LA PLATICA – “EMOTIONAL: Josh Leyva Gets Vulnerable”

Episode Release: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Josh Leyva, Sebastian Robles (Sebas)
Guest Producer: Jessica

Episode Overview

In this special New Year’s episode, hosts Josh Leyva and Sebastian Robles reunite for an emotionally raw, honest, and often humorous conversation about vulnerability, intention, and growth—both personal and as creators. From opening up about body image, social media pressures, and learning to say “no,” to setting intentions for the new year and reflecting on “embarrassment” as a path toward authenticity, their dialogue offers listeners a unique and mature look at the realities behind influencer culture and the power of male emotional openness. Sprinkled with playful banter and deep gems, the episode is equal parts entertainment and inspiration.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Catching Up: New Year, New Intentions (04:24–09:00)

• The show kicks off with the hosts sharing their excitement about being back in the studio, rocking new fashion (shoutout to TikTok Shop for the “butters”/Timberlands), and celebrating recent weight loss.
• Weight Journey:
  • Both Josh and Sebas reflect on mindful eating during the holidays and healthy approaches to their fitness goals.
  • “I started my cut in December because I didn’t want to wait for a new year to tell me when to start.” – Josh [05:11]
  • Discussion on how lifting weights versus just cardio impacts body shape.
  • Reflecting on body image and photoshoots: not always feeling as fit as they looked in pictures.

2. Body Image, Comparison, and Self-Perception (09:00–13:40)

• Both open up about being hyper-critical of their bodies despite external validation.
  • “Sometimes, when you’re in your prime, you don’t even realize it until you look back.” – Josh [09:19]
  • Josh describes not wanting a shirtless photo to “see the light of day” even though, in hindsight, it shows him looking his best.
• Humorous banter about shirtless photos, ‘hot guy’ lists on the internet, and how perceptions can be both flattering and strange.

3. Masculinity, Compliments, and Stereotypes (13:40–15:26)

• The hosts discuss being complimented by being perceived as gay, and how that relates to stereotypes about self-care and appearance.
  • “The biggest compliment you can get as a guy is when they think that you’re gay.” – Sebas [13:44]
  • Conversation moves into inclusivity, hygiene, and charisma—relationships with how masculinity is expressed in Latino culture.

4. Living with Intention & Setting Boundaries (16:58–19:53)

• Josh sets “intention” as his word for the year, emphasizing the value of being selective and purposeful in every action, from working out to choosing social engagements.
• “Learn to say no and not feel bad about it” is introduced as a key mantra, sparking a discussion about people-pleasing, FOMO, and prioritizing personal growth.
  • “If you want to be intentional, you have to ask why you’re doing everything. Why am I working out? Why am I calling my mom?” – Sebas [17:46]
  • “You might not get something immediately, but it will come for you.” – Sebas [17:24]

5. Saying No and the Power of Priorities (19:53–26:25)

• Personal anecdotes of turning down social invitations for career growth or self-care, with reassurance that true friends (and parents) will understand.
  • Sebas recalls skipping a friend’s birthday at Disneyland to attend an event beneficial to his career: “It hurt me to say ‘no,’ but it was the right thing.” [23:59]
  • Growth narratives around gaining respect from loved ones by making difficult, intentional choices.

6. Vulnerability and Overcoming Embarrassment (26:25–34:57)

• Josh, inspired by Austin Butler’s insight, shares how “everything you want is on the other side of embarrassment.”
  • “Embarrassment is an underexplored emotion. The fear of being judged socially keeps us from expressing ourselves, but everything you’re looking for is on the other side of it.” – Josh, paraphrasing Austin Butler [27:42]
• Josh opens up emotionally about not wanting to show where he was in life during a social media slump—feeling the pressure to maintain a “successful” image. Describes launching his brand, Salud, from an unglamorous apartment, and the shame-turned-pride of seeing those early hustling photos.
  • “I almost wish I would have heard that [Butler] video earlier; everything I was looking for was on the other side of embarrassment.” – Josh [34:36]

7. Growth, Gratitude, and Second Chances (34:57–38:45)

• Josh thanks Sebas and the podcast for re-invigorating his creative spark after hard times—a “God-given second chance.”
  • “This podcast saved my life… My creative core needed this outlet… everything just fell into place so perfectly.” – Josh [35:14]
• Both reflect on the importance of gratitude and using past lows to inform current successes.

8. Evaluating the Podcast and Upping Their Game (37:54–42:23)

• Honest appraisal of last year’s performance: acknowledging complacency, comfort, and a sense of autopilot.
  • “To grow, you need to put some intention in it. You need to brainstorm, put a little more elbow grease in.” – Sebas [39:54]
  • Pledge to bring more intention into future episodes, planning, and guest choices.
  • “It’s not about making more money. It’s about giving more to people, being excited about what we’re doing.” – Josh [41:05]

9. On Discipline, Regret, and Living Fully (43:40–45:27)

• Quoting Tony Robbins: “Discipline weighs ounces, while regret weighs tons.”
  • “I’d rather lean into the uncomfortability of discipline than feel the weight of regret.” – Josh [45:34]
• Discussing public outreach: spamming favorite stars for podcast appearances, and doing things out of “great intention,” even if there’s potential embarrassment.

10. Pop Culture, Movies, and Influences (46:56–54:50)

• Commentary on Austin Butler’s method acting and post-Elvis struggles, tying into themes of emotional impact and criticism.
• Movie reviews and cultural catch-up (Elvis, Uncut Gems, Martyr Supreme, Mr. Beast, Timothy Chalamet, etc.).
• Praise for guests and wishlist for upcoming show appearances (Adam Sandler, Bad Bunny, Tony Robbins, Bretman Rock, etc.).

11. Happiness, Longevity, and Wellbeing (57:57–59:59)

• Lighthearted look at processed foods (Spam musubi, hot dogs), with the takeaway that emotional happiness may matter more for longevity than strict dietary discipline.
  • “When you feel happiness, it adds life to you.” – Sebas [58:37]
  • Discussion of stress as the real health saboteur.

12. Community Engagement (63:06–end)

• Reflection on four years of consistent podcasting and gratitude to listeners.
• Inviting the audience to leave comments with guest/interview ideas and personal New Year’s goals.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s not what you do, but how you do it. So make sure when you do it, you really do it.” – Josh [05:30]
• “You can’t outwork a diet.” – Josh [08:08]
• “I don’t want to be 50, 60, 70 years old and thinking, ‘man, I could have done more, I could have been more.’” – Sebas [43:33]
• On launching Salud: “I was embarrassed to show where I really was… Now, I’m proud of that photo. I was grinding in an apartment when people thought I was living the dream.” – Josh [33:47]
• “Embarrassment is an underexplored emotion. Everything you’re looking for is on the other side of it.” – Josh paraphrasing Austin Butler [27:42]
• “Word of the year: intention. I’m going to get it tattooed.” – Sebas [42:34]
• “I want to bring out the best in people. If I’m my best, everybody around me wins.” – Sebas [37:19]

Key Timestamps

• “New Year, New Weight Loss, New Butters”: 04:24–09:00
• Body Image & Standards: 09:00–13:40
• Compliments & Toxic Masculinity: 13:40–15:26
• Intentional Living and Saying No: 16:58–19:53, 19:53–26:25
• Vulnerability & Side of Embarrassment: 26:25–34:57
• Podcast Gratitude & Second Chances: 34:57–38:45
• Self-Appraisal & Intention: 37:54–42:23
• Discipline & Regret: 43:40–45:27
• Pop Culture Deep Dive: 46:56–54:50
• Processed Foods, Happiness & Longevity: 57:57–59:59
• Listener Engagement & Wrap-Up: 63:06–end

Tone & Takeaways

Equal parts vulnerable, real, and hilariously off-the-cuff, this episode exemplifies why La Platica stands out. Josh’s emotional openness transforms classic influencer talk into meaningful reflection, with intentions for growth guiding every story. Sebas brings energetic support and wisdom around setting boundaries and modeling maturity. Together, they model a confident, emotionally mature masculinity—showing listeners how to balance ambition, vulnerability, and self-compassion in a culture that rarely encourages it.

Listeners will come away inspired to:

• Set intentional goals and boundaries
• Re-examine their own vulnerabilities and 'embarrassments'
• Practice gratitude and have the courage to say 'no'
• Recognize the value of authenticity over image

And, of course, to “do things with intention” in 2026!