Grayscale LA

Alex Narvaez

GRAYSCALE LA is a podcast about people living in the in-between. Hosted and produced by Alex Narvaez; award-winning creative director, producer, and journalist. Grayscale LA features intimate conversations with artists, athletes, creatives, and cultural outsiders who are carving their own paths beyond clean labels and mainstream narratives. Drawing from over a decade of experience interviewing some of the most influential voices in music, sports, and culture, Alex brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to storytelling that prioritizes depth over hype. Recorded in Los Angeles, the series explores identity, purpose, creativity, resilience, and ambition through the lens of those who live in the gray area. Immigrants, first-generation voices, cultural hybrids, and leaders navigating multiple worlds at once. These are stories about becoming, not arriving. This series also ties in spirituality and the questions we sit with, the values we carry, and the inner work that quietly shapes how we move through the world. Growth isn’t always loud or linear, and meaning is often found in the spaces between certainty and doubt. Rooted in a cinematic black-and-white aesthetic, Grayscale LA reflects both the visual and philosophical core of the series: life isn’t black or white, success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the most honest stories are often told from the margins. These are conversations from the gray area, where real life actually happens.

  1. Sep 28

    Victor Lopez on Crooked Stilo’s Legacy, Salvadoran Identity, Hip Hop, Cumbia & Coachella

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 17: VICTOR LOPEZ / CROOKED STILO In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with Salvadoran musician, producer, and longtime music industry figure Victor “El Lunátiko” López of Crooked Stilo for a conversation about identity, immigration, music, representation, and the journey of carrying your culture with you. Born in El Salvador and raised between El Salvador and Los Angeles, Victor and his brother Johnny have spent more than three decades building Crooked Stilo into one of the early groups to fuse hip hop with cumbia and Latin music. Their career includes work with Fonovisa and Univision, multiple albums, and a contribution to Daddy Yankee’s Barrio Fino on “Salud y Vida,” with Victor credited as a composer and Crooked Stilo on the track. But the story behind that music is just as important. Victor opens up about growing up in East Los Angeles, being sent back to El Salvador during his childhood to avoid getting into trouble, experiencing the realities of the Salvadoran Civil War, and eventually finding a way to turn the music and culture of his upbringing into his own artistic language. In the conversation, he reflects on how his brother Johnny helped envision the fusion of cumbia and hip hop that became central to Crooked Stilo’s sound. We also talk about the moments that shaped Crooked Stilo’s place in music history, from their major-label years to going independent, working with Salvadoran artists, mentoring younger musicians, and Victor’s continued role in the music industry through production, management, and education. And then there’s Coachella. In 2026, Crooked Stilo joined Los Hermanos Flores onstage for a new version of “Linda Muchachita,” bringing Salvadoran cumbia and Hip Hop together in front of a massive audience. For Victor, the moment became something much bigger than a performance, it was an opportunity to watch a new generation show up and represent. For Alex, this conversation hits close to home. As a fellow Salvadoran who grew up navigating the space between cultures, Victor’s story speaks directly to one of the ideas at the heart of Grayscale LA: what happens when the things that once made you feel caught between worlds become the very things that define your voice. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More episodes and special conversations coming soon.

    Victor Lopez on Crooked Stilo’s Legacy, Salvadoran Identity, Hip Hop, Cumbia & Coachella
  2. Sep 2

    Sabi on Walking Away From Fame, Salvadoran Identity, Healing & Finding Her Own Definition of Success

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 16: SABI In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with Los Angeles singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and global radio personality Sabi for a conversation about identity, success, growth, and staying true to yourself. Born and raised in Inglewood to a Salvadoran mother and African-American father, Sabi grew up navigating two cultures and learning early on what it meant to exist somewhere in between. Her journey would eventually take her from the group The Bangz into a whirlwind music career that included working with artists like Diplo, Wale, Tyga, joining Britney Spears on the Femme Fatale Tour, and earning a multi-platinum, Billboard Top 10 hit with Cobra Starship’s “You Make Me Feel.” She also performed on major platforms including the MTV VMAs, The Tonight Show, and America’s Got Talent. But the more Sabi experienced the realities of fame and the music industry, the more she began questioning whether the version of success she was chasing was actually meant for her. In this conversation, she opens up about feeling like she was becoming someone she wasn’t, the pressure of being treated like a product, difficult experiences within the music business, and the decision to step away and reconnect with herself. We also talk about her Salvadoran identity, returning to El Salvador as an adult and discovering “pieces of the puzzle” that helped shape her sense of self. Sabi reflects on family, generational trauma, healing, nervous-system regulation, and the tools she’s developed to find her way back to center. Today, Sabi has found a different way to stay connected to music through her work as a global radio personality, where she uses music and storytelling to create spaces centered around calm, connection, and healing. For Alex, this conversation feels especially personal. As a Salvadoran-born creative who grew up in Toronto navigating his own sense of cultural identity, Sabi’s story reflects one of the ideas at the heart of Grayscale LA: that sometimes the most important parts of who we are exist in the spaces between cultures, expectations, and versions of ourselves. This is a conversation about identity, ambition, healing, and redefining what it actually means to make it. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More conversations coming soon.

    Sabi on Walking Away From Fame, Salvadoran Identity, Healing & Finding Her Own Definition of Success
  3. Aug 20

    Steven Levy Cruz on Salvadoran Pride, Community Building, AFJA, and Creating Opportunities

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 15: STEVEN LEVY CRUZ In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with Salvadoran-American entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, and community builder Steven Levy Cruz for a conversation about identity, culture, community, and the responsibility that comes with creating opportunities for others. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Salvadoran immigrant parents, Steven grew up navigating the space between his life in LA and his connection to El Salvador. Those experiences eventually led him to found AFJA, a nonprofit that uses soccer as a platform for youth development, education, leadership, and community empowerment. In 2019, Steven was named the MLS WORKS Community MVP, earning a $25,000 grant in recognition of his work. Since then, AFJA has grown into a broader vehicle for cultural connection and representation, helping bring Salvadoran Heritage Nights to major sports franchises including the LA Dodgers, LA Kings, San Jose Sharks and more. Steven is also the founder of Pupusas With A Purpose, a social enterprise that uses Salvadoran food and culture to support youth programs and community initiatives. Together, Alex and Steven explore what it means to grow up with Salvadoran roots, the evolution of Salvadoran visibility and pride, and how something as simple as soccer can become a powerful tool for building community. Steven also shares the story behind AFJA, the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, and why his work has always been about more than just sports. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, social impact, cultural preservation, and the tension between building something sustainable and staying true to the people and communities you set out to serve. Steven reflects on the responsibility that comes with representation and what it means to create opportunities for a generation that may have more access and visibility than the one before it. For Alex, this conversation feels especially personal. As a fellow Salvadoran who grew up in Toronto and came to Los Angeles with a desire to connect more deeply with his culture and community, Steven was actually someone Alex first discovered through the Salvadoran Heritage Nights AFJA helped create. His story represents another side of the Salvadoran-American experience, one rooted in building, connecting, and creating space for others. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More conversations coming soon.

    Steven Levy Cruz on Salvadoran Pride, Community Building, AFJA, and Creating Opportunities
  4. Aug 6

    Paulina Lopez on Experiential Marketing, Immigration, Identity & Building Community

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 14: PAULINA LOPEZ In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with marketing executive, experiential leader, and community advocate Paulina Lopez for a conversation about identity, immigration, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with empathy. Born and raised in Mexico City, Paulina immigrated to the United States as a teenager, leaving behind the life she knew to start over in a new country. Since then, she’s built an impressive career leading experiential marketing initiatives and cultural campaigns for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, becoming known for creating experiences that prioritize people, community, and authentic connection. But this conversation goes far beyond marketing. Paulina reflects on growing up between cultures, the reality of rebuilding her life after immigrating, and the lessons she learned working factory jobs and cleaning buildings alongside her mother. She shares how those experiences shaped her perspective on leadership, belonging, and the importance of staying connected to who you are, even while navigating corporate spaces. Together, Alex and Paulina explore Latino identity, colorism, representation, community building, experiential marketing, and why creating meaningful experiences begins with understanding people. They also discuss balancing personal values with professional success, finding confidence as an immigrant, and why adaptability has become one of Paulina’s greatest strengths. For Alex, this conversation resonates on a deeply personal level. As someone whose own family immigrated from El Salvador, many of Paulina’s stories mirror the experiences shared by immigrant families across North America. It’s a reminder that while every journey is different, the resilience, sacrifice, and hope that shape those journeys often connect us in unexpected ways. This is a conversation about identity, belonging, leadership, and discovering that the experiences which once made us feel different often become our greatest strengths. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠

    Paulina Lopez on Experiential Marketing, Immigration, Identity & Building Community
  5. Jul 22

    Lalo Alcaraz on Latino Identity, Immigration & Decades of Fighting for His Community Through Comics

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 13: LALO ALCARAZ In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with award-winning cartoonist, writer, producer, and cultural commentator Lalo Alcaraz for a conversation about identity, representation, and the role art can play in challenging power. Best known as the creator of La Cucaracha, the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip in the United States. Lalo has spent more than three decades documenting the Latino experience through satire. A two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, his work has appeared in newspapers across the country, and his career has expanded into television, animation, and film, including serving as a cultural consultant on Pixar’s Coco. For Alex, this conversation felt especially meaningful. Long before meeting Lalo in person, he had followed La Cucaracha online and discovered Latino USA, the illustrated book Lalo co-authored. But hearing him speak for the first time at LA Comic Con revealed something even more impactful: behind the humor was someone who has dedicated his life to telling difficult truths about culture, politics, and the Latino experience in America. Together, Alex and Lalo explore the complexities of Latino identity, the debate around labels like Latino, Hispanic, Chicano, and Latinx, and why representation still lags behind despite decades of progress. They also discuss immigration, political satire, surviving criticism, Hollywood’s responsibility to tell authentic stories, and how Lalo went from publicly criticizing Disney over its attempted Día de los Muertos trademark to later helping shape one of Pixar’s most celebrated films. This is a conversation about humor as resistance, the responsibility that comes with becoming a cultural voice, and why sometimes the most powerful truths can be delivered through a single drawing. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More episodes and special conversations coming soon.

    Lalo Alcaraz on Latino Identity, Immigration & Decades of Fighting for His Community Through Comics
  6. Jul 13

    Jessica Marie Garcia on Carving Her Own Path in Hollywood, Latino Representation & Motherhood

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 11: JESSICA MARIE GARCIA In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with actress Jessica Marie Garcia for a conversation about identity, resilience, representation, and what it really means to build a career by embracing who you are. Best known for her breakout role as Jasmine on Netflix’s On My Block, along with memorable performances on Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie and Bunk’d, Jessica has built a career bringing humor, heart, and authenticity to every role she takes on. Proudly Mexican and Cuban, her journey through Hollywood has challenged long-standing ideas about who gets to be seen, celebrated, and represented on screen. Together, Alex and Jessica explore the years of rejection and self-doubt that came before success, the pressure of navigating Hollywood as a Latina actress, and the experience of growing up between cultures while searching for a sense of belonging. They also discuss comedy as a way of connecting with people, the unexpected impact of On My Block, confidence, and how becoming a mother has reshaped Jessica’s perspective on success, purpose, and the legacy she’s building beyond the screen. For Alex, this conversation reflects one of the central ideas behind Grayscale LA: that some of the most meaningful stories come from people who refuse to fit neatly into someone else’s expectations. Jessica’s career is a reminder that authenticity isn’t an obstacle to success, it can become the very thing that defines it. This is a conversation about identity, perseverance, self-acceptance, and finding the confidence to take up space exactly as you are. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More episodes and special conversations coming soon.

    Jessica Marie Garcia on Carving Her Own Path in Hollywood, Latino Representation & Motherhood
  7. Jun 25

    Tiffany Briseño On The Realities of Celebrity Styling, While Balancing Motherhood and Identity

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 11: TIFFANY BRISEÑO In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with celebrity stylist, designer, creative director, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Grayscale Studio, Tiffany Briseño, for a conversation that is both deeply personal and long overdue. Known for her work styling artists, actors, and public figures including Shawn Mendes, Kane Brown, and the late Angus Cloud, Tiffany has spent years building a respected career behind the scenes in fashion and entertainment. Her work has appeared across major campaigns, editorial features, red carpets, and international stages, earning her a reputation as a creative who understands how style can become a powerful form of storytelling. But this conversation isn’t just about fashion. Together, Alex and Tiffany reflect on nearly two decades of growing alongside one another through creativity, entrepreneurship, marriage, and now parenthood. They discuss the realities of building careers in creative industries, the challenges of balancing ambition with family, and the lessons that come from creating businesses, projects, and a life together. The conversation explores Tiffany’s journey into celebrity styling, the unseen work that goes into shaping public image, and what she’s learned from working with some of the industry’s biggest names. They also dive into identity, cultural heritage, creative partnership, moving from Toronto to Los Angeles, and the emotional transition into becoming first-time parents. For Alex, this episode holds special significance. While many of the stories behind Grayscale LA, Grayscale Studio, and the move to Los Angeles have been shared throughout the series, Tiffany has been present for nearly all of them. As his wife, creative collaborator, business partner, and the mother of their son, this conversation offers a rare look at the person who has helped shape so much of the journey behind the scenes. This is a conversation about partnership, purpose, identity, and what it means to build a life together while continuing to evolve as individuals. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More episodes and special conversations coming soon.

    Tiffany Briseño On The Realities of Celebrity Styling, While Balancing Motherhood and Identity
  8. Jun 10

    Feefa on Salvadoran Pride, Music Industry Pressure, Identity, and Building the Salvadoran Algorithm

    GRAYSCALE LA EPISODE 10: FEEFA In this episode of Grayscale LA, Alex Narváez sits down with Los Angeles artist, producer, engineer, entrepreneur, and community advocate Feefa for a conversation about identity, representation, and the responsibility that comes with building something bigger than yourself. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles to Salvadoran parents, Feefa has spent years carving out his own lane in music while proudly carrying his culture with him every step of the way. From earning radio play on major Los Angeles stations and winning REAL 92.3’s The Come Up competition, to building his own studio, mentoring young people through soccer, and creating opportunities for other artists, his journey reflects a growing generation of Salvadoran-Americans redefining what representation can look like. Together, Alex and Feefa explore what it means to pursue a career in music while refusing to compromise your identity. Feefa shares stories of being encouraged by industry executives to move away from his Salvadoran roots, abandon bilingual music, and follow trends that didn’t reflect who he was. Instead, he chose to bet on himself, embracing both his culture and his unique perspective as an artist. The conversation also dives into the changing perception of Salvadoran identity in the United States, the importance of community building, and the role creators play in opening doors for future generations. Feefa reflects on growing up during a time when Salvadoran culture was rarely visible in mainstream media, and why today’s wave of representation feels bigger than any one artist, comedian, or influencer. For Alex, this conversation feels especially personal. As a fellow Salvadoran who grew up rarely seeing people from his community represented in media and entertainment, Feefa’s story reflects a mission that sits at the heart of Grayscale LA: highlighting people who exist between cultures, challenge expectations, and create opportunities where none previously existed. This is a conversation about pride, purpose, and the power of building a path for others while creating your own. ABOUT GRAYSCALE LA Grayscale LA is a cinematic interview series created and hosted by Alex Narváez, an award-winning producer, creative director, and journalist. The series centers on creatives, and cultural leaders who exist in the in-between, navigating identity, culture, and purpose while carving paths outside traditional mainstream spaces. Presented through a signature black-and-white visual language, Grayscale LA blends intimate conversation with portrait-driven storytelling. The series creates space for nuanced dialogue around identity, resilience, and creative expression, amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. If this conversation resonated, remember to like, comment, and subscribe to support the series and help expand its reach. Follow Grayscale LA and Alex Narváez for episode clips, updates, and upcoming guests: YouTube: ⁠⁠@Grayscale LA⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@GrayscaleLA⁠ / ⁠@SirAlexNarvaez⁠ More episodes and special conversations coming soon.

    Feefa on Salvadoran Pride, Music Industry Pressure, Identity, and Building the Salvadoran Algorithm

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

GRAYSCALE LA is a podcast about people living in the in-between. Hosted and produced by Alex Narvaez; award-winning creative director, producer, and journalist. Grayscale LA features intimate conversations with artists, athletes, creatives, and cultural outsiders who are carving their own paths beyond clean labels and mainstream narratives. Drawing from over a decade of experience interviewing some of the most influential voices in music, sports, and culture, Alex brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to storytelling that prioritizes depth over hype. Recorded in Los Angeles, the series explores identity, purpose, creativity, resilience, and ambition through the lens of those who live in the gray area. Immigrants, first-generation voices, cultural hybrids, and leaders navigating multiple worlds at once. These are stories about becoming, not arriving. This series also ties in spirituality and the questions we sit with, the values we carry, and the inner work that quietly shapes how we move through the world. Growth isn’t always loud or linear, and meaning is often found in the spaces between certainty and doubt. Rooted in a cinematic black-and-white aesthetic, Grayscale LA reflects both the visual and philosophical core of the series: life isn’t black or white, success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the most honest stories are often told from the margins. These are conversations from the gray area, where real life actually happens.

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