Best Martin Figueroa Podcasts (2025)

1
TED 40 | Understanding gender-based violence in the SBK scene with Dabney Evans 40:26

9h ago40:26

40:26

1 in 3 women. 1 in 4 men. At work, at the gym, in any social context, gender-based violence is present in our lives and you may not even consider it all that often. But what if you did? What if you stepped onto the dance floor or into your lesson with an understanding of what gender-based violence is, who is at risk of it and the questions you can …

1
NeuroKind: Building a Better Brain with Dr. Akila Kadambi from UCLA and USC 50:15

1M ago50:15

50:15

n this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Akila Kadambi, a leading researcher at the UCLA Brain Research Institute, USC Brain and Creativity Institute, and fellow at the UCLA-CDU Dana Center. She is an expert in Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, exploring how positive and humanistic neuroscience reshapes our understanding of the mind. Dr. Kad…

1
Unscripted Success: College, Life, and Improv with Grace Nowzari 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Join Grace Nowzari—communications expert, clinical psychology graduate, and improv enthusiast—as she brings her signature energy and insight to the mic. With a B.A. in Communication and Journalism, a minor in French, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Grace blends academic depth with real-world wi…

1
TED 39 | Felipe & Tiago: Is Role Rotation a tool towards safer spaces? 42:50

1M ago42:50

42:50

A dance lesson with two equal teachers. A mindset that expects respect and rejects stereotypes. A dance floor where sexualisation and objectification aren’t entertained. There are teachers and spaces that are working hard to create safer spaces and a huge contributor to that growth are the teachers behind Role Rotation in bachata - Felipe Ramirez a…

1
TED 38 | Are you willing to risk leaving dangerous people on the dance floor? with Jason Potell 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

How do you protect dancers across the SBK scene? You take their safety into account when planning your event. You talk about safety at your event. You give people knowledge about how to keep themselves safe. You take their experiences seriously when talking to them. That outdated line of “If I don’t hear about it, I can pretend it didn’t happen” is…

1
Kelly Dormandy, USC women’s strength coach, reveals her powerful journey 42:57

2M ago42:57

42:57

Kelly Dormandy, USC women's strength coach and USC women's basketball director of sports performance, reveals her powerful journey. Dormandy is a nationally recognized expert in strength and conditioning and has trained elite athletes at the University of Southern California, the University of Georgia, Loyola Marymount University, and the Los Angel…

1
TED 37 | Why didn’t she report it to the police? with Rikki Archibald 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

“Why didn’t she report it to the police?” “This is not my problem, this belongs with the police.” We are hearing these comments in the salsa, bachata and kizomba spaces, where people are speaking from a point of little understanding of being a victim or survivor (and that’s great!) or little understanding of the official process of sexual assault c…

1
TED 36 | Male privilege and an insight into threats in the SBK scene with Cameron Holden 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

Raised to be aware of your privilege as a man in the SBK scene is not something many men can reflectively say. Cameron Holden gives us a look at the salsa, bachata and kizomba scene through a self-aware lens - the male privilege that is present and prevalent in our scene - from the attitude towards teaching followers (who are women in the majority)…

1
Stories of Strength & Support w/ former Green Berets Robert Farmer & James Mahurin 46:34

3M ago46:34

46:34

Former Green Berets James Mahurin and Robert Farmer host the new podcast Black Sheep Radio USA: A Conversation with Warriors, which offers an unfiltered, powerful dive into the world of resilience, strength, and survival after war. With over 17 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, both hosts have faced the brutal realities of war, enduring s…

1
TED 35 | What snap judgements are you making about other dancers? with Natalie Walls 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

Fuelled by the rise of social media, bachata has developed a very “cookie cutter” image. Hollywood slim, skin and sparkle is the heteronormative assumed default image of our teachers. But that isn’t representative of our community, is it? We come in all shapes and sizes with every personality under the sun. Natalie Walls joins us to not only challe…

1
TED 34 | What are 2 key ways we can improve how lessons are taught? with Thomas Martin 30:11

4M ago30:11

30:11

Do salsa and bachata lessons serve dancers as well as they could? What core could we make to improve things? Thomas Martin is a teacher based in Manchester who share with us two brilliant areas he would see improve across the board in the SBK community. More than that though, as well as shaking up the way lessons are taught, Thomas also wants to se…

1
TED 33 | Would you be allowed to take part in Jack & Jill competitions? with Christine Walsh 36:42

5M ago36:42

36:42

Christine joins us to talk about all things Jack and Jill at social dance events. As a social dancer herself, Christine loves the challenge and opportunity for growth that a Jack and Jill competition offers but unfortunately has experienced being denied the opportunity to to take part in a competition because she signed up to lead. The problem? She…

1
Mastering Student Loans with Juan Dimas: Expert Advice from a Financial Powerhouse 1:00:05

6M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Join Juan Dimas, an acclaimed financial adviser, student engagement expert, and financial aid professional, as he explores the intersection of financial empowerment and education. With a B.A. and M.B.A. in Business Management and Administration, Juan combines his extensive expertise in student loans, financial planning, and higher education with a …

1
Are all Bobas equal? The story of two entrepreneurs changing the Boba Tea business! 56:56

7M ago56:56

56:56

Behind the scenes of the booming Boba Tea business. Are all Boba Tea shops equal? Here is the behind-the-scenes story of two entrepreneurs changing the face of the Boba tea business. Jenna Wu and Cameron Wong are USC Marshall School of Business graduates. Jenna combines her love of fitness and healthy foods with Cameron's Boba Milk Tea business exp…

1
TED 32 | What you can gain by understanding the context of Salsa Music with Angel Figueroa 25:10

9M ago25:10

25:10

DJ Angel Figueroa joins us from Chiba, Japan to share with us the value of diving deeper into salsa songs. From the political feeling at the time of writing, to the stories behind an artist’s motivation, Angel teaches us that, like all forms of art, the more we know about a piece, the better we can connect with it and enjoy it. Born into a family c…

1
TED 31 | Why Embodied Philosophy is a Must-Have Salsa Tool with Sarah Balzat 25:13

9M ago25:13

25:13

Sarah Balzat last joined us to talk about her entry into salsa and her focus on learning about different body types in dancing. We are lucky to welcome Sarah back to talk this time about Embodied Philosophy - her toolkit for salsa teaching, dancing, choreographing and even everyday life. Embodied Philosophy seeks to create synergy between top down …

1
Voices in the Spotlight: The Musical Odyssey of Hannah Abrahim 1:05:21

9M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Voices in the Spotlight: The Musical Odyssey of Hannah Abrahim. Hannah is a graduate of the USC Thorton School of Music. She is an accomplished voice coach, singer, and writer. She studied under USC Music Professor and legend Patrice Rushen. Hannah has sung background vocals for Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Tiesto, and Lil Nas X, among others. …

1
TED 30 | Why are Values Important in Bachata Classes? with Tudor Sirbu & Sheffield Bachata Collective 26:01

10M ago26:01

26:01

Tudor Sirbu is the teacher behind Sheffield Bachata Collective, a dance school that puts core values front and centre in its mission to provide quality bachata classes and events. Guided by Inclusivity, Respect and Growth, SBC is committed to actively teaching their values by welcoming and celebrating all dancers, handling inappropriate behaviour w…

1
TED 29 Is Ageism Present in Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba? with Lynne Joyner 22:34

10M ago22:34

22:34

Lynne Joyner started dancing salsa, bachata and kizomba in her 60s and it is safe to say that she has become thoroughly addicted over the last 1.5 years of dancing. Learning new skills, keeping active, making new friends, the SBK scene has become a core part of Lynne’s life and she is thriving. But her confidence is something she has had to learn a…

1
TED 28 | Removing Gendered Roles Benefits EVERYONE in Dancing with Giulia Settomini 22:36

10M ago22:36

22:36

Giulia Settomini has many years’ experience in competitive latin and ballroom as well as social salsa and bachata dancing and she sat down to share her experiences of gendered roles in latin dancing and the power we give ourselves when we remove gender from the equation. Society is peppered with situations that seek to cast men in a strong and domi…

1
TED 27 | Challenging Cultural Expectations through Bachata with Anna Kan 16:00

10M ago16:00

16:00

Anna Kan is a bachata dancer who is no stranger to being in a cultural minority at dance events. In her open and welcoming way, Anna offers us a window into her rich cultural background and talks us through her bachata journey, including how it felt when she met her local east/southeast Asian bachata teacher, as well as experiencing places where ot…

1
TED 26 | Enabling ALL Body Types in Salsa with Sarah Balzat 26:19

11M ago26:19

26:19

Despite starting out in singing, Sarah Balzat has been dancing most of her life. Sarah has an incredible mind when it comes to her approaches to teaching salsa and salsa dancing itself and today she joins us to talk about her unusual entry into salsa in Germany in the 90s and the power of bringing philosophy and vulnerability onto the dance floor, …

1
TED 25 | How Vinyl Music Contributes to Salsa with DJ Eddie Hunt 18:08

11M ago18:08

18:08

Eddie Hunt is a salsa DJ and teacher based in Bristol and Clevedon in the UK. He has been dancing for over 20 years and DJing and teaching for over half that. Today Eddie joins me to chat about his journey as a DJ and the special place in his heart he has for vinyl music. Vinyl offers an insight into a deeper and wider experience of salsa music, of…

1
TED 24 | The Psychological Value of Connecting to Yourself with Fiorella The Dancing Psychologist 25:16

11M ago25:16

25:16

Today we sit down with Fiorella the Dancing Psychologist, a bachata teacher based in the Netherlands. Fiorella merges her expertise in psychology with her passion for bachata, helping dancers connect their mind and body for holistic well-being. Listen as she shares her journey, from techno dance floors in Amsterdam to discovering the magic of bacha…

1
From Bodybuilding Champion to Business Mogul: Bee Ayuso's Fitness Empire 44:08

11M ago44:08

44:08

Join us in this inspiring podcast as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Bee Ayuso, a decorated bodybuilding champion, personal trainer, social media influencer, mother, and business owner. Bee shares her invaluable insights on building a healthy lifestyle while staying positive and motivated in facing challenges. Discover her secrets to bala…

1
TED 23 | Why You Should Care about Language in Lessons with Bobbie Miles 12:43

11M ago12:43

12:43

Language is a powerful thing. We are dancers and movement is a big part of how we communicate on the social dance floor, but in lessons and workshops, words are the communication method of choice. So the words we choose matter. Using “men/guys” as interchangeable with “leaders” and “women/girls/ladies” as interchangeable with followers keeps all da…

1
TED 22 | Finding Communities in New Cities Through Bachata with Naheul Salem 19:10

11M ago19:10

19:10

A dancer from Malaga, Spain, Nahuel discovered his love for dancing about a decade ago in Nottingham in the UK and it has since become his way to integrate into new communities, make friends, and explore different cultures. His journey through different cities has not only shaped his dance skills but also broadened his social horizons. He's navigat…

1
TED 21 | An Intersection of Music, Dance and Confidence with Sherony Lock 30:55

12M ago30:55

30:55

Sherony Lock has been dancing for over a decade and is both a skilled follower and leader. Dancing can be an incredible vehicle for personal growth and Sherony shares with us how salsa and bachata have been a part of her confidence-building journey. She also talks us through the language of dance and the conversation between leader follower and mus…

1
Fitness Rx: Weight lifting to Health with Future Doctor & Influencer Natalie Goldstone 54:50

12M ago54:50

54:50

Fitness Rx: Jump Roping and Lifting Weights to Health with Future Doctor and Influencer Natalie Goldstone. Natalie Goldstone is a fitness enthusiast, avid jump roper, weight lifter, fitness influencer, and future doctor. She addresses fitness myths about weight lifting, dieting, challenges of staying fit while in a demanding graduate school program…

1
TED 20 | The Brain, The Soul, The Culture - The Value Behind the Dance with Lucy Woodham 25:17

12M ago25:17

25:17

Meet Lucy Woodham, a lifelong dancer and a seasoned physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in sports and complex rehab. Passionate about the connection between physical and psychological well-being, Lucy is pursuing a master’s in psychology. In this episode, Lucy challenges us to step away from the Western approach to wellbeing of separat…

1
TED 19 | She Says Selfish, I Say Inspired: A Conversation With Rasa 30:04

1y ago30:04

30:04

Join us for a conversation with the incredible Rasa Pauzaite, a professional salsa and bachata dancer, teacher, and performer! With so many years of experience under her belt, Rasa has so much to share with dancers, she is a treasure trove of knowledge! Rasa the Dancer is a favourite at dance events in the UK and beyond, bringing joy and expertise …

1
TED 18 | Role Rotation: A Path to Inclusivity on the Dance Floor with Lea Avrany 28:27

1y ago28:27

28:27

We are welcoming back Lea Avrany, an advocate for safer dancing from Switzerland in the bachata scene. The episode explores the concept of "rotation," where dancers switch roles mid-dance, enhancing connection and inclusivity. Lea and Bobbie share insights on overcoming traditional dance norms to create a more inclusive and empowering dance communi…

1
TED 17 | A Learning Mindset & The Culture of Salsa with Deaglán Gibbons 25:33

1y ago25:33

25:33

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of salsa with Déaglán Gibbons, a fellow Irishman and passionate salsa dancer right here in Bristol. Hear how moving from Ireland to England sparked his love for dance, and how salsa helped him connect with a new community. From casual social dancing to totally hooked, Déaglán's journey is inspiring and full…

1
TED 16 | Why a Code of Conduct? 12:44

1y ago12:44

12:44

Today is all about Codes of Conduct. Join me to go through what a Code of Conduct is, its place in the salsa, bachata and kizomba scene and why it is worth having them across the board at dance events. What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (01:50) - What is a Code of Conduct? (03:50) - The Purpose of a Code of Conduct (05.23) - "H…

1
TED 15 | Dealing with Reports of Inappropriate Behaviour with Stellan Jara 28:39

1y ago28:39

28:39

Stellan Jara is one of the longest running salsa teachers in the Bristol area and is very black and white when it comes to dealing with report of inappropriate behaviour. Join us as we explore his story into the salas scene, his commitment to dance etiquette, and his proactive approach to handling sensitive issues on the dance floor. What to expect…

1
TED 14 | All Emotions are Valid: Becoming Mindful rather than Critical with Sandra Burdet 20:51

1y ago20:51

20:51

Join us for an inspiring episode with Sandra Burdet, a bachata instructor, who believes in a continuous growth journey for herself and her students. Learn about her journey from dance to fitness and back again, and how she integrates these experiences into her holistic coaching practice as well as her bachata teaching. In this episode, Sandra share…

1
TED 13 | Bullying and Misconduct - both as a newbie and a seasoned player with Lisa Johnson 22:50

1y ago22:50

22:50

Discover Lisa's bold, straightforward strategies that can empower you to achieve your dreams. Lisa helps thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide, focusing on passive income and business growth. Her success is also reflected in her recent launches and her advocacy for supportive and inclusive business environments. Join us as we chat with the incredibl…

1
TED 12 | Pro-Empowerment & Anti-Harassment are Here to Stay with Lea Avrany 25:31

1y ago25:31

25:31

Tune in for interviews with inspiring individuals who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on and off the dance floor. Ready to boost your confidence on the social dance floor? In this episode, Lea Avrany and Bobbie Miles share their thoughts on the shared responsibility of the community to look after each other and speak up to inappr…

1
TED 11 | Thoughts from a Bachata World Champion with Ysenah Bosle 17:24

1y ago17:24

17:24

Tune in for interviews with inspiring individuals who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on and off the dance floor. Ready to boost your confidence on the social dance floor? In this episode, Ysenah Bosle, Diana Liu, and Bobbie Miles shared their experiences and perspectives on empowerment and confidence in Latin dancing. They empha…

1
TED 10 | Confidence and Personal Growth Through Bachata with Coach Wil 27:19

1y ago27:19

27:19

Dancing is more than just movement; it's about confidence and feeling fantastic. However, taking those initial steps into the dance world can be quite challenging, especially if you lack prior experience. From those first beginner steps into dance and now inspiring others to take their first steps into the bachata community, Coach Wil delves into c…

1
Elite Leadership: Unveiling Strategy with Dr. Apollo Emeka, Former Green Beret 47:10

1y ago47:10

47:10

Elite Leadership: Unveiling Strategy with Dr. Apollo Emeka, Former Green Beret. Dr. Apollo Emeka is a former Green Beret and FBI intelligence analyst. He is currently a strategy and leadership consultant for his company, Apolly Strategy Group. Dr. Emeka has a B.A. in Sociology and a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University…

1
TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel 28:27

1y ago28:27

28:27

Neurodiversity's impact on movement and social interaction, particularly within the context of dance, is a topic often overlooked. This episode highlights the challenges faced by some neurodivergent individuals in society from moving to adulthood to dance spaces, particularly those who struggle following instructions. The discussion also opens the …

1
TED 08 | Safer Dance Spaces with Lara Tabet 31:13

1y ago31:13

31:13

This episode discusses creating safer spaces in dancing communities, particularly focused on preventing sexual abuse. Lara is a co-founder of the Safer Dance Spaces initiative and in this episode, she talks about the importance of education and bystander intervention in preventing abuse. Dancers are encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe and to…

1
Unlocked: A discussion with attorney Susan Lawrence and Nick Woodall on life after prison. 1:05:20

1y ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Unlocked: A discussion with attorney Susan Lawrence and Nick Woodall on life after prison. Susan is a famous attorney and physician who tirelessly works for those in prison who want a second chance. She is also an expert on the impact of psychopathy on criminal justice reform and society. Nick Woodall is the founder of POSSE Solutions LLC. I provid…

1
TED 07 | From Social Dancing to Performance + Competition with Diana Liu 23:24

1y ago23:24

23:24

In this second part of Bobbie's interview with Diana Liu, they talk about her experiences, performance dancing, and joining a competition. Diana shares about her first time auditioning and joining competitions, how it helped her understand the differences from social dancing, and how it made her more confident to take on future auditions. Gaining m…

1
TED 06 | Social Dancing Tips from a Seasoned Dancer with Diana Liu 23:38

1y ago23:38

23:38

Diana and Bobbie catch up and talk about their festival tips and tricks and how they keep their energy alive to have a good time and for a memorable social dance experience. Prepare to make a list of Diana’s practical tips from preparing for the festivals to selecting the sessions to join and enjoying the social dance events. Listen to this chill c…

1
TED 05 | Safe Spaces and the Role of the Teacher with Vanessa Bright 36:10

1y ago36:10

36:10

Creating safe spaces and boundaries is the responsibility of the instructors of the class. But how aware are the instructors and how do we open up this uncomfortable topic of conversation to help create a safe environment for dancers? In this episode, Vanessa and Bobbie share their thoughts about the roles of the teacher and their responsibility in…

1
TED 04 | Swapping Roles and the Freedom it Brings with Laura Conde 31:37

1y ago31:37

31:37

Who leads and who follows on the dance floor? When the music comes on, you and your dance partner, more often than not, naturally jump into the leader and follower roles. But what if we swap these roles every so often? How do equal dynamics work? In this episode, Laura and Bobbie talk about the leader-focused heavy culture of dance classes and soci…

1
TED 03 | The Highs of Festivals, the Flow of Energy with Grace Clay 23:18

1+ y ago23:18

23:18

Finding the perfect festival is all about the environment and the energy it brings. You may have the best dancers in a room, but if the atmosphere does not bring out the best in you as a dancer or if the energy of the people around is not right, the experience won't be as great as it could have been. In this episode, Grace and Bobbie talk about dan…

1
TED 02 | DJing & Changes in the Scene with Pierre Henry - Part 2 24:43

1+ y ago24:43

24:43

In this second part of Bobbie's interview with Pierre Henry, the discussion takes a turn to the changes in the dynamics of the dance scene worldwide. Pierre gives his deep observation of how teaching dance has changed from 'creating students' to 'creating a brand of dance for instructors.' He also gives his reflective thoughts on the impact of soci…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Martin Figueroa Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide