Best Hola Cultura Podcasts (2024)

1
The State of the District’s Parks 17:24

2h ago17:24

17:24

The National Park Service owns most of the District’s parkland. How does this unique predicament affect our parks and green spaces? In this episode, host Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe speaks with Rachel Clark, the lead author of a report that explored the challenges and inequities that arise due to the Park Service’s management of D.C.’s parks and its D.C…

1
How Environmental Justice Advocate Brenda Richardson Prioritizes Access and Equity 16:52

16h ago16:52

16:52

This week, we’re featuring an interview with Brenda Richardson, the coordinator for the Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative, which focuses on making the Anacostia River and surrounding natural areas more accessible for residents in Wards 7 and 8. In this conversation, Richardson discusses her concerns about flooding and extreme heat, the impa…

1
How the District is Doing at Creating Healthy Homes 16:11

4d ago16:11

16:11

Earlier this week, residents, advocates and officials testified at a D.C. Council hearing about the impact Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recently proposed budget will have on local climate programs. This week’s episode covers concerns that the budget will defund climate equity programs that aim to make home energy upgrades more affordable for low and moder…

1
Metal to Melody: Stephanie Mercedes' Artistic Response to Gun Violence 13:19

5d ago13:19

13:19

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Mercedes, a talented queer Latinx artist based in Washington D.C. Mercedes is an interdisciplinary artist who explores various mediums such as sound, performance, metal casting, welding, and musical composition. With a deep connection to her family history and Argentine ancestry, her performances and inst…

1
How To Protect Trees in a Time of Rapid Development 14:26

11d ago14:26

14:26

D.C. has been in the midst of a development boom fueled by rising demand for market rate housing and a need for more affordable housing. This has come at a cost for the District’s trees. In the first episode of season 3, we see how the tree protection nonprofit Casey Trees qualifies the state of the city’s trees in their annual Report Card and take…

1
"The Climate Divide" Season 3: How to Get a Just Transition Trailer 1:26

18d ago1:26

1:26

In this third season of “The Climate Divide,” we’ll focus on the solutions various people and groups are coming up with to ensure that D.C. and its residents are more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change. The interviews and stories covered will discuss how tree cover, park access, and electrifying our homes and transportation wil…

1
“Protection from Erasure”: A Conversation with Samuel Miranda 25:26

1M ago25:26

25:26

In this episode, we talk with D.C.-based artist, writer, and educator Samuel “Sami” Miranda. Through his visual art and poetry, Miranda showcases his Puerto Rican roots and South Bronx upbringing. We also discuss his latest book, "Protection from Erasure," a collection of poems that immortalizes the significance of everyday moments. Miranda passion…

1
Art That Speaks: Marta Pérez-García's Fight Against Women’s Violence 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

In this episode, we sit down with Marta Pérez-García, a passionate Puerto Rican artist and art teacher based in Washington, D.C. Marta takes immense pride in her Puerto Rican identity and channels her creativity through various artistic mediums. However, her artistic journey goes beyond mere self-expression. Marta's resolve was ignited at a young a…

1
Unmasking Latino Anti-Black Bias: A Conversation with Tanya Katerí Hernández 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

Studies reveal that darker-skinned Latinos, including Afro-Latinos, encounter discrimination from both within and outside the Latino community. This discrimination takes various forms, from unequal treatment to racial profiling. Our guest, Tanya Katerí Hernández, a professor at Fordham University School of Law, delves into the topic of Latino anti-…

1
Art as Activism: César Maxit's Journey in Street Art and Social Justice 20:10

4M ago20:10

20:10

Originally from Argentina and now living in Washington, D.C., César Maxit shares his journey from studying architecture to devoting himself full-time to helping organizations express their demands for environmental and climate justice, human rights, and immigrant rights. As an artist and communication specialist, he uses visuals, sculptures, and pa…

1
How One D.C. Neighborhood Is Striving Towards Environmental Justice 16:46

5M ago16:46

16:46

Ward 5 is home to roughly half of the industrially zoned land in D.C. Residents of Ivy City, a tiny neighborhood with big pollution problems, have protested for decades about the noise and pollution stemming from this industrial activity. This season finale will report on a chemical plant in Ivy City that’s been operating without an air permit sinc…

1
The State of Climate Action in D.C. 15:29

5M ago15:29

15:29

While Mayor Muriel Bowser attended the COP climate summit in Dubai, she released a report that laid out D.C.’s path to achieving carbon neutrality. This week’s episode explains what carbon neutrality means for the District, explores one bill that addresses indoor air pollution from gas stoves, and examines the impact the city’s tight budget has had…

1
Turning Vision into Reality: The Latina Entrepreneurs Behind Dutidú 22:10

5M ago22:10

22:10

In this episode, we join Marie Claire Vasquez Durán and Maria Victoria Abreu Lugar, two Dominican entrepreneurs, as they share their inspiring journey of creating Dutidú. Born out of their shared cultural heritage and passion for the arts, Dutidú is a unique venture that celebrates Latin culture and hopes to fill a gap in the children’s toy market.…

1
How D.C. Got a Clean Rivers Project 16:00

6M ago16:00

16:00

D.C. has made a massive investment in improving the health of our rivers and reducing chronic flooding in historically flood-prone areas. Civic action and collaboration with environmental groups played a huge role in shedding light on the contaminated state of the Anacostia River and neighboring communities. This week, Frazer Walton Jr. lays out th…

1
Breaking Down Barriers for Latinos in the Climate Space 23:58

6M ago23:58

23:58

There’s recently been a large federal investment in environmental justice. But how does that investment play out? And what does this funding mean for climate organizations in the D.C. area? This week, we’re featuring an interview with Abel Olivo, the co-founder and executive director of Defensores de la Cuenca, a local organization that received $2…

1
Why a Golf Course Renovation Plan Led to an Outpouring of Support for Trees 13:04

6M ago13:04

13:04

This week, we’re going to look into a controversial tree removal proposal for the Rock Creek Park Golf Course. More than 1,200 trees are slated to be removed, and numerous environmental groups have spoken up about finding alternatives to cutting all the trees. Music (all tracks provided by Blue Dot Sessions) In Passage Heather Thread of Clouds Gale…

1
Heat, Storms and Smoke: Climate Change’s Impact on Washington D.C. 20:22

6M ago20:22

20:22

This first episode of season 2 of “The Climate Divide” will see how climate change may already be affecting D.C. and cover a recently completed tunnel project that is expected to address more intense rain storms. We’ll also set out to explain a climate anomaly that occurred over the summer: smoke from Canadian wildfires that came all the way to the…

1
"The Climate Divide" Season 2: Striving Towards Environmental Justice Trailer 2:18

7M ago2:18

2:18

This new season of “The Climate Divide” will focus on how D.C. is faring in the face of climate change. We’ll highlight stories of residents coping with various environmental hazards that are disproportionately located in low income neighborhoods and decipher the real-world impact of big construction projects and government funding. New episodes co…

1
From Dance to Community: Alejandro Góngora's Journey with Corazón Folklórico DC 24:03

6M ago24:03

24:03

In this episode, we talk with Alejandro Góngora, the founder and artistic director of Corazón Folklórico DC, a non-profit dance company that showcases the vibrant artistry of Mexican Ballet Folkórico. For Alejandro, researching and choreographing folkórico is an integral part of his career. Through his unwavering passion for dance and community, Al…

1
Canvas of Change: Julio Valdez's Artistic Evolution and Impact 30:03

7M ago30:03

30:03

In this episode, Julio Valdez, an artist from the Dominican Republic, shares his experience as an artist and how his creations have evolved over time. From serene water prints capturing the beauty of his Caribbean homeland to thought-provoking artwork reflecting the politically charged atmosphere during the pandemic, Julio strives to inspire hope i…

1
Dancing Beyond Borders: Art, Advocacy and Identity with Gabriel Mata 24:21

8M ago24:21

24:21

In this episode, Gabriel Mata's journey as an undocumented immigrant and artist advocate leads us from Mexico to Southern California, to his current role in Washington D.C. Dance became his voice as he navigated his undocumented status and queer identity. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of dance, the challenges …

1
From Words to Legacy: Empowering Latino Voices with Nicolás Kanellos 25:58

9M ago25:58

25:58

In this episode, we sit down with Nicolás Kanellos, the founder of Arte Público Press, to discuss his longstanding commitment to uplifting Latino voices in the literary world. We'll explore his journey from founding a Latino literary magazine during the Civil Rights movement to launching bestselling authors like Sandra Cisneros. We'll also dive int…

1
From Factories to Screens: Exploring the Social Impact of Telenovelas with Hannah Müssemann 27:34

10M ago27:34

27:34

Join us for this episode as we sit down with Hannah Müssemann, a researcher from GUMELAB (History Transfer through Entertainment Media in Latin America. Laboratory for Memory and Digital Media Research) in Berlin. Hannah shares her insights on the social impact of telenovelas, a distinctly Latin-American phenomenon that originated in cigar and text…

1
Queer Latinx Artistry and Innovation with Armando Lopez-Bircann 25:28

11M ago25:28

25:28

Our first episode features D.C.-based XR (extended reality) artist Armando Lopez-Bircann (they/them), who grew up in the Dominican Republic with limited access to the world of high art. Despite this, Armando's innovative, technologically driven approach to artistic creation challenges the limits of queer Latinx expression. Join us as we explore the…

1
Introducing Artistas in the Capital! 3:54

12M ago3:54

3:54

Hello and welcome to “Artistas in the Capital.” Hola Cultura’s brand new monthly podcast featuring interviews with Latinx artists in the Washington D.C. area. Hosted by Norma Sorto and based on interviews from Hola Cultura’s SPEL program, this podcast will introduce you to a variety of local Latinx artists, from dancers to printmakers, authors, poe…

1
Los inmigrantes son humanos 31:03

1+ y ago31:03

31:03

¿Cómo difieren las experiencias migratorias? ¿Qué tienen en común? Desde que se lanzó Undocu-Life, hemos hablado con cinco narradores sobre sus experiencias migrando a los EE.UU. En nuestro último episodio en inglés, tres de nuestros narradores, Brenda Pérez Amador, Gerson Quinteros y María Núñez Pereira, se reúnen en un panel en el que nos cuentan…

1
Immigrants are human 32:12

1+ y ago32:12

32:12

How do immigration experiences differ? How are they similar? Since Undocu-Life launched, we’ve spoken with five narrators about their own experiences with immigration. In our English-language conclusion episode, three of our narrators—Brenda Perez Amador, Gerson Quinteros, and Maria Nunez Pereira—come together for a roundtable discussion where they…

1
Jacinto: Rejecting the “DREAMer” narrative 1:20:45

1+ y ago1:20:45

1:20:45

How do undocumented immigrants facing social and economic injustices in the workplace and their own communities find the resources to thrive in the United States? D.C. organizer, using the pseudonym, Jacinto Maldonado Torres, came to Washington, D.C. in 2010 when he was 15 years old. Originally from Mexico City, he attended D.C. public schools and …

1
Maria: The mental pressure of the “model immigrant” 1:11:41

1+ y ago1:11:41

1:11:41

How does the Spanish-to-English language barrier affect young immigrants in a public school system? University of the District of Columbia (UDC) undergraduate, Maria Nunez Pereira, was born in El Salvador, and immigrated to D.C. when she was five years old. Upon arriving in the United States and enrolling into public school, Maria recalls being den…

1
Brenda: Taking up space in social change 1:17:47

1+ y ago1:17:47

1:17:47

How does language access affect how young immigrants navigate the public education system in America? Born in the city of Nezahualcóyotl in Mexico, Brenda Valeria Perez Amador is a passionate advocate for helping other young immigrants including those with the protection of DACA. Brenda, a DACA recipient herself, reflects on her love of learning, b…

1
Gerson: Fostering education & inspiring community 1:04:01

1+ y ago1:04:01

1:04:01

How does being undocumented interfere with the aspiration to pursue higher education in the US? Gerson Quinteros, born in El Salvador, explores how he navigated his legal status while achieving his goal of attaining a bachelor’s degree from a D.C. university. In this episode, Gerson reveals how he immigrated to D.C. in 2005 and became an influentia…

1
Carla: Escaping the identity box 1:06:12

1+ y ago1:06:12

1:06:12

What does it mean to call three different places home? Carla Nicole Gott Ramirez — born in Venezuela and raised in Bolivia and the Washington, D.C. area, explores how she was able to embrace these multiple identities within her after migrating to the United States from Bolivia in 2001. In this episode, Carla runs us through how her citizenship and …

1
Immigrants are more than just a label 31:23

1+ y ago31:23

31:23

How does growing up an immigrant — born in one place, coming of age in another — affect who you become? Why are immigrants viewed as statistics rather than human beings with real thoughts, emotions, and aspirations? How does the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the term "DREAMers" enforce the perception of what a "good immigrant" l…

1
Introducing Undocu-Life: No Longer Dreaming [English Trailer] 2:05

1+ y ago2:05

2:05

Welcome to “Undocu-Life” from Hola Cultura, with support from the D.C. Oral History Collaborative. In “Undocu-Life,” we’ll explore the unique stories of five young Latino immigrants living in the D.C. area. We interviewed these five people, also known as our narrators, last year as a part of an oral history project called “Every Voice A Life.” Take…

1
Introducing Undocu-Life: No Longer Dreaming 4:11

1+ y ago4:11

4:11

Welcome to “Undocu-Life” from Hola Cultura, with support from the D.C. Oral History Collaborative. In “Undocu-Life,” we’ll explore the unique stories of five young Latino immigrants living in the D.C. area. We interviewed these five people, also known as our narrators, last year as a part of an oral history project called “Every Voice A Life.” Take…

1
Heat Islands Next Door 53:55

1+ y ago53:55

53:55

The Climate Divide host Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe and Hola Cultura Executive Director Christine MacDonald have a discussion with Melissa Guevara from Groundwork RVA, Laura Sivels from Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection, and Sandra Banisky from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland at Colle…

1
"Hope is the Consequence of Action": How D.C. and Other U.S. Cities Are Tackling Extreme Heat 38:13

1+ y ago38:13

38:13

Heat islands are a complex problem in need of multifaceted solutions. In this episode, we examine the different heat-adaptation plans being implemented in the nation's capital and in cities across the United States. These solutions provide suggestions on how to keep residents safe and re-imagine development and infrastructure. For the latest update…

1
How Does Heat Affect Our Brains? Part 2 26:58

1+ y ago26:58

26:58

In this follow-up to last week’s episode, we look into how the DC government is responding to broken air conditioning systems. For the latest updates on episodes, follow us on all major social media platforms @holaculturadc. Additionally, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast, "The Climate Divide." For more, visit holacultura.c…

1
How Does Heat Affect Our Brains? 21:26

2y ago21:26

21:26

Being in the midst of a heat wave can make it hard to learn. Especially if you are in a classroom without working AC. We spoke with a researcher who studied the impact heat can have on our cognitive function, and investigated the frequent occurrence of malfunctioning AC units in DC schools. For the latest updates on episodes, follow us on all major…

1
How Does the Department of Energy and Environment Tackle the Heat Island Effect? 25:15

2y ago25:15

25:15

In this episode, The Climate Divide host Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe and Hola Cultura’s Executive Director Christine MacDonald interview Tommy Wells, the Director of the DC Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE). The conversation centered on the DOEE’s efforts to combat extreme heat. For the latest updates on episodes, follow us on all major so…

1
Redlining and Heat Islands 29:15

2y ago29:15

29:15

D.C. is one of many cities that was shaped by discriminatory housing policies. Have those policies had any influence on the heat disparity we see today? For the latest updates on episodes, follow us on all major social media platforms @holaculturadc. Additionally, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast, "The Climate Divide." For…

1
Can Trees Combat the Heat Island Effect? 14:25

2y ago14:25

14:25

There is no doubt that trees are pivotal as a means of mitigating extreme heat. But there are many obstacles that stand in the way of providing more vegetation in cities. Music (all tracks provided by Blue Dot Sessions) Thread of Clouds Levander Crest Heather The Onyx Gale For the latest updates on episodes, follow us on all major social media plat…

1
Staying Cool in the Summer Months: An Interview with Dr. Matthew Levy 10:16

2y ago10:16

10:16

This episode takes a look back at an interview Hola Cultura did with Dr. Matt Levy, an expert in emergency medicine. Dr. Levy explains the various health complications caused by extreme heat and provides some everyday solutions. Music (all tracks provided by Blue Dot Sessions) Kresson Levander Crest Gale For the latest updates on episodes, follow u…

1
What is a Heat Island? 8:25

2y ago8:25

8:25

The sweltering summer months in Washington D.C. can be even more unbearable if you live in an overdeveloped area with little trees. In today’s episode, we introduce the causes of the heat island effect and break down how this heat disparity plays out in D.C. Music (all tracks provided by Blue Dot Sessions) Thread of Clouds In Passage Cases to Rest …

1
Introducing The Climate Divide: Weekly Climate Reporting From Hola Cultura 1:23

2y ago1:23

1:23

Through powerful local voices and expert interviews, this podcast explores how the legacy of redlining and other forms of housing discrimination have led to a lack of green spaces in some D.C. neighborhoods, and how these densely populated urban blocks can be as much as 20 degrees warmer than historically wealthier and more bucolic wards in the Dis…

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