This is a very special holiday Liberal Sherpa podcast because it was inspired by the many questions from our listeners and followers who have been asking “What is Noche Buena?” Cathy Areu knows the answer should come from a proud, and maybe one of the most recognizable Cuban V.I.P. 's in our country: Actress, Singer, and Dancer Paloma Morales. Paloma, who is known by billions worldwide as the dancing diner waitress in Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” music video, is also part of Disney's new movie this holiday season: “Encanto.” And, to my surprise, she’s also on TV right now in one of the happiest holiday ads of the season.

When she arrived in the United States at 15, she enjoyed many “firsts,” but perhaps the most amazing first was celebrating Cuba’s most special nights: “Noche Buena.” From the food to the presents, she’ll explain it all ... including why it’s been banned in her native Cuba for over 50 years.

Catching up with the great Carlos Alarazqui is too much fun. And inspirational! He’s the kind of person who makes you feel lucky just to be around him. To talk to him. To learn from him. And, luckily for this journalist, and a special co-host, podcaster Cristina, Carlos took a break for us. All of us. The actor and comedian, known by millions as Deputy James Oswaldo Garcia, on the hit comedy Reno 911, since 2003, is not only an award-winning star on the small screen but is actually one of the most popular voice actors in the country. He is the voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua, everyone’s favorite Brazilian pilot in Disney’s hit Inside Out, as well as the title character, Rocko, in the popular animated series Rocko’s Modern Life. The best part: he gives us all advice and hope that becoming the best voice actor in the country is attainable. For all of us with big dreams and big passion. Whatta great interview!

It’s "back-to-school" time! Time to get us in a learning mood. Time to be inspired to rule the world with new knowledge ... and inspirational stories from our nation's classrooms. In this episode, Latina journalist Cathy Areu introduces you to a great personal story of triumph just for you! Meet Patricia Trejo. She’s beyond a rags-to-riches story. She’s someone who valued an education so much that her passion to learn led her to a career in academia, and the title of "president" on her business cards. But this podcast host cannot do Patricia's story justice alone. Listen to an interview where a little Latina girl made it from working on the fields -- from state to state -- to the President of one of the most important organizations in our country: the FLorida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (Florida's ALAS). If President Patricia doesn’t show how important an education and drive is, then that’s it. This podcast host will never do another "back to school" inspirational episode again. But that won't happen because this story is what "back-to-school" is all about. Back to learning and dreaming big