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We’re kicking off 2026 with a fresh start and some long-overdue updates. In this episode, Ivan and Gene break their brief 2025 hiatus, addressing and dispelling a few rumors along the way, while also debuting brand-new show music.

The conversation dives into our goals for 2026 and why setting meaningful goals matters more than making short-lived resolutions. We reflect on the challenging job market facing new college graduates and discuss whether AI is playing a role in reshaping career opportunities. From there, we explore one of the most common goals people set each year (losing weight) and the pressure, frustration, and noise that often come with it.

Ivan shares some of the things that genuinely annoyed him in 2025, including weight-loss culture, travel brag headaches, and driving frustrations - do you agree with his takes? Gene weighs in on how celebrities often preach how others should live, while quietly doing the opposite themselves.

Together, we share a powerful and honest message about the importance of self-love and giving yourself grace.

We also highlight the growing impact of Latino football players and coaches in the sport today, and close the episode by reflecting on the cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s DTMF, one year after its release.

Intro and outro music by DJCoachK.

For business opportunities, email: djcoachk@gmail.com

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The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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In this powerful and mission-driven episode of The Modern Latino Podcast, we sit down with Willy Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the International Salsa Museum, to discuss the past, present, and future of salsa music.

Willy shares his journey as a professional pianist, musical director, and producer who began his career at just 15 years old and went on to perform worldwide with legendary artists and orchestras. From serving as musical director for the Tito Puente Jr Orchestra to touring globally with his band La Excelencia, Willy reflects on the moments that shaped his career and deepened his connection to the power of music.

We dive into the current state of salsa music, the responsibility of preserving its legacy, and what inspired Willy to launch The Valens Agency—a boutique entertainment agency dedicated to supporting artists, businesses, and cultural institutions. He also shares the deeply transformative experience of a salsa tour through Haiti, where he witnessed firsthand how music can heal, inspire, and change lives.

A major focus of the conversation centers on the creation of the International Salsa Museum: why it matters, the progress made so far, and the challenges that still lie ahead. Willy explains the importance of building a permanent space dedicated to the history, education, and future of salsa music for generations to come—and how the community can play a role in making this vision a reality.

This is an inspiring conversation about culture, purpose, and giving back. A must-listen for salsa lovers, musicians, cultural advocates, and anyone passionate about preserving our stories through music.

🎶 If you love salsa music and believe in its legacy, this episode is for you.

For more information about the International Salsa Museum and to donate, please visit:

Website – The International Salsa Museum

Curated Spotify Playlist - Que Viva La Salsa!

Willy’s Instagram - @WillyTheProducer

Instagram - @intlsalsamuseum

Facebook - IntlSalsaMuseum

Youtube - @intlsalsamuseum6571

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THANK YOU!

Support the show

Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino:

Email:
info@themodernlatino.com

Web:
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Instagram:
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Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast

X (Twitter):
https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod

Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

Support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts

In this episode of The Modern Latino Podcast, we sit down with podcast expert and entrepreneur Harry Duran to explore the intersection of identity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A longtime friend of the hosts, Harry shares his journey from spending over 20 years in the corporate and consulting world to becoming an early podcast adopter and building multiple podcast-driven businesses.

As the founder of FullCast, a full-service, done-for-you podcast production and marketing agency, Harry helps thought leaders, brands, and conscious creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts with clarity and purpose. Through FullCast, he has supported more than 120 clients in turning podcasts into powerful platforms for authority, connection, and business growth.

Harry is also the host of Podcast Junkies, where he interviews top voices in podcasting and digital media, and the Vertical Farming Podcast, a forward-thinking show focused on innovation, sustainability, and the future of food. Across both podcasts, he has interviewed over 400 guests and gained a deep understanding of how podcasting can be used as a long-term relationship-building tool.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of Latinos owning their Latinidad, finding and using your voice with confidence, and building meaningful, long-term relationships through podcasting. Harry also shares how his passion for music and DJ culture fuels his creativity and entrepreneurial mindset.

Whether you’re considering starting a podcast, scaling a creative business, or stepping fully into your authentic identity, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

For more information about Harry and his work, please visit:

Website – HarryDuran.com

Agency – FullCast.co

Linkedin - Harry Duran

Podcast - Podcast Junkies

Podcast - Vertical Farming

Instagram - @IAMHarryDuran

Support the show

Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino:

Email:
info@themodernlatino.com

Web:
https://themodernlatino.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast

X (Twitter):
https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod

Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going by buying us a cafecito! ☕️ Your support fuels our passion for storytelling and allows us to bring you more inspiring stories from the modern Latino experience. Every sip—uh, we mean tip—makes a difference! 💛

Support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.