Tavito Stories

Gustavo Ventura

Welcome to our new series titled "On the Go!" Join me on a journey of self-discovery and listen to the life-changing stories of people I have met along the way. Our theme question for this series is "What are you grateful for today?" It's a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life amidst the chaos of our daily routines.


You'll hear the inspiring stories of my former wrestling coach, Keysaw, whose determination and grit inspired me to never give up. Timea Horvath, a gentle soul, and kind-hearted classmate from Simpson University, who taught me the importance of empathy and compassion. Lastly, Alexander, a man of faith, whose touching story reminded me of the power of hope and resilience.


Join me on this journey of self-discovery and hear these life-changing stories and more.

Listen to these life-changing stories and more!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Season 5

Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast: A Community Tradition.
May 22 2024
Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast: A Community Tradition.
Send us a Text Message.On May 18th, 2024, I attended the Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast, the largest outdoor community breakfast in the United States. The event started in 1954 during Rodeo Week in Redding, California. It began small, serving about 700 people, and then grew to over 1,000 participants by the late 1950s.The Cowboys, who organized the breakfast, initially used borrowed equipment from different sources, including the Sheriff's Department, local churches, and residents of Redding. Attendees enjoyed pancakes and sausage on makeshift tables made from doors and sawhorses "borrowed" from local lumber yards.As the breakfast became more popular, the Cowboys realized they needed more equipment. They started buying or making their own, beginning with tables. They were lucky to purchase old McDonald's grills as the restaurants in northern California phased them out.Over time, the Cowboys accumulated many grills, chairs, and tables. Today, the Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast is the most extensive outdoor community breakfast in the United States, with over 10,000 people gathering to share breakfast, regardless of the weather.It's an honor for me to share my experience at this event with all of you!Hey, podcast fans! I've been away for a while, but I'm working hard to bring you some amazing conversations. I've been thinking about the direction of the podcast and want to ensure that each episode is meaningful and engaging. To bridge the gap, I'm excited to introduce a summer series called "My Summer of 2024." Stay tuned for the first episode coming soon! Thanks for listening!Support the Show.https://www.instagram.com/tavitostories/https://m.facebook.com/people/Tavito-Stories-Podcast/100064116970819/

Season 4

Exploring 100 Years of Solitude - A Review of Chapter 3
Mar 7 2024
Exploring 100 Years of Solitude - A Review of Chapter 3
Send us a Text Message.This episode delves into Gabriel Garcia Marquez's literary masterpiece, 100 Years of Solitude. Our primary focus is on Chapter 3, but we'll also provide a brief recap of Chapters 1 and 2 for those who need to catch up. Join us as we discuss this chapter's characters, themes, and symbolism and how they contribute to the overall story. In the chapter, we'll also explore the story of a significant mythological Colombian figure.Whether you're a magical realism or classic literature fan or simply looking for an excellent book to read, this podcast is for you. So please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us as we explore the world of 100 Years of Solitude.Show LinksLiterary Analysishttps://www.colombiaone.com/2024/01/09/colombian-legend-maestro-vallenato-devil-fransisco-hombre-man/https://historytravelers.com/f/francisco-el-hombre-la-leyendahttps://www.culturagenial.com/es/cien-anos-de-soledad-de-gabriel-garcia-marquez/https://www.gradesaver.com/cien-a%C3%B1os-de-soledad/guia-de-estudio/summary-cap%C3%ADtulos-1-2Musichttps://www.free-stock-music.com/alex-productions-transition.htmlhttps://pixabay.com/music/search/accordion/Hey, podcast fans! I've been away for a while, but I'm working hard to bring you some amazing conversations. I've been thinking about the direction of the podcast and want to ensure that each episode is meaningful and engaging. To bridge the gap, I'm excited to introduce a summer series called "My Summer of 2024." Stay tuned for the first episode coming soon! Thanks for listening!Support the Show.https://www.instagram.com/tavitostories/https://m.facebook.com/people/Tavito-Stories-Podcast/100064116970819/
Exploring Chapter 4 of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's '100 Years of Solitude': Analysis and Discussion
Mar 18 2024
Exploring Chapter 4 of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's '100 Years of Solitude': Analysis and Discussion
Send us a Text Message.To start this episode, we'll recap the first three chapters of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "100 Years of Solitude" before delving into chapter four. Chapter one introduces us to Macondo, a town that initially lacks names for things and resembles the Garden of Eden. Chapter two reveals the tragic founding of Macondo, with townsfolk leaving their old home to escape murder and judgment. Chapter three sees the Buendia family take Rebbeca in, which leads to an unusual phenomenon where they forget names, leading to insomnia.We will explore the theme of solitude in the novel, highlighting its complexity and impact on individuals and their relationships. Chapter four concludes with solitude enforced by external forces due to actions and losses, symbolized by Jose Arcadio's tying to a tree, similar to the tree of knowledge in Adam and Eve's story. The significance of Monday as the day of creation and the beginning and end of everything is emphasized, marking the decline of the Buendia family.Hey, podcast fans! I've been away for a while, but I'm working hard to bring you some amazing conversations. I've been thinking about the direction of the podcast and want to ensure that each episode is meaningful and engaging. To bridge the gap, I'm excited to introduce a summer series called "My Summer of 2024." Stay tuned for the first episode coming soon! Thanks for listening!Support the Show.https://www.instagram.com/tavitostories/https://m.facebook.com/people/Tavito-Stories-Podcast/100064116970819/

Season 3

Chapter 2: New Prison, New Dream
Jul 24 2023
Chapter 2: New Prison, New Dream
Send us a Text Message.Our date to record this podcast with Alexander was set up informally. I met him outside the grocery store, where we met for the first time. He asked me if I had any other plans for the day. I told him I had no agenda other than hearing his story. He suggested going to a Japanese restaurant and added that he would like to eat something before recording the podcast. While dining at Tokyo Garden Sweet and Sour Pork, the Japanese restaurant, he asked me if I would like to join a men’s prayer group. I agreed. The location was not too far away from the restaurant. I asked him, “What do they pray for?” He told me the story of his friend who had lost contact with his daughter. He told me how God again brought him closer to his daughter as I attended the men’s prayer group. They gave me open arms and asked me to sit in the center. There I heard the story again of his friend who had been battling with addiction. He shared how much pain it had caused him to hurt his beloved daughter and how much he wanted her to forgive him. I could hear the pain in his voice and his repentance over his past life. Then as I turn back to look at Alexander, I can see him looking down and reading the bible. The group of men had asked him to read the bible for everybody, and I heard his voice there for the first time.In this episode, Alexander will share the story of his transfer to a new prison where he finds his dream. Hey, podcast fans! I've been away for a while, but I'm working hard to bring you some amazing conversations. I've been thinking about the direction of the podcast and want to ensure that each episode is meaningful and engaging. To bridge the gap, I'm excited to introduce a summer series called "My Summer of 2024." Stay tuned for the first episode coming soon! Thanks for listening!Support the Show.https://www.instagram.com/tavitostories/https://m.facebook.com/people/Tavito-Stories-Podcast/100064116970819/
Chapter 3: Alexander's world crumble
Jul 31 2023
Chapter 3: Alexander's world crumble
Send us a Text Message.I last saw Alexander at the grocery store again on June 14, 2023. He received me with a handshake and asked how I was doing. Then he said, “It’s been a long time since I last saw you. Are you still going to Wisconsin?” he asked.I mentioned to him that I was not sure yet. I told him about my college graduation and caught up with him, telling him that sometimes in the ceremony, I would think of him and the stories he had shared with me.I appreciated our friendship and his invitation to the men’s prayer group. His friend approached me and said, “God told me you’re on the right path. Continue to do what you’re doing; he cares for you.” I thanked his friend for his kind words and smiled.After the men’s prayer group concluded, I grabbed my microphones from my car, and in his truck, I got my equipment ready to record the podcast. I am assuming that throughout that whole time,  Alexander was preparing to share his story with me. He needed to get comfortable. He needed space and time. I needed to be patient until the timing was right. Hey, podcast fans! I've been away for a while, but I'm working hard to bring you some amazing conversations. I've been thinking about the direction of the podcast and want to ensure that each episode is meaningful and engaging. To bridge the gap, I'm excited to introduce a summer series called "My Summer of 2024." Stay tuned for the first episode coming soon! Thanks for listening!Support the Show.https://www.instagram.com/tavitostories/https://m.facebook.com/people/Tavito-Stories-Podcast/100064116970819/