“RgL SEDAN SESSIONS” – An engaging and inspiring conversation series shot from the comfort of RgLerma’s 10th Generation Chevrolet Impala Sedan!
Each episode offers an intimate glimpse into the lives and minds of some of Austin and Central Texas’ most fascinating individuals, uncovering what motivates and inspires them. Whether you’re looking for insight into the entertainment industry, city & community leadership, corporate & professional development or the stories of unsung heroes …
“RgL SEDAN SESSIONS” offers something for everyone!
STAY TUNED for upcoming episodes, as RgLerma sits down with a diverse array of guests to combine engaging storytelling with the unique charm of in-car interviews. Pull up and enjoy a series filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and inspiration!
YA DIG?!
– SESSIONS –
Conversations captured during summer 2024
DEWY BROOKS
“I was always a person who wanted to be a part of helping and doing!”
We pull up to Hoover’s Cooking on Manor Rd., in Austin, Texas, to kick off the FRIST EPISODE of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS!
Join me as I sit with Dewy Brooks – Vietnam Vet, State of Texas (retired) IT/Computer Programmer turned Outreach Coordinator & Director, Seasoned Non-Profit Board Member (various local and state), Community Organizer/Volunteer , Theatre Company Founder & Director, Photographer … AND SO MUCH MORE!
Enjoy the conversation as we discuss his journey from South Philly to Texas, enlisting into the service, then working in IT/Computer Programming for the State of Texas. We dive into the amazing initiatives that he was a part of to help increase Higher Education awareness and attendance within the Black Community, as well as the various Non-Profit Boards that he activity serves on to promote and support Culture, Arts, Education, and Community Engagement in Austin and throughout Texas.
We also uncover a few fascinating items that you may not have known about this inspiring Renaissance Man … YA DIG?!
DR. MANUEL X. ZAMARRIPA, LPC-S
A Chicano at Notre Dame?!
RgLerma & Dr. Z pull up to Casa Garcia’s in South Austin for a Catch-Up Platica, in this Second Episode of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS!
Dr. Manuel X. Zamarripa, LPC-S hops into the sedan to discuss his discovery of Chicano Psychology, as a student at The University of Notre Dame (BA), in the early 90’s. We explore the culture shock that came from leaving San Antonio, Texas for college in the Mid-West: the winters, community & cultural differences, NO BREAKFAST TACOS! Then returning home to Our Lady of the Lake University (M.S.), only to discover that the journey would guide him back, even further north, to earn his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. We celebrate his recognition from the School of Education at UW-Madison, on being honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to their field!
Dr. Zamarripa and Wife, Jessica Zamarripa, are the founders of The Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and Community Wellness, based in Austin, Tx – A community-building entity focused on wellness and strengths of the Chicana/o/x community through the lens of Chicana/o/x Psychology. The work of The Institute seeks to address the risk and protective factors, including historical factors of oppression, as well as highlight & showcase the ancestral strengths and wisdom of the Chicana/o/x community. Founded in 2012, The Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and Community Wellness offers Community Platicas, Support Circulos, Group Consultations, Learning Series, and Professional Trainings with the goal of advancing the cultural, social, mental, emotional, spiritual liberation and healing of our people!
Along with his work within The Institute, Dr. Zamarripa is one of the Deans of Mental Health at Austin Community College.
Enjoy this platica, as we dive into Chicanismo, Rasquachismo, Higher Education, Community & Mental Wellness, Cultural Awareness and more … YA DIG?!
ERIC MORENO
Chiquito Pero Picoso!
In Episode Three of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS, Eric Moreno – Rocker turned Two-Stepper, joins me in the sedan as we pull up to Busty’s Bar & Jukebox, to discuss how he has been ruffling feathers at the dancehalls, while shifting the mindset of the dance community & culture in and around Austin, Texas!
Eric Moreno, an ‘hermano from another vato’, opens up about his path from HVAC into Dance, growing up near Corpus Christi, Texas and spending weekends at Grandma’s Ranch, the lessons learned while caring for his mother, to the exciting things he is building as he crafts his NATIVE TEXAN brand. We dive into what it means to us, to be TEXAN, and how we sometimes struggle to own that identity at the Honky Tonks and within the world of Two-Step. For these, and many of the reasons that you’ll uncover in this episode, Eric has sought to “Create a more welcoming & inviting community of dance”, through the creation and launch of NATIVE TEXAN TWO STEP!
Native Texan Two Step offers private dance lessons to individuals or groups seeking to learn and master the two-step. Whether at his home studio, a corporate event, or live music venues, Eric brings a very unique style and flavor to the dance lesson, while focusing intently on the growth and development of each individual client.
Dig the conversation, as we follow Eric through his journey from the ranchito to the honky tonks. From crawling in attics to teaching dance! We also highlight the importance of down time, and the need for self-care … “I wanna be HAPPY, brother. THAT’S IT!”
YA DIG?!
LONNIE TREVINO, JR.
“Everyone has a story to tell!”
Lonnie Trevino, Jr. & RgL pull up to Cosmic Coffee, off S. Congress in Austin, Tx to dive into life as a career musician, in this Fourth Episode of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS!
“Lonnie had the audacity to book shows!”
Lonnie Trevino, Jr. – the founder and only remaining original member of THE SOUTH AUSTIN MOONLIGHTERS, joins me in the sedan to uncover the origin of this amazing supergroup, the highs and lows of living as a professional musician, we even find out a bit about his upcoming solo album! Having met each other while working as Tellers in the Motorbank of a Bank One Branch in N.Central Austin, Texas in the early 2000’s, we immediately discovered how familiar we were with each other. “Brothers from other mothers”, who simply by the way we spoke and joked with each other, knew there was a comfort and even safe space within our friendship.
Lonnie shares his journey, from a 5 year U.S. tour with only 2 stops back home, straight out of high school, to the influence and guidance of The Chris Rivera Band. We hear about the opportunity to audition for Geffen Records, the move to L.A. in search of a publishing deal, to recent work with THE SOUTH AUSTIN MOONLIGHTERS, including a recent album produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, who will also produce LTJr’s solo record!
Kick back and enjoy the stories as Lonnie Trevino Jr. laments about the Austin Lifestyle of the 90’s and 2000’s for the creative, explains why he left for New Orleans, and what may be in store in Nashville. We pick right back up from where we left off last time – whenever that was! The hallmark of a genuine friendship.
YA DIG?!
WILLIAM T. JACKSON
“If I’m showin’ up, I’m showin’ out!”
William T. joins RgLerma in the sedan, as we pull up to First Watch (but end up at Deckhands!) in Round Rock, Tx in this Fifth Episode of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS. We uncover the origins of our corporate and creative connection, delve into his passion for music and songwriting, and discover how a mundane lunch hour led to a life-changing move to Austin, Tx in the summer of 2000 … even after discovering the 115-degree Texas Heat!
William T. Jackson, Accountant by trade and Multi-Award Winning Publisher/Songwriter, Philanthropist, Public Speaker and so much more, shares his captivating journey from Ohio to Boston, Ma., and finally to Austin, Tx, where he has crafted a remarkable corporate and creative legacy. We find out how he was able to turn his love of music into a thriving business, moving from audience member at Austin’s finest jazz and supper clubs to a pivotal figure in musician management with the creation of WJackson & Associates. William’s contributions were instrumental in launching the next phase of Austin Elite Networking – a B2B/B2C networking agency, founded by RgLerma and partners, that offered a refreshing and more engaging take to networking between 2009-2013. WJackson & Associates elevated this event series with an incredible live music element, setting a standard of excellence that created unforgettable experiences!
Join us as William T. Jackson shares the highs and lows of his inspiring journey, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the impact he has made on Austin’s vibrant music and business scenes.
YA DIG?!
SELENA ROSANBALM
“I was never more popular than when I didn’t know what the hell I was doing!”
Selena & RgLerma pull up to La Posada in South Austin for a catch up and hang, in Episode Six of RgL SEDAN SESSIONS. We chat about the origins of her stage life, her evolution as a musician, and dive into a few special memories from our friendship!
Selena Rosanbalm – “ROSIE” of Rosie and the Ramblers – A great friend and creative confidant, peals back the curtain on her life’s journey as an artist/singer-songwriter. We find out how wanting to learn the Two-Step eventually led to playing in and fronting bands, picking up the drums, and even a husband! Selena opens up about how challenging the move to Austin was for her as a kid, and how finding music through the school choir helped ease that landing. She shares what it was like for her in New York City as she reached for the lights of BROADWAY, and the toll that auditioning can take on your spirit as an artist. We learn a bit as well, about how a song can evolve emotionally for the artist, from the time it was written and as it is performed over the years.
Enjoy this catch up as we find out more about what led her back to the auditioning stage, landing a spot with the GRAMMY® award-winning choral ensemble, CONSPIRARE. Selena also shares a few exciting developments as she plans to book more shows at listening room styled venues, allowing her to flex her songwriting in a more intimate and focused setting. Don’t worry though, she’s gonna keep adding to the drum kit!
YA DIG?!
Ricardo G. Lerma 