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For over a century, Puerto Rican musicians have been influential across the hemisphere. From the Harlem Hellfighters of WWI who helped develop jazz to the reggaetoneros who dominate today’s charts, Puerto Rican music is everywhere. We start the season with the island’s most celebrated composer Rafael Hernandez, who wrote beloved songs like “Lamento Borincano,” “Ahora Seremos Felices,” and “Perfume de Gardenias” – and one of the island’s unofficial anthems, “Preciosa.” It’s a love song written for Puerto Rico that praises the island’s beauty and, remarkably, also calls out the forces that oppress it. When Bad Bunny exploded onto the scene and became the most-streamed artist in the history of the world, it became undeniable that Puerto Rican lyrics – the poetry of what people sing about, the bregas in every chorus – resonate all over the hemisphere. In September, he put out a music video for his hit “El Apagón,” (“The Blackout,”) which then turned into a mini-documentary about gentrification – the way people from the states are taking advantage of tax benefits and displacing Boricuas. It’s called “Aqui Vive Gente" ("People Live Here"). “El Apagón,” has become somewhat of an anthem – an installment in the long tradition of Puerto Ricans singing about home, longing and belonging, popularized by Rafael Hernandez. But Bad Bunny isn’t singing about yearning for Puerto Rico – his music is often about never even leaving in the first place. It’s about staying, and creating a future for Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico. If the video’s Youtube comments – declarations of solidarity – are any indication, his music has touched on something deeply relatable across Latin America. Learn more about the voices in this episode: • Myzo, the singer from the plane • Bobby Sanabria, Grammy-nominated bandleader and educator • Elena Martínez, folklorist at City Lore and the Bronx Music Heritage Center • Watch Marc Anthony’s performance of “Preciosa” • Watch Bianca Graulau’s documentary “Aquí Vive Gente” (“People Live Here”) Our cover of “Preciosa” is by the artist Xenia Rubinos (out in April). Listen to our Spotify playlist, featuring music from this episode – and this season. We’ll keep adding to it each week as new episodes come out. Special thanks to Yarimar Bonilla, Tracie Hunte, Lidia Hernandez, Diego Lanao, Marissé Masís Solano, Pedro Andrade, María Luz Nóchez and Ana Reyes. Fact checking this season is by Istra Pacheco and María Soledad Dávila Calero. This season of La Brega is made possible by the Mellon Foundation.

Tamarindo in on Spring break! Well be back with fresh episodes at the end of April! This is a great time to reach out if you’d like to connect about about partnership opportunities, guest ideas, feedback or segment ideas! We are open to it all! Reach out to us at contact@tamarindpodcast.com.In the meantime, catch up on all the episodes you missed last season!

On this episode we talk to the duo behind Raúl, Pili, y La Musica, the Latin music podcast where Raul and Pili tap into the human side of your favorite Latin artists.   DJ Raúl Campos is a house-hold name here in Los Angeles from Power 106 to KCRW. Emmy award winning TV host and producer, Pili Montilla has made a name for herself as the "go to" host in the bilingual entertainment world. We’ll get to know a little bit about each of them and you’ll hear how their passion for Latin music and artists is contagious.  More about our guests:  PILI MONTILLA  Emmy award winning TV host and producer, as well as content creator and tastemaker, Pili Montilla has made a name for herself as the "go to" host in the bilingual entertainment world. Always immersed in the world of music, Pili created, produced and hosted the Emmy winning music show "Té Para Tres con Pili Montilla”. DJ RAÚL CAMPOS  Los Angeles based radio host, producer and DJ Raúl Campos creates a mix of emerging artists and current favorites, from soulful grooves and fresh remixes to indie rock and Latin rhythms. From early days on Power 106FM's Power Tools to his current home at KCRW 89.9FM, he embraces a devotion to diversity.  Links mentioned on the episode: Rual, Pili, y La Musica: https://linktr.ee/piliraulandlamusica Article in the Nation: https://www.thenation.com/article/society/judith-heumann-work-retirement-plan/ Alice Wong’s memoir: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688504/year-of-the-tiger-by-alice-wong/ Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Sb3Ihxgpv07H82Vb89H87?si=20190d6cb6624d5a Chispa is the #1 dating app if you're looking to connect with other Latinx/Latine folk. Whether you’re looking for love or just amiguis right now,  Download Chispa to look for that like minded community or that special someone.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode, we speak to Johanna Toruño, a Salvadoran born migrant artist & creator of The Unapologetic Street Series. Their work focuses on the importance of queer folks in the arts and storytelling through accessible art in public spaces. Something Tamarindo has in common with Johanna is how the 2016 election motivated them to build community and connect with others with similar lived experiences, especially people who are immigrants.  This is our first episode with Ana Sheila back in L.A., after living a couple of years abroad in her native Mexico. We start with a discussion on transition. Plus, we reflect on our Self-Love Con Corazon event we hosted last month.  Chispa is the #1 dating app if you're looking to connect with other Latinx/Latine folk. Whether you’re looking for love or just amiguis right now,  Download Chispa to look for that like minded community or that special someone.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda González and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

Revisit our chat with Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, the author of the powerful book “For Brown Girls With Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts. Even if you haven’t picked up her book yet (you should), you’ll gain some great insights about the writing and publishing process, and get to learn more about what fuels Prisca’s bold and unapologetic voice that’s inspired Latina rebels all across the country.  Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez is a storyteller, public theologist, and a feminist. The bulk of her work is around making accessible, through storytelling and curating content, the theories and heavy material that is oftentimes only taught in the racist/classist institutions known as academia. We will be back with new episodes March 8. Chispa is the #1 dating app if you're looking to connect with other Latinx/Latine folk. Whether you’re looking for love or just amiguis right now,  Download Chispa to look for that like minded community or that special someone.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at http://www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: http://xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

Tamarindo’s regular programming with Brenda and Ana Sheila is on a brief break but tune into this special Spanish language episode Ana Sheila recorded with Javier Basurto, the co-host and co-creator of Mexico City based podcast “Nadie Nos dijo”, a podcast about all the things 30-somethings wish someone had told them about adulting.  Recording in-studio in Mexico City, Ana Sheila and Javier talk about their connection as Mexicans while exploring their differences in experiences and perspectives growing up in the U.S versus Mexico on topics like gentrification, family, identity, and internalized racism.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode of Tamarindo, we talk about the white supramist roots of diet culture. Joining us is sociology professor and intuitive eating health coach, Dr. Hortenzia Jimenez who approaches anti-dieting from an anti-oppressive, social and racial lens. We also have Miriam Lara-Mejia the creator of Gorda Feminista, a community of over 350K, that focuses on making visible the discrimination, violence, and intolerance of fatphobia, in the Latinx community. Before that, Ana Sheila shares her experience freezing her eggs to help her have the option of becoming a parent. Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On today’s episode we speak to Ian Lara, Dominican and Afro-Latino comedian from New York City. He recently released his first comedy special  “Romantic Comedy” on HBO Max. He is also an alum of HBO Latino’s Entre Nos franchise, which spotlights the best LatinX standup talent.  You’ll hear about the role of mentors, community, family, service, and unwavering faith in building a career in comedy.  You can catch Ian’s special on HBO Max and check out www.IanLaraLive.com for tour dates. Episode Links:  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/connecticut-latino-lawmakers-propose-banning-latinx-calling-offensive-rcna68712 Join us in person for “Self-love con Corazón” an evening of conversation, workshop, and connecting! This event is on February 23 at 6:30pm in Highland Park and details can be found here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-love-con-corazon-tickets-515232162267?aff=DescriptionLink This event is by donation for as little as $1. Funds will help with event expenses and help us continue to bring great and impactful conversations.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

Today,  we're talking to Alana Cassanova-Burgess, co-creator, host, and producer of La Brega, the critically acclaimed and pioneering dual-language podcast about Puerto Rico. She'll tell us all about Season 2 of the podcast La Brega: The Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs. From the lyrical boleristas of the 1930s, to the electric salseros of the ’70s, to the reggaetoneros of today who have taken music from the margins and made it a global sensation, this season takes listeners on an exciting, richly-reported, cross-genre adventure that captures the ceaseless creativity, emotional resonance, and yes, la brega that are hallmarks of Puerto Rican music across eras and formats. Listen to La Brega right now wherever you get your podcasts.   Join us in person for “Self-love con Corazón” an evening of conversation, workshop, and connecting! This event is on February 23 at 6:30pm in Highland Park and details can be found here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-love-con-corazon-tickets-515232162267?aff=DescriptionLink This event is by donation for as little as $1. Funds will help with event expenses and help us continue to bring great and impactful conversations.  Tamarindo is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode, we first talk about Tricia Hersey’s “Rest Is Resistance”, which explores what it would be like to live in a well-rested world. Find the book here: thenapministry.com. Next, we share our immigrant stories and how the immigrant experience shapes who we are and what we do.  We then speak to two leaders that are advocating for the economic inclusion of immigrants through innovative and culturally responsive services and policies. We speak to José Quiñonez, founding CEO of Mission Asset Fund based in San Francisco, an award-winning nonprofit with innovative nationwide models for integrating financially excluded, low-income communities into the financial mainstream; and we speak with Nicole Anand, Deputy Director at Inclusive Action where she designs and implements civic processes to change the status quo. Both Nicole and José are part of the first-ever U.S. Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity and we talk about why it's important to center people with lived experience when designing economic policy and beyond. Join us in person for “Self-love con Corazón” an evening of conversation, workshop, and connecting! This event is on February 23 at 6:30pm in Highland Park and details can be found here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-love-con-corazon-tickets-515232162267?aff=DescriptionLink This event is by donation for as little as $1. Funds will help with event expenses and help us continue to bring great and impactful conversations.  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode of Tamarindo, we speak to Chicana actress, singer, dancer and East Los Angeles native Annie Gonzalez. She starred as Lydia in the much loved Netflix show Gentefied that we believe deserved way more seasons. With exciting projects in the works, she is set to appear in Eva Longoria directed film, Flamin Hot. She shares her path to Gentefied, and how her approach to life grounded in trust, discipline, and joy has allowed her to experience growing success. You can follow her on instagram here. Is starting a podcast one of your goals for 2023? We can help! Sign up for our pay-what-you-can virtual workshop on Jan 26 at 5:30pm! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/intro-to-podcasting-tickets-496311740777 January can be a stressful period for folks as they feel pressure to catch up on a million things, meet unrealistic expectations for themselves as part of toxic energies behind phrases like “New Yeat, New me”. We share how we’re countering  those energies through intentional actions and practices. We are also hosting an event dedicated to disconnecting from all those pressures and connecting with your true voice, power, and intentions for 2023. Join us in person in Highland Park on February 23 for "Self-Love con Corazón," a night of conversation, workshop, and connecting! Registration is pay-what-you-can and you can reserve your spot here!  Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this first episode of 2023, we chat about what we’re carrying over into the new year from 2022, what we’re doing away with, and giving you some instant calma practices to get your new year started! Next, we chat with our friends filmmaker Armando Ibañez and media critic Cristina Escobar about their favorite movies and shows of 2022. Cristina Escobar is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of LatinaMedia.Co, a digital publication uplifting Latina and gender non-conforming Latinx perspectives in media. A member of the Critics Choice Association and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, she's a Rotten-Tomatoes-approved critic who writes at the intersection of race, gender, and pop culture. Armando Ibañez is a queer filmmaker from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico committed to portray authentic Latinx characters and address real issues impacting immigrants and LGBTQ communities in the US. He is the writer and director of the award-winning YouTube series Undocumented Tales, a story that follows the journey of a Mexican undocumented and queer server living in Los Angeles.    Is starting a podcast one of your goals for 2023? We can help! Sign up for our pay-what-you-can virtual workshop on Jan 26 at 5:30pm! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/intro-to-podcasting-tickets-496311740777   Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

Hola amiguis! Tamarindo is officially on winter break, we will be back in January but we love hearing from you, so be sure to leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcast and take our listener survey: https://contact675925.typeform.com/to/reCekfav?typeform-source=linktr.ee Happy Holidays everyone! About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on culture, politics, identity, representation, and life!  Producer Jeff provides original music and Sonoro Podcasts edits the show. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. Contribute to Tamarindo: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Follow Tamarindo on twitter @tamarindocast or on Instagram @Tamarindopodcast Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards Follow AnaSheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter@Shelli1228

On this episode we talk to Marcella Arguello, a stand up comedian, writer and actor whose comedy knows no bounds; she eagerly discusses any and every topic that tickles her. From her Latinx identity, her take on race and gender, and wild stories and situations she’s gotten herself in and out of, Marcella’s comedic voice is unmatched. This winter, Marcella has her debut half hour special dropping on HBO/Max.  Learn more about Marcella here: https://www.marcellacomedy.com/ Support The Humans Who Feed Us and learn about Blanca:https://justice4women.org/blanca Follow Christina Catherine Martinez:http://christinacatherine.info/ About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode we talk to Delsy Sandoval, a Guatemalan-American licensed therapist, counselor, visual artist, community-leader, and breakthrough podcast host of the Ocu-Pasión Podcast. We talk about why accessing the arts is beneficial to us all including for healing and building community.   About Delsy Sandoval Originally from the 818, also known as the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles - Delsy Sandoval has dedicated her career to Latin American people across the country through professional counseling and mental health programming all while simultaneously immersing herself into the art scene as a visual artist.    About Ocu-Pasiòn The Spanish language title "Ocu-Pasión" is a play on the blending of occupation and passion as a descriptor for creative practice. Through thoughtful dialogue, guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are. The podcast serves as a platform to create community among Latin American people who currently cannot engage in creative expression due to circumstance, lack of access, or fear.   About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life!  Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Take Brenda’s workout class at the Heartbeat House, offered both in-person and via live-stream or on-demand. Sign up here: www.heartbeathouse.net and check the schedule for Brenda. Use the offer code BRENDA50 to save 50% off.  Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode of Tamarindo, we talk to Christopher Rivas, an actor, author, podcaster,  who recently released his book first book Brown Enough, part memoir and part social commentary, which explores what it means to be Brown in America.  We talk about storytelling, feeling enough in light of our intersectional identities, and antiblackness and anti-indigenous sentiments in our communities. If you want to hear more from Chris, check out his new podcast also called “Brown Enough”.  Links referenced: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/a-better-way-to-worry/ About TamarindoTamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast we are also on TikTok @tamarindopodcast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode of Tamarindo, we speak to Carmen Rita Wong, the author of the recent memoir, “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?”. She is a former CNBC television host and the founder and CEO of Malecon Productions, LLC, where she develops female-focused media and entertainment.  Through our conversation that centers around her memoir, we talk about themes present in many of our family stories, from racism to cultural erasure and the role of family secrets. Carmen talks about how often our adult lives are spent healing, breaking cycles, and reconnecting with ourselves as a result of toxic family upbringings.   We also take a moment to acknowledge and denounce the vile anti-black and anti-indigenous audio leak from L.A city council members and speak to what we hope this moment can bring in the form of activism and healing.  Links Referenced on this Episode:  Brenda on Talk to Mami and Papi: ​​https://talktomamipapi.simplecast.com/episodes/should-she-confront-a-family-secret-q1WBcuH1 https://www.lataco.com/kevin-de-leon-not-resigning/ https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-12/read-nury-martinezs-full-statement-on-resigning-from-l-a-city-council   About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instragram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast we are also on TikTok @tamarindopodcast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode of Tamarindo we revisit our chat with comedian, writer, and actor Aida Rodriguez. We love Aida for many reasons, but her thoughts on colorism in the Latino community are particularly urgent to revisit given recent news in Los Angeles where Latino leaders were at the center of racist, backroom power brokering. This episode first aired in February. Stay tuned for new episodes coming your way soon! Aida talks about the power of comedy in overcoming adversity while sharing her experience as an outspoken Afro-indigenous woman in a field that continues to be dominated by men. We get into the importance of staying grounded in our purpose and in connection with community as well as the need for nuance, openness, and gce in many of the conversations that are happening in the broader Latinx community around identity and representation. The wisdom, gems, unapologetic realness, and inspiration is non stop on this episode. Check out the trailer for Aida’s standup special Fighting Words on HBO Max here and  follow her on instagram and Twitter!  About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instragram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience during “Tamarindo Live: A Celebration of Community” at The Pop-Hop in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, where a beautiful community of Tamarindo listeners joined us. A special thanks to Producer Jeff for recording us.  About Our Guests We start the night with an intimate and breathtaking performance by Irene Diaz, a singer-songwriter, who recently toured with Carla Morrison. She’s performed all over the U.S. captivating audiences with what NPR’s Felix Contreras calls “A sultry voice that's become more expressive with age and is seemingly without fault in any genre she sings.”  Irene Diaz and Carolyn Cardoza treated us to a very special performance. Don’t miss Irene’s new album, Lovers & Friends, out now: https://irenediaz.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-friends Next, we speak to City Councilmemberelect Elect, Eunisses Hernandez who will represent CD1 in the Los Angeles City Council starting in December. Eunisses has led campaigns, coalitions, and commissions that effectively put a check on politicians and transformed policies that were harming people in our community. She made history by beating the odds and winning against an incumbent earlier this year showing that Los Angeles is ready for a new type of leadership centered on inclusion, alternatives to incarceration, and more opportunities for families.  We also have our friend Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director of Inclusive Action, an organization with a mission is to bring people together to build strong, local economies that uplift low-income urban communities. He is an urban planner with a passion for neighborhoods, entrepreneurism, and financial empowerment.    About Tamarindo Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! Check out all of our upcoming events: https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instragram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards

On this episode we hope to energize our listeners ahead of the midterm elections with the help from our friends, Adri Perez, an organizer, educator and danzante based in Texas, and Jiyoung Park, one of the Defenders of Justice running for Superior Court Judge in LA county.   About Our Guests Adri Perez is a transgender, queer, first-generation immigrant whose intersectional experience fuels their passion for strategy building across multiple areas of advocacy. A life-long El Pasoan, Adri is an educator, organizer, danzante, and UTEP graduate, with over 8 years of civic engagement, reproductive justice, LGBTQIA+ community organizing, and policy justice experience in Texas. Adri led the LGBTQIA+ work at the ACLU of Texas where they advocated for the full dignity of all people to thrive, but specifically that of trans people, trans kids, and all those who love them.  Carolyn “Jiyoung” Park is a daughter of Korean immigrants and was born and raised in Los Angeles. Jiyoung currently has a private general practice which handles civil rights, labor, tenant and social impact business matters. Jiyoung worked for over six years at a public sector union as a staff attorney litigating cases on behalf of the union and union members before the State Personnel Board, Public Employee Relations Board, Office of Administrative Hearings, and in civil court. She represented union members in arbitrations and in collective bargaining. Learn more about her and The Defenders of Justice: https://thedefendersofjustice2022.com/ Tamarindo podcast is the Latinx show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, politics, representation, and life! EVENT: Check out all of our upcoming events:  https://www.tamarindopodcast.com/events Workout with Brenda October 7 at the Heartbeat House in LA: IN PERSON or Virtually, sign up here! Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Mitzi Hernández and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Save 10% on your order of books from Latina-owned Xolo Books with the code TAMARINDO at checkout: xolobooks.com Follow Tamarindo on instragram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228 Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards