We Are Sacramento Podcast | Episode 33

Episode 33 is all over the map in the best way possible. 😂

Mario kicks things off with pet peeves and the little things people do that can drive you absolutely crazy.

Mari goes down the rabbit hole asking “What the hell happened to all those alien videos?” 👽 We had UFO footage, mysterious sightings, people claiming they had answers… and then suddenly, silence. So where did everybody go, and what actually came from all those viral alien stories?

Beto throws out a bigger question: Is AI starting to take people’s jobs? 🤖 As technology continues changing the way we work, where do we draw the line between innovation and replacing the human workforce?

Miles gets into the Lakers being sold, the massive business behind professional sports, and what it really takes for a city to host major sporting events. From infrastructure and transportation to hotels, venues, and everything in between, can Sacramento actually handle the scale needed for a world-class sporting event?

And finally, the crew talks about FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the growing business of soccer tournaments, including the push to expand and sell the rights to major competitions around the world. ⚽🌎

Pet peeves, aliens, AI, billion-dollar sports, and the future of soccer… just another day on We Are Sacramento.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 33 now and join the conversation.

Lamondo Hill II is an actor, writer, filmmaker, husband, and father of two boys. Born and raised in Richmond, California, his early experiences with adversity shaped the way he sees the world and the stories he's compelled to tell. Passionate about storytelling in all its forms, he's building a career one project at a time through ReelHill Productions, creating films and conversations that explore resilience, identity, and what it means to overcome.

Episode 31 dives into the personal, the painful, and the pulse of the city.

Mario opens up about his ongoing weight loss journey, reflecting on the discipline, setbacks, and mindset shifts that come with it. He also revisits the idea of bringing back MySpace, exploring whether nostalgia and community-driven platforms still have a place in today’s social media world.

Mari shares a deeply emotional stretch of weeks, including the traumatic experience of her grandmother’s house catching fire. She speaks candidly about the stress, the aftermath, and the resilience it takes to navigate moments like these. The conversation also uncovers a lesser-known reality—an entire industry that targets victims of disasters, turning tragedy into profit.

Miles brings his perspective on the push to save the Oakland Coliseum, breaking down why it matters not just for sports, but for culture and community identity.

Beto keeps it grounded and real, talking about his time outside the State Fair, the rising costs that are hitting everyone, and a lighter moment—his wife finally getting him out to the movies.

It’s an episode that moves between struggle and hope, community and conversation—real stories from real people in Sacramento.

We Are Sacramento – Episode 29

The World Cup energy is in full swing this episode as Mario dives into the global fan culture, spotlighting the passion of Mexican supporters and the unexpected rise of Scottish fans as crowd favorites. It’s more than just the game—it’s identity, pride, and the electric atmosphere that turns stadiums into living, breathing celebrations.

Mari takes us into dream-mode, curating her ultimate festival lineup and breaking down what makes the perfect music experience—from headline giants to those underrated artists that bring the soul of a show to life.

Beto rides through with a conversation on bike life, shining a light on supporting local businesses and sharing his personal journey of carving out a voice—including the search for the perfect podcast name.

Miles closes it out with a real one—connecting sports and mental health, unpacking how the games we love intersect with the pressures athletes and fans carry every day.

Tap in for culture, community, and conversation—this is We Are Sacramento.

🎧 Episode 28: Fighting Through Barriers with Ayahna Gonzales

In this powerful episode of We Are Sacramento, the crew sits down with special guest Ayahna Gonzales, a 19-year-old rising boxing star from Sacramento State’s Combat U program.

Ayahna shares her journey into boxing, stepping into a sport that hasn’t always made space for women, and how she’s helping change that narrative one fight at a time. She opens up about discipline, pressure, and what it means to represent Sacramento at a high level.

From making history as Sac State’s first female boxer to win a match, to becoming a national champion, Ayahna is proving she’s not just part of the movement—she’s leading it.

The conversation goes beyond the ring, diving into:

• Balancing school, life, and elite competition
• Growing up in a boxing family and training under her parents
• The mindset it takes to compete and win
• The future of women in combat sports

This episode is about resilience, legacy, and breaking ceilings—inside and outside the ring.

🥊 Tap in. Sacramento is building something special.

We Are Sacramento Podcast – Episode 27

Episode 27 takes us global, personal, and deeply real all in one ride.

Mario kicks things off by diving into the World Cup—but not just from a soccer perspective. He breaks down how the World Cup is bigger than the game itself, touching on culture, identity, economics, and how the world comes together (and sometimes clashes) on one stage.

Mari brings the energy and the vibes as she recaps her birthday week—filled with good food, great company, and unforgettable experiences. From birthday dinners to paddle boarding adventures and even indoor skydiving, she shares what it means to celebrate life and step outside your comfort zone.

Beto grounds the episode with an important and honest conversation about men’s mental health. He opens up dialogue around emotional struggles, breaking stigmas, and why more men need to speak up, support each other, and prioritize their well-being.

This episode blends celebration, culture, and conversation—real stories, real perspectives, and real Sacramento energy.

Tap in. 🎙️

Episode 25 is a real conversation starter 🎙️

Mario dives into the city budget and asks the question we’re all thinking… where is the money really going? He also gets into the grind of training new employees and how much patience is actually enough before it starts costing more than it’s building.

Mari taps into something we all struggle with… what does “good sleep” even mean anymore? Is it hours, quality, or just not waking up tired? She also breaks down the story of a local influencer getting banned from a bar 👀… yeah, it gets messy.

In sports, Miles looks at the future of Sacramento and asks the big question… are we getting an MLS team or an MLB team? And what would it actually take to make that happen?

Real talk, real stories, and a little bit of chaos… just how we like it.

#WeAreSacramento #Podcast #Sacramento #CityTalk #SportsTalk

Episode 21 taps into real life, real pressure, and real perspective.

Mario opens up about fatherhood, reflecting on raising his kids and the responsibility of creating safe spaces where they can grow, express themselves, and feel protected in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. The conversation then shifts into the classroom, breaking down the double-edged sword of technology—how it can empower learning while quietly reshaping interpersonal relationships and social skills in the next generation.

Mari steps into the future, talking all things Apple—what’s next for the tech giant and what a shift in leadership could mean with the possibility of a new CEO. Innovation, risk, and legacy all get put under the microscope.

Miles brings global energy to the table with a passionate take on the World Cup and the state of soccer in the U.S. He dives into the pay-to-play system and how it sidelines raw talent from underserved communities, arguing that while the world recognizes skill, the U.S. system too often overlooks it.

Episode 21 is about growth, gaps, and the systems shaping the next generation—from our homes to our schools to the world stage.