The EliteX Podcast - Business & Lifestyle

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the EliteX Podcast hosted by your favorite Insurance Guy, Henry Rodriguez, The SCV MVP, Ryan Arditty, and The Community CEO, Christian Lazore. They'll discuss a wide range of topics including SoCal lifestyle, entrepreneurship, and influence.

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36 recent

April 30, 2026Episode 3541 min

Guiding the Next Generation: Lessons from Sal Frias

In this inspiring episode of the Elite X Podcast, Henry and Christian sit down with Sal Frias, former Golden Valley High School principal and current Chief Administrative Officer for Student Services and Leadership Support in the Hart District, to explore leadership, education, and community impact in the Santa Clarita Valley. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted dive into baseball fandom and local sports culture before transitioning into Frias’s remarkable journey—from humble beginnings in Northern California to becoming a transformative figure in education. Through personal stories of perseverance, mentorship, and discipline, Frias shares how his upbringing and challenges shaped his mission to serve students and families across the district.As the discussion deepens, Henry and Christian guide a powerful conversation about the real issues students face today, including social media pressures, mental health, and socioeconomic challenges. Frias highlights the creation and impact of the PAWS Center at Golden Valley, a pioneering program designed to support students holistically by connecting them with critical resources. The episode emphasizes the importance of community involvement, present parenting, and mentorship, while also offering insight for those considering a career in education. It’s a meaningful and motivating dialogue about shaping the next generation through empathy, consistency, and leadership rooted in service.

March 16, 2026Episode 3436 min

Inside the Santa Clarita Bubble with City Manager Ken Striplin

In this milestone episode of the Elite X Podcast, co-hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian “The Community CEO” Lazore welcome back a very special guest — Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Striplin — marking the show’s first-ever return guest. Dressed to impress and ready to dive deep, Ken gives the crew and the listeners a comprehensive update on the growth, challenges, and vision for the SCV. From recent successes like new parks, community centers, and the 40th park milestone, to future projects including the David March Park expansion (complete with a brand-new staircase for the CEO formerly known as The Buffalo), the episode offers a wide-angle view of a city in motion.Ken doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff either — including state housing mandates, the controversial courthouse site, and the complexity of balancing growth with the character and safety of the community. With topics ranging from pickleball popularity to Santa Clarita’s economic resilience, the conversation blends policy, humor, and heart. The trio also dig into local nonprofit work, small business development, and how the SCV “bubble” continues to thrive thanks to committed leadership and an engaged community. Striplin’s parting message? Be kind — and don’t take Santa Clarita for granted.

February 5, 2026Episode 3350 min

New Year, New Goals, Same Hustle

The first episode of 2026 kicks off with co-hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian “The Community CEO” ditching the guest chair to reflect, reset, and recommit. In this energetic and heartfelt session, the Elite X crew takes a trip down memory lane, recapping four years of podcasting, standout episodes, and major life milestones—including new businesses, babies, and viral vasectomy stories. Christian ditches "The Buffalo" for a new title that reflects his evolving role in the Santa Clarita Valley, while the team doubles down on their shared mission to uplift the small business community in a big way this year.From Henry’s big announcement as title sponsor for the Santa Clarita Chamber Awards at CalArts, to Christian’s new AI-powered home services venture, “Homes & More,” the guys are leaning into innovation and impact. They also set a bold new goal of collecting 400 backpacks for local students and reflect on their commitment to the 75 Hard challenge—mental toughness, personal growth, and fewer excuses across the board. With Super Bowl predictions, pizza debates, book recs, and big dreams of bringing hometown legends like Tyler Glasnow and Allyson Felix on the pod, the trio makes it clear: 2026 is all about leveling up.

August 31, 2025Episode 3241 min

Braces, Business & Buffalo Troubles with Dr. Megan LeCornu

In this wildly entertaining and insightful episode of the Elite X Podcast, Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and the ever-unfiltered "Voice" welcome local orthodontist and Harvard alum, Dr. Megan LeCornu of Embrace Your Smile Orthodontics. But first—Christian drops a hilarious and cringe-worthy account of his recent vasectomy gone wrong, featuring Buffalo-sized complications and a Beach Boys soundtrack. The crew dives into male vulnerability, healthcare horror stories, and some unexpected childhood trauma involving baseballs and tighty-whities. It's raw, real, and laugh-out-loud funny.Once the guys recover from the chaos, Dr. LeCornu takes the mic and shares her incredible journey—from Harvard Med to founding a top-tier orthodontic practice in Santa Clarita. She breaks down the science behind modern orthodontics, why your bite matters more than you think, and how cutting-edge technology is changing the game for kids and adults alike. The episode covers everything from custom mouthguards to 3M product development, and even favorite local SCV hangouts. Whether you're a parent considering braces or just here for the laughs, this episode blends community, business insight, and some serious (and not-so-serious) medical talk in classic Elite X fashion.

August 17, 2025Episode 3158 min

Mamba Mentality in Mortgages: Mike Meena’s Playbook for Success

In this episode of the Elite X Podcast, Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian Lazore sit down with Mike Meena, President and CEO of Augusta Financial, the number one lender in Santa Clarita. The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing hilarious stories about their new babies, unexpected parenthood, and adventures like Henry surviving two weeks as both mom and dad while his kids were at Cooperstown. From arranged playdates to the chaos of parenting in your 30s and 40s, the trio sets the stage with their signature mix of humor and heartfelt reflection before welcoming their guest.Once Mike joins the conversation, the episode dives deep into business, discipline, and building wealth. With over 35 years in the mortgage industry, Mike shares invaluable insights on real estate investing, the importance of consistency, and the “Mamba Mentality” that drives his work ethic. He opens up about lessons learned from mentors, the art of delivering exceptional client service, and practical strategies for first-time homebuyers and investors to create long-term financial stability. From cautionary tales about internet lenders to advice on raising financially savvy families, this episode is packed with knowledge, laughs, and inspiration for anyone in business or building their legacy in Santa Clarita.

July 29, 2025Episode 3035 min

Walking the Walk with Lety Garcia of The Michael Hoefflin Foundation

In one of the most heartfelt and impactful episodes of the Elite X podcast to date, Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian “The Voice” Lazor welcome a truly special guest — Lety Garcia, Patient Family Liaison for The Michael Hoefflin Foundation. With over 20 years of dedicated service, Lety shares her powerful journey of helping families in their darkest hours as they navigate the unimaginable: childhood cancer. From the emotional first phone call with families to providing support with gas cards and hospital parking passes, Lety's work goes beyond charity; it’s personal, profound, and deeply human. The hosts reflect on their own emotional connections to the foundation, including the recent loss of young patients and the strength shown by their families.The episode also dives into upcoming community events like Cheers for Charity and Battle of the Paddle, highlighting ways locals can get involved. Christian shares what it's like serving on the board, Ryan opens up about emotional moments at the Walk, and Henry emphasizes how this foundation's direct impact sets it apart. Whether it’s financial assistance, emotional support, or simply showing up, Lety reminds us how small acts of kindness can carry families through the most difficult of times. This episode is a tribute to love, resilience, and the power of community, and a call to action for anyone looking to make a real difference in Santa Clarita and beyond.

June 29, 2025Episode 2947 min

Sue Me! Karla Waymire on Law, Life, and Speaking Up

In this episode of the Elite X Podcast, Henry Rodriguez teams up with guest co-host Real Estate Liz Tolentino to talk all things travel baseball — the early mornings, long drives, questionable field bathrooms, and nonstop commitment. With the SCV MVP Ryan Arditty in the mix, the crew shares laughs and battle stories from the world of competitive youth sports, while also diving into the lessons it teaches both kids and parents. From bonding over ballpark DJs to live-streaming games during open houses, it’s a candid, hilarious look at the realities of raising young athletes in the SCV.Then, the episode shifts gears as the hosts welcome powerhouse family law attorney Karla Waymire. Karla shares her unconventional path into law, the grit it takes to run your own firm, and the emotional toll — and reward — of working in family law. From courtroom war stories to her advocacy in domestic violence cases, Karla brings raw honesty, bold humor, and invaluable insight. Whether she’s talking about being underestimated in a pink tweed suit or advocating for the most vulnerable, Karla leaves it all on the mic in an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about purpose, professionalism, and not being afraid to say, “Sue me.”

June 4, 2025Episode 2841 min

Running with Purpose: Sergey Sushchik's Marathon Mission

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of the Elite X Podcast, co-hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and "The Voice" Christian Lazore share laughs, life updates, and a powerful conversation with local cross country coach and elite marathoner Sergey Sushchikh. The trio opens up with stories from a whirlwind day in L.A. — from a sun-soaked charity golf tournament to all-you-can-eat Dodgers seats (where Ryan may have gone silent thanks to a few too many kosher dogs). They also drop some big personal news: both Henry and Ryan are weeks away from becoming fathers — at the same time, and completely unplanned.Then the crew sits down with Sergey to dive into his inspiring journey — from a high school standout to UCLA athlete to dedicated coach at Saugus High School. Sergey breaks down the mental and physical discipline required for marathon training, shares how coaching has impacted his life, and honors the legacy of his late friend and fellow runner Emilio De La Torre, to whom he dedicated his recent LA Marathon performance (where he finished an astonishing 8th out of 25,000+ runners). It’s a powerful conversation about purpose, persistence, and giving back, wrapped in the laid-back, real talk Santa Clarita fans know and love.

June 4, 2025Episode 2736 min

Custom Apparel, Viral Marketing & Business Growth with Jerrid Hittleman

In this episode of Elite X Podcast, hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian Lazore sit down with Jerrid Hittleman, the owner of Drip House Prints and the mastermind behind Secret SCV, an Instagram page dedicated to spotlighting local businesses. Jerrid shares his journey from working odd jobs to launching his own successful custom apparel company, overcoming incredible challenges—including the sudden loss of his business partner and navigating the pandemic. The conversation dives into the power of social media, how Jerrid has helped local businesses thrive through viral marketing, and why building community is the key to long-term success.Beyond business, the Elite X crew and Jerrid bond over their shared entrepreneurial grind, the discipline of 75 Hard, and the importance of showing up every day—no matter what. From hilarious banter about Ryan’s questionable commitment levels to an inspiring discussion on resilience, this episode is packed with energy, insight, and motivation. Plus, Ryan gifts his cohosts some incredible custom SCV MVP hoodies showcasing Jerrid’s top-tier craftsmanship. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation that highlights what it takes to succeed in business and in life.

March 2, 2025Episode 2646 min

Driving Success: Steve Keefe on Business, Leadership & Society

In this episode of Elite X Podcast, hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and Christian Lazore sit down with Steve Keefe, the managing partner and COO of Parkway Motors, to discuss his journey in the automotive industry and his latest venture—Society, an upscale New York-style pizzeria coming to Santa Clarita. Steve shares insights on leadership, business philosophy, and the importance of creating meaningful customer experiences, whether in car sales or the restaurant world. The conversation covers everything from the evolution of the local dealership scene to the vision behind Society, including its chic ambiance, top-tier cocktails, and live music scene that promises to elevate Main Street nightlife.Beyond business, the hosts keep things light and engaging, touching on family, sports, and life in Santa Clarita. They talk about their kids' achievements, recent experiences at Lakers games, and upcoming community events like the Michael Hoefflin Walk for Kids with Cancer. With plenty of laughs, friendly jabs, and valuable entrepreneurial wisdom, this episode delivers both entertainment and inspiration. Plus, the Elite X crew secures their invite to Society’s soft opening—so stay tuned for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of Santa Clarita’s most anticipated new hotspots!