Life in Spanglish

Award-winning actress Amirah Vann joins Gracias, Come Again for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal conversation rooted in culture, family, faith, and purpose.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Amirah opens up about growing up Afro-Latina, being raised by her Puerto Rican mother after losing her African-American military father at just nine years old, and the powerful village of tias and tios who surrounded her in Far Rockaway, Queens.

 Amirah shares the sacrifices her immigrant mother made to give her a full, creative life, from finding ways to afford arts classes and strong schools to believing in her dreams long before the world caught on. We talk about how theater in New York City became her foundation, shaping her voice as both an actress and a singer.

She is currently starring as Dr. Gina Walker on FOX’s hit medical drama Doc, and breaks down what it’s like stepping into a leading role on network television. Amirah also reflects on her role in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues, sharing the surreal moment Tyler Perry personally called her to join the film. The conversation dives into her iconic role as Tegan Price on How to Get Away with Murder, and what it meant to work alongside the legendary Viola Davis.

Amirah opens up about raising her two daughters, who are part Black and part Latina, and how intentional she is about teaching them Spanish, keeping them connected to their Puerto Rican culture, and making sure they grow up proud of every part of who they are.

She talks about passing down culture at home, from language to music to family traditions and one of the most meaningful parts of the conversation is Amirah opening up about how it feels to now be seen and embraced by the Latino community, and the pride she feels in owning every part of who she is.

The episode is lighthearted, emotional, and full of laughs, and by the end, we realized we’d become real-life friends, bonded by growing up in New York, being raised by strong Latina mothers, and surviving the hood with love and humor. 

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Legendary DJ, Producer and Hip Hop Icon DJ Enuff joins Gracias, Come Again for one of our most powerful, emotional, and joy filled conversations yet. This is an episode where we laugh, cry, reminisce, give flowers, and openly thank the people who supported our careers and personal lives when it mattered most.

DJ Enuff takes us back to his upbringing, early life, and school days, including the very first piece of DJ equipment he ever touched. He shares the unforgettable story of how he got his first set of turntables while working at Nathan’s Hot Dogs, literally wearing a hot dog suit, a true New York hustle story. From there, we dive into Latinos in Hip-Hop from day one and how community, culture, and music shaped his journey.

We talk about how he became the legendary DJ for The Notorious B.I.G., including never before heard stories about how they met, what Enuff did for Biggie before officially becoming his DJ, and the moment he played a Biggie record on the radio that caused Sean Combs to call him ranting and raving. Despite it all, Enuff went on to tour with Biggie, forming a deep bond and lifelong friendship.

The conversation also highlights the founding of the world renowned Heavy Hitters, and the importance of representation, including moments where Enuff shares feeling like he was not Latino enough while being fully immersed in hip hop culture, and how fellow DJs helped keep him connected to Latino music and identity.

One of the most moving parts of the episode is our shared discussion about surviving strokes, recovery, and the vital role caregivers played in helping DJ Enuff relearn how to DJ, rebuild his confidence, and reclaim his place as one of New York’s most respected DJ legends.

We also talk family. Enuff opens up about his son Riot USA, a successful producer who works with Ice Spice, and how he only realized his son was an artist after attending one of his performances. It’s a full circle moment about legacy, pride, and generational impact.

To close it out, DJ Enuff shares what’s next for him in 2026, including launching his own podcast, producing more music, potentially collaborating with his Father & son, and writing his biography, which is already in motion.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, culture, friendship, and hip hop history. A must listen for anyone who loves New York, radio, and the roots of Hip Hop culture. 🎧🔥

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World renowned choreographer turned actor Darrin Henson joins us for a powerful, culture rich conversation about legacy, purpose, and the Latino influence that helped shape his life and career.

Raised in the Bronx, Darrin opens up about growing up alongside Latinos in his neighborhood and how Latino culture, friendships, and community played a lasting and positive role in his upbringing. From early life lessons to lifelong connections, he reflects on the moments that stayed with him and continue to guide him today.

Darrin shares behind the scenes stories from working with some of the biggest icons in music history, including Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Christina Aguilera, and the ultimate GOATs Michael Jackson and Prince.

He also opens up about being first cousins with Taraji P. Henson and how talent, faith, and perseverance run deep in his family. One of the most jaw dropping moments of the interview is when Darrin reveals why he walked away from choreography at the height of his career, right after winning a VMA for *NSYNC’s iconic “Bye Bye Bye” routine, a dance he owns as his intellectual property. The very choreography later appeared in the film Deadpool, and for which the production had to properly compensate him for its use.

Darrin also breaks down his transition into acting, starring in beloved series like Soul Food and The Family Business, along with his evolution into an author and motivational speaker focused on purpose, ownership, and spiritual alignment.

 This is a must listen conversation about culture, creativity, faith, and knowing when to pivot.

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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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