Investigative journalist Mariana van Zeller joins us to unpack the world most people never see. From interviewing cartel leaders to going undercover and getting trapped during an overseas coup, her career has taken her into some of the most dangerous environments on the planet.

We talk about fear, corruption, Mexico’s current climate, the glamorization of crime, and the crimes that are happening in our own backyards. Are there truly bad people — or are we products of our environment?

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
02:57 – Mariana Van Zeller is On a Different Level
05:30 – Like Trafficked, but More Detailed
07:01 – How Did You End Up Here?
09:01 – A Month After Moving to NY, 09/11 Happened 😳
11:05 – We Were the First Journalists Who Were Doing This Kind of Work
16:20 – Sometimes People Aren’t Ready for the Truth
18:38 – You’re Not Afraid to Be Aggressive
20:32 – I Go Undercover Too
23:56 – As Women We’re Often Underestimated…
25:51 – Is Your Husband Freaking Out?
27:43 – The Cartel Had Some Ground Rules
29:01 – What I Really Want to Be Remembered As Is -
29:37 – Do You Believe There Are Bad People?
31:53 – His Story Seemed Too Fake…
34:21 – What Are Your Thoughts on Mexico Right Now?
37:35 – Based On Your Experience, What Happens Now?
39:49 – “I Got It Back From a Dirty Cop”
40:35 – People Are Scared
42:26 – They Took El Chapo and Look What Happened
45:38 – Cartel Leaders Are So Glamorized Nowadays
47:13 – We Wanted to Interview El Chapo’s Mother
53:37 – There’s a Huge Sex Trafficking Problem in LA
56:02 – That Could’ve Been Really Horrible
59:36 – We Were Stuck In a Foreign Country with Incoming War
01:02:19 – Stuck in an African Coup
01:04:43 – What Do You Do For Fun?
01:07:57 – I Have Contraband in My Podcast Studio
01:08:48 – What’s Something You’ve Learned About Humanity?

Keep up with Mariana!
IG: @marianavz
TikTok: @mariana_vanzeller
Podcast: The Hidden Third

While you’re here, follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼
IG: @laplatica
TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=
National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund
Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Are you toxic… or just insecure? 👀 This week on La Plática, Josh and Sebas dive into the viral “zesty” allegations, internet projections, and why people are so quick to label others. The guys break down what actually makes someone toxic, the difference between rules and boundaries, and whether going through your partner’s phone is ever justified. Let’s just say… the guys had some good points to make…

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Intro

02:47 – Are You Toxic?

07:44 – Sebas, the People Are Coming for You 😳 / The Other Day I Got Called Zesty…

10:35 – Let’s Dive Into It/ Is Sebas Hetero?

12:16 – People Want to Hurt Your Feelings

14:51 – Why Would I Feel Down for Being Gay?

18:35 – I Don’t Really Care…

19:38 – I’m a Zesty MF’r

20:56 – One Week They Hate You…The Next Week They Love You

23:23 – You’re Only Rotting Your Own Life / You’re Only Bringing That to Yourself

25:08 – That’s What Keeps Me Going

26:43 – Don’t Ever Dim Your Light / It’s Cringe Until It’s Not

29:53 – Were You a Toxic Person? Are You Still?

33:49 – If You’re Projecting, You’re Insecure / The Toxic One

34:48 – I’ve Had People Call Me Out

37:46 – Every Single Human Being Is Different From You

39:27 – There’s a Difference Between Rules and Boundaries

43:43 – Saul, Blink Twice if You Need Help

45:35 – Is It Toxic to Go Through Their Phone?

48:26 – I Do Want to Hear From You, Though….

51:06 – Share My Location Didn’t Exist, Sebas

52:50 – Is It Toxic to Argue in Public?

56:09 – Are You Talking to Other People?

59:15 – The One Thing You Should Always Be Is…

01:01:41 – No One Has Ever Broken Up with Me

While you’re here, follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

Jess - @jehhssss

Saul Gomez - @saulvgomez

– IE in Friends - @ieinfriends

– Bueno Bueno Pod - @buenobuenopod

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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We hope y'all are having a great Monday, LP Fam! On today's episode, Josh and Sebastian discuss life after Bretman's takeover and who our next guest is going to be. We need your help though, spam her socials (respectively) and help us give the people (aka you) what they want! Also, let us know in the comments who some of your dream guests would be. 👀

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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We told y'all La Plática was gonna do it big all 2026, and Josh and Sebas's first guest of the year might be the biggest one of all. From Hawai'i to LA, please join us in welcoming the one and only Bretman Rock to the #1 Latino Podcast in the World. Shoutout to you all for spamming Bret and making this possible, this conversation happened all thanks to everyone who told him to pull up. This is a real special one, we hope you enjoy! 💙 #MondaysDontSuckAnymore

Get your Valentine's Day Tees!

https://sazonstudios.la/products/platica-y-amor-tee

Keep up with Bretman Rock!

IG: @BretmanRock

TikTok: @BretmanRock

YouTube: @BretmanRock

Podcast: @DaBaddestRadio

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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It's another beautiful Monday, LP fam! Thank you for starting your week with us. On today's episode, Josh and Sebastian go over some of your comments from the last episode, discuss the origin stories behind their phobias, and get into...epidurals? 👀 🤔

Get your Valentine's Day Tees!

https://sazonstudios.la/products/platica-y-amor-tee

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Happy Monday, La Plática fam! You loved last week's advice so much, we had to run it back one more time. This week, Josh and Sebastian have some thoughts regarding more of your advice submissions and touch on topics like guys and girls being best friends, ending friendships for the sake of love, and more. Thanks for tuning in, we love you and we hope you're staying safe. 💙

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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If your relationship feels messy right now… you might wanna hear this. 👀 This week on La Plática, Josh and Sebas take it back with Perspective of a Man and Am I The Asshole, reacting to listener submissions and giving their real opinions on love, communication, and decisions that low-key sabotage relationships. They break down why certain habits don’t work long-term — and why some breakups are honestly predictable. Advice, laughs, and a little tough love, this might be the advice you didn't know you needed.

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

PLATÍCANOS

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The Boily Pops sat down in the studio for the first time this year and things quickly got emotional. On this episode of La Plática, Josh and Sebastian discuss what their priorities are for 2026, how that affects the show, and why they're excited to be embarrassed. 👀 Plus, Josh gets caught off guard and shares a personal and emotional moment that he was not expecting to open up about. If you needed some inspiration for the new year, this is the episode to watch. 💙

Let us know in the comments who are some guests you want to see this year!

Follow the Poddy on all socials 🫶🏼

IG: @laplatica

TikTok: @LaPlaticaPod

Sebastian Robles - @ayyysebas

Josh Leyva - @TheJoshLeyva

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – intro

02:56 – Back in the Studio & New Energy

04:11 – You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet

07:01 – Chasing the Best Version of Yourself

11:39 – Being “Mistakenly Gay” as a Compliment

13:33 – Why Taking Care of Yourself Triggers People

15:06 – Giving Away Tickets & Doing Things Without Sponsors

16:42 – The Word of the Year: Intention

23:56 – Earning Respect by Betting on Yourself

26:18 – Austin Butler on Embarrassment

29:01 – Josh Falling off

37:05 – Comfort Nearly Killed Our Growth Last Year

48:23 – Movies That Keep You on Edge

50:06 – Marketing Yourself Like a Star

51:19 – Studying Great Actors & Creative Rabbit Holes

RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

Immigrant Legal Resource Center - https://www.ilrc.org/advanced-search?issues%5B0%5D=35&resource_type%5B0%5D=15&terms=

National Immigration Law Center - https://www.instagram.com/nilc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Barrio Drive - https://barriodrive.com/collections/daca-renewal-fund

Immigrants Rising - https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsrising?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Attorney Kathleen Martinez - https://www.instagram.com/laabogadamartinez?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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