#20 Podcast Anniversary Special: Behind the Scenes, Stories, and Laughs with Nicole & Fingers

In this special anniversary episode, Nicole Alicea celebrates one year of the Create Brand NV Podcast by pulling back the curtain and introducing the voice behind the scenes—producer David “Fingers” Bell.

Together, they reflect on nearly 20 years of friendship, their early days in radio, and how this podcast came to life—from idea to execution. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs you won’t hear in a typical episode.

Nicole also opens up about the realities of balancing business, life, and a passion project, while sharing insights on what it takes to stay consistent—even when things don’t go as planned.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the show, this episode offers a more personal look at the journey behind the podcast—and what’s ahead.

Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.

Here are some other episodes you might like

#1 Why No One Wants to Work (And What Employers Must Do Now)

Hiring has changed—and most businesses are struggling to keep up. In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with employment and labor law attorney Charlotte Fernee Kelly to break down what’s really happening in today’s workforce—and what employers must do to adapt. From labor shortages to the rise of remote work, this conversation explores why hiring has become so difficult and how businesses can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving employment landscape. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why companies are struggling to attract and retain talent • How the pandemic permanently changed employee expectations • The pros and cons of remote and hybrid work environments • What employers can do to make in-office roles more attractive • The legal risks and compliance issues every business should understand • Why a compliant workplace is not just required—but smart business If you’re a business owner trying to hire, retain, or manage employees in today’s market,

Read More »

#27 From Blackwater to Protecting World Leaders: Eric Parker on War Zones, High-Threat Security, and Life After Combat

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Parker, a Special Operations combat veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in high-threat security environments. His career spans military service, private security contracting with Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan, and federal service with the Diplomatic Security Service. Eric shares firsthand stories from operating in war zones, leading protection teams for high-level officials, and working in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. From rescuing government leaders in extreme conditions to navigating constant high-risk situations, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at elite security operations. We also explore what happens after the mission—transitioning from combat to civilian life, building a business, and the mental and emotional challenges many veterans face. Today, Eric is the President of Vault Management Group and founder of Select International Training Institute, where he trains executive protection professionals and provides high-level security services. This episode is a powerful

Read More »