Leo Gonzalez Talks All: Hospital Visits, Only Child, Anxiety, Comedy Show, CHISME & MORE!!

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Leo Gonzalez Talks All: Hospital Visits, Only Child, Anxiety, Comedy Show, CHISME & MORE!!"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized
• Host: Alannized & Studio71
• Guest: Leo Gonzalez
• Release Date: April 25, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of Noche de Pendejadas, host Alannized welcomes comedian and content creator Leo Gonzalez. The conversation delves deep into Leo's personal life, exploring his upbringing, family dynamics, career trajectory, struggles with anxiety, and his journey into stand-up comedy. The episode offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs Leo has faced, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in the intersection of personal hardship and creative expression.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Leo Gonzalez shares his experiences growing up as an only child in a single-parent household. His mother battled chronic illnesses, necessitating frequent hospital visits, which significantly impacted Leo's childhood.

[10:32] Leo Gonzalez: "I'm an only child, so I grew up very, very lonely, but it was just my mom and myself for a long time."

The separation of his parents before his junior high years added another layer of complexity to his upbringing. Leo describes how his father's sporadic presence, shuttling between the U.S. and Mexico, fostered a sense of responsibility in him from a young age.

[15:30] Alannized: "Do you feel like you never resented him?"

[15:32] Leo Gonzalez: "No, because I understand why he left. He was trying to provide, and I get that."

Impact of Parents' Separation and Mother's Health

Leo reflects on the emotional toll his parents' separation took on him. Initially, he didn't fully grasp the significance of his father's absence, attributing it to natural circumstances. However, as he matured, the emotional burden became more pronounced.

[12:55] Leo Gonzalez: "It caught on later where I was like, oh, actually, I'm a little mad."

His mother's severe health issues, culminating in a stroke in 2016, were pivotal moments that reshaped Leo's life and career. Balancing his burgeoning career at Univision with the demands of his mother's hospitalization tested his resilience.

[27:37] Leo Gonzalez: "The day I started working at Univision, my mom had a stroke. It was like, the best day and the worst day of my life."

Career Beginnings: Univision and Beyond

Leo recounts his initial foray into the media industry, securing a dream job at Univision in Fresno. However, his first day was overshadowed by his mother's stroke, forcing him to navigate professional responsibilities amidst personal turmoil.

[28:27] Alannized: "Was that like a surreal moment for you?"

[28:28] Leo Gonzalez: "Yeah, he was the news anchor, and I was like, I'm on air while my mom is in the hospital."

Despite the challenges, Leo received unwavering support from his colleagues, notably his boss Sandy, who provided him with a reliable car to manage his commute to Bakersfield.

Transition to Content Creation

Driven by a passion for comedy and content creation, Leo transitioned from traditional media to establishing his presence on platforms like TikTok. Inspired by influencers like AdamRayOkay, Leo began experimenting with comedic skits, eventually leading to his joining the content house Familia Fuego in 2021.

[58:20] Leo Gonzalez: "I made my first TikTok pretending to be a news reporter, and that changed everything."

Living in the Familia Fuego house in Hollywood Hills exposed Leo to collaborative content creation, fostering friendships and expanding his creative horizons.

Dealing with Anxiety and Mental Health

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Leo's battle with anxiety, rooted in his tumultuous childhood and exacerbated by adult responsibilities. He candidly shares how anxiety manifests in his daily life and its impact on his relationships and professional endeavors.

[44:57] Leo Gonzalez: "Anxiety is like, bro, we gotta talk. It really takes over those situations."

Leo emphasizes the importance of support systems, leaning on friends and family to navigate his mental health challenges. He also highlights the stigma surrounding mental health in Latino communities, advocating for greater acceptance and understanding.

[51:55] Leo Gonzalez: "I need someone to just sit here in the quietness with me and that's it."

Stand-Up Comedy Tour and Creative Ventures

Transitioning his experiences and coping mechanisms into comedy, Leo embarked on a stand-up tour, performing sold-out shows in cities like San Diego and San Jose. Preparing for these shows involves meticulous planning and personal reflection, allowing him to share his story and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

[82:09] Leo Gonzalez: "I have San Jose in about a week, sold out. And then Irvine the next day in Texas."

Leo discusses the intricacies of performing live comedy versus creating digital content, noting the challenges of engaging with live audiences while managing his anxiety.

[85:27] Alanized: "How do you prepare for a show?"

[85:34] Leo Gonzalez: "I recorded my whole hour on a voice memo and listened to it on my flight back."

Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

Looking ahead, Leo envisions himself producing his own television and film projects, leveraging his unique perspective and storytelling abilities. He expresses a desire to maintain a balance between his professional ambitions and personal well-being.

[90:52] Leo Gonzalez: "I hope I'm producing my own stuff, whether it's TV or movies. And I love LA. I want to be a more normal version of myself."

Alannized wraps up the episode by praising Leo's work ethic and creative prowess, underscoring the inspirational narrative of overcoming adversity through humor and resilience.

[92:19] Alanized: "You're such a great actor... because of social media, in 2021, you joined a content house..."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Leo Gonzalez [10:32]: "I'm an only child, so I grew up very, very lonely, but it was just my mom and myself for a long time."
• Leo Gonzalez [15:30]: "Do you feel like you never resented him?"
  "No, because I understand why he left. He was trying to provide, and I get that."
• Leo Gonzalez [27:37]: "The day I started working at Univision, my mom had a stroke. It was like, the best day and the worst day of my life."
• Leo Gonzalez [44:57]: "Anxiety is like, bro, we gotta talk. It really takes over those situations."
• Leo Gonzalez [51:55]: "I need someone to just sit here in the quietness with me and that's it."
• Leo Gonzalez [85:27]: "I have San Jose in about a week, sold out. And then Irvine the next day in Texas."
• Leo Gonzalez [90:52]: "I hope I'm producing my own stuff, whether it's TV or movies. And I love LA. I want to be a more normal version of myself."

Conclusions and Insights

Leo Gonzalez’s narrative is a compelling testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and innovate amidst personal and professional upheavals. His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a recognized comedian and content creator illustrates the therapeutic power of humor and the importance of supportive communities. The episode underscores the significance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations, especially within marginalized communities.

Listeners are left inspired by Leo’s resilience and motivated to pursue their creative passions despite facing adversities. His candid discussion about anxiety demystifies the struggles many face, highlighting that seeking support and finding personal coping mechanisms are crucial steps toward healing and personal growth.

---

Follow Leo Gonzalez:

• Instagram: @leogonzalez
• Twitter: @leogonzalezcomedy
• TikTok: @leo_comedy

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated with the latest episodes filled with drama, chisme, and authentic conversations with your favorite online personalities.

Transcript

[Alanized]

This episode of Nocho de Pendejadas is brought to you by booking.com booking yeah, every time I use booking.com to find a place to stay in the US I know they'll have exactly what I'm looking for. They have a huge variety of options from hotels to vacation rentals, and I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for. I found booking.com to have something for everyone. I just got back from Las Vegas, you guys. And of course, que me que de in a hotel that I booked through booking.com I stayed at the Link because it's in the middle of the strip and it was also super close to the stadium because we went to Wrestlemania this past weekend. I also do love the rooms in the hotels. Super bonitos y super limpios y puente bueno bonito. No matter who you are, Booking.com helps you find the stay that's ridiculously right for you. Find exactly what you're booking for on booking.com booking. Yeah.

[Aura Ad]

This podcast is brought to you by Aura. Imagine waking up to find your bank account drained, bills for loans you never took out, a warrant for your arrest, all because someone committed a crime in your name. It sounds like a nightmare, but for millions of people each year, it's reality. By the time you get that breach notification email, the damage is done. Your identity stole, stolen, your financial future at risk, and the company that lost your data, they'll just apologize and move on. This can all sound really scary, which is why I'm so glad we're partnering with Aura. Hackers don't wait. So why should you? Aura monitors the Dark Web 247 for your phone number, email and Social Security number. If Aura detects your info, you'll get an instant alert so you can act before the damage is done. Aura provides up to $5 million in identity theft insurance and a US based fraud resolution team that works around the clock to shut down fraud fast and get your life back on track. For a limited time, Aura is offering our listeners a 14 day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online. All for free. When you visit aura.comdefensible that's aura.comdefense to sign up for a 14 day free trial and start protecting you and your loved ones. That's a u r a.com defense. Certain terms apply, so be sure to check the site for details.

[Leo Gonzalez]

It was one of those things I was like, oh this is not possible. I don't know how there was so much time that I was like, this is not okay. This is not normal.

[Alanized]

What is up, everyone? I'm your host, alanized, and this is Noche de Pendejadas, your favorite podcast turn talk show. And on the yote trago atus influencers favoritos para platicar y po siblementes al sol. I know. Ustes a yen casita estan super. So without any further ado, please me welcome my guest tonight, Leo Gonzalez. Oh, I'm.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, they're rolling, they're rolling, they're rolling.

[Alanized]

How are you?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Thank you. I'm good. I'm good at. It's about time.

[Alanized]

This has actually been a while in the making.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Years.

[Alanized]

Years, I want to say. Maybe like two years ago I had reached out. You're like, yeah. And I finally gave in. You're like, finally. The price was right.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No price.

[Alanized]

I'm like, I hope he doesn't think I. Just kidding. No, but I'm so excited that the you guys. I had actually ran into him at Adam's party and I was like, you know what? I'm going to approach him. I was like, hey.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh yeah, yeah, I got you, I got you.

[Alanized]

He's like, yeah, I got you, I got you. I like how you're like, we had.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That combo when you messaged me. I was like, wait, did I see?

[Alanized]

Did I agree to that?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I'm sure I did cuz I've been waiting. But I was like, oh, I guess we saw each other.

[Alanized]

You're like, was that you? You're like, I didn't even notice you were there. I imagine. No, but I'm really excited, you guys. And see, this has been a while in the making and I'm excited just because I really do want to get to know a little bit more about you. Ovia mente. I love your videos. They're super funny. And I feel like today. Yo yuste de Leo. How has your week been? What have you been up to?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, my week has been good. It's been. It's been a little busy. I just moved. I just got a new place. I'm in Malibu.

[Alanized]

Like, do you want me to call her right now? I will.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, yeah, it's been good. So I've been moving. I just got back together with my divorce. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alanized]

I'm like, is this a fucking announcement?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I'm like in recovery right now for my divorce. Yeah. So it's been, it's been good. I just got back from. I did some shows. I've been doing stand up. So I just Got back from four shows in San Diego, which I'm super.

[Alanized]

Excited to talk about all of that today, you guys, that we're gonna.

[Leo Gonzalez]

How many. How many do your other guests get also?

[Alanized]

Maybe like three to four or five maybe.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, I know, I know. Average.

[Alanized]

I'm wearing my favorite shirt for you.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Is it.

[Alanized]

It is my favorite shirt. People always tell me, like, no, but it is my favorite because I feel like it looks really good on camera. The blues, the purples, kind of. And today I usually wear a black shirt. And I was like, no, because today I'm super excited.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I didn't even see we had one here. You're like, what the.

[Alanized]

We already drunk. We already finished the bottle before this. I'm just kidding. We're all kos. We should probably go to an AA meeting after, like, the podcast to a good ass episode.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, yeah, I thought it.

[Alanized]

That was big.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That's an expensive tequila. You can tell that's an expensive one.

[Alanized]

It's. What is it? 70? Don Julio Satinta. I actually like that tequila a lot because I feel like whenever I get drinks. Today's video is brought to you by Don Julio. I wish. I'm like, if they want to hit me up, I'd be more than gladly to because I actually do love that Don Julio like bottle. I feel like I don't wake up with hangovers.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, really?

[Alanized]

I feel like I can drink on that. Try it.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Ready to take on the world.

[Alanized]

You're like, ali, you have a problem. Me, I'll try to justify it. This episode of Noche de Pendejadas is brought to you by booking.com booking. Yeah. Every time I use booking.com to find a place to stay in the US I know they'll have exactly what I'm looking for. They have a huge variety of options, from hotels to vacation rentals. And I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for. I found booking.com to have something for everyone. No matter who you are, Booking.com helps you find the stay. That's ridiculously right for you. Find exactly what you're booking for on booking.com booking. Yeah. For those of you guys, tell us a little bit more of who you are and what you do.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I am Leo Gonzalez, and I do content online like comedy skits. And I've been doing standup and I've been doing acting. Like tv, movies. I like to work.

[Alanized]

Influencer, actor, comedian. And I'm so excited because I feel like you're such a funny guy. All the funny people.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That's what it was. Dim the lights.

[Alanized]

Dim the lights. I'm like, cue the music. What was I made my dad.

[Leo Gonzalez]

My dad's here. Walks through the hallway.

[Alanized]

I'm like, special. We brought someone out for you. You. Hey. I'm like, when you see this picture of you, what do you. What do you think about that time I start writing?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, I don't know, sign up for this.

[Alanized]

You're like, I thought I was going to give you a comedy show, Alan. Do you feel like comedy has done that for you, though? Cuz I have heard a lot of your, like, trauma and your stories, and.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I feel like you heard it.

[Alanized]

I told you, like, the background check. Yeah, but do you feel like comedy does something for you where, like, it really does heal you in some way?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, I think, like, everybody that's funny or, like, that does, like, funny things or is goofy, I feel like that, like, that comes from now.

[Alanized]

Yeah, I feel like, way like you're funny.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, I'm like, oh, when's the funny start?

[Alanized]

A lot of, like, the funny people online have gone through so much, and I feel like that's a big reason why I love the podcast, because I can see you online, I can see your scripts, I can see how amazing your career is going. But I really do get to see Julio is as a person. Cuando messientoqui con la Persona y platicamo so poquito. Yes, A little Que vamos a ser amigas that I always love. Starting with, because I feel like it's really important to go back. Take us back. How was Leo growing up?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I'm an only child, so I grew up very. Damn it. Starting off like that, very lonely, but, you know. Yeah, it was just my mom and myself. It was just us for a long time. I think my dad was there for a little bit of time for one. He was there for a. A good minute, but left when I was, like, right before, like, junior high, you know. And so, yeah, I think a lot of my childhood was very much just, like, trying to find myself and trying to, like, figure. And I think we all were. Like, I'm not unique in that, but I think, like, I was very confused by everything with. With all my classmates, all my friends. I was like, oh, like, that's. It feels like we're so different. Like, there's so much like. Like, there's, like, I see your guys's life and I just. I don't match with that.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

So I don't know, but, like, so I think that's. That's when like, that, like, wonder started in my life, you know.

[Alanized]

That, you know, at a very young age. Did they get a divorce or did you separate?

[Leo Gonzalez]

They separated.

[Alanized]

How was that for Yobi Amente? You know, in that moment of your life, I feel like you're like, you know what? Maybe my parents weren't meant to be. Did you see a lot of, like.

[Leo Gonzalez]

The problems at home when they separated? It was very. It made a lot of sense. You know what I mean? Like, it was not. Like, I didn't. There was no part of me that was like, oh, like, surprise. Yeah. And I think a lot of the times as, like, kids and. And I mean children in general, children of parents, whatever age you are, I think a lot of people have this idea that, like, why did this happen to me? I. I never had that. I. I always was just like, well, like, he. My dad, you know, moved on. He found. And I was like, I get it. I don't know why, but that was such a natural feeling of like, go find yourself. It didn't feel right when they were together, and I don't know why. There was, like, an inept feeling inside of me that was like, I don't want you to be here if you don't want to be here. I would hate to be the reason that you're here.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, and so. Yeah, no, for me, I think it caught on later on where I was like, oh, actually, I'm a little mad. You know what I mean? I think it takes a lot of time. I don't know. Like, I think you. You get older and. And now I'm 30 and, you know, my later 20s, it started to feel like, oh, dang. Like, I think that did affect me. Yeah. I just didn't know it at that time because at that time I was very like, oh, I gotta make sure that I got things to do.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think as a kid, it was just like, more like we gotta. We just got things to do, like, don't. Don't worry, don't blame. Don't. Whatever. And I think as you get older and. And I think, like, started doing, like, social media then. And I mean, you. You know, this more than a lot of us is like social media then, like, overtakes you and. And it's like, well, I mean, I want personal friendship.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Personal relationship now, because we have the people that are amazing and supportive that we don't know. But then at that time, it's okay. Like, now I want. Tighten it.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And then I think that's where I got like, that's when it hits you.

[Alanized]

Like, oh, I didn't grow up with my dad, and that affected me this and that way.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Alanized]

You know, it's so funny that you're mentioning that, because I was literally having, like, a heart to heart combo with my mom. As I was getting ready today, I was talking about her because she was telling me about, like, her going through shit, and I was telling her, I was like, you know what, Mom? Like, maybe you should go to therapy. You know, you've gone through a lot as a child. And I feel like our brain when we're kids kind of puts all the trauma, like, in the back end, because that's her brain trying to, like, salvarnos or just trying to keep us in a safe space, that it kind of, like, in the back burner. But age really is the time when it catches up to you, because I feel like, for me, you know, I've gone through a lot of traumatic things as a child during that time, I was just like, all right, we're on the go. Keep it going, keep it going, keep it going. And now, as an adult, I feel like all those traumas are finally coming back and they're like, wait, hola. Quiestamos like, acknowledge us, you know, Cuenta nos un poquito mas de la relacion contos papas. Growing up, oviamente, you know, your parents get a divorce. How was your relationship with your mom after? Do you feel like you guys got super close? You almost felt like you had to be, like, the new man of the house. Y como cambioto relacion con to papa.

[Leo Gonzalez]

After the divorce, I mean, with my mom, I was very close with her because she was. She's been very sick my whole life, you know, so as a kid, she's always been in and out of the hospital. She has a lot of. A lot of things that have gone on in her with her body, and. And so I think we were close by default. But I think I spent a lot of time just, like, not understanding that at that time. And so I think as I got older, it was like, oh, like, this is kind of crazy. Like, it's not just that I don't relate to my peers at school, but it's also that, like, my peers have different relationships with their moms. Like, their moms are showing up, and it's not that my mom wasn't showing up because she didn't want to, but it's that she was just very sick. For me, it was always just like, I'M busy. And I think when you're busy, like, I've never been the type of person who's just like, well, I'm not going to do anything today. It's like, well, no. Like, I'm anxious and on edge, sad and scared, but, like, I still gotta go get what I need to go get. Yeah. And then with my dad, like, I saw him still. He was very much, like, around. He went to. He was going from Hanford to Guanajuato, back and forth and working and everything. And so for me, I was like, I. You know, like, he's trying.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, I. I can't just sit back and be like, oh, like, you left. And, you know, like, that's not mine.

[Alanized]

You never resented him?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, no, no. Because for me, I. First of all, I'm like, I get why you left. I understand. But also, at least he was still present. I would see him randomly, like, around town, and he'd be on his bike and he'd give me like a 20 or, like 40 bucks, you know, and so I'm like, I get it. Like, I get it. That's not. Because now I'm like, I mean, how old was he when I was young?

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, I'm 30 now, and this is hard. Can't imagine. You know what I mean? Like, I can't imagine doing what they were trying to do, you know, not to minimize people's trauma. But I feel like we blame people too much when, like, the human condition is such a hard condition.

[Alanized]

Damn. You know what's so crazy? I always say this thing. I had this grudge and just kind of not hatred, but I would just be upset with my mom's mom. I have, like, this little story. I don't think if I. I've ever told it, but before we came to the United States and my abuelita on my mom's side had a little tiendita. Tango esta memoria Very, like, stuck in my head. And I feel like for a lot of years, I kind of would bring it up to my mom to kind of justify the love I have for my dad's mom versus the love that I have for her mom. And I wanted a candy Y me lo pag y a pecho yolo and now that I'm an adult, I'm like, girl. Well, she was, like, trying to make a living. Like, she probably barely had enough to get by. You know what I mean? So I feel like it is very much, like, as kids, because that's the only thing we know Esplotamos muchas cosas out of proportion. You know, Cuenta nos un poquito mas de tuvida growing up. Nos cuentas that your mom, your whole life was sick. How was that for you as a kid? Do you feel like you were always on edge? Was there any moments where, like, al hole paso, when it came down to her health, and you were like, oh, my God, what the fuck do I do? Who do I call? Like, were you ever in situations where you're like, oh, like, this is crazy for a kid to be living?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, that's a good question.

[Alanized]

Like, I was not prepared. You're like, that was not in your.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I didn't know you were listening.

[Alanized]

Yeah, I know.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I didn't know. I didn't know. I mean, it affected me so much because, like, I mean, I remember, like, I. I think I was, like, in eighth grade when she. One night, she. She was pregnant with two twin girls, and. And she had a miscarriage, and she was, like, pretty far along. And so I remember, like, the moment that we went to the doctor, to the hospital, to the er and I remember being in there with her. She's, like, crying. I, I have, like, this, like, very vivid memory of me just, like, being on the side and be like. And just being like, damn, like, her life is crazy. Like, her life is so crazy. She had miscarriages before me and then miscarriages after me, and I always was just like, damn. I, I, I wish that, like, during these moments that, that these things were going on with her. I wish that I was like, oh, it'd be nice to be someone's little brother or older brother, because it'd be like, oh, at least, like, if I had a, If I don't. If I had a. A younger, an older sibling, then I would be comforted. But if I had a younger sibling, I would feel like, well, at least I can find comfort and comforting.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And. And like, some sort of, you know, protection in that way. It was tough because it's just you're. You're going to school, and you're in, like, these milestone ages.

[Alanized]

This episode of Nocho de Pendejadas is brought to you by booking.com booking. Yeah. Every time I use booking.com to find a place to stay in the US I know they'll have exactly what I'm looking for. They have a huge variety of options, from hotels to vacation rentals. And I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for. I found booking.com to have something for everyone. I just got back from Las Vegas you guys. And of course in a hotel that I booked through booking.com I stayed at the Link because it's in the middle of the Strip and it was also super close to the stadium because we went to Wrestlemania this past weekend. I also do love the rooms in the hotels. Super Bonitos y Super Limpios y Puente bueno Bonito Bar no matter who you are, Booking.com helps you find the stay that's ridiculously right for you. Find exactly what you're booking for on booking.com booking yeah.

[Aura Ad]

This podcast is brought to you by Aura. By the time you hear about a data breach, your information has already been exposed for months. On average, companies take 277 days to report a breach. That's nine months where hackers have access to your personal data, your name, address, phone number, even your Social Security number before you even know it's out there. Think about it. Nine months is enough time for criminals to open accounts in your name, rack up debt and disappear. All while you're left dealing with the message. And when the company finally tells you it's too late, the damage is already done. Data breaches aren't slowing down, they're getting bigger and the delays in reporting them aren't helping. Right now. Your personal information could already be on the dark web and you wouldn't even know it. How long do you want to wait before taking action? That's why we're thrilled to partner with Aura. Aura monitors the dark web for users, phone numbers, emails and Social Security numbers, delivering real time alerts if any suspicious activity is detected. Additionally, Aura provides up to $5 million in identity theft insurance, offering a robust safety net in the event of a worst case scenario. Aura goes the extra mile by scanning the dark web for your sensitive info and alerting you instantly if anything is found. And if ID theft strikes. No need to panic. Aura's US based 24.7broad resolution team works around the clock to fix it fast and get you back on track. Aura is a complete online safety toolkit which includes a variety of other features to keep you safe online, including a VPN for secure browsing data Broker Opt out to stop companies from selling your personal information, a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords and more for a limited time. Aura is offering our listeners a 14 day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for free when you visit aura.comsldefense that's aura.comdefense to sign up for a 14 day free trial and start protecting you and your loved ones. That's a u r a.com defense. Certain terms apply, so be sure to check the site for details.

[Leo Gonzalez]

When you're supposed to be like, developing and I mean, I, I was because you are, you are learning a lot and you're growing up a lot. But it, I also was just like, damn, I don't know what, what any of this is.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, this is, this is, this does not feel normal. This does not feel like a normal task. And it doesn't feel fair. But it feels less fair for her because she's like really going through it. I always felt like whenever she'd be in the hospital, when she'd be sick, I would feel like we're both sick because she's sick, but I'm the son of a sick person and there's really nobody else there.

[Alanized]

Did you understand what was going on? Like for instance, Gwendoly, she was losing the twins. Did you grasp on, like, oh, like these were my siblings to be. Did you understand what was going on? Are you kind of like, oh, we're in the hospital again?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No. And every situation I understood exactly what it was because every hospital stay was different. And so I was very like, okay, well this is happening. But, but that night it was very like, oh, no, that's because it was like she was expecting that. But I was also like, oh, I get to be a brother now, you know. And so it was like I, it was like there was expectancy in two different places. That day was, was such a, was such a. You know, there's that idea of like bc, you know, like before Christ. Ac. Like, that's one of those kind of like feelings to me is like before that night and after that night. And I feel like I have a lot of periods of time in my life, a lot of milestones that feel like BCAC moments.

[Alanized]

The news was, I'm sure, very devastating for your mom to lose the twins. But you as, you know, preparing yourself to be a brother, how do you feel like that affected emotionally the news of your mom losing her twins?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I was just sad. But I mean, a lot of the stuff that went on, even though it was like also monumental, a lot of my childhood was super logistical. And so it was like, it's just another thing that we have to walk through and, and deal with. It's not fully just emotional. It's also just like, okay, well we, I thought this was going to happen and it didn't. So now move on. Yeah, I have to, you know, we have to go to, like, the next thing.

[Alanized]

Do you feel like it made you kind of grow up quicker than everyone around you? Because, like, there was really crazy crazier things going on in your life that you're like, you know what? The time to be a kid is not right now. I have to be there kind of like, supporting my mom, being there for my mom, being strong. How do you feel like that affected the way you grew up? Do you feel like it made you grow up quicker?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, I mean, I think it naturally does feel like. Well, I mean, I. I don't. I. I can't really do this thing that we're all doing. I gotta. I gotta clock in over here, you know, and I think. Think. I think that was a natural thing, was like, we gotta. I have things to do, and. And maybe. Maybe things will be fun later. Maybe things will be, you know, a little more balanced later. But, like, right now, like, we. We got things to do. And so I think at that time, I definitely had, like, a feeling of, like, well, I can't really, you know, do these certain things. And I think I also lost, like, interest in doing certain things anyways, because I was like, well, that's not real anyways, you know, like this little thing at school or this, like, fun event or something. It's like, it's not even necessarily real. It's a game or it's this. What? You know, but it's not. It's. It shouldn't be the focus. The focus. We got to get through this, and maybe after this, we can be on the other side of the hill. But right now, it's like, we can't cry, you know?

[Alanized]

Would your mom kind of talk to you about what was going on? Like, would she be like mijo, or were you just kind of like, living as it was happening?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, we were just. It was just happening. She was. She was sick, you know, and I think when you're super sick, it's the last thing you need to do is explain yourself.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, I think she was also just, like, learning things, so I was learning them with her. So I learned a lot of, like, hospital culture at that time. And so now, as. As I have been getting older, it's like, you. You know, now I'm like. I'm very used to, like, the dynamic of. Of a hospital room and, And. And. And, you know, and the culture of that.

[Alanized]

How is she doing now? Is she better?

[Leo Gonzalez]

She's okay. She's okay at the moment. You know, she's stable. She's had a lot of things happen since then that were even bigger than stuff that happened as a kid. So, I mean, she's been recovering and, and I think there's no real, like, normality anymore. But you also learn how to exist or coexist with, with your new reality. You know, if you don't have an option to, and that's just the way things are, then you have to make the best of it. And I feel like I'm finally learning how to, like, step into that idea of, like, let's just enjoy what we have right now, because it is easier in many ways than it was, you know.

[Alanized]

Entre vista. Your mom had gotten a stroke.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. 2016. I had just started a new job. I started working for one of the news stations in Fresno. And I, it was like my, one of my dream jobs, you know, photographer, and, and it was like Univision. And I felt so like, oh, finally, like, this is such a dream, you know, and, and so I, I, I started working there. And the day that I started working there, I get sent out for my first assignment to go film some video for the 11:00 newscast, and I get a call that, that, that my mom was in the hospital and she had a stroke. From that point on, it, it's, it went on to be like, gosh, like two months that she was in the hospital and she was, like, unresponsive for, for a lot of that time.

[Alanized]

Was she, like, in a coma?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, completely unresponsive, which was like, crazy because I always was, like, dang, like, it always felt like two things that were happening on that very day. I don't need to be seen. It was my first day, which I thought was at that time, I was like, this is the best day of my life, you know, and like, career wise. Yeah, like, it's like, like, that's, I mean, it's pretty hard to get a job at a TV station, like, and I got super lucky. And I shouldn't have got that, gotten that job, but it was like, the best. But then also, like, the worst thing happened on the same day. And I feel like that day was very like, oh, I learned, like, balance that day too. Of just like, all right, like, whatever. How are we gonna do this? You know? And so, yeah, I get that, I get that call. And I spent the next few months going to the hospital and spending that time with my mom. And then she got moved to the stroke center in, in Bakersfield. And so that's even further because I was working in Fresno Living in Hanford. And instead of after work and driving to Visalia, I'd be driving to Bakersfield. And my car was not reliable. Everywhere, huh? Like, the. My Iraq and pinion was broken. I couldn't fix it. It was. I was like, dropping like all the flu. It was just like multiple things. The battery was like. I had to, like, unplug it every night so that it wouldn't die overnight. And one day, I remember, like, I went into my boss's office. Sandy, she was my boss, and I just, like, talked to her about it. And I don't know, like, I don't know why. Like, I, like, just was like, I. It wasn't crazy or anything, but I was like, yeah, this is what's going on. And I remember she just was like, well, you know, come to the house later on so we can talk. So I went over and then she, like, she gave me her car keys to one of her cars and she was like, like, yeah, and just bring it back when you. When you're. When you're done with it. And I remember just like, driving her big, like, Toyota, like, reliable, like, good ac, you know. And I was like, damn. Like, this is so, so nice. And I was like, you know, And I think about her often because I'm like, no, like, during. At a time that you needed someone, like, you got someone.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, and I needed someone in my box. And she was so like, you know, that was. I mean, that's the culture of, like, that station in Fresno. Those people were so good to me. And. And David, who's the news anchor for the evening shows, he was so loving to me and so, like, constantly, constantly checking up on you every, like. And I was like, bro, like, I grew up watching him, you know, and he. And, you know, I know Nibicion in Fresno. I mean, I don't know how it is in la, because I. I've only been here a few years, but, like, in Central California, it's like, that's the one guy you watch in Spanish, you know, Everybody knows David Ibarra. Everybody knows Lupita Lomeli. Like, that's. There's no competition. There's no. You know.

[Alanized]

Was that, like a surreal moment for you? You like, what the hell? Like, the person I grew up watching is letting me borrow their car to get to work.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, it was. Yeah, he was the news anchor. And so, yeah, he was just like. I was like, bro, I'm going to work. And I'm like, I get to see this guy and he's Just such a loving person, you know, I do feel.

[Alanized]

Like, you know, I again going back to my mom this morning because I was literally having like a heart to heart with her this morning. And I do feel, feel like it sucks when you're going through like an amazing moment in your career, but in your daily life, in your real life, like, it's going to shits, right? Because I can relate on that. When we first moved into the studio, which I feel like when we moved in here, I also felt like the podcast was at its peak when it was growing the most where my career was taking a shift, right? So I was like, in the best place career wise. And I was like, oh my God, I'm really accomplishing my dreams. But then my life is falling apart. I just lost my grandpa that was like my second father. You know what I mean? So it is crazy and it is kind of sad when you know, you have this great thing going on for yourself, but you're also dealing. Conesto otro. How is it for you to like, balance, you know, being so happy and excited for this really big career moment for yourself, but also being like, damn, I gotta touch grass and be there for my mom and make sure that.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, it was one of those things. I was like, oh, this is not possible. I don't know how there was so much time that I was like, this is not okay. This is not normal. This, you know, and there's no, there was. I don't know. It was just one of those things where I was like, I just have to. You just have to do it. You just have to do it. There's no option. I mean, when you don't grow up with options, then you learn that it's like, well, that's it. Just do it. Just do what you have to do. It's like you can cry. I spent so much time on the freeway crying. I spent so much time after class because I was also like full. I was full time college student. Univision was my job for two, three days a week. I was also working at Charlie's Philly Cheesesteaks at the mall food court at the same time. And so it was like there was no, like, it was like, I still have to do what I have to do and, and, and, and, and just figure it out. So I don't think that though at that time was actually like a good balance. I think that it was really just like, what are you gonna do? Not do it? Yeah, I can't not do it.

[Alanized]

Do you feel like you were like on airplane mode.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah.

[Alanized]

Where you were just like, I gotta do what I gotta do to keep going. And I know I'm going through, but, like, this is keeping me occupied, and it's kind of taking time for me to just keep thinking about what really is going on in my life.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think what a lot of us don't notice when you're going through hard things in life, and I wish we would. I wish it'd be easier to notice while it's happening is like, I. I look back and think, like, damn, like, I had great co workers. I don't even see. And I had great co workers at Charlie's, at the Philly Cheese Steak. You know, I was really good friend. You know, I worked at the movie theater right next door to Charlie's, and I. I had all my friends were working there. And so it's like, at least it was like you could go through it, but also, like, I wasn't completely alone. I think when you go through stuff, you'll be venting to someone, whoever's in the room, and then years later, you'll be like, oh, damn, I was venting to that person. They were there. And I think you. It's. It's f. It's super frustrating sometimes. We realized, like, damn. Like, I. I wish I would have known that I wasn't, you know, And I had. My friend Jasper was. He was my best friend, and he was with me for all of that time that my mom was in the hospital. We would go in there and night after night, he would just be sitting with me. I would just sit in the silence because for me, I was like. Because I don't know about you, but, like, for me, like, I hate when people are like, oh, are you okay? Yeah, bitch.

[Alanized]

Like, no. Does it fucking look like I'm okay?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, oh, yeah, I'm. Oh, no, I'm good.

[Alanized]

Or I get it. No, you fucking don't. Like, you're not in my head.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, yeah. So I remember, like, Jasper would be sitting next to me and in the hospital room, and then we'd leave, and he'd be like, how are you feeling? And I'd be like, what do you think? Like, what do you think? Like, this is so, so stupid. Like, just stop already. Like, what do you think? You know, I was so mad, and a few weeks had passed, and then my mom got out of the hospital. Hospital. And then Jasper was walking home from work one day, and then he got murdered while walking home from work. Like, I remember just being like, this whole thing is like, what are you supposed to do? Yeah, you know, I, I, I was like, in my classroom. I remember being in my psychology class in particular, and. Which was great. Like, I love that class. I love, like, the people in there were so cool. And, you know, that topic is so good. And, and I remember just, like, being in, in that room, in that classroom, and thinking, like, am I supposed to be in class right now, or is there somewhere else that you're supposed to be? When your mom just got out of the hospital and your best friend just got murdered, like, there must be somewhere that you're supposed to actually be. And I don't know if there was, and I still don't, but that, like, 2016 ending 2017 was such a, like, crazy place and, and time. So I think sometimes I'm still, like, processing it. Yeah. And. And I think, like, that has led me to have, like, sometimes moments where I don't feel like a super good person or a good friend, but I.

[Alanized]

Feel like that's super normal. Because, look, going back to, you know, what I was telling you about when my grandpa passed away, I felt like it was, like, one of the best times for me professionally. My next question. You know, you're going through this, like, amazing moment in your professional life, and then you're going through these very devastating moments with your best friend and your mom. Do you feel like Enes was momentos now, looking back? You know, Because I look back at moments where I was accomplishing things, and to me, they were like, okay, what's. What's next? Like, okay, let's keep it going on the casino pres. Yes. You know what I mean? Like, on the casi, you're like, like, I look back at moments now, and I'm like, what the. I did that. But in the moment, like, no centinada. I was just kind of doing it because we had to get it done. But I was going through so much emotionally that. Did you feel like during that time, even though Univision was such a big deal for you, at that moment, did you feel like you really couldn't enjoy or really be like, wow, I'm here? Because your head was everywhere.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I feel like at that time, I was. It was still going.

[Alanized]

Like, right now, the Home Depot has spring deals under $20. So no matter what you're working on, the deals are blooming at the Home Depot with savings on plants, flowers, soil, and more. Then light up your outdoor space with Hampton Bay string lights was $34.97. Now only $19.99 and get the grill going with two 16 pound bags of Kingsford Charcoal was 1998, now only 1788. Don't miss spring deals under $20 now through May 7th at the home Depot. Subject to availability valid on select items only.

[Leo Gonzalez]

This episode is brought to you by Chevy Silverado. When it's time for you to ditch the blacktop and head off road, do it in a truck that says no to nothing. The Chevy every Silverado trail boss. Get the rugged capability of its Z71 suspension and 2 inch factory lift, plus impressive torque and towing capacity thanks to an available Duramax 3 liter turbo diesel engine. Where other trucks call it quits, you'll just be getting started. Visit chevy.com to learn more. Hey there.

[Alanized]

I'm David Harbour from Marvel Studios Thunderbolts. I don't mean to interrupt your favorite podcast. Well, actually maybe I do just a little bit, but I have a good reason. My new film hits theaters Friday, May 2, and it's got everything. Action, suspense, humor, heart and Bob. Who's Bob? Find out by getting tickets now. Okay, now back to the show or onto the next ad.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I was balancing it out where I really didn't think about it. And when I say balancing very loosely because it wasn't balance, it was just like, like logistically balanced, not wellness balance, you know, and, and so I think that now in the last few years since I moved to la, what you're talking about is what has happened since I got to la.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Where I do these crazy things that I never thought would happen, like Noche de pendejadas. And I don't even realize that, that I did them because, because of that. Because I'm like, it was just like another task, you know, and like the best way that I like structured it one day with my therapist and Visalia before, before I moved away. Not Visalia, in, in Reno, before I moved away from Reno was this idea of like what I feel like that's.

[Alanized]

Exactly what I'm going through right now. Like the past year where I like to describe it very much as airplane mode where you're just doing things by the day to get whatever you got to get done. And then you look back. Okay, so fun fact. This actually was funny because I was, I was talking to my swagos. Me and my boyfriend got in an accident like two weeks ago. Like the whole accident thing was only in our head that day that we got in the accident. Maybe like five, six days later we went to my Swaggers house and they're like, how are you guys feeling like, how was the accident? In my head, I was like, bitch, I forgot about that. Like, I've moved on. Like, oh. And then I stopped myself and I was like, oh, shit. That happened like four days ago. But I think to me, like, my mind is just like, go, go, go, go. Keep yourself occupied. Do what you got to do to not think about what really is going on in your life. So I feel, I don't know if you can, like, relate to that where, like, you sometimes just do things to like, get by. And our brain just without us realizing, kind of puts all the bad stuff in the back burner. Parano estres. We lose the sense of like, damn, dude, like, I'm going through a lot, but like, no se siente como mucho. Because our brain is literally like canceling it out.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think what happens is. Or what feels like happens is that there's. There's like a meter or like a scale of, of our life. And it feels like when something amazing is happening, it's like the very, like it's like the highest on this radar and then like the lowest. Like. And so I think what happens is like, I've never really experienced like normal hardships. It was always like all like the worst hardship, but also like when you become whatever this is that I do in LA and. And things change in your life changes completely and you do these crazy things. That's also the top of the meter. Crazy and amazing.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And so I feel like what happens is like the lows are low, like the lowest, the highs are the very highest. And so I think your body, your brain, your body can't even tell which one is which. That it's just like, well, I just gotta do it.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Whether it's going to, you know, your mom's bedside in the hospital, or that feels almost the same as like filming, you know, being in a part of a movie.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, those are such crazy opposites that like, your body just kind of like freezes up and you can't tell.

[Alanized]

How do you manage to like, give yourself props or just like a little self recognition of what you're doing? Because you've done crazy and amazing things. You've been, you know, at the Golden Globes, you've been at a lot of red carpets. You've done amazing things that I feel like as influencers or people get sero nuances, mundo only dream to be a part of it, you know, but like, it just feels like, okay, I gotta do what I gotta do. How do you step back and Be like, wow, I really am living the dream. How does Leo do it?

[Leo Gonzalez]

It takes a lot of time. You know, it's. It. There's just like random moments where you're, you know, where you're with a certain person or. Or maybe you're in a certain place, but it doesn't come often. Yeah, like, there's not a. There's no. There's not a lot of parts of me that are normally just like, oh, that's crazy. Like, that was amazing. A lot of it is really just like, it'll just come, right? And when it comes, I have to, like, be like, okay, I need to stay here. I need to sit here as long as I can because I never get this type of, like, self awareness. And. And so I want to. I want to live in it as long as I can. A few minutes, see if we can stay here a while.

[Alanized]

You know, you've gone through a lot with your mom and just your life. Do you feel like a lot of it has affected your mental health? That you struggle with anxiety? Do you feel like a lot of the reason for that is because that. Cuando tusientes que impesas. Was it like, tied to a specific moment where you're like, oh, I'm experiencing something that I've never experienced, or was it something that kind of just built gradually with every. Everything you were going on as you were growing up?

[Leo Gonzalez]

It felt like it came on super early in my life. I. I think it just got worse. I think, like, when it started, it was one of those things that was like. Like, it's there, but, like, I still have things to do. And as I got older, it was like, I still have things to do, but, like, it's getting harder to shove it. I think it's harder as you get older because you get even more busy. And then you become like an influence or whatever. And then it's like, oh, like. Like now I'm at an age where it's like, it will not be ignored. And I'm like, oh, no, but I just got here. You know, it starts to feel like, oh, but like, esperami. I never had resources before. I never had a stable home. I never had any of these. Any of these stable things. And. And a stable car. Now I have all these things and I have so much freedom to do a lot of what I want. And I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, but anxiety is like, bro, we gotta talk. You know, it feels like it's. I'm. I don't know, it's just, it gets, it gets to a point that you just can't avoid it. You can't ignore it. I think as a person with anxiety, and I know a lot of us do have it, but I think I tend to lock eyes with people who I see in the public space that have spoken up about it. Those are the people that I really respect. Respect. You know, I always think about someone like this guy. His name is Carson Daly and he's one of the anchors of the Today show on NBC. And I, I've been a fan of him since I was a kid because he used to have a show that was late at night called, I think it was called Last Call with Carson Daly is a late night talk show host and he's the one of the only people that is like a celebrity, like a proper, like, you know, well known figure that like he talks about his anxiety. I don't know, there's people like that. I think when you, you know, when you have like a certain thing, you look at the other person who like, talks about it. You know, you look at someone like Michael Phelps, the swimmer. Is that his name? Michael. Michael Phelps?

[Alanized]

I think my shore.

[Leo Gonzalez]

He, he. I want to say it's. It is, but he's like one of the best swimmers in the world and he talks about it. He talks about his anxiety, his depression. I feel like those are the people that you like, really, really look to because it's like, okay, like, I just want to know that you, you've talked about it. We don't ever have to talk, we don't ever have to meet. But I just like, it's just nice to know that someone else has it and, and is open about it.

[Alanized]

If you've ever had anxiety, you know, with feeling overwhelmed, literally. Oh, my God. I feel like this episode came at the perfect time because I literally was having a full blown combo as I was getting ready with my mom because she feels like she finally accepted. She's like, I think it's anxiety. What I have like the important, you know, she's like, I feel like sometimes I can't breathe. I feel like, you know, I get overwhelmed. This, this and that. And I was like, mom, that's anxiety. And I feel like for a lot of Latinos, for our parents, or just, you know, las otras here, inaciones sometimes don't like to accept the fact that it's real, right? Because anxiety is so real. And I feel like, you know, no s cuen tas que tutu visas momento on the. You saw One of someone you looked up to talk about it and you're like, oh, me too. That's how I feel. That's what's going on with me. Do you feel like at the beginning when you were getting anxious, when you were dealing with the anxiety, did you not know what you were dealing with? You're like, oh my God, why am I getting like this?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, I didn't realize. I think as a kid you're just like, dang, I'm just like really weird. You know, I used to think like, I'm just like so scared about everything and like, it's just like you don't really know that there's a name for it. And then, and then it's like such a weird thing when you're like getting older. You're, you're growing up and you're. And then, you know, it's like there's like a moment, a light bulb moment when you're like, oh, I think it's anxiety. Like I, I think that's what it is. Cuz I can't be okay no matter what. In the past I was like, I'm super depressed and I have no anxiety. And then at some point I was like, well, I'm not really depressed anymore, I'm not really sad, but I have anxiety now and then. And so it's like when you think about that stuff, I, When I've thought about that stuff, I've thought like, I don't, I don't know which one's better. It was really nice when I didn't have depression anymore, but then anxiety took over and I was like, oh, this is not much better.

[Alanized]

I don't think I like the exchange.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alanized]

Literally like you're like, oh, wait, I bring the sadness back. How does anxiety show up in your day to day life for you?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, it shows up in the morning and it stays there throughout the day in little pockets. It kicks it with, with me, it kicks. It's my best friend now.

[Alanized]

Like he's right here.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, you didn't see him? Yeah, it really is like, it's, I mean it's there every day and, and it's like just like that voice that makes decisions for me.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And, and that's why I said earlier, like there's, there's been so many times in the last few years that I've, I've, I've realized. And that's the worst part is that you realize it that I've like lost friendships over anxiety because I like it. It really takes over those situations. And, and, and, and you will sit by yourself and think about certain things. And then, you know, after 40 minutes you're like, oh, actually, like, can't really be friends with them anymore. Yeah, I just realized I can't be friends. I can't do this thing anymore. I can't, I shouldn't do this. And, and I don't know if I want to do social media anymore. And I don't know if I can, you know, and, and, and then, you know, things will move around a lot and, But I mean, that's just, I think that's just the mental disorders and so it's really hard to really know yourself sometimes.

[Alanized]

Has there been moments where anxiety has really taken over you to where you're like, I'm just done. Like, this is too much for me. This is very overwhelming. Like, hasta ki que de leo.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No. You know what it is? It's like I still have that thing inside of me that's like, I'm not going to crash out when something's on the line. It's one of those things that's like, it's the same as before with all the things that happen in my life where it's like, I'm just gonna get it done and I'll crash out after in the car, you know, when no one's watching. Yeah. Or when one friend is watching. Not when I'm, you know, doing a, a, a, a red carpet hosting or when I, you know what I mean? It's like that's, that's when it happens. And so there's many of my friendships where I think about them and think, like, you knew me as a normal person because, like, I do love you and I do cherish you and I do really respect you. That's not me.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, and, and there's people that I, like, stopped talking to over the last few years, like in social, even in the social media space that I'm like, oh, man. Like.

[Alanized]

Of how you cope with anxiety. And also, if anyone at home is watching today, what would you have liked to hear when you've dealt with anxiety?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, coping with anxiety, it's, it's. I don't, I mean, I know a lot of people go through medication and stuff like that. I've never really been able to, to find a good spot with that. And so for me, I really just lean on my friends. I mean, and I, I think that's anxiety. And. But it's also just like being an only child. It's like when you don't have siblings. It's like your friends are your family. Like, your friends are, are everything to you. And I mean, that's the same with anxiety. Is like, there's. I just need to find the right balance sometimes. I, I'm, you know, I'm in like a weird spot where I feel like an introvert sometimes. And I always feel like an extrovert too, because I'm like, I do want to, like, I don't want to be alone. Like, there's. Sometimes I'm like, oh, I want to be alone, but only a few minutes. I don't, don't, don't leave. You know, just. I'll go to the room and you know what I mean?

[Alanized]

Like, you're like, give me a five minute break.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, that's it. Like, I can't do that stuff where people are like, I gotta recharge by myself. No, I get that. But for me, I'm like, no, like, I need you to like, just be here in the quietness with me and that's it. I don't need to talk about it. I don't need to. I don't. There's no venting that I need to do. Really. A lot of it is just like, please just sit here. And that's it. And, and so I think that that's a lot of what it looks like for me is like, let's just go. I love to travel too. Like, anytime that I can go away, like, and go to a concert, I'm like, that's what I want. And you know, like, we all love music. That's. That's not unique. But like, for me, I'm like, that's my one thing that my bro. Like, I. Musicians are like the coolest people than any anything, anybody. Every time I'm like, they just. I'm like, that's all I want to be around. You know, it's hard. It's. It's hard because it's like, you want to. You want to rely on people sometimes, but you also, like, it's like, oh, I also don't want to be like, codependent.

[Alanized]

Yeah. Or codependent. Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. I think we have to learn how to be interdependent. I think we're not made to be alone. We're not made to be on an island. I think we're made to be interdependent and codependent to an extent. But I, you know, I think you have to also, like, teach people what your love language is. How to love you, how to be There because a lot of people are not built to be people that are there for anxious people.

[Alanized]

I love that, though. I'm listening to Leo. I feel like I'm the one in therapy session. I feel like I'm like, wow. No, only because I relate to it 100%. And El Persona that I have a lot things going on, but I always feel like no one will understand, you know what I mean? Like, and I always feel like I love being with my boyfriend and my best friend. Like, just sit down in the same couch as me. Don't ask me what's going on. I just need you there to be there as my thoughts are rolling to make sure that I'm not alone. And I feel like it is very important to, like, you know, I mean, they do, you know, sometimes tell them what I'm going through, but I feel like it is very important to have those people that, you know, when things are getting too bad or things are getting a little bit where you can't understand or where you just need someone to hear you out. Getting us as Personas, you know? This episode of Nocho de Pendejadas is brought to you by booking.combooking. yeah. Every time I use booking.com to find a place to stay in the US I know they'll have exactly what I'm looking for. They have a huge variety of options from hotels to vacation rentals, and I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for. I found booking.com to have something for everyone. I just got back from Las Vegas, you guys, and of course, que meque de in a hotel that I booked through booking.com I stayed at the Link Idea because it's a the middle of the Strip, and it was also super close to the stadium because we went to WrestleMania this past weekend. I also do love the rooms in the hotels. Super bonitos y super limpios. Yamente bueno bonito. No matter who you are, Booking.com helps you find the stay that's ridiculously right for you. Find exactly what you're booking for on booking.com booking. Yeah, I want to go back a little bit to being the only child. So I feel like you're such a creative person, you know, in your work, in your content. Do you feel like, you know, that creativity came from you being an only child because you were alone most of the time, that you had to, like, your imagination had to be, like, on point. What was that like growing up for you being an only child when it came to that?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, I Think when you're an only child, you learn how to, like, build a lot of things out of a little bit of things. You know, I always, like, as a kid, I just was like, you know, how can I make this little Is set feel like a TV show? How can I make this thing? I always thought like, oh, like, I used to make like, little, like little machines, like, like slot machines, like casino time, carnival games, you know, And I feel like you keep doing that as you get older. It's just like, you just want to learn how to do it because there's nothing else to do.

[Alanized]

Yeah. Did you want a sibling growing up?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Oh, of course. I always wanted. I still want a sibling. Yeah, of course. I always did. Did. I always did. And I, I always felt super like, because, you know, there's a lot of people that are like, when you tell them you're an only child, people are like, oh, you were spoiled. I'm like, I wear.

[Alanized]

Do you feel like you weren't spoiled growing up?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No. Well, no.

[Alanized]

Well, you had so much going on that there was no time.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I would have loved to have. Sharing that, shared that.

[Alanized]

Who's getting the spoiling? Yeah. When I think about. About being an only child, I'm like, do you feel like you were very lonely growing up because you were an only child?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, of course. Of course. I think, I mean, you're there with. With a single parent who's sick. Of course you feel very lonely and, you know, just unaccompanied. It feels like.

[Alanized]

Over the for you page, you know, what got you into creating content? How did you start and what were the early days of content creating for you?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I never even thought about doing it. I was working at the latest. At my last job, which was five years ago, when I started doing the content, I literally just did one video. It was. I never even had a Tick tock. The only reason I downloaded Tick Tock was because I wanted to see Adam Ray okay's videos. That's the only reason. I. Because I, I started seeing those videos on Twitter and I did not have a Tick Tock account. And I was like, bro, like, I've never seen someone do that because I was already following people who did, like, POV style content. But they were like, there were like this girl named Grace and like this guy like Caleb Heron who, who I am friends with now. I was seeing like, these people do this type of, like, niche comedy. And, And Adam was truly like the first Latino person that I saw that type of. That type of comedy. And I was like, I don't know, man. Like, I need to download this app. Like, I just want to download just because I'm like, bro, I was like, on Twitter, I'm like, I ran out of videos to see.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I need to see more of it.

[Alanized]

Because it would be just like reposts, Right?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. People would get other people.

[Alanized]

Tick Tock. Yeah. Yeah. It wasn't Adam himself posting on Tick Tock. I mean, on Twitter.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. And so then I. I made a Tick Tock account. I followed. This is my first person because I was like, bro, you're so funny. Like, so. And I don't. And I. I don't think that people really understand, like, especially, like, during the pandemic, such an early time in the pandemic. It's like. Like, I remember seeing, like, all those videos and being like, no, you're like, I don't think you're realizing, like, that's like an actual trailblazer.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And actually there's so many Latinos that are doing it now, including myself, who were not doing it then, who I feel like are here because of people like that.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, I think about. About Adam stuff all. I'm like, I'm genuinely a fan on that day and now. And I'm like. And I think from that point to now to like, the rebrand that he's done too. I'm like, now you're great. So that was. That's a side note. But so I made the Tick Tock account just to. Just to see more videos.

[Alanized]

It was all a fan page.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. And then one day I was. I was trying to be a news reporter. That's what I. I studied in school. And. And so when I got my degree, I was in Reno, and I was like, okay, now I'm ready to be a reporter. Like, I think I can do it. I've worked on different news stations for the last few years, and Univision taught me a lot because it was like, Fresno is a big breaking news market. And as a photographer in Fresno, I feel like I was, like, very, like, efficient. Like, let's go to this scene. This scene, this scene. Do this interview, edit, put it on the news, on. In time. And then. So then when I went to Reno and I was working behind the scenes, Reno was such a smaller market when it came to, like, breaking news. And so I was like, I think that I can be a reporter here. I really think that I could. And. And I applied and I. And I didn't get anything. And then I made a TikTok. My first, TikTok was, like, pretending to be a news reporter, and then that changed everything, because then from that point, I was like, okay, like, I don't know what this is. Like, I've never done comedy. I've never done skits. If you guys like that, then. Then I'll do more. Yeah.

[Alanized]

How was that for you? You know, you start doing Tik Toks. You were telling us earlier that you had so many other jobs at the same time. You know, what was the moment or the video where you're like, you know what? I want to pursue this full time.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think the moment was, like, there was a. Like, on my birthday in 2020, I came to LA because I came to meet up with this guy with these two guys, Victor and Grinder. Hookup. No, I came to.

[Alanized]

You're like, threesome.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I. I came to meet up with these two guys, Gil and Victor. And Gil was doing acting, and Victor was doing, like, tik Toks. And I was like, I don't know. Like, I want to just see if they're down to. To collab on a video. I just. I don't know, like, I'll write some stuff. And so I showed up on my birthday, met up with them in. In Echo park, and. And we did, like, five videos that day. And I remember just, like, I was like, bro, I don't know what we just did. I had, like, maybe 300, 000 followers at that time. And I was like, I don't know what I just did, but, like, I just want to do more of that. I don't have a career goal. I don't want to act. And mind you, like, this is just years after, barely years after all that stuff that happened, and I was like, this is just fun, and I want to keep going. And I. I feel like that day, I really was like, I love these two people. They're so nice. They're so normal and. And safe and. And. And I remember just like a month. About a month later, we were talking and I just floated it. We floated it as, like, a joke. Like. Like, imagine if we moved in together. That'd be funny, you know? And then. And I think it just was like, oh, maybe we. I mean, we could, like.

[Alanized]

Let me look at the bank account. I think we could afford it. Ah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And I was like. And I couldn't, you know, Like, I.

[Alanized]

Was just winging it.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, yeah. No, we were. We were. Because I had. Yeah. So we decided, like, we're gonna apply for a place. Gil went to go look for the apartment In Crenshaw. He found a place. And I'd never been to LA like that. Like, I only ever came to Hollywood because, like, I always loved, like, late night talk show stuff. And so I was always coming to be in the audience, but I never came to, like, la. So Gil went to go tour this apartment in Crenshaw, and we were like, well, let's apply for it. It'll be like 670 each of us. And I was like, I could do that. Like, the Crater Fund at that time. I was like, it's doing okay. I was do. I was doing doordash and instacart deliveries when I was in Reno. So I was like, I could do that. Like, yeah. We applied and I came to LA and I was like, I don't know what we're doing. I don't have any plan. I don't have any goal or dream. I just want to do this. And I. And I want to do this with them. And when I tell you, like, genuinely, these two people I think about so often, because I'm like, they were just like, the right people for that time of my life. And I just, like, fell in love with them immediately. Victor was such a normal, calm, like, funny person whose parents are amazing. Gil was like my best friend. Like, my warmth and comfort, and I was just like, I'm just doing these skits and I'm so scared about if we're gonna pay rent, if I'm gonna pay rent, and I can't fail. They can. In my mind, I felt like they can fail because they're already from la. They can go back with their families. I was like, I can't fail because they already replaced me with my room in Reno. Like, so they're just like the perfect people. Perfect, perfect people.

[Alanized]

Right Time.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, yeah. And. And I spent almost a year there before I moved out.

[Alanized]

Cuenta no sumpokito biamente. You know, you start pursuing social media as career, which I feel like, I don't know, maybe I don't know how your parents were, but it kind of just seems crazy. Like, imagine your kid telling you, like, mom, I feel like now it's a little bit more normal because I feel like, you know, with social media, how it's grown, but I feel like even then, like, to tell your parents, like, hey, you know, I'm gonna quit my jobs. I'm gonna really focus on social media. Was there people that doubted you or did you doubt yourself where you're like, girl, I'm just going with the flow, you know? No. Was there people that doubted you? If so how did that make you feel in that moment?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean if there were people that doubted me, then I'm glad that they didn't tell me because I didn't. I mean I was just walking.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, there was no part of me like that was like, I'm like I'm just doing this and if I fail, then I fail. I don't want to fail, I can't. But like I know how to work. You know, I, I worked in different positions and at different news stations. So like maybe even if I don't work here in, in la, I had a, I had interviewed for a job in Houston for a news station there and they were interested so I was like, oh, I can go there, I'll just move like whatever. Like it was such a time that I was like whatever, whatever.

[Alanized]

I'll like go with the flow vibes.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. And like there was nobody really that I was like reporting to.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

To where they could be like, ah, that's not a good idea. No, you know, there wasn't any of that. It was just, just like I'm doing it and, and you know, I wasn't telling my parents about it much because you know, my mom wasn't able to understand stuff like that yet. And my dad also, you know, I think he, she couldn't understand health wise and my dad couldn't understand because I mean he has a wife and kids in Mexico, he's living his life. So it wasn't like I was like by the way, this is what I'm doing.

[Alanized]

One thing about your content, I feel like mucha genteel see the effort, you know what I mean? Because your pin. So get by the content creator. A content creator where you really can see the effort put into like a video versus some people that you're like, oh, they're just popping content like nothing. Like they grab their phony boom, boom, boom. And I feel like one thing about you, do you write scripts? How is that whole process? Like, because I feel like your videos are so funny, so entertaining but I feel like there has to be a whole brainstorming like you know, situation going on before you in film. How do you come up with these ideas or what's your brainstorming process like?

[Leo Gonzalez]

It's hard right now cuz right now I have a creative block. Like right now I can't think of nothing. Yeah, it's tough but like there's random times where I'll like sit there and I'll just like spend like hours, six, 10 hours. And it'll take me that long, like to write five skits, you know, Even though like when we film it, it'll still be like a little bit of improv. Cuz there's. There's like also like different places that I come from. There's stuff that I'm like, I think this is funny. I think this is funny. I think that 90% of my audience will not think it's funny, but I do. So I'm. I'm going to post it because I think it's funny. And I think that the 10% are people that I also relate with and they followed because of that type of, that part of me. Then there's like the other part that's like, I don't think this is funny. I think they might think it's funny. And then there's like the other part of like, I think this will be a bigger video. I don't think it's funny. I don't think it's not funny. I don't think, you know, it's like there's different places. A lot of like, you're like, this.

[Alanized]

Is not funny to me, but it's relatable to my audience.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yes.

[Alanized]

Yeah, yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And there's stuff that doesn't make sense. There's stuff that is like, oh, it's common. So I think this will be good. There's stuff that's not common, doesn't make sense. But it's like what I. What we wish we could say or what we wish would happen. So, you know, it's hard because I also like, I don't like to do tick tocks. I don't like to do videos about things that are happening in the world. You know, like, I'm never like, I'm not the type to do like, oh, like, egg prices are expensive, so I'm gonna do an egg price skit. Yeah, I don't want to do that. I want to do videos that are evergreen, they can be watched in 10 years and it's just relatable no matter what happened that day.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And I don't cuss in the videos. I don't. I'm trying not to be too like opinionated in them.

[Alanized]

Like you're just there to like make, make people laugh.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I just hope that they're like relatable. That's it. You know, because I feel like people are like, they have enough of like the political stuff. They have enough of all that other stuff. And I don't, you know, I don't promote stuff that I don't think is real, you know, because I, I don't like when people are, are like, like feel like they're not getting, you know, where, where they feel like I'm. They're not getting me or it's like too far away because, ah, like if I posted it, like, it's still kind of like me or it's a version of me or it's a, an observation of me, you know, Because I feel.

[Alanized]

Like you're such a great actor, like, aside from like, you know, your scripts and just your content, I feel like the reason why they go viral. I think a lot has to do with your acting skills. Was that like something that you always did growing up or just. It was naturally.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I never acted. So like, I don't know. Like, I don't.

[Alanized]

I feel like this is me being me.

[Leo Gonzalez]

The camera's just on. Yeah, no, I, I've never acted and I never went to school or anything. So like, whenever I post I'm like, I just, I think this is my take on how I see the world.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Or when I am pretending to be someone else, it's like I'm. I'm just acting exactly how I saw them. That's just how they were. I don't, I don't think.

[Alanized]

Yeah. You know, like, you don't think too much into. You're just kind of like, oh, that's how I see it. I'm going to replicate it. That's, that's crazy because I feel like for me, my management has tried to get me into like acting, even voice acting, but I feel like it's so hard. I'm like, it's already hard being me, but you know what I mean? I feel like for me, like when I try to act or they like read this script, I just, I'm like, bitch, I don't know how to deliver it other than me. And I feel like that's a big talent because as actors you really do have to get into the role, into the character to like, deliver. And I feel like you do it so naturally, whether you're being a waitress in your videos, whether you're being. Whatever you're doing in your videos, you deliver it so effortlessly that it's like, oh, he's just being himself. Because of social media, in 2021, you joined a content house, the Familia Fuego. How did that come to be? Who called you up? How did you get the news? Did you reach out? They reached out.

[Leo Gonzalez]

The Fuego House was. Yeah, that was 20, 21.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, we got reached out to by the management company that put it together. And I mean, it was amazing. It was a launch pad. Like, they were like, would you want to move into this house for six months? It's in Hollywood Hills. And I was living in Crenshaw, and I was like, I'm down. I don't know. Like, it didn't seem real, but I was like, I have nothing to. I did. Right. I thought it was fake until I moved out, like, because there was that part of me that's like, something's fish.

[Alanized]

Like they're gonna come and kick me out any moment. Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, I was like, save my room in Crenshaw. I was still paying rent in Crenshaw. And so, yeah, I was like, it was. It was crazy.

[Alanized]

You know, you get this opportunity thrown at you first day. You know, we are meant you show up. Did you know that all the people that were gonna be in the house before, or was it just, like, you knew them online but not in person?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I knew three of them. Alexia. We had met already. We were friends already. We had met, I think, on zoom years, like a year ago. Before that, Monica. I don't know if we had met yet, but I knew who she was. And I was a fan of Jesus, too. Obviously, I had never seen Izzy yet until. Until that day.

[Alanized]

How was that? Like, o preparing yourself mentally, like, look, you're gonna go live with people that you've never lived with. It's kind of like, all right, now we're gonna really see how these people are. Was that, like, nerve wracking for you? Like, showing up to a house and you're like, I'm going to be under the same roof as other creators. What are the vibes?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, you want to stop and sound good for me, I was like, bro, I'm about to be in a mansion. Like, I was just like, I was excited. I'm ready to be there, cuz, like, there was a pool there, you know?

[Alanized]

Like, I was like, I went to that mansion. I think that was like, our first time that we met each other at the mansion. When you guys had your Halloween party, you remember, like, your Halloween was it.

[Leo Gonzalez]

It was my birthday.

[Alanized]

Birthday, yes.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That was crazy. It was a Halloween party theme.

[Alanized]

It was my birthday. It was your birthday. That was like, the first time I met Leo. You guys. Damn. That's crazy.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That's crazy.

[Alanized]

How was that ob going from. Oh, I'm really. I don't even know if I'm going to be able to afford the $600 rent apartment versus like now you're in the hills in this luxury ass house. What was that for you that was.

[Leo Gonzalez]

So wild because, I mean, you also really can't prepare for that either. You know, it's like one of those things. It's like, I guess this is happening. So we're, we're here and, and, and, and, and I think that's where I was also thinking about the comparison that I told you about. Like the meter of like lowest low and highest high. It's like the mansion was like such a big high that I was like, you don't really know what you're feeling, you know, but it was amazing. It was so fun and the party was so cool. I think that was like. It was cool because like DirecTV had like, like sponsored it and I'd never had anything that felt like I was like, oh, am I like getting famous?

[Alanized]

Am I like popping?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I important?

[Alanized]

Like, am I worth it?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. I remember meeting you. I remember meeting a bunch of you guys, including Adam. And I don't think I had met Adam before. And so when Adam showed up, I was so starstruck too because I was like, bro, like, I'm such a fan. And now you're here. Like, that's crazy. That circle went crazy from Nevada to la. I loved it. I loved it. And I, and we, and we really liked each other. All the people that were there and I was a fan of them.

[Alanized]

What was the schedule like? Porco Mente, whoever was sponsoring the house. You know, for those of you guys that don't know, how do content house operate? Because I feel like there's a lot. And I feel like a lot of people don't know, like a little bit of the behind the scenes.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, no. I mean, I don't know how most of the content houses, but this one was again, I guess I, I just don't know. Ours was sponsored by DirecTV. So we had assignments, you know, brand deals that we had to do as a house and then individually. And so, I mean, we woke up and like we had like certain things on our calendar. Our. We all have the same manager, Brandon, who, who. And then we had a house manager, Chris, who was there making sure that we had everything we needed in the house. You know, we had a team of people that were like making sure like whatever we need, wherever, and they took care of us like crazy. I mean, we, we got like so many resources there, you know, and so for us it was so fun because it was like, oh, today you're going to go to be in a parade tomorrow. You're going to go, do you know the skit with this person? You're going to do this brand deal together, then you're going to be at an award show.

[Alanized]

Cuz they take you guys to award shows? No.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Did they take us to award shows?

[Alanized]

I saw like maybe like Aladdin, like.

[Leo Gonzalez]

A. Oh, they did, Yeah. I remember they took us to, to one. No.

[Alanized]

Yes, I remember.

[Leo Gonzalez]

That was our first one. Yeah, they took us to our first carpet which was for the movie Sing too, I think. And that was cr. That was like. I think that was the first carpet I'd been to. And that was crazy cuz I was like, bro, like the cast is here. It was at the. One of the outdoor theaters there in Los Feliz area. Griffith area. The Greek theater was so, so weird. Yeah. And then the thero was so crazy because we went to Miami for that all and that was like our very. That was the end of our time there. It was like that was on the schedule for the end. And so it was like, it was nice because it was like we were like doing field trips. You know, they're like, where do you want to go? And then we went to Miami for that and it was cool. I felt so. I felt weird because I was like, I'm grown.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, and like, I mean, I think they're, they're, they're all like at least two years younger than me.

[Alanized]

So you were the oldest.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I was the oldest.

[Alanized]

Did you feel like a father figure in there?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, I didn't. No.

[Alanized]

I used to feel young.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I'm the baby.

[Alanized]

I was a child.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, I think the one who was like parental was Monica.

[Alanized]

Okay.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Because Monica has that personality of like caregiver. She was very concerned.

[Alanized]

She has a baby now, right? For her. Yeah, she was. That was her test.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I know, I know. She raised us literally. So. Yeah. I think she was the one in our lecture. Alexia was the other one. Who were. They were both very parental. Alexia was such a important part of my time there emotionally.

[Alanized]

When you look back into the era of your life, what do you think was your favorite moment of that era?

[Leo Gonzalez]

It was just us being there doing nothing sometimes. You know, like I loved whenever we would go and like Jesus. So my room was, was the one that was like facing the backyard and his room was the one facing the front of the house. And so I just love that we were like right there. Our doors were like there. We were just like almost like to like this night Market or let's just go do this. I love that, you know. And then Monica was across. They were all across on the other side. Because they couldn't trust us with the girls. Oh yeah.

[Alanized]

Was that like a thing? Did you guys get to choose your. Your.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think we got to choose.

[Alanized]

I think or like first come, first serve.

[Leo Gonzalez]

I feel like we got to such. It was, I will say, like Alexia had probably the best room cuz she had a bathroom. She had her own.

[Alanized]

She had the master.

[Leo Gonzalez]

She had a big, like a big bathroom and everything. But I had the sliding doors to the backyard, to the pool. Yeah. So I snuck in my friends at night, you know. I know. I did too.

[Alanized]

Honestly though, that house was so gorgeous. Backyard. Like I'll make my little tent. Cuz it was a really nice house. It was all glass. It was up in the hill. I remember that party was so iconic. I remember getting there late. I do remember getting there super late. You're like, you were literally there to clean up. I was all invited to be the cleanup crew. Nobody do remember getting there late, but had so much fun. I feel like you really did enjoy that time there. Do you feel like you would do it again, like a content house?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I could not do it again because I'm. Because I'm bigger now. I'm grown. I'm 30 now. At that time I was already like, bro, this is the latest.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Now I'm like, bro. People would be like, start a family. You know what I mean?

[Alanized]

You're like, when are you getting married? Yeah, like it's more. I feel like it's also like a thing you grow into. Because I feel like I wouldn't be able to do a content house at this moment in my life. I love my peace in my home. Was it hard for your social battery to keep being up because you had to interact with all of them? Or sometimes you're like, ah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, because with them it was like we were just friends and like it was so normal. I think that's the difference. And I'm not trying to be like shady in this, but like that's the difference is that we're all Latinos. So we all like, we all spoke the same and we all had the same like very similar backgrounds. And like, I think it was nice because like Monica was so motherly. But also like Izzy's mom was with us too. Like a lot of the time she would come and like she'd be there. So it was like, oh like, like we have a mom here too. Like casually and Jesus is one of the funniest people I've ever met. And so I think, like, at that time, it was like, oh, like, we're just like. Like, we're just bouncing ideas and like, little riffs and. And, you know, so it was like. It wasn't ever. It would be different if it was like. If it was like, you know, like, there's like, some social media events where I'm like, ah. Like, and I feel like there. There was no, like, levels like. Like that.

[Alanized]

There was no egos.

[Leo Gonzalez]

There was no egos.

[Alanized]

Because I feel like that's the thing that can get to people, the ego.

[Leo Gonzalez]

We were so small still. Yeah, we're. We had stills, like, smaller followings, so I think there wasn't room for that anyways. But also, I think we were all super just like, what is going on?

[Alanized]

Yeah. You know, I want to move on to what you're doing today, Orita, earlier on, you're on tour for your comedy show. Tell us a little bit more about that. How did that come to be? When did you feel like, you know what? I think it's time for me to go on tour. Was that scary? What was all that?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like, it is scary, but I think it came because I was. I. I was. I don't know. I think it just felt natural when I got signed to my agency. I think that's also one of the things. The things that we talked about where it was like, I should, like, try it one day, see how it goes. And I started hanging out with one of my friends, Marcelo, during his shows when he would do stand up. And he told me for. For months, he was like, I want you to do some time on my show. And I'd be like, oh, no, I don't think I can. I don't. I. I was like, bro, like, there's skits, you know, like, what am I gonna do? I'm not gonna, like, do a skit on stage.

[Alanized]

Especially, like, with the live audience, you don't even know how they're gonna react.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, it's different when you do. I mean, I'm. I was so. For. For, like, in the very beginning of my videos, it was like all green screen. So I was like, that's not the same as being in a front of hundreds of people.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You know, and so I said no. And then one day I called him. I went to the Olympics, and he was at the Olympics. But when I was there, I. I.

[Alanized]

Like, I won an Olympic medal right now. You're like, it's real. It's all the chocolates. Ah, the chocolate.

[Leo Gonzalez]

But I remember being over there and there was something so, like, nice because. Because, like, when you're. When you're, like, in Paris and all these countries are competing, and I would see people with, like, the Mexican flag, and there's something about, like, when you're in Europe where. And you see American flag and Mexican flag, and you're like, yeah, that's me. Like, I'm over here. And like, Europe is nice. Paris is beautiful. But like. Like, I'm like, that's why I'm like, I'm on a team. You know, when you're here, it's like, ah, NFL teams, whatever. It's. It's still cool. But it's like when you're in a whole other place, a whole other language, you're like, oh, that's. That's my team.

[Alanized]

Like, you felt represented, you know?

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah.

[Alanized]

A whole different country. Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And I don't know, there was something so beautiful about that to where I, like, I remember, like, FaceTiming Marcelo when he was leaving Paris, and I was like, all right, like, can I have some time on your show? Can I just do a few? A few. Just see. See how it goes. And he was like, okay, lista listo tubianes. He was like, and you.

[Aura Ad]

You.

[Leo Gonzalez]

If you don't show up, I won't even bother you about it. Yeah, if you show up to my show, then I know that you're gonna do a few minutes. If you don't show up, I'm not gonna question you anymore.

[Alanized]

Yeah, like, he was still prepared to, like, fill in for whatever time he was gonna give you.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah. Yeah. And I remember being like, damn, I needed that because, you know, I almost.

[Alanized]

Felt like the show is gonna go on with or without you. Ah, take the opportunity or get out there.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, exactly. And I was like, I needed that. I needed someone to be like, you're great, and I'll let you be great, but if you don't want to be great, then I'm gonna be great regardless. Yeah, people are still coming, the show's still sold out, and we're, you know. And I went. And I was so scared. And. And then it was good. It was fun. And then I. I went to New York a few months later, and I was. I texted him. I was like, I'm gonna go to your show. And he was like, okay, bet you're gonna do five minutes. And I was like, all right, let's do it. And I did it. And then after that, I think I Was like, let's just. Let's see if it goes good. And so we did. We announced a few dates, and then did the Oxnard shows. Sold out. And then we did four shows in San Diego. I did a few days ago, sold out. I have San Jose in about a week, sold out. And then Irvine the next day in Texas. And there's some new cities that are, like, inquiring whenever the schedule frees up. I'm like, orange County.

[Alanized]

That's funny. No, but how do you prepare for a show? Because, like, oh, yeah, man, that. You prepare for skits. You film them Redos. What. What is it like to prepare for a show? Do you, like, come up with the jokes, say them in front of your friends to see if they're funny enough? How does that whole process comes? Because, like, we said, stand up is so much different than, like, TikTok, because it's like, if people find it funny, move on versus if they don't. You're, like, awkwardly on stage.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You're like, yeah, I tried to do them in front of. In front of my friends, but it's. I'm like, it's better to do it by myself. Because I'm like, you don't get it. You know what I mean? When it's two people and I'm in the kitchen, they're like, but I'm like, no, no, but I'm gonna move this way when I do it, you know? And, like, I'm like, but you don't get it because you don't know that video bit. You know what I mean? Like. And so. So what I did when I was in. I was in Spain a few weeks ago preparing for the tour as I recorded my whole hour on a voice memo. And I was just, like, walking through Spain, through Barcelona. Barcelona. But when I was walking around, I was just, like, listening to it over and over again. On my flight back, I was listening to it over and over again, just trying to line it up. And so now, like, that the more shows I do, I'm, like, remembering, okay, I'm gonna transition this way. But I think the best way to prepare, especially with anxiety, too, is just, like, as long as I have someone there who I can just, like, talk to a little bit, just be with and quiet, just put my music on. I literally, like, I'll go into the bathroom for, like, five minutes with just my music, and I'm just, like, standing there, like, looking at me, like. But then, like, feel like it changes up when you actually walk on stage.

[Alanized]

Yeah.

[Leo Gonzalez]

And you think like, it's so nice that you guys really made a night out of this. And, like, for you to budget me into your day and to your week, like, that, that feels so nice. It feels so special. And so I feel like that's what gives me the energy. Once we're out, once I'm on stage, it's like, okay, now let's do this. And like, I hope it's funny. I hope that they see a different side of me. And I, I. But I also hope that they feel, like, inspired too. Yeah, it's all life. And that's all these videos, all these skits. It's just making fun of ourselves and.

[Alanized]

Our situations, you know, Obia maintainos cuentas that you never had a vision for what you're living life today ever. Like, you didn't start doing social media with the goal of having your own comedy show. What is that like? Like, do you ever have moments where you're like, what the fuck? Like, okay, I was doing little tiktoks that were blowing up up, but now have a whole ass show? What is that like?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, it just feels so sweet, you know, I do have moments where I'm like, dang, like, after, like, the meet and greets in San Diego, you have this moment of like, wow. Like, it's just yours. These people are so nice, and I think they make you realize the moment because they're like, they're there. I mean, I mean, it's, you know, things are expensive. The, the tickets, they're not free and like, for them to make that investment, for them to, like, get food and drinks there and they Ubered or whatever. They. Some people that drove from other cities, other states, it's like, that's, that's where it's like, wow. Like, you know, like, it's very sweet.

[Alanized]

And it's very encouraging, you know, and maybe haven't gotten their tickets or do already sold out. I'm not even gonna give you a preview. Ah, what can they expect at these shows? Because ob. They're not going to expect what they're watching today. Ah, you're all sat on stage.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Like I was saying on Alan's podcast, it was hard.

[Alanized]

Yeah. Repeating the whole, like, just play his podcast on stage.

[Leo Gonzalez]

It's a. I watch it with them.

[Alanized]

You're like, that's me. What can they expect? Like, what if I'm going to your show? What can I expect out of the night?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I mean, I think that you can expect to laugh. I think that you can expect to see the person that you see in the videos. But also more than that, I think you're seeing the producer of those videos. You're seeing the mindset behind like the, the people watcher, the observer, you know, the, the observational person that, that sees these and, and I think that you can expect to just see hear my story as I'm, I don't even know I need to do the tour. I just told you my story.

[Alanized]

You're like, all right, I'm like get tickets to my life. Do you do a lot of improv or is it just like every show is the same?

[Leo Gonzalez]

It depends on the city. Cuz every audience is different so like you know, the different cultures, everything just feels, feels new and everyone so there so things you're on the list.

[Alanized]

A flyer of all his tour dates and I'll also go ahead and link them down below and see where he will be presenting himself in the next city near you. And with that being said, thank you so much for being here. I have a show coming up right now. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Whether that's professionally just you as a person?

[Leo Gonzalez]

I think in five years, hopefully I'm producing, you know, my own productions whether, you know, whether it's TV or movies. I mean that's what I want to do. And I die tonight.

[Alanized]

We'll make it to that, babes. Just kidding. I'm kidding. I'm like, really? I already have sniper outside. I just kidding. I you called all my really five years. Maybe the question should be what are you going to do in the next 20 minutes? I'm like, what's the last meal, babes? I'm kidding. No, but where do you see yourself? Am back to the video?

[Leo Gonzalez]

No, I, I, I, yeah I hopefully I will be producing my own stuff and I don't know. I, I, I, I love la. I, I want to just be traveling. I want to be a more normal.

[Alanized]

Version of myself too, you know, and all your goals, projects. Because just by sitting down with her and seeing the type of work ethic that you have, yoseke the sky's the limit, you know. And I'm so happy and I'm so glad that we were able to have this porque and we're able to really learn and really see. I'm like, oh, and I really do appreciate that you made time for us.

[Leo Gonzalez]

You're like, and turns out it was.

[Alanized]

Like turns out kidding. No, but I really do appreciate it. This like I said it was a while in the making but that the weight was worth it.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Yeah, well, I know I. I saw your guests for years. I saw. I was like, damn, is it my turn yet?

[Alanized]

I love it. And I really do appreciate all his links down below as well as on the screen. So you guys won't miss any future episodes. Once again, thank you so much for being here.

[Leo Gonzalez]

Thank you, thank you.

[Alanized]

And thank you very much. Anytime. We'll do a rerun tomorrow, part two. And with that being said, you guys, I love you guys so much. And I'll see you guys in the next one. Bye, guys. Yay. This episode of Noche de Pendejadas is brought to you by booking.com booking. Yeah. Every time I use booking.com to find a place to stay in the US I know they'll have exactly what I'm looking for. They have a huge variety of options from hotels to vacation rentals. And I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for. I found booking.com to have something for everyone. I just got back from last Las Vegas, you guys. And of course in a hotel that I booked through booking.com I stayed at the Link because it's in the middle of the strip and it was also super close to the stadium because we went to Wrestlemania this past weekend. I also do love the rooms in the hotels. Super Bonitos. No matter who you are, Booking.com helps you find the stay that's ridiculously right for you. Find exactly what you're booking for on booking.com booking. Yeah.

[Aura Ad]

This podcast is brought to you by Aura. Imagine waking up to find your bank account drained, bills for loans you never took out, a warrant for your arrest, all because someone committed a crime in your name. It sounds like a nightmare, but for millions of people each year, it's reality. By the time you get that breach notification email, the damage is done. Your identity stolen, your financial future at risk, and the company that lost your data. They'll just apologize and move on. This can all sound really scary. Which is why I'm so glad we're partnering with Aura. Hackers don't wait, so why should you? Aura monitors the Dark Web 247 for your phone number, email and Social Security number. If Aura detects your info, you'll get an instant alert so you can act before the damage is done. Aura provides up to $5 million in identity theft insurance and a US based fraud resolution team that works around the clock to shut down fraud fast and get your life back on track. For a limited time, Aura is offering our listeners a 14 day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for free when you visit aura.comdefense that's aura.comdefense to sign up for a 14 day free trial and start protecting you and your loved ones. That's aura.com defense certain terms apply, so be sure to check the site for details.