Thoughts Between Shots: A Storytelling Podcast

Episode 12: The Burping Connector | How Rosa Yupari Turned a Language Fail into Career Gold

We’ve all had that mortifying language mix-up moment. But few handle it like Rosa Yupari. In this hilarious and heart-warming episode of Thoughts Between Shots, Rosa shares how a single mispronounced word in front of 3M executives turned into the best mistake of her career. From saying her electrical connector was "belching" instead of "bulging" to proudly owning the laughter in the room, Rosa’s story is a masterclass in confidence, humor, and belonging. We also talk about: * How immigrants can use humor to defuse embarrassment and build connection * Why perfection isn’t required to earn respect * Storytelling lessons for technical professionals and leaders * How to own the room, even when things go wrong If you’ve ever held back from speaking up because of your accent, language gaps, or fear of being misunderstood, this episode will remind you that your story and your voice belong in every room.

Episode 11: When Talking To Strangers Went Right

In this solo episode of Thoughts Between Shots, I share the story of a chance encounter with a retired elementary school teacher in a tiny Lisbon restaurant that completely transformed how I understand confidence and belonging. What started as a conversation between two solo travelers became a profound moment when he shared his first-day-of-school ritual with students. His words: "There's nothing in the world that makes you feel more confident than knowing you belong" became the foundation of my entire philosophy and the driving force behind my work with immigrant professionals. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why belonging is the secret foundation of true confidence * How one powerful question can create instant connection * The storytelling techniques that make chance encounters memorable * Why immigrant professionals struggle with confidence (and how to fix it) Perfect for: Immigrant professionals, emerging leaders, anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong, and communicators who want to build deeper connections through storytelling.

Episode 10: Dating after Divorce, and Better Conversations | Renee Frojo

How do you reinvent yourself, tell stories that stick, and build deeper connections all at the same time? This week on Thoughts Between Shots, I sit down with journalist-turned-brand storyteller Renee Frojo for an unforgettable conversation that spans heartbreak, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Renee opens up about her post-divorce dating adventures (and what they taught her about storytelling), her journey from the newsroom to building A Good Reputation, and why curiosity, not cleverness, is the real secret to great conversations. We dive into: * Storytelling lessons and approaching post-divorce dating from a storyteller's lens * How curiosity transforms conversations and relationships * What questions to ask to uncover your best personal and professional stories * The frameworks Renee swears by (yes, including StoryBrand) * Building a reputation that actually feels authentic If you’ve ever struggled with telling your story, connecting deeply, or pivoting into a new chapter, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and rethink how you communicate.

Episode 9: The Client Who Ghosted Me

In this solo episode of Thoughts Between Shots, I share one of the most painful (and hilarious, in hindsight) lessons from my early days as a business owner steeped in hustle culture. Picture this: San Francisco. A viral LinkedIn post. A dream client named “CJ.” A Tesla. And a deal ... that vanished overnight. What followed was heartbreak, humiliation, and one of the most valuable lessons of my entrepreneurial life: always have a contract. Along the way, I also break down the art of storytelling — from using descriptive language that pulls people into your scene to vocal variety that makes your delivery unforgettable. ✨ What you’ll learn: * Why contracts aren’t optional (even with dream clients) * How to add descriptive detail that hooks your audience * Why vocal variety matters more than the actual words you say * A business failure that turned into my storytelling gold And yes, I might throw a little shade at Tesla drivers. 🚗⚡😉

Episode 8: Atheist in a Monastery | How a Laundry Basket Changed My Life | Rudy Reynoso

This week on Thoughts Between Shots, professional magician and keynote speaker Rudy Reynoso tells a soul-shifting story about ego, surrender, and the unexpected places transformation can happen, like a monastery in Colombia … while he was an atheist. What began as a skeptical journey turns into a spiritual awakening, sparked not by theology but by a laundry basket, Gregorian chants, and a woman named Rosalinda. It’s a story about humility, humanity, and how small acts of kindness can crack open even the most closed-off hearts. ✨ We also break down: * Storytelling tips from a magician’s perspective * How “patter” and “method” mirror structure in speaking * Using intentional pauses for maximum impact * The power of vulnerability in transformation 🎩 Whether you’re a speaker, a skeptic, or someone in need of a mindset shift, this episode is for you. Follow Rudy Reynoso here: Instagram & TikTok: @rudyismagic Website: rudyreynoso.com