Episode 03 is part of our special segment: Reporting from LASA2024, el CafeciTO's collaboration with graduate student Johann Kirchenbauer. In this episode, Johann speaks to professor Ryan Long from the University of Maryland. We learn from professor Long's diverse research approaches and interests, and we will get a sneak peek in the ways the Unive…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Johann Kirchenbauer, a Venezuelan PhD student from the Spanish and Portuguese Department. Johann tells us about his research interests in modern and contemporary Hispanic literatures and cultures with a focus on the Venezuelan diaspora. We also get to learn about his experience in the Latin American Studies Associati…

For season 9's premiere, Sarah interviews renowned Argentine journalist and novelist Mariana Enriquez. Author of multiple bestselling novels like Los Peligros de Fumar en la Cama (2009), Las Cosas que perdimos en el Fuego (2016) and Nuestra Parte de la Noche (2019). In this episode, the Argentinian author discusses the affective impact of her horro…

S08E11: The FinaleWelcome to El CafeciTO’s season 8 Finale! In this episode Luis & Sarah give some updates as to what they have been up to recently. They also reminisce over this year's podcasting highlights, lessons learned and goals for the future. Additionally, tune in for some exciting updates about El CafeciTO in the summer! We hope you enjoy …

In this episode we commemorate 8 de Marzo, also known as International Women's Day. Sarah talks to Adriana Pérez-Rodríguez, a Colombian second-year PhD student at the Institute of Women and Gender Studies and feminist researcher. Adriana talks about her PhD research in Cucutá Colombia and her previous work as one of the directors of the Observatori…

In this episode, Luis talks to Arturo Alexander Gomez, an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying criminology and neuroscience. Alex has a candid talk about his journey from Mexico to Calgary to Toronto, thoughts on the campus acting and theater scene, and an analysis on what we do to connect to our roots when we are abroad. We …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Andrés Lalama Vargas, a PhD Candidate of the History Department. Andrés talks about his experience as a history student and his research on symbolic spaces located at the margins of the city of Quito, Ecuador. Andrés also tells us about the different surprises that come up when doing archival research and his role as…

In this episode, Luis sits down with Isidora Cortés-Monroy, a PhD student in Hispanic Literature at the Spanish and Portuguese Department. Isidora talks about how her love of fiction not only motivated her academic studies but also reconnected with her Latin American culture. She also elaborates on her research on mining literature in Chile and Bol…

In this episode, Luis chats with Fatima Sanchez, a Toronto based actress, singer, and dancer. Together, they discuss their shared Mexican heritage, their shared last name, and their passion for the performing arts. Fatima also shares her experiences training at the Randolph College of the Performing Arts, her time spent in Mexico, and her inspirati…

In this episode, Sarah catches up with Cassandra Yanez-Leyton, a LAS alumna who is now working as an associate producer and web writer for CBC Montreal. Cass was the founder and first host of our beloved podcast. Today, she reminisces about her time as an undergraduate student and the beginnings of el CafeciTO. Cass will also tell us about her grad…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Alejandra Molina Vélez, a Puerto Rican undergraduate student who is majoring in Psychology and Latin American Studies. Ale is a loyal listener of the podcast. Today, she tells us about her extracurriculars, including her role as the Latin American Mentor Navigator at UofT Access and Inclusion Program. Ale will also r…

In Episode 4, Luis sits down with Mariana, a fourth-year undergraduate student and make-up artist, to discuss conceptions around language, the self-perception of being an immigrant and Tim Hortons secret menu items! We hope you enjoy this episode!By el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

In this episode Luis sits down with Anna Sofia Alemany, a third-year undergraduate student in UofT studying Political Science and Peace, Conflict, and Justice. Anna and Luis chat about their latino heritage and the changes in identity students face when they are home and studying abroad. We hope you enjoy the episode! ☕️💛…

In episode 2, Sarah sits down with renowned Colombian author Héctor Abad Faciolince, who is considered one of the most talented and influential post-Latin American Boom writers. Author of 15 books, including bestselling novels like La Oculta (2014), and most recently Salvo mi corazón, todo está bien (2022). In this episode, the Colombian author dis…

In this episode Sarah introduces our newest host: Luis Sanchez Blanco. Luis is a third year undergraduate student in International Relation, Polisci, and History. In this episode, he will tell us a bit about himself, his exciting extracurriculars, and his previous experience with podcasting. We are so excited for this upcoming season! We hope you e…

This is the Season 7 finale. Sarah and Sebas reminisce about this last season and share their summer adventures. As a future graduate, Sebas will also share some tips about the LAS program and its opportunities for incoming and current students. Lastly, the hosts share their plans for the fall semester. El CafeciTO is grateful for all of this seaso…

S07E10- In this final interview of Season 7, Sebas sits down with Mexican-Canadian celebrity, makeup artist, and Toronto coffee shop owner Luisa Duran. Luisa shares her journey of becoming a prominent Canadian makeup artist based in Los Angeles. She tells the story of how she got into the coffee business, becoming the owner of one of Toronto’s olde…

In this episode, Sarah interviews Marianne Lahaie Luna, a Canadian Venezuelan Ph.D. student at UofT’s Geography and Planning Department. Marianne talks about what drove her to pursue a Masters in Environmental Public health. She also shares the important work she does with her NGO, Lahaie Luna Lezama, an association of Menstrual and Reproductive Ri…

In Episode 08, Sebas and Sarah travel to the West Coast to chat with two of seven founding members of CALTAC, Alexandra Lainfiesta and Pedro Chamale. The two Latinx westcoaters talk about the creation of the Canadian Latinx Theatre Artist Coalition (CALTAC), highlighting the important work they do with advocating for Latinx artists. The two Guatema…

For episode 7, Sarah catches up with LAS alumna, Emily Encalada, who is currently doing her masters in Sociology of Law at the University of the Basque Country. Emily reminisces about her time as a LAS undergraduate student and her involvement in OLAS and the SSO. She also talks about her research on memory spaces in Chile, highlighting both their …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Andrea Román Alfaro, a Peruvian Ph.D. candidate at UofT’s Sociology Department. Andrea tells us about her experience as a doctoral candidate, her collaborative research with la Casa Comunitaria Juvenil de Puerto Nuevo, and her involvement in the executive board of CUPE’s local 3902 unit. We hope you enjoy this episod…

Episode 5 is the second part of Lina de Guevars’s inspiring life and theatrical career. The renowned theater director tells el CafeciTO about the beginning of her company, Puente Theater. For this project, she decides to foreground the talents of refugee and migrant non-actors, coming from Latin America. Lina reflects on how important this project …

In this episode Sebas chats with Chilean actress and theater director Lina de Guevara. Lina reminisces about her childhood in Santiago, and her theatrical training in the University of Chile. The renowned theater director tells El CafeciTO about how her educational career as a theater teacher in Valdivia got abruptly interrupted by the Chilean coup…

In this episode Sebas chats with visual artist and painter Jesus Mora. Jesus talks about his impressive work, the Codices Michoacán, a document that illustrates the rich and complex history of his father’s birthplace. The artist also discusses how this work came to be and offers us a different way to think about the processes of field work, researc…

For episode 2, Sebas catches up with Marisol Diaz, a student from the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. Marisol tells us about her experience as a student here at UofT. We also get to learn about her work as an Outreach Coordinator at the Caribbean Studies program. Marisol will be graduating from the university soon, and we, as el Cafec…

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 7! El CafeciTO (Summer Edition): Voices of Latin America. In this episode Sebas talks to Puerto Rican professor and media personality José Rivera González, who teaches International Studies and Global Communications at Universidad Sagrado Corazón. The Profe gives us his take on Puerto Rican politics and identity. He a…

S06E21- Episode 21 is the last episode of Season 6. Sarah and Sebas reflect on the past season, give a little sneak peek of Season 7, and discuss their summer plans. We wanted to thank our listeners for tuning in every Tuesday! We hope you enjoy the episode ☕️🌎By el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

S06E20- In this episode, Sarah and Sebas get to know Professor Luis Van Isschot, our program’s newly appointed Associate Chair. He talks about his trajectory as a historian and human rights observer, his work with Latin American human rights movements in Colombia, and his new role at the Latin American Studies program. Lastly, the chair tells us ab…

S06E19- In this episode, Sebas sits down with graduating LAS undergrads Mateo Peña and Fabiola Cruz. The grads talk about their undergrad experience and share their course recommendations. They also give us some strategies that helped them get through their U of T journey. Fabiola and Mateo discuss their participation with RefugeAid U of T, a stude…

S06E18-In this episode, Sebas sits down with Mariana Medellin Canales, a Mexican born multi-disciplinary artist and undergraduate student at UofT. Mariana tells us about her philosophy and approach to art making. She also shares her perspectives on culture and identity, reflecting on art’s transformative potential. Listeners be on the lookout! If y…

S06E17- In this episode, Sebas and Sarah talk to Christie Lazo, a Peruvian M.A. candidate at OISE. Christie also hosts and produces her own podcast: Vida with Christie. Today, we will talk about Chrities’s research in the pedagogies of decolonizing motherhood, her work with intergenerational trauma among first generation immigrant families, and her…

S06E16-In this week’s episode, Rosy Cervantes lights up the Faculty of Music’s library by playing her songs to El CafeciTO. Rosy takes Seba through her musical journey from when she first discovered that she could sing to now where she is the vocalist of two local Toronto bands. The Mexican born/Toronto-based songwriter also introduces us to her lo…

S06E15- For this week’s episode, Sebas and Sarah catch up with Victor Rivas, our beloved LAS professor. We learn about his professional trajectory as an anthropologist, journalist, and scholar, his work with the Latin American testimonios, and the courses he currently teaches. Lastly, the Venezuelan professor gives us a sneak peek on some opportuni…

S06E14- Episode 14 honours 8 de Marzo, also known as International Women's Day. In this episode, Sebas and Sarah sit down with Dr. Martha Balaguera, a Colombian professor at UofT’s Political Science Department. Professor Balaguera talks about her interests in topics of social movements and protests, and her trajectory as a Latina scholar. She also …

SO6E13- This week Sarah and Sebas visit the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library to sit down with Venezuelan librarian David Fernández. As part of the first cohort of LAS, David reminisces about his U of T experience, walking us through his journey from undergrad student to his current responsibilities as the first Latino department head of Rare Books a…

S06E12-In episode 12, el CafeciTO visits UofT’s Faculty of Music to sit down with Brazilian conductor and PhD student, Matheus Coehlo. Matheus breaks down what it means and takes to pursue a career in orchestral conducting. He also takes us on a journey through his career from Brazil to Winnipeg and Toronto. Throughout the episode, the Brazilian co…

S06E11- In this episode, Sarah and Sebas chat with Nathalia Santos Ocasio, a puertoriqueña PhD candidate at Queen's University. Nathalia reflects on how she recently became part of our Toronto Community as she is the curator of Sur Gallery’s latest exhibit: Hilos Conductores. Today, the bunch will talk about Nathalia’s journey to Kingston, Ontario,…

S06E10-In Episode 10, Sebas and Sarah chat with Dr. Jerry Flores, assistant professor at UTM’s Sociology Department. The professor reminisces about his journey from Los Angeles to Toronto, and shares his academic interests, which lie at the intersection of gender studies, criminology, and studies of race and ethnicity. The bunch discusses how his w…

S06E09-In Episode 9, Colombian visual artist Laura Alvarez Salinas, a UTM graduate student, sits down with Sebas to share some of her art work. She not only tells us about her craft but also about how art serves her as an escape from stress. Lastly, Laura talks about her research studying lake ice in Northern Ontario. We hope you enjoy this episode…

*El Cafecito would like to express its solidarity with our Peruvian friends and colleagues during this moment of political turmoil. We stand against all forms of institutional violence and send our deepest condolences to the families of the 50+ victims of police repression.*S06E08- Episode 8 honours Black History Month, which is Afro-Latinx History…

S06E07- In Episode 7, Mexican poet Victor Castillo gets personal with El CafeciTO and shares some of his poems. The wordsmith also talks about what inspires him to write and his UofT experience as a student, employee and leader— he is @olasstgeorge’s academic director. Finally, he offers some great recommendations for some of his favorite coffee sp…

S06E06- In Episode 6, Sebas and Sarah sit down with Dr. Berenice Villagomez, our wonderful departamental undergraduate coordinator who is also in charge of the department’s communications and outreach. They talk about Bere’s teaching career and her transition from academia to her current administrative role. She also gives students some tips to rec…

*El Cafecito would like to express its solidarity with our Brazilian friends and colleagues during this moment of political unrest. We hope you and your families are safe. S06E05- In this episode, Sebas travels down memory lane with Brazilian artistic director and choreographer Newton Moraes. The Toronto-based artist reflects on the 25 year anniver…

S06E04- Already missing the World Cup? Do not worry! In this episode, Sarah and Mai join Dr. Berenice Villagomez to interview Fernando and Cullen, LAS alumni and hosts of Radio Free CONCACAF— a podcast about fútbol history with a strong Latin American perspective. The team walks down memory lane, gets to know Fernando and Cullen's exciting project,…

S0E03- Take a break from studying with Sebas and Sarah while they discuss the rise of Latin Music, (specifically, Bad Bunny)the Latin Grammys, and offer some tips for managing the end of semester. We hope you enjoy and best of luck with finals season!By el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

S06E02- In Episode 2, Sebas interviews Christian Albarrán, theatre artist and current UofT graduate student. Tune in to listen how Christian’s experience with the arts informs his current academic research. Join Christian while he presents his research on December 7th, 2022 at 4p.m.(Northrop Frye Hall 008)…

S06E01-Welcome to El Cafecito season 6!! This episode, season 5 host Anna Carneiro, says goodbye and passes the baton to the new hosts Mai, Sebas, and Sarah. While Anna reflects on the last season, her time at U of T, and what the future holds for her, the new team gives us a taste of the upcoming season. We hope you enjoy! ☕️…

For episode 4, I spoke with Tamara Toledo, a Chilean-Canadian artist, curator and scholar. She is the director curator and co-founder of Sur Gallery, the first gallery space exclusively dedicated to showcasing the work of Latin American artists in Toronto. This episode was recorded on July 22nd 2022, online over Zoom. This sadly will be the last ep…

S05E03 - Graduate Profile: Roberta Pamplona and Van Araújo by el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofTBy el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

For episode 2, we will be talking with two members of our undergraduate community, Andrea Caceres and Boyuan Dong. Andrea is a fourth year student from Mexico and Peru, and Boyuan is a recent grad from China, who completed a specialist program in Spanish. We had a great chat about our undergrad experiences and our time as immigrants in Toronto. Thi…