Latina Theory

We're back (again). We took a long break during the pandemic to have more babies, recenter our work, and envision the next chapter in our lives. While we are still in the thick of C-19, we decided to come back to the podcast. Latina Theory is a labor of love for us as a self-care and community care space. In this episode we discuss María Isa running for House District 65B. Stay tuned for más! Music: "Jugando Mama, Jugando" by La Lupe featuring Tito Puente  "Rent Money" by Mary J Blige  "Mismo Amor" by Julieta Venegas *We do not own the rights to this music. 

We kick off our 2021 winter season with a reflection on the presidential election, inauguration, and Latina/o/x political power. We talk with Latina Theory co-founder, Arianna Genis, about her recent accomplishments as well as celebrate Latina Theory's birthday (5 years!). Arianna Genis is a xicana organizer, political campaigner, digital strategist, and storyteller. She’s led and won local candidate campaigns in Minnesota. In 2020, she dedicated her time to building the political power of the Latinxs with Mijente, leading efforts in the battleground state of North Carolina as part of a Fuera Trump, a successful nationwide campaign dedicated to mobilizing the Latinx vote to get Trump out, and most recently, jumped into the Georgia runoff election to help win back the Senate. ** We do not own the rights to this music, but have permission from artists **

In this episode we talk with Dr. Ramos who has been on the frontlines working against COIVD-19 in New York City.  Dr. Ramos is a bilingual invasive cardiologist and assistant professor at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center with an interest and emphasis on preventive cardiology. Dr. Ramos is both a cardiologist and a nutritionist and has also been a spokesperson for heart healthy lifestyles.  She founded a Bronx WomenHeart support group for women of color who are survivors of heart disease. Her clinical focus has been in the under-served community of Inwood and Washington Heights since 2011. Her research interests have been in decreasing health disparities in women’s cardiovascular health through cross discipline collaborations.

This episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Niki López creator and co-executive producer of Nickelodeon’s new animated preschool series, Santiago of the Seas. Infused with a Spanish-language and Latino-Caribbean culture curriculum, the action-adventure series follows 8-year-old Santiago Montes, a brave and kind-hearted pirate, as he embarks on daring rescues, searches for treasures and keeps the high seas safe from villains like the nefarious pirate Bonnie Bones in a fantastical Caribbean world. Latinx viewers grew triple digits and accounted for well over a third of the overall K 2-5 viewership. Finally, more than 40% of the premiere’s audience were brand-new preschool viewers to Nickelodeon. Inspiration for the series, which features Spanish-language instruction and  highlights Latin-Caribbean cultures: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and more! Playlist: "Salomé"-Chayanne "Calle Luna Calle Sol" - Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe   WE DON'T OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC*

On October 21st Latina Theory had the pleasure of interviewing authors Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher about their new book Sanctuary as part of a series of speakers for International Festival of Arts & Ideas. 

In this episode we kick off our 2020 fall series on cultural appropriation. We focus this conversation on culinary appropriation in the Twin Cities. We talk with Milissa Diaz Silva (Co-owner/CEO of El Burrito Mercado), Julia Diaz (Milissa's daughter and University of Minnesota student), and Dulce Monterrubio (former owner of Dulceria Bakery).  #nomásculturalappropriation #justnameitcorn Playlist —  "Pa'Que" by Ana Tijoux feat. PJ Sin Suela  "Che Che Cole" by Hector Lavoe 

On this episode of Latina Theory we talk with several artists/organizers who have been organizing in the Twin Cities and Chicago for decades. We kick off the podcast  with Asha Long, artist, organizer and founder of Dirty Soles, an environmental justice organization. Next we talk with Tish Jones, Spoken Word Artist Founder & Executive Director of TruArtSpeaks. Then we chat with Ivelisse Diaz Afro-Puerto Rican dancer, musician, and founder of La Escuelita Bombera De Corazon in Chicago. We conclude with Maya Santamaria, La Raza Radio station owner.  Musica playlist Como Duele - Maria Isa Corre - Muja Messiah Tracks- Tish Jones Electicia- Bomba con Buya No Puedo Respirar - Edwin Perez y Orchestra SCC 

RIP GEORGE FLOYD DEAR COPS STOP KILLING BLACK PEOPLE POWER TO THE PEOPLE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN PROTECT OUR GENTE, OUR BARRIOS AND UNIFY Interviews with: Charlie Thayer (American Indian Movement, Water Protector, Warrior) Sen. Patricia Torres-Ray (MN-District 63) Maya Washington (Filmmaker & Creative Director of Running Water Entertainment) Alicia Steele (Artist & Community Organizer) Analita Silva (Co-Owner of El Burrito Mercado Saint Paul) Artwork by Andre Guzman Music Playlist Burn this Bitch Down- Muja Messiah I Can't Breathe - Family of Eric Garner #1-800 REPERATIONS - Maria Isa and Asha Bash To Donate Locally Black Visions Collective https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/ Reclaim the Block https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home MPD 150 https://www.mpd150.com/ MN Healing Justice Network https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/ Unicorn Riot https://unicornriot.ninja/ Migizi https://www.migizi.org/

Latina Theory Episode 35 Hosts Maria Isa and Jessica Lopez Lyman interview Cecilia Muñoz, a political advisor who served eight years on President Obama's senior staff, first as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, then as director of the Domestic Policy Council. She is currently the Vice President for Public Interest Technology and Local Initiatives at New America. Her latest book More than Ready : Be Strong and Be You...and Other Lessons for Women of Color on the Rise is out now! Our second half of the episode we highlight the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act being signed into Minnesota law this passed week by Governor Tim Walz becoming the first Insulin Affordability Act signed in the nation. Jessica highlights some great LatinX series to check out while being quarantined and our playlist continues to keep the vibe. Playlist:  Las Cafeteras- "I'm not your puppet" Tribe Called Quest - "Oh My God" Chicano Batman - "Pink Elephant"   

Latina Theory kicks off a new season for the new decade with Maria Isa introducing new host Jessica Lopez Lyman jumping into Latinx news, guerreras of the episode, curandera remedies and more! For more information on how to support earthquake relief in Puerto Rico visit https://elfondoboricua.org/. 

Nuestra gente, Latinxs are one of the fastest growing groups within Islam in the US — nearly 250,000 Latinxs Muslims are part of the our community and it’s growing. We had no idea until now, and we want to know, why? Join us as we explore the answer to this question with Lara Fernandez, producer of VICE’s Minority Reports latest episode called, Why are Latinos Converting to Islam? We also talk to Diana Cruz, a xingona and a Latina Muslim. Tune in for a great conversación and playlist featuring: “We the People” - A Tribe Called Quest “Di Mi Nombre” - Rosalía  "Hijabi (Wrap My Hijab)”- Mona Haydar  "Didn’t Cha Know” - Erykah Badu  "Chiquitita”(Spanish) - ABBA  “Good Lord” - Brother Ali Make sure to watch VICE Minority Report’s documentary, Why are Latinos Converting to Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOdu-lXCPFI Lara Fernandez is an Emmy award-winning producer with field experience in the US, Europe and Latin America. Born and raised in Spain, she majored in Broadcast Journalism and then spent several years with Univision's environmental unit. She is currently a long-form producer with VICE digital, where her work focuses on social justice issues. Diana Cruz is a Chicagoan and a Mexican/Puerto Rican. After converting to Islam in 1999, she realized there was a need for Spanish speaking/Latino engagement work in the Muslim community. She’s been leading work across communities ever since, including mentoring her Latina Muslim sisters. Diana’s educational background is in Healthcare Management, Business Administration and Psychology. She lives in the Western Suburbs with her two children.

Join us as we bring in 2019 with xingonaness and a refreshed approach to the stories we share with you and in our work. We talk about the excitement and complexities of Hamilton opening up in Puerto Rico with Lin Manuel Miranda performing (OMG), the Government shut down, the brilliance of Roma and it's politics. We delve deep into the Corpus Christi Student Massacre of 1971 depicted in the film. We also talk Bad Bunny's new album and love on our guerreras of el momento -- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez y Roma's star, Yalitza Aparico Martinez. Tune in!

Join our special conversation with Estafanía Navarro Hernandez, a queer Xicana organizer with DACA status who's also a part of Unidos MN, a Latinx based organization that builds power for gender, racial and economic justice. Estefania shares her story with us as a muxer who's fiercely organizing to protect and expand the rights of all immigrants. We also talk about the importance of the Latinx vote, pro-immigrant and pro-refugee values, self-care, favorite hot sauces y mas! #sinverguenza Final plug in: We want you to vote on November 6th. Midterm elections are crucial! Playlist: Mile High - Raquel Rodriguez Senor Presidente, Las Cafeteras Mia, Bad Bunny featuring Drake Yo Quiero Bailar, Ivy Queen Luchin, Ana Tijoux

We dedicate this episode to the xingonaness, bravery, and resilience of all muxeres who're survivors, who've spoken their truth, held their truth, or stood in truth with others these past few weeks as the movement of #metoo grows to become #wetoo. Join us as we discuss the dignities of Dr. Anita Hill and Dr. Ford. Estas muxeronas who spoke their truth have forever changed the landscape of this long war against patriarchy and rape, regardless of the reality that both of the men they accused in different points in our history, Clarence Thomas and now Brett Kavanaugh, sit on the Supreme Court. We ain't gonna despair. Our culture is changing and we - with our brilliance and resilience - are still here. We got us. We'll talk self-care in these moments #curanderaremedies, vibe to a kick-ass playlist of up and coming Latinx artists, and get real about need for white women to step up their game cause white feminism ain't doing anyone any favors. Únete a nuestra conversación! Playlist: Mama Lola by Jesse Baez - Odio by Ile , Las Caras Lindas de Mi Gente Negra by Flor de Tolache, Brujeria by El Gran Combo, Esta Rico by Will Smith and Marc Anthony featuring Bad Bunny

Latina Theory hosted a special episode at Irene Fernando's Hype Crew Concert celebrating WOCI in politics in Minnesota.   Tune into our conversations with these four incredible leaders: Irene Fernando, Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2 Rep. Erin Maye Quade, joined Erin Murphy and ran as LT Governor in 2018 race Angela Conley, Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2 Rep. Ilhan Omar, Congresswoman, CD5 Get a behind the scenes conversation with each powerful WOC elected officials on the campaign trail; hear the stories of how they got involved in politics and why.  Each of these muxeres is running to make a difference and to show that women of color can and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.  Episode Playlist Ain’t No Mountain High Enough- Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell Electric Lady- Janell Monáe Family Feud - Jay-Z Feat. Beyoncé Waving’ Flag- K’naan Django Jane - Janelle Monáe

MARIA ISA & ARI GENIS give you an update on what's happening with the more than 2,600 migrant children who've been torn away from their families at the border. We then talk art. We discuss the the Taino Indian exhibit at Smithsonian that's turning the colonizer Columbus lens on it's head; share our love and gratitude for Tanya Saracho, writer of the hit unapologetically Latina show, Vida, y mas. Tune in. Music Playlist Estamos Bien- BAD BUNNY Resistencia- LADY XOK Feat. Curanderos Calle Luna Calle Sol- HECTOR LAVOE Gitana- MALA RODRIGUEZ Pocket Full of Slave Owners- MUJA MESSIAH FEAT. BROTHER ALI & BOOTS RILEY Mari Juana- TITO PUENTE

Latina Theory Episode 27: Maria Isa and Arianna Genis discuss the impacts of the Zero Tolerance Policy and family separation at the Mexican-US border; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez primary win over  Rep. Joe Crowley; Patricia Torres-Ray arrested for protesting against General Dynamics in Bloomington, MN; Cardi B's baby shower; Mexico's Presidential election; Increase of suicide rate and the Harvard's study of 4,645+ deaths in Puerto Rico; Los Dell's line up and the latest film starring Benicio Del Toro "Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Playlist:  La Morena by Las Cafeteras El Emigrante by La Lupe Icon Remix by Jaden Smith feat. Will Smith and Nicky Jam River Song by Javi Santiago Te Boté by Nio Garcia, Darrell and Caper Magico, Bad Bunny 4,645 by Maria Isa

Tune in and get our take on the latest on DACA and a potential second government shut down. Get update on how to take action to support our undocumented community. From there, get our take on the "Residente" documentary. Then, get a snap shot analysis on MN politics - shout out to all the muxeres of color running for office - all while listening to a kick-ass playlist put together by the one and only Maria Isa. Playlist: “San Dunga” -PJ SIN SUELA “I’d Die Without You” P.M. DAWN “Havana” Camila Capello feat. Daddy Yankee “Milo” -Residente “Machika” -J. Balvin feat. Jeon and Annita

Peace 2017 See you in 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s four-time Tony Award-winning musical "In The Heights" will hit St. Paul Sept. 12-24th featuring Latino actors from the Twin Cities presented by the Ordway and Teatro Del Pueblo. Latina Theory shares our favorite songs and talks with The Ordway's Shelly Quiola and Tony Jilek, along with community leader Elsa Vega-Perez about the LatinX outreach and development at the Ordway in collaboration Teatro Del Pueblo. For more information and tickets: https://ordway.org/event/in-the-heights/ Episode 23 Playlist: In The Heights Champagne Carnival Del Barrio