Episodes

Dr. Alejandro Góngora’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education, family, and creating opportunities for others. With more than two decades of experience in K-12 leadership, he has dedicated his career to helping students embrace their cultural identity while supporting them in reaching their fullest potential. His work has focused especially on empowering emergent bilingual students and strengthening connections between schools, families, and communities.

At 14 years old, after his father was incarcerated, Alejandro was forced to step into responsibilities far beyond his years—an experience that helped shape the resilience, empathy, and leadership perspective he carries today. Now a husband of 17 years and proud girl dad, he brings a grounded and thoughtful outlook to conversations about perseverance, purpose, and showing up for others through every season of life.

  Sylvia “Sly” Cosmopoulos is a mixologist, media personality, and beverage marketing leader whose more than 20-year career has taken her from behind the bar to major stages, high-profile beverage programs, and appearances on television shows including Vanderpump Rules. Raised in Texas, Sly built her reputation through creativity, connection, and a deep understanding of how experiences bring people together.

But beyond the industry recognition, Sly’s journey has been shaped by relationships, personal challenges, recovery, and growth. Through those experiences, she’s developed a perspective rooted in humility, authenticity, and learning to let go of control.

Today, Sly continues to influence the beverage world while embracing a more grounded outlook on life—one centered less on perfection and more on presence, connection, and creating meaningful moments.

  Lori Castillo’s journey reflects a blend of professional achievement, personal resilience, and a deep commitment to others. After building a successful career in corporate marketing—culminating in a global leadership role—she now leads her own consulting firm, Venntion, where she partners with organizations to bring clarity and intention to their growth and brand strategy.

A first-generation college graduate, Lori’s path has been shaped by determination and a belief in creating opportunities not just for herself, but for those around her. Her life took on new meaning following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, an experience that continues to influence how she approaches time, priorities, and purpose.

Outside of her professional work, Lori remains actively engaged in community leadership and plays an important role in caring for her elderly mother—experiences that ground her perspective and shape how she shows up in this season of life.

  Jay Johnson brings a lifetime of leadership and lived experience shaped both in and beyond the boardroom. After a distinguished career leading at the highest levels of the beverage industry, Jay now focuses on advisory work, offering perspective rooted in experience rather than title.

A devoted husband and father, his life has also been shaped by deeply personal moments, including supporting his wife through her cancer journey—an experience that reshaped his priorities and deepened his understanding of what truly matters.

Grounded in faith, service, and community, Jay has served on numerous boards across education, philanthropy, and industry. In recent years, he has embraced intentional experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago, continuing to explore growth, purpose, and meaning in life’s next chapters.

Ed Garza’s story is rooted in community, connection, and a lifelong commitment to service. With a background in landscape architecture and land development, he has long been drawn to how environments and relationships shape the way people live and grow.

In his early 30s, he became the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city at the time—an experience that shaped his perspective on leadership, humility, and the importance of listening. Across more than two decades, his work has spanned public service, urban development, education, and mentorship, always centered on creating opportunities for others.

Grounded by family and shared values, Ed continues his work through education and youth development, including his leadership of Urban Champions Academy.

His journey reflects an evolving sense of purpose—one that continues to grow with each stage of life.

  Dr. Levi Jurich, DDS—known to many as “Dr. J”—brings skill, warmth, and a steady presence to every patient he serves. His philosophy is simple: treat people like family, listen carefully, and create healthy, confident smiles that last.

Originally from Montana, Levi spent two years in Spain on a church mission, where he became fluent in Spanish and developed a deep appreciation for service and connection. He earned his biology degree and dental doctorate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has practiced across Texas.

Dr. J believes great dentistry blends precision with compassion. He’s committed to lifelong learning and to helping patients feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.Outside the office, he enjoys reading, golfing, traveling, cooking, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

  Monica Colby’s travel career began in 1985 after enrolling in a travel course on a whim—and it grew into a 40-year profession built on relationships, reputation, and expertise. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Minnesota as one of nine children, she moved to San Antonio at 22 and has called Texas home for much of her life.

She opened her own agency in 2017 and has consistently ranked in Nexion’s Millionaire’s Club from 2018–2025, building her business almost entirely through referrals rather than advertising or social media.

After 41 years of marriage, Monica lost her husband in 2025 and is now entering a new season of life—balancing travel, reconnecting with family and friends, returning to her glass art studio, and embracing time on the road in her camper van. Her story reflects a belief that travel—and life—are about connection, resilience, and continuing forward with intention.

  Kurt Martin was born in Las Vegas at Nellis Air Force Base and grew up in a military family, moving frequently before graduating high school in San Antonio. Living in seven different places by that point shaped his adaptability and comfort with change. A lifelong athlete, Kurt played college basketball and golf before beginning a 34-year career in the beverage industry.

Life brought both success and deep challenge. In 2005, Kurt lost his wife and was left to raise two young daughters—a defining chapter that reshaped his priorities and perspective. Rather than being defined by loss, Kurt focused on growth, presence, and resilience. Since retiring in 2023, he’s embraced consulting, time on the golf course, meaningful friendships, and a more intentional way of living—still teeing off, staying engaged, and continuing to grow into what’s next.

  Born in St. Louis and shaped by life in Chicago, Albuquerque, Cleveland, and San Antonio, John’s story is one of movement, adaptation, and growth across life’s stages. After building a long career in banking and corporate leadership, he embraced entrepreneurship and now serves as owner and dealer principal of Fire Truck Solutions.

An empty nester, John continues to stay curious and engaged—traveling often, mentoring others, exploring new interests like horse racing and painting, and thinking intentionally about what comes next. His journey reflects a core Just Ripe truth: life doesn’t stop after one chapter ends—it keeps evolving, if you stay open to it.

  Chris Powers is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Merit Financial Advisors in San Antonio, Texas, and a former U.S. Air Force officer with more than two decades of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners plan their financial lives with clarity and intention. He holds the CFP®, AIF®, and AEP® designations and is known for encouraging clients to think beyond traditional retirement planning — focusing instead on aligning their money with purpose, perspective, and what’s next in life, which fits right in with the spirit of Just Ripe. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and staying active through saltwater fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and travel — experiences that continue to shape how he thinks about balance, fulfillment, and living well in every season of life.