Highly Relevant Podcast

This week actress, singer and producer Ana Villafane joins me to talk about what it feels like to be a part of not one, but two shows on NBC (Sunnyside, New Amsterdam), the reasons why she hasn't returned to Broadway yet, why she's been so transparent on speaking about mental health publicly, and why producing her recent Latinx Cabaret event for Hispanic Heritage Month in NY was such a fulfilling experience.

*Colombian singer Santiago Munera is this week's featured artist.

Marcos Juarez, Pandora's Head of Latin Music, stops by to discuss a wide array of topics in the Latin music space, including why most Latinos listen to Pandora for Latin music.

Jack talks ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ with Colombian protagonist Natalia Reyes who shares how she thought she was auditioning for a maid role in James Cameron’s new Terminator sequel. Little did she know she was going to become the lead star of an iconic franchise! Then he talks to Columbia University professor, author, and Latinx authority Ed Morales, about his new book ‘Latinx: The New Force in American Politics and Culture’ as they discuss why America has embraced the new Latinx boom. 

Music Playlist

Lo Mejor de Mi - Noel Schajris

Bonito - Marco Mares, Greta

El Vacile - Systema Solar

Actor Danny Pino joins the show to talk about his role as Miguel Galindo in the Sons of Anarchy spinoff, Mayans M.C., a hit show that happens to be Latinx. Then, Mike Sargent and Jack give their FIRST REACTION of Terminator: Dark Fate, one of the best action films of 2019.

Gina Rodriguez, from 'Jane The Virgin' fame, uploaded an Instagram video where she is seen saying the 'N' word as she was singing along to The Fugees "Ready or Not". This has caused a social media backlash from the African-community and has also sparked a cultural debate on who is allowed to say the 'N' word and who isn't. Shouldn't Latinx say it since many have African blood. Film and culture critic Mike Sargent joins Jack to help discuss.

This week, culture and film critic Mike Sargent joins the show to help us discuss the controversial film JOKER… is it worth the time and money to watch? How violent is it? Is it for everyone? And then we deconstruct this year's Latin Grammy debacle. Reggaetoneros are up in arms calling classism at the Latin Recording Academy for not nominating them in the major award categories this year. Are they right? Also, after Spaniards Alejandro Sanz and Rosalía received the most amount of nominations, social media accused them of cultural appropriation. Are Spaniards considered Latinx in America? Mike and Jack discuss it.

Music Playlist

Te Quiero Ver - Manu Manzo (feat. Feid)

Freak - Vicentico

Algo Más - Valdes

Shalim Ortiz talks 'Grand Hotel', Mateo, Season 2 renewal and every question you want answered. Also, film and culture critic Mike Sargent stops by to help me discuss Jennifer Lopez's new movie 'Hustlers' out this week. She is getting a lot of Oscar talk for her performance, but… what about the movie? Was it any good?

On this week's episode, Bianca de la Garza, the first Latina late-night host comes on the show to discuss her new beauty brand, 'In Glow We Trust,' and film critic Mike Sargent reviews Argentinian director Andres Muschetti's latest horror sequel "IT: Chapter 2". The film is almost 3hrs long. Did it hurt the film or help it? Listen in.

Music Playlist

Tocamela - Los Amigos Invisibles

Es Normal - Menor Menor, Dalex, Milly, Lary Over y Sharo Towers

No Nos Sobran Los Domingos (Versión Bachata) - Debi Nova y Vicente Garcia

Juan Doe is one of the hottest comic book creators in the industry right now. He is debuting his first graphic novel as a writer called Bad Reception with Aftershock Comics, a thought-provoking look at celebrity, fame and the dark side of social media set against a slasher-horror story. The opening of the story is groundbreaking. It's a 10-page cinematic blitz with nothing but words, darkness and blood. He's illustrated dozens of covers and comics for Marvel, DC and is also currently the artist for the hit comics DARK ARK and STRAYED. Many know him for drawing the still relevant Latinx Marvel 2007 comic, "Fantastic Four: Isla de la Muerte," which took place in Puerto Rico.

Jack's Music Playlist

No Lo Ves - Sebastián Romero

SOS - Surfistas Del Sistema

Mami - Piso 21 (feat. The Black Eyed Peas)