My SGV Podcast
Welcome to the My SGV Podcast. A show where you will hear personal stories of triumph over failures, and how others successfully navigated the unique landscape that is the San Gabriel Valley. What makes us different? Well, just like you, we have chosen the San Gabriel Valley for our home or businesses, or both. We believe it is the people and small businesses that make this community great and we love to share their stories with you. We always encourage your questions and feedback and you can find all of our contact information at sgvmasterkey.com.
Episodes
220 episodes
Jackson Ridd - Mind-Bending Mentalist of LA’s Magic Scene
Jackson Ridd is a Los Angeles–based mentalist and magician whose performances blend psychological insights with theatrical flair. A resident star at Black Rabbit Rose, Rideau Speakeasy, and the Wonzimer Gallery, Jackson delivers immersive stage...
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Episode 216
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53:46
Jonathan Wong - Shaping Super Street and JDM Culture
Jonathan “JDM” Wong’s journey reads like the ultimate dream for anyone immersed in Japanese car culture. Born in Hollywood and raised in Pasadena, he fell in love with modified JDM cars as a teen. Alongside high school friends, he co-founded Te...
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Episode 215
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1:08:54
Milton and Erika - Brisket Flautas & Big Dreams: Inside Domestic BBQ
Erika Herrera and Milton Arredondo are the heart and soul behind Domestic BBQ, the family-owned California-style barbecue spot that’s become a local favorite in La Puente and Covina. They made the bold leap from corporate life to smoky kitchens...
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Episode 214
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1:18:29
Amber & Waldo - The Sweet Story Behind 626 Ice Cream
Amber Tan and Waldo Yan didn’t set out to build a viral dessert destination—but that’s exactly what they’ve done with 626 Hospitality Group, home of the wildly beloved 626 Ice Cream in Arcadia, CA. What began as a passion project ...
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1:33:25
Jason Marshak - How Dr. Rubin’s Pomade Became a California Classic
If you’ve spent any time in the San Gabriel Valley, you’ve probably crossed paths with Jason Marshak—or at least with someone who’s used his pomade. A proud Alhambra native for over 40 years, Jason is the founder and face behind Dr. Rubin’s Pom...
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Episode 212
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59:34
Maryvale: The Nonprofit Changing Lives Across the SGV w/ Rhe Torres
Maryvale began in 1856 when five nuns from the Daughters of Charity opened Los Angeles’ first orphanage and hospital—initially a small wood-frame home near what is now Union Station. By 1891, it had moved to a larger facility in Boyle Heights, ...
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Episode 211
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47:29
Alex Tran - Breaking Cycles and Building Fish Kings
Alex Tran is a 21-year-old Vietnamese-Chinese American entrepreneur, behavioral specialist, and founder of Fish Kings—a growing aquatic business based in Southern California. Balancing work in mental health with running a hands-on business, Ale...
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Episode 210
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1:15:36
Rubina Chadha - Breathwork Meets Creativity: The Inner Design Approach
Rubina Chadha is a trauma-informed mindfulness educator, breathwork facilitator, and award-winning designer whose work bridges creativity, wellness, and conscious leadership. A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design and UCLA’s Education Certif...
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Episode 209
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57:42
Cathy Lam - Faith, Art, and Social Change: The Creative World of Cathy Lam
Cathy SK Lam-Patrie is a Hong Kong-born, Los Angeles-based pastor, producer, and award-winning theatre artist whose work bridges faith, justice, and the arts. She is the founder of ThreeWoods Playwright and the artistic director of Kairos Arts ...
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Episode 208
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1:10:26
Paul Pulver & Johanna Atienza - Driving Innovation and Equity in Education
Johanna Atienza and Paul Pulver are the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer and the CEO of Options for Learning respectively.Johanna brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and community-based programming to her role. Bef...
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Episode 210
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52:20
Brayan Altamirano - From Music Dreams to Capturing the Moment
Brayan Altamirano’s journey to becoming a touring photographer is a testament to the power of perseverance and transformation. Initially driven by a passion for music, Brayan’s dream of stardom seemed within reach, but without the right support...
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Episode 209
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1:09:00
Jesse Jaime - Saint of the Month and Coach of the Year
Jesse R. Jaime Sr. is a dedicated Lead Campus Supervisor 2 (Safety) at San Dimas High School within the Bonita Unified School District, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. A proud member of...
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Episode 208
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54:57
Lizette Valles - Creating Spaces for Thriving Learners
Lizette Valles is a passionate educator, Latina leader, and innovator in the world of alternative education. As a co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, established in 2024, Lizette has been at the forefront of the microschooling ...
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Episode 207
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1:12:18
Jayme Kiyomura Chan - Empowering Athletes and Building Confidence
Jayme Kiyomura Chan is a passionate and accomplished leader in both the culinary and sports worlds. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she is a proud product of the San Gabriel Valley and a long-time resident. Jayme attended La Salle High...
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Episode 206
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1:20:53
Jeanne Raya - Leading with Purpose
Jeanne E. Raya is the dynamic President of the John L Raya Insurance Agency, Inc., a well-respected minority women-owned business established in 1960. Under her leadership, the agency has carved out a niche of expertise, especially in working w...
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Episode 205
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1:03:39
Jessica Ramos - The Strength to Leave & Turning Pain Into Power
Jessica Ramos is a 31-year-old registered nurse and passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, drawing from her personal journey of survival and healing. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica’s life has been shaped by her...
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Episode 204
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1:16:15
Anthea Peter-Vallejo - Jiu-Jitsu, Herbalism, and Homeschooling
Anthea Peter-Vallejo, also known as “TT,” is a devoted homeschooling mom of two who is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and well-rounded educational environment for her children. Her passion for teaching extends beyond traditional acad...
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Episode 203
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1:03:11
Dan Gilbert - Making Monsters from Stunts to Special FX
Dan Gilbert is a versatile and multi-talented artist based in East Pasadena, CA, whose career spans multiple aspects of the entertainment industry. Known for his work as a special FX makeup artist, actor, puppeteer, stuntman, voice actor, and w...
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Episode 202
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1:01:35
Justin Sasada - Creating Meaningful Spaces
Justin Sasada is a licensed architect, educator, and dedicated community advocate based in Monterey Park, California. With a passion for design and a deep commitment to education, Justin has built a career that spans residential architecture, t...
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Episode 201
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1:00:16
Carlos Castro - Behind the Soundboard & the Art of Sound
Carlos Castro is an award-winning music mixing and recording engineer/producer based in Los Angeles, California, with a remarkable 30-year career in the music industry. His expertise has earned him 13 Latin Grammy nominations, two BASF awards, ...
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Episode 200
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59:08
Mark Waterson - From Nursing Homes to Nonprofits
Mark Waterson is a dedicated nonprofit leader and the CEO of Convalescent Aid Society (CAS), an organization focused on improving the lives of seniors in the Pasadena area. His unique journey, shaped by being adopted twice, has fueled his lifel...
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Episode 199
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1:07:06
Mike Eng - Championing Inclusion& Navigating Public Service
Mike Eng is a distinguished public servant whose career spans decades of advocacy, legal expertise, and leadership across various sectors. His work has profoundly impacted his community and the state of California, where he has championed cause...
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Episode 198
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1:10:38
Scott Kohno - From Times Square to Sushi
Scott Kohno is a highly accomplished retail executive with decades of experience developing groundbreaking retail projects across the globe. Having worked on projects spanning over 20 countries, from Asia to South America and from Australia to ...
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Episode 197
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54:53
Christine Wong - From Real Estate to Mindfulness
Christine Kay Wong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Strategic Coach with a unique journey from real estate to mental health and wellness. After a decade of representing homeowners in the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los ...
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Episode 196
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1:04:52
Caroline Velarde - From Coast Guard to Cookie Crumbs
Caroline Velarde is the founder of Sweet Caroline Desserts, a business born out of her love for baking and spending quality time with her daughter, Lily. What started as a fun bonding activity between mother and daughter has evolved into a thri...
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Episode 195
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1:01:17