Ryan Vasquez on Community, Struggle, and Strength

With Maria Cuevas | Education, Community, and Why She's Running

Maria Cuevas is a longtime educator, a scholar of Chicano studies, a former professor at Yakima Valley College, and a candidate for Yakima County Auditor in 2026. This is not a stump speech. It's a two-hour conversation about where she comes from, how she was shaped, what she's tried to teach over the last forty years, and why she's stepping into this race at this point in her life. We cover: * Her grandfather Cuevas, who left Porfirio Diaz's Mexico because they wouldn't educate the poor * Her mother, who won a scholarship to UCLA in the 1950s and wasn't allowed to go * Her father, who couldn't say "I love you" but taught her everything * Meeting Maria Hinojosa and building Yakima Valley College's diversity series * The Chicano movement, Mecha, and the eight dollars she pulled out of Bank of America to protest apartheid * Why she carries the Mexican flag and what that means in America * Growing up between two worlds and the words she didn't know were racist * A story from her teenage years about a play she was in, and how she uses that memory today to teach what racism actually is * Losing her husband, finding a dog named Shango, and how grief became a spiritual practice * Her father's history, her own diagnosis of ADD, and the compassion that came with both * Why the Auditor's office matters, why Yakima County has the second-lowest voter turnout in Washington State, and why she's running to change that * What she loves about this Valley Maria is running for Yakima County Auditor. The primary is August 4, 2026. Ballots mail July 16. Learn more at votemariacuevas.com

When Truth Disrupts Legacy - Dolores Huerta

In this episode, I reflect on the recent statements from Dolores Huerta and the broader conversation surrounding her account involving Cesar Chavez. After listening to her interview with Maria Hinojosa, I found myself sitting with the weight of a woman who carried a painful truth for decades to protect a movement she helped build. But what struck me just as much was the response. Instead of engaging with what was said, many have shifted the conversation toward her personal life—her relationships, her children, and her character. In this episode, I explore: * Why survivors often stay silent for years * How power operates within movements and leadership * Why legacy and harm can exist at the same time * And what it reveals about us when we question the woman instead of examining the system This is not about erasing history. It’s about understanding it more honestly. Topics: Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, farmworker movement, leadership, power dynamics, survivor advocacy, cultural conversations

Leadership Under Public Scrutiny: Accountability, Resilience & Community Trust

A Conversation with Raquel Izquierdo Lopez In this in-depth conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with Raquel Izquierdo Lopez to discuss the realities of leadership in today’s climate of public scrutiny, social media pressure, and political tension. They explore what accountability truly means, how mental health plays a role in leadership, and why collaboration and open dialogue are essential for building trust within a community. The discussion touches on education, school board advocacy, misinformation, and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure. This episode is an honest look at resilience, authenticity, and the ongoing work of serving others with integrity. If you care about leadership, education, civic engagement, and creating positive change in your community, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and perspective.

Surviving, Thriving, and Belonging | A Conversation with Juan Bombela

In this candid and raw conversation, Humberto Rodriguez sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Juan “Johnny” Bombela. Together, they explore what it means to grow up between cultures, the challenges of identity, and the realities of hustling to survive and succeed. From family struggles and broken homes to building businesses and raising kids, Juan opens up about the lessons he’s learned and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward. This is more than just a story—it’s a reflection of resilience, community, and staying true to who you are. Listeners will hear about: * The meaning behind Juan choosing the name “Johnny” in business. * Struggles of belonging as Mexican-American in both Mexico and the U.S. * Family stories of loss, survival, and growth. * The pressure to provide and the cost of chasing success. * How culture, music, and upbringing shape identity. ⚠️ Disclaimer "Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal stories and experiences that touch on sensitive topics, including immigration, family struggles, drugs, and past involvement in street culture. These accounts are shared for the purpose of storytelling, awareness, and reflection. They do not represent or encourage illegal activity, and listener discretion is advised."

Ryan Vasquez on Community, Struggle, and Strength

In this episode of Behind the Scenes with Humberto Rodriguez, I sit down with Ryan Vasquez to talk about resilience, identity, and the power of community. Ryan reflects on his experiences growing up in Wapato, a town often associated with poverty, addiction, and struggle, and shares why those challenges don’t define him, or the people who come from there. From early speeches to his powerful runs honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Ryan speaks honestly about what it means to carry the weight of both hardship and pride. Together, we explore themes of survival, liberation, and how cycles created by colonization and systemic oppression continue to impact Native and Chicano communities today. This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and full of lessons about leadership, healing, and redefining freedom. ⚠️ Disclaimer This episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including: * Poverty, addiction, and homelessness * Colonization and systemic oppression * Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) * Trauma and community struggles Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who may be triggered by these subjects.