Welcome to Season 4 of the 500 and Growing Podcast! Host Jesus “Azteca 500” Sanchez kicks off the new season with a powerful, reflective conversation featuring acclaimed poet, performer, and interdisciplinary artist Mayda Del Valle.

The 500 and Growing Podcast is a space dedicated to inspiring creatives to reach their fullest potential, sharing conversations about navigating life's adversities, honoring cultural roots, and staying true to artistic vision. In this premiere, Mayda shares her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the second Poet Laureate of the City of Chicago.

In this episode, we explore:

• Rooted Beginnings: Growing up on Chicago's South Side and launching a landmark career at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café.

  
  

• Breaking Ground: Making history as the youngest and first Latine poet to win the National Poetry Slam.

  
  

• Major Stages & Honors: Reflections on Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Def Poetry Jam, performing at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and being featured on Oprah’s inaugural O Power List.

  
  

• Interdisciplinary Art & Heritage: How Mayda connects poetry, movement, photography, and her 15-year practice in Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba with ensemble Las Bompleneras to transform personal history into shared ritual.

  
  

• City Laureate & New Projects: Her role as Chicago's Poet Laureate and the development of Herencia, a multimedia performance piece exploring Puerto Rican migration to Chicago.

  
  

Connect & Learn More:

• Visit 500andgrowing.com to explore past episodes, show updates, and community initiatives.

  
  

• Visit maydadelvalle.com to explore Mayda's portfolio, upcoming workshops (La Mesa Arté), and artistic works.

  
  

🎧 Stream Season 4, Episode 1 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or directly at ⁠500andgrowing.com⁠!

To experience Mayda's electrifying performance style, watch her iconic piece ⁠Def Poetry - Mayda del Valle - Descendancy⁠ on YouTube, which highlights the raw power, heritage, and poetic artistry she brings to every stage.

In our last episode of season 3, we sit down with Ben Rodriguez Chicago native, Puerto Rican proud, and international boxing referee. He is the proud father of an intelligent and athletic 15 year old young man and now lives in the Little Italy area of Chicago. Ben shares his journey from growing up with a father who was a professional referee to officiating over 200 pro fights worldwide.

We talk about the state of boxing, how referees keep fighters safe, and what drives his passion for the sport. Outside the ring, Ben is a longtime Teamsters union member and benefits representative who continues to balance work, family, and his love for boxing.

💥 Tune in to hear how discipline, dedication, and community shaped Ben’s path from Logan Square to rings around the world.

The 500 and Growing welcomes Rob Hultz also known as Bobby Good Times.

In this episode, Rob opens up about his journey as a bassist, electrician, and motorcycle builder, while sharing candid reflections on addiction, recovery, and the power of second chances.

Rob’s musical career started at just 15, sneaking into New Jersey bars to play with the crossover hardcore band Lethal Aggression. Over the years, he’s taken part in numerous projects, ultimately landing in Chicago where he plays with doom metal legends Trouble and continues his role with New Jersey’s Solace.

Outside of music, Rob finds balance in building custom choppers at Chicago’s Bravetown motorcycle collective. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and inspiration, this episode is not to be missed.