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…

In partnership with the UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), Re:Work presents “Changing Lives, Changing L.A.,” a play created from transcripts from the UNITE HERE Local 11 Oral History Project and originally performed before a live audience at Loyola Marymount University and UCLA.Portrayed by professional actors, four members…

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…

Civil rights icon, Reverend James Lawson Jr., shares his recollections of the 1960s and working closely with Martin Luther King Jr.Reverend Lawson presents the nonviolent movement in America as the "nuclear engine" of the mid-20th century civil rights movement, and as a strategic series of organizing campaigns for racial and economic justice.This i…

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…

We’re closing out the year with an episode from our friends at the Pulso Podcast:Latinos work hard. But is our "work hard" attitude too closely connected to our sense of self-worth? The Pulso Podcast brings you the untold stories & unheard voices that make up our history, our culture, nuestra gente. For Latinos, by LatinosThis episode was produced …

This fall, California’s fast food workers won a historic victory when Governor Newsom signed AB 1228, which ensures the creation of a fast-food industry council with the ability to determine wages and industry standards, and which, importantly, includes worker voices. The bill also means that by next spring, the minimum wage for California’s fast-f…

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…

In 2010, Arizona Republicans passed a law to ban a wildly successful Mexican-American Studies program at Tucson High School. Administrators came into schools and pulled beloved books written by Latino authors off of the classroom shelves, but what they didn’t expect was just how far the Latino community would go to defend the right to learn about t…

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 …

Is it possible that many of us are stuck with the erroneous idea that poetry is boring or hard to understand? As we learn in this episode, poetry doesn't have to be dull or confusing. It can be funny and it can transcend stereotypes. Join me as we enjoy a poetry 101 refresher and an enlightening reading from Gabriel Dozal, a Latino poet you definit…

We've partnered with Feet in 2 Worlds: A Better Life? and are excited to share an episode from their show!A Better Life? Producer Oscar Durand tells the story of Cesar, a delivery worker from Mexico who found a cause and a community while organizing his fellow delivery workers in New York. We also speak with Hildalyn Colón Hernández from Los Delive…

Since the last presidential election, there’s been countless commentary about what’s going on with some of our beloved Latino men and their swing to the right. In light of the Republican candidates filling the airwaves after the first debate, we invited two Latinos to the podcast for their take on why this trend is happening and what we can do to c…

Today’s episode is from our friends at Immigrantly. Pulso host Liz Alarcón guests on this episode to discuss the nuances of “Missing White Girl Syndrome”, and why white women are overrepresented in missing person cases, when the majority of missing people are people of color. You can find this episode on The Immigrantly Podcast "Ep-235 Missing Kids…

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…

When Colombian-American producer Charlie Garcia moved to France, he faced a big challenge... his favorite food, The Taco, was nowhere to be found. But while accidentally stumbling on a small shop called O'Tacos, he discovered that the French had put their own radical twist on his beloved Taco. What followed would forever change his view on the mean…

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…

A growing number of Latino expats are seeking to rediscover their roots and forge new lives in Latin American and Caribbean countries. In this episode, we talk to three people about their life-changing decision to move away and leave the American dream behind. This episode was Produced by Maribel Quezada Smith, it was edited by Charlie Garcia & Liz…

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 …

We've partnered with Immigrantly and are excited to share an episode from their show!Immigrantly is a weekly podcast hosted by rights activist and social entrepreneur Saadia Khan that bears witness to the extraordinariness of the immigrant experienceToday we have a fellow podcaster in our midst. Ramtin Arablouei is the co-host and co-producer of NP…

In this episode, we're in reflection mode. Maribel flips the mic on Liz to dig into the untold story about how Pulso was founded, the mission of the content, and the bigger vision for Pulso's impact in the Latino community. This Episode was produced by Liz Alarcón, audio engineering & scoring by Charlie Garcia & Julian Blackmore, original music by …

A global crisis formed a new bond between the United States and Latin America. How a presidential decree, a Peruvian immigrant, and a campaign to showcase Hispanic Stars uncovered El Pendón Estrellado, an almost forgotten piece of American history. This episode was produced by Charlie Garcia & Liz Alarcón, Audio Engineering by Charlie Garcia. Origi…

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…

Thania Betancourt Alcazar, a member of the art group “The Phoenix Fridas” discovered a lifeline in the art of Frida Kahlo. By embracing Frida's spirit of resilience Thania found the inner strength to confront her own tragedies and transform her pain into a cathartic artistic journey. This episode was produced by Anthony Wallace with editorial suppo…

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…

When we think about college, there’s a certain whimsical image, a time of self discovery and carefree fun before you step out into the “real” world. But now, with the rising costs of education and living expenses, most students work, and work a lot.In this episode of Re:Work, Adolfo González shares his decades long journey to provide for his family…

Monica Puig, a Latina professional tennis player made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Adored as a National Treasure in Puerto Rico, this Latina trailblazer remains a mysterious figure in the United States, until now. This episode was written and Produced by Maribel Quezada Smith, with editorial guidance and oversight from Charlie Garcia. Audio en…

When Producer Mark Pagán was a teenager, he came across a TV comedy special that would change his life forever, Paul Rodriquez’s Crossing Gang Lines. Years later, he looks back to uncover the story behind it. This Episode was Produced by Mark Pagán, it was edited, by Charlie Garcia & Jackie Noack. Audio editing and scoring by Mark Pagán & Charlie G…

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…

We often refer to birth as miraculous, and it can also seem mysterious. Many times there is a veiling around birth and labor, and the types of work mothers and birthworkers do to bring new life into this world. In this episode, Allegra Hill shares birth stories from her family and how her personal journey led her into the world of birthwork.It is p…

In this episode, Liz chats with two Latina parents who have done the work to reparent themselves, done the research to raise more emotionally whole children, and pay it forward to help caregivers have a healthier relationship with our kids This Episode was Produced by Liz Alarcón, it was edited, mixed & scored by Charlie Garcia. Technical Assistanc…

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, …

Gustavo Arellano started a newspaper column called “Ask a Mexican” as a joke... then it became bigger than he ever could have imagined. Why? This episode was produced by Charlie Garcia and edited by Liz Alarcón. Audio Engineering & Mixing by Charlie Garcia. Music by Julian Blackmore. Additional assistance by Lisann Ramos. Our hosts are Liz Alarcón …

Today we're talking about something that Latinos sometimes ignore or even forget. Indigenous peoples are often relegated to things of the past, but they are very much still here, and they are facing resistance and opposition from all sides, whether it's political, social, economic, you name it. So let's take some time to consider the struggles, and…

Despite a long tradition of midwifery in the Black community, which predates the founding of the United States, less than 2% of midwives today are Black. In this episode we share the story of Kim Durdin, who found her calling in reclaiming midwifery and birthwork.It is part one of two episodes where we bring you the stories of Black midwives in Los…

What does it mean to “be” something, to have an Identity? And what is it that gets to decide that identity? Is it our parents, our language, our blood, or the world around us? This is the story of one Latina’s journey to understand what it means to be Hispanic, and how to own her own Latinidad no matter what others think. This episode was written, …

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…

In 2020, India suddenly went into a national lockdown without advance planning or adequate government support, which led to a humanitarian crisis in addition to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Millions of jobs disappeared and hunger was a serious issue. Tens of millions of migrant workers struggled to get home — often on foot — and many died …

In this episode Maribel sets out to explore the sometimes empowering, often extreme, things we're willing to do to feel beautiful and why. Special thanks to the following women for sharing their experiences and insight in this episode: Christie Lazo, Katia Reguero Lindor, Valentina Agosti, and Leslie Valdivia and Joanna Rosario of Vive Cosmetics. T…

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…

Civil rights icon, Reverend James Lawson Jr., shares his recollections of the 1960s and working closely with Martin Luther King Jr.Reverend Lawson presents the nonviolent movement in America as the "nuclear engine" of the mid-20th century civil rights movement, and as a strategic series of organizing campaigns for racial and economic justice.This i…

In this episode, Liz sets out to explore the historical and societal influences that have led to our sometimes empowering, often pressuring, standards of beauty that Latinas are held to. This episode was produced by Liz Alarcón and Jackie Noack. Audio engineering and mixing by Charlie Garcia. Music by Julian Blackmore. Follow & continue the convers…

“The Tractor Princess” draws on excerpts from an oral history interview that is a part of a community archive and research initiative called Watsonville is in the Heart, which highlights the stories of Filipino families from the greater Pajaro Valley region in California. In this episode of Re:Work, Antoinette Yvonne DeOcampo-Lechtenberg paints a p…

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…