Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Luisa Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Luisa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the entertainment media space is the growing demand for authenticity on social media. Audiences are no longer gravitating toward overly curated or ‘perfect’ content. Instead, they’re seeking out raw, real, unfiltered moments that feel human and relatable. It’s actually kind of ironic when you think about it, people are searching for real connection through their phones rather than in person. But that’s the landscape we’re in now, and it’s a huge opportunity.

As the Digital Content Producer for CALI 93.9 and La Vale Show, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these authentic moments can be. One that immediately comes to mind is a piece I captured during a special segment we filmed with our morning show host, Angelica Vale. We were given exclusive access by the Hollywood Sign Trust to hike up behind the Hollywood Sign (something that’s not open to the public) and as we reached the top, we spotted an old wooden post. Our guide explained that it was one of the original wooden pillars from the original Hollywoodland sign before it burned down. As Angelica and I looked closer, we noticed something carved into the wood. It read: ‘Viva México, cabrones.’

At that moment, I knew I had to capture it. It was spontaneous, funny, and culturally powerful, especially for our Mexican and Latino audience in LA. I had Angelica record a quick reaction video on the spot. I posted it to TikTok, and sure enough, it went viral. That one moment proved the power of authenticity. It wasn’t planned, polished, or edited. It was real. And that’s what today’s audiences are craving.

The opportunity here is to create content that speaks to identity, pride, and shared experience especially within niche communities like ours. But the challenge is that it requires us, as content creators, to always be alert, flexible, and ready to shift from the script when those organic moments arise.

For me, that’s the most exciting part of what I do, helping people feel seen through a screen.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a Digital Content Producer, Social Media Manager, and founder of Pop Sip & Spill, a media outlet focused on celebrating entertainment, pop culture, and Latin voices in the industry.

I currently manage the digital presence of CALI 93.9 – La Vale Show, and I also support Power 106, KDAY, and KLOS where I create and execute social media strategies, produce content, and cover everything from red carpets to live events and in-studio interviews. When I’m not working in my role at the stations, you can usually find me creating content for my personal brand, curating interviews, or producing stories for Pop Sip & Spill, a passion project that lets me dig deeper into entertainment news and spotlight rising voices in the Latin community.

I got my start after earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism from California State University Northridge, but my hands-on education began during my internship with Power 106 on the Nick Cannon Morning Show. That experience opened the door to my first full-time opportunity with CALI 93.9 as a Digital Content Producer, where I helped launch the station’s digital identity and supported the morning show La Vale Show with Angelica Vale.

Through creativity, strategy, and a lot of hustle, I’ve been able to grow our digital platforms significantly including doubling our engagement on Instagram and TikTok. My favorite kind of content to produce is the kind that sparks real conversation, whether it’s a candid moment backstage at Krush Groove, or a viral TikTok from a hike to the Hollywood Sign that had our Latino followers saying “this is so us.”

Outside of radio, I’m also red carpet correspondent for Chicano Hollywood, covering film premieres, festivals, and interviews with industry icons like Eva Longoria and Edward James Olmos. I’ve also collaborated with studios like Disney, Sony, Universal, and Paramount, creating editorial and social coverage that brings a fresh voice to traditional entertainment journalism.

With over 300 interviews produced, I pride myself on storytelling that is not only engaging, but deeply rooted in identity, culture, and connection. My goal whether through my personal brand, Pop Sip & Spill, or the platforms I manage is always to uplift stories that deserve to be heard and make sure our communities feel seen.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

“If they haven’t said no, it can still be a yes.” That’s a phrase I live by, and one that carried me through one of the most uncertain moments of my life, graduating college in the middle of a global pandemic.

I was just about to graduate from CSUN with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, but my final internship had been canceled due to COVID-19, and media jobs were freezing across the board. Despite the odds, I had this deep, unwavering faith that something would open up. I’ve always believed that when you’re aligned with your purpose and work from a place of faith, things will eventually fall into place. And I credit God as my guiding light through it all.

During my time as an intern at Power 106, I had built genuine relationships with people across the station, simply by being myself and staying curious. I had connected with the VP of Digital and happened to have his email. With no job listings posted and no real idea if the company was even hiring, I decided to reach out. I emailed him, not once, not twice, but every month for six months, pitching myself as a valuable addition to their digital team. I didn’t just resend my resume — I shared fresh ideas, mini proof-of-concept examples, and updates on how I was continuing to grow my skills in the meantime.

Month after month, I got no response. And yes, I felt discouraged at times. I reminded myself: “If he hasn’t said no, then it’s still a possible yes.”

On the sixth month, I finally got a reply. He let me know a position was opening on the digital team for their Latin station, Cali 93.9, and he wanted to schedule an interview. After three rounds, I was offered the job, my first full-time role in the media industry during one of the most difficult times in recent history.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about never doubting yourself, it’s about continuing to show up, even when the outcome is uncertain. If I had waited for a job posting or a perfect moment, I might have missed the opportunity entirely. But by staying persistent, rooted in faith, and believing in the value I could bring, I created my own yes and it changed the trajectory of my career.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media didn’t happen overnight, it took consistency, authenticity, and a lot of learning along the way. I started by producing digital content for CALI 93.9 when the station was in its first year, and we were essentially starting from scratch. I was responsible for curating and creating content that didn’t just “fill the feed,” but that would actually resonate with our Latino audience. It was content that felt real, cultural, and entertaining.

One of the biggest things that helped me grow our platforms was tapping into community-first storytelling, from capturing in-the-moment clips of the morning radio show, to turning spontaneous moments (like Angelica Vale discovering “Viva México, cabrones” carved into the original Hollywood Sign post) into viral TikToks. I wasn’t chasing trends just for reach, I was looking for moments that would spark connection. And that’s what built trust, loyalty, and ultimately, growth. We ended up seeing over 100% growth on Instagram and TikTok through that approach.

My advice to anyone just starting out is: don’t focus on going viral, focus on being valuable. That could mean making people laugh, teaching them something, showing them behind the scenes of your industry, or just being honest. People are craving realness more than ever. You also have to know who you’re speaking to and then meet them where they are, with your own unique voice.

Also, don’t be afraid to start small. I used to shoot and edit content on my phone, pitch ideas directly to leadership, and test out series or formats with no guarantee they’d work, but I kept showing up. That consistency builds credibility, and over time, people begin to trust your eye and your voice.

At the end of the day, social media is about community and connection, not just content. When you approach it with intention, your audience will grow with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.popsipspill.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imluisarodriguez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imluisarodriguez/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/luisa-rodriguez11
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopSipSpill
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imluisarodriguez?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Photos taken by me.
Photo in red dress was @imagerybyoscar on Instagram
Photos with blue and white balloons im wearing white shirt was @el_terrible_eric