Latino Business Report

Episode 53 – In this episode of the Latino Business Report, podcast host J.R. Gonzales and Texas State Representative Claudia Ordaz have a candid conversation about what it is like to be a Texas lawmaker. Ordaz also talks about the bill she filed and her efforts to stop predatory lending in the state of Texas. You can more about Ordaz at https://ordazperez.com/  

Episode 52 – In this episode of the Latino Business Report you will learn about the Texas Tuition Promise Fund. This program allows you to lock in college tuition at today’s prices for your children’s education. This affordable fund will allow you to pay as you go, pay in installments, or pay in one lump sum. Whichever method you use you will be saving money as you prepay for your child’s college education. Website: https://www.TexasTuitionPromiseFund.com/ The Plan Description and Master Agreement: https://bit.ly/3Xvxqro The calculator: https://www.TexasTuitionPromiseFund.com/calculator/ Customer Service: 1-800-445-4723, option 5 To arrange virtual or in-person presentations: TuitionPromise@cpa.texas.gov ENROLLMENT DEADLINE – FEBURARY 28, 2023  

Episode 51 - In this episode of the Latino Business Report our guest is Tejano music artist Monica Saldivar. Monica exemplifies a new generation of Tejano artists. Since the recording of this podcast episode Monica’s song, Infraganti, made it to Number 1 on one of the Tejano music charts. Monica’s dedication, determination, and love for the genre is an example of why Tejano Music will never die. Monica's Website - https://monicasaldivar.square.site/  

Episode 50 - In this episode of the Latino Business Report we welcome back Laura Ramirez. Laura is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in Houston, Texas. In this first episode of the New Year, we talk about why some people keep their New Year’s Resolutions and why they don’t Laura is also going to give us some tips on how to keep the resolutions you make each year but just can’t seem to keep. You can now follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latinobusinessreport/?hl=en

Episode 49 -Not everyone enjoys this time of year. The holidays for some are full of stress, anxiety, depression, and even Suicidal ideation. In this episode of the Latino Business Report, our guest is Laura Ramirez, a licensed psychotherapist practicing in Houston, Texas. Laura gives listeners tips and methods of how to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression during the holidays   Equally important Laura tells us what to watch for and what to do when dealing with someone experiencing anxiety or depression. The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provide 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress

Episode 48 - In this episode of the Latino Business Report, we welcome back Edward Dennis. Edward is an author and illustrator who has just published his first book. It is a much-needed children’s book titled The Boy from Mexico. The story is about a 14-year-old boy who leaves his home and family in Mexico in search of a better life in the United States. In today’s political and economic landscape, a comprehensive understanding of immigration is challenging. I can only imagine what this plight looks like through the eyes of a child. The Boy from Mexico is a beautifully illustrated bi-lingual children’s book that children understand and that immigrant children can relate to. Order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3BOg9kJ 

Episode 47 - In this episode of the Latino Business Report, you will hear from two exceptional student leaders, Christian Avalos, and Paola Gallardo. Both are first-generation college students at the University of Houston. Christian and Paola hold leadership positions in the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA), the largest student organization on campus with 450 student members. With 65 planned events a semester HBSA is a one-of-a-kind organization that empowers its members through programs and activities. For more info on HBSA at the University of Houston contact Christian Avalos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-avalos-minor/ or Paola Gallardo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-gallardo-0744b2220/  

 Episode 46 – In this episode of the Latino Business Report you will meet Ollie Cantos. Ollie is an extremely accomplished individual who has learned to overcome personal setbacks and deal with life’s obstacles. His “Can Do” attitude is infectious. Over the years Ollie has received countless accolades and recognitions for his accomplishments and community service. It was his selfless act of mentoring and then adopting blind, pre-teen, triplets from Columba that made Ollie an inspirational role model.

Episode 45 - Hello Podcast Fans and Welcome to the Latino Business Report. In this episode, your Host J.R. Gonzales interviews two young Texas Ranger Baseball Club employees Stephanie Gaytan, and Jose Garcia. To better recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage at Globe Life Field this year, Garcia pitched an out-of-the-box idea and Gaytan went to bat for him with the front office. Their idea and efforts knocked Hispanic Game Night attendance Out of the Park. Because of Jose’s idea and Stephine’s support, Major League Baseball is taking a second look at the Power of the Latino Market.  

Episode 44 – In this episode, we continue the conversation with April Hernandez Castillo, April is an Actor, Keynote Speaker, and Author. She is a survivor and advocate for intimate partner violence. Best known for her riveting performance as “Eva” in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. She started on TV shows such as; Person of Interest, Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, and New Amsterdam to name a few. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past. Since the recording of this episode, arrangements have been made for April to visit the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University, in October, where she will be a featured speaker in the Studies in Entrepreneurship Speaker Series

Episode 43 – This interview with April Hernandez Castillo, is Part 1 of a 2-part Latino Business Report podcast. April is an Actor, Keynote Speaker, and Author. She is a survivor and advocate for intimate partner violence. Best known for her riveting performance as “Eva” in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. She started on TV shows such as; Person of Interest, Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, and New Amsterdam to name a few. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past. April’s first professional acting job - https://bit.ly/3UmGKwW April’s daughter 9-year-old Summer Rose Castillo has an acting career of her own as Alma in the PBS animated series Alma’s Way. - https://pbskids.org/almasway

Episode 42 -To Kick-Off National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, the Latino Business Report profiles Kristin Diaz, an Award-Winning News Anchor / Reporter with NewsRadio 1080 KRLD in Dallas, Texas. Kristen advocates for the Hispanic community and other people of color, she makes sure their voices are Heard, and that their Faces are seen. She is smart and determined, and she also knows how to overcome corporate obstacles. Embracing her culture and roots Kristin Diaz has made Being Latina her Superpower.

Episode 41 – In this episode of the Latino Business Report we have the return of Angel Munoz, a serial entrepreneur who has invented the most secure and private Ultra HD video communications platform in the world. Six months ago, Munoz was a guest on episode 28, since then Munoz and his team have invented new mind-blowing patented technology that will be available in Beacon Max. Imagine what video communications will look like in the future with crystal clear cinematic quality video, crisp sound, a built-in A.I. assistant with manners, and the capability of a Star Trek Universal Translator. All of this and more are features of Beacon Max THE FUTURE IS NOW Get Beacon X for Free at www.beaconx.com

Episode 40 – In this episode of the Latino Business Report Anthony Alcazar, co-owner of Mr. Tortilla, talks about the experience he and his younger brother Ronald had that inspired them to create a new food product. After years of development, the two brothers created the world’s first 1 carb, 15-calorie taco tortilla. This low-carb tortilla became a hit staple in the low-carb/keto community and is the #1 bestselling tortilla on Amazon. Website: https://mrtortilla.com/ 

Episode 39 - In this episode, Latino Business Report host J.R. Gonzales has a candid conversation about mass shootings with Mike Matranga, CEO of M6 Global, a team of the nation’s top security and emotional intelligence experts. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 441 mass shootings in the U.S. as of Aug. 27. One day before that, it was 438. On average this year, there are 13 mass shootings a week. Texas is the state with the second highest number of mass shootings since the organization began tracking them. In the past decade, however, Texas comes in Number One.  

Episode 38 - In this episode the Latino Business Report Chief Legal Analyst for IDRA Paige Duggins – Clay talks about the amicus brief IDRA filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The amicus brief was filed on behalf of 12 student, business, and higher education organizations in a case that began as a reckless anti-immigrant attack but that has far-reaching consequences for all Texans.  TAMACC Joins IDRA Amicus Brief - https://bit.ly/3TbcQv5  

Promo Episode 37 - Starting Tuesday, August 23, new episodes of the Latino Business Report will be available to you weekly. Our upcoming episodes will feature an incredible lineup of subject experts, inspirational guests, entertainers, and even a few celebrities. During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Latino Business Report will drop new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Make sure you follow us, so you can be notified when each new episode drops.    

Episode 36 - In this episode, we talk about the ongoing battle with COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy among Texas Hispanics. To get a better understanding of why Hispanics are hesitant to get the vaccine, TAMACC partnered with Texas State University to conduct a study.  Two of the three professors that conducted the study are interviewed on this podcast, Jennifer Scharlach, Assistant Professor of Practice, Program Coordinator, Texas State University, and Dr. Vanessa de Macedo Higgins Joyce, Associate Professor, Texas State University. While the COVID-19 vaccination gap between Texas Hispanics and non-Hispanics has decreased, vaccination hesitancy is still an issue within this vulnerable population in Texas. Almost half of the unvaccinated survey respondents indicated strong intentions against vaccinating, stemming from distrust and fear.

Episode 35 - In this episode, we will be talking with Edward Dennis a Mexican American illustrator and educator who wrote a bilingual book that he hopes will inspire a dialogue between parents and their children on immigration issues. The U.S.-Mexico border has millions of crossings each year. The Boy from Mexico is just one of those millions of stories told through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Luz. This book is a great way to introduce the concept of immigration to children. Dennis believes the story will empower children to develop their own opinion on the topic. It is a story of hope, determination, and finding one’s place in the world, It's a story that needs to be told. For More About The Boy From Mexico or to Pre-Order, a Copy go to:  https://www.theboyfrommexico.com/  

Episode 34 - In this episode of the Latino Business Report host, J.R. Gonzales interviews Rudy Montes, CEO of Phoenix Inc. LLC. Montes, a retired veteran, is spearheading efforts to educate people and framers about the value and benefits of Industrial Hemp. Location and climate make the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley an ideal location to grow this high-yield, fast-growing and profitable crop. Hemp has been grown as a renewable source of raw materials for over 8,000 years.  It is grown industrially in over 30 countries around the world, from Indonesia to the Netherlands to Argentina. Hemp is far more environmentally friendly than traditional crops since it requires much less water to grow, and no pesticides. Learn more about Hemp at - https://www.usda.gov/topics/hemp Contact Rudy Montes at - rudy@phoenix-harvest.com