VH$ is a trailblazing Mexican-American music producer, record collector, and entrepreneur hailing from the San Gabriel Valley. Born on December 25, 1984, VH$ was raised in Section 8 housing by a single mother, and his music career stands as a powerful testament to the resilience born from adversity.

VH$ made history by producing the first hip hop album entirely crafted from VHS tape samples, merging nostalgia with innovation in a way that has resonated across platforms like Billboard, MTV2, and BET. With an avid passion for collecting VHS tapes, he has become a true pioneer in the collectibles space, spinning the threads of his life into musical gold.

From the streets of San Gabriel Valley to the charts, VH$ has orchestrated a symphony of sound that defies the odds. He transforms challenges into stepping stones, driven by unmatched creativity and a relentless spirit. Join us as we explore how this architect of sound rewound the boundaries of music production, turning his passion for nostalgia into groundbreaking beats and reshaping the landscape of hip hop.

Instagram: @vhscu

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Joanna Law is a renowned fine art photographer known for her stunning maternity, newborn, children, and family portraits. As a proud immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at just eight years old, Joanna discovered her passion for photography alongside her future husband. What began as a beloved hobby has blossomed into a thriving business, beautifully capturing the essence of family life in their chic, private studio located in historic Old Town Pasadena, California.

Joanna is also a certified newborn trainer, having honed her skills under the guidance of celebrity photographer Ana Brandt. She is currently developing a training program aimed at educating fellow photographers on the importance of newborn safety, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to protect these tiny subjects. Joanna is dedicated to informing expectant parents about the nuances of newborn photography, helping them understand industry standards and the significance of a photographer's expertise in those early days.

As devoted parents and business partners, Joanna and her husband skillfully balance the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of family life. Their personal experiences, including navigating the economic ups and downs that affect their business, create a deep connection with their clients, allowing them to transform each family’s unique story into stunning works of art.

At their studio, Nestled in Time Photography, Joanna’s commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail shine through. Her work has earned her accolades from Portrait Masters and recognition as one of the top 20 photographers in the newborn category in 2023. Known for her true-to-life colors and sharp details, Joanna captures each moment as a piece of art worthy of display.

Passionate about creating unforgettable, customized photography experiences, Joanna and her husband incorporate their clients’ personal styles, hobbies, careers, and family heirlooms into every session. They strive to craft portraits that families are proud to showcase in their homes and offices, preserving fleeting moments and creating timeless treasures for generations to come.

Website: nestledintimephotography.com

Instagram: @nestled_in_time_photography

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Diego Lojero is a dynamic individual whose journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and unyielding optimism.

From an early age, Diego's life had been deeply intertwined with sports. A standout in the world of golf, he secured three league championships during his high school years, showcasing his dedication and competitive spirit. This commitment to physical activity has remained a cornerstone of his identity.

The pandemic brought unexpected opportunities for Diego. He discovered a newfound passion for skateboarding, which led him into the realm of video creation on social media. Despite starting with no prior experience, Diego embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, tapping into a reservoir of creativity that had long been simmering.

As a young adult, Diego has channeled his creativity into tangible projects, currently working on his Satire Comedy Interview Show. Inspired by comedic icons like Gabriel Iglesias, Eric Andre, and Zach Galifianakis, Diego's show is more than a career endeavor; it's a reflection of his dedication to spreading joy and laughter.

In addition to his comedy ventures, Diego is making strides in modeling and expanding his social media presence. His journey highlights the transformative power of embracing new opportunities with a positive mindset and a relentless drive to turn dreams into reality. Diego Lojero is the embodiment of athleticism, creativity, and boundless optimism, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can continually push boundaries and inspire others.

Instagram: @diegolojero

YouTube: @obanyakidiego

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Kitty Lam is a British-born Chinese chef who seamlessly merges the comforting tradition of British pies with the bold, vibrant flavors of Cantonese cuisine. Born in London and with deep roots in Hong Kong, Kitty has crafted a unique culinary niche through her pop-up venture, Dai Pie Dong, based in Los Angeles.

At Dai Pie Dong, Kitty delights in offering British-style pies filled with inventive Cantonese ingredients, creating a distinctive fusion that reflects her multicultural heritage. Her journey in the culinary world includes notable experiences at Pearl River Deli, where she honed her skills with dishes like the Char Siu Noodles, as well as significant roles at Sufra Community Kitchen in London and during a stage at St JOHN Bread & Wine.

Kitty’s passion for food and her innovative approach have earned her recognition and a growing following. She is enthusiastic about international fusions and frequently divides her time between Los Angeles and London.

Instagram: @daipiedong_la

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Hawk & Sophia, an inspiring AAPI husband-and-wife team who have redefined the classic wing experience with their distinctive recipes and techniques. They started started the trailblazing restaurant Shlap Muan together in San Francisco, later bringing it down to Southern California.

Sophia and Hawk's journey to Shlap Muan began with a desire to escape the confines of corporate life. Initially launching a sandwich shop, the couple soon recognized the need for a distinct identity to stand out in San Francisco’s competitive food scene. Inspired by Hawk’s father’s delectable chicken wings, they pivoted to focus on this cherished dish, blending nostalgic flavors with their innovative touch.

Hawk’s background includes growing up in his family’s Chinese-Cambodian restaurant, where he experienced the rigorous demands of the restaurant industry firsthand. Despite his early resolve never to work in a restaurant, his fond childhood memories of cooking and enjoying food led him back to his culinary roots.

Shlap Muan, which translates to 'chicken wings' in Khmer, stands out for its innovative approach to this popular dish. Sophia and Hawk have crafted all-original recipes and unique techniques, including their special fry method that delivers wings that are crispy, juicy, and notably less oily than traditional versions. Their sauces and dry seasonings are exclusively their own, reflecting their dedication to culinary excellence.

Sophia and Hawk are driven by a genuine passion for food and a commitment to making their customers’ days brighter. Through Shlap Muan, they aim to foster connections and spread joy with every dish they serve.

Today, Shlap Muan delights customers at locations in Long Beach and SmorgasburgLA.

Instagram: @shlapmuan.

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Angie Covarrubias Aguilar is a dedicated San Gabriel Valley resident whose life and career reflect a deep commitment to education and community service. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Angie graduated from Baldwin Park High School before embarking on an academic journey that took her to Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Her passion for learning led her to study abroad in Salamanca, Spain, further broadening her horizons.

After completing her studies, Angie returned to Southern California, where she has spent the past 18 years making a significant impact as the Director of the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound Program. In this role, she has been instrumental in helping 145 high school students each year from the San Gabriel Valley gain admission to prestigious colleges and universities across the nation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Angie is known for her dedication to community service. When her daughter founded The Cozy Collection, a charitable initiative that has successfully collected over 25,000 pairs of socks and blankets for the homeless in the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire, Angie helped start it up.

Angie balances her professional and philanthropic endeavors with a rich personal life. She is a passionate reader, kickboxer, knitter, and cook. Angie is also a devoted mother to two wonderful children, Maya and Joaquin, and has been happily married for 17 years. Her multifaceted life showcases her unwavering commitment to both her family and her community.

Instagram: @big_brown_mom

Website: hmc.edu/upward-bound

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

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My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Gary Wat is a visionary real estate agent known for his innovative approach and deep-rooted passion for community building. His journey into real estate is anything but conventional. Initially on the lookout for investors for a school-related project, Gary was encouraged to explore a career in real estate. Despite some initial hesitation, he quickly excelled, becoming one of the top-performing agents in his field. Gary’s success is a testament to the idea that the most unexpected opportunities can often lead to the most remarkable achievements.

Gary’s work in real estate is driven by a belief that it’s not just about buying and selling properties; it’s about cultivating vibrant communities. This philosophy led him to develop the Hommtown app, a pioneering platform that redefines the home-buying experience. Unlike traditional platforms like Zillow, Hommtown connects potential buyers with more than just a property—it introduces them to the heart and soul of the neighborhoods they’re considering. The app highlights local businesses, cultural spots, and the unique character that defines each community, reflecting Gary’s commitment to creating meaningful connections between people and places.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary is deeply invested in the San Gabriel Valley community. He is actively involved with the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce and is a regular at local spots like Kisen Sushi and Santa Anita Park. Gary’s love for the San Gabriel Valley is evident in everything he does, making him not just a successful real estate agent but a true community leader.

Website: hommtown.com
Instagram: @garywathomes

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Cynthia Duarte grew up in El Sereno and currently resides in Covina. She works for the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization with locations in Pasadena, Monrovia, and Duarte. Cynthia's journey with the organization began as a participant in a welfare-to-work program. Starting as a volunteer, she has advanced through various roles over the past five years, from office volunteer to her current position as Marketing Specialist.

Cynthia's personal background includes growing up as a light-skinned Latina in a predominantly Mexican community. She attended the University of La Verne and, shortly after graduating, married and started a family. Tragically, she lost her first-born son shortly after his birth but went on to have two daughters by the time she was 25. Initially a stay-at-home mom, Cynthia began blogging in 2011, becoming part of the early wave of social media influencers. However, following the end of her marriage in 2018, she transitioned to a traditional 9-to-5 job to support her family as a single mother. This transition led her to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, where Cynthia currently works, has been serving the community for 34 years. The organization focuses on building homes, promoting affordable homeownership, providing low-income families with home preservation assistance, and reselling donated items at its ReStores to benefit the public.

Website: sgvhabitat.org
Work Instagram: @sgvhabitat
ReStores Instagram: @sgvrestores
Personal Instagram: @kindasillymommy

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Music Credits

Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com