Life in Spanglish

In this episode, Latin hitmaker Justin Quiles serves up a deep and personal conversation that goes way beyond the music. The Puerto Rican star opens up about fatherhood, connecting with Thailand through his partner’s roots, and why his bond with songwriter Elena Rose has been so special. King of the Collabs, Quiles breaks down his upcoming joint album with Lenny Tavárez (yes, expect some Afro-Beats!), and shares why he has the utmost respect for Tego Calderón, who showed him love early in his career. He clears up why people often confuse him for a Colombian (spoiler: he’s a proud Boricua 🇵🇷), explains how Colombia and Venezuela first embraced his music, and reveals why Spain will always have his heart. We also dive into his roots in Aguadilla, PR: from cleaning the house on weekends while Mami blasted music, to growing up by the ocean and carrying that love with him today. Plus, how he manages to stay fit even while being a self-proclaimed foodie. 🌊🍴💪 Tap in for laughs, stories, and plenty of gems from one of the most versatile voices in Latin music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unstoppable Snow Tha Product - actress, rapper and activist pulls no punches about what it means to be Latino in America right now. Snow shows up fired up about how the current administration is villainizing our community, the fear sparked by ICE raids across the country, and the urgent need to defend our right to simply be treated as human beings. She opens up about her love for the Dominican Republic, where her girlfriend is from, and the pride she carries in showing her son the beauty of our own countries. We dive into Motherhood, her parents’ decision to return to Mexico (as it was always the “plan”), and even her own reflections on eventually going back also. Snow reminds us that “we don’t come from Sh**holes our homelands are rich, vibrant, and worth returning to, despite the destabilizing impact of tourism and the double standard of being unwanted in the U.S. Beyond music, Snow connects with fans through her Vlogs and stays vocal about the issues that matter most. Whether on social media, in her lyrics, or face to face, she isn’t afraid to call it like it is: “I’m OK with speaking up,” she says, while discussing other Latino celebs staying silent in our current climate. This conversation is raw, unapologetic, and full of heart the perfect reminder of why Snow Tha Product is more than an artist; she’s a movement. 👉 Tap in for an episode that’s equal parts truth, passion, and empowerment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Honey German sits down with Calixto Chinchilla, founder and executive producer of the New York Latino Film Festival, to talk about how he brought the nation’s premier Latino film festival to life and what it means for our culture today. Joining the convo is acclaimed actor Manny Perez, who has two films screening at this year’s festival: 'A Tiro Limpio' & 'Tiguere' both shot in DR. Together, we dive deep into the world of Latino cinema from creating spaces that elevate our stories to the importance of showing up and supporting movies made for us, by us. From behind-the-scenes hustle to the joy of seeing ourselves on the big screen, this episode is all about celebrating Latino creatives and shifting the way we think about film. 🎬✨ Cop your tix to the NYLFF here: nylatinofilmfestival.com/2025/🗽🔥 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media Personality and Motivational speaker Joshua Rosa has figured out how to reach the masses without a huge team or big budget just faith, grit, and GOD by his side. 🚀 In this conversation, Joshua opens up growing up Dominican, Fatherhood and his journey to viral success which proves that impact doesn’t require an army. Now part of iHeartRadio’s My Cultura Podcast Network, Joshua is using his platform and his show, Made For This Mountain, to inspire thousands. His mission? To help people rise above struggles, break free from trauma, and silence the voices that say they’re not enough. Through raw stories and real talk, Joshua reminds us that the mountain in front of you isn’t here to break you it’s here to build you. 💪✨ Get ready for an episode that will light a fire under your faith, mindset, and purpose. Because you weren’t made to be buried by your mountain. You were made to climb it. 🏔️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arlene MC opens up about her childhood, how she first launched as an R&B singer and it didn’t work out, but now the público loves her as a Dembowcera. She shares on the moment El Alfa called her to collaborate and it all went WRONG (at first) + she spills on details of her writing for Yailin and La Cardi B being one of top artists she wants to collab with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Luis Guzmán a true Hollywood icon whose career spans decades and unforgettable roles like Pachanga in Carlito’s Way and now Gomez Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday. We talk fatherhood, the importance of being present, and his thoughts on today’s youth including Bad Bunny. He shares the story of how he scored his role in Wednesday, his feelings on immigration, the state of our current presidency, and why he’d rather take risks to speak up for what’s right even if it means facing cancel culture. From film sets to real-life advocacy, Luis’s passion, humor, and honesty shine through every minute of this conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dascha Polanco opens up like never before. She gets real about her journey from growing up in New York City with strong Dominican roots 🇩🇴🗽, to becoming a young mom chasing big dreams all while juggling school and work. Dascha shares how she landed her career-defining role on Orange Is the New Black, and for the first time, she speaks out about being a victim of domestic violence, revealing that she endured abuse even while living life in the spotlight as a TV star. She also reflects on the pain of losing her soulmate, Xtassy, who passed away unexpectedly 🕊️, and the newfound joy of becoming a young grandmother after her daughter welcomed a baby. From working under the legendary Martin Scorsese, acting alongside Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, to now being a globally recognized actress, Dascha opens up about the highs and lows of fame, what keeps her grounded, and her next big chapter launching her career as a full-blown musical artist in 2025 🎤✨ This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, healing, and stepping into your power on your own terms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this can't-miss episode, we sit down with South Bronx legend Jimmy Rodriguez — the Puerto Rican visionary behind NYC staples like Jimmy’s Bronx Café, Sofrito, and Don Coqui for a raw and real conversation about hustle, legacy, and staying true to your roots. Jimmy opens up about growing up in the Bronx, dropping out of high school, and hitting the streets with his dad as teen selling lobsters, a grind that would later shape his journey as a restauranteur. He shares how a lack of Latino-owned spots in the city fueled his mission to fill that void and how he secured millions as a young man to build what would become cultural hubs for Latinos in NYC. From legendary nights hosting Celia Cruz, J.Lo, Tito Puentes, Yankees players... to the wild story of why Fidel Castro ended up at his Bronx Cafe (and how Jimmy wound up in Cuba with Castro’s uniform in hand), this episode is packed with surprises. He gets candid about fatherhood, including being estranged from his son with actress Michael Michele. Plus, we touch on his new spot SoBro, his thoughts on Diddy’s public downfall, and why the Yankees have fallen short in showing real love to the Bronx. Jimmy’s far from done and considers himself a forever student of life, of the restaurant game, and of the culture. Tap in for a story of resilience, reinvention, and real Bronx royalty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this interview I sit down with Bronx-born actor David Zayas for an intimate conversation that traces his incredible journey from the streets of New York to the big and small screens. Born to Puerto Rican parents, Zayas opens up about his early years in the Bronx, joining the U.S. Air Force, and then serving as an NYPD officer all before he ever stepped foot on a stage. While still on the force and juggling Fatherhood, Zayas began pursuing acting, eventually landing iconic roles in shows like Dexter, OZ, and Gotham. We talk about the importance of staying true to his roots as a Latino actor, his work in theater, and his deep connection to LAByrinth Theater Company, where he helped build a cultural space that’s thrived for over 30 years. He also shares heartfelt stories about being a proud father and grandfather, including how Bad Bunny helped him connect with his granddaughter. Plus, he talks about his marriage to the incredible Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), and teases what’s next in the Dexter universe. This is more than a career retrospective it’s a love letter to art, culture, family, and staying grounded while dreaming big. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and hilarious episode, we sit down with content creator turned TV star Ken Starrrz for a deep dive into his incredible journey from growing up in the Bronx with a Dominican dad and Colombian mom, to becoming one of the most vibrant voices in digital media today. Ken opens up about being a loud, creative kid in a traditional Latino household, getting fired from his last 9-to-5 working in the LGBTQ community, and how that moment pushed him headfirst into content creation. He shares the story of how a personal DM from Diddy led to him landing his own show on REVOLT TV, how Nick Cannon slid into his DMs to bring him on Wild ’N Out, and his thoughts on the importance of creating content that reflects the full spectrum of Latino culture—not just West Coast or Mexican perspectives. We also talk about his community work—food drives, back-to-school events, and giving back to those in need—and his acting debut alongside the late Pop Smoke. Ken gets real about the challenges and triumphs of the industry and what’s next as he works to launch his own scripted TV show that will spotlight underrepresented East Coast Latino voices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic Elizabeth Rodriguez—actress, Broadway star, and proud Nuyorican—for a conversation about her journey through some of television and theatre’s most impactful roles. From her breakout as Aleida Diaz on Orange Is the New Black to her polarizing turn as Paz Valdez on Power, Elizabeth opens up about the love, hate, and everything in between that comes with playing complex characters. We also dive into her latest film Allswell in New York, a raw and heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood and struggle, co-starring fellow Latina powerhouses Daphne Rubin-Vega and Liza Colón-Zayas. Elizabeth shares how growing up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents shaped her perspective—and her passion for telling real, rooted stories. Plus, we talk about the growing wave of Latino narratives on stage, including Broadway’s current productions of Buena Vista Social Club and Real Women Have Curves, and why representation isn't just important—it's urgent. This is an unfiltered, inspiring look at identity, resilience, and the magic that happens when Latinas rise together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with Dominican newcomer Dionni6x, a rising artist reppin’ Barahona and Brentwood. Raised by her abuela after her mom migrated to the States, Dionni shares what it was like growing up surrounded by love, tradition—and Romeo Santos playing in the background. We talk about her journey to the U.S. where she first visited a McDonald's, hitting her first ever studio session after high school, and launching her music career during the pandemic, uploading raw freestyles and clips on social media that started getting attention. She opens up about her abuela—an educator—getting emotional when she buzzed off her long hair, and not quite vibing with her choosing music over college. But Dionni’s all heart and hustle. Now, she’s working with heavyweights like Maffio and looking to to artists like El Alfa for career inspo. From Barahona to the Studio, this is a story of Hustle, Heritage, and a love letter to RD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we sit down with the LEGEND herself — Daphne Rubin-Vega, a true Broadway icon, actor, singer, producer, wife, and mother who's lived many lives and still keeps evolving. Daphne gets real about her journey — from arriving in the U.S. alone from Panama at just 3 years old, to becoming a defining force on the Broadway stage as the original Mimi Marquez in RENT. We dive into how playing a troubled sex worker and addict etched a lasting (and sometimes complicated) association between her and the character, especially back home in Panama. We talk about de todo: Latinos in acting bonding together, dealing with imposter syndrome as part of the '90s girl group Pajama Party (which was made for Latinos, but not by us), and the importance of representation that’s authentic. She also shares behind-the-scenes gems from her time in In the Heights, how her one-woman show Empanada Loca became the inspiration for The Horror of Dolores Roach, and why she’s excited to bring her energy to Shakespeare in the Park this summer. It’s raw, powerful, and deeply inspiring — just like Daphne. 💬 Tap in and hear how one of Broadway’s most iconic voices has always been more than the role she played. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we get to know Cesar Alvarez, the proud owner of Casa Lobo — a sleek, members-only social spot making waves in Jersey City’s hospitality scene. 🇨🇴🏙️ Cesar takes us on a journey that starts with his parents’ immigration from Colombia to New Jersey, and how that sacrifice laid the foundation for everything he’s built. He opens up about being raised by a man he calls his idol — his father — and the powerful example that shaped the way he leads as a man, business owner, and father today. We talk about how he got his start in the hospitality game, creating a space where folks feel safe, celebrated, and connected, and what it means to build community through culture and good vibes. Plus, Cesar gets real about fatherhood — raising a 21-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter, the lessons he’s picked up through travel, and the growth that comes with balancing business and family. This convo is all about legacy, love, and leveling up. Tap in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exclusive interview, rapper and actor Dave East opens up about his Caribbean roots, embracing his Dominican side, and how his culture shaped who he is today. From the pressure of signing with Nas' Mass Appeal label to landing the iconic role of Method Man in the hit series Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Dave reflects on the highs, the lessons, and the grind behind his success. He also talks about his days as a college basketball player, how his hoop dreams got derailed after he "got into a lil trouble," and the shift that led him to hip-hop. 🏀🎶 Plus, we get personal — Dave shares what it's like being a girl dad to three daughters, and drops his picks for his NBA GOATs. 🐐 This is Dave East like you’ve never seen him before — raw, honest, and inspiring. Tap in. 💯 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more dope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with rising star Laya DeLeon Hayes, who’s shining bright alongside the legendary Queen Latifah in CBS’s hit series The Equalizer. 🌟🎬 Laya shares her early determination — from knowing she wanted to be a child star at just 6 years old, to voicing the beloved Doc McStuffins, and how her parents made the bold move from Texas to Hollywood to support her dreams. Being educated through a mix of elementary school, homeschooling and the Chesneee school program Laya opens up about being biracial, linking with VP Kamala Harris and the DNC, embracing her Filipino and African American heritage, and the importance of representation both on and off screen. She gets candid about her deep love for Black horror, the magic of filming in Brooklyn, and what it feels like to be recognized on the streets of New York. 🖤🌆 This is a heartfelt convo about purpose, passion, and the power of dreaming big. 🎧 Tap in and get to know the young queen who's just getting started — and don’t forget to stream The Equalizer Sundays at 10P on CBS. 💥📺 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Lomiiel, the Dominican artist behind the six-times platinum smash hit "Hay Lupita." Lomiiel opens up about his mission to be more than just a star in the Dominican Republic — he’s aiming to become a global icon. He shares his journey of being raised by a single mother, staying away from drama, and why he keeps his music clean and uplifting, especially for his younger fans. Lomiiel also dives into fatherhood, the importance of legacy, and how his upbringing shaped the artist — and man — he is today. The conversation gets even deeper when he reveals the wild story of how "Lupita" almost wasn’t his song, how he landed on stage with Travis Scott so early in his career, and who influences his music and fashion style in the U.S. hip-hop scene. Plus, get the inside scoop on his upcoming album "Blessed", dropping in just a few weeks — a project he promises will reflect his growth, gratitude, and unstoppable drive. Tap in and get to know the heart and hustle behind one of Latin music’s fastest-rising stars. 🌍🎶 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this out-of-this-world episode of In Our Own World, we take a journey through memories, emotions, and cosmic wisdom with a special guest who’s no stranger to the spotlight. Becky G sits down with her real-life friends, our beloved Space Commanders, Em and Gem—and what unfolds is nothing short of magical. From iconic first impressions and what they had to do with a Selena bustier, to the nerves that still sneak in before she hits the stage, Becky G gets raw and real. She shares a heartfelt message to her younger self, her honest definition of love, breaks down the deeply personal layers behind her latest albums, and sheds light on how she stays rooted while navigating the chaos of stardom. No filter, no front. Things get unhinged when Becky G takes on a ridiculous accent challenge—while reading her own quotes. Southern belle? Check. Shakespearean actor? Check. It’s high art, really. Consider yourself warned. This is Becky G unplugged, unfiltered, and completely unforgettable. Tune in for big laughter, true vulnerability, and major inspo—this episode is a time capsule on friendship and a reminder that even the brightest stars are still human. Featuring: Becky G, Emily Estefan, Gemeny Hernandez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn’s own Nems—rapper, hustler, and Coney Island’s unofficial mayor—pulls up to share his raw, unfiltered story. From battling addiction and running the streets to doing time, facing homelessness, and ultimately turning his life around by working for DSNY, Nems has lived it all. But through every struggle, music was his therapy, and for the last 20 years, he’s been grinding—dropping projects, pushing his FYL merch (starting from Instagram DMs!), and even trademarking his viral catchphrase, Bing-Bong. Now signed to Paul Rubin and gearing up for tour, Nems reflects on his journey, his love for his Mami who never gave up on him, and what it really means to go from rock bottom to running the city. Tap in for an episode full of real talk, wild stories, and the undeniable energy of a true Brooklyn legend. Gorilla Nems in the building—Bing-Bong! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented James Martinez (Dexter: Original Sin, House of Cards, Breaking Bad, Love, Victor), who takes us on a deeply personal and inspiring journey through his life and career. From growing up in Jackson Heights, NY, to his Colombian mother’s resilience after his father’s passing, James shares how a dedicated teacher encouraged him to apply to the prestigious Juilliard School—a move that changed everything. He also takes us back to his early days as a teenage impersonator in NYC comedy clubs, long before he found himself on set with Hollywood’s biggest names. We also dive into how James balances marriage, fatherhood, and an intense acting career, plus what it was like working alongside icons like Giancarlo Esposito, Patrick Dempsey, and Christian Slater. And in an exclusive, James gives us a sneak peek at his latest project—a "Freestyle" play with his friend/mentor David Zayas. 🎭 From comedy clubs to critically acclaimed roles, this is a must-listen for anyone who loves stories of perseverance, artistry, and the magic of Hollywood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.