Franciscan life isn't about ideas or concepts, it's about relationships. Fr. Ed Shea, OFM knows a lot about that.

Br. John Barker, OFM is a man of many talents: accomplished chef, biblical scholar, and now excellent preacher. It's not everyday that you meet someone who completely changes their life plan... multitple times... but John shows that you should always be discerning God's call.

Few brothers live with more energy for the present moment than Fr. Juan de la Cruz Turcios. He's creative, joyful, and always ready to bring people together.

Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM has an interesting life. On the one hand, he is the chaplain to an elementary school and spends his days entertaining children with his gregarious personality and jubilant energy. On the other hand, he is the director of worship for a diocese, concerned with the most holy and solemn occasions of Christian life.…

Dominic Monti has seen a lot. Both in his life as a vicar provincial and in his study of Franciscan history. He knows the power of a story, and he knows that history isn't even a little boring when you know how to tell it.

Whem most people think of friars, the image of a short portly man comes to mind. This is not always the case. Some, like Fr. Steve Kuehn, OFM, are former D1 athletes that reached peak physical condition through many years of service in the Navy. What keeps him going years later? The same thing that always has: the brotherhood.…

Fr. Mike Surufka, OFM began his life as a friar working for the U.N. This took him to war-torn countries but allowed him to meet inspiring people. Violence seems to follow him wherever he goes, but through a harrowing experience of a beloved friend's murder he grew in his need for forgiveness and now works in one of the most forgotten, dangerous pl…

Each week, we'll interview a different friar about their life and adventures as a "minor" character. You can check out video versions of the podcast on YouTube.com/@MinorCharactersPodcast.

The crew sits down with Sex Health expert and educator Nicole Holmes to discuss a wide range of topics involving sex. We start out the conversation with Nicky’s insights and discovery that public health was of interest to her. We embark into best methods of discussing sex with kids, sex health and safe sex. Check out the free clinics around the cit…

The very first episode of Juan Melendez!

Familia! We are joined this week by Chicago based blogger Felicia Hernandez of gorditasway. “Gordita’s Way” is a comedic paradox intended to use her experiences as a Latina woman navigating the complexity of diet culture. We sit down and talk about her journey as a blogger and travel enthusiast, overcoming the stigma, diet and culture. Make sure to…

This weeks episode features NextGen LatinX founder David Gloria in dialogue with Christian and VFig. The crew sits back to discuss NextGen LatinX and the importance of networking in the Latino Community. NextGen Latinx vision is to become a go-to resource for young Latinx to discover impactful career opportunities, career advice, events and connect…

This weeks episode of La Verdad Podcast we are joined by cultural worker and community leader Evaristo “Tito” Rodriguez. We talk about his life and work within the city of Chicago and the Puerto Rican community. His life in Puerto Rico and high school years at Roberto Clemente High School in Chicago which ignited his fire for activism and community…

This episode of SRBCC & La Verdad Podcast “El Backstage” features actor, musician and composer Juan Pablo Díaz directly from Puerto Rico. As part of the Borinken me Llama series of the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center is hosting in Chicago, Il. We sit back to chat about his career in the acting and music industries and how he got started. Starti…

We sit back this week to chat with our friend and Attorney at Law Kyara Garza about her career in law and modeling. The highlights of our conversations include her start in modeling and how she became interested in law. We then get into the discussion of law terminology and case procedures. Kyara discusses her modeling industry highlights including…

El Backstage - SRBCC with La Verdad Podcast is joined by Puerto Rican based theatre company, Y No Habia Luz. As part of the SRBCC Borinken Me Llama series, the theatre company is welcomed to the city of Chicago where they will be participating in a number of events, workshops and exhibits. We sit down with group members and artists, Yari Helfeld an…

The crew sits down on the group talk table to discuss recent events surrounding our community. We expressed our thoughts on the recent deaths as a result of crime as well as the “mentality” behind it. Our conversation geared towards the current incarceration of our fellow latino immigrants and what this has done to many. Like always we try to light…

This week’s episode of La Verdad Podcast is the first of a mini series within our podcast called "El Backstage". The series, in collaboration with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, features artists, musicians and performers from all over the world. Our focus is to get an in-depth look into how their careers have developed from start to prese…

The crew sits down to recap on the recent break. While introducing our newest intern Keishla (who just happened to go to prom the day before) the crew sits back and gives their happy/horror prom stories. VFig and Christian recap on their vacation in NY and their experience eating NY style pizza. Sit back and enjoy a funny episode of the La Verdad p…

We launch our season 2 of La Verdad Podcast at our new home SRBCC. Our guest, Executive Director Omar Torres-Kortright and us discussed our partnership, upcoming events, and new exciting programs coming to the SRBCC. Check out what the SRBCC is working on, their history and goals of the center. We also discussed some potential interviews and guests…

Episode Summary: Rosa Blanca Pin Drop A day in a snow storm How Vfig and Marissa tip Uber and Lyft drivers La Verdad Ltd commentary on Super Bowl Sunday Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day The male experience at Victoria's Secret Shout out to the Afro-Latinos on Black History Month Hosted by Christian, Vfig, & Marissa Twitter/IG/FB: @LaVerdadLtd Mu…

Episode Summary: Transitional High School Registration Big Brother Big Sister program Live video streaming with Periscope Being a "Purist" on social media A breakdown of Sonia's day Learning to go with the flow and spreading out your schedule Using social media to interact and engage with people Snapchat connection with Chicago Tribune Team Knowing…

Episode Summary: Chicago southside beginnings Growing up Puerto Rican in Chicago Going away to college: "Can I touch your hair?" Building a sense of home away from home Transition from Marketing to Allstate career The Taboo topic of Life Insurance "People are sue happy" Diversity in business and community What it takes to be an insurance agent Let …

Topics on today's episode include: 1. We discussed his upbringing in the southside of chicago 2. Discovering theatre and using it as a way to express himself 3. Going away for school and working on his PhD 4. His web series “Brujos” 5. His live show called “The Hoodoisie” 6. His thoughts on “Lin Manuel Miranda” and mainstream theatre Support Ricard…

Talking points: Starting the new year with resolutions/goals why do we make goals? what is a good way to make goals S.M.A.R.T. method for goals Overcoming the "haters" #NewYear #Resolution #Therapy #LatinosBy La Verdad Podcast

Talking points: We discussed his starting point in the world of art and his start drawing designs for his mom who was a seamstress. His first work here in Chicago with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Culture Center. We talked about his different styles of work, sculptures, paintings, murals. How he is self taught and learned by his own students Support Rey…

Episode Breakdown: -The power grid in Puerto Rico-Hurricane Irma-The chaos in preparing for Hurricane Maria-Making emergency plans in case of loss of communication-The first 36-48 hours of Maria-Deaths and at hospitals due to lack of diesel-How Hurricane Maria affected different parts of Puerto Rico-Lack of infrastructure and preparation-$40 for wa…

We are joined once again by Rene Garcia from the Chubby Therapist Podcast. Rene is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Houston and joined Christian to talk about topics like: -Rene gives us a top 6 ways of surviving the holidays list.-We talk about family chisme, bullying, istening to loved ones.-Letting loved ones vent and being optimistic.…

Podcast Topics: -Cristina's upbringing-Introduction into Policy-"Peacemaker" at Roberto Clemente High School-Involvement with the Puerto Rican Agenda Support Cristina Pacione-Zayas at the following links:http://puertoricanchicago.org & https://www.facebook.com/thepuertoricanagenda & pragenda@chco.com Hosted by Christian & VfigTwitter/IG/FB: @LaVerd…

What is Yo Soy Ella? -Undocumented women-Stands out from other organizations by using empowerment and spirituality.- The term "Yo Soy Ella"-The importance of spirituality in the Latino community Trauma from Trump administration -"I think" (awareness of what is going on at home.)-Knowing the difference between abuse and cultural norms.-Machista cult…

Today's episode is one where we are joined again by Roberto Perez of Urban Pilon and Piro Lopez of Buya to discuss the current issues in Puerto Rico. We discussed the Trump visit, some of the lies being spread around, and with what people can send to Puerto Rico. The main discussion is around the "Rican-Struction" BBQ for Boriken event on Oct 22, 2…

Hurricane Maria recently caused major damages in Puerto Rico and many people are wondering what they can do to help. Today we are joined by George "Urban Jibaro" Torres who first appeared in episode 33 focusing on Latino Tech & Community Building. We cover topics like: -Current relief efforts in NYC-The Boricua diaspora waking up and doing as much …

Everyone loved him on our second podcast episode "The Rise of La X Tropical" and this time we have Luis Guillermo breaking down some more Chicago radio history! Topics include: -One Year Anniversary-Luis's history in Chicago-What it's like coming from Puerto Rico to ChicagoLearning English-Beginning of radio career/Inspiration of going into radio-T…

Rafael Martinez is a PhD student and instructor at the University of New Mexico. He joins us to talk about key questions people have regarding DACA. Topics include: -DACA and the history of Executive Order-Current issues with DACA and what to do if you are a beneficiary-General tips regarding renewal-Different ways we can all defend DACA It is impo…

Today's guest is actor, comedian, and lead singer/founder of La Obra Matthew "Lyon" Montalvo. We talk about a lot of things including: -Choir Days-Band Allegiance-TommyLyon Era -"MerenBanda"-Reggaeton-La Obra: Band members have different music backgrounds-Brand & Image (Tony Lyon versus now)-"Be Humble": humility in the music industry-Chicago Music…

Gentrification has been a major topic the past few years. Today's guest - Hilario Dominguez - is actively involved in the battle against this phenomenon in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Our topics of discussion vary, but include: Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood: origins & history of Latinos in the areaBreaking down gentrification and the way it is h…

Today's episode is a real relevant one considering what recently went down in Charlottesville, VA. We are joined once again by Rene Garcia from the Chubby Therapist Podcast. Rene is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Houston and joined Christian to talk about topics like: -The "Unite The Right" rally in Charlottesville-Hidden racists coming…

It has been a while since the group just chatted on our own so we're bringing back a Group Talk! Familiar voices (Christian & VFig) and a few newer members (Marissa & April) sit down to talk about the podcast and a few other things. Topics include: Hitting the 50th podcast episode Looking back on old shows we have enjoyed Getting to know our new in…

Education is a major topic on our show and our guest today has a lot to add on the subject. Ray "White Rhino" Salazar is a Chicago based educator and writer who joins the team to talk about things like: His experiences as a teacher in inner city ChicagoRay's roots working in Alternative High SchoolsStrategies and techniques to keep students engaged…

Episode 50 focuses on a conversation we have been wanting to have with a guest for a while now. Today's show features Chicago based Angie Galván-Rodriguez, who is the creator of AfroLatina Natural. We discuss the beginnings of her project being rooted in her daughter getting made fun of at school and how they now embrace natural hair. Other topics …

Chicago is one of our main homes as La Verdad and we love to show fellow entrepreneurs some love. Today is no different as we present an insightful interview with the crew behind No Manches Clothing Co. They are a creative brand based in Chicago and gave us a dope breakdown on how they started and where they plan to go. Topics include: How the bran…

Episode 48 is an insightful one where we interview Chicago based actor, playwright, comedian, dancer, and activist Melissa Duprey. We talk about a variety of things like: -Her start in theater as a child that eventually become a career-Her big hit shows such as Sexomedy and SushiFrito-Some of the hardships she faced in the industry-Being a Latina a…

Episode 47 welcomes Omar Torres-Kortright who is a heavily involved Boricua now based in Chicago. Omar is Executive Director of the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and founder/CEO of Aguzate. Conversation includes: -Passion for the culture and Afro-Latino music- His path to becoming director of the cultural center- Old School Salsa of hi docume…

Latin America has some of the best food in the world, but a lot of it tends to be unhealthy. Roberto Pérez noticed this and teamed up with Angel Fuentes to form Urban Pilon. Roberto joins us to explain how this project is a "culinary movement to share knowledge with the masses about the great foods of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Latin America." …

There is a lot of controversy about Puerto Rico and its political status. Are they a country? Is it a colony? Are they a state? People also wonder what all the protests are about. Today we bring in a Chicago based group called Chicago Boricua Resistance that is hoping to answer those questions and bridge the gap between Boricuas on the island and i…

Episode 44 is a fun and insightful one where we chop it up with Cesar "Visual" Zamudio. Cesar is a Chicago based Rapper, Writer, Director, Actor, Artist, and overall Creative! Our conversation covers a variety of topics that include: His beginnings in the Hip Hop Community as a rapper Transition from battle rapping to becoming a more well rounded p…

Thinking of buying a home? Its a tough decision people face everyday and we've got some answers for you! Our guest today is Sonia Figueroa - a Chicago area real estate agent with a ton of helpful information on buying a home. Topics of this episode include: Being a first time home buyer How to look for a good realtor Should you buy a fixer or a reh…

Today we are joined once again by Rene Garcia - a Houston based Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. We received multiple messages and great feedback the last time he came on the show so we will try to bring him back from time to time. Topics on this episode include: Signs of De…

All of our long term listeners know that the show takes a break every once in a while when life catches up with us and this time was no different. Everyone was excited to get back to the podcast and we cover a bunch of things. Topics include the release of our new Dad Hat design and comedian Chente Ydrach giving us a shout out at his show! Other fu…

Episode 40 is one where we are joined by Rene Garcia - a Houston based Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. We talk about the Latino Taboo on seeing therapists being rooted in Social Class, rather than cultural. The crew also chat about family therapy and some of the signs that …