz   “With every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home.” – Crystal Díaz   “Sofrito is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it… but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history to it.” – Crystal Díaz   “We are on a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think about it differently.” – Crystal Díaz   “Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied… so I can pull something like this [a culinary farm lodge] up in Puerto Rico.” – Crystal Díaz SHARE this episode with fellow food lovers, cultural storytellers, and moms on a mission to raise rooted kids. Crystal's insights on local food, identity, and imagination will inspire anyone looking to nourish their family and community from the inside out. Let's keep our culture alive—one pastel, one sofrito, and one big idea at a time. Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.elpretextopr.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elpretextopr  Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/@elpretextopr/ Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX   TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 Crystal: Come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension. So we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently.  00:00:25 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're gonna get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood.  00:00:47 Melissa: Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out, and stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening.  00:01:17 Melissa: So what does sofrito, which is essentially a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking, have to do with reimagining business, food security, and passing along really critical history lessons. Well, for today's guest, it is everything. And if you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement, then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for.  00:01:49 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. This is your weekly podcast designed to inspire you to dream bigger in your business and your life. Also, to help you find the energy to keep going because how are you going to sustain what's necessary to be big and to keep your imagination flowing so that this way you could feel inspired, lit up like a Christmas tree or Hanukkah candles. I'm your host Melissa Llarena. 00:02:17 Melissa: I'm a mom of three high energy boys. No. They did not get their energy from me. Psyched. They did. I'm also a best selling author of Fertile Imagination and an imagination coach for mom founders who are reimagining what success and motherhood can look like on their own terms, and that's really important.  00:02:34 Melissa: Now, if you've ever stirred a pot of sofrito, you already know this. Right? You know that the blend of flavors tells a deeper story. It tells a story that sometimes has made its way across generations. It preserves a culture, and it does nourish more than just our baby's bellies.  00:02:56 Melissa: So today's guest, I am thrilled to invite Crystal Diaz. Now she's taken the same approach in terms of her business ventures. She's a foodpreneur, culture keeper, I love that, and community builder. She wears four hats and in today's episode we're gonna go through each of those hats. One of which is as the owner of El Pretexto, i.e. The Excuse, a culinary farm lodge in the countryside of Puerto Rico where she serves 100% locally sourced meals and lives her mission every day.  00:03:33 Melissa: She has lots of degrees and an MA in food studies from NYU, which is why if you're watching the video, you could see, I hope, my NYU t-shirt. Hit subscribe if you see it and you love it. Subscribe on YouTube. Hit follow on this podcast. 00:03:53 Melissa: A little bit more about Crystal. She was recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business in 2022 and was named one of El Nuevo Diaz women of the year in 2023. She's the real deal. In this episode, we're gonna explore how Crystal uses her imagination as her main ingredient, whether it's in terms of the way that she's carving away for Puerto Rico to have its own food centric cultural immersive experience or even by how she decided to commute to NYU from San Juan every single week, which was creative in and of itself, or even in terms of the way that she describes the depth of a very famous Puerto Rican dish.  00:04:43 Melissa: Oh, and side note, I actually have her real life best on the planet, sofrito recipe. My gosh, do not run away, For sure. Check out the sofrito recipe we articulated in this conversation. You're gonna walk away with yummy ideas for how to use your own imagination to nourish your business, your family, and community, and it's gonna be so important even if you're not working in food.  00:05:13 Melissa: So before we dig in, I would appreciate if you hit follow, if you're listening to this on iTunes. Why hit follow? Because every time someone hits follow on iTunes, it tells me that I need to bring more guests with stories like this to the podcast. And I get really excited and when a mom is excited, it is a very good day in her entire home. So go ahead, hit follow. You will absolutely get that dopamine hit that everybody needs or if you're watching this on YouTube, then hit subscribe. I would be so appreciative and again, I will do the dance of joy. Okay. So enjoy the conversation.  00:05:54 Melissa: Crystal Diaz, thank you so much for this conversation on the Mom Founder Imagination hub. We are delighted to have you here. Crystal, just to kind of set off the scenery, why don't you explain to us where you are in Puerto Rico? What's outside your windows? 00:06:10 Crystal: All right. Well, let's… our imagination hub in a car. We are in San Juan, and you drove forty five minutes south, up to the mountains. Now we are in Cayey. I am at El Pretexto, which is also my home, and we are overlooking… we're up in the mountains, 2,600 feet over sea level, overlooking the Caribbean Sea at the south, and all the mountains slowly winding down all the way to the coast. 00:06:43 Crystal: And you will have some crazy chickens surrounding you. In my patio while you are probably sipping a wine or a coffee, depending on the time of the day. Enjoying the view and, surrounded by trees, lush greenery all over the place. And there are gardens on your side, also as well. So you are surrounded definitely by nature and you feel at peace. That's where we are.  00:07:15 Melissa: Oh, okay. Cool. So let's bring that sense of peace to this conversation. I am excited because I'm sure any listener right now who is a mom, has a business, might feel a little frazzled now and again. But right now, for the next thirty minutes, this is a peaceful zone. We are in Puerto Rico right now. 00:07:37 Melissa: Okay. So, Crystal, now I'm gonna ask you an obvious question, as you just described what you are surrounded by in Puerto Rico. But you attended NYU, and I'm just kind of super curious. You could have stayed in New York, let's say. Right? You could have been like this chef at a restaurant in New York City, Michelin star, etcetera, etcetera. But you decided to return home. And so I'm just curious, like, what informed that decision?  00:08:13 Crystal: Well, you will be surprised with my answer because I never left home. I commuted every single week to New York. Coming on to the city, take my classes, back to my home. So for two years, I was traveling every week to New York for one day.  00:08:34 Melissa: Oh my gosh. Yeah. That is so surprising. Okay. So now I'm just curious here. Okay. So you were on a plane. So, usually people complain about their commute. Right? 00:08:48 Crystal: Uh-huh.  00:08:49 Melissa: They have this whole return to work aggravation. Here you are getting on a plane every single week to take courses at NYU. So then let me ask you this other question. So I know that it's a little off track, but now I'm just way curious. Why did it have to be NYU? That's quite the pull.  00:09:13 Crystal: Yeah. Well, my background is in marketing, and I have a BA in Marketing with a Minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Then I worked with a newspaper for fourteen years. So my background is all about business and marketing. Then I did a first master degree here in Puerto Rico, in the University of Puerto Rico, about cultural action and management. And then, I wanted – because at this point, I believe that I am not passionate anymore. I am kind of obsessed with food, and I guess we will get into that later. 00:09:58 Crystal: But, I wanted to learn the policy part of it. And in Puerto Rico, we don't have any program in any of the universities nor public or private, specifically about food, and way less food policies and advocacy and that type of perspective on the food system, which is what I wanted to learn. So that's why I ended up in New York. I decided to do this because it's a direct flight. So it's gonna be a three hours and a half flight going in, then the one hour in the A train until Westport. 00:10:49 Crystal: Even though I know it's intense, it was pretty straightforward. You don't have make a stop then take another plane. And I was studying and reading all my plane hours, so there's no excuse to not complete your assignments, I guess.  00:11:07 Melissa: Yeah. I love that. Okay. So, hey, that is 100% using your imagination because I think a lot of us, myself included, I wouldn't have considered that to be an option in my mind. I still don't. Right? It's gotta be a certain set of circumstances that make that a possibility. But, I love that now that's an idea that we just planted in someone's head. Right? If they really are obsessed. Right?  00:11:35 Crystal: And if you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen. And to my point, New York is so expensive that I spend way less money in flight tickets than actually living there.  00:11:56 Melissa: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Okay. So this is really interesting. Okay. So you could have stayed in New York, but you didn't even choose to stay in New York when you were taking classes at NYU. So now you have the whole, like… that's just so that's fascinating, Crystal. You really gobsmacked me right now with that piece of information.  00:12:18 Melissa: So along the same lines of using your imagination and thinking totally out of the box, let me ask you this one question. So, El Pretexto, of course, we'll go into what it is and all of that. But I also wanna understand because on your website, you say that you've traveled the world. Right? So you've seen all these different culinary experiences. And using your imagination and imagining where or how would you imagine Puerto Rico's cuisine fitting into the landscape of world gastro– I can't say the rest of that word, but I know it's a real word.  00:12:57 Crystal: Yes. Well, for me, I love to travel. I am a girl of no luxuries. Right? I don't care about purses or new shoes or jewelry. It's like I don't judge, but I don't care. So where I spend my money and my time, which I can't… money, you can recover it somehow, but time is just one time. You just have every minute that you have.  00:13:27 Crystal: And I like to spend those traveling and getting to know other cultures and exposing myself to other cultures. And I think that those travels have pushed me to understand and appreciate what we have back here at home and also understand the opportunities that we have back here at home. Not everybody is doing it perfectly, but you can definitely learn how it is done in other places. And I'm talking generally. Right? Depending on what you are interested.  00:14:01 Crystal: But you always learn of how the world do things in other places. So, I in my case, I love food and I try to expose myself, not only to eating in good restaurants or good food, but I love to go to markets. I even go to supermarkets every time I travel. I like to visit farms and I noticed, especially in Mexico, you can see this – Peru is developing this a lot and Italy has it all set. 00:14:40 Melissa: On lockdown.  00:14:41 Crystal: But you have these culinary experiences where you get to… expose to their cuisine, with a local chef and and you go to their farmers' markets and you get the whole country but with a special focus in food. And I was like, “You know what? Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied so I can pull something like this up in Puerto Rico.” So that's how one of our offerings about the curated food experiences came to be because I was sure that somebody will have the curiosity to get to know Puerto Rico from its food.  00:15:33 Crystal: So that's how I got into there. And I think that because I am obsessed with the fact that Puerto Rico imports 90% of everything that we eat, I am then focused on cherish and enhance and share that 10% what it can be if we actually put a lot of effort into grow that 10% into 20%, let's say.  00:16:08 Melissa: That's interesting. So okay. So, I mean, I'm not cynical, but, in my opinion, I kind of believe that the person that controls food source kinda controls a lot. And that's not fantastic. And so I'm just wondering from a policy perspective and as you think about this share of stomach or however it's really considered, are you also part of that conversation too? Like, are you actively advocating for that too?  00:16:45 Crystal: Yes. Yes. I always say I have a couple of hats for all those also thinking that you only have to do one thing and one thing only. If you want to do one thing and one thing only, that's okay. But in my case, I am focused on food, but I try to deal with it from different perspectives. So I have four hats.  00:17:09 Crystal: And one of my hats, specifically works with food policy advocacy. And we try to understand the local food policies that are in place, understanding what programs work, what programs doesn't work, and then trying to make it as… to come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food. 00:17:41 Crystal: Because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently. And I am not against importation. We all have globalized diets, and we love olive oil, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico. And we love wine, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico.  00:18:16 Crystal: So it's not like, all the way 100%. That's not what I mean. But definitely, we should aim to have, let's say, half of our stomach-share full of food that is produced locally. Not only because of its nutritional value, but also because it means economic growth and development for our island and our local communities. So every dollar that you spend on food… somebody might be hearing us while they are eating something.  00:18:55 Crystal: So you imagine whatever you're eating right now, let's say it cost you $1. It depends on where the ingredients came from, that dollar went to that place. It depends on where it was processed, part of that dollar went to that place. And then if you bought it in the supermarket or if you bought it in Amazon, to who you gave that share of that dollar.  00:22 Crystal: So with every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home. And that's how I see it. 00:19:58 Crystal: How do we make that that share of that dollar that we as consumers have the power to choose where it goes. And, by the way, there are some parts that we have the power and some part we don't have the power. I understand that. But how do we make an effort in whatever way we can to stay as close as possible to our home.  00:20:24 Melissa: So I think you said that… was that one out of your four hats? 00:20:28 Crystal: Yes.  00:20:29 Melissa: What are the other three?  00:20:30 Crystal: Well, El Pretexto, which is a bed and breakfast, is our Puerto Rico's first and only culinary farm lodge. This is my home, but I also welcome guests here. So El Pretexto is my second one. I'm the co-founder of PRoduct, which is a digital marketplace that connects local food producers with consumers directly. We're trying to shorten that food chain and make it easier and convenient to get local products on your home. We deliver island wide. So that's my third hat. And then I have a super small, digital, marketing agency with another partner, and it's all focused on food and beverage. So everything is about food but from different perspectives.  00:21:25 Melissa: Yeah. That's so interesting because it's almost like you have a little supply chain kind of going on. Right? It's like we've got a lot going on, but it's all related to eating, which is essential. But I think it's smart. I mean, you have your little niche there. Huge niche. We keep being hungry, so you're in a good spot, I would say.  00:21:49 Melissa: So let me understand this idea about food and how you saw it as an opportunity for Puerto Rico because it has a rich history. Right? So me as a mom, for example, I'm second generation from a Puerto Rican perspective. As a mom, for me, passing down culture is urgent. It's almost on the verge of extinction, I feel, because of where I am generationally. Like, I'm, quote, unquote, “amongst people that I know I'm not,” quote, unquote, “supposed to know Spanish.” I'm not, quote, unquote, “supposed to literally make rice and beans every day,” which by the way, I don't have to. But my goodness, my children really like their rice and beans. And I am so lazy. So that is all I make because I just want one pot.  00:22:40 Melissa: But anyway, so culture, food, that's the one way that I pass it along. Right? You are what you eat. So guess what? My kids are Puerto Rican and Cuban, at this stage. Yes. They have Dominican in them, but, hey, that's just my culinary preference. So tell me about this idea of culture, Puerto Rican culture. And I would be super curious if you could maybe choose an example of a cuisine or food and just kind of walk us through how that kind of expresses culture or maybe there's a story behind it that is unique to Puerto Rico.  00:23:20 Crystal: Well, for me and my mentor used to be doctor Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, which was the only food historian in Puerto Rico. He passed two years ago, but I learned so much from him and pretty much I was his daughter. He inherit me all his library, which I have here, home. And, so we discussed this a lot. And I think that we both shared that the ultimate dish that represents the Puerto Rican culture will be the pasteles. For those that doesn't know what a pastel is, it's a tamal like preparation. But the tamales are corn based and they use corn leaves to wrap it up. The pasteles puertorriqueños is made out of a dough made out of root vegetables mainly. 00:24:20 Crystal: It will have bananas and plantains that we got from our African in [inaudible]. It will have pumpkin, which were already with our Taino peoples here in America. It will have yautia, which also was here in Puerto Rico. And then, it will have some pork stew that was brought by the Spanish people. So you have in one dish our full heritage of the three cultures that have conformed the Puerto Rican-ness in just one dish.  00:25:01 Crystal: And then that works too will use, what is the ultimate base of flavor of the Puerto Rican cuisine, which is the sofrito. And the sofrito itself also is a blend of African, Spanish, and Taino ingredients, but it's a bricolage of flavors and smells that then go into the stew that then is used to make the pastel. And the pastel is also representative of the most authentic Puerto Rican soul because el pastel is wrapped as a gift.  00:25:40 Crystal: And if you were poor and there was a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico at some – we still have, but there used to be a lot of poverty back in the days. If you didn't have any resources, monetary resources to gift things, you will make pasteles with the things that are on your patio. You will have that growing up in your patio, in your garden, and then you will do pasteles, and you will gift that to your adult, kids, to your sisters, to your brothers.  00:26:13 Crystal: And so because it's – now we have technology, and now we can use food processors and so on. But back in the day, you had to grate that by hand. So if you have that gift, I am not only gifting you my talent and the products that I grow in my patio, but I'm also gifting my time. So it's a very meaningful way of telling someone that you really care about them. 00:26:42 Crystal: And that's all about Puerto Ricans. We care. We care a lot. We want to share everything that we have. And all the visitors that we have, they all can say that Puerto Ricans are always nice to them. Even if we have people that doesn't speak so much English, they will take you to whatever place you wanted to go, trying to understand you and enjoying our island. So I think that the pastel is representative of all the goodness of the Puerto Ricans.  00:27:16 Melissa: Let's pause for a second. If you've been nodding your head all along while listening to Crystal talk about food as fuel for imagination, then I wanna put this on your radar. My book, Fertile Imagination is for any mom who's ever thought, “I know I'm capable of more, but I don't know where to start.”  00:27:39 Melissa: And as one Amazon reviewer said this of my book, Fertile Imagination, which is all about maximizing your superpower to make your maximum impact, She says this, “It's a non judgmental kick in the butt to start valuing your whole selves and to create a new reality where we combine motherhood with our big dreams. Whether you're chasing an idea during nap time or whispering your big vision,” this is hilarious, “into a spatula, then this book is your creative permission slip.”  00:28:17 Melissa: You're gonna hear stories, especially if you like this conversation with Crystal. You're gonna hear a story as well from a podcast guest that I had here who is a James Beard award winning chef, Gabriele Corcos. And you're gonna learn about how he has really latched on to this idea of novelty as his way to explore new categories of interest in his one beautiful life. So I want to just be sure that you realize that this conversation is the beginning of the process. I wanted you to see through Crystal how if your imagination was reawakened, you can start to reimagine how you approach your own life. And I think that's important.  00:29:04 Melissa: But then the book, Fertile Imagination, goes on and adds some tools that you can actually use to incorporate your imagination into your one divine life. And here's the thing, because you could use your imagination from any place you are in the world, you won't have to hop on a plane and go to any place. You can actually just close your eyes and replug in to the little girl that you once were who had all these beautiful ideas that you wanted to play out in the world and that's what I want for you. 00:29:41 Melissa: So here's what I have for you. Just go ahead to fertileideas.com. If you're driving, if you're running, if you're walking, you could do this in a bit. Just go to fertileideas.com and you could download a free chapter of my book, Fertile Imagination. What's really amazing about that chapter is that that chapter basically takes you to a place where you can go and travel back in time, to that moment when you were most free, to that moment where you had the world totally ahead of you and you were imagining what you wanted for your one divine life. That's what I did when I got on stage at the Magnet Theater in New York City 100 years ago now, so it feels. 00:30:25 Melissa: But I talk about that moment for me in that chapter that you can get for free right now on fertileideas.com. So back to the show. Again, shop the book. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination, every mom's superpower. Go to fertileideas.com. Grab the free chapter. Why not? What are you gonna do? Have an amazing time reading a free chapter? That's the way to set yourself up for success for this summer. All right. Enjoy the rest of the conversation.  00:30:55 Melissa: I've never ever heard of un pastel in that way. I'm just like… it's fascinating because I also think it's… maybe it's just me, but I feel like there's a bit of an acquired taste to it too. Like, for me. Right? When I think about a pastel and I compare it to a tamal, I do not think about a Mexican tamal at all. I think about Cuban. I think about– 00:31:26 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. 00:31:28 Melissa: And for me, it's really fascinating to hear the story behind the pastel in the sense that it's very, very comprehensive. You could… I mean, I bet you there's probably books already. Or maybe you're gonna write a book. Maybe you got a fourth – a fifth hat to wear, right? You can write about pasteles. I mean, it's not a bad gig.  00:31:49 Melissa: But I think it's really interesting. And I think it's a testament to the fact that irrespective of where someone travels to the depth with which they can get to know and appreciate a culture is almost unlimited in a way, right? It's… like, for me and my family, I am not a Disney World person. But I've been to Disney World because it's kinda like, “Oh, we just go to Disney World and I have three kids.” And you got a cat. That's a little bit of a cat. She's got a cat. If you're watching this on video, you see her big and fluffy cat. Is your cat Puerto Rican though? 00:32:29 Crystal: She is Puerto Rican. She is a sato cat.  00:32:31 Melissa: Aw.  00:32:32 Crystal: She's a rescue one.  00:32:34 Melissa: So cute. She probably eats pasteles because she's got meat on her. She's a solid cat. But, yeah, just the depth with which you could understand a culture, what I'm hearing from you, Crystal, it can absolutely include history and and careful attention to the food that you're eating. Right? I think about just everywhere that I've traveled and every time I've eaten food, it's kind of like there's almost a story or a reason for why something is on a plate, and it's not always superficial. It's not just labor profile. It could have to do with political conversations. It could have to do with whoever decided that that food would make its way to that region.  00:33:27 Melissa: But let me ask you this question then. So just to kind of close-up this conversation on something that I think is very practical, I'm gonna ask you a very selfish question. Okay, so I'm on the quest for the perfect sofrito. I'm gonna tell you what I do for my sofrito. So it's my ritual on Sundays. I take all the peppers that I find, red, green, yellow, and even orange because it comes in that pack. I also then buy cilantro. I'm in Texas, so let's just be mindful I'm limited in some of the things I can get.  00:34:05 Melissa: Also because I'm a health conscious mom, I put bone broth in the blender so that this way things can blend. Right? I put onions. I put garlic. I put some oregano. That is what's in my sofrito on a good day. Melissa's like, “Okay. I am ready to make a sofrito.” How can I enhance that sofrito, or how do you teach people that visit El Pretexto how to make their own sofrito?  00:34:39 Crystal: Well, sofrito is one thing as the pasteles. Right? Everybody have their own recipe, and everybody says that their mom's sofrito is the best. Right? [inaudible] My mom's sofrito is the best. So that's the one that I do. And I'm happy to share the recipe for you because I have it written.  00:35:03 Crystal: But there are two schools of Sofrito to begin with. The school that says you do your Sofrito on a Sunday and you don't touch it… you don't do another Sofrito batch up until that one is gone in one or two weeks. And then you have my mom's school, which is you do your sofrito every time that you're gonna cook. 00:35:28 Melissa: Gotcha. Right.  00:35:31 Crystal: Obviously, that's nice for those that are retired and have all the time in the world. I do it that way. I'm not retired, but it's because I have a– 00:35:40 Melissa: That's your job. 00:35:41 Crystal: That's how she does it. And I don't want to, to your point, I want to continue her way of doing things. So, there are onions. We don't use all the colors of the bell peppers. We actually use cubanelle pepper. Onion cubanelle, then we will have the aji dulce, the sweet little pepper we need. We will have the cilantro, but we will also have culantro. [inaudible]. Yeah? And then, we will have garlic in it, a little bit of oregano, and pretty much that's the base. 00:36:29 Crystal: So depending on who you ask, there are people that will omit having the onion, and they will do it when they are cooking, if they're doing a batch. And then you will have people that will go all the way in with a lot of culantro in it, so it has that strong flavor to it. My mom's is more balanced in how much goes of each little thing in there. And we also use the bone broth, but not to blend the sofrito, but to stew the rice. If it's gonna be a stew rice, we will do bone broth instead of water with the rice. 00:37:18 Crystal: And then, the beans, we like them vegetarians. We don't use any hams or meat cuts into it. But, again, that's us. There are people that say that the most flavorful ones is with a piece of ham in it and whatever. But, I like… my mom's and mine are vegetarian. And my cat starts again.  00:37:43 Crystal: But, sofrito is is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it. And as I told earlier, it's also a blend of these three cultures that goes into it. A lot of cultures have mirepoix or other type of base of flavors into their food and this is ours. So you have to make it yours but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history into it. But, yeah, happy to share my mom's one with you. 00:38:29 Melissa: Yeah. For sure. Crystal, this was so amazing. So I would say around now, a lot of individuals are planning their summer holiday trips and vacations and all of that. So, maybe you can share where people can learn more about you, can learn more about El Pretexto if that's an option to them to kind of explore, and just follow your journey. 00:38:53 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. Well, a friendly reminder that it is an adults only project. So this might be your chance to… El Pretexto actually translates to “The Excuse.” So this might be your excuse to having your parents take care of the kids and hop down to the island and have a little bit of a honeymoon. But, El Pretexto, you can find it at elprotextopr.com. We're also in social media @elprotextopr in Facebook and Instagram.  00:39:30 Crystal: There you will meet our chickens and photos of our garden and our harvest and the breakfast, and maybe you get a little bit hungry. In our website, you will find different options because you could come for a weekend or you could come for a weekday stay, but also you could come for these curated food experiences, which are in very specific dates around the year. We also have dinners, farm to table dinners in our property. We invite guest chefs to cook dinners, around the year.  00:40:08 Crystal: And, also, I take people to other places in the countryside to enjoy a beautiful lunch, but getting to know another piece of countryside around the island. So, El Pretexto is no other thing than the celebration of the beautiful diverse countryside of Puerto Rico. And you can check all the information there. So, yeah, feel free to follow me there.  00:40:37 Melissa: Thank you so much, Crystal. This has been amazing. Have an awesome rest of your day. Keep enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea and all the beauty that you see outside your window. Thank you so much for this conversation.  00:40:53 Crystal: Thank you. Thank you for the invitation.  00:40:56 Melissa: So what's your version of a sofrito? Right? Let's take it out of the kitchen and into your home office. What sort of things for you can you put together to create your next big idea, whether it's something for business, something for your personal life or something for your family this very summer. I am so excited to have had Crystal Diaz for this conversation because I think she's inspiring all of us. She's giving us a good idea of all the ways that we could color our own individual rainbows.  00:41:33 Melissa: At the same time, I want this to just remind you that your imagination could be stirred into anything, right? Especially like tonight's dinner. So catch up on Tuesdays on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub and until then, keep cooking up ideas that only you can serve. I honestly think there's a place in this world for imaginations. And irrespective of AI and technology, at the end of the day, it's only as good as the person behind the computer screen, our prompts, our ideas, the way that we decide to use these resources.  00:42:10 Melissa: And that is the best case for you to actually keep your imagination going and playing with it. So thank you for this conversation. And again, if you are interested in learning more about the book, just go to fertileideas.com. Have an amazing rest of your day, moms.  

In this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Angela Diaz, DPT, Vice President of Market Development for TailorCare, to explore the future of physical therapy in a value-based healthcare system. With decades of experience as a clinician, practice owner, and healthcare executive, Angela shares her insights on why PTs must lead—or risk being left behind—in the shift toward patient-centered, outcomes-driven care.Key Takeaways:-  Value-Based Care Is Here – Physical therapists must transition from fee-for-service models to payment structures that reward high-quality outcomes, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction.-  Data Is Non-Negotiable – PTs need to track pain, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction to prove their value. Angela emphasizes: "If you can't measure it, you can't improve it—or get paid for it."-  The Power of Shared Decision-Making – Angela shares a case study of a knee pain patient who avoided surgery through tailored PT and lifestyle changes—highlighting how aligning care with patient goals improves outcomes and reduces costs.-  PTs as First-Line Providers – In TailorCare's model, PTs triage musculoskeletal cases, collaborating with PCPs, orthopedists, and behavioral health to streamline care and prevent unnecessary procedures.-  Future-Proof Your Practice – Angela outlines four trends reshaping PT: hybrid care (telehealth + in-person), integrated care teams, AI/wearables for outcomes tracking, and patient choice driving reimbursement.-  "Step Up or Get Left Behind" – Angela's rallying cry: PTs have a unique role in prevention, recovery, and wellness—but must advocate for their place at the table in policy and payment reform.Whether you're a clinician, practice owner, or healthcare leader, this episode is a masterclass in positioning physical therapy as the cornerstone of value-based MSK care. Tune in and rethink what's possible for your practice and your patients. If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!

Julie A. Diaz is a Board-Certified Health Coach, Technical Content Strategist, Author, and Speaker. She has turned her personal health challenges into a beacon of hope for others. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease in 2012 after a decade of struggling with symptoms, Julie took control of her health through a holistic regimen, shrinking two thyroid nodules in just two months and ultimately achieving remission. Today, as the owner of Your Wellness Champion Health Coaching, Julie helps clients with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's autoimmune disease, and other health conditions to uncover the root causes of their illnesses. She serves her clients with kindness, compassion, and knowledge. Her approach not only aims to improve their health but also to reclaim their energy, happiness, and productivity. Through her work as a health coach, author, and advocate, Julie continues to empower individuals to embrace their healing journeys with confidence and hope. Her story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, support, and holistic approach, it is possible to overcome health challenges and live your life with vitality and joy.

Dave Davis runs through all the latest LFC stories of the day and looks at the latest rumours and news around Liverpool, with Luis Diaz's new deal in the works and De Cuyper a new LB Target? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We. Are. BACK! The ATBBTTR crew returns to deliver a spectacular show covering your favorite baseball team, our Cincinnati Reds. In this episode, we discuss:(0:00) Intro(4:00) Biggest surprise so far? Lux, Trevino, Hays, Singer, Marte(17:15) The Candy Conundrum (21:00) This bullpen has been NAILS…outside of Diaz (25:00) Young guys make their debut!(31:00) Reds starting pitchers are dealing(39:00) Matt McLain: panic button?(48:30) What do we do with all of our catchers?(55:00) Elly's sneaky hitting streak(1:00:00) Money gun home run celebration - good or bad?Thank you for listening to Reds Country Radio! You can find us on Twitter and Instagram at @atbbttr.Support the show by leaving a comment and subscribing!Interested in partnering with us? Reach out and send a message to atbbttr@gmail.com.

United States v. Diaz Borrome

An interview with Eladio and Emmanuel Diaz, master blender and commercial director for Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera. Learn about the impressive career of Eladio Diaz, a leading blender from the Dominican Republic, and how he's taking his blending skills to a new level by building a family-owned brand. 

Where does our DeLorean take us this week? Kevin returns to talk about opening night of Universal's Fan Fest. Most of our episode is Back to the Future, but of course, we do talk about the other Fanfest attractions. All this and more before heading Back to the Future! 88 Miles Per Hour Podcast: The Podcast that travels Back in Time to revisit the movies & music we grew up with.

On this episode of New York's Finest : Retired & Unfiltered Podcast John & Eric sit down with Elijah Diaz, NYC Council District 45 Candidate as he walks us through his life and platform. Link to learn more about Elijah or donate to his campaign https://diazforcitycouncil.com/ To follow Elijah on social media https://www.instagram.com/diazforbrooklyn/ https://x.com/DiazforBrooklyn For any financial or investment advice please contact LaidLaw Blue at 888-901-2583 (Blue) or visit them online at https://laidlawwealthmanagement.com/laidlaw-blue/  tell them your friends at #TheFinestUnfiltered sent you. #thefinestunfiltered

¡QUE RUEDE LA PELOTA!

Exposition of John 7:25-36

- Diaz, Williams, Clase struggling- Mets are baseball's best- Blasting the Credit Cannon- Joc Pederson's 0-41 hitless streak- Switch-pitcher in the MLB soon?Listen/watch: https://bio.link/threeohtakeFollow us!FB: https://www.facebook.com/threeohtakeIG: https://www.instagram.com/threeohtakeTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@threeohtakeX: https://twitter.com/kylecorwintakes“THREEOHTAKE” for 10% off your Chinook Seedery order: https://www.chinookseedery.com/discount/THREEOHTAKE"THREEOHTAKE" for $20 off your first SeatGeek order: https://seatgeek.com/

On Thursday's ENN, NFL Draft attire. KP gets stitches. Rockets win, Butler hurt. RIP Steve McMichael. Loud DJ in Detroit. Schefter was pranked at the Masters. Diaz's leg length. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shedeur Sanders' draft stock falls, confusing Boomer about his potential first-round pick status. Gio shares Joe Schoen's son's deleted Jaxson Dart highlight reel and previews Giants/Jets draft plans. Jerry has draft needs audio (Saints QB). Mets win 7th straight (Marte walk-off, Diaz hurt). Yankees win (Goldschmidt 3 hits, Judge triple). The Knicks play Detroit (Thibs on Karl-Anthony Towns). Islanders fire radio team. Gio notes another Schoen/Dart family link.

Hour 1 Shedeur Sanders' draft stock falls, confusing Boomer about his potential first-round pick status. Gio shares Joe Schoen's son's deleted Jaxson Dart highlight reel and previews Giants/Jets draft plans. Jerry has draft needs audio (Saints QB). Mets win 7th straight (Marte walk-off, Diaz hurt). Yankees win (Goldschmidt 3 hits, Judge triple). The Knicks play Detroit (Thibs on Karl-Anthony Towns). Islanders fire radio team. Gio notes another Schoen/Dart family link. Hour 2 Giants' Kadarius Toney pick questioned; Gio wonders if they vetted him. Sanders' draft drop discussed; Phil Simms says NFL evaluation is the reason, Boomer cites extensive scouting. Islanders' radio team firing angers caller; Gio suggests streaming, Boomer calls it "bush league" and hopes for reconsideration. Jerry's update follows Boomer's high school football photo evaluation. Bruce Beck interviewed Carter on Giants. ESPN shut down Chris Russo on Belichick's girlfriend. The Yankees won (Judge triple). Mets tied game in 10th (Alonso), then won it; Edwin Diaz's leg length discrepancy "fixed". The hour ends with a doctor's call on leg length differences. Hour 3 Joe Schoen's son's Jaxson Dart reel sparks Giants draft speculation. A caller asks about Phil Simms unretiring his number for Abdul Carter (unlikely). Draft drops of Sapp/Marino were recalled. Jerry updates: Al thinks Carter is too small for the NFL. Mike Ditka interviewed Boomer (1993 clip). Gary Cohen calls Marte's Mets walk-off (7th straight win). Rangers extend GM Drury; Boomer reacts. Hour 4 Tonight's NFL Draft: Sanders' surprising drop worries Boomer, who initially saw him as a Giants pick but now he's falling, possibly due to unwanted attention. Boomer also ponders Cousins and Rodgers. Phil Simms labeled Jaxson Dart "pudgy," adding to his draft concerns. Jerry's final update includes Milroe, Dart, and Carter discussing their Giants' interactions. Mets secure their 7th straight win (Soto's outfield assist). Yankees avoid a sweep (Judge's triple). Doug Gottlieb appeared on the Dan Patrick Show. Today's Moment: Imagining John Mara asking Simms to unretire #11. Gio's music pick: Chappell Roan's country tune.

In this episode, Katy Didden and Abram Van Engen discuss the extraordinary leaps, narrative disjunctions, and temporal frames that fill Diaz's extraordinary ekphrastic poem, a reflection on Bruegel's painting, "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" written in conversation with W.H. Auden's poem "Musée des Beaux Arts." "Two Emergencies," appears in My Favorite Tyrants (https://a.co/d/3IUlLmp) (University of Wisconsin Press 2014), winner of the 2014 Brittingham Prize in Poetry. For more poetry of Joanne Diaz, see also The Lessons (https://a.co/d/bZOFIOp) (Silverfish Review Press 2011), winner of the Gerald Cable Book Award. For W.H. Auden's "Musee des Beaux Artes (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/159364/musee-des-beaux-arts-63a1efde036cd)" see The Poetry Foundation

On a special Draft Eve edition of The Falcoholic Live, join hosts Kevin Knight and Tre'Shon Diaz as they conduct a final LIVE Falcons mock draft with the help of the people. There are no limits and no rules, we'll do our best to make the picks to the best of our ability. Join us for a fun evening of NFL Draft takes! ⁠Watch the show live on Wednesdays at 8 PM ET⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the crew on Patreon to unlock exclusive perks (and our gratitude)!

NFL draft buzz intensifies with trade rumors. Boomer thinks Giants prefer Shough over Dart. Brian Baldinger predicts a top-5 trade. Gio's intel is quiet. Building construction noise is disruptive. Jerry's update: Mickelson/Allen golf audio, Purdy contract debate, Jerry Jones on Mavericks/Luka. Yankees lose again, Mets win 6th straight (Vientos RBI). Spike Eskin unhappy with Harper's at-bat vs. Diaz. NBA playoff recap. Haliburton responds to the "overrated" label. The hour ends with Gio on Darren Rovell's strange donut line story at "I'm donut?".

Hour 1 Mets win 6th straight, fueled by Alonso's offense and league-best pitching. Despite the early season, fans are packing the stadium. Talk of Alonso's contract extension heats up. Meanwhile, the Yankees lose again. Jaxson Dart eyes the Giants. NBA playoffs recap. Lou Lamoriello out as Islanders GM. Callers debate Boomer's Acuna take and a Brooklyn-to-Long Island move. Hour 2 Todd McShay sees a path for Giants to draft Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart, who shares a Utah high school with Zach Wilson. Gio wonders if Utah personalities fit NY teams, recalling a 'pudgy' note on Dart from Phil Simms. Jerry's update: Yankees lose (Judge misplay), Mets win again (Alonso RBI double), Dart staying home for draft. NBA playoff recap. The hour ends with Yankees losing another despite Judge's hits. Hour 3 NFL draft buzz intensifies with trade rumors. Boomer thinks Giants prefer Shough over Dart. Brian Baldinger predicts a top-5 trade. Gio's intel is quiet. Building construction noise is disruptive. Jerry's update: Mickelson/Allen golf audio, Purdy contract debate, Jerry Jones on Mavericks/Luka. Yankees lose again, Mets win 6th straight (Vientos RBI). Spike Eskin unhappy with Harper's at-bat vs. Diaz. NBA playoff recap. Haliburton responds to the "overrated" label. The hour ends with Gio on Darren Rovell's strange donut line story at "I'm donut?". Hour 4 Tomorrow: NFL draft and Knicks playoff game. Gio wishes the two were split over two nights. Discussion about finding Eddie's replacement, Gio's approach likened to QB evaluation. Boomer suggests Gio host with a friend over summer. Jerry's final update: Mets win 6th straight, Yankees lose again (Volpe's misplay), Jaxson Dart on potentially joining Giants, Jerry Jones' media appearance (death reference, blaming O-line). Moment of the Day: Topics involve penis and feces. Gio anticipates a big Knicks performance. Caller asks if the NFL educates rookies on money. Jordan Davis filmed a music video with Jim Nantz and Peyton Manning.

Brodes is PISSED that the Phillies got swept by the Mets!!Green Lawn Fertilizing: https://www.greenlawnfertilizing.com/lp/brodes?utm_campaign=GLF%20-%20Influencer%20Marketing&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_term=brodes Green Lawn Fertilizing: Phone Number: (848) 253-4026DISCORD LINK: https://discord.gg/z9c5cFVGJcBookies.com: https://bookies.com/brodesBUY YOUR TICKETS WITH SEATGEEK PROMO CODE: BRODES FOR $20 OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE! www.seatkgeek.comDrink Garage Beer: https://drinkgaragebeer.com/ 

Meet Annemarie Diaz, co-owner of TRS Build in Cedar Park, TX. In this episode, Diaz opens up about the strategies that have helped her build a thriving remodeling business powered by 80% referral work. From creating a culture where it's okay to fail to scaling her team while also protecting the company, Diaz shares her approach to leadership, business best practices, and long-term success. She also dives into how she implements new technology, keeps her cost per lead in check, and co-leads her business alongside her husband with clarity and collaboration. In this episode, you will learn: The most significant KPI Diaz relies on for measuring leadership success How to scale your team while protecting your business The top client red flag to watch out for and when to say no to a project Strategies for controlling cost per lead Tips for implementing new technology Where Diaz focuses her marketing dollars   Learn more about TRS Build here. Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

The Mets have been great at home and they are getting huge crowds for this early in the season. There is so much positivity with Steve Cohen right now. Mets pitching has been outstanding so far as well. Jesse Winker talked about how the stadium being full is a huge advantage for the Mets. Boomer doesn't think they'll need Grimace this year. Gio said Fat Joe was at the Knicks game, and wherever he goes, failure follows. The Yankees World Series Game, Kamala Harris, California wildfires. It's the Fat Joe curse. Gio said they can't have him at any more games. Jerry returns for an update and starts with the sounds of the Knicks losing game 2 at the Garden. Coach Thibs did not like the huge discrepancy between foul shots between the two teams. Charles Barkley had a message for Mavs GM Nico Harrison: stop with the press conferences. The Yankees lost in Cleveland as the Guardians hit back to back homers off of Clarke Schmidt. The Mets beat the Phillies but Edwin Diaz made it interesting. Carlos Mendoza talked about Diaz's performance after the HR. Russell Wilson met the media and said some generic things. Jalen Milroe was asked about potentially joining the QB room with Wilson and Jameis Winston. Vikings RB Aaron Jones talked about being an older QB and also talked about trying to get older women since he was a kid. Boomer and C-Lo did a Rangers podcast yesterday. In the final segment of the hour, a young guy named Jared is here. He works in the digital department here at Audacy and he's been tasked with getting the YouTube numbers up for Al & Jerry's Postgame Podcast.

TRANSFER TARGETS! Joe (8 x Top 10K) reveals his FPL Gameweek 34 Transfer Targets. He looks at the Free Hitters, including: Cunha, Murphy and Diaz and plenty more.

Sandra Diaz-Twine Talks Survivor 48 Ep 7 & More It's time to take a trip back to the Old School! All season long, Rob Cesternino is bringing legendary Survivor alumni onto the podcast to break down Survivor 48 through the eyes of those who played in the game's early days. This week, Rob and Survivor […]

Sandra Diaz-Twine Talks Survivor 48 Ep 7 & More It's time to take a trip back to the Old School! All season long, Rob Cesternino is bringing legendary Survivor alumni onto the podcast to break down Survivor 48 through the eyes of those who played in the game's early days. This week, Rob and Survivor […]