Que Bola Podcast

Darwin welcomes Disem, also known as Gio, back to Que Bola Podcast. Their previous conversation took place in 2018, before the pandemic and before many of the changes that would reshape Miami's creative landscape. This episode picks up that thread, looking at Disem's evolution as an artist and the city that has grown around his work. Disem describes himself as a creative and explains why he identifies as a writer as well as an artist. The conversation distinguishes graffiti writing from muralism: both may involve paint and walls, but their purposes, traditions, and cultural frameworks can be very different. Darwin and Disem discuss how graffiti has moved from being treated as vandalism to becoming a visible part of Miami's identity, while still carrying risks and tensions. The pair explore graffiti's history, its unwritten rules, and the differences between tags, throw-ups, and more elaborate pieces. They also talk about the danger that can accompany illegal painting, including a story about being shot at while going to photograph a piece. The experience offers a glimpse into the risk and uncertainty that can exist behind the work. A major focus is Disem's Who Authorized This? exhibition at the Museum of Graffiti. The title questions who establishes boundaries around art, culture, and public space. Disem explains that he wants his work to spark dialogue rather than simply deliver a message. The discussion includes an installation involving an ATM and the way an ordinary object can become a conceptual artwork that invites people to question their assumptions. We also talk about imposter syndrome and the difficulty of claiming the title "artist." Disem explains that growing up around talented artists made the word feel significant, and that it took years of working before he felt more comfortable identifying that way. The episode closes with a conversation about Wynwood, gentrification, and the responsibility artists and society share in preserving local culture. Disem reflects on how Miami's identity influences his work and why it matters to keep that identity alive while still expressing his own perspective. Darwin wraps up by thanking Disem for returning and for representing Miami's culture through his art

For Episode 114, I sat down with Chef Billy G, a Venezuelan-born chef who has built a catering business in Miami by focusing on his craft, his clients, and the relationships he creates along the way. We got into a lot during this conversation, from the realities of working in a kitchen to catering for high-profile clients, the effects of the pandemic, and what makes Miami's food culture so unique. Three things really stood out to me. 1. Your reputation is built by what you do, not who you take pictures with. Billy works with high-profile clients, but he doesn't believe in turning every professional relationship into a social media moment. He takes discretion seriously. He wants clients to know him by name because of the service he provides, not because he can post a picture with someone famous. That hit home. Whether you're a chef, artist, DJ, designer, or entrepreneur, visibility can help, but it can't replace delivering on your promise. The work and the way you treat people are what give your reputation staying power. 2. Being good at your craft and running a business are two different skills. We talked about the realities of the food industry: preparation, labor, food costs, payroll, rent, and the pressure of making the numbers work. A talented chef can create incredible food and still struggle to run a profitable business. Billy found a model in catering that suits his strengths. He can plan for events, understand how much food he needs, manage costs, and know what he has earned. It doesn't make the work easy, but it gives him a different way to operate. For anybody trying to turn a creative skill into a living, that distinction matters. Talent gets you started. Business skills help you sustain it. 3. A setback can force you to build something better. When the pandemic shut down events, Billy's business took a serious hit. He started making meals for people to pick up, and the community supported him. Those orders introduced him to customers who later connected him with new opportunities. He also began doing more intimate dinner parties, creating another level of service. The original business couldn't continue in exactly the same way, so he adapted. What started as a response to a crisis helped shape the business he has today. I think there's a lesson in that for all of us. Sometimes the next opportunity doesn't look like the plan you started with. You have to stay in motion long enough to find it. We also talked about immigrant workers who keep kitchens running, the rising cost of dining out in Miami, and how the cultures of this city come together through food. Big respect to Chef Billy G for being open and sharing the experiences behind his work. Watch or listen to Episode 114 of Que Bola Podcast and let me know: Which of these three lessons hits closest to home for you? If you enjoy the conversation, share it with somebody building a business or working toward something of their own.

In Episode 113, I sit down with Miami artist Diana "Didi" Contreras for a conversation about art, identity, business and the journey behind the work. We talk about her Peruvian roots, the colorful visual language that became part of her style, her experience in art school, discovering murals and spray paint, and finding her place in Miami's graffiti culture. Didi also opens up about painting women, the influence of her family and culture, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated creative world, and how one mural helped open the door to gallery representation and wider recognition. We also get into the less romantic side of being an artist: pricing artwork, working with clients, sponsorships, commercial projects, international murals and learning the business skills that aren't necessarily taught in art school. Toward the end, we talk about discipline, motherhood, mentorship, her children, and what she would tell the younger version of herself. Her answer is simple: keep going.

On Episode 112 of Que Bola Podcast, I sit down with Miami-born comedian Sergio Mendez, also known as MagicCityPacino, for a conversation about comedy, creativity, Miami culture, and the journey of finding your purpose. Sergio takes me back to growing up in Miami Beach in a working-class family, becoming the funny kid in school, and learning early how humor could help him navigate social situations. We talk about the comedians who inspired him, why he didn't start performing stand-up until later in life, and how comedy eventually gave him a new community and a place to direct his creative energy. We also get into bombing, difficult audiences, the Miami comedy scene, creating MagicCityPacino, Miami's influence on his characters, and the challenge of pursuing entertainment while still dealing with the responsibilities of everyday life. It's a funny, honest conversation about taking creative risks and deciding that life is too short not to go after what you really wan

For Episode 111 of the Que Bola Podcast, I sit down with Miami spray can artist ATOMIK for a conversation spanning three decades of graffiti, creativity and South Florida culture. ATOMIK takes me back to growing up around Miami graffiti in the 1980s, discovering early influences, receiving formal art training and eventually beginning his own spray-paint journey in the mid-'90s. He explains how his style evolved from technical lettering and traditional graffiti into the orange character that became his signature after the demolition of the Miami Orange Bowl. We also get into the culture behind the art: crews, competition, unwritten rules, risk, arrests, finding spots, traveling internationally and the tension between illegal graffiti and paid commercial work. ATOMIK opens up about money and the difficulty of treating a passion like a business, including the experience of seeing one of his paintings sell for thousands of dollars. We discuss Miami's changing neighborhoods, Wynwood's evolution, social media's effect on graffiti and why hard work still matters in an increasingly digital creative world. Finally, the conversation turns toward legacy, family and the advice ATOMIK would give his younger self after 30 years: think bigger, value your work and stop placing limitations on yourself.

In Episode 110 of the Que Bola Podcast, I sit down with Miami artist La Goony Chonga for an open conversation about culture, music, motherhood and independent entrepreneurship. She takes us back to writing songs in school, recording early YouTube freestyles and discovering home studios through classmates at art school. She explains how making her first Spanish-language songs helped her recognize a creative identity that combined hip-hop, reggaeton and the Miami chonga culture she grew up around. We discuss her experiences working as a dancer in New York and Los Angeles, what the job taught her about confidence and psychology, and how she financed her life before music became sustainable. La Goony Chonga also breaks down the financial pressure of operating independently, why artists need leverage when negotiating with labels and why she is exploring direct-to-fan releases through Bandcamp. The conversation covers motherhood, moving between Miami and Los Angeles, building an international audience organically, social-media algorithms, acting ambitions and the legacy she hopes to create through music, television, fashion and business.

Domino, also known as Mr. Adrian Castro, joins Que Bola Podcast for a real conversation about wrestling, Miami culture, discipline, vulnerability, and what it takes to become CCW World Heavyweight Champion. We talk about his early love for wrestling, the Union Beer Store days, how his Miami and Cuban roots shaped the Domino persona, the grind of wrestling school, and the emotional responsibility that comes with performing for fans. This episode goes beyond the ring. Domino opens up about mental health, the pressure Latin men feel to hide vulnerability, the adrenaline crash after performing, and why the journey matters more than the title.

Miami electronic music pioneer Danny Daze joins the Que Bola Podcast for one of the deepest conversations yet about underground music culture, creativity, risk-taking, and the future of artistic expression. In this episode, Danny breaks down: the untold story of Miami bass and electronic music culture growing up surrounded by freestyle, breakdancing, and underground scenes his journey from house arrest to global touring artist why "the underground" no longer exists the reality of DJ ego and gatekeeping AI's impact on music building community through Omnidisc and why immersive real-world experiences matter more than ever. The conversation also dives into: creative obsession, artistic identity, nightlife culture, entrepreneurship, venue ownership, and preserving authentic human connection in the algorithm era. This is more than a music interview — it's a conversation about culture itself.

In Episode 107 of the Que Bola Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with a true legend in the game — DJ Craze — a 3-time DMC World Champion and one of the most respected DJs in the world. We started at the top, talking about what it really means to win not just one, but three world titles. Craze breaks down the level of discipline, obsession, and sacrifice it takes to compete at that level — something most people will never fully understand unless they've lived it. From there, we rewind the story back to the beginning. Growing up in Miami after being born in Nicaragua, Craze shares how the city shaped his identity, his sound, and his hunger. We get into the early days of DJing — the grind, the practice, and the moments where he realized he wasn't just talented, he was on a path to becoming one of the best. This conversation goes deeper than just music. We talk about the evolution of DJ culture, how the game has changed over the years, and what separates real DJs from the wave of newcomers in today's era. Craze gives his honest perspective on staying authentic, adapting without losing your identity, and maintaining respect in a constantly shifting industry. What stood out most in this episode is the mindset. Craze doesn't just talk about success — he talks about the work behind it, the pressure, and the mentality required to stay at the top for decades. This episode is a mix of history, culture, and real-life lessons from someone who has truly mastered his craft. Whether you're a DJ, a creative, or someone chasing greatness in any field, there's something in this conversation for you. This is more than an interview — it's a blueprint. 🎙️🔥

  In this episode of the Que Bola Podcast, I sit down with Alan T for a conversation that goes from Miami memories to Colombia travel stories and everything in between. We talk about growing up around Biscayne, how neighborhoods change over time, and how life experiences teach lessons you can't learn anywhere else. Alan shares stories from his nightlife journey, cultural differences, and funny situations you can only understand if you've lived them. We also talk about street knowledge, real life struggles, and how the environment you grow up in shapes your personality. This episode is funny, honest, and full of real conversation — exactly what the podcast is about.