Send us a text Capítulo 048: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Founder of Softwax Record Pressing, Federico R. Casanova. Listen in as we discuss the process of building a record pressing plant, meeting the needs of independent record labels, and how music fits into the landscape of the first-generation experience. Ever since his move to Philadelphia 10 years ago, Mr. Casanova has been curating artist all across America and even overseas, bringing them in from Cana...
Nov 13, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Send us a text Capítulo 047: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Chef and owner of Juana Tamale, Jennifer Zavala . Listen in as we discuss connecting to identity through cooking, her experience as a contestant on Top Chef, and the journey to opening Juana Tamale. Jennifer Zavala is a Chef and the owner of Juana Tamale restaurant in South Philadephia. Chef Jennifer Zavala is an industry veteran, having spent 14 of her 27-year career. A self-taught chef, Jennifer's in...
Nov 06, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Send us a text Capítulo 046: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer of Ballet Hispánico, Tamia B. Santana . Listen in as we discuss creating new avenues of engagement with dance, promoting collaboration and engagement within diverse communities, and fostering a love of the arts for all. Tamia B. Santana is an advocate for dance and the arts. Previously she was Executive Director of the Brooklyn Dance Festival, owner of Jete Dance Center, Resident Da...
Oct 09, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Send us a text Capítulo 045: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer Chris Urquiaga , known as JChris . Listen in as we discuss his performance experiences, different art styles to his music, and his support for the LGBTQ+ community along with his own drag persona, Cara Linda. Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer Chris Urquiaga , known as JChris , is lauded for his exciting performance energy and smooth voice. Hailed as “…the next big thi...
Sep 25, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text Capítulo 044: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by interdisciplinary artist, activist, and curator, Savanah Pennell. Listen in as we discuss the intersection of Art & Activism, storytelling as a tool for creating change, and exploring new ways of communicating through Art. Savanah Pennell (b. 1995, Honolulu, HI) is an artist, curator, activist, and scholar. Pennell was raised in Mesa, Arizona, and finds a deep connection to her ancestors who inhabited the same geogra...
Sep 11, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Send us a text Capítulo 043: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Journalists, Entrepreneurs, and founder of LATINAFest, Bel Hernandez and Naibe Reynoso. Listen in as we discuss the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the Latin community, the mission of LATINAFest 2022, and the impact media coverage can have on latin-owned businesses. Naibe Reynoso is a Mexican-American Multi-Emmy award-winning journalist based in Los Angeles California. She is also a speaker and author. She has worked a...
Sep 04, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Send us a text Capítulo 041: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by doctoral fellow and program assistant Chell Parkins. Listen in as we discuss the experiences of Latin youth engaged in culturally relevant dance-making practices, her contribution to the nation's only doctoral program focused on educational research in dance, and her journey back to Puerto Rico. Chell Parkins is a Doctoral Fellow and Program Assistant in the Dance Education Program at Teachers College, where her research...
Aug 07, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Send us a text Capítulo 040: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by electronic music producer/composer, DJ, theatrical actor, and an award-winning clown/mime, Marvin Quijada (a.k.a. Silent Marvin). Listen in as we discuss immersive plays and interactive theater experiences, the beauty of silent story telling, and creating Teatro Vista's new moving graphic novel, Detective Q. Marvin Quijada (a.k.a. Silent Marvin) is an electronic music producer/composer, DJ, theatrical actor, and an award...
Aug 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Send us a text Capítulo 039: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by actress and writer, Kenia Munguia. Listen in as we discuss making a character your own, expressing difficult emotions, and pursuing your passion early in life. Kenia Munguia is a Honduran Nicaraguan actress and writer who started her career in Los Angeles. A year ago, she moved to New York City to push her artistic boundaries and expand her professional horizons. She considers herself fortunate that she has linked with L...
Aug 07, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Send us a text Capítulo 038: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by collage artist and Art Engineer, Luis Martin. Listen in as we discuss the unapologetically exploring his role as an artist, Collage as a democratic art practice, developing your own authentic visual language. Born in Los Angeles, and based in New York city, Luis Martin began his journey in the art museums of LA where he worked as a teen. Moving to NYC at the age of 19, he continued to work at cultural institutions before...
Aug 01, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Send us a text Capítulo 037: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Director of Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance and co-founder of the Latinx Dance Educators Alliance , Michelle Manzanales. Listen in as we discuss the connecting culture to formal dance, Tejano influences, her commitment to creating an environment where all students are inspired to explore movement. Michelle Manzanales is a choreographer, dedicated dance educator of 30 years, and co-founder of the Latinx Dance Educators...
Jul 03, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Send us a text Capítulo 036: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Founder of Utopia Moss, Pamela Prat. Listen in as we discuss the process of using Sea Moss in creative ways that promote wellness and offers priceless insights and inspiration from her entrepreneurial journey. "Utopia Moss is your one stop shop for all your sea moss needs. At Utopia Moss we strive to make the best natural and organic sea moss products available. We specialize in flavored sea moss gel's, sea moss soap's a...
Jun 20, 2022•41 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Send us a text Capítulo 035: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Brazilian illustrator, tattoo artist, designer and photographer, Francisco Martins, aka Cuckoo Martins. Listen in as we discuss the art, application, and practice of creating meaningful photos, the relationship between Brazil and its identity as a Latin American country, and the mission of "Poca Madre Studio". "Francisco Martins, aka Cuckoo Martins is an brazilian illustrator, tattoo artist, designer and photographer. Bo...
Jun 12, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Send us a text Capítulo 034: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, actor, singer and producer, Sandra Delgado. Listen in as we discuss reimagining Latin history on stage and creating the Sandra Delgado Experience: "A big band music spectacular with a lil bit of dancing, a lil bit of storytelling and a whole lot of joy." Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor, singer and producer born and raised in Chicago. She is best known for her play La Havana Madrid, which enjo...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Send us a text Capítulo 033: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Award Winning Actress, Playwright and Producer, Jessica Carmona. Listen in as we discuss telling culturally empowering stories, her strong connection to social justice and faith, and the power of the Arts to inspire and ignite social change. Jessica is an Award Winning Actress, Playwright and Producer of Afro- Puerto Rican descent. She is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her B.F.A in Acting...
May 29, 2022•58 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Send us a text Capítulo 032: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Professional dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer Marcela Gómez Lugo. Listen in as we discuss the Cuban ballet method, creating culturally relevant pieces, and reimagining the future of ballet classics. Marcela Gómez Lugo, dancer, teacher, writer, and translator, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She began her pre-professional training as a ballet dancer at the age of fourteen at Andanza School of Dance. Marcela co...
May 22, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Send us a text Capítulo 031: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Professional singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer Carolina Rial from "The Voice" Season 20. Listen in as we discuss her deep passion and love for music, being a self-taught singer, and building a musical career from the ground up. Carolina Rial is an 18-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, actress, dancer and model based in New Jersey. Carolina rose to national attention this past year as a contestant on s...
May 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Send us a text Capítulo 030: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Poet Adrian Ernesto Cepeda. Listen in as we discuss the collective experience of grief, discovering the importance of one's voice, and healing through the writing process. Adrian Ernesto is the author of Flashes & Verses… Becoming Attractions from Unsolicited Press, Between the Spine from Picture Show Press, Speaking con su Sombra with Alegría Publishing and La Belle Ajar & We Are the Ones Possessed from CLASH Bo...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Send us a text Capítulo 029: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Teatro Vista's Co-Artistic Directors Wendy Mateo and Lorena Diaz. Listen in as we discuss pushing the boundaries of digital theatre, creating a safe space for artists to explore, and a sisterhood that has lasted over two decades. Teatro Vista, Theatre With A View is firmly committed to sharing and celebrating the riches of Latino culture with all Chicago theatre audiences. This commitment stems from the belief that there...
Apr 20, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Send us a text Capítulo 028: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Vocalist, Guitarist, and Songwriter Heidy Flores from the band Los Hollywood. Listen in as we discuss the songwriting process, exploring new genres, and sharing the stage with legends like Aterciopelados, La Ley, and Enanitos Verdes. Los Hollywood is a Rock Pop band from California that formed in 2008. Current members include Heidy Flores (Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter), Gustavo Mojica (Drummer/Songwriter) and Joe Flatt ...
Apr 11, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text Capítulo 027: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multidisciplinary artist, host of "Sobre Mesa" and co-founder of "Mi Latinidad", Alix Rhode. Listen in as we discuss navigating the theatre landscape, creating creative community, and launching a multimedia company that produces theatre, showcases, digital media, and other works by Latinx artists. Alix Rhode (She/Her) is a Chicago-based actor, singer, dancer, poet, and photographer. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Th...
Apr 04, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text Capítulo 026: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer, Actor, and Songwriter Gerard Flores. Listen in as we discuss developing music with a message, forging bonds with audiences, and the role of the Artist in the modern world. "The role of the artist is to create balance in the world by offering more beauty" * New single “Vente Ya” out April 8th Gerard Flores is a bilingual singer and actor from Buenos Aires, Argentina currently living and working in Los Angeles. Aft...
Mar 27, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text Capítulo 025: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Master Brewer Kassy and Jess Fierro, Colorado's first Female and Latina Owner/Head Brewer and winner of Season 1 BEERLAND on VICE presents Atrevida Beer Co. Listen in as we discuss operating a female forward brewery, winning a national homebrew competition called BEERLAND ,and producing unique flavors that challenge traditional notions of craft beer. While stationed in Germany, US Army veteran Rich Fierro and his wife Je...
Mar 20, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text Capítulo 024: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Dancer, choreographer, and instructor and Founder of 3-19 Dance Art, Beatriz Eugenia Vasquez. Listen in as we discuss the beauty of dance, the mission of 3-19 Dance Art company, and forging a new path for inclusivity in Ballet. Born in Bogota Colombia (South America), Beatriz studied with Internationally world known teachers and at The Joffrey Ballet School in NY. She has danced with Ballet 2000, The Bilingual Foundation...
Mar 13, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text Capítulo 023: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, creative and social justice scholar Laura Tejeda. Listen in as we discuss exploring the dynamic Los Angeles street vending community, honoring your history & roots, creating "Hungry in East Los", and writing/hosting for L.A TACO. Laura Tejeda is a lifelong East LA resident. She has a Masters Degree in Higher Education and works with college students particularly in Equity & Social Justice based education....
Mar 06, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text Capítulo 022: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, director, editor, and graphic designer Chris Banda. Listen in as we discuss the process of character building, sharing authentic stories, and healing through writing. Raised in West Covina, California. Chris was always interested in art and enrolled at Mt. Sierra college to become a graphic designer. Though his abilities in graphic design, he created several layout and film posters. https://bandabear71.wixsite.co...
Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text Capítulo 021: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Dancer and Performance Artist Salomé Egas. Listen in as we discuss exploring intersectional identities, action driven artwork, and venturing beyond the traditional theatre landscape to engage with audiences head on. SALOMÉ EGAS is an Ecuadorian mestiza performer, educator and entrepreneur who is permanently questioning her identity through dance, theater, film and textile arts. As a solo performer and a member of The New...
Feb 27, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text Capítulo 020: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Author of "Jefa-in-Training" and Founder of Womxn Crush Music Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda. Listen in as we discuss building community for rising women & non-binary songwriters, coaching creative entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses, and writing the first Spanglish project-launching toolkit for the new generation of boss women. Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda is a community-builder, business-development strategist, coa...
Feb 22, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text Capítulo 019: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Artist, Musician, Activist, and Founder of The Pharmacy, Gary "Galapagos" Viteri. Listen in as we discuss the process of building a collaborative community space, creating inspired art, and supporting the local music scene for generations to come. GARY “GALAPAGOS” VITERI Andean-American Artist & Activist Based in Philadelphia. Since the New Millennium, Touring the Globe On Stage & Off Playing His Guitar, The Firs...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text Capítulo 018: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Broadway veteran, university instructor, theatre facilitator, and director Michelle Rios. Listen in as we discuss Theatre within social activism, collective creation, and the art of storytelling. Michelle's credits include the Tony Award nominated Broadway productions of Paul Simon and Derek Walcott's The Capeman , The Sound of Music ( starring Richard Chamberlain), and Man of La Mancha ( starring Tony Award winner Brian...
Feb 13, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 18
