DJ Ruby came to the United States looking for a better life, thinking she might one day return home. Then came a Thanksgiving dinner, an unexpected love story, marriage, family — and a completely different future.

In this episode, Ruby shares how she built a new life and continually reinvented herself: from working as a school bus driver and raising her family to becoming a DJ, entrepreneur and active member of her community.

Music was already in her DNA. Inspired by her father and a family legacy of music, Ruby found a way to turn that passion into a new opportunity — and she hasn’t stopped discovering what comes next.

We talk about immigration, love, parenting, entrepreneurship, taking chances and why sometimes the career you never planned becomes exactly the opportunity you needed.

A warm, funny and inspiring conversation about building a life one unexpected chapter at a time.

What do we pass on to our children—and what can we make possible for someone else’s?

Yolanda Cruz joins me on Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna for a heartfelt conversation about family, Puerto Rican heritage, education, and finding purpose through helping others.

Growing up with limited resources, Yolanda learned from parents who had little formal education but were determined to give their daughters more opportunities. Her father encouraged them to pursue careers, stand up for themselves, and be independent—values she carried into raising her own daughter.

We explore the blending of her Puerto Rican roots with her husband’s Dominican heritage, the traditions that shape their family, and the questions a health scare led her to ask about her life and what she wanted to contribute.

One memory stayed with her: her daughter’s friend had seen college as financially out of reach. That experience helped inspire Yolanda’s commitment to scholarships for Hispanic students.

Now in its fourth year, the Latin Gala brings the community together to support that mission. This year’s celebration, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, will honor three young men receiving scholarships.

The gala is sold out, but the need for community support continues. For information about donating or supporting the Latin Scholarship Fund, contact info@latinscholarshipfund.org.

This Hispanic Heritage Month conversation is about the sacrifices behind opportunity, the strength of family, and the difference one person can make.

Subscribe to Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna on YouTube or follow the podcast on your favorite listening platform for more stories that connect us across cultures.

#HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinoScholarships #CrossingCulturesWithChristinaLuna

In this episode of Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna, Edwin shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a Salvadoran family and learning music through his church, to watching his father become a pastor in the United States, raising his own children, and helping build a festival that celebrates Latino culture and brings many cultures together.

Now in its 13th year, the Pocono Latin Fest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of heritage, music, family, community and the idea that learning about other cultures can bring us closer together.

🎶 Hear Edwin talk about his childhood, his family, music, faith, his children and the story behind the festival.

The Pocono Latin Fest takes place this Saturday.

This is Crossing Cultures: real people, real stories, and the experiences that connect us.

🎙️ Hosted by Christina Luna

We’re back! ☀️🎙️ Views & Voices kicks off a brand-new season with a look back at the adventures, surprises and lessons of summer.

Christina shares what she learned from a summer filled with lots of travel—including navigating the heat wave, changing plans, and the realities behind those picture-perfect summer adventures.

Corissa takes us inside her DIY home projects and asks an important question: How much can you really save by doing it yourself—and when is it actually smarter to call someone who knows what they’re doing?

Karen reminds us that summer doesn’t always have to be about doing more. She shares her experience escaping to Saratoga Springs, slowing down and simply enjoying a few days away.

And somehow, as only Views & Voices can do, we end up talking about Dolly Parton and sharing a few recommendations along the way. ❤️

Three women. Three perspectives. Plenty of laughs, opinions and real-life lessons.

What did YOUR summer teach you? Tell us in the comments!

Subscribe to Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna for more conversations about life, culture, relationships, reinvention and the experiences that connect us.

#ViewsAndVoices #CrossingCultures #SummerLessons #SummerAdventures #WomenOver50 #TravelStories #DIYProjects #SaratogaSprings #DollyParton #WomenSupportingWomen #LifeLessons #MidlifeWomen #Podcast

Love isn’t just something that happens — it’s something we choose, nurture, and rebuild over time.In this episode, Liliana Proaño shares her inspiring 16-year marriage journey, including the challenges, doubts, and lessons that led her and her husband to renew their vows. If you’ve ever wondered whether love can survive hardship, distance, routine, or change, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical wisdom.Liliana opens up about what it really takes to keep a relationship strong: vulnerability, honest communication, emotional responsibility, and the decision to keep choosing each other. She also shares a simple energy-clearing technique that can help reset your mood and create space for more love, calm, and connection.Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, rebuilding trust, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of love, this episode will challenge the way you think about commitment and relationships. Discover why love starts भीतर yourself first, how to grow through conflict, and what it means to build a partnership that lasts.If you’re ready for a more conscious, grounded, and lasting kind of love, this episode is for you!!Love #Marriage #Relationships #LongTermRelationship #Commitment #Trust #Communication #RelationshipAdvice #Couples #RenewedVows #Self

Most people see healing as just fixing the physical — but what if the real secret lies in restoring hope, love, and human connection? Dr. Helene Raphael’s story of crossing cultures to heal beyond borders will shake your perspective on wellness forever. From a near-miss with her own daughter’s asthma to life-changing missions in Haiti, she reveals how holistic healing encompasses the body, mind, and spirit—and why every act of compassion is a step toward true recovery.You’ll discover:

• How functional medicine targets the root causes of disease — and the astonishing results that can change lives
• The profound power of emotional presence in disaster zones and impoverished communities
• Why hope, love, and genuine human contact are often the most vital medicines we overlook
• The resilience, courage, and faith it takes to keep serving when the stakes are life and death
• Simple ways YOU can start making a difference, no matter where you are in the world

In a world riddled with fear, divisiveness, and suffering, Dr. Raphael’s journey reminds us that healing starts inward — through understanding, gratitude, and connection. Her experiences will push you to see your own capacity for compassion and to believe that everyone can be a healer in their own way. Perfect for caregivers, activists, and anyone longing to bridge divides and restore hope — because real healing isn’t just clinical. It’s soulful, it’s universal, and it begins with you.

This is more than a story; it’s a call to action. Hit play and ignite the healer within.

Note: Dr. Raphael’s inspiring work is rooted in years of humanitarian aid and cross-cultural care—testament to the unstoppable power of love in healing.Are you ready to cross borders, break barriers, and transform lives? Then don’t miss this episode — your heart and humanity demand it.

#HealingWithoutBorders #CrossCulturalCare #HolisticHealing #FaithAndHealing #GlobalHealth #CompassionInAction #ServeWithLove #HopeInAction #CommunityCare #HealthEquity #Resilience #HumanConnection

Join Christina Luna as she dives into the inspiring journey of Ian Froman, a renowned musician and yoga teacher.

Discover how Ian's passion for music and teaching has shaped his life, from his early days as a self-taught drummer to becoming an international performer and educator. Explore the balance he maintains between his professional commitments and family life, and how his dedication to yoga complements his musical career. This episode is a testament to following one's dreams and the power of commitment.Introduction -

0:00Ian's Musical Journey Begins - 0:30Switching to Drums - 1:30Support from Family - 2:30Becoming a Professional Musician - 4:00Teaching and Learning - 6:00Yoga Journey - 10:00Balancing Family and Career - 15:00Commitment and Values - 20:00Tattoos and Personal Expression - 25:00Closing Thoughts and Music - 30:00#MusicJourney#IanFroman#YogaAndMusic#FollowYourDreams#CommitmentToPassion#podcast #crossingcultureswithchristinaluna #crossingcultures #christinaluna

Living life fully, on your own terms — Chuss Leiva shows you how to embrace every small moment and break free from the limits of money and fear.Imagine a life where travel, passion, and joy aren’t reserved for the wealthy or the lucky — they’re your everyday reality.

Chuss, a Barcelona-born actress, travel enthusiast, and author, unlocks the secrets of living life with boldness and humor, no matter your bank account or background. From hitchhiking across Greece, the USA and Asia to writing a heartfelt memoir with her late mother, her journey is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and cultural curiosity.

In this episode, you'll discover:How her childhood in a small Spanish village shaped her fearless approach to life and her work as an actress.The surprising ways she learned English through a baby’s questions and the power of embracing imperfections.

Her adventures living in England, traveling the world on a budget, and rejecting material constraints to find genuine freedom.Why cultivating a sense of humor is essential to surviving and thriving across cultures.

The inspiring story behind her book with her mother — a tribute to resilience, love, and shared life stories that changed her perspective forever.Too many of us stay stuck, waiting for 'enough money' or the 'perfect moment' to live.

Chuss proves that joy, adventure, and deep connections are possible when you open your mind and embrace the unpredictable.

This isn’t just a story — it’s a wake-up call to claim your life, tomorrow and every day after.Perfect for dreamers, travellers, artists, or anyone tired of playing by society’s rules. If you’re ready to live bravely, laugh loudly, and cross your own culture boundaries — hit play now.

Chuss's story will ignite your passion for a life well-lived, sprinkled with humor and boundless human spirit

.#CrossingCultures #LiveFully #TravelInspiration #ActingJourney #CulturalCuriosity #crossingcultureswithchristinaluna #youtubepodcast #christinaluna