Sabor A Freedom Podcast

What happens when your father is one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern history—and you grow up questioning everything he stands for?
For Alina Fernández Revuelta, being the daughter of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro meant growing up in the shadow of the Cuban Revolution, witnessing the contradictions between the promises of communism and the realities of life under her father's government.
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Alina joins Judy Pino for an extraordinary conversation about her childhood in Cuba, her complicated relationship with Fidel Castro, her decision to reject his political ideology, and the journey that ultimately led her to freedom in the United States.
Born in Havana, Alina grew up with a unique perspective on the Cuban Revolution. While her father became one of the most recognizable political figures in the world, she witnessed firsthand how his government shaped everyday life on the island. Over time, her experiences led her to question the system she had grown up under and eventually speak out against it.
In 1993, Alina escaped Cuba using false documents and disguised as a Spanish tourist, leaving behind the country she had always known to begin a new life in exile.
Judy and Alina explore the personal cost of political ideology, family separation, censorship, and the difficult choices that come with standing up for your convictions. Alina reflects on her relationship with her father, the privileges and contradictions of growing up in Cuba's ruling family, and what she came to understand about freedom after leaving the island.
The conversation also examines the lasting impact of the Cuban Revolution on generations of families, the experiences of Cuban exiles, and why firsthand accounts of life under communism remain important to understanding Cuba's history.
As an author, radio personality, and outspoken critic of her father's government, Alina has spent decades sharing her story, including in her memoir, Castro's Daughter: An Exile's Memoir of Cuba, offering readers a rare glimpse into the private world of Fidel Castro and the events that shaped her decision to leave.
Through personal memories, candid reflections, and moments of humor, Alina shares what it means to forge your own identity when your family name is inseparable from history—and why the freedom to think, speak, and choose your own path matters.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. For Alina, one of her favorite childhood meals was also one of the simplest: arroz blanco con huevos fritos y un plátano manzano—white rice, fried eggs, and a small, sweet banana. She recalls a childhood in Cuba when food was often scarce and families made the most of what they had. It's a humble meal that carries memories of home and a much larger story about life on the island.
 
RESOURCE LINKS
📚 Books by Alina Fernández Revuelta
Castro's Daughter: An Exile's Memoir of Cuba
Alina's memoir recounts her upbringing as Fidel Castro's daughter, her relationship with her father, her growing disillusionment with the Cuban government, and her eventual escape into exile.
Memorias de la hija rebelde de Fidel Castro
The Spanish-language publication of her memoir, sharing her personal account of growing up in the Castro family and choosing a different path.
Documentary 
Revolution’s Daughter: https://revsdaughter.com/
🍳 Alina's Favorite Dish — Arroz Blanco con Huevos Fritos y Plátano Manzano
A simple Cuban meal of white rice, fried eggs, and a small, sweet banana. For Alina, it brings back memories of childhood and the everyday realities of growing up in Cuba.
🎙️ Sabor a Freedom
Every American Dream Has a Story.
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ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM
Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Every American Dream Has a Story.
 

What does it take to build a successful career in the public eye while staying true to who you are?
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, award-winning journalist, television personality, and author Myrka Dellanos joins host Judy Pino for a conversation about her remarkable career, Cuban American heritage, faith, resilience, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
For more than three decades, Myrka has been one of the most recognizable faces in Spanish-language television. From her groundbreaking years as co-host of Univision's Primer Impacto to her work as an author and television host, she has built a career connecting with millions of viewers across the United States and Latin America.
But behind the cameras and headlines is a story of perseverance, personal growth, and reinvention.
Judy and Myrka explore the experiences that shaped her journey, the challenges of navigating fame and public scrutiny, and the role faith and family have played in her life. 
They also discuss her Cuban roots, how socialism changed the course of her family’s life, and what the American Dream means to someone who has spent much of her career sharing the stories of others.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Myrka reflects on finding purpose, overcoming adversity, and using her voice and platform to make a difference.
Myrka is also the author of the upcoming book, ¿Dónde Estás, Dios, Cuando la Vida No Tiene Sentido?, available this November on Amazon and at MyrkaDellanos.com. In her book, she explores faith, hope, and finding meaning during life’s most difficult moments.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of culture and tradition.
RESOURCE LINKS
📺 Myrka Dellanos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrkadellanos/
🌐 Myrka Dellanos website:https://myrkadellanos.com/
#SaborAFreedom #MyrkaDellanos #PrimerImpacto #LatinaJournalist #CubanAmerican #Faith #Resilience #AmericanDream
If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
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🌐 Sabor a Freedom: https://saborafreedom.com
CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE
🌐 Website: https://thelibreinitiative.com
📸 Instagram: @wearelibre
📘 Facebook: The LIBRE Initiative
𝕏 X: @WeAreLIBRE
ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM
Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, athletes, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

What inspires a young person to stop watching politics from the sidelines and decide to get involved?
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Rey Anthony joins Judy Pino for a conversation about civic engagement, public service, and why the next generation has an important role to play in shaping America’s future.
Rey began getting involved in politics while attending Florida International University (FIU) and has since built a career in government, communications, and public affairs. Today, he serves as Chief of Staff to Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28).
Rey shares what first motivated him to participate, the experiences that shaped his path from college activism to Capitol Hill, and what he has learned about leadership and public service along the way.
Judy and Rey also explore a bigger question: How do we motivate more young Americans to participate in the political process? They discuss the growing influence of younger voters, the role of social media in shaping political conversations, and why meaningful engagement requires more than simply posting or reacting online.
The conversation also looks at the importance of understanding how government works, getting involved in your community, listening to different perspectives, and recognizing that you don’t have to wait until later in life to make a difference.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of culture. Rey shares one of his Miami favorites: Cuban cafecito from Versailles Restaurant. Strong, sweet, and meant to be shared, Cuban coffee is more than a drink—it’s a tradition built around conversation, connection, and community.
🏛️ Congressman Carlos A. GiménezLearn more about Congressman Giménez and his work in Florida’s 28th Congressional District.https://gimenez.house.gov/
💼 Rey AnthonyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rey-anthony-fl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reyanthonyfl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reyanthonyfl
☕ Taste of Traditions: Cuban CafecitoDiscover the tradition behind one of Miami’s most iconic Cuban favorites.
#SaborAFreedom #ReyAnthony #CivicEngagement #PublicService #YoungLeaders #Miami #CubanAmerican #Cafecito #AmericanDream
If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Subscribe: @theLIBREinitiative🌐 Sabor a Freedom: saborafreedom.com
CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE
🌐 Website: The LIBRE Initiative📸 Instagram: @wearelibre📘 Facebook: The LIBRE Initiative𝕏 X: @WeAreLIBRE
ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM
Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, athletes, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Every American Dream Has a Story.
 

For Stephanie Santiago-Rolón, breaking into the music industry meant learning how to navigate a competitive business, build relationships, take risks, and create opportunities in spaces where success is never guaranteed.
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Stephanie joins Judy Pino for a conversation about her journey in the Latino music industry, the experiences that shaped her career, and what it takes to build a name in an industry driven by talent, relationships, culture, and constant change. Stephanie shares lessons from working behind the scenes of the music business, including the importance of persistence, confidence, adaptability, relationship-building, and knowing your value.
She also talks about what it means to be a woman in the industry, the barriers she has had to navigate, and how those experiences helped shape the leader she is today.
The conversation explores the growing influence of Latino music and culture in the United States, how the industry has evolved, and why creating opportunities for new voices and talent matters. Judy and Stephanie also discuss entrepreneurship, career pivots, taking chances, and the freedom that comes with creating your own path rather than waiting for someone else to open the door.
For anyone trying to break into a competitive industry, Stephanie offers practical perspective on building relationships, showing up prepared, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on the opportunities ahead.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. Stephanie shares one of her favorite Puerto Rican meals: pechuga empanada with arroz blanco, habichuelas rojas, and tostones—a comforting combination of familiar flavors that brings family, culture, and tradition together around the table.
RESOURCE LINKS
🎵 Learn more about Stephanie Santiago-Rolón https://www.instagram.com/elevatedmusicindustries/?hl=en 🥘 Stephanie’s favorite dish — Pechuga Empanada with Arroz Blanco, Habichuelas Rojas & Tostones A Puerto Rican favorite featuring breaded chicken breast, white rice, red beans, and crispy fried plantains (tostones). https://www.lemon8-app.com/@nayeliemateo/7377931849957982725?region=us
🎙️ Sabor a Freedom Every American Dream Has a Story. If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Subscribe: @theLIBREinitiative
🌐 Sabor a Freedom: saborafreedom.com
CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE 🌐 Website: The LIBRE Initiative
📸 Instagram: @wearelibre
📘 Facebook: The LIBRE Initiative
𝕏 X: @WeAreLIBRE
ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Every American Dream Has a Story.

For Coach Nico Tovar, soccer has never been just about winning games. It’s about helping young people discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and the values they’ll carry long after they leave the field. In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Coach Nico joins Judy Pino for a conversation about his journey from Colombia to the United States, his career in soccer, and how coaching became an opportunity to mentor and empower the next generation. Nico shares the lessons sports can teach young people about discipline, resilience, teamwork, accountability, leadership, and perseverance—and why a great coach sees the potential in a child before that child may see it in themselves. The conversation also explores the importance of expanding access to sports and mentorship so that a child’s ZIP code or circumstances don’t determine their opportunities. Through his work with Yes, Coach! and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Nico is helping use the power of soccer to strengthen communities and give more young people the chance to learn, grow, and find their purpose. Judy and Nico also talk about the role parents and coaches play in developing confident young people, the difference between pushing kids to succeed and helping them discover their own potential, and why some of the most important victories in sports never appear on a scoreboard. And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. Coach Nico shares one of his Colombian favorites: Ajiaco Colombiano, a comforting traditional soup made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs—a dish that brings the flavors of Colombia to the table. ⚽ Yes, Coach! Learn more about the initiative and its work to equip coaches to positively impact young people. https://www.yescoach.com/home ⚽ U.S. Soccer Foundation Learn more about its work using soccer to improve the lives of children and strengthen communities. https://ussoccerfoundation.org/ 🥘 Coach Nico’s favorite recipe — Ajiaco Colombiano A traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs. https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/aj... If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 🎙️ Subscribe: @theLIBREinitiative 🌐 Sabor a Freedom: saborafreedom.com CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE 🌐 Website: The LIBRE Initiative 📸 Instagram: @wearelibre 📘 Facebook: The LIBRE Initiative 𝕏 X: @WeAreLIBRE ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Every American Dream Has a Story. #SaborAFreedom #MirtaOjito #MarielBoatlift #Cuba #CubanAmerican #AmericanDream #Immigration #PulitzerPrize #FindingMañana #DeeperThanTheOcean #Latinos #Freedom #LIBREInitiative

At 16 years old, Mirta Ojito left Cuba with her family during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, joining more than 100,000 Cubans who made the journey to the United States in search of a new beginning. That experience would shape not only her life in America, but also an extraordinary career devoted to telling the stories of others.
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Mirta joins Judy Pino for a deeply personal conversation about growing up in communist Cuba, leaving the island during Mariel, arriving in the United States as a teenager, and building a new life in a country that offered possibilities she had never known.
Mirta went on to become an award-winning journalist, working for the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and The New York Times. She shared a Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for The New York Times series “How Race Is Lived in America” and received an Emmy for the documentary Harvest of Misery. She has also taught journalism at New York University, Columbia University, and the University of Miami and currently serves as a senior director for News Standards at NBCUniversal.
Judy and Mirta reflect on what it means to leave your homeland behind, start over in America, and carry the memories of Cuba with you. They also discuss Mirta’s decision to revisit the Mariel boatlift in her memoir, Finding Mañana: A Memoir of a Cuban Exodus, and how journalism and writing have allowed her to explore questions of immigration, identity, belonging, family, and freedom.
The conversation also turns to Mirta’s newest book and first novel, the national bestseller Deeper than the Ocean, a multigenerational story connecting the Canary Islands, Cuba, Key West, and the United States through family secrets, migration, love, and resilience.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. Mirta shares one of the Cuban dishes that brings her back to her roots: Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera, a Cuban classic with tender chicken, rice, sweet peppers, and peas.
RESOURCE LINKS
🌐 Mirta Ojito: mirtaojitoauthor.com
📘 Finding Mañana: A Memoir of a Cuban Exodus Mirta’s memoir about her family, Cuba, and her journey to the United States during the Mariel boatlift. Finding Mañana — Penguin Random House
📕 Hunting Season: Immigration and Murder in an All-American Town A true story examining immigration and the murder of an immigrant on Long Island. Hunting Season — Penguin Random House
📙 Deeper than the Ocean Mirta’s first novel and a national bestseller—a multigenerational historical story spanning the Canary Islands, Cuba, Key West, and beyond. Deeper than the Ocean — Hachette Book Group
🥘 Mirta’s favorite recipe — Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera:https://fatgirlhedonist.com/arroz-con-pollo-a-la-chorrera-recipe/
If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Subscribe: @theLIBREinitiative 🌐 Sabor a Freedom: saborafreedom.com
CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE
🌐 Website: The LIBRE Initiative 📸 Instagram: @wearelibre 📘 Facebook: The LIBRE Initiative 𝕏 X: @WeAreLIBRE
ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM
Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Every American Dream Has a Story.
#SaborAFreedom #MirtaOjito #MarielBoatlift #Cuba #CubanAmerican #AmericanDream #Immigration #PulitzerPrize #FindingMañana #DeeperThanTheOcean #Latinos #Freedom #LIBREInitiative

Born in Cuba, arriving in Miami as a young child, and spending more than three decades in Puerto Rico, Vicente Pimienta’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an embrace of change.
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Vicente joins Judy Pino to share the experiences that shaped his journey—from starting his first internet company in 1996 to helping thousands of entrepreneurs navigate the digital revolution and now preparing professionals and businesses for the age of artificial intelligence.
They go beyond the chat to explore what AI can actually mean for our everyday lives and work. How do we use it effectively? What skills will matter in an AI-powered economy? And rather than fearing the technology, how can entrepreneurs and professionals learn to make it work for them?
Vicente also shares his approach to human-AI collaboration and the RUTA™ Method, built around a simple idea: getting better results from AI begins with learning to think and communicate more clearly.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. Born in Cuba and raised in Puerto Rico, Vicente has a heart for both islands and their food. He shares two dishes that represent those roots: Ajiaco Cubano, a hearty Cuban stew, and Serenata Puertorriqueña, a traditional Puerto Rican bacalao salad.
RESOURCE LINKS
🌐 Vicente Pimienta:https://vicentepimienta.com/
💼 Vicente on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicentepimienta
🤖 Learn about the RUTA™ Method and AI training:https://rutamethod.com/
📘 Free Book — Cómo Hablar con la Inteligencia Artificial:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vicente-Pimienta/author/B0GHSVMJS4?language=es&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
🥘 Vicente’s favorite recipes — Ajiaco Cubano & Serenata Puertorriqueña:https://saborafreedom.com
If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Subscribe: @theLIBREinitiative🌐 Sabor a Freedom: https://saborafreedom.com
CONNECT WITH THE LIBRE INITIATIVE
🌐 Website: https://thelibreinitiative.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelibre📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLIBREInitiative𝕏 X: https://x.com/WeAreLIBRE
ABOUT SABOR A FREEDOM
Sabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative, hosted by LIBRE national spokesperson and brand marketing strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Every American Dream Has a Story.
#SaborAFreedom #VicentePimienta #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AmericanDream #Cuba #PuertoRico #CubanAmerican #Latinos #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #FutureOfWork #RUTAMethod #LIBREInitiative

From selling fruit in a small community in El Salvador to building a life as an entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, and actress in the United States, Verónica Villatoro’s story is one of perseverance, dignity, and opportunity.
In this episode of Sabor a Freedom, Verónica joins Judy Pino to share her journey from humble beginnings in El Salvador to pursuing the American Dream. They talk about the sacrifices behind success, entrepreneurship, family, the lessons she learned from her mother, and the experiences that inspired her book, Mujer Sin Límite.
Verónica also reflects on what dignity and freedom mean to her, the importance of remembering where you come from, and how her Salvadoran roots continue to shape the woman she is today.
And, of course, no episode of Sabor a Freedom is complete without a taste of home. Verónica shares the traditions and flavors that bring her back to El Salvador.
Resource links:Purchase Mujer Sim Limites on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mujer-sin-l%C3%ADmite-resiliencia-superaci%C3%B3n/dp/B0GJKWY8Z2/
If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Subscribe: @LIBREInitiative🌐 Learn more: https://saborafreedom.com
Connect with The LIBRE InitiativeWebsite: https://thelibreinitiative.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelibreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLIBREInitiativeX: https://x.com/WeAreLIBRE
About Sabor a FreedomSabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative hosted by LIBRE’s national spokesperson and marketing brand strategist Judy Pino, featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Born into one of South Florida’s most influential Hispanic journalism families, Helen Aguirre Ferré carries forward a legacy that began with her father, Horacio Aguirre, co-founder of Diario Las Américas. She has built her own distinguished career at the intersection of journalism, public service, communications, and Hispanic civic engagement. Over the course of her career, Aguirre Ferré has become a prominent voice in both English- and Spanish-language media and has held senior communications roles at the state and national levels, including serving as White House Director of Media Affairs. She was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.Resource links: Diario las Americas newspaper:https://www.diariolasamericas.com/Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom “Index of Bureacracy”:https://freedom.fiu.edu/index-of-bureaucracy/Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom Comprehensive Index of Taxation:https://freedom.fiu.edu/the-comprehensive-tax-index/If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Subscribe: @LIBREInitiative 🌐 Learn more: https://saborafreedom.comConnect with The LIBRE Initiative Website: https://thelibreinitiative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelibreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLIBREInitiative X: https://x.com/WeAreLIBREAbout Sabor a FreedomSabor a Freedom is a podcast from The LIBRE Initiative hosted by LIBRE’s national spokesperson and marketing brand strategist Judy Pino featuring inspiring conversations with Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and changemakers whose stories celebrate freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.#SaborAFreedom #HelenAguirreFerre #TheLIBREInitiative #NicaraguanAmerican #HispanicVoices #LatinaLeadership #LatinasInMedia #HispanicMedia #Journalism #PublicService #AmericanDream #SueñoAmericano #Freedom #Libertad #BeLIBRE