La Brega

En plena Guerra Fría, el presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter llama al boicot de los Juegos Olímpicos Moscú 1980 y en Puerto Rico se debate qué significa eso para la participación de los deportistas locales. Pero un joven boxeador llamado Alberto Mercado no tiene dudas: no habrá boicot ni protesta que le impida representar a Puerto Rico en el más importante escenario deportivo. 

Esta es una historia sobre la visibilidad de Puerto Rico en la palestra internacional y de los triunfos y sinsabores que viven los atletas cuando la relación entre el deporte y la política se hace evidente.

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It was 1980, and the Olympics were to be held in Moscow against the backdrop of the Cold War. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter called for a boycott of the games, leaving Puerto Rican athletes uncertain of their participation. But Alberto Mercado and two other young Puerto Rican boxers were determined to represent Puerto Rico. This is a story about fighting for visibility on the global stage, and the heartbreak and triumph that athletes experience outside of the ring when politics and sports mix.

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Cuando el cuatrista Luis Sanz se presentó en un estudio para una grabación misteriosa, no imaginó que terminaría tocando un solo de cuatro en “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii”, la canción de Bad Bunny que habla sobre los peligros de la estadidad. Las instrucciones de Benito fueron simples, pero dolorosas: “toca el cuatro como si se estuviera desangrando”.

En este episodio, varios cuatristas demuestran por qué, para los boricuas, el cuatro es más que un instrumento, y viajamos junto al cuatro mientras acompaña a la diáspora, lucha contra el desplazamiento y se acostumbra a ser una estrella mundial.

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When the musician Luís Sanz showed up for a mystery recording session last year, he didn’t know that he’d be playing a cuatro solo for “Lo que le paso a Hawaii,” a lament about the dangers of statehood. Benito’s instruction was simple yet heart-wrenching: “play the cuatro as though it’s bleeding out.” 

In this episode, cuatristas show us that the cuatro is more than a musical instrument: it’s the soundtrack to the Puerto Rican experience. We follow the cuatro as it travels all over the world with the diaspora, as it fights against displacement, and as it adapts to a new global spotlight.

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A horas de que llegara el rey de España a Puerto Rico en enero de 2022, el país se despertó con una sorpresa: la estatua de Juan Ponce de León en el Viejo San Juan estaba tirada en el piso. Ese día, el pasado y presente colonial de Puerto Rico se entrelazaron de manera evidente, y muchos se preguntaron: ¿quién se merece estar en un pedestal?, ¿quién representa la puertorriqueñidad?, ¿quiénes son nuestras campeonas y campeones? 

Esta temporada, conoceremos más sobre Puerto Rico a través de personas y símbolos, y nos preguntaremos qué hace falta para ser una campeona o campeón de Puerto Rico.

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It was January 24, 2022. The King of Spain was coming to Puerto Rico. But everyone woke up to some unexpected news: the statue of the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León in Old San Juan had been toppled. When the mayor promised to restore it that same day, it raised big questions: Who deserves to be put up on a pedestal? Who represents Puerto Ricanness? Who are our champions? This season, we’re going to learn about Puerto Rico through the people who represent us. And we’ll ask: what does it take to champion Puerto Rico?

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¡La Brega regresa! Esta temporada, contamos las historias de personas y símbolos que representan a Puerto Rico. Y nos preguntamos: ¿Quién defiende a Puerto Rico? ¿Qué podemos aprender sobre la puertorriqueñidad al conocer sus historias? Disponible el 3 de febrero.

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La Brega is back! This season, we’re telling the stories of the people and symbols that represent Puerto Rico. We’re asking: who champions Puerto Rico? And what can we learn about Puerto Ricanness through their stories? Listen February 3.

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It’s been quite the year, for the United States and for Futuro Media. At Latino USA, we’re bringing you in-depth reporting from the front lines. At Futuro Studios, we’re developing ground-breaking shows like La Brega Season 3, which is set to premiere early next year.

In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Futuro Media founder Maria Hinojosa reflects on the year behind and the year ahead. She’s joined in conversation by Latino USA Managing Editor Fernanda Echavarri and Futuro Studios Executive Editor Maria Garcia.

The Futuro Plus Team includes producer Tasha Sandoval, production managers Victoria Estrada and Jessica Ellis, marketing manager Luis Luna, and development manager Danetsy Len. Mixing by Multitude Productions. 

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We have a sneak peek of our latest bonus episode for Futuro+ members. Alana and OG La Brega producer Ezequiel Rodríguez Andino break down how they make the show in two languages – something rarely done in podcasting. Plus, hear never before heard audio. 

Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts: futuro.supportingcast.fm/la-brega-plus

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