Good morning! In today’s episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we sit down with returning friend of the fam, Orlando Mendez – aka the Cuban Cowboy ☕🥐🤠

We get deep into what it means to be second-generation Cuban-American, carrying the stories of our abuelos while living a very modern Miami life. Orlando shares how losing his grandparents and being part of the legendary Amparo Experience woke something up in him and ultimately inspired his breakout song “Motherland.”

From there, we dive into his unique journey from:

🎭 Acting in Miami & New York to having everything shut down during COVID

🎸 Picking up a dusty guitar in his room and teaching himself country music on YouTube

🎶 Falling in love with Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw & classic country in reverse (modern → Johnny Cash era)

🌊 Realizing his heart will always be in Miami, the Keys, and on the water

Orlando then breaks down his new project, the “Always Summer Six-Pack” EP, including:

How the idea hit him on a flight home from Nashville at one of his lowest points

A writing camp in the Florida Keys where they knocked out 4–5 songs in 48 hours

The story behind songs like:

“Modern Day Pirates”

“Beers Back Home”

“Saltwater Salvation”

“Hurt to Hit”

Why he wants his songs to become anthems in people’s lives, tied to real memories and moments

We also talk about:

🇨🇺 Owning the label Cuban-American instead of running from it

🌴 Why it’s “Always Summer” in Miami, in the Keys, and in your mindset

🍺 How brands like Johnny Cuba, Cow Bakery, Larona, John Bell Construction & more helped make this independent project possible

🎵 Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville, and building a lifestyle around music

If you love Miami culture, Cuban roots, country music, storytelling, and Keys-on-a-boat vibes, this episode is for you.

👉 Always Summer Six-Pack EP drops December 5 – go run it up and show the Cuban Cowboy some love!

Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe, sip your cafecito, eat your croqueticas, and we’ll see you on the next one.

#CafecitoYCroquetas #OrlandoMendez #CubanCowboy #AlwaysSummer #Motherland #Miami #305 #CubanAmerican #CountryMusic #FloridaKeys

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Good morning, buenas días! Welcome back to another episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, brought to you by Stay Tranquilo & H&Co — and today’s a special one…

🎄 It’s officially the first day of Christmas season!
Thanksgiving is behind us, leftovers are done, and now it’s time for Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and Christmas MUSIC.

In this episode, we break down:
• When exactly it becomes acceptable to put up Christmas decorations
• The great Christmas music debate: our Top 5 Christmas songs of all time
• The classics vs. modern bops — Michael Bublé, Sinatra, Wham!, Pentatonix, Elvis, Ariana Grande & more
• Latin Christmas essentials: Feliz Navidad, Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Salano, Borito Sabanero
• The perfect Christmas vibe: cigars, whiskey, cold weather vs. staying warm
• The chaos of overplayed Mariah Carey (sorry, Mariah 😅)

Whether you're decorating the tree, driving around looking at lights, or sipping cafecito, this is the perfect episode to kick off a full month of Christmas vibes.

🎅 Drop your Top 5 Christmas songs in the comments!
Let’s see who has the best list.

#CafecitoYCroquetas #StayTranquilo #Christmas2025 #HolidaySeason #ChristmasMusic #Top5Songs #MiamiPodcast #LatinoChristmas #FelizNavidad 🎄

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Post-Thanksgiving vibes in Miami. In this episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we recap Thanksgiving 2025, talk food, family drama, and officially kick off Christmas season in South Florida.

We dive into:

Thanksgiving recap 2025 – turkey vs. ham, fried turkey upgrade, sweet potato, pumpkin pie & all the family chisme

Miami Christmas traditions – when Christmas officially starts after Thanksgiving, Christmas trees, lights, and holiday vibes

Our Top 5 Christmas Songs – classics, Latin Christmas hits, Burrito Sabanero, Feliz Navidad, Michael Bublé, Sinatra, Wham, Justin Bieber & more

Latino Christmas music essentials – salsa, merengue, and the songs that always hit at abuela’s house

Black Friday 2025 – how Black Friday has changed, old-school mall chaos vs. today’s online deals and Cyber Monday

Holiday shopping in Miami – gift ideas, shopping behavior, and surviving the December rush

Sports weekend rundown – Miami Hurricanes, college football, Dolphins playoff push, NBA, NHL and why this is peak sports season

This episode is perfect if you’re searching for:
Thanksgiving recap podcast, Miami podcast Christmas episode, best Christmas songs playlist ideas, Latino Christmas music, Burrito Sabanero, Feliz Navidad, Black Friday and Cyber Monday tips, and holiday season in Miami.

Grab your cafecito, warm up a croqueta, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and hang with us as we roll from Thanksgiving straight into Christmas. 🎄☕

Follow Cafecito y Croquetas for more:
Miami culture • Latin Christmas vibes • holiday stories • sports talk • South Florida lifestyle

#CafecitoyCroquetas #MiamiPodcast #ThanksgivingRecap #ChristmasSongs #LatinoChristmas #BlackFriday #HolidaySeason #MiamiDolphins #MiamiHurricanes #StayTranquilo

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On today’s episode of Cafecito y Croquetas we’re sitting down with Miami native, author, and environmental advocate Andrew Otazo – a man who has personally picked up 37,200 pounds of trash from South Florida’s mangroves… and is still going.

Andrew walks us through his wild journey: from West Point and the U.S. State Department, to Harvard, Cuban policy work in D.C., launching his own PR agency, writing The Miami Creation Myth… and then becoming the guy who decided, “If nobody’s going to clean this trash, I will.”

We talk about his legendary Miami Marathon stunt carrying a 35 lb trash bag (and later a 135 lb trash cart), how that trash bag ended up in the HistoryMiami Museum, and why mangroves might be the most underrated heroes protecting our city.

In this episode we get into:
🌊 Why Miami’s mangroves matter for hurricanes, wildlife & our coastline
🗑️ How street litter actually ends up in the bay & mangroves (it’s not what you think)
🐢 Microplastics, manatees, sea turtles & the real impact of our plastic use
😳 The craziest things he’s found in the mangroves… including a bank robber
🏃‍♂️ “Miami’s Trashiest Run” 5K & how to plug into local cleanups and activism
🤝 Simple daily things you can do to help – starting with picking up that one wrapper

This conversation is all about purpose, community, and taking ownership of our home. Whether you love the ocean, care about Miami’s future, or just need a push to start doing your part, this episode will hit home.

👇 Tune in, share with a friend, and if you pick up trash in your neighborhood,
tag Andrew & @staytranquilo so we can keep modeling the change together.

Suscríbete, deja tu like, y nos vemos en el próximo Cafecito y Croquetas ☕✨

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Feliz Friday, mi gente! 🦃☕️ In today’s Cafecito y Croquetas, brought to you by Stay Tranquilo & Henco, we’re officially less than a week out from Thanksgiving and already seeing Christmas trees everywhere… so it’s time for some holiday REAL TALK.

We get into:

That awkward “adult” phase of Christmas gifts: cash vs gift cards, asking for deodorant, socks & laptop money instead of toys 😂

The most overrated Thanksgiving foods (yes… turkey catches a stray) and what we wouldn’t miss if it disappeared from the table

Our must-have Thanksgiving lineup: mac & cheese, cornbread, sweet potato casserole, Cuban twists like pan cubano, flan & more

Hot take: replacing turkey with smoked brisket or short rib as the main event 🤤

Dessert debates: pumpkin pie vs pecan pie vs flan vs cheesecake

Thanksgiving game plan: Do you fast or snack all day so you can go back for round 2?

The truth about leftovers: polite to-go plates vs people going berserk and clearing out half the tray before anyone else eats

Hosting vs traveling for Thanksgiving and how the family splits Thanksgiving vs Noche Buena

Drop your thoughts in the comments:
👉 What’s the most overrated Thanksgiving food?
👉 What absolutely HAS to be on your plate?
👉 Cash or gift cards – what are you asking for this year?

Like, comment, and subscribe for more Miami-flavored mornings with Cafecito y Croquetas.
Stay grateful, stay hungry, and as always… Stay Tranquilo. 🙏🧡💚

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Good morning, ¡Buenos Días! Welcome back to another episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, brought to you by Stay Tranquilo and H&CO.
Today we’re joined by a very special guest — Chef Renato Viola, the Founder & Mastermind behind Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, one of Miami’s most loved and fastest-growing pizza brands.

In this episode, we dive deep into Chef Renato’s incredible journey — from a small town near the Amalfi Coast to becoming a nationally recognized chef in the United States through the prestigious O-1 Visa. His story is one of passion, family, discipline, and a relentless commitment to quality.

🍕 What We Cover in This Episode:

Chef Renato’s childhood in South Italy & how his mother inspired his love for pizza

Working in kitchens at 11 years old and learning from Italian “maestri pizzaioli”

The real meaning behind the O-1 Visa and how Renato became the first pizza chef to earn it

Opening the first Mister 01 in a tiny office building with only 9 seats

The iconic star-shaped pizza, stuffed ricotta crust, truffle oil & what makes their dough unique

Building community-focused restaurants across Miami: Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Brickell & more

Expanding to Texas, Atlanta… and now North Carolina (exclusive announcement!)

The truth about entrepreneurship: hard work, consistency, and learning before leading

How to stay present, grounded, and connected as a founder, chef, and father

Chef Renato’s #1 advice for anyone starting something of their own

Why Mister 01 Became a Miami Favorite

Chef Renato shares how he balances Italian quality with Miami culture — from using imported Italian ingredients to adapting flavors for the community. The result? A one-of-a-kind pizza experience with world-class hospitality.

This Episode Is For You If You Love:

✔️ Miami food culture
✔️ Pizza (especially artisan pizza)
✔️ Entrepreneurial journeys
✔️ Immigrant stories of grit and success
✔️ Conversations filled with passion, authenticity & inspiration

Locations Mentioned:

Miami Beach

Downtown Doral

Brickell

Wynwood

Coconut Grove

Texas, Atlanta

Charlotte (coming soon!)

👇 Support the Show

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Miami stories, inspiring guests, and cafecito-fueled conversations.

Follow us on Instagram: @staytranquilo

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Happy Monday, mi gente ☕️💛 In this episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we’re flipping the script on the usual news cycle and sharing only the good stuff — stories that prove there’s still a lot of heart, courage, and kindness in the world.

We dive into:

🌿 Miami’s Mangrove Guardian – Andrew Otazo, a Cuban-American writer, runner, and environmental activist who has removed over 35,000 pounds of trash from our local mangroves, including refrigerators, couches, tires, and even an abandoned boat.

🪂 The 106-Year-Old Skydiver – Alfred “Al” Blaschke, who broke his own Guinness World Record as the oldest person to go skydiving, reminding us that “everyone is more capable than they think.”

🎤 From School Janitor to #1 on the Charts – Richard Goodall, a middle school janitor whose video singing “Don’t Stop Believin’” went viral, led to America’s Got Talent, and a song that hit #1 on the iTunes country charts.

🍋 A 7-Year-Old’s Lemonade Stand of Love – Emmery Johnson, who started a $1 lemonade stand to raise money for her mom’s headstone and ended up bringing in over $10,000 thanks to the kindness of her community.

Throughout the episode, we talk about:

The power of small, simple acts of kindness

How social media can still be used for good and uplifting stories

Why supporting your neighbors, checking in on people, and doing “little things” can change someone’s entire trajectory

If you needed a reminder that there’s still good in the world, this is your sign. 🌤️

⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Happy Monday vibes
01:00 – Miami mangroves cleanup & Andrew Otazo’s mission
05:20 – Why the mangroves matter to our ecosystem
06:50 – 106-year-old skydiver breaks his own record
09:30 – “You’re more capable than you think” – life lessons from Al
11:55 – The school janitor who went viral and hit #1 in country music
15:30 – How one viral moment can change a life
18:30 – The 7-year-old girl, her lemonade stand & $10,000 in support
21:00 – Turning tragedy into community, hope & legacy
24:00 – The ripple effect of small acts of kindness
20:40 – Final takeaway: do good, support your neighbor, simple acts matter

🔔 Subscribe for more Miami stories, good news, and uplifting conversations:
👉 Cafecito y Croquetas | Powered by Stay Tranquilo & H&Co

Drop a comment:
💬 What’s one small good deed you’re going to do this week?

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Welcome back to another vibey Friday on Cafecito y Croquetas, presented by Stay Tranquilo ☕🌴

Shades on, fedora on, cafecito in hand — we’re kicking off the weekend with good energy, Miami culture, and a full breakdown of everything happening around the 305.

🌴 This Week’s Miami Rundown

We dive into one of the biggest weekends in Coconut Grove as the Coconut Grove crew takes over multiple spots across the neighborhood — live music, DJs, and a full-day party stretching from Bodega, Sandbar, and Kudas, all the way through the night.
Plus, a Hurricanes watch party at Sandbar and a special DJ set from Mr. Eats 305 (George Orango) after the game.

🏈 Sunday Funday: Dolphins in Madrid

The Miami Dolphins kick off from Madrid at 9:30 AM, giving Miami the perfect excuse for a brunch-and-football Sunday. Sports Grill and Flanigan’s fans — we’re talking early beers, rib rolls, mimosas, and full vibes to start your morning.

🔥 Fun Segment: “This or That — Miami Edition”

We get into:

Day drinking vs. night drinking

South Beach chaos vs. Wynwood Sundays

Empanadas in the morning vs. 2:30 AM ventanita runs

Boat day… or boat day with someone who definitely shouldn’t be driving the boat

Pub Sub vs. Tropi Chop

Puravida wait vs. pastelito breakfast
…and plenty more Miami-style debates.

🎉 Pull Up This Weekend

Catch us Saturday at the Coconut Grove Takeover, and Sunday morning for Dolphins-in-Madrid brunch vibes. Miami is outside this weekend — come through and say what’s up!

If you’re into Miami culture, weekend guides, cafecito talk, local events, sports energy, and vibey conversations, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe.

Stay Tranquilo. Stay vibey. Have a day. 🌴🔥☕

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Grab your cafecito ☕️—today we’re talking global expansion with Mike from H&Co, who leads their Global Expansion team. From when it makes sense to go international to how tariffs and nearshoring are reshaping strategy, Mike breaks down the real-world playbook for entering LATAM (Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile), UAE/Saudi, Europe, Canada, and more. We also get into culture, careers, and some elite sports-travel stories (World Cup, Wimbledon, El Clásico).

What you’ll learn

How to know if your company is ready to expand (it’s about opportunity, not just revenue)

Tariffs & counter-tariffs made simple—and why nearshoring to Mexico/Colombia is booming

Entity setup, tax/accounting/HR/payroll, ERP considerations, and compliance (end-to-end roadmap)

Picking your first country: market demand, treaties, ops complexity, and cost

Culture & execution: why great products still fail without local adaptation

Career path into international business (skills that actually matter)

Chapters
0:00 Intro & why H&Co partners with Cafecito y Croquetas
1:15 Mike’s path: Spain → London → Miami & 100+ countries
4:00 Why companies expand globally (demand, costs, M&A)
6:45 Are you “big enough” to go international?
8:10 What H&Co handles: entity, tax, HR/payroll, compliance, ERPs
10:30 Picking markets: Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, UAE, Saudi, EU, Canada
13:55 Tariffs explained & the rise of nearshoring
18:20 Realities vs. politics: how smart operators adapt
21:10 Culture, timelines, and choosing the right structure
24:40 Testing demand with digital marketing before you land
27:30 Living/working in Spain, UK, Switzerland—business culture lessons
31:20 Sports stories: World Cup semis/final, El Clásico, rugby/cricket
35:40 Career advice for breaking into global expansion
37:00 Wrap

Who this episode is for
Founders, COOs, CFOs, and marketers exploring international growth, cost optimization, and compliance-ready market entry.

Connect
Guest: Mike — H&Co (Global Expansion)
Host: Stay Tranquilo Network | Cafecito y Croquetas

#globalexpansion #career #businesspodcast #morningbrew #business #businesssuccess #miami #globalbusiness #latam #tarrifs #nearshoring #uae #growth

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Start your week with a hot cafecito and all the vibes on this Monday edition of Cafecito y Croquetas, presented by Stay Tranquilo and H&Co.

Pooch rides solo today, breaking down a massive weekend for South Florida sports:
• Miami Dolphins upset the Bills in a huge division win
• Inter Miami handled business
• Miami Heat secured a W
• Miami Hurricanes kept the streak alive

Plus, we talk about the cold front finally hitting Miami. Yup… sweater weather in the 305 is officially here. Highs in the 60s, lows dipping into the 40s. Time to bring out the jackets and pretend we live up north.

In local news:
• The iconic Freedom Tower reopens after long-awaited renovations, welcoming students for a deep dive into Cuban history and the victims of communism memorial.
• Miami’s latest viral topic: a strange “comet” named 3 Atlas that some believe looks a little too… engineered? Changing shape, glowing tail, possible break-apart patterns. Conspiracy? Alien tech? Just space dust? Drop your take in the comments.
• A farewell to Walls Ice Cream, a Miami classic across from Big Cheese that officially closed after 20 legendary years.

Grab your cafecito, stay warm, and stay watching the skies… because it might get weird this week.

New interview episode drops Wednesday.
Stay tuned and Stay Tranquilo.

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Happy Friday, Miami! Hoodie season is peeking in—cool nights, sunny days, and a packed weekend line-up. In this Cafecito y Croquetas episode, we run through the best things to do around the 305 and where to eat after.

What’s on deck:

E1 Miami GP (Virginia Key): all-electric powerboat racing with celeb-owned teams—make it a beach day and catch the action from the water.

Miami Beach Polo World Cup (Collins Park): free viewing from the sand + ticketed hospitality if you wanna dress it up.

Miami Heat vs. Hornets (Fri 8 PM): quick preview + a bonus Heat breakdown with former NBA star Greivis Vásquez on State Owns the Assist.

Miami Dolphins vs. Bills (Hard Rock): rivalry vibes for your Saturday night tailgate.

Canes Football: home action to keep the momentum rolling.

Weather check: highs in the low 80s, breezy, cooler nights—prime outdoor seating, late-night walks, and rooftop plans. Cold front early next week = actual hoodie season.

New restaurants to try:

PARI PARI (Wynwood): hand-roll bar (think uni, toro, wagyu, caviar)—reserve ahead.

Amazónico (Brickell): lush, jungle-chic Latin dining with craft cocktails and live energy.

Eight Bar Miami (Miami Worldcenter): raw bar, sushi, burgers, cocktails—ground floor of Maple & Ash; elevated but laid-back.

Make it a weekend itinerary:
Fri: cafecito → Heat game → downtown happy hour.
Sat: beach polo or electric boat racing → dinner at Amazónico or Eight Bar.
Sun: brunch + Dolphins/Bills watch party.

If you’re new here, we drop Miami culture, food, and sports twice a week—like & subscribe and comment what you’re hitting this weekend.
#MiamiWeekend #ThingsToDoInMiami #CafecitoyCroquetas #MiamiFoodie #Brickell #Wynwood #MiamiHeat #FinsUp #MiamiEvents

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