Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dennis Garcia - author, retired attorney, and educator - whose career and storytelling have been shaped by a lifelong dedication to justice, culture, and heritage. A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law and the University of New Mexico’s Business program, Dennis practiced both civil and criminal law and served as a Judge before shifting to a career in education, where he taught government ...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In celebration of Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on Leslie Arredondo-Cordero, a trailblazer in the world of music strategy and marketing. With an impressive career spanning Paramount, TikTok, and her own consultancy, Deluz Music, Leslie has been at the forefront of integrating music into branding, advertising, and entertainment. We explore her journey from freelancing to becoming a leader in creative music strategy, her time as Comme...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Espinosa, the creator of The Salsa Project, an educational initiative dedicated to celebrating and preserving the art of Salsa. Through documentaries, events, and community engagement in NYC, The Salsa Project seeks to honor Salsa’s rich cultural legacy and inspire young Latinos to embrace their heritage. Brandon shares his deep personal connection to Salsa, from childhood memories at family parties to th...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode, we speak with Martin Mayorga, founder of Mayorga Coffee, a company built on the mission of supporting producers in Latin America and addressing the inequities in the food industry. Martin shares his journey, from spending his childhood in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Peru to immigrating to the United States with his family. Witnessing the privilege of life in the U.S. compared to the socioeconomic disparities faced by fo...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts This is a special episode as we are officially launching our video podcast channel! In this interview, we chat with Andy Amendola, the creator of Red Racer Books, whose mission is to introduce young readers to the multifaceted world of motorsports. Through vividly illustrated stories, the books highlight diverse characters in various roles, inspiring curiosity and showcasing opportunities beyond the driver’s seat. By focusing on science, te...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this interview, we sit down with Isabella Ferrari (aka Penny), a Buddhist witch, author, and holistic transformational coach. Penny, who is of Brazilian and Italian heritage, is the founder of Greenwitchcom, a global community of over 100,000 people dedicated to exploring witchcraft, ancient practices, and spiritual wisdom. She launched her business during the 2021 pandemic and has since experienced remarkable growth, offering personalized coa...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we speak with Paula Andrea Arbelaez-Stone. She is a Bilingual (English & Spanish) NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 17 years of experience in the counseling field. Some of her specialties are Individual, couples & family counseling. She certifications and training in REBT and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Paula shares her background and explains how she found herself in this field after migrating to the US from Colombia...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we discuss: Warm weather holidays.Trump rally Comedian’s bad joke regarding Puerto Rico.Halloween trip to Salem. We share our own spooky stories – encounters on the Queen Mary, Ouija, Spells, and more.We talk about our favorite Halloween movies.- - THANK YOU for listening! Send us feedback by emailing: info@themodernlatino.com Support the show Please like, follow, and support The Modern Latino: Web: https://themodernlatino.c...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 2 of The Modern Latino Podcast! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We kick off our new season with a fun and inspiring conversation with Samantha Morales, the Founder and President of Branches Long Island – a 501c3 nonprofit organization run by volunteers who are determined to make a difference on Long Island. Based in Middle Island, NY, Branches Long Island supports their community by providing services like: Blessing ...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we discuss: We recap and discuss our interview Sacha Hamilton. Deadpool & Wolverine movie! We discuss the state of Super Hero movie genre. Gene talks about crying at the movie “My Life”. Ivan shares stories from his last trip. A review of “The Pastrami Queen” restaurant in Penn Station. Cross country travel. Reflections on the Olympics. The challenge of negative commentary on social media. We discuss the challenges of includ...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode: We interview Sacha Hamilton who is a mom, entrepreneur, cannabis enthusiast, and the creator of The Dope Deck card game. With the legalization of cannabis becoming more widespread and less taboo, Sacha wanted to create a game that allowed like-minded individuals to have fun and build relationships, all while safely getting their smoke on. Thus, The Dope Deck was born. Now based in southern California, Sacha comes from a unique ...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode: “…the most dangerous thing you can do is not work out…” – Jethro Cardona We interview Jethro Cardona, owner of the CrossFit Chief Nation gym in Massapequa, NY. In addition to being a business owner, Jethro also serves the community as a Nassau County Police officer working with youth communities via the Police Activity League unit. Originally from Queens and Brooklyn, he shares how his Puerto Rican mother wanted h...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode: We interview DJ Benny Bee. Benny has worked with legendary Freestyle Music artists like Coro, Lissette Melendez, Tony Moran and more. He was also a Producer on the hit track “Within My Heart” by Voyce. While now retired and living the good life in Florida, he hails from East New York, Brooklyn. Benny shares his story with us and as learn how he made his way onto the blossoming NYC Freestyle circuit. We discuss F...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode: May 4th (Star Wars day) and it’s Puerto Rican connection Cinco de Mayo Knicks Playoff run Ryan Garcia antics and current state of Boxing Campus Protests – Schools & Universities must do better Where are the smart, well-intentioned people in Politics Upstate NY District Attorney behavior over traffic stop We hope you enjoy this episode! - - THANK YOU for listening! Send us feedback by emailing: info@themodernlati...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts Tonight, we’re speaking with Officer Vickie Ojeda of the Nassau County Police Department. She is also the President of the NCPD’s Hispanic Society. Vickie is a wonderful person who is extremely passionate about her community. Raised in Queens, she is of Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. She shares how she grew up surrounded by friends of all different backgrounds which helped shape the person she is today. We have a great conversation abo...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we speak with our friend, Will. He is a former police officer who now spends his time studying and investing in Crypto currency. He helps explain the reasons he became involved with this form of investing and explains the risks and rewards that can be expected. We enjoyed learning about the Crypto market, as well as, Will’s journey towards building generational wealth for his family. This is an important subject given the i...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode: Gene and Ivan sit down to catch up on what’s been going on lately, including: · The NYC earthquake and stories about the eclipse. · Ivan shares his random thoughts about dinosaur evolution possibilities · Ivan shares his thoughts on Wrestlemania 40 and the new Latino Champions! · The guys talk about Haters and share their thoughts on overcoming ...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we speak with one of the hottest chefs in NYC today, Derick Lopez, owner of The Freakin Rican restaurant in Astoria, NY. Featuring a menu of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, Chef Derick delivers a culinary delight to anyone looking for some authentic “Boricua” flavors. The food is delicious and the service and ambience deliver an experience that you will remember and come back for more. However, the food is just scratching the s...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts In this episode we interview NYC based writer and comedian, Miguel Fernandez. Miguel has studied and performed sketch comedy and improv over the past several years. Recently he has performed in groups specializing in Improv en Espanol. We love supporting up and coming artists and we think he is a rising star. Miguel shares his story with us and explains how his journey as a child of Colombian immigrant parents led him on the path to pursue...
Send us a Text Message and share your thoughts Welcome to The Modern Latino Podcast! In this episode your hosts, Gene & Ivan, set the stage for what you can expect from this podcast. Our goal is simple: have thoughtful conversations about the issues impacting our lives, highlight individuals doing great things in their communities, and finally, celebrate all of the beautiful cultures that make-up the Latino diaspora. We do this by keeping an open mind, trying to learn...