The Ricardo Monagas Podcast

Hosted by Ricardo Monagas

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Hey everyone! My name is Ricardo - and I am a Venezuelan living in Prague, Czech Republic - helping impact-driven companies with software design & engineering. On this podcast, I would like to share the stories, struggles, lessons learned, and valuable resources from accomplished & value-driven people living in different parts of the world to inspire others to achieve their dreams.

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30 recent

April 28, 202653 min

#30: How Moovin Space is rethinking offices for the hybrid work era | Talk with Michaela Novotna - Founder & CEO @ Moovin Space

In this episode, I sit down with Michaela Novotná, founder and CEO of Moovin Space, a Czech startup connecting companies with unused office space to teams looking for flexible, ready-to-use workplaces.We explore how her background in organizational psychology led her into workplace consultancy, and how that thinking shaped Moovin Space. We talk about why the office is no longer the default place to work, what has changed in the last five years, and how companies can use their space more strategically in a hybrid world.We also get into the rise of flexible offices, how Moovin Space differs from coworking, what it’s like building a startup without external funding, and a few honest lessons from the product side. And toward the end, we touch on something simple but powerful: how turning off your phone can help you reset when everything feels like it’s moving too fast.

December 29, 20251 hr 5 min

#29: Building a school where kids love learning, feel supported, and grow into future innovators | Talk with Marv Shamma - Founder & CEO @ Flow Elementary Schools

In this episode, I talk with Marv Shamma, founder of Flow Elementary Schools, about building a school where kids enjoy learning and feel supported.Marv shares how becoming a father changed the way he looks at education. He explains why he started Flow Elementary and what he wanted to do differently, not by fighting the system, but by adding more care, meaning, and real life context to learning.We talk about project-based learning and why kids learn better when there is a clear reason behind what they are doing. Marv shares stories from the classroom, including how children work on real projects, present their work to parents, and learn to solve problems together.We also discuss what kids need for the future. We touch on adaptability, learning how to learn, and using technology to create, not just consume. Marv explains how Flow introduces coding and digital skills in a thoughtful way, without putting kids in front of screens all day.The conversation also looks at the human side of running a school. We talk about teachers, parents, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with caring for children every day.This episode is for parents, educators, and anyone curious about how schools can help kids grow with joy, confidence, and purpose.Feel free to follow Marv's journey on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvanshamma/——If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/⁠.

March 19, 20251 hr 5 min

#28: How to build genuine connections in a tech-driven world | Talk with Margaux Miller - TEDx speaker, community builder, host and moderator

In this episode, I sit down with Margaux Miller, a natural connector who helps people build meaningful relationships in digital spaces. As a moderator, public speaker, and community builder, Margaux has spent years bringing people together in ways that feel effortless and genuine.Her TEDx talk, "6 ways to make better connections online", is now featured on TED.com and has reached over 350,000 views, proving just how much people crave better ways to connect.We talk about her journey, what makes networking actually work, and how entrepreneurs and remote professionals can build stronger, more authentic relationships. She shares simple, practical steps to connect with people in a way that feels natural, whether online or in person.If you’ve ever felt like networking is awkward or forced, this episode will change the way you see it. Join us for a conversation that will help you build better connections—starting today.Feel free to follow Margaux's journey on her LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/margauxmiller/——If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/⁠⁠.

February 2, 20251 hr 34 min

#27: Navigating mortgages and life insurance in Czechia | Talk with Kateřina Bendová - Personal Finance Advisor

Personal finance advisor Kateřina Bendová returns to explore mortgages, life insurance, and how to protect your financial future. This conversation covers the key steps to securing a mortgage, the hidden costs beyond interest rates, and why choosing the right financing matters more than just securing a low rate. Kateřina also shares how life insurance provides financial stability in case of unexpected events, helping you plan with confidence. A practical, no-jargon discussion filled with real life insights to help you make better financial decisions today. Tune in to learn more. Feel free to follow Kateřina's journey on her LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinabendova4fin/⁠ —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/⁠.

January 20, 20251 hr 16 min

#26: Living as a digital nomad and helping women with self-development | Talk with Lenka Kosmatová - Digital Nomad, Personal Brand & Self-Development Coach

Curious about life as a digital nomad? 🌍 We sit down with Lenka Kosmatová, a coach who’s passionate about self-development and personal branding. Having lived in over 70 countries, Lenka shares her journey as a digital nomad and what inspired her to help women grow both personally and professionally. We explore how to shift to an abundance mindset, the first steps to start a nomadic lifestyle, and her unique perspective on the differences between life in the Czech Republic and Latin America. Lenka also shares some of her most memorable stories from the road, offering a mix of practical advice and fascinating insights. This is a chat you don’t want to miss! Feel free to follow Lenka's journey on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenkakosmatova/ —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/.

January 16, 202549 min

#25: Managing your energy to have a better life | Talk with David Papa - Executive Coach, Talent Developer, Resilience Coach

Feeling drained and want to boost your life at work and home? Listen to my chat with David Papa. We talk about the types of energy that matter, where to begin for a sense of awe, what to avoid, and simple techniques you can try today. Feel free to follow David's journey on his ⁠LinkedIn⁠. —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with ⁠Ricardo Monagas⁠.

December 27, 20241 hr 6 min

#24: Getting rid of your fear and becoming a confident speaker | Talk with Juraj Holub and Denisa Žideková from Speaking Heroes

Have you ever felt nervous about speaking in front of others? Join us for a conversation with Juraj Holub and Denisa Žideková from Speaking Heroes, who make public speaking easier for everyone. In this episode, they talk about: Overcoming fear when giving a presentation Simple tips for structuring your speech How to confidently introduce yourself at networking events The power of non-verbal communication What you can gain from their workshop, Train the Speakers Their favorite resources and recommendations If you’ve ever wanted to speak with confidence, this is for you. Feel free to follow Juraj's and Denisa's journeys on their LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisa-zidekova-49163b56/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurajholub/ —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/.

November 28, 20241 hr 23 min

#23: Simplifying personal finance for locals and expats in Czechia | Talk with Kateřina Bendová - Personal Finance Advisor

Join us for a chat with Kateřina Bendová, a personal finance advisor in the Czech Republic who loves helping locals and expats simplify their finances and improve their financial well-being. In this conversation, Kateřina shares her story, her approach to personal finance, and her best tips for managing money. She talks about starting your personal finance journey, managing shared finances for couples, saving for kids, and teaching children healthy money habits. Plus, she explains tax deductions, private pension funds, and life insurance in simple terms. Feel free to follow Kateřina's journey on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinabendova4fin/ —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/.

October 26, 20241 hr 19 min

#22: Improving your daily life with progressive training | Talk with Michal Vrátný - Founder @ Železná Koule

Join us for a chat with Michal Vrátný, the founder of Železná Koule, a gym with a mission to help people feel better every day through practical exercises. Michal shares his story of starting Železná Koule, the importance of strength training to living longer, and how kettlebell workouts can make a big difference. He also explains the role of breathing in exercise, how his app Online Koučink works and gives tips for getting started, plus some resources he recommends for anyone ready to start their fitness journey. Feel free to follow Michal's journey on his LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4e0cArV —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/.

July 14, 20241 hr 12 min

#21: Finding calm in a busy world with Mindzero | Talk with David Semerad - Co-Founder & CEO @ Mindzero

Join us for a chat with David Semerad, Co-Founder and CEO of Mindzero. Mindzero aims to create quick, calming spaces to help you de-stress and refocus, even on a busy schedule. David talks about his entrepreneurial journey starting at age 17 with STRV, finding his partners, and how challenges led to the creation of Mindzero. He discusses what Mindzero offers, his vision for it, and the importance of having big goals and staying disciplined. David also shares tips for living a happier life, the significance of your romantic partner, his views on vulnerability, and some resources he recommends. Additionally, we explore the concept of the 4AM Mindset events and hear Ricardo's reflections on his experiences attending them. Feel free to follow David's journey on his LinkedIn and Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsemerad/ https://www.instagram.com/davidthekindest/ —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardomonagas/.