Vivian Guzman: One Plate. One Voice. One Powerful Story.

Vivian Guzman is a powerhouse of presence, on screen and around the dinner table. As the vibrant host of Dishin’ It, she blends heartfelt storytelling with home-cooked meals, creating a soulful space where culture, wisdom, and real-life success are celebrated. From starring roles on hit shows like 24 and Days of Our Lives to co-hosting alongside media giants, Vivian has built a legacy of authenticity and charm. Now, through Dishin’ It, she invites inspiring guests and an engaged audience into meaningful conversation, proving that the best stories are often served warm, with a side of laughter and love.

“When you mix good food with real conversation, something magical happens—walls come down, hearts open, and stories shine.” — Vivian Guzman

“Dishin’ It” beautifully blends food, culture, and conversation—what inspired the creation of this show, and how do you choose your featured guests?

Dishin’ It was born from a feeling of invisibility. I created it to be seen—and to see others who often go unseen. I feature guests who’ve taken life’s hardest moments and turned them into something beautiful. If your story has soul and your dish carries memory, you’re my kind of guest.

You’ve had a dynamic career across multiple platforms—from 24 to Moral Court to The Larry Elder Show. What have been the biggest lessons learned from navigating such diverse roles in media and entertainment?

Each role taught me the same thing: stay rooted in who you are. Whether I’m acting, hosting, or producing, if I lead with heart and truth, I’m aligned—and that’s where the magic happens.

Your role as Maya Leano on Days of Our Lives left a lasting impression. What did that character mean to you, and how did you approach bringing her to life?

Maya was fiery, fearless, and unapologetic. She reminded me of the parts of myself I had once muted. I played her like I play life—layered, emotional, and full of light, vigor, and determination.

From co-hosting on MSNBC to appearing on Howard Stern’s show, you’ve experienced a wide spectrum of media exposure. How do you maintain authenticity across such different environments?  

I don’t code-switch—I soul-sync. Whether it’s prime time or shock jock radio, I show up as me. Same heartbeat, just a different outfit.

“Dishin’ It” emphasizes home-cooked meals and cultural storytelling. What role does food play in your personal life and in building a connection with your audience? 

Food is my first language of love. It’s where my family heals, laughs, argues—or sounds like we’re arguing—because we’re Latin and Italian, and everything’s loud, passionate, and beautifully chaotic. It’s not just about eating—it’s about searching for truth, connection, and sometimes even resolution. On the show, food unlocks memory and invites people to share the real story behind the flavor.

As a producer and content creator, what do you believe is the key to developing a platform that uplifts while still entertaining? 

It starts with honoring the guest’s truth—no polish, no pretences. Just real people, real stories. I believe humor often springs from tragedy—it’s how we survive, how we heal. So yes, we laugh, we cook, we dance in the kitchen, but beneath it all, there’s depth. People are endlessly curious about how others overcome and keep going—that’s the heartbeat of the show. I lead with connection, not perfection. When you blend soul-stirring storytelling with beautiful visuals and a touch of playfulness, you nourish both the heart and the senses. We don’t have to choose between feeling and fun—we get to do both. That’s what keeps people coming back.

You’ve collaborated with influential media personalities like Harvey Levin—how have these partnerships shaped your approach to storytelling and media creation?  

Harvey sharpened my instincts—get to the emotional core fast, and don’t flinch. I learned to ask the hard questions with heart. That balance is gold in storytelling.

What does the term “World Changer” mean to you, and how do you select individuals who embody that spirit for your show? 

To me, a world changer is often an accidental leader—someone whose pain shaped their purpose, and whose heart fuels a mission they can’t ignore. They don’t just survive—they rise, and bring others with them. Their stories aren’t told for applause, but to spark change. Their strength is born of necessity, their vision rooted in love—not ego. And when they speak, something inside you shifts. That may be their legacy.

You’ve broken barriers as a woman of color in media. What have been your biggest challenges and proudest triumphs along the way? 

I’m not sure I’ve broken barriers—at least not yet. I stand on the shoulders of women like Salma Hayek, J.Lo, Sofia Vergara, Eva Longoria, and Eva Mendes—trailblazers whose brilliance and bravery made my path more possible. I’ve been the beneficiary of their boldness. My biggest wins are deeply personal. I’m the first in my family to graduate from college, the first to transform generational pain into personal power, and the first to create a space like Dishin’ It—a platform that celebrates culture, joy, beauty, and belonging. Truthfully, I didn’t create Dishin’ It just to uplift others—it was also a way to reach for light beyond where I came from. I needed healing. I needed meaning. And once I found transformation, I knew I had to share it. Yes, I’ve had an exciting career in media. But my greatest triumph is living my Latina identity with lightness and love, not by waving a flag, but by embodying it every day with authenticity and joy . The challenges? They’re real and ongoing. Building a show—and an empire—from scratch. Finding the right team, then keeping them aligned with the mission. Now doing that in a new country, across cultures, in a language that isn’t my own. Syncing with a new rhythm while staying true to the vision demands everything—emotionally, logistically, spiritually.And perhaps the hardest part? Not everyone sees the dream through your soul’s eyes. They don’t feel the sleepless nights or the quiet ache that drives you to keep building, year after year. But the triumph is in the becoming. It’s in not giving up. In trusting the pace, refining the path, and choosing to evolve. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who move the dream forward, not just admire it from the sidelines. My superpower? Joy. I choose it daily. Because love, legacy, and this life I’m building—it’s not a sprint. It’s a beautifully messy, magical marathon. And if we’re going to be here for a while, I’d rather smile, share, connect, eat, and love up on every beautiful soul I meet along the way. After all, it’s not about the final destination. Joy is the destination.

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of Dishin’ It, and how do you see it continuing to evolve as a platform for inspiration and change? 

Dishin’ It is just getting started. I see it expanding globally—different kitchens, same soul. From America to Italy and beyond, the heart of the show stays the same: sharing stories that nourish, uplift, and connect. My vision is to spotlight more voices, especially the ones we don’t hear enough. I want to keep honoring the resilience, humor, and heart that live inside everyday people. More impact. More connection. More humanity on the plate. The challenge now is to take Dishin’ It from ABC to the world—to scale it, deepen it, and make it a household name. But the essence stays pure: joy, authenticity, and storytelling that stirs the soul. The dream? That Dishin’ It becomes my legacy—leaving the world a little spicier, a touch sweeter, with less sting and sorrow… rich in soul and good fat to savor. Like any unforgettable dish, may it linger lovingly, bold, warm, and beautifully made.