Talk About It With Franjez

Neil Pallone delivers one of the most raw and compelling conversations on family legacy, boxing history, the rise of female fighters, domestic violence advocacy, and the psychological toll of working in corrections. As the nephew of legendary welterweight “Tough Tony” Pallone, Neil breaks down the untold story behind one of boxing’s most influential families and how that legacy shaped his life. Neil speaks candidly about growing up...

Adam Vohra joins me for one of the deepest and most candid conversations we’ve had on this show. Adam is a keynote speaker, podcast host, and founder of ARV Enterprises. In this episode, he opens up fully about his adoption story, childhood identity struggles, years of alcohol dependence, legal issues, hitting rock bottom, and the path that led him to rebuild his life spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. We cover ego, rese...

In this powerful episode of Talk About It With Franjez, we sit down with Lewis Omar Figueroa, the founder of HGRN Holdings, a direct lender, and a published author. Omar shares his incredible journey from growing up in the 'hood hood' of the Bronx on Nelson Avenue , navigating parental challenges as a 'parentrenified' child , and hustling through multiple jobs while attending NYU on a scholarship. Discover the mindset shift that to...

Welcome back to the Talk About It with Franjez Podcast! Today, we're joined by a multi award winning writer, actor, and filmmaker, and the cofounder of Brimstone Pictures, Neil Chase! We're also thrilled to have our returning guest cohost, Michael Mitage. Neil, the creator of the acclaimed film Spin the Wheel, shares his incredible journey from being born in Croatia and moving to Canada at age seven, to his initial career as an ele...

Franjez sits down with the incredible Cherie Jimenez, the talented actress best known for her role as Gabby Hernandez on the long running, Emmy winning soap opera, Days of Our Lives. In this exclusive and candid interview, Cherie opens up about her unique journey from a young New York City girl to a staple on daytime television. She shares what it was like growing up in Manhattan, moving between boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Lower Eas...

In this inspiring episode of Talk About It with Franjez, we sit down with Shereena Delgado, a fashion producer, confidence expert, and published author, as she opens up about her powerful story from growing up in Honduras to building an empire in New York’s fashion scene. Shireena shares her experiences with childhood rebellion, self discovery, faith, modeling at New York & London Fashion Week, being featured by Cardi B, and ho...

Jason Bernstein, a below knee amputee firefighter, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, and animal rescuer who turned unimaginable pain into unstoppable purpose. Jason opens up about the injury that changed his life, his 17-year battle to walk again, and the mindset that helped him return to firefighting against all odds. From battling addiction to starting a rescue farm and inspiring others through fitness, Jason’s story is one of res...

Bronx NY tattoo artists. You can’t Talk About It with Franjez without talking about hustle, loyalty, and art. In this episode, I sit down with Ed Monster, owner of Ink Junky Studio, and Katt, his loyal artist, to uncover their journey from the Bronx streets to building one of New York’s most respected tattoo studios. We talk childhood dreams, Puerto Rico beginnings, fashion and graffiti roots, struggles, mentorship, loyalty, and ho...

In Episode 123 of Talk About It with Franjez, Bronx’s own Rah Jugga steps into the studio to talk about his journey as an artist, his creative process, and the mindset behind his music. From humble beginnings to building his name through passion and persistence, Rah Jugga opens up about his life, his sound, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode dives deep into what it means to stay authentic in today’s music industry,...

Wes Oakley joins Talk About It with Franjez for an unforgettable ride through Yonkers/Hastings history, Hollywood hustles, and wild Prohibition lore. Growing up in Hastings on Hudson, Wes moved to LA in the ’90s, worked across film/TV/music videos, and now creates science storytelling at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and La Brea Tar Pits. We dive into his grandmother’s jaw-dropping stories from “The Big Egg” speakeasy o...

Hair salon & taco trucks owners on Episode 121 of Talk About It With Franjez. I sat down with Cynthia, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Reveal Hair Studio in Rye, NY and Ruben the owner of Tecas Tacos in New Rochelle, NY. We dive into their upbringing, the motivation that pushed her into entrepreneurship, and the real ups and downs of being a business owner. They open up about the challenges, the victories, and their vision f...

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On Episode 119 of Talk About It With Franjez, we sit down with two powerful female rappers making waves in the hip hop scene, MizGeneral and NeshaB Rappin. Originally from the Bronx, MizGeneral moved to Daytona, Florida, where she linked up with NeshaB Rappin. Together, they’ve been building their sound, rocking live performances, and bringing authentic bars to the culture. In this episode, we dive into their upbringing, love for m...

Indie musician In Episode 118 of Talk About It With Franjez, we’re joined by rising indie artist Dippy The Lad, a powerful singer-songwriter and guitarist from Carlstadt, NJ, making waves in the NYC/NJ music scene. From performing in dive bars to releasing his debut album King Of Fools, Dippy shares his raw truth, stories behind his most intimate songs like PRIDE and Rose Bed, and what it’s really like grinding in the underground i...

Queens rapper Ben Bacardi in Episode 117 of Talk About It with Franjez. Rising NYC hip hop artist Ben Bacardi shares his journey from Queens, New York to becoming a voice of resilience through music. Signed to Tribeca Records, Ben opens up about how his upbringing in Queens shaped his lyrical style, his early influences like Nas, Jay-Z, and Mobb Deep, and how hip hop became his therapy during dark times. We dive into: • Life in Fre...

Neurodivergence by Mr Hip Hop in episode 115 of Talk About It with Franjez, we sit down with Andrew Wang, a Yonkers-based music educator, hip-hop expert, and national speaker on neurodivergence in the classroom. Known by many as Mr. Hip Hop, Andrew shares his powerful life story from growing up with a 504 learning plan and speech impediment to using beatboxing as therapy, and eventually becoming a pioneering force in using hip-hop ...

Yonkers Comic Con 2026. Today, we welcome back returning guests Evan Bishop and Katori Walker, the creative forces behind Yonkers Comic Con (YC³) and leading figures in the Yonkers arts scene. In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we reflect on last year’s explosive growth (from 40 people to over 4,200 attendees!) and look ahead to what’s coming for Yonkers Comic Con 2025, happening September 27th at the Yonkers Riverfront Librar...

In Episode 114 of Talk About It With Franjez, we sit down with Michelle Moore, the visionary owner of Pure Wonder NY, a luxury event space in downtown Yonkers. Michelle takes us through her inspiring journey, from growing up in Colorado, to pursuing her dreams in New York City, and ultimately opening her first event space on Main Street, Yonkers. She opens up about the goals that drive her, the challenges she’s overcome, and the tr...

Today’s guests are two powerhouse entrepreneurs and long time friends: Hugo Velasquez and James Amigon, co-owners of Home Thesis, a premium home renovation company, and The Gentleman’s Lab, a high-end barbershop in New Rochelle, NY. In this deep and inspiring episode, we trace their journey from childhood through high school friendship, grinding through painting and carpentry side jobs, and eventually building two successful brands...