Juan Francisco Villa: Tacos, Tom Hanks, and the Power of Presence

Juan Francisco Villa is one of those artists who makes you want to raise your standards a little. In this episode, Ilse and Juan get into what real leadership looks like on set and in life, from Tom Hanks introducing himself to crew members to Mariska Hargitay knowing exactly how to make guest stars feel seen.

They talk about vulnerability, protecting your energy without closing your heart, and the difference between confidence and just finally deciding to stop shrinking yourself.

There’s also a perfect little detour into aliens, zombie dreams, sleep paralysis, Hot Cakes, and whether Bigfoot could take the Loch Ness Monster in a fight.

Basically, this one is about what it means to move through the world with warmth, presence, and self-respect, while still keeping your sense of humor intact. A grounded, funny, unexpectedly emotional conversation with an actor whose work and spirit really stick with you.

Follow Juan Francisco Villa @juanempanadavilla and keep up with his work on stage and screen.

Hosted by Ilse Zacharias Rivera. Say hi / follow along here: @ilsezacharias

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Thank you to our sponsor, Mezcla Media Collective. Please follow them on Instagram @mezclamediacollective and join the community at mezclamediacollective.org