CubaCast

Bernie Sanders was Wrong to Praise Castro & the Cuban Revolution

This episode is from a video I did responding to Bernie Sanders' comments on 60 Minutes, where he defended his former praise of Fidel Castro to Anderson Cooper and touted the social merits of the Cuban Revolution. The Democratic presidential candidate's comments really break down into two issues that are difficult to separate but that should be assessed individually as the first is subjective and the second is objective. I dive deep into both issues in this episode, incorporating research & ...

Cuba Is Not Black or White - There are Shades of Gray!

In this episode, I react to a Turning Point USA video that painted Cuba black. The left-leaning media, by contrast, usually paints it white. Both characterizations are incomplete and ignore the nuances that exist on the island. Not telling the full story in an objective manner shows a lack of empathy for the Cuban people and does a disservice to one's audience. There is plenty of blame to go around in the Cuban story, and a balanced approach should be taken to create the change Cuba needs - not ...

"Un Patio en Hialeah" - A Poem for my Abuelos

I was essentially raised by my abuelos in their home in West Hialeah. Their backyard full of animals provided the backdrop for my childhood, and they were full of so much love. Now that I’m older, I regret being tremendo jodedor! This poem is for them, may they rest always in peace.

Motif Interview with Albert Feng

In this wide-ranging conversation with Motif's Albert Feng, I tell my Cuban American origin story and talk about all things CubanoChris - from humanitarian work in Cuba to cultural experiences in New York, content I've produced, and my views on Cuban culture and American foreign policy on Cuba. If you love the episode, it would make me so happy if you subscribe and share the podcast with your friends. I'm going hard on it right now! If it hurts your ears because it's so bad, feel free to let me ...

Havana Is Not Your Hipster Playground!

This episode is a reading of the most successful article I've ever written: Havana Is Not Your Hipster Playground. This message to non-Cuban Americans on how to travel to Cuban intentionally emerged from a simple epiphany I had one day: that non-Cuban Americans often lack the historical context endemic to a Cuban American upbringing. This results in two very different paradigms through which each group views travel to Cuba, one rooted in the desire for meaningful development and the other manife...

Happy Birthday José Martí!

I just wanted to pop in quickly and wish a very happy birthday to this legendary Cuban figure. Universally revered by both Cubans and Cuban Americans alike, José Martí is the national independence hero of Cuba and a perfect example of cubanidad. No matter what side of the Florida Straights you reside on, if you identify as Cuban you respect and admire José Martí. Take a listen to hear about a bit about his life and legacy, how he built the Cuban nation from right here in New York City, and how h...

Cafecito y Cuba: Trump Cancels Charters, Venezuela Worsens, & Cuba Elects Governors

In this latest episode of Cafecito y Cuba we cover major developments from the first half of January, including: (1) The implications for Cuban families and businesses of the Trump Administration's decision to cancel charter flights to all Cuban cities except for Havana * I also give a recap of all the travel restrictions for Americans that have been implemented since Trump was elected. (2) The current political situation in Venezuela, which has shifted largely in favor of Maduro since Juan Guai...

CubaCast (Trailer)

Cafecito y Cuba: DEEP DIVE On Cuba Travel Restrictions

This episode is a recording of Cafecito y Cuba from last June that never made it on to the podcast. In this timely flashback, I go deep on the Trump administration's elimination of group people to people educational travel along with cruises and commercial flights to Cuba. I talk about why isolation will not lead to a free Cuba; why our restrictive policies are the perfect scapegoat for the Cuban government; how important it is that we fix the messaging about legal travel to Cuba; why engagement...

Cafecito y Cuba: Llegó el WiFi a Cuba, Helms Burton, & Cuban Lung Cancer Vaccine

In this episode, I dive deep on the recently allowed private WiFi networks in Cuba, I explore the immediate effects of Helms Burton Title III, and I explain how (technically) collaboration between the U.S. & Cuba has the power to cure cancer!

Has the Cuban Government Gone Soft?

In this reading of my latest article about Cuban politics, I analyze three key events that unfolded in the days leading up to the implementation of new regulations on business owners & artists to determine if the Cuban government has indeed gone soft.

Trouble in Paradise - The Economic State of Cuba

This episode is a reading of an article-turned-blog post where I break down the key macroeconomic events of 2018 and how they have shaped Cuba's bleak economic outlook.

Cafecito y Cuba: Plane Crash, Oil Crisis, & New Cuban President

On this super-sized episode of Cafecito y Cuba we cover the Cubana de Aviación plane crash and its mounting death toll, the effects of the Venezuelan oil crisis on the Cuban economy, and I give my thoughts on the Cuban presidential transition.

Changing the Dystopian Cuban System

This episode makes up the last part of the mini series highlighting insightful meetings from Inspire Cuba’s last trip to Havana. Listen in as I discuss the shutting down of one of Havana’s most popular private restaurants, how the Cuban government neglects the citizens who are most in need, and how authentic change can come about in Cuba.

The Cuban Government is "Big Brother"

In Cuba, the government is very much big brother, and there’s an unwritten policy of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” in place between the residents and military officers of Havana. In this conversation with Havana resident Natalia, we dive into just how this system actually works.

We Need to "Hack" the Cuban Psyche

In this first episode of a series that will chronicle my last visit to Cuba, I give you a playback of a conversation I had with a former employee of la Asociación de Cubanos Técnicos Agrícoles y Forestales where he explained how to shift the mindset of the Cuban people.

A Conversation with the Associated Press in Havana

In this episode, I give you a snippet of my interview with the Associated Press from a privately-run cafe in Havana where we discuss the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.

My Interview with USA Today

In this episode, I dive into my Cuban American background, Inspire Cuba’s policy of engagement with Cuba, and the start-up culture in Havana.

Beny Moré: El Bárbaro del Ritmo

We want More Moré. In this episode I dive into a biography on one of Cuba's most recognized musical icons, el "Bárbaro del Ritmo" Beny More.

My Passion for my Cuban Heritage

The very first episode of CubaCast focuses on my background as a third generation Cuban American and my passion for my culture as the driving force behind why I do what I do.