Capítulo 74: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we speak with artist, performer, and influencer, Demetre Durham. Listen in as Demetre shares insights into his passion for drawing and how it shaped his creative path. We discuss the significant role dance played in his life and career, as well as the inspiration behind his cartoon project, Titan Up. Deme…

Capítulo 73: In this special episode of Ocu-Pasión podcast, we bring you an insightful interview with the incomparable Natalia Lafourcade, a luminary in the Latin music scene whose artistry has captivated hearts worldwide. Originally aired on Tamarindo podcast, alongside Brenda Gonzalez, this episode delves into Natalia's profound journey in crafti…

Capítulo 72: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we had the pleasure of hosting Jocelyn Ramirez, a true powerhouse in the world of plant-based cuisine and a fervent advocate for healthy food access. Jocelyn's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her roots and the fusion of cultural flavors with plant-based nutrition. As a plant-based c…

Capítulo 71: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, I had the pleasure of hosting Jackelin Treviño, whose life journey is a testament to the power of art and social justice. Raised in the vibrant U.S./Mexico borderlands, Jackelin's upbringing served as the catalyst for her unwavering commitment to both the arts and social impact. Jackelin's repertoire incl…

Capítulo 70: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, I had the pleasure of hosting Maria Paz and Gary Galapagos from Mariposas Galacticas, a band that defies musical boundaries with their unique blend of Cumbia-Klezmer & Punk. Formed in the spring of 2023 in West Philly, the band's fusion of Andean-American and Latinx Punk elements serves as the cornerstone…

In this deeply moving episode, we hear from Chris Siders, an LA-based poet, music producer, and activist. Chris shares his experience about dealing with loss, grief, struggles with his health, and how these experiences have been the fuel to produce multiple albums in such a short amount of time. From his near-death experience and battles with menta…

Capítulo 69: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we are thrilled to welcome the Founder & Executive Director of Pulso, Liz Rebecca Alarcón. Pulso is a groundbreaking non-profit media start-up dedicated to sharing news, history, and culture stories by Latinos, for Latinos, with a mission to keep the pulse on nuestra gente. Liz Alarcón is not just a visio…

Capítulo 68:In this episode of the Ocu-Pasión podcast, we welcome Editor-in-Chief at Cardenal Revista Literaria, David Espino Lozada. David Espino Lozada's literary journey is a testament to his deep passion for books and print media. Throughout the episode, he shares his mission of creating opportunities for emerging voices in the literary world, …

Capítulo 67:In this episode of the Ocu-Pasión podcast, we have the privilege of interviewing a truly enchanting guest, Natalie Garcia, known as La Brujita Del Jardin. She is a multi-talented Chicana Poet, Author, Songwriter, Spoken-Word Artist, and Actress, whose work revolves around the themes of healing, self-love, and spiritual manifestation. Na…

Capítulo 66: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Arthur Bryan Marroquin, the creative force behind ABM Photography. Arthur's journey into the world of photography is nothing short of fascinating, as it began with him in front of the camera as a model and actor at Missy's Modeling Studio in the picturesque Rio Gr…

Capítulo 65: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we have the privilege of connecting with Alejandra Estefanía, a prominent Visual Artist born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and currently based in Miami, FL. In this installment, Alejandra Estefanía introduces her thrilling new endeavor, "The American Passport," which aims to honor our familial roots, embrace our…

Capítulo 64: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we delve into the artistic journey of Sirak, a Mexican artist with a career spanning more than two decades. From the world of underground comics and fanzines to teaching art, Sirak's creative evolution is nothing short of inspiring. Originally a charismatic art teacher, they discovered their true calling …

Have you ever felt like you were an only in the room? Like no matter how many people you’re surrounded by, you feel like you can’t quite relate to anyone? It’s hard to put a specific word to what this feels like. Our guest today, Anika Aftab, has searched far and wide in many languages and cultures for the perfect word. She ultimately describes it …

Capítulo 63: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we are delighted to welcome our exceptional guest, Brenda Gonzalez, the Co-CEO of Tamarindo podcast. Tamarindo is a lighthearted yet profoundly impactful show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino. Together, they navigate the intricate landscapes of politics, culture, and self-development, am…

Captítulo 062: In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we delve into the world of art, culture, and creative critique with the renowned artist, curator, and educator, Ed Gómez Hailing from a background rich in artistic exploration and academic achievement, Ed Gómez takes us on a journey through his interdisciplinary art practice that challenges conventional…

Rachel Livinal is a recent graduate at Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Journalism. She just started her position as a higher education radio reporter for KVPR (Valley Public Radio) at the end of this month. Rachel has also been a poet since she was 16, and she is 21 now. It started with sonnets, but quickly developed into this odd freeverse that …

Capítulo 061: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we welcome Chicago based Photographer, podcaster and speaker, Karina Mora. Join us as we discuss Karina's personal journey of reconnecting with her culture through travel photography and how she embarked on a transformative quest to reeducate herself about the history of Mexico, meticulously documenting …

Capítulo 060: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we have the pleasure of diving into the extraordinary artistic journey of Wenceslao Quiroz, a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist and educator. Join us as we unravel the captivating story behind Wenceslao Quiroz's artistic journey. Gain insight into his creative process, the profound impact of his…

Welcome to the Art 2 Heart podcast. My name is David Morin. I'm a former corporate sales guy turned poet. And this is where we explore how finding your voice can help your path and your purpose find you. Whether you're currently in a career transition or can't wait to be in one, we learn how leaning into creative expression can be the missing key t…

Capítulo 059: In this episode, we have the honor of hosting the incredibly talented poet, Marisa Tirado. With roots spanning Puerto Rico, Mexico, and New Mexico, Marisa's work explores the complex intersection of America's growing fascination with Latinx culture and her personal assimilation experience. Marisa's remarkable poetry collection, "Selen…

Capítulo 058: In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Melissa Gallardo, the inspiring founder of Bonita Fierce Candles. Bonita Fierce Candles is a brand dedicated to crafting premium home fragrance inspired by Latin heritage, providing a sense of familiarity, home, and belonging. Latin culture has long been underrepresented in the ho…

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? A book that ties together all of the threads that you’ve been chasing, and suddenly your life feels like there’s some hope? What if you had a chance to meet the author of that book? And what if that author hosted a meeting so that like minded people can get together and begin to create community? An…

Capítulo 057: Join us for an inspiring episode of "Ocu-Pasión" as we interview actor, director, and writer Demetri Tostado. Demetri shares his incredible journey in the world of theater, including his experience of feeling safe on stage for the first time and the transformative power of art that impacts the world. Hailing from southern California, …

Has there ever been a time in your life where you got so tired of ruminating on the same thing? Maybe there was a nagging idea or thought in the back of your mind that just never quite allowed you to experience more gratidude instead of criticism. To feel more acknowledgement towards yourself instead of blame, or more love instead of distrust. Have…

Capítulo 056:In this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we are honored to host Denise Soler Cox, award-winning filmmaker, international speaker, podcaster and author. Denise shares her personal journey of self-discovery and how she became passionate about sharing Enye (ñ) stories. Growing up in Westchester County, NY in the 80s as one of the few Latinas in her…

Capítulo 055: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión, we sit down with Rafael Fernandez Jr., a Puerto Rican/Dominican Digital Creator, Host of the Latin Babbler Show, and the Founder of Wafi Media. Rafael shares his journey as a digital creator and how he founded Wafi Media, a full-service digital media company that showcases the Latino community through en…

Capítulo 054: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by visual artist and aztec dancer, Heriberto Luna. Listen in as we discuss how he developed his skills as an earth sculptor and painter and drawing inspiration from the universality of ancient knowledge & the mysteries of the universe. Born in Mexico City in 1976, he immigrated to the United…

Accomplishment and emptiness. Gratitude and sadness. Love and grief. Filipino and White. Two things can be true at the same time. Today’s guest is an insanely talented poet and educator who is an expert at holding two things in tension together. Christian Hanz Lozada (he/him/they) is the son of an immigrant Filipino and a descendant of the Confeder…

Have you ever been afraid of going out and traveling around the world? Does leaving the comfort, safety, and the familiarity of home cause you anxiety to travel? Do you believe widespread media when it tells you that traveling anywhere outside of North America is automatically dangerous? Tanin Kayvan is someone who used to have major anxiety about …

Capítulo 053: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Model, Stylist, and founder of "Mujeres of all Shades" , Franchela Ulises. Listen in as we discuss expressing her identity, challenging notions of what it means to be Latina, and creating a place where women of all shades can champion their own style. Franchela Ulises is a model, fashion …

Imagine you’re a 12 year old living your best life. You’re in cheerleading, you’re super social and you love making friends, but suddenly something feels off. You begin feeling weaker and you literally lose the ability to smile. You can’t open your eyes. You have trouble chewing, swallowing, and out of nowhere, you helplessly fall to the floor when…

Today’s guest is a freaking rockstar. Eliszabeth Van was born in Vietnam and moved to America at the age of 3, where she would grow up to survive an abusive childhood, be unhoused twice, and witness her father be incarcerated. During middle school, she walked in the Texas summer heat going door-to-door with her mom, filling out job applications bec…

Peace Corps. SCUBA Diving. Long distance relationship during COVID. What do these three things have in common? They’re all really damn hard. But doing hard things is nothing new to today’s guest, Kayla Noble, who has always had a natural inclination go outside of her comfort zone. It hasn’t always been easy, but damn it if it hasn’t been rewarding …

Capítulo 052: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multi talented award-winning multilingual American actress, Cosima Cabrera. Listen in as we discuss drawing the actors' own experiences of life, connecting with characters authentically, and staying motivated through uncertainty. An award-winning multilingual American actress, Cosima is k…

You know that feeling when you have a job that you’re great at? One where you’ve been training and failing and investing years of time and energy and lessons into building a career for the rest of your life? But then one day you realize that this job and life you’ve earned doesn’t actually fulfill you like you thought it would. But you’ve worked so…

Have you ever heard of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? There are many of us out there, but often we don’t know the term exists, or how to conceptualize our day-to-day experiences. HSP’s are often deemed as “too sensitive.” While it is true that we are more sensitive than most, that is because our brains process life differently. We notice more tha…

Imagine you find the perfect partner. You fall in love, build a life together, get married and then make plans to start a family. Sounds pretty ideal, right? Except for the part where covid shuts down the world 48 hours after your wedding. Oh and the part where life decides to wreck havoc on your hormones, causing you to have 2 miscarriages in the …

Capítulo 051: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multi talented graphic designer and visual artist, Chris Tobar Rodriguez . Listen in as we discuss designing with color in mind, working on vast design projects, and the journey that led him to the art world. Chris ‘Tobar’ Rodriguez is a multi-talented multimedia artist and designer based…

Capítulo 050: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Writer/Director/ Producer and Performer, Josefina Lopez. Listen in as we discuss the journey of co-authoring the award winning film Real Women Have Curves, her experience as the founding Artistic Director of CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights, and the world premier of "Remembering Boyle H…

Have you ever had a relationship where part of the time, everything was perfect and it was everything you ever wanted? But then there are other times when that same person completely disregards you, pretends you don’t have a connection, speaks as if you’re not in the room, and actively tries to remove any trace of you from their life? This wouldn’t…

Have you ever had too many expectations for a trip or an event? Were those expectations realistic? Did you realize it in the moment that you set yourself up for failure? In today's episode, I talk about a recent traveling experience that I expected to give me all of the clarity I'd ever need, only to fall flat and have a breakdown instead. Enjoy th…

Capítulo 049: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Los Angeles-based Actor, Yumarie Morales. Listen in as we discuss representation in the industry, the process of learning from rejection, and the importance of having a strong willingness to persevere. Yumarie Morales, of Panamanian and Puerto Rican parentage, has always found herself at …

Grieving is something we’re all familiar with, whether it’s a premature death or losing someone we love from natural causes. But how does the grieving process change when the death could have been avoidable, or comes at the hands of those who have sworn to protect? In this episode of Art 2 Heart, Ghada Morad shares her story of how life and grief w…

Capítulo 048: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Founder of Softwax Record Pressing, Federico R. Casanova. Listen in as we discuss the process of building a record pressing plant, meeting the needs of independent record labels, and how music fits into the landscape of the first-generation experience. Ever since his mo…

Are there parts of yourself that you dislike so much that it prevents you from having a positive relationship with yourself? Is self-care something that you have distanced yourself from because you thought it wasn’t for you? In this episode of Art 2 Heart, Nobody Flowers shares a poem called Nappy, which highlights his animosity towards his hair, a…

When most people think about the word trauma, it is usually heavy. Trauma is often viewed as the clouds that follow us and the storms that we assume must become a part of our life forever. In this debut episode of Art 2 Heart, Soul on Fire shares a powerful poem, Something Borrowed, that fundamentally changed the way I view trauma and the relations…

Capítulo 047: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Chef and owner of Juana Tamale, Jennifer Zavala . Listen in as we discuss connecting to identity through cooking, her experience as a contestant on Top Chef, and the journey to opening Juana Tamale. Jennifer Zavala is a Chef and the owner of Juana Tamale restaurant in S…

Teaser episode for the Art 2 Heart Podcast. Questions or comments? -> art2heart.lifeBy David Morin

Capítulo 046: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer of Ballet Hispánico, Tamia B. Santana . Listen in as we discuss creating new avenues of engagement with dance, promoting collaboration and engagement within diverse communities, and fostering a love of the arts for all. Tamia B. Santana is an advocat…

Capítulo 045: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​Chris Urquiaga​, known as JChris. Listen in as we discuss his performance experiences, different art styles to his music, and his support for the LGBTQ+ community along with his own drag persona, Cara Linda. Singer-songwriter, pianist, and produce…