HONOR PAC Podcast

About HONOR PAC Podcast

¡Hola y bienvenidos a HONORable Conversations! We’re here to bring you the juiciest, most real conversations with accomplished, often very public LGBTQ Latinos and Latinas making a positive impact to our community, our country, and the whole world. Picture this: 12 episodes, 12 incredible guests, and one goal - to uncover the private person beyond their public persona and in an unfiltered platica with absolutely fascinating members of our LGBTQ Latinx community. Each of them is a story, an inspiration and an example of excellence. What else sets HONORable Conversations apart? Well, we've got a little trick up our sleeves - a one-of-a-kind lighting round game designed for each episode to shake things up, get our guests to let loose, laugh, and show us more about who they truly are. From artists to activists, entrepreneurs to athletes and influencers, we've got a lineup that will grab your attention and inspire you to achieve what may seem impossible for you to realize. HONORable Conversations will, at times, tug at your heartstrings or touch your soul but always help empower you to realize your own hopes and dreams. Have no doubts, HONORable Conversations is not just a podcast, it's a platica that your comadres would envy! So, grab your cafecito or mezcalito, sit back, and get ready to dive deep with me into the world of HONORable Conversations. Listos? Entonces a la platica! honorpac.substack.com (https://honorpac.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

HONOR PAC

Category

news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

12 Oct 2024

Latest episode

22 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Aug 2025

   Los Politicos with Christopher Guerrero and Robert Allarte

   Host Mario Ceballos interviews Christopher Guerrero, Vice President at Southwest Strategies, and Robert Allarte, Chief of Staff to Long Beach Councilwoman Megan Kerr, discussing the LGBTQ+ Latinx socio-political climate and community resilience.

2. 

   8 Jul 2025

   La Healer with Christine De La Rosa

   Entrepreneur Christine De La Rosa shares her journey from Texas to becoming an advocate for cultural representation and alternative medicine, including cannabis, and establishing The People's Ecosystem in this interview with Mario Ceballos.

3. 

   28 Jun 2025

   El Playwright with Luis Alfaro

   Playwright Luis Alfaro shares his journey as a Chicano artist and mentor, reflecting on community, cultural identity, and the power of personal narratives in a chaotic world, interviewed by Mario Ceballos.

4. 

   21 Jun 2025

   El Profe with Felipe Agredano

   Professor Felipe Agredano MTS shares his experiences as a fourth-generation immigrant, delving into identity, faith, and queerness within the Latino community in an interview with Mario Ceballos.

5. 

   5 May 2025

   Alquimia with Dr. Manuel Peña

   Show Notes for HONORable Conversations: Episode 5 - Manuel Peña, MD, MPH In this engaging conversation, Mario interviews Dr. Manuel Peña, the CEO of Alquimia Med Spa (https://alquimiamedspa.com/), who shares his journey from being a pediatrician to an entrepreneur. Dr. Peña discusses the significance of his work in the community, the challenges he faced, and the personal experiences that shaped his career. He reflects on the importance of cultural identity, the impact of his family, and the value of friendship. The conversation also touches on the importance of taking risks, overcoming fear, and the rewarding nature of patient care. Dr. Peña was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and immigrated with his family to Redwood City in the San Francisco Bay Area when he was less than one year old. He is the eighth of nine children of Aurelia and Manuel Peña and is the first in his family to pursue and obtain a formal higher education. Dr. Peña attended local public schools and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science and the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley. He pursued residency training in General Pediatrics and practiced for two decades in Redwood City and surrounding communities. Throughout his tenure as a pediatrician at the county hospital and various clinics, Dr. Peña effectively merged his commitment to community medicine and public health by providing comprehensive care in primary care clinics, school-based clinics, and a youth health center. A personal history of a chronic skin condition motivated Dr. Peña to investigate innovative research in 2004 pertaining to the application of lasers as a treatment modality. This pivotal experience ignited his interest in laser medicine, leading to a significant shift in his professional trajectory. In 2005, he established a solo practice in aesthetic medicine, named Alquimia Med Spa, which is poised to celebrate its 19th anniversary in the coming weeks. Dr. Peña is dedicated to delivering high-quality, professional skin care to his community, with an emphasis on safety, education, and preventive measures in all cosmetic procedures, mirroring his approach in primary care. He finds great fulfillment in enhancing his patients' lives and self-esteem by assisting them in achieving healthier, more youthful skin and providing effective solutions for various dermatological concerns. In This Episode: * Dr. Peña transitioned from a pediatrician to CEO of Alchemia Med Spa. * The name 'Alquimia' symbolizes the transformation of beauty through science. * Dr. Peña's personal skin condition inspired his journey into skincare. * Dr. Peña emphasizes the importance of community and serving those in need. * Overcoming fear is essential when pursuing new ventures. * Patient stories reaffirm the purpose of his work. * Cultural identity plays a significant role in Dr. Peña's life and career. * Friendship and support are vital in personal and professional growth. * Dr. Peña's commitment to education and patient care is unwavering. * Dr. Peña encourages others to embrace their fears and take risks. Manuel Peña, MD, MPH is an active member of the following medical associations: * American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine * American College of Phlebology * American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine * American Academy of Pediatrics More about Alquimia Med Spa: alquimiamedspa.com (https://alquimiamedspa.com/) Alquimia Med Spa on Instagram @alquimiamedspa (https://www.instagram.com/alquimiamedspa/#) About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC (https://www.honorpac.org/), is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac (https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en) ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   16 Apr 2025

   Beacon with Senator Caroline Menjivar

   Show Notes for HONORable Conversations: Episode 5 - Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW (Caro-LINE Men-JI-var – hard J) she/her/ella Welcome to another engaging episode of HONORable Conversations! Today, we're thrilled to have Senator Caroline Menjivar join us for an inspiring discussion. As a trailblazer representing California's 20th Senate District, Senator Menjivar shares her remarkable journey from the dreams of firefighting to becoming a respected state senator. In This Episode: * Family Roots: Discover how Senator Menjivar's Salvadoran heritage and first-generation American experience shaped her values and aspirations. * Early Ambitions: Learn about her childhood dream of becoming a firefighter, influenced by her close-knit community. * A New Path: Uncover the pivotal moment when a hiring freeze led her to serve in the Marine Corps, where she excelled as a radio operator and Communications Platoon Sergeant. * Educational Achievements: Follow her academic pursuits, culminating in a Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. * Political Journey: Explore her election to the Senate in 2022 and her impactful role as Chair of Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services. * Advocacy Focus: Delve into her commitment to advancing policies for health, human services, and gender equality. * Personal Reflections: Hear about the challenges she's faced and her vision for future political endeavors. Conclusion:Reflect on the significance of diverse representation in politics and Senator Menjivar's role as a beacon for future generations. We close with gratitude for her insights and a reminder to stay tuned for more empowering stories. Connect with Senator Menjivar on social media (https://www.instagram.com/sencarolinemenjivar/) and share your feedback or guest suggestions with us. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC (https://www.honorpac.org/), is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac (https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en) ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   19 Feb 2025

   Public Service with Claudia Monterrosa

   Claudia Monterrosa is a former Biden-Harris Presidential Appointee. This episode was recorded on June 10, 2024, and released on February 18, 2025, during the new presidential administration. Show Notes for HONORable Conversations: Episode 4 - Claudia Monterrosa Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. In this engaging conversation, Claudia Monterrosa shares her journey from a Salvadoran immigrant to a leader in the Biden administration. She reflects on her experiences in Washington, D.C., the significance of her role at HUD, and the personal challenges she faced, including coming out and navigating her identity. Claudia emphasizes the importance of family support, education, and activism in shaping her path, while also discussing the impact of her work on communities across the nation. The conversation highlights the resilience and strength found in personal and professional relationships, as well as the profound lessons learned through public service. Key Takeaways * Claudia felt ecstatic and nervous when she received the call from the Biden administration. * She credits her mother for her sacrifices that enabled her success. * Claudia emphasizes the importance of family support in her journey.Coming out was a challenging process for Claudia, especially with her traditional mother. * Education played a crucial role in Claudia's life and activism. * Claudia's relationship with her wife Joyce has been a source of strength. * She represents HUD and feels the weight of that responsibility. * Claudia's experiences in different communities have been grounding and inspiring. * The journey has tested Claudia and Joyce's partnership but strengthened their love. * Claudia believes public service is an honor and a call to serve. Guest Spotlight: Alfred Fraijo Jr. * Professional Background: As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Grant Programs, Claudia Monterrosa oversees affordable housing and community development programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, the Housing Trust Fund, and CDBG Disaster Recovery funds, in addition to Department-wide energy and environmental policy. * Advocacy and Leadership:DAS Monterrosa brings decades of non-profit and public sector experience incorporating social justice, grassroots organizing, and equity to her work at HUD. Previously, Ms. Monterrosa served as the Chief Housing Officer for the City of Los Angeles. In this capacity, she oversaw the implementation of Measure HHH’s $1.2 billion for the development of Permanent Supportive Housing and successfully secured over $1.6 billion for emergency rental assistance for COVID-impacted tenants. She served as the Public Policy & Research Director at the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), where she managed a team that secured more than $800 million in new funding for affordable housing, energy efficiency programs, foreclosure prevention, and strategic planning and preservation initiatives. Ms. Monterrosa directly led efforts to secure the adoption and implementation of the City’s inaugural Eviction Defense Program, including $10.5 million in funding for the first year and subsequently securing an additional $30 million to extend the program through 2024. In 2017, her efforts led to the creation of the City's first permanent local source of funding for affordable housing via the adoption of the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee. In that same year, she led the City’s successful adoption of the Assessment of Fair Housing Plan under HUD’s new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule (AFFH). * Education: * MA in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles * BA in Political Science and Latin American & Iberian Studies from UC Santa Barbara. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC (https://www.honorpac.org/), is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. To wrap up the episode, Mario Ceballos and Alfred Fraijo Jr. engage in a lively lightning round where Alfred shares some fun and personal insights, giving listeners a glimpse into his personality beyond his professional achievements. Tune In and Be Inspired Don't miss this exciting kickoff season to HONORable Conversations, a podcast that promises heartfelt stories and empowering dialogues. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of uncovering the private lives behind public personas. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or relaxing at home, let this platica with Mario ignite your passion and inspire your dreams. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac (https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en) Thank you for tuning in to HONORable Conversations, where every episode is a chance to learn, laugh, and be inspired. ¡Hasta la próxima! Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   18 Dec 2024

   Somos with Alfred Fraijo Jr.​​​​

   Somos (https://www.somosgroup.org/) Show Notes for HONORable Conversations: Episode 3 - Alfred Fraijo Jr. Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. In this episode of HONORable Conversations, host Mario Ceballos sits down with Alfred Fraijo Jr., a prominent land use attorney and advocate for social justice. Alfred shares his inspiring journey from growing up as a gay Latino boy in Boyle Heights to becoming a successful professional dedicated to widening the circle of opportunity for historically marginalized communities. Throughout the conversation, Alfred emphasizes the power of resilience, the importance of embracing one's true identity, and the impact of saying yes to opportunities. He elaborates on how his company, Somos (https://www.somosgroup.org/), uses land as a tool for social justice. The episode wraps up with a fun lightning round of questions. Key Takeaways * Widening Opportunities: Expanding access and opportunities for marginalized communities is essential for achieving equity. * Saying Yes: Embracing opportunities, even without having all the answers, can lead to personal and professional growth. * True Identity: Embracing one's identity and overcoming personal barriers are crucial for personal transformation. * Land for Justice: Using land strategically can promote social justice, equity, and resource accessibility. * Love and Compassion: These are powerful tools for healing and personal growth. Guest Spotlight: Alfred Fraijo Jr. * Professional Background: * Owner and Principal of Somos Group, focusing on innovative urban placemaking projects. * Former senior partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP, leading the Real Estate and Land Use Practice in Los Angeles. * Advocacy and Leadership: * Active in the Latinx and LGBTQ communities, serving on executive boards of several organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the California Community Foundation. * Founder of Inclusive Action for the City Inc., advocating for equitable land use policies. * President of the board for Friends of the Hollywood Freeway Central Park. * Board member of California Community Builders and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. * Founding board member of Honor PAC and For People of Color. * Education: * Bachelor's degree from Harvard University. * J.D. from Loyola Marymount University. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC (https://www.honorpac.org/), is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. To wrap up the episode, Mario Ceballos and Alfred Fraijo Jr. engage in a lively lightning round where Alfred shares some fun and personal insights, giving listeners a glimpse into his personality beyond his professional achievements. Tune In and Be Inspired Don't miss this exciting kickoff season to HONORable Conversations, a podcast that promises heartfelt stories and empowering dialogues. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of uncovering the private lives behind public personas. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or relaxing at home, let this platica with Mario ignite your passion and inspire your dreams. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac (https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en) Thank you for tuning in to HONORable Conversations, where every episode is a chance to learn, laugh, and be inspired. ¡Hasta la próxima! Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   3 Dec 2024

   Iconic with Joey Terrill

   Show Notes for HONORable Conversations: Episode 2 - Joey Terrill Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. Guest Spotlight: Joey Terrill Joey Terrill is a formative figure in the Los Angeles Chicano art movement and AIDS cultural activism. Born in 1955, he has been painting and making art since the 1970s., Terrill has always explored the intersection of Chicano and gay male identity (where they overlap and where they clash) as a strategy for much of his art production. A native Angeleno, he attended Immaculate Heart College. He lists influences as diverse as Pop Art, Corita Kent, David Hockney, Mexican retablos, and 20th-century painters ranging from Romaine Brooks to Frida Kahlo. His work conveys the energy, politics, and creative synergy of Chicano and queer art circles in Los Angeles. His works from the 1970s and 80s are considered pioneering examples of queer sensibility and Latinx identity. He has been living with HIV since 1980. In 1980, when he moved to New York, he first met Carlos Almaraz and Elsa Flores. In 2021, he retired as Director of Global Advocacy and Partnerships for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, where he was part of the team overseeing five global bureaus covering 44 countries and 1.4 million people in care for HIV. Some selected exhibits he has been in include: * Axis Mundo: Queer Networks in Chicano LA 2017 - 2022 * Forging Territories: Afro & Latinx Queer Contemporary Art, San Diego Art Institute -2019 * Joey Terrill Once Upon a Time: Paintings, 1981-2015, Ortuzar Projects Gallery, New York -2021 * LA Memo: Chicana/o Art from 1972 -1989, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles -2022 * Joey Terrill: Cut and Paste, Ortuzar Projects, TriBeCa, New York 2023 * Made in LA 2023: “Acts of Living”, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles -2023 * Copy Machines Manifesto: Artists Who Make ‘Zines” at Brooklyn Museum-2023 - 2024 * Joey Terrill - Still Here, Marc Selwyn Fine Arts Gallery, Beverly Hills -2024 His work is in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, as well as MOCA LA, Hammer, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. He is represented by Ortuzar Projects Gallery in TriBeCa, New York, and Marc Selwyn Fine Arts Gallery, Beverly Hills. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC (https://www.honorpac.org/), is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. What to Expect: In this engaging conversation, Joey Terrill shares his journey as an artist and advocate within the LGBTQ and Latinx communities. He reflects on his experiences living with HIV, the impact of his art, and the importance of intersectionality in his work. Joey discusses his recent exhibitions, including his participation in the Hammer Museum's Made in LA, and the significance of his comic strip, Chicos Modernos, in educating about HIV. The conversation also touches on his advocacy work, personal challenges, and the evolution of his artistic identity over the years. Tune In and Be Inspired Don't miss this exciting kickoff season to HONORable Conversations, a podcast that promises heartfelt stories and empowering dialogues. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of uncovering the private lives behind public personas. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or relaxing at home, let this platica with Mario ignite your passion and inspire your dreams. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac (https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en) Thank you for tuning in to HONORable Conversations, where every episode is a chance to learn, laugh, and be inspired. ¡Hasta la próxima! Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    12 Oct 2024

    DETERMINED with Belissa Escobedo

    Belissa Escobedo was born and raised in Los Angeles. She got her start in the ABC Diversity Showcase in 2018 and went on to book her first role as a series regular on ABC’s The Baker and The Beauty. Since then, she has starred in a number of major studio films, including Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2 and DC’s Blue Beetle. She is starring alongside Reba McEntire in NBC’s new sitcom, Happy’s Place. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe (https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Who has been a guest on HONOR PAC Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Christopher Guerrero
• Robert Allarte
• Christine De La Rosa
• Luis Alfaro
• Felipe Agredano

Podcast Authority Score: 2 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0