Let the experience begin!


Hey Reader,

It's Russell, your co-host of the MySGV Podcast, inviting you to join me for an exclusive journey in "Beyond the Mic with Russell Mano." It's more than a newsletter; it's our intimate table for quick bites of behind-the-scenes podcast stories and undiscovered SGV gems.

Here we can connect beyond the show. Think of it as a virtual meal together, where I, a self-proclaimed foodie, share the flavors that define our community.

Expect exclusive insights, untold tales, and a sprinkle of my culinary escapades. Ready to dine and discover? Our virtual mealtime rendezvous awaits!

Welcome to today's literary meal. Let's start with a tasty appetizer...


Appetizer🍴

"Authenticity is when you say and do the things you actually believe." ~Simon Sinek

We recently had our first Instagram Reel go viral follow by a second one soon after! The first reel to go viral was of Carlos Aguilar (aka Big Brown Dad), from Episode #66. In it, he shares the creation myth shared by the local Tongva and Gabrielino natives from the SGV. It was exciting to see the view count shoot up (currently over 300K) and read all the comments come in. Here are some of the top comments from that video.

@mikethepoet - Carlos is a great dude. He’s sharing an important story & history here!

@metrosess - what a fantastic story!😍

@ms_smorris - I lived in San Gabriel Valley just below the San Gabriel Mountains shown here… on good days we could see it, on bad days I called it the disappearing mountain because the smog was be so thick we couldn’t see it!! Cool to hear the history & mythology behind it.

@robroy_slc - Proud to be from the SGV!

The second was a clip we cut from another podcast, The Fung Bros, talking about the food in the San Gabriel Valley. Check out that video here and read some of the comments below.

@candie_andgie - That's right!!! Been in the SGV since 88 and our foods has only grown and there's so much that you really can't try them all in a lifetime

@crissypoon - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 mother f*ing RIGHT

@diegolojero - Sgv rules

@donutroidz - Come on Bros… yall created yourselves here in 626. Can’t beat it. We the best


Main Course 🍽️

"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." ~Napoleon Hill

In our upcoming episode with Eric Tjahyadi of Bone Kettle in Pasadena, we don't delve into the typical dish details. No ingredients, no taste profiles, and certainly no culinary inspirations. Instead, we're taking you on a journey into the life and struggles that paved Eric's path into the restaurant industry.

Get ready for a glimpse into Eric's remarkable journey. From growing up in a three-bedroom apartment shared by three families and twenty people, to facing a daily five-mile trek from Monterey Park to Schurr High School in Montebello with a fully loaded backpack – Eric's story is one of resilience, tenacity, and overcoming the odds.

Join us as we uncover the challenges he navigated with a unique ability to view obstacles as mere stepping stones. Taking you through the intricacies of his life, we'll explore how these experiences shaped Eric's character, fuelled his determination, and ultimately led to the creation of Bone Kettle.

Tune in tomorrow for a podcast episode that goes beyond the plate, beyond the flavors, and straight into the heart of the incredible individuals shaping our community.


Dessert 🍮

Frequently, individuals inquire about launching a podcast, seeking guidance on topics, equipment, show segments, and more. Drawing from my experience of over three years and 160+ episodes, I'll provide insights. Let's start with some intriguing podcast statistics – Reader, did you know that a significant number of podcasts don't surpass the 10-episode mark?

Surprisingly, most cease before hitting double digits, and less than 25% endure beyond 25 episodes. This led me on a quest to understand why. The resounding answer was that many people ventured into podcasting without a clear understanding of their purpose.

Their "why" lacked clarity, often centered around gaining views, downloads, fame, or monetary success. It became crucial for me to establish absolute clarity on our "why" and articulate our vision for the future.

Our vision in sharing these stories with you is to unite the San Gabriel Valley, creating a beacon of diversity and pride that is renowned globally for its rich cultural tapestry and inspiring people to embrace living and working in this vibrant community.


Thanks for spending this literary meal with me Reader. I'll see you next Monday!

Russell Mano

~ fear hardens the ego, love softens it

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Hey Reader, It's Russell, your co-host of the MySGV Podcast, inviting you to join me for an exclusive journey in "Beyond the Mic with Russell Mano." It's more than a newsletter; it's our intimate table for quick bites of behind-the-scenes podcast stories and undiscovered SGV gems. Here we can connect beyond the show. Think of it as a virtual meal together, where I, a self-proclaimed foodie, share the flavors that define our community. Expect exclusive insights, untold tales, and a sprinkle of...

Hey Reader, It's Russell, your co-host of the MySGV Podcast, inviting you to join me for an exclusive journey in "Beyond the Mic with Russell Mano." It's more than a newsletter; it's our intimate table for quick bites of behind-the-scenes podcast stories and undiscovered SGV gems. Here we can connect beyond the show. Think of it as a virtual meal together, where I, a self-proclaimed foodie, share the flavors that define our community. Expect exclusive insights, untold tales, and a sprinkle of...