Award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor Elaine Del Valle joins Gracias, Come Again for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about survival, identity, Latino representation, and socially impactful storytelling. Elaine opens up about growing up Puerto Rican in the 1980s in Brownsville, Brooklyn, raised in low income housing while surrounded by addiction, poverty, and a father who struggled with vices.

In this interview, we talk about being sent to Puerto Rico as a form of punishment, an experience many Latino children can relate to, and how that summer on the island with her father shaped her identity, worldview, and creative voice. Elaine reflects on how those early life experiences influenced her mission to tell stories rooted in truth and resilience.

Elaine discusses becoming a socially conscious storyteller who centers voices and communities that are often ignored in film and television. She weighs in on the ongoing lack of Latino representation on screen and explains how making strong Latina women the leads in her films is her way of pushing back and creating change.

Elaine began her acting career in the 1990s, appearing in major projects such as Donnie Brasco, The Sopranos, and lending her voice as Belle the Octopus on Dora the Explorer for over 20 episodes.

We also discuss her acclaimed film Princess Cut, now streaming on HBO Max, and the importance of telling authentic Latino stories without compromise. Be sure to stream Elaine Del Valle’s powerful new film Brownsville Bred, available now on Amazon Prime Video.

This episode is a must hear for anyone interested in Latino culture, resilience, filmmaking, and stories rooted in truth. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Elaine’s story.

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Dominican icon Vakero sits down for an honest and wide ranging conversation about music, family, and legacy.

The Latin Grammy nominated artist talks about growing up in San Pedro de Macorís, and his role as a later pioneer of Dominican urban music since the 1990s. Vakero opens up about working very humble jobs outside of music like selling apples, becoming a fashion forward artist, and his views on beauty standards, marriage, and fatherhood with 11 kids.

He shares stories from acting alongside Manny Pérez, explains why he declared himself Team Fruta on La Casa de Alofoke, and talks about collaborating with younger artists like J. Noa.

Plus, Vakero reveals exclusive details about a new album coming in 2026 with Dominican producer Maffio and why using his voice for the less fortunate in our countries still matters to him today.

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Step into this powerful, cultural deep dive with Word Life, the Bronx-born Puerto Rican creator behind the viral tagline “Facts is Facts.”  Known for his straight-to-camera truth telling, WordLife has become one of the most trusted voices educating the world on Puerto Rico its history, culture, food, music, politics and the real issues the island faces.

Before the viral moments and millions of views, he was a New York rapper grinding in the music scene. Now he’s fully committed to storytelling that uplifts his people. In this episode, we get into his journey before content creation, his transition out of music, and what it means to be a Latino in hip hop.

We also unpack the biggest misconceptions about Puerto Rico, highlight the major contributions Boricuas have made across entertainment, and dive into the current events he often breaks down online. One powerful point he breaks down is why Latinos must start buying homes in their ancestral countries, the same way tourists are doing in his native Puerto Rico.

And because they both love the sport, they end with a fun segment on Puerto Rican boxing legends Honey names Tito Trinidad, Hector Camacho, Miguel Cotto, Edgar Berlanga & Amanda Serrano and he hits back with the perfect one-word descriptions.

This episode is informative, educational, funny, and a full celebration of Puerto Rico and the Bronx.  BX to the island, this one’s for y’all.

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In this episode, Aida Rodriguez gets real about healing, relationships and stepping into her power. She opens up about ending a long term relationship, going to trauma therapy and finally feeling healthy, single and sane for the first time. Aida talks about breaking old patterns, ignoring the pressure to “find a good man” and refusing to settle for raggedy relationships ever again. 

She shares lessons from her elegant Puerto Rican abuela, why she honors her by dressing up and why dating apps are not for her, especially when men try to tell her jokes. She also tells us every reason she loves Bad Bunny, how deeply she bleeds for Puerto Rico and why she wants to see the island liberated from the United States once and for all.

Aida dives into her new Director Era, the joy of writing and the importance of lifting up other Latinas in the industry. She calls out the insecurity that keeps women from bringing each other in and thanks Tiffany Haddish, Wanda Sykes and Angie Martinez for embracing her. 

Funny, honest and full of heart , Aida is learning what she wants, what she deserves and who she’s becoming. 

This is her realest chapter yet.

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Step into this raw and hilarious conversation with Planta Industrial, the Bronx based Dominican duo taking over timelines in a NY minute.

They break down how they came together, their mission to go against the current, and how their Bronx and Dominican roots shaped their whole vision. They talk about going "viral overnight" after YEARS of grinding, how their community and the algorithm pushed them to the forefront , not the industry , and how Saso encouraged aka the darknight to step into his own as an artist after seeing his creative brilliance behind the scenes. 

The guys also share what’s next for 2026 , from their new distribution deal to striking gold with their first single “That’s My Bitch,” plus whether they ever worry about breaking up and why the industry plant rumors make them laugh.

They dive into the rock bands, hip hop, and Dominican artists they grew up on , and how that fusion naturally created their Spanglish lane. And yes, we get into how they manifested a COLORS performance early in the game. Culture, brotherhood, manifestation, and momentum in one episode. Tap in before the world catches up.

Their new EP 'Punk Waves Sin Barreras' is out now.

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Step into a powerful, wide ranging conversation with actress and artist Jessica Pimentel, the Brooklyn born Dominicana whose talent and spirit stretch across continents and creative worlds.

Known globally for her seven season role as Maria Ruiz on Orange Is the New Black, Jessica is a three time SAG Award winner, a classically trained musician, and the fierce female vocalist of the heavy metal band Brujeria.

A graduate of NYC’s iconic High School of Performing Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Jessica’s artistry runs deep. She sings, plays violin, guitar, and bass, and brings a level of discipline and soul shaped by her journey as a Tibetan Buddhist, a practice she embraced back in the 90s. In our interview, she opens up about growing up Dominican in Brooklyn, the path that led her from city blocks to global stages, and why Sweden stole her heart as she now splits her life between Sweden and New York.

We get into everything, from her family’s stories and political views to the healing work behind the scenes and why we really shouldn’t eat the mangos. It’s culture, creativity, spirituality, music, and truth told with cariño.

 A conversation about identity, legacy, and life en español, straight from a woman who has lived many lives and carries them all with power.

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We're joined by Legendary journalist Darlene Rodriguez, the proud Bronx native and longtime co-anchor of NBC 4’s Today in New York. With 30 years in television and 26 years at NBC, Darlene opens up about her incredible journey from a Bronx girl with a dream to one of New York’s most respected news voices.

She shares how her Mami found her first TV job in a newspaper listing for a Bronx station, and how watching the OGs of New York news alongside her mother at just eight years old shaped her path. Darlene reflects on breaking into communities older reporters couldn’t reach, using her Bronx roots as her strength to land a role at NBC right after college.

Together, Honey and Darlene dive into the power of community support, what it means to stay grounded when you’re on TV, and how her Abuela’s pride in the Bronx projects kept her connected to her hood. Darlene also gets candid about living up to her mother’s high standards, raising three children of her own, and the lessons she instills in them about kindness and empathy.

Plus, she opens up about her husband’s work as an immigration attorney and the challenges of serving families in today’s political climate and how we're all responsible for our doing our part as latinos to support each other.

Honored throughout her career for excellence and service, Darlene Rodriguez has earned major recognitions including El Diario’s Mujeres Destacadas Award, Hispanic Magazine’s Latina Excellence Award, and multiple commendations from the NYPD, DEA, and City of New York for her proud representation of the Latino community.

🎧 Stream the full episode on iHeartRadio and watch it on YouTube.

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We dive deep into the life of the legendary Frankie Cutlass, the man behind the timeless anthem “Puerto Rico” 🇵🇷🎶.

The ICONIC DJ/Producer opens up about turning his life over to God after surviving a dark chapter in his youth, when his life was threatened over false accusations of snitching within his crew. He talks about growing up in Spanish Harlem, being raised by a strong Puerto Rican mother who worked hard to support nine children, and the moment she sacrificed to buy him his first DJ equipment so he could chase his dreams early on.

The convo dives into the golden era of Spanish Harlem, where Frankie came up alongside icons like Marc Anthony, freestyle greats T.K.A., Cynthia, and more showing how one neighborhood produced a generation of Latin music superstars.

He also shared how it felt hearing his anthem “Puerto Rico” echo through the Super Bowl Halftime Show when Jennifer Lopez performed to it - surely one of the proudest and most emotional moments of his life, a true full-circle celebration of his culture and roots on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Frankie also breaks down: His first big radio break thanks to Funkmaster Flex. Working with Biggie Smalls and NYC hip-hop legends + touring the world and staying grounded in faith and culture

It’s a story of faith, legacy, and the power of music: straight from one of New York’s most respected DJs and producers.

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Dominican lyricist J Noa sits down with Honey German to talk about her incredible journey from growing up in the Dominican Republic to becoming one of the most respected new voices in Latin music. 🇩🇴🎤

J Noa opens up about her childhood back home, her mother’s health struggles, and how those challenges pushed her to help raise her niece at a young age. J Noa talks about never editing her raps after recording, staying authentic, and moving with respect in an industry that often disrespects women.

J Noa also shares admiration for Tokischa, calling her smart and multifaceted despite how she’s sometimes perceived. We get into her Grammy nominations and WINS, her collaboration with fellow Dominican artists like Vakero & Yendry and her hope to one day work with fellow spitta Snow Tha Product.

She also speaks on how it is living in RD while being a celebrity and lets it be known that if she ever jumps on a dembow record, she’ll be dropping bars and not singing no hook.

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In this powerful and honest conversation, journalist Paola Ramos gets personal talk about everything from her global upbringing to her life now as a proud Latina voice shaping modern journalism.

The daughter of legendary journalist Jorge Ramos, Paola opens up about carving her own lane in media from field reporting on immigration and ICE raids to launching a brand-new podcast alongside her iconic father. We talk about growing up between Miami and Madrid, being raised by a fierce Cuban mom, and eventually finding her community in Brooklyn, where she now works, creates, and thrives (dog mom life included 🐶).

Paola gets real about what it means to speak truth to power in today’s political climate, the responsibility of journalists to tell stories from the ground up, and why Latinos everywhere must stay informed and united. She also drops gems about content creation, finding your voice, and how she shoots those stunning straight to camera clips right from her living room. Smart, witty, and grounded, Paola reminds us that even with a famous last name she’s still a regular Latina using her platform to push culture and truth forward. 🇨🇺🇲🇽🗽 🎧

 Don’t miss her new podcast, “The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos” available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

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