Gracias, Come Again.

Heart disease is often talked about as a men’s health issue, but the truth is heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death for women, especially in Black and Brown communities. In this powerful and necessary episode, we sit down with American Heart Association Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Katrina McGhee to break down what everyone needs to know about heart health, heart attack prevention, and stroke awareness. Katrina shares why women are often under-diagnosed and underserved when it comes to cardiovascular care, how symptoms of heart attacks and strokes can look different in women, and the everyday preventative measures families can take to improve heart health. We also dive into the health disparities affecting Black and Brown communities, and why access, education, and early prevention are critical to saving lives. As a best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, certified health and wellness coach, and longtime nonprofit executive, Katrina brings both professional expertise and lived passion to this conversation. She opens up about her own journey, her mission at the American Heart Association, and the work being done to create equitable health outcomes and longer, healthier lives for all. This episode is a must-listen for women, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better protect their families from heart disease and stroke. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to recognize warning signs, reduce risk factors, and take control of your heart health today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Gracias, Come Again, we sit down with actor, comedian, and stand-up comic Jason Andors, a New York City native whose career has spanned decades in the U.S. comedy and acting world, and who is now going viral across the Dominican Republic under his beloved alter ego, El Tiguere Vacano. Jason takes us back to his upbringing in NYC, born to Jewish parents but raised in a city that shaped his deep connection to Black and Latino culture. He opens up about a journey that surprises many, from being a trained ballet dancer, to performing on the Black comedy circuit, to ultimately finding a second home and a second chapter in the Dominican Republic. We go all the way into la cultura. Jason talks about how he fell in love with the DR, how the island embraced him right back, and how he now lives there part-time creating viral content that Dominicans genuinely love. He shares stories of acting alongside legendary Dominican actor Manny Perez, finding real love on the island, his appreciation for Dominican women and Dominican food, and even how he got his two elderly Jewish parents to jump into skits that ended up going viral. The conversation also highlights his nonprofit work and his deep commitment to giving back to the Dominican Republic through building homes, giving away toys, and supporting communities in need. Jason speaks from the heart about why his desire to give back to the island is bigger than words, and how important it is for him to show respect, not exploitation. We talk about the moment he decided to fully lean into becoming “Dominican,” from doing dembow, to immersing himself in neighborhoods that even some locals avoid, all in the name of understanding the culture from the inside out. Jason also shares what it was like being a judge on Dominicana's Got Talent, and how surreal it feels to be embraced everywhere he goes, with fans stopping him for photos and love. This episode is funny, honest, and deeply cultural. It shows how Dominicans and Latinos embrace anyone who truly loves and respects the culture, and how Jason Andors is not playing Dominican culture, he is living in it, celebrating it, and making people laugh along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eduardo Holguín, is a Dominican creative director, photographer, and art director, and the founder of By Holguín, a forward-thinking creative studio shaping the future of media and storytelling. In this episode, Eduardo opens up about his journey from the Dominican Republic to the United States, growing up in a well to do family, and making the intentional decision to carve out his own path in America. He breaks down what it really took to build his career on his own terms and how community, culture, and mentorship played a critical role in his success. Eduardo shares the story behind landing on Forbes 30 Under 30, crediting the support of a fellow Dominican woman who believed in his vision and helped open doors. Together, we challenge the tired narrative that Gen Z is lazy, discussing how this generation is working harder than ever, creating opportunities, and kicking down doors in industries that were never built with us in mind. The conversation also dives into his work with global brands like CoverGirl, the rise of a new generation of creatives redefining journalism and media, and how Eduardo is building platforms that center underrepresented voices. He talks about what creative leadership looks like in 2026, how culture drives innovation, and where he sees his work evolving next. In a moment of raw transparency, Eduardo also opens up about his hair transplant journey and how sharing that experience on social media has sparked conversations around masculinity, vulnerability, and self-confidence, helping straight men reclaim their hairlines and their confidence without shame. This is a must-watch interview for anyone interested in Latino excellence, creative leadership, Gen Z culture, and the future of media, storytelling, and representation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Gracias, Come Again, we sit down with DJ Tony Touch, legendary DJ, producer, artist, mixtape pioneer, and one of the most influential cultural figures in Hip-Hop history.  Tony Touch takes us back to his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, sharing how his Puerto Rican roots and musical household shaped his destiny. Raised in a family of musicians, with a grandfather and father who played music and a mother who sang, Tony explains how music was always in his DNA. We explore Tony Touch’s role as a firsthand witness to the birth of Hip-Hop AND reggaeton and how he has remained present and impactful decade after decade, building a global legacy while staying grounded in community.  Going beyond the music, Tony speaks candidly about his private life, sharing that he is both a father and a grandfather, while explaining why he chooses to keep much of his personal life out of the spotlight. He discusses growing up in a religious home, how faith and God have always guided his journey, and how he attributes his success, longevity, and purpose to his spiritual foundation. The conversation also dives into Boricuas in Hip-Hop, Tony’s groundbreaking ReggaeTony era, and his work with icons like Tego Calderón & Ivy Queen. Tony reflects on being a crucial bridge when reggaeton traveled from Puerto Rico to New York, and how he helped introduce the sound to the Spanglish and Latino communities across the United States.  We also get his thoughts on Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl performance, his cultural impact, and what his success represents for Latino music on the global stage. Tony closes the episode by sharing his vision for 2026 and graciously accepting his flowers as a true hip-hop legend whose influence continues to shape generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning actress Amirah Vann joins Gracias, Come Again for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal conversation rooted in culture, family, faith, and purpose. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Amirah opens up about growing up Afro-Latina, being raised by her Puerto Rican mother after losing her African-American military father at just nine years old, and the powerful village of tias and tios who surrounded her in Far Rockaway, Queens.  Amirah shares the sacrifices her immigrant mother made to give her a full, creative life, from finding ways to afford arts classes and strong schools to believing in her dreams long before the world caught on. We talk about how theater in New York City became her foundation, shaping her voice as both an actress and a singer. She is currently starring as Dr. Gina Walker on FOX’s hit medical drama Doc, and breaks down what it’s like stepping into a leading role on network television. Amirah also reflects on her role in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues, sharing the surreal moment Tyler Perry personally called her to join the film. The conversation dives into her iconic role as Tegan Price on How to Get Away with Murder, and what it meant to work alongside the legendary Viola Davis. Amirah opens up about raising her two daughters, who are part Black and part Latina, and how intentional she is about teaching them Spanish, keeping them connected to their Puerto Rican culture, and making sure they grow up proud of every part of who they are. She talks about passing down culture at home, from language to music to family traditions and one of the most meaningful parts of the conversation is Amirah opening up about how it feels to now be seen and embraced by the Latino community, and the pride she feels in owning every part of who she is. The episode is lighthearted, emotional, and full of laughs, and by the end, we realized we’d become real-life friends, bonded by growing up in New York, being raised by strong Latina mothers, and surviving the hood with love and humor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary DJ, Producer and Hip Hop Icon DJ Enuff joins Gracias, Come Again for one of our most powerful, emotional, and joy filled conversations yet. This is an episode where we laugh, cry, reminisce, give flowers, and openly thank the people who supported our careers and personal lives when it mattered most. DJ Enuff takes us back to his upbringing, early life, and school days, including the very first piece of DJ equipment he ever touched. He shares the unforgettable story of how he got his first set of turntables while working at Nathan’s Hot Dogs, literally wearing a hot dog suit, a true New York hustle story. From there, we dive into Latinos in Hip-Hop from day one and how community, culture, and music shaped his journey. We talk about how he became the legendary DJ for The Notorious B.I.G., including never before heard stories about how they met, what Enuff did for Biggie before officially becoming his DJ, and the moment he played a Biggie record on the radio that caused Sean Combs to call him ranting and raving. Despite it all, Enuff went on to tour with Biggie, forming a deep bond and lifelong friendship. The conversation also highlights the founding of the world renowned Heavy Hitters, and the importance of representation, including moments where Enuff shares feeling like he was not Latino enough while being fully immersed in hip hop culture, and how fellow DJs helped keep him connected to Latino music and identity. One of the most moving parts of the episode is our shared discussion about surviving strokes, recovery, and the vital role caregivers played in helping DJ Enuff relearn how to DJ, rebuild his confidence, and reclaim his place as one of New York’s most respected DJ legends. We also talk family. Enuff opens up about his son Riot USA, a successful producer who works with Ice Spice, and how he only realized his son was an artist after attending one of his performances. It’s a full circle moment about legacy, pride, and generational impact. To close it out, DJ Enuff shares what’s next for him in 2026, including launching his own podcast, producing more music, potentially collaborating with his Father & son, and writing his biography, which is already in motion. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, culture, friendship, and hip hop history. A must listen for anyone who loves New York, radio, and the roots of Hip Hop culture. 🎧🔥See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World renowned choreographer turned actor Darrin Henson joins us for a powerful, culture rich conversation about legacy, purpose, and the Latino influence that helped shape his life and career. Raised in the Bronx, Darrin opens up about growing up alongside Latinos in his neighborhood and how Latino culture, friendships, and community played a lasting and positive role in his upbringing. From early life lessons to lifelong connections, he reflects on the moments that stayed with him and continue to guide him today. Darrin shares behind the scenes stories from working with some of the biggest icons in music history, including Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Christina Aguilera, and the ultimate GOATs Michael Jackson and Prince. He also opens up about being first cousins with Taraji P. Henson and how talent, faith, and perseverance run deep in his family. One of the most jaw dropping moments of the interview is when Darrin reveals why he walked away from choreography at the height of his career, right after winning a VMA for *NSYNC’s iconic “Bye Bye Bye” routine, a dance he owns as his intellectual property. The very choreography later appeared in the film Deadpool, and for which the production had to properly compensate him for its use. Darrin also breaks down his transition into acting, starring in beloved series like Soul Food and The Family Business, along with his evolution into an author and motivational speaker focused on purpose, ownership, and spiritual alignment.  This is a must listen conversation about culture, creativity, faith, and knowing when to pivot.  🎧 Subscribe for more interviews spotlighting culture, legacy, and voices that move the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor Elaine Del Valle joins Gracias, Come Again for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about survival, identity, Latino representation, and socially impactful storytelling. Elaine opens up about growing up Puerto Rican in the 1980s in Brownsville, Brooklyn, raised in low income housing while surrounded by addiction, poverty, and a father who struggled with vices. In this interview, we talk about being sent to Puerto Rico as a form of punishment, an experience many Latino children can relate to, and how that summer on the island with her father shaped her identity, worldview, and creative voice. Elaine reflects on how those early life experiences influenced her mission to tell stories rooted in truth and resilience. Elaine discusses becoming a socially conscious storyteller who centers voices and communities that are often ignored in film and television. She weighs in on the ongoing lack of Latino representation on screen and explains how making strong Latina women the leads in her films is her way of pushing back and creating change. Elaine began her acting career in the 1990s, appearing in major projects such as Donnie Brasco, The Sopranos, and lending her voice as Belle the Octopus on Dora the Explorer for over 20 episodes. We also discuss her acclaimed film Princess Cut, now streaming on HBO Max, and the importance of telling authentic Latino stories without compromise. Be sure to stream Elaine Del Valle’s powerful new film Brownsville Bred, available now on Amazon Prime Video. This episode is a must hear for anyone interested in Latino culture, resilience, filmmaking, and stories rooted in truth. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Elaine’s story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominican icon Vakero sits down for an honest and wide ranging conversation about music, family, and legacy. The Latin Grammy nominated artist talks about growing up in San Pedro de Macorís, and his role as a later pioneer of Dominican urban music since the 1990s. Vakero opens up about working very humble jobs outside of music like selling apples, becoming a fashion forward artist, and his views on beauty standards, marriage, and fatherhood with 11 kids. He shares stories from acting alongside Manny Pérez, explains why he declared himself Team Fruta on La Casa de Alofoke, and talks about collaborating with younger artists like J. Noa. Plus, Vakero reveals exclusive details about a new album coming in 2026 with Dominican producer Maffio and why using his voice for the less fortunate in our countries still matters to him today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into this powerful, cultural deep dive with Word Life, the Bronx-born Puerto Rican creator behind the viral tagline “Facts is Facts.”  Known for his straight-to-camera truth telling, WordLife has become one of the most trusted voices educating the world on Puerto Rico its history, culture, food, music, politics and the real issues the island faces. Before the viral moments and millions of views, he was a New York rapper grinding in the music scene. Now he’s fully committed to storytelling that uplifts his people. In this episode, we get into his journey before content creation, his transition out of music, and what it means to be a Latino in hip hop. We also unpack the biggest misconceptions about Puerto Rico, highlight the major contributions Boricuas have made across entertainment, and dive into the current events he often breaks down online. One powerful point he breaks down is why Latinos must start buying homes in their ancestral countries, the same way tourists are doing in his native Puerto Rico. And because they both love the sport, they end with a fun segment on Puerto Rican boxing legends Honey names Tito Trinidad, Hector Camacho, Miguel Cotto, Edgar Berlanga & Amanda Serrano and he hits back with the perfect one-word descriptions. This episode is informative, educational, funny, and a full celebration of Puerto Rico and the Bronx.  BX to the island, this one’s for y’all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Sweden 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 mangos. 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.