Best Joseph Cabrera Podcasts (2025)

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Laid Off From The Oil Fields To Owning An Old School Butcher Shop I Brooks Lubojasky I AO 34 51:20

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23h ago51:20

51:20

For Brooks, the path to becoming a business owner wasn’t straight — but it was true. Brooks grew up hunting, fishing, and processing deer with his family, he always had a connection to food and community. After a short stint in college, years running a local deli, and time in the oil field, life took a sharp turn when COVID hit. Laid off and back a…

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Keeping Ranches Profitable Through Creative Marketing I Austin Pardon I AO 33 1:07:59

8d ago1:07:59

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Austin Pardon's Pod Description?Austin Pardon grew up bottle-feeding baby tigers and walking among exotic animals — a third-generation legacy that shaped his vision for Droptine Studios. What began as a passion for telling the stories of exotic animal ranchers and breeders has grown tenfold into a thriving creative business, serving both corporate …

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Wisdom From A Man Who Built A Moving Company Empire I Wade Lombard I AO 32 1:07:14

16d ago1:07:14

1:07:14

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Wade Lombard—an entrepreneur who went from disrupting the moving industry to building custom homes—to talk about leadership, discipline, and staying in your lane. Wade shares how key relationships shaped his path, why marriage transformed his priorities, and how understanding the Enneagram has…

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Being A Cowboy In Mexico Humbled Me, Now I Own A Roofing Business I James Wolfgang Kuntz I AO 31 57:01

23d ago57:01

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In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with James, founder of Tarrytown Roofing, to unpack a life shaped by grit, urgency, and a drive to do things better. From being sent alone to a family ranch in Mexico at age 12—learning Spanish, ranching, and resilience—to building a career in sales before betting on himself in the roofing industry…

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Philis Barragán-Goetz, "Reading, Writing, and Revolution: Escuelitas and the Emergence of a Mexican American Identity in Texas" (U Texas Press, 2020) 52:04

28d ago52:04

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Debates about Ethnic Studies in K-12 and Higher Education have highlighted the importance of culturally inclusive pedagogy in schools. Despite discussions about Ethnic Studies, there is a more extended history of Mexican-origin people pushing for culturally responsive education. In Reading, Writing, and Revolution: Escuelitas and the Emergence of a…

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Sold A Generator Company And Acquired A Glass Business I Michael Summers I AO 30 1:11:57

30d ago1:11:57

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Michael Summers didn’t start in the trades — he started on stage. A former theater major at Baylor turned tour manager for bands like Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, and Robert Randolph, Michael’s early career was all about storytelling, logistics, and making people laugh. Today, he owns Alamo Glass, a residential and commercial glass business in Texas —…

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Vanessa Diaz, "Manufacturing Celebrity: Latino Paparazzi and Women Reporters in Hollywood" (Duke UP, 2020) 50:01

30d ago50:01

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While Hollywood’s images present a veneer of fantasy for some, the work to create such images is far from escapism. In Manufacturing Celebrity: Latino Paparazzi and Women Reporters in Hollywood (Duke University Press, 2020), anthropologist Vanessa Díaz examines the raced and gendered hierarchies and inequalities that are imbricated within the work …

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Disco's "Latin Tinge" 1:01:02

1M ago1:01:02

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In the 1930s, musical Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton identified the influence of Latin American rhythms like the habanera in jazz, as a sonic “tinge” that fundamentally shaped his style as a stride pianist. In the Seventies, disco presented its own Latin tinge. The Latin American and Latino influence on 1970s New York disco extended far beyond the f…

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Built A High End Luxury Beauty Business With Texas Charm I Kaylee Watts I AO 29 1:10:33

1M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Here is a description for Kaylee Watts - Thoughts? At the beginning of building a thriving laser skincare business, Kaylee Watts was juggling four jobs keeping Austin Laser Solutions running (all solo) — answering phones, treating clients, and managing books all between 6th Street bar shifts. What started as a grind turned into a scaled, multi-loca…

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Darren W. Davis and David C. Wilson, "Racial Resentment in the Political Mind" (U Chicago Press, 2021) 55:57

1M ago55:57

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In Racial Resentment in the Political Mind, Darren W. Davis and David C. Wilson challenge the commonly held notion that all racial negativity, disagreements, and objections to policies that seek to help racial minorities stem from racial prejudice. They argue that racial resentment arises from just-world beliefs and appraisals of deservingness that…

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Blue Bell's Former CEO Shares The Sweetness In Taking On Life One Scoop At A Time I Ricky Dickson I AO 28 1:08:20

1M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

How do you lead a legacy brand without losing yourself in the process? Ricky Dickson spent 43 years at Blue Bell, working his way from the first day on the job to the CEO seat — and never forgot where he came from. In this episode of American Operator, Ricky shares what it really means to grow into leadership: staying grounded in service, leading w…

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Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives 51:08

2M ago51:08

51:08

Teacher By Teacher traces the journey of the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education and is a deeply personal love letter to all the teachers in our lives. The story of John B. King Jr.’s inspiring path to President Obama’s Cabinet begins the day that his mother died. He insisted on going to school that day, knowing he would find comfort in his classroom…

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Building a Successful Chiropractor Business After Getting Fired I Dr. Nick Fedele I AO 27 1:05:11

2M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this episode of American Operator, Dr. Nick shares how his grandfather’s wisdom and belief in him sparked a fire to go independent. From those early days of doubt and hustle to building a thriving chiropractic practice, Dr. Nick reveals the discipline, patience, and purpose it takes to serve people well — and run a values-driven business. This i…

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Benjamin Francis-Fallon, "The Rise of the Latino Vote: A History" (Harvard UP, 2019) 53:47

2M ago53:47

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While media pundits continually speculate over the future leanings of the so-called “Latino vote,” Benjamin Francis-Fallon historicizes how Latinos were imagined into a national electoral constituency in his new book The Rise of the Latino Vote: A History (Harvard University Press, 2019). Francis-Fallon, Assistant Professor of History at Western Ca…

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Everyday Heroes Doing The Right Thing, Because They Don't Have To Ask I AO 26 12:42

2M ago12:42

12:42

When crisis hits, it's not just firefighters and first responders that show up — sometimes, it's your neighborhood small business owner. In this episode, we dive into real stories of local operators who stepped in when it mattered most. From natural disasters to community breakdowns, these entrepreneurs became unexpected heroes, proving that runnin…

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Joseph O. Jewell, "White Man’s Work: Race and Middle-Class Mobility into the Progressive Era" (UNC Press, 2023) 40:16

2M ago40:16

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In the financial chaos of the last few decades, increasing wealth inequality has shaken people's expectations about middle-class stability. At the same time, demographers have predicted the "browning" of the nation's middle class--once considered a de facto "white" category--over the next twenty years as the country becomes increasingly racially di…

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First 30 Days Pt. 3: Observe & Innovate I AO 25 7:17

2M ago7:17

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In this final episode of our First 30 Days series, we get tactical about improving the business you just bought—without breaking the machine. JC shares how to audit your customer and team experience, introduces a 5-step framework for solving process problems, and explains how to implement changes without burning trust or momentum. If you’re ready t…

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First 30 Days Pt. 2: How to Measure Business Health I AO 24 4:40

2M ago4:40

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You don’t need to be a CPA to be a great owner. But if you don’t understand how your business makes, loses, or keeps money... you’re flying blind. In this episode of American Operator, JC walks through the core financial metrics every new business owner must track to know if the business is actually healthy… or just surviving. From weekly cash flow…

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First 30 Days Pt. 1 – How to Build Trust in Acquisitions I AO 23 6:04

3M ago6:04

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You just bought a business. Now what? The worst thing you can do is walk in and start swinging your authority around. In this episode of American Operator, JC breaks down exactly what the first 30 days should look like for any new owner. This isn’t the time to change everything. It’s the time to earn trust. From one-on-one conversations to walking …

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Why Small Business Is Patriotic: 4th of July Special I AO 22 8:37

3M ago8:37

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On this Independence Day, JC delivers a personal and passionate message on why small business ownership is the most American thing you can do. As we fire up the grills and watch fireworks, JC challenges us to think about what we're doing with the opportunity we've been given. He shares reflections from his time in uniform, the risk of losing legacy…

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Jennifer R. Nájera, "Learning to Lead: Undocumented Students Mobilizing Education" (Duke UP, 2024) 1:12:15

3M ago1:12:15

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In Learning to Lead: Undocumented Students Mobilizing Education (Duke University Press, 2024), Jennifer R. Nájera explores the intersections of education and activism among undocumented students at the University of California, Riverside. Taking an expansive view of education, Nájera shows how students’ experiences in college—both in and out of the…

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Football Quarterbacks Run Small Business Plays I Jeff Driskel & Jason Driskel I AO 21 Clip 1:03:21

3M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

In this episode of American Operator, we sit down with Jeff and Jason Driskel — brothers, quarterbacks, and now business partners. While Jeff continues his NFL career, Jason has stepped into the full-time operator role as they grow a portfolio of service-based businesses that prioritize freedom, fundamentals, and long-term value. Their first acquis…

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How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America 43:17

3M ago43:17

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In How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America, (Harvard Education PR, 2024) Laura C. Chávez-Moreno uncovers the process through which schools implicitly and explicitly shape their students’ concept of race and the often unintentional consequences of this on educational equity. Dr. Chávez-Moreno sheds light on how the complex in…

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West Point, Pro Baseball, Iraq - Road To Ownership I Schuyler Williamson I AO 20 1:07:57

3M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

What do mortgage rates, job security, and building houses have in common? Schuyler Williamson, founder of Mission Homes in Austin, joins JC to break down what’s really keeping people from buying — and why small business ownership might be the antidote to a shaky job market. In this episode, they cover: The myth of “bad timing” when it comes to buyi…

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Military Secrets for Decision Making - Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating FOREVER I AO 19 11:13

3M ago11:13

11:13

Stop spiraling over every decision. In this video, JC breaks down a practical 4-bucket system used in the military for fast, confident decision-making — so you can stop overthinking and start operating. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to send that one text, this framework will change how you show up. 🗞️ AO NEWSLETTER https://americanop…

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The Coffee Shop That Found Success Through Philanthropy I Dane Kenney & Bryce Oldham I AO 18 1:05:41

4M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

This episode of American Operator follows the founder of Noble Joe’s, a coffee trailer born out of curiosity, hustle, and a few too many unknowns. From struggling to source espresso machines to the first time firing up the trailer, it’s a candid look at what actually happens when you build a business without experience. Subscribe for more behind-th…

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From Food Truck To Food Network: A Veteran On The Battlefield Of War, Life & Business I AO 17 1:10:40

4M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

What does it really take to build a business in the trenches — one plate at a time? In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Robert Strong, Iraq veteran, chef and founder of Pretty Thai in Austin, TX. From late nights in a food truck to scaling a sauce brand through big name retailers, Robert breaks down the grit, risk, and resilienc…

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Nolan L. Cabrera and Robert S. Chang, "Banned: The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts" (Cambridge UP, 2025) 33:36

5M ago33:36

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In Banned: The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts (Cambridge UP, 2025), readers are taken on a journey through the intense racial politics surrounding the banning of Mexican American Studies in Tucson, Arizona. This book details the state-sponsored racism that led to the elimination of this highly successful program…

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Small Business in a Shaky Economy: Threat or Opportunity? I AO 16 29:36

5M ago29:36

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Should you buy a business right now — or wait it out? In this episode of American Operator, JC and Mainshares Founder, William Fry get honest about what it takes to operate during uncertain times. From interest rate pressure to market chaos, this one’s for every scrappy buyer, solo founder, or operator trying to make smart moves without burning out…

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5 Signs You're Ready for Entrepreneurship I AO 15 12:39

5M ago12:39

12:39

Escape the 9 to 5. Build a Legacy. | American Operator 🇺🇸🛠️ What drives someone to walk away from the “safe” path — the steady paycheck, the 401(k), the corporate ladder — to chase something harder… and more meaningful? In this episode of American Operator, host Joseph Cabrera breaks down the 5 real reasons people leave traditional jobs to become s…

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Engage and Evade in 2025: Asad L. Asad on Latino Immigrants in America 51:48

6M ago51:48

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Today I’m speaking with Asad L. Asad, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Stanford University. He is the author of Engage and Evade: How Latino Immigrant Families Manage Surveillance in Everyday Life (Princeton UP, 2023). A highly relevant book, Engage and Evade documents the interactions between undocumented people and the agents and institutions …

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How to Lose Sleep, Make Money, and Still Love Owning a Business I AO 14 1:01:28

6M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Ever thought about buying a small business? James Jackson Leach has bought more than a few—and learned some hard lessons along the way. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, James shares the unfiltered reality of owning and operating small businesses, from a neighborhood butcher shop to a downtown bar. He opens up about the challenges n…

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Tiffany D. Joseph, "Not All In: Race, Immigration, and Health Care Exclusion in the Age of Obamacare" (Johns Hopkins UP, 2025) 1:06:04

6M ago1:06:04

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Despite progressive policy strides in health care reform, immigrant communities continue to experience stark disparities across the United States. In Not All In: Race, Immigration, and Health Care Exclusion in the Age of Obamacare (Johns Hopkins UP, 2025), Tiffany D. Joseph exposes the insidious contradiction of Massachusetts' advanced health care …

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How I Bought a Failing Car Wash & Turned It Into a Profitable Business I AO 13 1:01:44

6M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Buying a business is one thing—running it is another. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, TJ Brogan, owner of Washaroo Car Wash in Austin, Texas, shares his unexpected journey from tech sales to small business ownership. From turning around a struggling car wash, dealing with employee chaos, and learning what really matters when buyin…

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Lina-Maria Murillo, "Fighting for Control: Power, Reproductive Care, and Race in the US-Mexico Borderlands" (UNC Press, 2025) 1:08:27

7M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

The first birth control clinic in El Paso, Texas, opened in 1937. Since then, Mexican-origin women living in the border cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez have confronted various interest groups determined to control their reproductive lives, including a heavily funded international population control campaign led by Planned Parenthood Federation …

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I spent the entire day with a plumber and learned the good, bad and risks of being in the trades I AO 12 15:39

7M ago15:39

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What does it really take to run a plumbing business? In this solo episode of The American Operator Podcast, Joseph Cabrera shares his experience spending a day in the field with Blue Ribbon Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Instead of talking with the owner, JC gets a firsthand look at the reality of the trades, riding along with veteran plumber Chris as…

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Ilan Stavans, "Latino USA: A Cartoon History" (Basic Books, 2024) 1:31:14

7M ago1:31:14

1:31:14

This interview includes Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Professor of Humanities, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPR-M); Annette Martínez-Iñesta, Instructor of Italian, UPR-M; and Baruch Vergara, Artist and Professor of Plastic Arts, UPR-M. This episode has been sponsored by the Mellon Foundation, the Department of Humanities at the UPR-M, and the Insti…