Épisodes

  • 24. Will a Criminal Plea Get You Deported in 2025? Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains

    24. Will a Criminal Plea Get You Deported in 2025? Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains
    Nov 17 2025
    If you’re a green card holder or undocumented immigrant facing criminal charges, this episode is for you. South Florida criminal defense and immigration attorney Jaime Aird joins Attorney Sékou Clarke on The Attorney Sekou Podcast to explain how a “simple” plea deal can get you deported, detained by ICE, or lose your green card in 2025.
    We unpack:
    • Why he left the State for the defense table and what he saw prosecutors miss
    • Motions to suppress explained in plain English and how they change cases
    • Plea deals, hidden consequences, and immigration landmines that can lead to deportation
    • Post-conviction options and the two-year clock most people do not know about
    • The real interplay between criminal court and immigration court
    • Florida gun laws and open carry concerns in 2025
    • Jury duty, voting for State Attorney and Sheriff, and why civilians hold more power than they think
    • Work ethic, losing and learning, and turning a Jamaican accent and past stutter into trial strengths
    • Advice for immigrants: when to file, how to protect status, and why waiting can cost your future
    • Mindset for young lawyers: preparation over everything and believing when others doubt you
    Connect with Jamie:
    Instagram: @jaimeairdlaw
    Website: https://www.jaimeaird.com/

    Subscribe for more founder stories and practical playbooks.
    Comment your biggest takeaway and how you’ll apply it this week.

    Subscribe for more candid conversations at the intersection of business, law, and leadership.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes where law meets life, stories turn into journeys, and journeys create legends.

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • From Colombia to Adidas: The Secret That Turned this Artist into a Celebrity Sneaker Designer | 23

    From Colombia to Adidas: The Secret That Turned this Artist into a Celebrity Sneaker Designer | 23
    Nov 7 2025
    Welcome back to The Attorney Sekou Podcast, where law meets life and stories create legends. In this powerful and creative episode, Sekou sits down with Juan Felipe “Pepe” López, a world-renowned Colombian artist whose custom sneaker art has taken him from painting in his bedroom during the pandemic to collaborations with Adidas and major reggaetón stars like Anuel and Manuel Turizo.

    But Pepe’s story isn’t just about sneakers — it’s about legacy, originality, and building a global brand while staying true to your roots. From embedding emeralds into Air Force 1s to showcasing his art in luxury galleries, Pepe shares how his Colombian identity and family history in the emerald trade shaped his artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

    Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative professional—this episode is full of gems on what it takes to create lasting, original work in a crowded industry.

    IN THIS EPISODE:
    -The journey from painting sneakers during COVID to working with Adidas
    -Why originality matters more than perfection
    -The story behind emerald-encrusted sneakers and art in global galleries
    -How to protect your creative voice without gatekeeping
    -What artists must understand about business to truly grow
    -Pepe’s personal definition of success, happiness, and legacy
    -How to start—before you're “ready”

    Connect with Pepe:
    Instagram: @artbypepe
    Website: https://www.artbypepe.com

    Subscribe for more founder stories and practical playbooks.
    Comment your biggest takeaway and how you’ll apply it this week.

    Subscribe for more candid conversations at the intersection of business, law, and leadership.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes where law meets life, stories turn into journeys, and journeys create legends.

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • Immigrant Roots, Elite Results: Dr. Esteban’s Orlando Success Story | 22

    Immigrant Roots, Elite Results: Dr. Esteban’s Orlando Success Story | 22
    Oct 28 2025
    On this episode of The Attorney Sekou Podcast, Sekou sits down with Dr. Esteban Santiago, founder of More Life Chiropractic, to talk about building a purpose-driven practice, scaling from solo clinician to CEO, and why health is the real wealth.


    They dive into:
    • The origin of More Life and building a brand bigger than yourself
    • Health over hustle: serving first, abundance second
    • The mindset and hours it takes to scale with excellence
    • Culture, values, and hiring the right people for elite client experience
    • Practical movement tips: walking, wall squats, and posture resets for desk workers
    • Quick fixes vs real change: thoughts on weight-loss trends and GLP-1 use
    • Leading without ego, staying authentic, and playing the long game
    • Island roots, confidence, and carrying your culture into entrepreneurship
    • Advice to the 18-year-old entrepreneur: keep dreaming and stay consistent
    Teachable moment: Dr. Esteban breaks down two simple daily movements to improve posture, energy, and longevity even if you sit all day.

    Connect with Dr. Esteban
    Instagram: @dr.estebansantiago
    Website: morelifespc.com

    Subscribe for more candid conversations at the intersection of business, law, and leadership.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes where law meets life, stories turn into journeys, and journeys create legends.

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    57 min
  • From Petco Paychecks to a Six-Figure Business | Laura Ventura’s Immigrant CEO Story | 21

    From Petco Paychecks to a Six-Figure Business | Laura Ventura’s Immigrant CEO Story | 21
    Oct 18 2025
    From a cubicle to the Hollywood Hills, Laura Ventura turned her love for animals into Pawz & All, a luxury mobile grooming brand trusted by A-list clients.

    In this episode, Laura breaks down the real playbook: how she left corporate, built a premium reputation, priced by value, scaled with systems, and rebooted her entire business from zero after moving to Florida. We also get into mindset, manifestation, and the CEO shift from artist to operator.


    What you’ll learn:
    • The exact leap: Petco → corporate → acting → celebrity groomer → founder
    • Why “experience over service” wins and how to price for outcomes, not hours
    • Laura’s 90-day from-zero plan after relocating: visibility, van marketing, and repeat bookings
    • Systems that scale: training ladders, SOPs, culture, and quality control
    • Hiring for character vs. skill and why emotional intelligence drives tips and loyalty
    • The unglamorous truth of mobile fleets: generators, maintenance, and mechanics
    • Courses, funnels, and turning a small audience into real revenue
    • Mindset, focus, and speed: the habits that compound
    • Advice to women founders on writing the life you want and attracting aligned partners
    Connect with Laura and Pawz & All: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook
    Personal site: https://www.pawzandall.com/

    Connect with Attorney SekouSubscribe for more founder stories and practical playbooks.
    Comment your biggest takeaway and how you’ll apply it this week.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • Real Estate Secrets They Don’t Want Immigrants to Know | Simon Simaan | 20

    Real Estate Secrets They Don’t Want Immigrants to Know | Simon Simaan | 20
    Oct 13 2025
    What does it really take to build a top 1% real estate career—without losing your soul (or your marriage) in the process? In this episode, Attorney Sekou sits down with Simon Simaan, an Orlando powerhouse with $500M+ in lifetime sales, licensed general contractor, and mentor to rising agents.

    They unpack the habits and values that compound over time: honoring your word, over-communicating, and treating every client like family. Simon shares how immigrant roots shaped his work ethic, why inspections are a non-negotiable (even on new construction), how a contractor’s eye spots red flags in “fully remodeled” homes, and what actually wins in multiple-offer situations (spoiler: reputation and relationships beat algorithms).

    You’ll also hear:
    • How to decide college vs. real-world experience (and why the answer is “it depends”).
    • The one upgrade sellers should focus on first (first impressions start at the front door).
    • Why 2025 feels like a buyer’s market in many Florida pockets—and how to negotiate smart, not scared.
    • The difference between marketing and sales on a high-performing team—and why both matter.
    • A moving story on legacy, time, and what success really means when the titles fade.
    If you’re a homeowner, aspiring investor, or agent who wants to level up with integrity, this conversation is your playbook.

    Connect with Simon Simaan
    Phone: 407-558-1396
    Website: simonsman.com

    Subscribe for more candid conversations at the intersection of business, law, and leadership.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes where law meets life, stories turn into journeys, and journeys create legends.

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • ICE Agents Accused of Racism, Now Under Attack — Immigrants Thrive in Business | 19

    ICE Agents Accused of Racism, Now Under Attack — Immigrants Thrive in Business | 19
    Jul 23 2025
    In this powerful new episode of The Attorney Sekou Podcast, Sekou breaks down the latest courtroom drama as Sean “Diddy” Combs is found not guilty on three of five major charges—including racketeering and conspiracy. We also unpack the DOJ’s final Epstein report: no blackmail list, no client list, and a controversial conclusion.

    Then, we sit down with Marjhorie Peraza, the fearless Venezuelan immigrant behind Take a Sushi, the viral Latin-Asian fusion restaurant taking Orlando by storm. From earning $8/hour to launching a sushi food truck with just $26K saved in a can, Marjhorie shares her journey of building a restaurant empire without loans, mentors, or restaurant experience—just hustle, heart, and vision.

    Topics Covered:
    • The surprising verdict in the Diddy trial
    • DOJ says no Epstein client list—what now?
    • ICE agents under fire and TPS status repeals
    • How Marjhorie built a 3-food-truck business from home
    • The immigrant entrepreneur mindset
    • Balancing motherhood and business
    • Franchising dreams: Take a Sushi goes national
    If you’re chasing a dream, this episode will remind you: you don’t need to start with everything—you just need to start.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes where law meets life, stories turn into journeys, and journeys create legends.

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou

    Connect with our Guest Marjhorie Peraza at: https://www.instagram.com/marjhoriepl/?hl=en

    You can tune in for a conversation with insights on law, business, and personal growth.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    47 min
  • Gators, Laws & Glory: Inside Florida’s Immigration Crisis + Yvana Hepburn’s Comeback | 18

    Gators, Laws & Glory: Inside Florida’s Immigration Crisis + Yvana Hepburn’s Comeback | 18
    Jul 11 2025
    What do immigration detention in the Everglades and elite athleticism have in common? Both are front and center in this powerful, jam-packed episode of The Attorney Sekou Podcast.

    Sekou breaks down the controversial new “Alligator Alcatraz” — Florida’s latest immigration detention center surrounded by literal gators — and unpacks the political and humanitarian implications. Then, we shift gears into one of the most transparent, powerful interviews yet with former Olympic-level hurdler, mindset coach, and fitness competitor Ivana Hudson.

    Yvana Hepburn opens up about:
    • Navigating the end of an Olympic dream after a career-ending car accident
    • Transitioning from elite athlete to speaker, coach, and bodybuilding champion
    • Mental health, faith, purpose, and the pursuit of true joy
    • The dangers of hustle culture and the underrated power of rest
    • Why confidence isn’t just earned — it’s built, tested, and refined in the fire
    Time Stamps
    • 00:00 Welcome & Opening
    • 01:12 Alligator Alcatraz: Florida’s Gator-Surrounded Detention Center?
    • 08:45 Breaking Down the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB)
    • 13:38 Birthright Citizenship Executive Order Fallout
    • 20:21 Meet Yvana Hepburn: From Olympic Hurdler to Bodybuilding Champ
    • 27:45 The Transition: When Identity Meets Purpose
    • 33:02 Resilience, Confidence, and Reinvention After Rock Bottom
    • 41:56 Faith, Feminine Power & Walking in Your Calling
    • 49:20 Purpose Periodization: Yvana’s Framework for Rebirth
    • 55:41 Hustle vs. Rest: The Hidden Cost of Constant Grind
    • 01:04:50 Being Seen, Belonging & Owning Your Platform
    • 01:10:18 Final Word: Grow Deeper. Soar Anyway.
    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou

    Connect with our Guest Yvana Hepburn at: https://www.instagram.com/yvanahepburn/

    You can tune in for a conversation with insights on law, business, and personal growth.

    Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 18 min
  • U.S. Bombs Iran: What It Really Means for Immigration and Student Visas | 17

    U.S. Bombs Iran: What It Really Means for Immigration and Student Visas | 17
    Jul 1 2025
    In this powerful episode of The Attorney Sekou Podcast, Sekou breaks down the latest U.S. airstrikes on Iran and unpacks the legal, political, and immigration implications behind it. From constitutional authority and presidential war powers to student visa crackdowns and ICE’s billion-dollar budget increase—this is law and policy in real-time.

    Then, we sit down with real estate broker and community leader Lorena Ortega, a proud Ecuadorian immigrant and powerhouse businesswoman. Lorena shares her journey from cashier to CEO, helping hundreds of families—especially first-time home buyers and immigrants—build generational wealth through real estate, down payment assistance, and financial literacy.

    You’ll learn:
    • How the Iran airstrike could impact immigration and student visas
    • What “extreme vetting” really means for visa applicants
    • Why ICE raids are back—and what California is doing about it
    • How to buy a home with as little as $1,000 down
    • The truth about grants, down payment assistance, and real estate myths
    • Why Lorena believes education is still the #1 key to success for immigrants and entrepreneurs

    TIME STAMPS
    • 0:00 – Intro & U.S. Airstrikes on Iran
    • 3:00 – Presidential War Powers vs Congress
    • 6:00 – Immigration Impact: Consular Processing & Travel Bans
    • 10:00 – Extreme Vetting on Student Visas
    • 13:00 – ICE Raids & Budget Increase
    • 16:00 – California’s New Law on ICE Identification
    • 18:00 – Meet Guest Lorena Ortega: Real Estate Broker & Immigrant Success
    • 20:00 – Buying a Home with $1,000 Down: Breaking Down Assistance Programs
    • 24:00 – Lorena’s Journey: From Cashier to CEO
    • 29:00 – Challenges of Being a Broker & Business Owner
    • 33:00 – Financial Literacy for First-Time Buyers & Immigrants
    • 36:00 – How to Choose the Right Realtor & Build a Great Team
    • 39:00 – Immigration Reflections, American Dream & Giving Back

    Whether you're passionate about immigration reform, national security, or building wealth through real estate, this episode delivers critical insight with heart and authenticity.

    Need legal insight with heart? Follow @AttorneySekou for weekly drops.

    Follow Attorney Sekou for more unfiltered conversations at @attorneysekou

    Connect with our Guest Lorena Ortega at: https://www.instagram.com/lorenaortegarealtor/?hl=en

    You can tune in for a conversation with insights on law, business, and personal growth.

    Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 14 min