In this episode of Race of Your Own, Brian Friedman joins us for an honest conversation about building your own lane, redefining success, and leading with purpose. Brian shares insights on mindset, identity, and navigating pressure while staying true to your path. All while choreographing and working with artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, PINK and many more. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader looking to take control of your journey, this interview will challenge how you think about success and ownership.

Topics include:

- Building a race of your own

- Identity, leadership, and mindset

- Redefining success on your terms

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In this episode sit down with Chris Denson he talks about his monthly men's group called "Personal Innovation Studio" and we have a wide-ranging conversation about the loneliness epidemic, the future of better farming, and how race, food, and community are more connected than we often realize. As society becomes more disconnected, we explore how local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and intentional community-building can help restore human connection and collective well-being. Chris shares insights on cultural identity, systemic challenges, and why rethinking how we grow food might also be key to healing social isolation. This episode challenges listeners to see farming not just as food production, but as a powerful tool for rebuilding trust, belonging, and resilience in modern life. If you’re interested in conversations about race, culture, food systems, and the social fabric of our communities, this episode offers an honest, forward-thinking perspective on where we are—and where we could be headed. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.

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Chris Denson https://www.chrisdenson.co/ https://www.instagram.com/densonology

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In this episode, Talent Agent & Agency Owner Jared Pascoe breaks down what every actor and performer needs to know as AI rapidly transforms the entertainment industry. From digital doubles to voice cloning, Jared reveals the hidden risks, the protections performers must demand, and why human talent still matters more than ever. If you’re an actor, creator, or anyone navigating the future of tv & film, this conversation is your wake-up call. *Highlights:

• The biggest threats AI poses to performers
• How actors can protect their likeness, voice & identity
• Why the human element will never be replaced

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Niecey 'Vinrelo' Josey is a powerhouse commercial celebrity stylist and brand strategist. Behind the scenes Vinrelo is building, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in fashion, business, and media. From styling celebrities and high-impact professionals to curating and capturing full brand collections, she now leads her own original campaigns while continuing to shape the visual language of the culture. While shifting access, she shows up in the rooms that matter, asks the questions others won’t, and continues to carve out real opportunities for long-term success in an ever-changing industries.

Vinrelo IG : / vinrelo

Protect Your HeART (Artist) / protectyoheart

Kayak - (Kayak Balance experience) / imkingkayak

Big Mouth Toothbrush https://bigmouthtoothbrush.com

A Race of your Own IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

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De la República Dominicana a la Alcaldía: Mayor Brian DePeña : The Dominican Mayor on Faith, Family & Building Community Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the United States to pursue new opportunities. He first settled in New York, and later to Massachusetts, bringing a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build a better future for his family. Soon after arriving, he founded the first Latino-owned hardware store in his neighborhood and alongside his father, he established a successful business that provided the community with essential tools and materials while offering a welcoming space where residents could interact in their native language. Through these interactions, he became increasingly aware of the challenges facing residents and small business owners, inspiring his advocacy for economic growth and social equity. His passion for community development led him to actively participate in some civic organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for Latinos. He became engaged in local politics in the early 1990s, working on campaigns to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. In 2015, driven by his unwavering commitment to public service, he launched his campaign for City Councilor At-Large. Elected for two terms, he earned widespread recognition and support, often referred to as “The Most Loved Councilor,” “The Most Voted-for Councilor,” and “The Councilor of the City, Mr. Brian DePeña.” During his tenure on the City Council, Mayor DePeña served on the Finance and Personnel Committees, gaining invaluable insight into municipal operations, fiscal management, and strategic governance. His experience on the Finance Committee gave him a comprehensive understanding of budgeting processes, allowing him to explore alternatives to tax increases while ensuring financial stability. As a member of the Personnel Committee, he emphasized teamwork and effective leadership to advance the city’s long-term vision. Mayor DePeña is dedicated to building a prosperous future for Lawrence. He is happily married and has seven children and five grandchildren. His dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to the residents of Lawrence as he continues working to create a city that all its residents deserve.

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This is a powerful and revealing conversation with Ana Almanzar, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives of New York City. In this episode, Ana opens up about her personal journey, her deep commitment to equity and community, and her work bridging government, nonprofit, and philanthropic efforts to uplift New Yorkers. She currently oversees interagency efforts in education, equity, youth development, food policy, nonprofit engagement, data innovation, and more. Her immigrant story: from Santo Domingo to NYC, and navigating life in NYC as a young Latina How she first got involved in civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and policy Her roles in government and nonprofits before joining City Hall How she envisions “race of your own” by owning identity, representation, and power in public service The challenges and opportunities of leading citywide cross-sector initiatives What’s next for New York and for her own leadership Some of her prior work: - Director of Community Relations, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. She led external relations strategy, community partnerships, and government collaboration - Chief of Staff to New York State Director of Nonprofits. Ana managed a $25 million poverty reduction initiative, media campaigns, public outreach across regions - Program Manager, Civic Engagement (NE Region), NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials). She led grassroots outreach, citizenship support, stakeholder engagement - Education: Associate degree from Hostos Community College (CUNY), Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Columbia University This episode is for anyone interested in the intersections of race, leadership, urban governance, and community power. Ana’s story is not just about personal resilience but about systems, partnerships, and reimagining possibilities for equity in one of the world’s most complex cities. Subscribe to "Race of Your Own" and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss future episodes.

Share your thoughts! What part of Ana’s journey resonated with you most?

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Flavio Morales, is an experienced programming executive and producer. He's served as an executive producer on shows for Vix, Amazon, Netflix and Telemundo. Flavio started at the age of 17 co-creating the public access variety show “ILLEGAL interns” where the show championed local bands, artists from Latino LA as well as leading in the exposure of Latin alternative music in the 1990’s. Morales was EVP at BIG VIDA Entertainment, where he oversaw production of the NCLR ALMA Awards, along with Eva Longoria and produced the Gerardo Ortiz concert film Como Un Sueño. Previously, Morales was a top programming executive at NBCUniversal's Telemundo's cable network mun2, where he developed the network's series I Love Jenni. In 2006, Morales won a Peabody Award for his work on the documentary, "For My Country? Latinos in the Military.” Morales worked at Endemol Shine for 7 years and is still attached as Executive producer on HBO Max’s series Like Water for Chocolate alongside Salma Hayek. He’s also worked with Robert Rodriguez, Nicky Jam, Eugenio Derbez and Kate del Castillo to name a few. He also sits on the board of NPR station KCRW Santa Monica and the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory.

Info: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2721956/

A Race of your Own Series IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com Don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for tuning in.

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Yissendy Trinidad is a Dominican writer, producer, director, and actor based in Los Angeles. She has directed award-winning projects including Doumi Girls and her debut feature film One Guy, Too Many Dates, which recently completed post-production. A member of SAG-AFTRA and the Television Academy, she is passionate about elevating diverse voices and telling stories that center women, empowerment, and inclusion. Through her production company, Trinidad Entertainment Group, Yissendy is building a slate of bold, global projects designed to entertain, inspire, and spark conversations.

Info:

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4622415/?ref_=nmbio_ov_bk https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14582134/

A Race of your Own Series IG : /@raceofyourown

TT: / @raceofyourown Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

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Subscribe to our Substack: raceofyourown.substack.com/publish/post/17...