Storytellers Cafecito Break

Carlos Barquin and Armando Pico

Most content fails before the camera even turns on. Storytellers: Cafecito Break is where real-world filmmakers, producers, and creatives break down how storytelling actually works not in theory, but in the field. Hosted by an Emmy Award-winning producer and director of photography, this podcast pulls from decades of experience in television news, corporate production, and high-level shoots to unpack what makes content effective and what quietly kills it. Each episode is a candid conversation about the decisions behind the scenes the ones clients never see, but that make all the difference.

Episodes

  1. Jul 2

    Storytellers Cafecito Break Ep. 6 "The Yes Behind the No"

    From surviving childhood bullying to becoming one of the most recognized voices in Spanish-language media, Alberto Sardiñas shares an extraordinary story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of human connection.In this episode of Storytellers, Alberto takes us through his journey from a 17-year-old radio enthusiast in Venezuela to a successful broadcaster, television personality, author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of Don't Sell, Storytellers. Along the way, he reveals how rejection became one of his greatest teachers and why storytelling remains the most powerful tool in business, leadership, and life.We discuss:• How bullying shaped his desire to become a communicator• Starting his broadcasting career at just 17 years old• The transition from radio to television and overcoming fear on camera• The life-changing success of his syndicated radio show Intimamente• Why rejection is data, not drama• The importance of creating opportunities when none exist• Reinventing yourself after a long career in media• Building a business around storytelling and personal branding• How founders and entrepreneurs can use storytelling to grow sales and retain customers• The science behind storytelling and human connection• Lessons learned from interviewing hundreds of people through his podcast Made By ChallengeWhether you're a broadcaster, entrepreneur, content creator, business owner, or someone navigating a major life transition, Alberto's insights on resilience, communication, and personal growth will challenge the way you think about success.

  2. Jul 2

    Storytellers Cafecito Break Episode 5 "Your Brain Decides Before You"

    What makes someone stop scrolling?According to digital marketing strategist and educator Nathalia Bogani, your brain makes that decision before you're even aware of it.In this episode of Storyteller's Cafecito Break, we dive into the psychology behind attention, content strategy, social media growth, AI tools, and what brands must understand to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital world.Nahalia shares her journey from television production at Univision to building social media communities before "community building" became a marketing buzzword. We discuss content pillars, platform-specific strategies, audience behavior, AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Higgsfield, and why understanding human behavior matters more than chasing trends.We also explore:• Why your brain decides to stop scrolling in milliseconds• The science behind attention and engagement• Content pillars that create consistency and growth• How social media has evolved (and what hasn't changed)• Platform-specific content strategies for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook• AI tools every marketer should know about• Why AI won't replace great creatives• The importance of audience psychology in marketing• Budget conversations between clients, agencies and creators• Real-world lessons from television, digital media and brand strategyWhether you're a business owner, marketer, content creator, photographer, videographer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.Watch, listen, and join the conversation.#StorytellersCafecitoBreak #SocialMediaMarketing #ContentStrategy #DigitalMarketing #AIForBusiness #ChatGPT #ClaudeAI #BrandStorytelling #MarketingPodcast #ContentCreation

  3. Jul 2

    Storytellers Cafecito Break Ep. 4 "Build Relationships: The Power of Old School Connection"

    What makes a story actually get media attention?In this episode of Storytellers Cafecito Break, we sit down with veteran South Florida journalist and PR strategist Carlos Espinosa to talk about what really happens behind the scenes in newsrooms, press conferences, and media pitches. After more than 30 years in television news working at Telemundo, NBC6, and Univision 23, Carlos now works on the PR side helping brands and organizations earn media coverage that actually connects with people.We talk about:• Why personal stories are the key to getting media coverage• What journalists really look for when deciding to cover a story• The biggest mistakes brands and PR teams make when pitching the media• How relationships still matter in a digital world• The difference between news storytelling and marketing storytelling• Covering major stories like 9/11, Elian Gonzalez, Fidel Castro’s death, hurricanes, and breaking news in South Florida• The evolution of journalism and how AI is changing storytelling and PR• Why authentic storytelling still matters more than polished corporate messagingCarlos also shares behind the scenes stories from decades in television news, lessons from working both sides of the media world, and why human connection is still the most powerful tool in storytelling.If you’re in media, marketing, PR, content creation, or business, this episode is packed with real world insight from someone who has lived both sides of the camera.Watch, subscribe, and share with another storyteller ☕🎥

  4. May 12

    Storytellers Cafecito Break "TV executives knew JACK SHIT"

    From the golden era of Spanish-language television to the chaos of modern content culture, this episode of Storyteller’s Cafecito Break is an unfiltered masterclass in storytelling, television production, creative leadership, and surviving decades in media. Veteran television executive producer Maria Lopez joins Carlos Barquin and the Storyteller’s Cafecito Break crew for a brutally honest conversation about the television industry, producing hit shows, managing talent, creative instincts, social media, reality TV, storytelling psychology, and why so many executives lost touch with the audience. Maria shares behind-the-scenes stories from iconic Spanish-language television productions, explains how successful shows are really developed, breaks down the difference between live and taped television, and gives raw insight into leadership, creativity, production pressure, ratings wars, and building teams that actually work together. Topics include: • Why “TV executives knew jack shit”• The decline of traditional television culture• Storytelling techniques that still work today• How to hook an audience in seconds• Reality TV vs authentic storytelling• Why younger creators are changing the industry• Social media attention spans and short-form content• Producing under pressure in live television• Creative instincts vs research and analytics• How great teasers and editing drive audience engagement• Building successful television formats and talent chemistry• Why modern media teams fail when they operate in silos• The future of storytelling in the AI and creator economy If you’re a filmmaker, producer, editor, content creator, journalist, marketer, broadcaster, or anyone obsessed with storytelling and media, this episode delivers decades of real-world experience with zero corporate filter. Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more conversations with the storytellers behind television, film, media, marketing, and digital content. #StorytellersCafecitoBreak #MariaLopez #TelevisionProducer #Storytelling #BroadcastTelevision #MediaIndustry #ContentCreation #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #CreativeLeadership #VideoProduction #RealityTV #DigitalMedia #Filmmaking #TVProduction #BarquinCreativeGroup Discussion references include Maria Lopez’s perspective on feedback, storytelling, production leadership, and the evolving television industry.

  5. Apr 29

    Storytellers Episode 2 Teri Arvesu

    What’s really happening to storytelling, marketing, and human connection in today’s digital world?In this episode of Storytellers, we sit down with media veteran, professor, and entrepreneur Terry Arvesu to break down the reality behind modern content, AI, and the attention economy.From decades in television to teaching the next generation, Terry shares what most creators, marketers, and business owners are getting wrong and what actually works today.We dive into:• Why storytelling is still the most powerful skill in business• How social media algorithms have shifted from followers to interest-based content• The truth about AI in content creation and why it won’t replace human connection• The rise of FOMO marketing, clickbait, and manipulation tactics• Why authenticity is now the only real competitive advantage• How to cut through the noise and actually build trust with your audience• The skills today’s generation is losing and why it matters for business and life• How to adapt, reinvent yourself, and stay relevant in a constantly changing worldThis conversation goes beyond content creation. It’s about psychology, ethics, and the future of communication.If you're a:EntrepreneurContent creatorMarketing professionalBusiness ownerOr someone trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing worldThis episode is for you.Key Topics:Storytelling in businessContent marketing strategyAI in marketing and content creationSocial media algorithmsBranding and authenticityDigital marketing trends 2026Entrepreneur mindsetPersonal brandingAttention economyMedia industry evolutionSubscribe for more conversations on storytelling, business, and content strategy.

About

Most content fails before the camera even turns on. Storytellers: Cafecito Break is where real-world filmmakers, producers, and creatives break down how storytelling actually works not in theory, but in the field. Hosted by an Emmy Award-winning producer and director of photography, this podcast pulls from decades of experience in television news, corporate production, and high-level shoots to unpack what makes content effective and what quietly kills it. Each episode is a candid conversation about the decisions behind the scenes the ones clients never see, but that make all the difference.