Que Bola Podcast

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly funny Miami comic, Eli Rodriguez. We kicked off the conversation with a light-hearted banter about the vibrant Miami lifestyle, particularly the concept of "puteria," which Eli cleverly connects to her comedic persona as the "Fairy God Puta." We explored how this term embodies the fun-loving, party-centric culture of Miami, while also discussing the stigma surrounding it and the importance of reclaiming such words. Eli shared her journey into comedy, which began as a hobby in 2007 while she was working for a cruise line. She reminisced about her early days, the challenges she faced, and how the pandemic ultimately pushed her to pursue comedy full-time. We discussed the dynamics of the comedy scene in Miami, including the importance of creating a sense of scarcity in performances to attract more audiences. Throughout our chat, Eli opened up about her experiences on stage, the significance of connecting with the audience, and the balance between being edgy and clean in her comedy. She shared insights on how her style has evolved over the years, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal storytelling in her performances. We also touched on the unique aspects of hosting comedy shows, including her experiences with "Don't Tell Comedy," a national brand that produces secret comedy shows, and her aspirations to host game shows, drawing parallels to iconic figures like Steve Harvey. Eli's passion for comedy and her desire to create engaging experiences for her audience shone through as we discussed her favorite venues and the wildest stages she has performed on, including a cat café. This episode is a delightful mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and insights into the world of comedy, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of stand-up and the vibrant culture of Miami. Join us as we laugh, reflect, and celebrate the journey of a rising star in the comedy scene!

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the talented filmmaker and music video director, Mr. Michael Garcia. We kicked off the conversation with a light-hearted exchange about the podcast setup, particularly the absence of headphones, which Michael appreciated as it allowed for a more personal connection during our chat. Michael shared his philosophy on creativity, emphasizing the importance of not taking oneself too seriously as an artist. He believes that maintaining a sense of fun and chaos is essential to preserving one's edge in the creative field. We delved into his early days as a filmmaker, discussing the struggles of starting out broke and hustling to find clients. Michael recounted how his passion for film was ignited by childhood memories, such as watching Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and experiencing the cinematic magic of "Purple Rain." As we explored his journey, Michael revealed the lengths he went to in order to create his projects, including a clever yet risky strategy of buying and returning cameras to complete his work. He recounted his early experiences shooting music videos for local artists, often losing money in the process but driven by a blind belief in his potential to succeed. We discussed the significance of the relationships and experiences he gained through filmmaking, highlighting how the memories made during projects often outweigh the final product itself. Michael shared stories of his travels to various countries for shoots, emphasizing the unique experiences and friendships he formed along the way. Transitioning into the technical aspects of filmmaking, Michael explained how he initially got his start as a production assistant, learning from industry veterans while honing his craft. He recounted a pivotal moment when he was offered the chance to direct a music video for Kodak Black, which unexpectedly skyrocketed his career. The success of that video opened doors to numerous opportunities, leading to collaborations with major artists and record labels. We also touched on the evolving landscape of music videos and the impact of platforms like TikTok on the industry. Michael expressed his thoughts on the importance of making artists look cool and the challenges of adapting to new trends in content consumption. As our conversation progressed, we explored the differences between directing music videos, documentaries, and feature films. Michael emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development in film, contrasting it with the more visual and stylistic approach of music videos. Throughout the episode, Michael's passion for filmmaking and storytelling shone through, as he shared insights into the creative process, the business side of the industry, and the ever-changing dynamics of content creation. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers, music video directors, and anyone interested in the art of storytelling through visual media.

In this episode of the Que Bola Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Ortiz family, Oscar and Cat, who have made a name for themselves in the world of content creation. We kicked off the conversation by diving into the meaning behind their name, "Ortiz Family 275," which represents their wedding date and the five members of their family. It was fascinating to learn that both Oscar and Cat hail from Texas but moved to Florida at a young age, leading to their unique blend of cultural influences. As we explored their journey, they shared how they began creating content during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Initially, Cat was encouraged by a cousin to start a TikTok account, and after posting a video with Oscar that went viral, they decided to focus on couple-oriented comedic skits. Their content has since evolved, and they now boast an impressive following of 2.5 million on TikTok and nearly 700,000 on Instagram. We discussed the differences between Miami and Broward County, highlighting the distinct cultures and flavors of each area. Oscar and Cat expressed their love for local support and the challenges of gaining recognition in a city like Miami, where competition and skepticism can be high. They also touched on the importance of staying true to their comedic style while navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media algorithms. Throughout our conversation, we delved into the intricacies of content creation, including the balance of scripting versus spontaneity in their videos. They shared how they often capture genuine moments from their daily lives, which resonate with their audience. The couple also opened up about the challenges of working together as both partners in life and in business, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in their relationship. One of the highlights of the episode was when Cat recounted a recent milestone: being invited to a significant Netflix event in California. This opportunity marked a turning point in their journey, showcasing the growth and recognition they have achieved in the industry. They also discussed the role of their manager in helping them navigate brand partnerships and the complexities of working with companies. As we wrapped up the episode, Oscar and Cat offered valuable insights for aspiring content creators, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the willingness to adapt in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, and I left the conversation feeling inspired by their journey and the bright future ahead for the Ortiz family.

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Virginia Otazo, a talented food journalist currently making waves at The Infatuation, one of the most respected food publications in South Florida. We kicked off the conversation by expressing gratitude for the support the podcast has received, emphasizing that this endeavor is driven by passion rather than profit. Virginia shared her journey into the world of food journalism, which began with her background in creative writing. Despite her parents' skepticism about her career choice, she followed her passion and found herself immersed in the restaurant industry. After moving to Washington, D.C., for love, she started working in restaurants, quickly rising through the ranks due to her dedication and love for the craft. Her experiences in various roles, from server to general manager, shaped her understanding of the restaurant business and ultimately led her to her current position at The Infatuation. We delved into the unique approach that The Infatuation takes towards food journalism, highlighting their commitment to honesty and integrity. Virginia explained how they dine anonymously, never accepting freebies or comps, ensuring that their reviews are genuine and trustworthy. This authenticity resonates with readers, as they know they can rely on The Infatuation for honest recommendations. As we explored the cultural significance of food in South Florida, Virginia shared her insights on how food tells stories, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the community. We discussed the evolution of Cuban-American cuisine and how it has been shaped by the diaspora, with Virginia drawing parallels between her own experiences and the dishes she encounters. The conversation also touched on the impact of social media on the restaurant industry. Virginia emphasized the importance of genuine connections and how she uses social media to discover new culinary experiences through the eyes of chefs and cooks, rather than just relying on glossy marketing. Throughout the episode, we examined the concept of value in dining experiences, discussing how the atmosphere, service, and overall experience contribute to the worth of a meal. Virginia shared her personal approach to evaluating value, turning it into a fun game with friends to gauge expectations against the final bill. This episode is a deep dive into the world of food journalism, the cultural tapestry of South Florida, and the stories that food tells. Virginia's passion for her craft and her commitment to authenticity shine through, making this conversation not only informative but also inspiring for anyone interested in the culinary arts. Tune in to hear more about Virginia's journey, her insights on the food scene, and the importance of storytelling in food journalism.