Relate to Elevate

The Silence After the Call: Steven’s Story of Unexpected Loss

In this deeply personal solo episode, Steven steps behind the mic—without his usual co-host—for a conversation that none of us ever want to have, but all of us will one day face. Just days ago, Steven’s world changed with a single, gut-wrenching phone call: the sudden loss of his father in an unforeseen accident. Today, he opens up—not as a podcast host, but as a grieving son. With raw honesty and unwavering courage, Steven shares what it’s like to navigate the initial shock, the emotional chaos, and the hollow spaces that follow a loss like this. He reflects on the things left unsaid, the strength found in unexpected places, and how he’s coping in real time—no script, no filters. This episode isn’t just about grief. It’s about love. It’s about legacy. And it’s a powerful reminder to hold our people close while we still can. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of sudden loss—or if you’re simply human—this one will stay with you long after the credits roll. 🕯️ Dedicated to Steven’s father.

Episode 9: From Slam Dunks to Suplexes – A Wild Ride with Justin “J-Roc” Castillo

Buckle up, because Episode 9 is a rollercoaster of laughs, memories, and unexpected twists! The team welcomes Justin Castillo, aka J-Roc, a former pro wrestler, basketball coach, and now a community leader who’s been inspiring and entertaining for over two decades. The episode kicks off with Steven and Cristian competing for the title of “Most Unpredictable Host” while Sandra keeps them in line with her razor-sharp wit. J-Roc dives into his fascinating journey—starting as a hoops fanatic, transitioning into pro wrestling (yes, there are storylines!), and eventually finding his passion for producing and mentoring. Get ready for hilarious banter, shocking confessions (like why Cristrian is always wearing a hat), and heartwarming insights into how relationships—both personal and professional—shape our lives. Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a sports enthusiast, or just here for the laughs, this episode has it all. Tune in as J-Roc shares how his love for wrestling and basketball forged lifelong connections and how the lessons he’s learned from the ring and court are now helping others reach their potential. And yes, there’s plenty of talk about “ex” relationships because what podcast episode would be complete without some spicy drama?

Episode 8: Friend or Foe? Navigating Relationships with Your Ex – Featuring Jacob Davis

In Episode 8, the team is joined by branding coach and founder of Leveragt Nation, Jacob Davis, for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about one of life’s trickiest questions: Should you stay friends with your ex? And we’re not just talking about old flames—this episode dives into ex-spouses, ex-girlfriends and boyfriends, and even ex-business partners. Cristian tries his best to play peacemaker, making a case for keeping things civil (because, of course, he’s friends with everyone). Sandra pulls no punches, delivering her blunt take on why some relationships are better left in the past. Meanwhile, Steven spices things up with his playful, confident takes, throwing in a few hilarious anecdotes that might hit a little too close to home. Jacob Davis brings his unique perspective as a branding coach, exploring how your personal and professional relationships—even with exes—can impact your reputation, growth, and future opportunities. Together, they unpack the boundaries, benefits, and potential pitfalls of maintaining ties with those who used to be close. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of a breakup, reevaluating an old business relationship, or just here for the laughs, this episode has a little bit of everything. Tune in for some real talk, hard truths, and advice you didn’t know you needed.

Episode 5: Listening vs. Hearing – Are You Even Paying Attention

In Episode 6, we dive into one of the most misunderstood skills out there: listening. Spoiler—it’s not the same as just “hearing.” Join Cristian, Sandra, and Steven as they break down the crucial differences and how learning to actually listen can transform both your personal life and business relationships. Cristian, who really wants everyone to like him, kicks things off with his take on why listening is the ultimate people-pleasing superpower. He’s all about making sure you feel heard (even if he zones out halfway through). Expect a bit of soft-spoken charm and some nervous laughs as he tries to convince you—and himself—that listening can save any relationship. Then there’s Sandra, who has zero patience for fluff and knows how to call it like it is. She’s here to set the record straight: listening isn’t just nodding along; it’s about actually understanding. In her blunt, no-nonsense way, she’ll give you the lowdown on how half-hearted listening ruins more deals—and dates—than you’d think. Get ready for a wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. And, of course, we have Steven, whose confidence (bordering on overconfidence) adds an extra punch. He’s brash, he’s blunt, and he’s here to school everyone on what “really listening” means, throwing in a bit of sarcasm and a lot of laughs along the way. To him, “listening” is all about showing up and not just saying “uh-huh” while you scroll through your phone. So, if you’ve ever been told you’re “not really listening” (ouch!), this episode might just be the ear-opener you need. Tune in for a mix of real talk, laughter, and some brutally honest advice on how to step up your listening game—because trust us, it could make or break your next big moment in love or in business!

Episode 6: The Art of Conversation – Special Guest: Johnny Martinez

In this special episode, we're joined by none other than Johnny Martinez—master communicator, storyteller, and all-around conversational wizard. With his sharp wit and magnetic personality, Johnny brings a fresh perspective to the table, challenging our hosts to rethink everything they thought they knew about communication. Cristian is in full “I’m trying to be everyone’s friend” mode, eager to impress Johnny with his people-pleasing charm. Sandra doesn’t hold back, as usual, grilling Johnny with blunt questions and refusing to sugarcoat her opinions. Meanwhile, Steven keeps things lively, blending his playful and brash style with Johnny’s storytelling expertise, making sure the conversation stays anything but predictable. Together, they tackle topics like the secret to building instant rapport, avoiding conversational pitfalls, and how to balance listening with sharing your own story. Expect a blend of laughs, surprises, and unexpected insights as Johnny and the crew take on the complexities of real communication—whether it’s in business, relationships, or just navigating everyday life. Don’t miss this lively episode filled with humor, honesty, and a few mic-drop moments. Tune in to hear what happens when you bring a communication pro into the mix—because trust us, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!