From Apple To Oranges Podcast By Lizzette Perez cover art

From Apple To Oranges

From Apple To Oranges

By: Lizzette Perez
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This Podcast is about the New Yorkers that now live in Florida. Real stories, real people, real moments happening both in New York and Florida. I'm your host Lizzette Perez, come back on February 16, Perez-idents Day for the official launch!

© 2026 From Apple To Oranges
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • When Gun Violence Hits Home With Natasha Betancourt & Erika OBrien
    Mar 30 2026

    A single moment can erase a whole future and leave a family doing math with memories. I’m Lizzette Perez, and this week I have two friends with me that share a story, that’s heavy but necessary: two mothers, two sons, two different states, and the same ending. Natasha Betancourt my childhood best friend (From The Bronx, in NYC) opens up about losing her son Nicholas Vargas Jr. to gun violence in New York. Erica O’Brien (originally from the Bronx, now in Orlando) shares how she moved to Florida to give her son Phil a better life, and still lost him to gun violence in Florida. If you’ve ever believed “it could never happen to me,” this conversation challenges that belief.

    We talk about what grief really looks like years later: guilt that doesn’t shut off, PTSD, anger that comes in waves, and the pressure to stay strong for the siblings also dealing with grief. Natasha and Erica share how siblings and grandkids carry the loss, how a home can feel haunting by their absence, and why rituals like birthdays, angel anniversaries, favorite meals, and cremation can become lifelines. They also say plainly what not to say to a grieving parent and what kind of support actually helps.

    Then we move toward prevention and purpose. Erica explains her nonprofit work and her mission to fund youth programs and bring back youth centers, especially for middle school and high school kids who need safe outlets. We get into gun safety, locked storage, access, and why community support can change a kid’s path before a tragedy happens.

    Natasha shares her experience with No Voice Unheard

    If this hits your heart, please leave these Moms a comment and review so more people can find these stories and this message.

    Contact No Voice Unheard in NYC

    https://www.instagram.com/novoiceunheard?igsh=MnpvaHplZ2hlaG9q

    Donate To Emagine Inc. Youth Empowerment

    https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-our-mission-donate-to-stop-the-violence-hear-the-music

    Follow Emagine Inc. On Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1B4tJ1BFni/?mibextid=wwXIfr



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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • A Security Job In Yonkers Leads To DMX In Handcuffs with DJ Casper
    Mar 17 2026

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    28 mins
  • From the South Bronx to Celebrity Stylist: E-Stylz Staying True to NYC
    Mar 10 2026

    Eric “E-Stylz” Santiago is a celebrity fashion stylist who works across film, TV, music, and editorial fashion. He accepted the invite to be on this podcast although he had no clue what this show was even about.

    Currently he is wardrobe supervisor for The Tamron Hall Show on ABC. He has styled celebrities, performers, models, and television personalities and has worked on red carpets, magazine shoots, and TV productions.

    So, I broke format for this episode. E-Stylz Shares why he would never move here and what it may take to change his mind.

    Give him a follow on Instagram @OfficialEStylz

    https://www.instagram.com/officialestylz?igsh=eHFkbHhuaTB3dnEx

    TikTok @EStylz

    https://www.tiktok.com/@estylz?_r=1&_t=ZT-94Z2Pwy41pG

    Grab his book on Amazon https://a.co/d/04qABeJ8






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    40 mins
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