Stay Tranquilo

Now, Fernando is the starting quarterback at Indiana, and he’s headed into the National Championship Game this Monday vs Miami—back in his hometown of Miami. We talk mindset, preparation, pressure, and what it means to come home with everything on the line.
Fernando breaks down why being a QB is “like studying for a final every week,” how visualization became a game-changer, and the weekly film routine that keeps him locked in. We also rewind to his Columbus state championship run, the late recruiting twist that took him from an Ivy League path to the Power 5, and what culture + discipline look like inside a winning locker room.
We also get into today’s NIL + transfer portal reality, the pros and the problems it creates, and how to stay focused when distractions are everywhere.
In this episode:
National Championship week mindset (Indiana vs Miami in Miami)
The QB weekly routine (downs, red zone, 2-minute, and more)
Visualization and staying calm under pressure
Columbus football culture shift + discipline turning a season around
Recruiting during COVID + signing twice
NIL, ego in the locker room, and the “highest bidder” era
Rapid fire (favorite Cuban food, favorite concepts, game day mindset)
🎧 Subscribe for more Stay Tranquilo episodes: Miami culture, sports, mindset, and community.
#StayTranquilo #CafecitoYCroquetas #FernandoMendoza #IndianaFootball #MiamiFootball #NationalChampionship #CollegeFootball #Quarterback #NIL

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Long overdue pod. On this episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we sit down with Miami entrepreneur and real estate investor Viraj Kulhari for a deep conversation on confidence, discipline, mindset, and building the long game.
We get into what it really means to be “confident” (hint: doing the things you say you’re going to do), why delusional optimism can be a superpower, and how life’s setbacks can become fuel. Viraj shares the story behind his clothing brand Confident and the meaning of “Love Always,” plus lessons from building businesses, service, and leadership.
We also talk real estate—from Viraj’s early days underwriting deals to closing a 32-unit property and scaling toward hundreds of doors—and what entrepreneurship teaches you that school never will. The episode wraps with practical gems on consistency, perspective, and feeding your brain with the right inputs.
Tap in for a mindset reset and a Miami-based masterclass in patience, purpose, and execution.
Topics include:
Confidence = keeping promises to yourself
Discipline, preparation, and self-trust
Delusional optimism vs. negativity
Entrepreneurship lessons (Confident + service business)
Viraj’s real estate investing journey and scaling
Perspective, kindness, and controlling your environment
 

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Welcome back to Cafecito y Croquetas ☕🥐 — and Happy New Year 2026 🎉
In our first episode of the year, we kick things off talking about one of the most iconic Latino New Year’s traditions: the 12 grapes 🍇. Do you eat them before midnight or after? Do you make intentions with each grape, or are you just trying to survive the countdown?
From eating grapes in zip-lock bags at bars to mixing them with champagne 🥂, we break down how different families and cultures approach the tradition — and why it always turns into chaos once the clock hits 12.
We also dive into:
Our personal intentions and goals for 2026
Self-improvement, health, routines & habits
Cutting back on vices and leveling up mentally & physically
Slowing down time, avoiding burnout, and staying intentional
Community, growth, and what we want this year to feel like
Whether you’re big on New Year’s resolutions or just here for the cafecito and vibes, this episode is all about starting 2026 with purpose — without losing who we are.
💬 Let us know in the comments:
Do you do the 12 grapes?
Before or after midnight?
One intention per grape… or nah?
As always, thank you for rocking with us.
2026 is just getting started. 🚀
☕ Still drinking cafecito.
🥐 Still eating croquetas.
📅 Still moving forward.

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Feliz Navidad and happy Nochebuena! 🎄 In this Christmas Eve episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we’re talking all things Cuban Christmas traditions in Miami — family, la noche, dominoes, cafecito, croquetas, and of course… lechón.
We get into what Nochebuena means to us, why Cubans go hardest on the 24th (and do nothing on the 25th 😅), and the real holiday essentials: pig, beers, and good vibes. Plus, Dre breaks down his lechón process — from mojo + herbs to mastering the chicharrón skin, internal temps, and why cooking the skin slow matters if you want that perfect bubbly crackle.
And the stories? We’re talking Santa trauma, reindeer food (oatmeal + glitter 😂), Three Kings “camel” myths, and why coquito is delicious… and dangerous.
If you’re Cuban, Latino, or just love holiday culture, this one’s for you.
Drop a comment: What’s your favorite Nochebuena tradition? Do you open gifts on the 24th or 25th? And what’s the #1 rule for not messing up the lechón? 👀
👍 Like, subscribe, and share this with your Miami people.
Chapters (optional)
00:00 Christmas Eve vibes + Santa golfing sweater
01:10 What Nochebuena means in Miami
05:40 Lechón talk: seasoning, mojo, and cooking method
08:00 Chicharrón science: slow vs fast skin
14:15 Best Nochebuena memories + first pig story
16:00 Santa stories + reindeer food
18:20 Three Kings / “camels came through” madness
21:10 Coquito = holiday cheat code
23:00 Elf on the Shelf + parents pranking kids
Hashtags
#Nochebuena #CubanChristmas #Miami #Lechon #CafecitoYCroquetas #CubanCulture #Coquito #Dominoes #ChristmasEve #CubanTraditions

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Good morning! In today’s episode of Cafecito y Croquetas, we sit down with returning friend of the fam, Orlando Mendez – aka the Cuban Cowboy ☕🥐🤠
We get deep into what it means to be second-generation Cuban-American, carrying the stories of our abuelos while living a very modern Miami life. Orlando shares how losing his grandparents and being part of the legendary Amparo Experience woke something up in him and ultimately inspired his breakout song “Motherland.”
From there, we dive into his unique journey from:
🎭 Acting in Miami & New York to having everything shut down during COVID
🎸 Picking up a dusty guitar in his room and teaching himself country music on YouTube
🎶 Falling in love with Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw & classic country in reverse (modern → Johnny Cash era)
🌊 Realizing his heart will always be in Miami, the Keys, and on the water
Orlando then breaks down his new project, the “Always Summer Six-Pack” EP, including:
How the idea hit him on a flight home from Nashville at one of his lowest points
A writing camp in the Florida Keys where they knocked out 4–5 songs in 48 hours
The story behind songs like:
“Modern Day Pirates”
“Beers Back Home”
“Saltwater Salvation”
“Hurt to Hit”
Why he wants his songs to become anthems in people’s lives, tied to real memories and moments
We also talk about:
🇨🇺 Owning the label Cuban-American instead of running from it
🌴 Why it’s “Always Summer” in Miami, in the Keys, and in your mindset
🍺 How brands like Johnny Cuba, Cow Bakery, Larona, John Bell Construction & more helped make this independent project possible
🎵 Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville, and building a lifestyle around music
If you love Miami culture, Cuban roots, country music, storytelling, and Keys-on-a-boat vibes, this episode is for you.
👉 Always Summer Six-Pack EP drops December 5 – go run it up and show the Cuban Cowboy some love!
Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe, sip your cafecito, eat your croqueticas, and we’ll see you on the next one.
#CafecitoYCroquetas #OrlandoMendez #CubanCowboy #AlwaysSummer #Motherland #Miami #305 #CubanAmerican #CountryMusic #FloridaKeys

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