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
206 episodes
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
Kateri Wozny - From Newsrooms to Social Feeds
Kateri Wozny is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in print, digital, radio, and television news, as well as content creation. Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked with some of the most respected media outlets...
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Episode 194
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1:14:41
Michael & Jessica Garcia - From Corporate Careers to Cheesesteak Entrepreneurs
Jessica and Michael Garcia are a powerhouse entrepreneurial duo. They share a story of hard work, determination, and a passion for their craft. Both raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica graduated from Alhambra High School, continued her ed...
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Episode 193
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1:10:07
Justin Rivera - Comedy meets illusion
Justin Rivera is a dynamic entertainer. He seamlessly blends comedy and magic to create an unforgettable performance experience. With a natural talent for humor and a passion for illusions, Justin has carved out a unique niche in the entertainm...
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Episode 192
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53:22
Marielena Becerra & Jaime Alvarez - A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Culture
Marielena Becerra and Jaime Alvarez are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community. Together, they have built a thriving legacy through their family-owned restaurants...
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Episode 191
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1:10:50
Reverie Fey - Empowerment through storytelling and self-discovery
Reverie Fey, an award-winning writer and the author of the inspiring young adult memoir 'Queen of the Nerds'. Reverie’s work touches on important themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and overcoming adversity, and she brings these topics to ...
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Episode 190
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58:13
Kylie Ng & Sarah Wong - The heart of the Lady Aztecs
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Let us know in the comments!The rich history of the Mark Keppel High School Girls Basketball Program is a team that has shaped the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) sports community for de...
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Episode 189
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1:05:20
Pawandeep Khinda - Honoring heritage through food
If you could instantly be an expert in any subject, what would it be? Let us know in the comments!Pawandeep Kaur Khinda is a passionate entrepreneur and the proud owner of a restaurant in Glendale. As the child of hardworking immigrants...
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Episode 188
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58:19
George Wang Jr - Laughing all the way to the skatepark
What's your guilty pleasure? Let us know in the comments!George Wang Jr. is a unique blend of talents—both a full-time skateboard coach and a professional stand-up comedian, based in Monterey Park, California. Reflecting on his journey,...
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Episode 187
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1:03:00
Nadine Sachiko Hsu - From a teen mom to a 'furious' drift racer & mentor
What are the top three items on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!Nadine Sachiko Hsu is a dynamic and multi-passionate entrepreneur, CEO, and former professional race car driver. A mother of four, Nadine has carved her own p...
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Episode 186
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1:24:17
MySGV Community Live Podcast
In this special live recording, we’re celebrating the incredible success of our inaugural MySGV Community Meetup on November 9th! This event was not only a showcase of the vibrant spirit of the San Gabriel Valley but also a unique opportunity t...
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1:28:32
Benson Hsu - The untold story of a drifting pioneer in America
Who is someone you really admire? Let us know in the comments!Benson Hsu has had a fascinating life, one of being a pioneer for drifting in the United States. Raised in the San Gabriel Valley by his Toisanese parents, Benson’s journey b...
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Episode 185
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53:04
Sandra Rodriguez - Hope, resilience, and motherhood
Who are the three people you want on your team if there is a zombie apocalypse? Let us know in the comments!Sandra Rodriguez is a dedicated advocate for mental health, a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question,...
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Episode 184
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1:01:59
Mr. Big Faith - Thug life to Faithful servant
What's the last random thing that made you smile? Let us know in the comments!MrBigFaith is a California-raised servant of God and Christian rapper with a powerful testimony and an unwavering mission. In 2017, he received a prophetic wo...
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Episode 183
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1:12:33
Jillian Cam - Journey to Mindful Greenzone Eating
What is your favorite family tradition? Let us know in the comments!Jillian Cam is the culinary genius and passionate founder behind Greenzone restaurant, a beloved institution in the San Gabriel Valley that has been serving up healthy,...
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Episode 182
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59:44