WELCOME TO THE NOW

About WELCOME TO THE NOW

WELCOME TO THE NOW is where triumph meets challenge at the pinnacle of success. Hosted by Erwin Benedict Valencia, this podcast unravels the journeys of athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who’ve risen, fallen, pivoted, and begun again. Through raw stories of resilience, we uncover the power of presence, gratitude, and the communities that sustain transformation. Because success without connection is empty—and thriving in the NOW means rising together.

Publisher

Erwin Benedict Valencia

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Sept 2025

Latest episode

17 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Dec 2025

   9. Why Women Are the Most Powerful Creatures with Dr. Rasha Sulman

   Women were never meant to be “stronger.” They were always powerful. In this episode of Welcome to the Now, I sit down with Dr. Rasha Sulman to break the myths around feminine strength, burnout, and success — and to tell the truth about why women carry more than they’re ever acknowledged for. We talk about: Why women’s power isn’t hustle — it’s wisdom, intuition, and resilience How burnout hits women differently (and why most systems ignore it) What happens when women stop apologizing for rest, emotion, and boundaries Why honoring cycles changes everything This conversation isn’t trendy. It’s necessary. - Comment if this hit home - Share this with a woman who needs the reminder When women are supported, everything changes.

2. 

   3 Dec 2025

   8. You Just Need To Start with Chezka Gonzales

   What does it look like to take off, literally and figuratively, when the rules don’t fit your vision? In this episode of Welcome to the Now, I sit down with Chezka Gonzales — Airbus A320 pilot, global entrepreneur, single mom, and founder of the Philippines’ premier blockchain conference and founding partner of Michael Cinco Auto Artistry. From Manila to Dubai and beyond, Chezka’s journey is proof that the only thing holding you back is the decision to begin. What you’ll hear: Her leap from the cockpit to the blockchain space and creative design world — and how she navigated industries that weren’t built for women. Real talk about motherhood, hustle, and how to sustain high performance without losing your soul. Why “just starting” can be more powerful than “having it all figured out.” How presence, faith, and grit helped her build multiple empires — while staying grounded and aligned with her truth. Whether you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, doubting your timing, or waiting for the “perfect moment” — this episode is your wake‑up call: You don’t need permission. You just need to start. So... Take A Breath. You've Arrived. Welcome To The NOW.

3. 

   19 Nov 2025

   7. You Are Exactly Where You Need To Be with Chantel Elloway

   What does life feel like when alignment finally meets courage? In this episode of Welcome to the Now, Chantel Elloway—entrepreneur, investor, media strategist, and one of the Middle East’s most influential voices—shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind her journey. From reinvention to resilience, from heartbreak to purpose, Chantel opens up about the moments that shaped her, the inner work that changed her, and the power of choosing yourself even when the world expects you to be someone else. This episode is a reminder that your path is unfolding exactly as it should… even if it doesn’t always feel like it. • Why alignment is the foundation of power, peace, and love• Letting go of identities that no longer fit• Reinvention as a courageous act of self-leadership• What success looks like when you stop abandoning yourself• How to listen to the version of you that’s becoming Take a breath. You’ve arrived. Welcome to the NOW.

4. 

   5 Nov 2025

   6. Rising Into Greatness: High-Performance Reset with Maria Saab

   What does greatness look like when you trade burnout for clarity and purpose? In this episode of Welcome to the Now, Erwin Benedict Valencia sits down with Maria Saab — internationally recognized high-performance coach and founder of Home of Greatness, with years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives across more than ten countries. She shares how performance isn’t just about output or ambition — it’s about alignment. From leading corporate teams and championship-winning athletes, to guiding high achievers through full-spectrum transformation, Maria reveals the science and soul behind sustainable success. Together, they explore: - The reset that happens when you slow down - How to rewrite the story of who you are - Why community, presence, and gratitude create true performance longevity Take a breath. You’ve arrived. Welcome to the NOW. 🎙 🎧 Listen or watch NOW: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube👇 Tag @erwinbvalencia and @mariasaab with your biggest insight. #WelcomeToTheNow #MariaSaab #HighPerformance #Coach #Mindfulness #Community #Reset #Wellness #MentalHealth

5. 

   22 Oct 2025

   5.From Angola to the Algorithm: Calvin Castiel’s Journey of Reinvention

   How far would you go to find your truth? In this powerful episode of Welcome to the NOW, I sit down with Calvin Castiel, who began his professional life with a stable career in mechanical engineering, only to find himself in an entirely new path — as a YouTube creator. From Angola to South Africa to the Philippines, Calvin’s journey redefines what high performance means in today’s world. It’s no longer about output — it’s about alignment, creativity, and courage. Together, they explore: - The fear and freedom of starting over in a new country - Why success isn’t a formula, but a feeling - How presence and purpose fuel real performance This is a story about listening to your intuition, trusting the unknown, and saying yes to the version of you that’s been waiting to emerge. Take a breath. You’ve arrived.Welcome to the NOW.🎙

6. 

   8 Oct 2025

   4. How to Be Brave When Life Breaks You with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

   When life falls apart, how do you find the strength to rise again? In this deeply moving episode of Welcome to the NOW, we sit down with Dr. Neeta Bhushan — bestselling author, emotional intelligence expert, and host of The Brave Table , to explore what it truly means to be brave when everything feels uncertain. Together, we unpack: - How resilience is not learned from books but from the experiences that shape us - The powerful role family plays in both our growth and our greatest challenges - The raw, unfiltered truth about motherhood and maintaining presence - How surrendering to vulnerability becomes the key to strength This is not just a conversation about success. It’s a reflection on the beauty of imperfection, the lessons found in struggle, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Take a breath. You’ve arrived.Welcome to the NOW. 🎙✨ Join the Conversation:Tag @erwinbvalencia and @neetabhushan with your biggest takeaway. Let’s keep building a community where gratitude, presence, and growth meet.

7. 

   24 Sept 2025

   1. The Many Lives of Dr. Erwin Benedict Valencia

   The Many Lives of Erwin Benedict Valencia I’ve lived many lives before I ever arrived here with you. From being an MTV VJ in Asia, to a radio DJ for the Philippines’ top pop station, to touring as the MC for one of the country’s biggest R&B groups—my early years were all about chasing the spotlight. Later, I found myself in NBA locker rooms, serving as a high performance director and mindfulness pioneer, working alongside some of the best athletes in the world. But here’s the truth: behind every dream realized, there were moments of emptiness, burnout, and the haunting question—“Is this all there is?” In this first episode of Welcome to the Now, I share my personal journey of reinvention. I’ll take you through the highs of fame and success, the silent battles behind the curtain, and the lessons that taught me the true power of presence, gratitude, and community. This podcast is more than stories of success—it’s about the humans behind the highlights, and what it takes to stay grounded when the world pulls you in every direction. If you’ve ever found yourself asking what lies beyond “making it,” or if you’re in a season of transition, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore what it means to pause, to breathe, and to fully embrace the Now. In this episode, you’ll hear: My journey from chasing fame to finding presence Why success without stillness leads to burnout How gratitude and community sustain transformation The vision for Welcome to the Now and what’s ahead I hope this conversation sparked something in you—an insight, a breath, or maybe just a reminder to slow down and truly arrive here, in the NOW. If it did, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Your words don’t just help others find Welcome to the NOW—they also grow this community of high performers, seekers, and changemakers who are choosing presence over burnout, gratitude over grind. Until next time… stay grateful, stay present, and as always—Welcome to the NOW.

8. 

   24 Sept 2025

   Welcome to the NOW: The Journey Begins (Trailer)

   What happens when the spotlight fades, and the real work of reinvention begins? I’m Erwin Benedict Valencia—award-winning multi-hyphenate who’s truly lived many lives and wears many hats: MTV VJ, pop radio DJ, NBA medical and performance director, non-profit founder, mindfulness coach, mentor, and many more. Along the way, I’ve learned that success without presence is a recipe for burnout. Welcome to the NOW is a podcast for athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and high performers who’ve risen, fallen, pivoted, and dared to rebuild. Together, we’ll explore presence, gratitude, and the communities that sustain us, through raw conversations and real stories of transformation. This is your invitation to stop chasing and start arriving. Take a breath. You’ve landed in the right place. Welcome to the NOW.

9. 

   24 Sept 2025

   2. From Gut Health to Whole Life Healing with Mary Cristine

   In this episode, I sit down with Mary Cristine—award-winning Middle East gut specialist and the founder of Be That Life, Beat That Dish, the Be That Life Summit, and the Be That Life Podcast. Mary shares her incredible journey of moving from clinical practice into holistic wellness and community building, where she empowers others to heal not just their bodies, but their entire lives. We talk about resilience, the courage to start over, and how she’s built spaces where people can connect deeply on the path to wellness. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your pain into purpose, this one will light the way. I hope this conversation sparked something in you—an insight, a breath, or maybe just a reminder to slow down and truly arrive here, in the NOW. If it did, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Your words don’t just help others find Welcome to the NOW—they also grow this community of high performers, seekers, and changemakers who are choosing presence over burnout, gratitude over grind. Until next time… stay grateful, stay present, and as always—Welcome to the NOW.

10. 

    24 Sept 2025

    3. Reinvention in the Spotlight with Agustina Palma

    In this conversation, I’m joined by Agustina Palma—singer, actress, and creative force who has grown up in front of the camera. From early fame to navigating transitions in both career and identity, Agustina shares her raw and real journey of stepping into presence and owning her voice in a new way. We talk about the challenges of being in the public eye, the courage it takes to reinvent yourself when the world is watching, and the importance of gratitude and grounding when everything around you changes. Her story reminds us that reinvention is never a single moment—it’s a practice of returning to who we truly are. I hope this conversation sparked something in you—an insight, a breath, or maybe just a reminder to slow down and truly arrive here, in the NOW. If it did, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Your words don’t just help others find Welcome to the NOW—they also grow this community of high performers, seekers, and changemakers who are choosing presence over burnout, gratitude over grind. Until next time… stay grateful, stay present, and as always—Welcome to the NOW.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact WELCOME TO THE NOW

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.