Freddy Rivera Presents: ON THE RADAR

Freddy Rivera Presents: ON THE RADAR

Discover the voices, flavors, and stories of Southern California with Freddy Rivera – a seasoned radio host and local storyteller, sharing journeys from the air, on the air, and everywhere in between.

Episodes

August 14, 2025 81 mins

Jorge Merlos lost it all: money, career, friendships—to alcohol addiction. Today, he’s sober, thriving, and captivating millions with his viral dance videos and Southpaw Bill brand. With 30K TikTok followers and 14.7K on Instagram, Jorge proves that reinvention is possible at any stage.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The rock-bottom moment that sparked his transformation

  • How dance became his ticket to a second chance

  • Building a persona...

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We sit down with Willy from Adventures of a Fat Guy, the man who walked away from a 25-year career to chase his passion for meat, fire, and flavor—launching King’s Meat & BBQ, one of the Inland Empire’s most talked-about culinary pivots.

Willy brings wisdom, humor, cuts and clarity for anyone feeling stuck in their career or lost in today’s social media mess.

Whether you’re a foodie, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just need a push ...

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July 3, 2025 98 mins

What if wine wasn’t reserved for the elite — but instead became a conversation?Fahara Zamorano, a Chilean-born sommelier based in Los Angeles, joins me for a vibrant, no-BS dialogue about taste, tradition, and why the next era of wine drinking might look very different.From her migration journey through Cincinnati to the heart of LA’s restaurant scene, Fahara’s story marks the beginning of a cultural shift — one that’s rewriting ho...

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June 24, 2025 76 mins

In this unforgettable conversation, Adrian Estrella—lead vocalist of Zebrahead and formerly Assuming We Survive—opens up about the road behind him and the road ahead.We explore:Life on tour across Europe with Zebrahead and the evolution of the bandHis second act as a DJ at Rancho Cucamonga’s Goodfellas NightclubA rich cultural upbringing—half German, half Dominican, with formative years spent in the Dominican RepublicThe importance...

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June 23, 2025 77 mins

Leo Quinones built a name in LA radio — from bartending at TGI Fridays to working with Rick Dees at KIIS FM, hosting red carpets, and interviewing stars like Tom Hanks.But after a life-altering stroke, everything changed.In this raw, wide-ranging conversation, Leo opens up about radio’s evolution, losing momentum, and rebuilding his purpose through storytelling and his new touring business.This episode is about legacy, survival, an...

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June 10, 2025 68 mins

Photographer / Filmmaker Trevor Perez shares the unexpected story behind his own family's Disney legacy — from rich family ties to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm to now photographing Dick Van Dyke. In this conversation, we explore what it means to document legacy up close, how Trevor finds meaning behind the lens, and why some stories live far beyond the frame.Shot in the Inland Empire.

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April 15, 2025 83 mins

Dana left what most would call a dream job in radio to pursue something even bigger: herself. In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend as she shares what it really looks like to walk away from a full-time career, hit the road and build a life on her own terms.From radio conventions to interviews across the country, Dana is collecting stories — and creating one of her own. We talk about her journey, her resistance to ad...

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March 29, 2025 76 mins

In this episode, we cover everything from career-defining moments in radio to what it really takes to bounce back in a cutthroat industry.I kick things off with a story from my early days at KIIS FM—one of my first airchecks ever, and the moment my boss hit me with the most brutally honest feedback I’ve ever heard. It crushed me at the time, but looking back now... it’s one of those stories that shaped me.Joining me is Kid Jay—a na...

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March 13, 2025 112 mins

In this episode, I sit down with my former high school teacher, Matt Cataldo, for a conversation that’s part reunion, part deep dive into the realities of teaching today. We discuss how education has changed in a politically charged world, why so many people have left California, and the rising cost of living in LA.Matt also shares key financial advice for young people—how to start saving in your 20's to set yourself up for ear...

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February 26, 2025 98 mins

In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Molly Brandenburg—voice actor, actor, and all-around talent from Spotify! You may recognize her voice from Spotify's Conspiracy Theories and Unexplained Mysteries podcasts. Molly shares her journey in the world of voice acting, the impact of improv on her career, and why taking an improv class can be a game-changer. We also dive into the importance of having a strong support circle an...

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January 15, 2025 110 mins

In this two-hour in-depth conversation, Terry Anzaldo shares incredible stories from his career in the music industry. From working with legends like Madonna and Wu-Tang Clan to his perspective on the current state of the music business, Terry doesn't hold back. He also reflects on the journey of Los 5, their breakup, and acknowledges Freddy Rivera for being a steadfast friend and support system during their rise.

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December 11, 2024 92 mins

Uber talented artist and musician Dylan Chambers shares his story to Hollywood, what its like to be a musician in today's world, life on tour and our first ever in-studio performance of a song from his EP!!! This one is one of our favorites ever and we hope you enjoy it!

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November 28, 2024 82 mins
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November 20, 2024 38 mins

In this episode of ON THE RADAR, Freddy Rivera sits down with co-host, lifelong friend and career insider Michelle Zuno to uncover the secrets to nailing your next job interview! Whether you're just starting out or aiming for the executive suite, Michelle shares practical tips and insights for making a great impression and standing out in today’s WILD and competitive job market.


📩 Got your own interview story or question? Share i...

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In our first in-studio interview, we sit with the talented Jazzy K to explore her journey from singing in her dad’s restaurant in Sydney, Australia to pursuing her dreams and performing in Hollywood. Jazzy shares the incredible story of how she unknowingly met legendary producer Babyface, her recent engagement, and what it takes to build a network and grow as an artist in LA. Join us for an inspiring conversation about passion, p...

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August 11, 2022 103 mins
From Power 106 to Palm Spring to 99.1 KGGI, Mister Swiff's career was fundamental to so many parts in music, radio, live events and the club scene. To the IE he is a familiar name. To the industry, he comes highly acclaimed. For those especially in radio, it's hard NOT to relate to at least one of his many interesting and sometimes outlandish stories that make up part of his journey. Swiff has a unique character and right off the b...
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June 30, 2022 48 mins
Sirius/XM's Austin Bessey (formally Radio Disney) gives insight on what WORKS when you are in between jobs, especially those in the entertainment / radio industry. It's a hard time right now for many and its even harder to find the right information that could actually help you get back in the industry. But Austin knows first hand what it was like to be in the industry one day, then out, then back in again. What he shares here on t...
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April 22, 2022 47 mins
"I had to hit rock bottom to appreciate what was coming..." Alex "The Hood Foodie" on becoming who he is today. We thought we'd talk food and social media. But instead, we got pretty deep. His story is one I believe everyone can relate to. His struggles, how he grew up and who he is at the heart is why he's become a local star and worldwide influencer on social media. He's been to the edge and back. With that he's learned to never ...
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April 6, 2022 32 mins
It was purely by chance I ran into Mike McVay in front of the restrooms at a radio conference in Chicago. Mike created and runs McVay Media, an international consulting firm that helps companies, talent and programmers win in today's every-changing world. He's held just about every job in radio including Vice President of Programming for Cumulus, Westwood One, was a Program Director at age 25 and has sustained a successful career i...
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March 24, 2022 53 mins
In every industry, there's a legend within the walls. Stories are created about them. You hear their name. Their character seems bigger than life. But when you finally meet them, they turn out to be the nicest most humblest soul you could have ever met. Ron Shapiro, a legend in his own right, has worked with some of the biggest radio legends to date. He's withstood the seasons and generations and continues to thrive now at the glob...
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