Meet Alexander Rodriguez | LGBTQ on-air personality, journalist, and emcee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Eight years ago, I was making six figures, one of the youngest Vice Presidents in the Entertainment Division of a major bank, cushy office in Beverly Hills, living the life. I was miserable. Banking? Me? As I got more into podcasting and celebrity interviews, I realized banking was not a passion, it was a paycheck and I was extremely unhappy. I took the plunge. I resigned from my job and turned to working for myself in the entertainment industry full time. No steady paycheck, no expense account, and no idea how hard it was going to be. For the first couple of years it was extremely difficult. Things got pretty extreme. Was it work it? Yes. Would I do it again. F*ck, yes. Looking back, I probably should have been more prepared to make that big life decision, but if I would have waited until things were more secure, I would still be waiting. With the security rug being pulled out from under my feet, I hustled and hustled, taking every smart opportunity that came my way. With the support of my mom and some really good friends, I made it. I can truly say I have passion for what I do and that each day I wake up thankful I am pursuing my dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an entertainer in all sense of the word. Being a ham since grade school, I can honestly say I love the spotlight. BUT, it is not for egos sake, it is to share my love of the entertainment world. What I am most proud of my career, is that I don’t fit a box, or a norm, and that has worked out for me. I am a professional podcaster, hosting and producing four different pods concurrently, I have the privilege of being the lead writer for two outstanding LGBTQ magazines, I have had the honor of hosting Pride events all around the nation, and I also get the opportunity to share my wit and sass through song in my cabaret shows. I do a little bit of everything, because I love everything. As a proud member of the LGBTQ, Latinx, and curvy guy club, I love that I can spice things up. All through my life, I was told my society and by the media that normal was king, nothing else was successful. During one of my first meetings with an agent, they told me to butch it up. They told me to change my hair. They told me to dress differently. Did I listen? No. Did I win? Yes. This year, I celebrate 8 years as host of my passion project, my show On the Rocks with Alexander. With this show I have been able to sit and sup with some of my favorite personalities from the entertainment world – Academy, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award winners…I’ve been able to chat with them all. What an honor. Also this year, I return to the stage with my singing, performing in Palm Springs and NYC with more locations on the way. Getting back to the stage has been a huge decision for me, having been gone from singing for five years. I am so proud of all the advancements my community has made, now is our time in the spotlight!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, part of my brand is cocktails. So anyone who visits me knows that we are going to go to happy hour. Every one of them. West Hollywood is my safe space, and I am known to frequent..and then frequent some more…all the venues that the city has to offer that is for and by my LGBTQ community. What I love about West Hollywood is the diversity…want a fancy cocktail at The Abbey or Pump? Check. Want to grab a beer and be low key at Gym Bar? Check. Want to tip a go-go boy at Mickys? Check. Want to dance the night away at Heart? Check. Something for everyone. What a love about happy hours in the city are the people that you meet, the conversations that are only had at happy hour…you never know who you will come across or what you will talk about. Cheers!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my mom. Supporting me through my career change, being my constant support, humor, and ass kicker. And also for the amazing upbringing she gave me – teaching me to be strong in times of adversity, be proud of my diversity, and to not give up.

Website: https://www.ontherocksradioshow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderisonair/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbsolutelyFabulous007/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo0qaq-m6Xmufl5Dj-o8vuA

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ontherocksradioshow?lang=en