"The best damn fruitcake in Texas" is a hell of a subject line.

It intrigued me so much, I replied to my PR pal Paula and asked if Pastry Chef Ruben Ortega would be up for hosting me in his kitchen to bake a cake.
I expected a no.I got a yes.

What happened after that blew my mind and changed the way I look at one of the world's most disliked desserts.

Learn more about Urbe, Hugo's, Backstreet Cafe, and H-town Restaurant Group's entire portfolio of restaurants HERE.

Subscribe to Cruz through HTX HERE.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Chef Reuben's fruitcake: best in Texas, allegedly.

04:08 Tracy wanted cake; I dislike recipe.

08:07 Confusion about fruitcake's jelly-like taste.

12:12 Tracy annually sends gifts of cards, cupcakes.

13:49 Online order for holiday participation available now.

"The best damn fruitcake in Texas" is a hell of a subject line.
It intrigued me so much, I replied to my PR pal Paula and asked if Pastry Chef Ruben Ortega would be up for hosting me in his kitchen to bake a cake. I expected a no.I got a yes.
What happened after that blew my mind and changed the way I look at one of the world's most disliked desserts.
Learn more about Urbe, Hugo's, Backstreet Cafe, and H-town Restaurant Group's entire portfolio of restaurants <a href="https://www.htownrestaurantgroup.com">HERE</a>.
Subscribe to Cruz through HTX <a href="https://www.cruzthroughhtx.com/listennow">HERE</a>.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Chef Reuben's fruitcake: best in Texas, allegedly.
04:08 Tracy wanted cake; I dislike recipe.
08:07 Confusion about fruitcake's jelly-like taste.
12:12 Tracy annually sends gifts of cards, cupcakes.
13:49 Online order for holiday participation available now.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn about the people driving its growth.

These are the stories about the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the greater Houston area GREAT.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn about the people driving its growth.
These are the stories about the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the greater Houston area GREAT.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.

Cruz through HTX

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.

Cruz through HTX spotlights the stories, individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the Houston area GREAT.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.
Cruz through HTX spotlights the stories, individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the Houston area GREAT.

Twenty-six year radio veteran Freddy Cruz has gone indie.


From former special forces operators and CEOs to authors and journalists, join
Freddy as he seeks to learn from some of the highest achieving individuals in the
world. These are stories of grit and blasting through the crucible of life. Stories of
standing up to powerful corporations and defying the odds. Not all of his guests
are authors, but they all have epic stories to share.

Freddy Cruz

"The Best Damn Fruitcake in Texas"

Why is podcasting such an appealing platform for modern creators?

Podcast host Brittany Crosson joins Freddy to talk about her journey from MySpace performer to podcast host exemplifies the medium's creative freedom and intimate appeal. Emphasizing the importance of consistency and audience engagement, she has built her Social Sunshine Podcast into a powerful tool for authority and visibility. Alongside the supportive podcasting community, Crosson highlights the blend of video and audio as essential for marketing and connection.

Key Takeaways
Brittany Crosson suggests a two-tiered approach to podcast length: keeping solo episodes short and engaging (under 15 minutes) while allowing interview episodes to be longer (up to an hour), aligning with the nature of the content and audience expectations.
Unlike traditional radio, podcasting offers creative freedom and flexibility. Minimal editing, focusing only on necessary corrections, promotes a natural and relatable tone, enhancing audience connection.
Listening to one’s own podcast, especially popular episodes, is crucial for self-improvement. This practice helps reduce verbal fillers and refine content quality, improving the overall listener experience.
Many podcasters are business owners using their platforms as a marketing strategy, not primarily for ad revenue. Podcasts serve as lead magnets, establishing authority and enabling deeper connections with potential clients.


Successful podcasting requires consistency and dedication, akin to a fitness regimen. Regular content sharing is essential for growth, as evidenced by the high dropout rate among new podcasters. Regular posting and quality content are necessary to build and retain an audience.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Started a show about social media popularity.

05:55 MySpace nostalgia; connecting with people through videos.

07:37 Success requires investment, help, and commitment.

11:19 Podcasting is hard; often serves marketing purposes.

13:04 Start podcast; delegate tasks if budget allows.

18:37 Avoid pauses for maintaining listener attention.

21:51 Focus on successful strategies, like guest sharing.

23:27 Audience engagement matters significantly for social success.

Learn more about Britney's work HERE.

Subscribe to Social Sunshine on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Wanna chat podcasting? Go to spekepodcasting.com!

Why is podcasting such an appealing platform for modern creators?
Podcast host Brittany Crosson joins Freddy to talk about her journey from MySpace performer to podcast host exemplifies the medium's creative freedom and intimate appeal. Emphasizing the importance of consistency and audience engagement, she has built her Social Sunshine Podcast into a powerful tool for authority and visibility. Alongside the supportive podcasting community, Crosson highlights the blend of video and audio as essential for marketing and connection.
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>Brittany Crosson suggests a two-tiered approach to podcast length: keeping solo episodes short and engaging (under 15 minutes) while allowing interview episodes to be longer (up to an hour), aligning with the nature of the content and audience expectations.</li>
<li>Unlike traditional radio, podcasting offers creative freedom and flexibility. Minimal editing, focusing only on necessary corrections, promotes a natural and relatable tone, enhancing audience connection.</li>
<li>Listening to one’s own podcast, especially popular episodes, is crucial for self-improvement. This practice helps reduce verbal fillers and refine content quality, improving the overall listener experience.</li>
<li>Many podcasters are business owners using their platforms as a marketing strategy, not primarily for ad revenue. Podcasts serve as lead magnets, establishing authority and enabling deeper connections with potential clients.</li>
<li>
Successful podcasting requires consistency and dedication, akin to a fitness regimen. Regular content sharing is essential for growth, as evidenced by the high dropout rate among new podcasters. Regular posting and quality content are necessary to build and retain an audience.
</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Started a show about social media popularity.
05:55 MySpace nostalgia; connecting with people through videos.
07:37 Success requires investment, help, and commitment.
11:19 Podcasting is hard; often serves marketing purposes.
13:04 Start podcast; delegate tasks if budget allows.
18:37 Avoid pauses for maintaining listener attention.
21:51 Focus on successful strategies, like guest sharing.
23:27 Audience engagement matters significantly for social success.
Learn more about Britney's work <a href="https://funlovemedia.com">HERE</a>.
Subscribe to Social Sunshine on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-sunshine-podcast-social-media-content-creation/id1491389967">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4PW06OUp16Agv5cnyc0yLQ?si=3d09e53ca1264c2f">Spotify</a>.
Wanna chat podcasting? Go to <a href="https://spekepodcasting.com">spekepodcasting.com</a>!

Successful Podcasting Strategies for Business Owners

What does a failed blocked punt attempt have to do with podcasting?

Freddy Cruz shares his high school football story to illustrate the fear and hesitation that can impede one's podcast journey. Despite the initial struggles and doubts, the real magic happens when you persevere and believe in your message. Cruz's advice encourages aspiring podcasters to seize the opportunity and overcome stage fright.

Key Takeaways

Sure, here are five key themes discussed in the transcript along with their main conceptual takeaways:
Freddy Cruz uses a personal story about freezing during a pivotal football moment to illustrate the common human experience of stage fright and missing opportunities.
Decentralized media like podcasting provides a significant opportunity for individuals to share their stories and messages with the world, leveraging low barriers to entry.
It's common to face self-doubt when starting a podcast, but perseverance and recognizing that initial imperfections are part of the journey are key to moving forward.
Podcasting is more about the craft and the process rather than immediate success. Long-term commitment, even without upfront rewards, can eventually lead to success and recognition.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Football in Texas.

04:00 Decentralized media empowers storytelling; overcome self-doubt.

09:22 Persistence in storytelling leads to eventual success.

10:40 Podcasting: It's about impact, not just downloads.

16:40 Keep going; success depends on perseverance.

What does a failed blocked punt attempt have to do with podcasting?
Freddy Cruz shares his high school football story to illustrate the fear and hesitation that can impede one's podcast journey. Despite the initial struggles and doubts, the real magic happens when you persevere and believe in your message. Cruz's advice encourages aspiring podcasters to seize the opportunity and overcome stage fright.
Key Takeaways
Sure, here are five key themes discussed in the transcript along with their main conceptual takeaways:
<ol>
<li>Freddy Cruz uses a personal story about freezing during a pivotal football moment to illustrate the common human experience of stage fright and missing opportunities.</li>
<li>Decentralized media like podcasting provides a significant opportunity for individuals to share their stories and messages with the world, leveraging low barriers to entry.</li>
<li>It's common to face self-doubt when starting a podcast, but perseverance and recognizing that initial imperfections are part of the journey are key to moving forward.</li>
<li>Podcasting is more about the craft and the process rather than immediate success. Long-term commitment, even without upfront rewards, can eventually lead to success and recognition.</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Football in Texas.
04:00 Decentralized media empowers storytelling; overcome self-doubt.
09:22 Persistence in storytelling leads to eventual success.
10:40 Podcasting: It's about impact, not just downloads.
16:40 Keep going; success depends on perseverance.

Turning Failed Blocked Punts into Podcast Gold

Ready for some tactical podcast advice?

Reena Friedman is the host of Better Call Daddy, a podcast that explores diverse stories from various guests, including business leaders and everyday individuals.

During this episode, she and Freddy Cruz talk about starting a podcast with minimal equipment. Reena says that a show can begin with a phone and earbuds.

She emphasizes the importance of a strong concept and support from friends.

They address challenges in booking guests and establishing credibility. The conversation wraps up with aspirations to interview high-profile guests and the significance of networking within the podcasting community.

Key Takeaways
Podcasting can be initiated with minimal investment in equipment. A smartphone and earbuds are enough to begin; the critical elements are a unique idea and a supportive network.
Efficient content creation and promotion can be achieved by repurposing interviews, adding personalized intros, creating reaction videos, and tagging guests on social media to maximize engagement and reach.
Building relationships through networking events and podcaster meetups can lead to valuable opportunities, including live interviews and securing high-profile guests. Persistence and a creative approach are essential for successful guest outreach.
Effective podcast management involves batch recording episodes months in advance and having a robust support system. Flexibility, humility, and preparedness are crucial in maintaining a consistent and credible podcast.
Differentiating between passion projects and client work is important in podcasting. While passion projects might allow more flexibility and lower audio quality, client work often requires meeting higher standards and specific professional criteria.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Daddy as cheerleader and support, encouraging show."
03:42 Seek opportunities by reaching out to others.
08:55 Evan's recommendations led to successful opportunities.
10:05 Big publicists prefer shows with over 100 episodes.
13:56 Tori Amos: her music shaped my youth.
18:08 Seek guidance from experienced individuals for success.
20:40 Be prepared, be adaptable, have support.
25:21 Moved to Houston, attended meetups, met Mark.
26:04 Gained opportunities through flexible podcasting approach.
30:02 Impromptu reaction to upcoming Netflix documentary interview.
33:02 Podcasters seek growth, impact over mere downloads.

Subscribe to Better Call DaddyHERE.

Subscribe to Your Mic with Freddy Cruz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Wanna chat podcasting? Contact Speke Podcasting!

Ready for some tactical podcast advice?
Reena Friedman is the host of <a href="https://bettercalldaddy.com">Better Call Daddy</a>, a podcast that explores diverse stories from various guests, including business leaders and everyday individuals.
During this episode, she and Freddy Cruz talk about starting a podcast with minimal equipment. Reena says that a show can begin with a phone and earbuds.
She emphasizes the importance of a strong concept and support from friends.
They address challenges in booking guests and establishing credibility. The conversation wraps up with aspirations to interview high-profile guests and the significance of networking within the podcasting community.
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>Podcasting can be initiated with minimal investment in equipment. A smartphone and earbuds are enough to begin; the critical elements are a unique idea and a supportive network.</li>
<li>Efficient content creation and promotion can be achieved by repurposing interviews, adding personalized intros, creating reaction videos, and tagging guests on social media to maximize engagement and reach.</li>
<li>Building relationships through networking events and podcaster meetups can lead to valuable opportunities, including live interviews and securing high-profile guests. Persistence and a creative approach are essential for successful guest outreach.</li>
<li>Effective podcast management involves batch recording episodes months in advance and having a robust support system. Flexibility, humility, and preparedness are crucial in maintaining a consistent and credible podcast.</li>
<li>Differentiating between passion projects and client work is important in podcasting. While passion projects might allow more flexibility and lower audio quality, client work often requires meeting higher standards and specific professional criteria.</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Daddy as cheerleader and support, encouraging show." 03:42 Seek opportunities by reaching out to others. 08:55 Evan's recommendations led to successful opportunities. 10:05 Big publicists prefer shows with over 100 episodes. 13:56 Tori Amos: her music shaped my youth. 18:08 Seek guidance from experienced individuals for success. 20:40 Be prepared, be adaptable, have support. 25:21 Moved to Houston, attended meetups, met Mark. 26:04 Gained opportunities through flexible podcasting approach. 30:02 Impromptu reaction to upcoming Netflix documentary interview. 33:02 Podcasters seek growth, impact over mere downloads.
Subscribe to Better Call Daddy <a href="https://bettercalldaddy.com">HERE</a>.
Subscribe to Your Mic with Freddy Cruz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Wanna chat podcasting? Contact <a href="https://www.spekepodcasting.com">Speke Podcasting</a>!

"The Best Damn Fruitcake in Texas"

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