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CubaCast

Chris Vázquez (CubanoChris)podcasters.spotify.com
CubaCast is the audio experience for all CubanoChris content. The podcast is geared toward conveying information that leverages the power of cubanidad to build bridges of mutual understanding between the Cuban and Cuban American communities. Expect content on themes like news, politics, culture, travel, history, and all things Cuba!
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Episodes

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 & ...

Mar 03, 202010 min

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 ...

Feb 25, 202017 min

"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.

Feb 10, 20205 min

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 ...

Feb 06, 202034 min

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...

Jan 29, 202016 min

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...

Jan 28, 202010 min

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...

Jan 28, 202021 min

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...

Jan 27, 202022 min

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.

Dec 28, 201821 min

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.

Jun 08, 20189 min

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.

Jan 26, 201815 min

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.

Dec 14, 201711 min

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.

Dec 07, 201713 min

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.

Oct 18, 20177 min

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.

Sep 28, 201710 min

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.

Sep 24, 201719 min
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