Sueños To Success Podcast with Dr. Victor Rios
My name is Dr. Victor Rios. Once a high school dropout and juvenile delinquent, my life was transformed by a teacher who believed in me. Today, I hold a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, serve as a MacArthur Foundation Professor, have authored nine books, and delivered a TED Talk viewed by over 1.7 million people. Adversity is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. This podcast is about making sense of our struggles and discovering how to turn our dreams (sueños) into success. Through inspiring stories, research-based strategies, and actionable insights, we explore how to rise above challenges and help others do the same. Whether you're navigating your own struggles or seeking tools to support a loved one, student, or mentee, this podcast reminds us all: it's never too late to create a new path.
Episodes
Youth Empowerment Speaker
- U.S. Congressman, District 29, (2013-2025)
Founder and President of Orenda Education
What does it really take to earn a Ph.D.?
Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma
Authors of This Foo: 7 Lessons for Burros and Bag Chaser$
New Episode of Season 2!
Dr. Shenoda grew up facing significant challenges, including witnessing violence as a kid and losing a loved one to illness. Despite these hardships, he persevered and became a highly respected cardiologist, a heart doctor, in his community. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of his patients. He is now saving lives one heart at a time!
The Power of Optimism & Community
Dr. Victor Rios sits down with Love Jefferson, a first-generation college student who forged his own path through education and sports. Love’s journey took him from winning a Pac-10 Championship and making a Rose Bowl appearance to playing in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. 🏆🏈
In this episode, Love recounts the unforgettable moment he first met Dr. Victor Rios and how their connection sparked a...
Dr. Victor Rios is joined by Dr. Juan Manuel Santos, Assistant Superintendent of the Ventura County Office of Education and President-Elect of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA).
In this powerful conversation, they dive into transformational leadership, the role of educators in communities of struggle, and what truly defines a transformative teacher—one who changes lives every single day...
Dr. Victor Rios sits down with Jose Anzaldo—UC Berkeley undergraduate, motivational speaker, and subject of the PBS documentary East of Salinas. Jose’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in the agricultural fields of Salinas, California, he faced housing insecurity, witnessed violence, and encountered systemic barriers.
Yet, with the support of his village, his men...
As Steve Jobs once said, "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller." That’s exactly what we’re diving into—the stories that shape us, inspire us, and push us to redefine success. The Power of Storytelling with Audrey Lee We’re kicking off this extended season with a thought-provoking episode featuring Audrey Lee, author of The Mechanics of Memory. 💡
How do we hold onto the past while forging new paths forward? In h...
The final episode of Season One of Sueños to Success! In this deeply personal and emotional conversation, Dr. Victor Rios sits down with his mom to discuss the struggles and healing that shaped their journey.
💡 The pain of being left as a child and how it impacted their relationship
💡 Her battles with mental health—and the darkest moments they faced together
💡 How they found healing, forgiveness, and a path forward as a family
Thi...
In this episode of Sueños to Success, Dr. Victor Rios is joined by Dr. Rebeca Mireles-Rios, his wife of 25 years, for an intimate and insightful conversation.
Together, they’ll share: 💡 Lessons from their 25-year marriage 💡 Strategies for raising successful kids 💡 How to build strong, lasting family bonds.
This episode is a heartfelt celebration of resilience, family, and the secrets to creating meaningful connections.
Dr. Victor Rios is joined by Angel Ramirez, Retired Chairman and CEO of Deckers Brands—home to iconic names like UGG, HOKA, and Teva. Angel’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary:
In this episode, Angel shares his incredible story—from immigrating from Cuba to leading a global brand.
Angel’s story embodies the values of: hard work, perseverance, and the power of community. Whether you’re dreaming big, starting your journey, or l...
Get ready to be inspired as Demontea Thompson joins the Sueños to Success Podcast!
From growing up in foster care in Compton to becoming a Ph.D. candidate at UCLA, Demontea’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education. As the Executive Director of Twinspire, Demontea is changing lives by empowering marginalized young adults and foster youth. Tune in to hear his powerful story and his life motto: ...
In this podcast, we'll dive into research and brainstorm ideas based on cutting-edge studies in psychology, sociology, economics, education to explore what makes people thrive despite their adversities. We'll break down the science of resilience and success, discussing the habits, mindsets, and networks that can empower you to rise above your challenges. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or looking for new ways to sta...
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