The EliteX Podcast - Business & Lifestyle

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.

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.

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.”

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.

In this episode of the Elite X Podcast, Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and "The Voice" sit down with Nicole Stinson and Christie Locke-Romero, the powerhouse duo behind the My Truth Today podcast. The ladies, both top-producing real estate professionals and active members of the exclusive Elite Network, share their inspiring journeys into real estate, their strategies for navigating today’s challenging market, and how they’ve stayed connected to their purpose and clients. From the value of authenticity in marketing to overcoming burnout and embracing their “why,” Nicole and Christie offer listeners invaluable insights into building both a business and a life rooted in connection and service.The episode also highlights the story behind My Truth Today, a podcast born from a passion for authenticity and meaningful conversations. Nicole and Christie dive into their mission to create a safe space for people to share their truths and find connection. With moments of laughter, raw honesty, and inspiration, the episode underscores the importance of collaboration, self-care, and leading by example. Tune in for actionable tips, relatable stories, and plenty of fun as these two dynamic women share how they balance their professional success with their commitment to inspiring others.

In this episode of the Elite X Podcast, co-hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty, and "The Voice" welcome an influential leader in the Santa Clarita Valley: Frank Oviedo, Assistant City Manager and Board Chair of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation. Together, they discuss the foundation’s successful Cheers for Charity event, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere and record-breaking impact on the community. Frank shares insights into the innovative additions, such as a kids' play area, which enhanced the event and drew greater participation from local families. The team also gives a heartfelt shoutout to Henry's fiancée, Sonja, for her pivotal role in making the event a standout success. The conversation celebrates community involvement and the unique, collaborative spirit that defines Santa Clarita.In a deep dive into Frank’s personal and professional journey, he shares inspiring stories about his upbringing, mentors, and his path to becoming a leader in public administration. From growing up in the rural town of Sanger, California, to working with former Governor Pete Wilson and eventually landing in Santa Clarita, Frank’s career is a testament to perseverance and dedication. He discusses the city’s ambitious growth, the evolving challenges of managing a vibrant, family-oriented community, and what the future holds for Santa Clarita. Packed with humor, inspiration, and insider perspectives, this episode offers a unique look at the people and decisions shaping the Santa Clarita Valley.

In this episode of the Elite X Podcast, co-hosts Henry Rodriguez, Ryan Arditty (The SCV MVP), and The Voice welcome local business owner Opal to the show. Opal Roknipour, the dynamic owner of Funburger & BBQ, dives into her experience running a family-friendly restaurant while managing the complexities of entrepreneurship and motherhood. She shares about her journey from her education in food science to becoming a successful restaurant owner, Opal’s insights highlight the importance of adaptability and community involvement in business. She shares stories of running Funburger, from adapting her menu based on customer feedback to balancing the demands of raising seven kids and overseeing a bustling restaurant.Opal also opens up about her passion for food, describing how her background in food science and a love for cooking inspired her to take the leap into the restaurant industry. She discusses the challenges of starting a business in her local community and how personal connections and local collaborations, like working with nearby breweries, have shaped her success. The episode wraps with Opal offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and touching on how she creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at Funburger, making it a go-to spot for families in the Santa Clarita Valley. This episode is packed with inspiration, humor, and a focus on how local businesses can thrive by staying true to their values and community.

In this inspiring episode of the Elite Podcast, we sit down with Kym DeLorenzo, a powerhouse realtor, dedicated fitness enthusiast, and mother of four. Join us as she shares her journey of building a successful real estate career while raising a family and maintaining her passion for health and wellness. Discover her secrets to time management, staying motivated, and achieving a harmonious work-life balance. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you empowered to pursue your passions without compromise.

In this episode of EliteX, we sit down with Taylor Kellstrom, a respected community leader and accomplished local realtor, who has been making waves in both the real estate market and community involvement. Join us as we explore how Taylor’s unique blend of passion for community engagement and real estate expertise is driving positive change in our neighborhoods. From the challenges of navigating the housing market to the joys of helping families find their dream homes, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of community building and real estate. Whether you're a prospective homebuyer, a real estate enthusiast, or someone passionate about community development, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

In this fiery episode of EliteX, Ryan Arditty (The SCV MVP) and Alex Hollander (The Face of SCV Real Estate) engage in a heated debate over who boasts the superior brand. From dissecting market strategies to analyzing consumer perception, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to prove dominance. Tune in as they spar over innovation, authenticity, and market impact, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats as they witness the clash of two branding titans.

In this exclusive EliteX podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Kelly O’Keefe, a dynamic local entrepreneur, podcaster, and philanthropist who is making waves in her community. With a passion for social impact, Kelly not only is a mother and runs a successful podcast, she also dedicates her time and resources to numerous non-profit organizations. Tune in to discover Kelly's inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming a local entrepreneurial. Learn about the challenges she faced along the way and how she overcame them with determination and resilience. Explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and philanthropy as Kelly shares her insights on the importance of giving back and creating meaningful change in society. Hear about her experiences working with various non-profits and the rewarding impact it has had on both her life and the community. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a dedicated philanthropist, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action! Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with a woman who is making a difference!

Welcome to the exclusive EliteX Podcast!Join your hosts Henry and Ryan as they reminisce about the joyous moments, unforgettable memories, and perhaps a few mishaps from the recent holiday season. But that's not all! Tune in as they break down the nail-biting Super Bowl action, discuss the halftime show highlights, and of course, the epic commercials that had everyone talking. And in a special segment, they're joined by none other than Santa Clarita city Mayor Cameron Smyth.Mayor Smyth shares his journey from serving in the legislature to his current role as Mayor of Santa Clarita. With firsthand experiences and valuable insights, he discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading our vibrant community. But there's more to Mayor Smyth than just politics. He opens up about the joys and difficulties of raising a family in the public eye, shedding light on the balancing act between public service and personal life.Join us on this Elite Podcast episode as we gain a unique perspective on Santa Clarita's past, present, and future directly from the mayor himself. From legislative battles to community initiatives, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead and live in one of California's most dynamic cities.