The Modern Latino Podcast

Episode 27: Colon Cancer Is Rising - What You Need to Know Now | ft. Dr. Santiago Arruffat

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071182/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and personal episode of The Modern Latino Podcast, we sit down with our fraternity brother from St. John’s University, Dr. Santiago Arruffat, a colorectal surgeon and practice owner, to talk about a topic that’s becoming impossible to ignore — the rise of colon cancer in younger adults. But this episode is about more than medicine. Born in Spain and raised in the streets of the Bronx by a Spanish mother and Puerto Rican father, Dr. Arruffat shares the story of how determination, discipline, and refusing to give up on himself helped him achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. From St. John’s University to medical school in Puerto Rico, and eventually building his own surgical practice, his journey is a powerful example of perseverance and purpose. We also discuss the challenges of building a medical practice, and what he’s seeing firsthand when it comes to colorectal health - especially within the Latino community. We also get real. Gene opens up about his personal experience with diverticulitis, including the moment it became serious and required surgery. His story brings this conversation home in a way that every listener can relate to. Together, we break down: • Why colon cancer is increasing in people under 50 • Cultural barriers in the Latino community around screening • What a colonoscopy is really like (and why it’s not as scary as you think) • How early detection can save your life This is more than a health episode - it’s a conversation about awareness, perseverance, prevention, and taking action before it’s too late. If you’ve been putting off getting checked, this episode is for you. Listen, learn, and share this with someone you care about. For more information or to connect with Dr. Arruffat and his team, visit his practice website:  Evansville Colorectal Surgery [https://www.evvcrs.com/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino] Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Email: info@themodernlatino.com Web: https://themodernlatino.com [https://themodernlatino.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast] X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod [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 [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.

Episode 26: Signal Over Noise - Economy, Culture & Real Conversations

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071182/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Gene and Ivan cover a wide range of real-life topics—from unplugging from the noise of everyday life to breaking down what’s really happening in today’s economy. Ivan shares why he decided to step “off the grid,” while Gene explores the idea of signal vs. noise and how it applies to how we consume information today. The conversation shifts into culture and current events, including the rise of GLP-1 weight loss trends (and their growing popularity among celebrities), the success of Sinners, and a fun debate around who to root for during the World Baseball Classic. As always, the episode mixes serious discussion with real, unfiltered moments—including a hilarious (and very real) gym story you won’t forget. The guys also dive into deeper topics like the different “American experiences” people live, and reflect on the historical treatment and experimentation of Puerto Rico by the United States. They wrap things up with some sports talk, including St. John’s basketball, and what it all says about identity, pride, and community. We invite you to listen in, reflect with us, and share your thoughts. Your voice matters in this conversation. - -  Intro and Outro music by DJCoachK – For business opportunities email: djcoachk@gmail.com THANK YOU for listening! Send us feedback by emailing: info@themodernlatino.com [info@themodernlatino.com] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino] Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Email: info@themodernlatino.com Web: https://themodernlatino.com [https://themodernlatino.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast] X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod [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 [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.

Episode 25: Bad Bunny Superbowl Halftime Show

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071182/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we dive into an extended and thoughtful conversation about the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime performance. Rather than reacting emotionally, we break down the moment from multiple perspectives and explore why it sparked such strong reactions across the United States and around the world. Was it culture? Politics? Art? Expectations? We unpack it all in an open, honest, and respectful dialogue - true to the spirit of The Modern Latino Podcast. We invite you to listen in, reflect with us, and share your thoughts. Your voice matters in this conversation. Intro and Outro music by DJCoachK – For business opportunities email: djcoachk@gmail.com Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino] Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Email: info@themodernlatino.com Web: https://themodernlatino.com [https://themodernlatino.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast] X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod [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 [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.

Episode 24: Welcoming 2026

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071182/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino] Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Email: info@themodernlatino.com Web: https://themodernlatino.com [https://themodernlatino.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast] X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod [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 [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.

Episode 23: Preserving Salsa History & Culture with Willy Rodriguez

Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071182/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.internationalsalsamuseum.org/] Curated Spotify Playlist - Que Viva La Salsa! [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sfHEATodVsWezit0bwwaP?si=7bb190c8f9094a9e] Willy’s Instagram - @WillyTheProducer [http://www.instagram.com/willytheproducer] Instagram - @intlsalsamuseum [https://www.instagram.com/intlsalsamuseum/] Facebook - IntlSalsaMuseum [https://www.facebook.com/IntlSalsaMuseum/] Youtube - @intlsalsamuseum6571 [https://www.youtube.com/@intlsalsamuseum6571]  - -  THANK YOU! Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themodernlatino] Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Email: info@themodernlatino.com Web: https://themodernlatino.com [https://themodernlatino.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/themodernlatinopodcast/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernLatinoPodcast] X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ModernLatinoPod [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 [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.