Cornelius Rhoads was an esteemed cancer researcher, known as the father of chemotherapy. He was on the cover of Time in 1949 and The American Association for Cancer Research used to give out an award in his honor. But before all that, he was the subject of a racist scandal that left a stain in Puerto Rico. Where he is still remembered as a monster.…

On November 17, 1901 a societal scandal changed LGBTQ history in Mexico forever. Police raided a secret dance in Mexico City, where 42 of Mexican's elite men were caught in an all man party. Half the men were dressed as women. The official number put out by the government was 41, because the 42nd attendee and organizer was said to be President Porf…

Lorena Borjas was known as the mother of the trans Latinx community in Queens, New York. After a life of activism, she passed in 2020 from COVID, but her legacy lives on. In this episode, Carmen tells Cristina about Lorena's life, activism and legacy. If you have topic suggestions, feel free to email Historiasunknownpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: htt…

The School of the Americas (SOA) was founded in 1946 in the Panama Canal Zone, and it's purpose was to be a training ground for Latin American military and police in U.S. service schools. By 1949, SOA produced 749 U.S. military personnel and 251 Latin American graduates, representing 10 different countries. Spanish became the official language of t…

Latin America is one of the deadliest places to be a defender of rights; despite the high rates of activist killings and high rates of impunity, many risk their lives to fight for their rights. In this episode, Carmen tells Cristina about the state of environmental activism in Latin America, as well as a few cases of environmental activists whose l…

La Frente de Liberacion Homosexual, the Homosexual Liberation Front or FLH in Argentina was a gay rights organization that formed in August 1971 in Buenos Aires. They were a coalition of semi-autonomous groups, who were all far left, anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist, and stood for LGBT rights, women’s rights and labor rights. They were met with re…

When it comes to the Spanish Conquistadors, it’s not incorrect to say they were pretty terrible people. But out of all of them, one name stands out, he also happens to be the founder of Guadalajara, Jalisco, among other towns in the Northwest of Mexico. Nuño Beltran de Guzman was called "the most depraved man to set foot in New Spain". In this epis…

In light of the student protests calling for divestments from Israel and a ceasefire in US schools, Carmen tells Cristina about the student movements from the 1920s to the 1950s in Colombia and the student movement from 1918 in Argentina that led to university reform. If you have topic suggestions, feel free to email Historiasunknownpodcast@gmail.c…

Teresa Urrea was a curandera, folk saint, feminist and revolutionary. A woman ahead of her time. She came to be known as Santa Teresa or La Santa de Cabora. And in more recent times, the Joan of Arc of Mexico. In this episode, Cristina tells Carmen about the life of Teresa Urrea. If you have topic suggestions, feel free to email Historiasunknownpod…

Victor Jara was a popular singer in Chile, famous for his folk songs that focused on politics, human rights, and social justice. This, along with aligning himself with Allende, made him a target for the Chilean right-wing, and he was captured and killed by the Pinochet regime after the US backed coup against Allende. Following Victor Jara’s assassi…

In October 1998, General Augusto Pinochet was arrested for crimes of genocide and terrorism. He spent months in house arrest in England, but 15 months after his arrest, he was declared not fit to stand trial. Upon his return to Chile, he was charged for his role in the Caravan of Death. He faced more charges over the next 5 years, but died of a hea…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down the final episode of the telenovela, Teresa! They also briefly summarize what happens form episode 119 up to the finale. This is the last episode of Novelas con Cafeicto, but you can keep up with Carmen and Cristina on their other podcasts! Historias Unknown: https://www.historiasunknown.com/follo…

In the aftermath of the Pinochet coup, Chileans faced unimaginable horrors under the military dictatorship. The Caravan of Death: Initiated by Pinochet, this series of massacres between September 30th and October 22nd, 1973, led to the deaths of at least 97 people. Victims were tortured, stabbed, and shot, their bodies disposed of in unmarked grave…

After Salvador Allende's presidency in Chile and the coup that deposed him, one man rose to power: Augusto Pinochet. A figure shrouded in ambiguity until the devastating consequences of his rule unfolded. In this episode, Cristina tells Carmen about what who Augusto Pinochet was and the weeks that followed the coup of 1973. While many celebrated th…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 117-118 of the telenovela Teresa. In these episodes Aida meets her baby brother, Esperanza and Hernan take baby Rodrigo home, Oriana enacts her revenge plan against Teresa while Teresa continues to enact her plan to seduce Fernando, Teresa tells Mariano that she’ll never stop loving him, …

On 9/11/1973, Salvador Allende’s government was overthrown by the military. Among the conspirators was Chile’s future dictator, Augusto Pinochet. In this episode, Carmen tells Cristina about the day of the coup, and Allende’s final moments. This is part two of a series on Chile. In part one, Historias Unknown covered the life of Allende, leading up…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 115 and 116 of the telenovela Teresa. In these episodes Oriana overhears Teresa admitting to cheating on Arturo and plots to bring Teresa down, Teresa learned her and Arturo’s finances are worse than she thought and they’ll have to sell the business, Hernan proposes to Esperanza while the…

Salvador Allende died during the US backed coup of Chile, but other than that, not a lot of people are familiar with who he was. In this episode, Carmen goes over a brief history of Chile, focusing on Salvador Allende, leading up to his presidency and the events that unfolded during his time in office. Allende's upbringing within a politically acti…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 113 and 114 of the telenovela Teresa. In these episodes, Teresa’s surgery goes well, Mayra and Ruben’s divorce is finalized, Ruben is released from jail and the first thing he does is harass and attack Esperanza, leading her to go into labor early, Mayra leaves for a well-deserved vacatio…

On the 18th of April of 1996, 6-year-old Luis Corzo was abducted together with his father Juan Corzo, Jr. from their home by seven rifle-armed intruders. The kidnapping was organised by a group called "Los Pasaco", who were the most feared group of criminals in Guatemala in the early 90s. During the month-long captivity Juan Corzo, Jr. was physical…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 11-112 of the telenovela Teresa. In these episodes everyone is still reeling over Teresa’s hospitalization, Reina tells Fito Teresa was shot, Aida intends to murder Teresa but actually wakes her up, and is horrified to learn she has no feeling or movement. Teresa copes with learning she m…

La Cucaracha is a popular Mexican folk song, there's no doubt that almost everyone has heard a version of this song. But, where does it come from? On today's episode of Historias Unknown, Cristina tells Carmen about where the popular song came from. If you have topic suggestions, feel free email Historiasunknownpodcast@gmail.com or use this form In…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 108- 110 of the telenovela Teresa. In these episodes Johnny is immediately suspicious of Teresa, Dr. L comes to his senses and makes up with Esperanza, Arturo tells Luisa, Fernando and Oriana about losing all of his money, and decides to sell his house, Johnny gets jumped, Saenz dies by s…

On December 20, 1989 the United States launched Operation Just Cause, invading Panama, under the guise of capturing dictator Manuel Noriega. This invasion is often told from the US perspective, and the suffering of Panamians is overlooked and minimized. To this day, the number of Panamanians that lost their lives from this invasion is still unknown…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 106 and 107 of the telenovela Teresa. In episodes 106 and 107, Oriana picks another fight with Teresa, making Luisa choose sides, and causing Arturo to go no contact with Oriana; Arturo deals with the aftermath of Armando’s assault, Fito makes a deal with Teresa, Refugio is as annoying as …

On July 30, 1975 Salvadoran students were peacefully protesting in San Salvador when they were met by police and national guard, who opened fire on them. This massacre was a turning point in Salvadoran history and directly contributed to the buildup to El Salvador's civil war. In this episode, Cristina tells Carmen about the student massacre of 197…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 104 and 105 of the telenovela Teresa. Aurora finally learns the truth about her horrible mother, Teresa starts the media storm about Ruben being arrested, Cumberto comes back to town, Johnny reports Fito to law enforcement, Ruben is not having the best time in jail, Teresa helps Arturo wi…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episodes 102 and 103 of the telenovela Teresa. In these two episodes, Vanesa's secret is finally revealed, Johnny tries to chase Pati away, Teresa's plotting comes to fruition when Ruben is finally arrested for stealing millions from Mayra. This episode also included a new segment called Chronical…

Ruben Salazar was an activist, journalist and reporter. He highlighted Mexican American issues during a time when no one else was. He was killed during the Chicano Moratorium, which Carmen discussed in the last episode. In this episode, Cristina tells Carmen about Ruben Salazar. If you have topic suggestions, feel free email Historiasunknownpodcast…

On August 29, 1970, East LA became the scene for the largest antiwar protest organized by people of color in US history, in which 20,000 to 30,000 people participated in the National Chicano Moratorium to protest against the disproportionate loss of Mexican-American servicemen in the Vietnam War. In this episode, Carmen tells Cristina about the Chi…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 101 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 101, Luisa and Fernando get engaged for realsies, Teresa and Mariano have a heart-to-heart, Johnny finally learns he’s slanging drugs for Fito and Jema and tries to get out of it but fito threatens him, Vanessa is being hella suspish, hector goes of…

The origins of colonialism in Palestine can be traced back to 1799, during the French invasion of the middle east, when Napoleon issued a proclamation offering Palestine as a homeland to Jewish people, under France’s protection, as a way of establishing a French presence in the region. This planted the seed for a vision of a Jewish state in the Mid…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 100 of Teresa, In episode 100, Arturo worries about finances, Luisa tells Arturo she’s gonna keep living with Fernando, Juana gives Hector another chance, Patty and Johnny consummate their marriage, Teresa runs into Mariano and Aida and learns that they live in the same complex as Fernando…

Placita Olvera is a historic street in Los Angeles, vital to California history but with some dark moments in its past. In February 26, 1931, La Placita was full with almost 400 people when immigration agents sealed off exits, arrested and deported many, including Mexican-American citizens. On today's episode, Cristina tells Carmen about La Placita…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 99 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 99, Teresa and Arturo come back to Mexico, Mariano moves in with Aida, Esperanza learns she’s having a boy and finally gives Hernan a chance, and Mayra and Aida receive the results from the audit and find out how much Ruben stole from them. Tangents …

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 98 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 98, Juana breaks up with Hector and yes, it’s Vanessa’s fault, Luisa and Fernando celebrate a monthaversary, Aida asks Mariano to move in together, but he’s not ready, and Teresa and Arturo continue enjoying their time in Paris. Then Carmen and Crist…

Myrna Mack Chang was a Guatemalan anthropologist whose research brought to light the atrocities committed by the Guatemalan government against the Maya. She also fought for better treatment for the Maya; unfortunately, she was assassinated by the government for speaking out, and her family fought a decades long battle for justice. On today's episod…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 97 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 97, Amadeo betrays Ruben, Teresa gets a little revenge, Hector agrees to leave the past behind for Aurora’s sake, Aida deals with the aftermath of Ruben’s fraud, and Juana meets Vanessa. This episode also included a Cafecito con Chisme segment, where…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 96 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 96, Mayra proceeds with divorcing Ruben, Aurora gives her mother a chance and tells Hector about her return, Aida gets another chance with Mariano, Teresa and Arturo travel to Pari. Digressions include the show, Only Murders in the Building, our summ…

The roots of Guatemala’s civil war can be tied back to June 27, 1954, when the CIA orchestrated a coup against president Jacobo Arbenz Guzman to protect the profits of the infamous United Fruit Company. Over the next 40 years, a civil war ensued in which over 200,000 people lost their lives and atrocities were committed against the Maya. On today's…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 95 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 95, Teresa and Arturo are still honeymooning, Ruben’s life finally falls apart, Esperanza remains hospitalized, Juana deals with Cumberto’s absence, and an absentee mother makes an appearance. In our Chisme con Cafecito segment, we briefly discuss th…

On January 28, 1917, seventeen year old Carmelita Torres refused to exit the trolley on the Santa Fe Bridge and follow US health officials to a chemical bath. 30 women followed after her. Soon, that 30 became hundreds and then thousands. This would be called "the Bath Riots" and it lasted 2 days. Newspapers referred to the women as Amazons and call…

On July 24, 1973, twelve year old Santos Rodriguez was brutally murdered by Dallas Police Officer Darell Cain, but the murder pushed the Mexican American community of Dallas to demand justice. On today's episode, Carmen tells Cristina about the violent and tragic murder of Santos and how the Mexican American community came together in the aftermath…

During opening weekend, Oppenheimer, raked in$80.5 million, second to Barbie. While the film Oppenheimer is about physicist Robert Oppenheimer and his efforts to create the atomic bomb, what many movie goes do not know, is that this "near-desolate" land where all this was taking place, was actually not empty. It was home to indigenous people and to…

Luisa Moreno was Guatemalan labor movement activist, she unionized workers, led strikes, and brought together first national Latino civil rights assembly in 1939. She paved the road for future labor movements like the United Farm Workers, yet her name is not as well known. On today's episode, Cristina tells Carmen about Luisa Moreno If you have top…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 94 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 94, Teresa decides to give Arturo an actual chance at reconciliation, but only after he takes her on a shopping spree, Luisa moves in with Fernando but his mind is elsewhere, Aida is unhinged and attacks Esperanza, Cumberto leaves the city, hopefully…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 93 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 93, Teresa and Arturo and their marital problems are on vacation in Spain, Luisa and Fernando move in together, Esperanza is still in the hospital, Mariano and Aida break up and Mariano confronts Ruben. This episode also includes a Cafecito con Chism…

Pedro Zamora gained notoriety as a cast member in season four of the Real World. As a Real World cast member, Pedro touched many lives and humanized AIDS/HIV. Prior to the Real World, Pedro was an AIDS educator and he even testified before congress advocating for better HIV/AIDS educational programs. On today's episode, Carmen tells Cristina about …

Did you know, the first openly gay candidate to run for a public office in the United States was a Latino man and a drag queen? Jose Sarria was an instrumental activist to the LGBTQ+ community, he was a veteran, a drag queen and an empress. On today's episode, Cristina tells Carmen about the historic and iconic, Jose Sarria If you have topic sugges…

Join hosts, Carmen and Cristina, as they break down episode 92 of the telenovela Teresa. In episode 92, Fito almost ruins teresa’s life, Ruben assaults Esperanza, placing her pregnancy at risk and landing her at the hospital, Oriana is on to Fernando, Mayra learns the truth about how far along Esperanza's pregnancy is and loses it on Ruben, and Aur…