Send us a text SORRY FOR THE AUDIO. It was hard getting back into things, and I messed up my video recording to record 2 audio sources over each other and never hit record on my audio only device. Argh, yeah my momentum has been killed, but I will keep at it. Listen as I talk about the summer that killed my momentum. Special shot out to Synhorst Pr…

Send us a text What if success isn't just about financial gain? In our season finale of "How Do You Say Success in Spanglish," I reflect on the journey of producing nearly 35 episodes, drawing from my personal experiences and the wisdom of our incredible guests. Inspired by an episode of Good Mythical Morning and the story of Jimmy John's, we exami…

Send us a text Dr. Raul Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer at Boston University, where he studies, writes, and teaches about inequities in education. He is also Chair of the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council, where he advises the Mass. Commissioner of Education and Board of Education on school (de)segregation in public schools in the Commonwealth. In t…

Send us a text Jon Marcantoni is a Puerto Rican novelist and playwright. The author of five books, he won the 2017 Independent Book Award for Best Southeastern Fiction for his book Kings of 7th Avenue. After the success of his play Puerto Rican Nocturne, about the Cerro Maravilla murders and their aftermath, he founded Flamboyán Theatre in 2022. Th…

Send us a text Edwin Berroa is an Assistant Principal inside the New York City public school system. Has been in education for over a decade. Edwin has a pulse in building capacity and building community to ensure success. Growing up in a Dominican household, he’s been around people in his family that have seen struggles, and have been resilient in…

Send us a text Marco, a transformational burnout coach who has dedicated his life to helping healthcare professionals find balance and fulfillment in their lives and careers, whether they're currently experiencing burnout or are nearing it. Having walked the path of burnout as a Physician Assistant, Marco deeply understand the unique pressures you …

Send us a text Michael Martinez is the Founder of Fincasa Whiskey. Fincasa is a heritage blend of Rye Whiskey finished in Origin Rum Barrels to share the stories of our ancestors. Rooted in tradition and inspired by his family’s history in Puerto Rican Agriculture, Fincasa's Rum Barrel Finished Rye Whiskey highlights the rich cultures of Latin Amer…

In Episode 63, Kru Neil sits down one of the pioneers of helping grow Muay Thai in the Unied States, Kru Kim Kongkriangkai and his wife Clara. They discuss Kim's fighting, and how getting in trouble with the police led him to fight professionally, his journey to the U.S., and becoming a promoter! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotif…

Send us a text Liz Gallo is an Licensed marriage and family therapist with eight years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in those struggling with chronic illnesses and has provided services within the community mental health and private practice settings. Throughout her career she has worked with adolescents, adults, and as …

Send us a text After 8 years in healthcare, and at the suggestion of his wife, Giovanni decided to go back to school and pursue his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. In 2004 he was hired as a Paid Professional Firefighter by the City of Hialeah Fire Rescue Department and 2 years later, was hired by Miami Dade County Fire Rescue. Giovanni h…

In Episode 62, Kru Neil sits down with the Southern Californian Muay Thai Legend, Bryce Krause They discuss Bryce's fight career, his rise to become a 16-Time World Champion, and opening up his own gym! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c4eb1 Follow Bryce Krause on Instagram: @brycek…

Send us a text Brittany Simpson, Born and Raised in Sunrise fl. Playing soccer sinc the age of 3, Brittany attended an academic and athletic high school where she played varsity all 4 years, as well as being a part of various honor societies. She committed to Yales D1 soccer program after her sophomore year. During College she play on the Yale Woma…

In Episode 61, Kru Neil interviews Multiple Muay Thai Champion Matt Hermant and his trainer, and also fellow World Champion Fighter, Charles Bisset. They discuss how Matt teamed up with Charles, his journey to become a champion, and why their partnership is so successful. To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8…

Send us a text Thomas Ray Garcia is a writer, educator, and entrepreneur from Pharr, Texas. He is the author of the award-winning short story collection, The River Runs: Stories and co-author of El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor. He is the founder and board chair of the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CS…

In Episode 60, Kru Neil interviews Muay Thai Photographer Jeff Dojillo, one of the true pioneers in Muay Thai photography. They delve into how Jeff got into Muay Thai photography, how he quickly rose through the ranks to become THE Muay Thai photographer, his processes on photography, and his influences! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://ope…

Send us a text Summary: Navigating the biotech industry's complex terrain takes more than just science smarts—it demands resilience, ethics, and a strong sense of self. Join me, Raul Lopez, as I sit down with a professional from a leading pharmaceutical company, who shares their journey from a humble upbringing to the boardrooms of corporate power.…

In Episode 59, Kru Neil interviews Armo Zadourian & Skippy Hanson-Sandoval, a couple who recently won the Ambassador Award for MTK Gym! They discuss how basketball brought them together, how Muay Thai has made them better basketball players, and how overall Muay Thai has increased their fitness to a whole other level. To Listen to podcast on Spotif…

Send us a text Eriel Anchondo is a husband of 12 years to Jacqueline Anchondo. A proud father to three beautiful children, Eric, Michelle, and Christian. Eriel is also a chess aficionado with no hopes of ever becoming a grand master and a Mexican food enthusiast. Professionally he is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin …

In Episode 58, Kru Neil interviews Sityodtong Los Angeles Owner, former Muay Thai Champion, competitive Shooter, and Expert Dog Trainer Kru Walter Michalowski! Kru Walter talks about fighting in Thailand, taking over the Famous Sityodtong Gym name, and becoming an elite shooter and Dog Trainer. To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.…

Send us a text George Torres is an award-winning dynamic storyteller, producer, workshop facilitator, change agent, and social media visibility consultant, who passionately elevates Latino culture. With a strong focus on preserving and promoting our heritage, George works tirelessly to raise awareness about brands and initiatives that celebrate the…

In Episode 57, we've put together the best moments of the podcast! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c4eb1 Follow the Guests on IG: Michael Pierce @muaythaipierce Charles Bisset @charles_valhalla_bisset David Huerta @losangelesmuaythai Ruth Devereaux #rndevereaux Follow Kru Neil on I…

Send us a text John Gonzalez is a Staff Instructor and Judge with The Universal Cheerleaders Association and The Spirit Consultants, a Judge/Master Teacher for Dancer’s Inc. Dance Conventions & Competitions. A Judge/Master Teacher for Step Up 2 Dance Dance Conventions & Competitions. A certified Dance Instructor through Dance Educators of America, …

In Episode 56, Kru Neil sits with Producer Paul Escarcega to discuss several Muay Thai fights. Nico Carrillo vs. Nong-O. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlllUAbL22w Pranjanchai vs. Lasiri 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGvapvBQcCU Superbon vs Tawanchai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy7hfA0WQFA Anissa Mekson vs. Phetjeeja https://www.youtube.co…

In Episode 55, Kru Neil interviews MTK Coach and former professional Muay Thai fighter Mike Pierce. The duo discuss Mike's career in Thailand, the difference between Thai and American Muay Thai fighting, and why the mindset in Thailand is different. To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927…

Send us a text Jose Avalos, Cofounder & CEO of TECH23, a media and entertainment company for the advancement of Latinos in Tech. With over 10 years of creating events and designing programs for first-generation college students, small-business owners, and Latinos in tech, y cultivando una comunidad para Latinos in Tech con ganas de aprender, crecer…

In Episode 54, Kru Neil interviews fellow Muay Thai gym owner and former Champion Muay Thai Fighter David Huerta! David is Co-Owner of Los Angeles Muay Thai in Montebello. They discuss David's fight career, suffering a major injury and transitioning into Coaching, and the Pros and Cons of Point Kick Boxing! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://…

In Episode 53, Kru Neil interviews MTK Gym Champion David Trujillo and his girlfriend Sheyla Martinez! They discuss David's rise from being overweight, to fighting his first fight, and then eventually becoming Champion! Sheyla discusses being supportive and having the right temperament as a supporter. To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.s…

In Episode 52, Kru Neil interviews Champion Muay Thai Fighter, Actor, Rodeo, and Cowboy Charles Bisset! They discuss training together, Charles' ventures into being a Cowboy, Acting, and doing Rodeo, as well as an accident that almost killed Charles! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b92…

Send us a text It's time for my review :/ Lets look back at how things have been going on the podcast so far. I reflect on some of the big topics that came up, and how it has changed how I do things. I also talk about some of what I hope to bring in the new year, and what changes we will be doing on the podcast. I'll be switching to bi-weekly relea…

*AUDIO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY FOR 1ST 3 MINUTES* A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 61, Kru interviews Glendale member Manny Escandon about going the Glendale location, his time as a U.S. Marine, and why Muay Thai is so therapeutic! To Listen to podcast on S…

Send us a text Benda, always considered herself a creative soul, even as a child, drawing, painting, or whatever else she could find to get her hands dirty. As for photography, although she always loved it as an art form, it wasn't 2003 she signed up for a photojournalism class on a whim while studying at Boston University. And immediately knew she…

In Episode 50, Paul Escarcega comes back to the podcast to discuss with Kru Neil MTK Gym's Award Night and Member Appreciation Dinner! The Fellas also discuss the Ryan Garcia and Oscar Duarte Fight and Kru talks about he BIG announcements he made at the dinner! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si…

Send us a text Andy Vargas serves in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 3rd Essex District, his home city of Haverhill. Formerly a Haverhill City Councilor, elected at age 22, Andy rose to the State House winning a special election in 2017, becoming the first Latino representative elected for his district. In the legislature, Andy s…

In Episode 49, Kru Neil sits down with the original Owner/Founder of MTK Gym, HIS MOM, Khem Chatchaiyan! They discuss opening the gym with no money and persevering to keep the gym afloat and eventually building it to where Kru became a Top fighter! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c…

Send us a text Andy Deossa is a senior sports editor at Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter. Summary: Get ready to deep-dive into the life of a sports journalist as we chat with none other than Andy Deossa, the senior editor at Yahoo Sports. Growing up as a die-hard Red Sox fan in Pawtucket, Andy's journey from being a sports enthusiast to a succes…

In Episode 48, Kru Neil talks about his love for Fight movies, trying out Karate , and becoming a Muay Thai Fighter! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c4eb1 Follow Kru Neil on Instagram: @mtkgymla @kruneilofficial #muaythaisavedme #mtk #mtkla #mtkgym #fight #family #mma #ufc #compete…

Send us a text Carol Sainthilaire is a distinguished leader in the fields of nonprofit management, housing policy, and community development. With a career spanning over a decade, Carol has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating meaningful change in communities through her strategic leadership and programmatic expertise. As the curren…

In Episode 47, Kru Neil interviews the love of his life, Ruth Devereaux, as the two discuss how they time manage their relationship, how to deal with conflict, as growing together as a couple! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c4eb1 Follow Ruth Devereaux on IG: @rndevereaux Follow Kr…

Send us a text René is a psychotherapist based in the North Dallas area. He spent a majority of his career providing therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings for Substance Use Disorders until opening his private practice, Garcia Mental Health, in 2017. In 2020, he decided to primarily focus his practice on treating Adult Men due to an iden…

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 46, we've assembled all of the best moments from the past episodes of "Muay Thai Saved Me"! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4acqblUArDtUf8nBze3gcf?si=77db7b5b927c4eb1 Follow the Guests! on I…

Send us a text Jose Vega, Manufacturing Manager at Biogen currently working on the only FDA approved drug for Alzheimer’s. Boston born and raised, Jose now lives in Switzerland as an expat. Episode Description: Ever marvel at the power of perseverance and the impact of stepping out of your comfort zone? José Vega, a manufacturing manager at Biogen,…

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 45, Edwin and Kru interview member Trey Gable, who discusses growing up in the streets of Seattle, overcoming his own drug addictions, and now helping others fight their addictions! To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https:…

Send us a text Juan Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of Winners Circle XR Academy, Inc. He and his organization are dedicated to empowering students in marginalized communities by providing them access to state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive educational programs. In addition to his primary role, Juan serves as an Advisor at …

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 44, Edwin and Kru interview member Tyler Archey, who discusses starting Muay Thai to get out of depression, changing his mindset and habits, and finding a positive community! To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B8JV5UGJ…

Send us a text Kay de Simone is a mental health expert that specializes in immigrational trauma and the stressors of high achievers of underrepresented backgrounds. She is a clinical psychotherapist specializing in high achievers' stressors, trauma treatment, and personal growth. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of NC, NY, FL, CT, an…

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 43, Edwin and Kru interview member Malcolm Cook as he talks about joining Muay Thai the day after getting jumped, being a single father, and participating in Fight Camp. To Listen to podcast on Spotify: https://open.spoti…

Send us a text Andrew Solis is the rare combination of a strategic thought leader and an efficient executive who matches talent with opportunity to deliver tangible business results. He is known for bridging the gap between ideas and results. His keen sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness, combined with an innate aptitude, has led him to become a …

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 42, Edwin and Kru interview MTK Gym's Director of Marketing, the man behind all of the videos, Paul Escarcega. The fellas discuss Paul's approach to filmmaking, how the training compares to football, and how he builds his…

Send us a text Luis Lopez was born in San Luis Potosí Mexico and migrated to Beaumont Texas with his family at the age of 7. The first in his family to graduate from high school, Luis continued his education at Lamar University. Upon earning both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Science of Accounting from Lamar University, he joined Deloitte …

A new podcast featuring Hosts Kru Neil and Edwin Lopez, co-owners of Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood, CA. In Episode 41, Edwin and Kru interview member Grace Moon, as she discusses finding MTK Gym looking for the AT&T store, discovering a community, and now being one of the most dedicated members, attending multiple classes a day! To Li…