Life in Spanglish

In this episode, Aida Rodriguez gets real about healing, relationships and stepping into her power. She opens up about ending a long term relationship, going to trauma therapy and finally feeling healthy, single and sane for the first time. Aida talks about breaking old patterns, ignoring the pressure to “find a good man” and refusing to settle for raggedy relationships ever again. She shares lessons from her elegant Puerto Rican abuela, why she honors her by dressing up and why dating apps are not for her, especially when men try to tell her jokes. She also tells us every reason she loves Bad Bunny, how deeply she bleeds for Puerto Rico and why she wants to see the island liberated from the United States once and for all. Aida dives into her new Director Era, the joy of writing and the importance of lifting up other Latinas in the industry. She calls out the insecurity that keeps women from bringing each other in and thanks Tiffany Haddish, Wanda Sykes and Angie Martinez for embracing her. Funny, honest and full of heart , Aida is learning what she wants, what she deserves and who she’s becoming. This is her realest chapter yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into this raw and hilarious conversation with Planta Industrial, the Bronx based Dominican duo taking over timelines in a NY minute. They break down how they came together, their mission to go against the current, and how their Bronx and Dominican roots shaped their whole vision. They talk about going "viral overnight" after YEARS of grinding, how their community and the algorithm pushed them to the forefront , not the industry , and how Saso encouraged aka the darknight to step into his own as an artist after seeing his creative brilliance behind the scenes. The guys also share what’s next for 2026 , from their new distribution deal to striking gold with their first single “That’s My Bitch,” plus whether they ever worry about breaking up and why the industry plant rumors make them laugh. They dive into the rock bands, hip hop, and Dominican artists they grew up on , and how that fusion naturally created their Spanglish lane. And yes, we get into how they manifested a COLORS performance early in the game. Culture, brotherhood, manifestation, and momentum in one episode. Tap in before the world catches up. Their new EP 'Punk Waves Sin Barreras' is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into a powerful, wide ranging conversation with actress and artist Jessica Pimentel, the Brooklyn born Dominicana whose talent and spirit stretch across continents and creative worlds. Known globally for her seven season role as Maria Ruiz on Orange Is the New Black, Jessica is a three time SAG Award winner, a classically trained musician, and the fierce female vocalist of the heavy metal band Brujeria. A graduate of NYC’s iconic High School of Performing Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Jessica’s artistry runs deep. She sings, plays violin, guitar, and bass, and brings a level of discipline and soul shaped by her journey as a Tibetan Buddhist, a practice she embraced back in the 90s. In our interview, she opens up about growing up Dominican in Brooklyn, the path that led her from city blocks to global stages, and why Sweden stole her heart as she now splits her life between Switzerland and New York. We get into everything, from her family’s stories and political views to the healing work behind the scenes and why we really shouldn’t eat the mangoes. It’s culture, creativity, spirituality, music, and truth told with cariño. A conversation about identity, legacy, and life en español, straight from a woman who has lived many lives and carries them all with power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined by Legendary journalist Darlene Rodriguez, the proud Bronx native and longtime co-anchor of NBC 4’s Today in New York. With 30 years in television and 26 years at NBC, Darlene opens up about her incredible journey from a Bronx girl with a dream to one of New York’s most respected news voices. She shares how her Mami found her first TV job in a newspaper listing for a Bronx station, and how watching the OGs of New York news alongside her mother at just eight years old shaped her path. Darlene reflects on breaking into communities older reporters couldn’t reach, using her Bronx roots as her strength to land a role at NBC right after college. Together, Honey and Darlene dive into the power of community support, what it means to stay grounded when you’re on TV, and how her Abuela’s pride in the Bronx projects kept her connected to her hood. Darlene also gets candid about living up to her mother’s high standards, raising three children of her own, and the lessons she instills in them about kindness and empathy. Plus, she opens up about her husband’s work as an immigration attorney and the challenges of serving families in today’s political climate and how we're all responsible for our doing our part as latinos to support each other. Honored throughout her career for excellence and service, Darlene Rodriguez has earned major recognitions including El Diario’s Mujeres Destacadas Award, Hispanic Magazine’s Latina Excellence Award, and multiple commendations from the NYPD, DEA, and City of New York for her proud representation of the Latino community. 🎧 Stream the full episode on iHeartRadio and watch it on YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive deep into the life of the legendary Frankie Cutlass, the man behind the timeless anthem “Puerto Rico” 🇵🇷🎶. The ICONIC DJ/Producer opens up about turning his life over to God after surviving a dark chapter in his youth, when his life was threatened over false accusations of snitching within his crew. He talks about growing up in Spanish Harlem, being raised by a strong Puerto Rican mother who worked hard to support nine children, and the moment she sacrificed to buy him his first DJ equipment so he could chase his dreams early on. The convo dives into the golden era of Spanish Harlem, where Frankie came up alongside icons like Marc Anthony, freestyle greats T.K.A., Cynthia, and more showing how one neighborhood produced a generation of Latin music superstars. He also shared how it felt hearing his anthem “Puerto Rico” echo through the Super Bowl Halftime Show when Jennifer Lopez performed to it - surely one of the proudest and most emotional moments of his life, a true full-circle celebration of his culture and roots on one of the biggest stages in the world. Frankie also breaks down: His first big radio break thanks to Funkmaster Flex. Working with Biggie Smalls and NYC hip-hop legends + touring the world and staying grounded in faith and culture It’s a story of faith, legacy, and the power of music: straight from one of New York’s most respected DJs and producers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominican lyricist J Noa sits down with Honey German to talk about her incredible journey from growing up in the Dominican Republic to becoming one of the most respected new voices in Latin music. 🇩🇴🎤 J Noa opens up about her childhood back home, her mother’s health struggles, and how those challenges pushed her to help raise her niece at a young age. J Noa talks about never editing her raps after recording, staying authentic, and moving with respect in an industry that often disrespects women. J Noa also shares admiration for Tokischa, calling her smart and multifaceted despite how she’s sometimes perceived. We get into her Grammy nominations and WINS, her collaboration with fellow Dominican artists like Vakero & Yendry and her hope to one day work with fellow spitta Snow Tha Product. She also speaks on how it is living in RD while being a celebrity and lets it be known that if she ever jumps on a dembow record, she’ll be dropping bars and not singing no hook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and honest conversation, journalist Paola Ramos gets personal talk about everything from her global upbringing to her life now as a proud Latina voice shaping modern journalism. The daughter of legendary journalist Jorge Ramos, Paola opens up about carving her own lane in media from field reporting on immigration and ICE raids to launching a brand-new podcast alongside her iconic father. We talk about growing up between Miami and Madrid, being raised by a fierce Cuban mom, and eventually finding her community in Brooklyn, where she now works, creates, and thrives (dog mom life included 🐶). Paola gets real about what it means to speak truth to power in today’s political climate, the responsibility of journalists to tell stories from the ground up, and why Latinos everywhere must stay informed and united. She also drops gems about content creation, finding your voice, and how she shoots those stunning straight to camera clips right from her living room. Smart, witty, and grounded, Paola reminds us that even with a famous last name she’s still a regular Latina using her platform to push culture and truth forward. 🇨🇺🇲🇽🗽 🎧 Don’t miss her new podcast, “The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos” available now wherever you listen to podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and emotional episode, Brenda K. Starr sits down to open up about her incredible journey from a young dreamer in NYC’s Upper West Side to a chart-topping singer who helped shape Latin pop and R&B. Raised by a single Puerto Rican mother of seven, Brenda shares how her entire family rallied behind her dream of stardom from acting at 12 to landing her first record deal at just 13. Brenda reveals the story behind introducing her then–backup singer Mariah Carey to industry exec Tommy Mottola, a move that would change music history forever and her own life’s path. After being dropped by her label to focus on Mariah and facing hard times, Brenda found herself working everyday jobs, on welfare and relying on pure hustle to feed her two kids, all without ever asking for help. Now, decades later, Brenda reflects on her resilience, her pride in creating a Spanish-language album despite not being fluent, and her continued passion for performing and releasing new music. Her story is one of perseverance, legacy, and pure heart. ❤️✨ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honey sits down with Dariel Amant, the Dominican artist from Jersey who doesn’t just sing about love, he is LOVE. His name, meaning “lover” in French, feels like destiny fulfilled with every note. From the soulful vibes of “Flores” to the genre-blending magic of his Cuatro Rosas EP, Dariel is redefining what it means to be a bilingual romantic in today’s music scene. He’s taken Afro-beats, R&B, and Latin rhythms and made them his own, building bridges between cultures while capturing hearts across the globe. In this candid conversation, Dariel opens up about growing up in a Dominican household, the tragic work accident that became the turning point in his life, and how it inspired him to chase music full-time. He also shares what’s next from upcoming releases to how he plans to keep pushing his sound and his story forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honey sits down with the legendary Maria Hinojosa - an award-winning journalist whose career began in 1993 with one clear mission: to make Latinos visible. From her early days in radio to founding Futuro Media and leading Latino USA, Maria has spent decades amplifying our stories and holding power accountable. Maria opens up about her fight to ensure the current administration doesn’t silence her voice or her initiatives, why she and Futuro Media reject terms like “minority” and “illegal,” and why she’s calling on Latino journalists to take responsibility for how they represent our community in the news. As she reminds us, “Basic due process is being tested on our backs!” But it’s not all heavy they also share laughs about life with her Dominican husband, how she keeps herself fit and grounded, and the passion that continues to drive her work. This episode is both a masterclass in journalism and a powerful reminder of what it means to fight for visibility, dignity, and truth. ✊🏽✨ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.