Race Of Your Own

Vergi Rodriguez

“A Race of Your Own” is a series that launched during Hispanic Heritage month 2024. Each episode features expert guests who share personal stories of overcoming life's toughest challenges. From career setbacks to overcoming those obstacles, our guests offer insights, practical advice, and inspiration on how they found resilience and turned their experiences into powerful lessons. Viewers can tune in for candid conversations and actionable tips to help them navigate their own life's journey. All while staying in a “Race of Their Own.”

  1. Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART TWO)

    Apr 16

    Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART TWO)

    Here is PART TWO of my sit down with Vincent Paterson. In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Paterson, one of the most influential yet often unseen architects of modern pop performance. From redefining how movement meets camera to shaping the visual language of iconic artists and eras, Vincent reflects on a career built on innovation, intuition, and deep artistic trust. A centerpiece of the conversation is his groundbreaking work on "Smooth Criminal" with Michael Jackson a collaboration that fundamentally changed how choreography, narrative, and cinematography coexist on screen. Vincent unpacks the creative process behind one of the most analyzed performances in pop history, including the precision, experimentation, and risk required to make movement feel cinematic, dangerous, and timeless. This conversation goes beyond credits and choreography. Vincent speaks candidly about authorship, collaboration, and what it means to create work that outlives trends. We explore the tension between visibility and legacy, the emotional labor behind iconic moments, and how choreography functions not just as movement, but as direction, storytelling, and cultural authorship. With rare honesty, Vincent also reflects on power dynamics in the industry, creative ownership, and how dancers and choreographers have historically navigated systems that celebrate the final image while obscuring the makers behind it. For artists, creatives, and anyone curious about how pop culture is truly constructed, this episode offers both a masterclass and a meditation on what it means to leave a mark—sometimes without standing in the spotlight. This is a conversation about movement, memory, and the long arc of creative legacy.

    29 min
  2. Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART ONE)

    Apr 9

    Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART ONE)

    In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Paterson, one of the most influential yet often unseen architects of modern pop performance. From redefining how movement meets camera to shaping the visual language of iconic artists and eras, Vincent reflects on a career built on innovation, intuition, and deep artistic trust. A centerpiece of the conversation is his groundbreaking work on "Smooth Criminal" with Michael Jackson a collaboration that fundamentally changed how choreography, narrative, and cinematography coexist on screen. Vincent unpacks the creative process behind one of the most analyzed performances in pop history, including the precision, experimentation, and risk required to make movement feel cinematic, dangerous, and timeless. This conversation goes beyond credits and choreography. Vincent speaks candidly about authorship, collaboration, and what it means to create work that outlives trends. We explore the tension between visibility and legacy, the emotional labor behind iconic moments, and how choreography functions not just as movement, but as direction, storytelling, and cultural authorship. With rare honesty, Vincent also reflects on power dynamics in the industry, creative ownership, and how dancers and choreographers have historically navigated systems that celebrate the final image while obscuring the makers behind it. For artists, creatives, and anyone curious about how pop culture is truly constructed, this episode offers both a masterclass and a meditation on what it means to leave a mark—sometimes without standing in the spotlight. This is a conversation about movement, memory, and the long arc of creative legacy.

    57 min
  3. From Cuba to the Mic: Mellow Man Ace on Pioneering Latin Hip Hop & the importance of Afro-Latinoism S2E11

    Feb 26

    From Cuba to the Mic: Mellow Man Ace on Pioneering Latin Hip Hop & the importance of Afro-Latinoism S2E11

    In this powerful conversation, Mellow Man Ace takes us from his early roots as a Cuban immigrant to becoming one of the first artists to carve out space for Latin voices in hip hop. Long before Latin hip hop had industry support or even a clear label, he was blending English and Spanish, street reality and romance, Afro-Caribbean rhythm and West Coast rap, creating a sound the mainstream didn’t yet know how to receive. We talk about what it meant to be Afro-Latino in a genre still defining itself, and why Afro-Latinoism isn’t a trend but a lived history one shaped by migration, erasure, resilience, and pride. Mellow Man Ace reflects on navigating identity in an industry that often wanted him to choose one box, the cultural pushback he faced, and the quiet ways his work opened doors for future generations of Latin and Afro-Latin artists. This episode is about more than music. It’s about authorship, visibility, and the right to exist fully, Black, Brown, bilingual, and unapologetic, within hip hop culture. From Cuba to South Gate Los Angeles, from the margins to the mic, this is a conversation about legacy, truth, and reclaiming narrative in a genre built on voice. Mellow Man on IG: / mellow_man_ace Krooked Treez / krookedtreezofficial Race Of Your Own : / raceofyourown

    47 min
  4. Brian Friedman : Building Your Own Lane & Redefining Success S2E10

    Jan 22

    Brian Friedman : Building Your Own Lane & Redefining Success S2E10

    In this episode of Race of Your Own, Brian Friedman joins us for an honest conversation about building your own lane, redefining success, and leading with purpose. Brian shares insights on mindset, identity, and navigating pressure while staying true to your path. All while choreographing and working with artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, PINK and many more. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader looking to take control of your journey, this interview will challenge how you think about success and ownership. Topics include: Building a race of your ownIdentity, leadership, and mindsetRedefining success on your terms Subscribe for more interviews with leaders running their own race. Follow Brian Friedman at : https://www.instagram.com/brianfriedm... / @brianfriedman Follow Race Of Your Own: / @raceofyourown / raceofyourown

    53 min
  5. Chris Denson How Seeking Ease and Regenerative Agriculture Are Reshaping Human Connection S2E9

    Jan 8

    Chris Denson How Seeking Ease and Regenerative Agriculture Are Reshaping Human Connection S2E9

    In this episode sit down with Chris Denson he talks about his monthly men's group called "Personal Innovation Studio" and we have a wide-ranging conversation about the loneliness epidemic, the future of better farming, and how race, food, and community are more connected than we often realize. As society becomes more disconnected, we explore how local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and intentional community-building can help restore human connection and collective well-being. Chris shares insights on cultural identity, systemic challenges, and why rethinking how we grow food might also be key to healing social isolation. This episode challenges listeners to see farming not just as food production, but as a powerful tool for rebuilding trust, belonging, and resilience in modern life. If you’re interested in conversations about race, culture, food systems, and the social fabric of our communities, this episode offers an honest, forward-thinking perspective on where we are—and where we could be headed. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations. A Race of your Own IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com Chris Denson https://www.chrisdenson.co/ / densonology Don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for tuning in. Listen also on: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

    55 min
  6. What Is Hispanic Heritage? Post from Hispanic Heritage Month.

    Jan 3

    What Is Hispanic Heritage? Post from Hispanic Heritage Month.

    2026 Hispanic heritage Month episode.

    15 min
  7. Is Hip Hop in its "Healing Era?" Reflecting on 2025

    12/24/2025

    Is Hip Hop in its "Healing Era?" Reflecting on 2025

    Just a recap of what I have realized this past year after doing this podcast. Also talk about how I think maybe "Hip hop" is in it's "Healing Era." Just some reflections on what I've noticed and experienced this past year. #thereckoning #podcast #heavyd #dontstop #raceofyourown

    17 min
  8. Jared Pascoe: Protecting Actors in the AI Era S2E8

    12/11/2025

    Jared Pascoe: Protecting Actors in the AI Era S2E8

    In this episode, Talent Agent & Agency Owner Jared Pascoe breaks down what every actor and performer needs to know as AI rapidly transforms the entertainment industry. From digital doubles to voice cloning, Jared reveals the hidden risks, the protections performers must demand, and why human talent still matters more than ever. If you’re an actor, creator, or anyone navigating the future of tv & film, this conversation is your wake-up call. *Highlights: The biggest threats AI poses to performersHow actors can protect their likeness, voice & identityWhy the human element will never be replaced Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.

    31 min
See All (40)

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

“A Race of Your Own” is a series that launched during Hispanic Heritage month 2024. Each episode features expert guests who share personal stories of overcoming life's toughest challenges. From career setbacks to overcoming those obstacles, our guests offer insights, practical advice, and inspiration on how they found resilience and turned their experiences into powerful lessons. Viewers can tune in for candid conversations and actionable tips to help them navigate their own life's journey. All while staying in a “Race of Their Own.”

Information

  • Creator
    Vergi Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Planet V Productions, LLC
  • Show Website
    Race Of Your Own