Ruben In The Center

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his old friend, Dr. Jose Angel Gutierrez, a retired professor of political science at University of Texas at Arlington, a former civil rights attorney, and the author of more than 30 books on history, politics, race and culture. Gutierrez was a young activist in his native Texas who left his mark on the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the early 1970's through his involvement in the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO) and later as the founder of the La Raza Unida Party. Born of frustration at how poorly Latinos were served by both Republicans and Democrats, La Raza Unida reached the height of its power and influence in 1972 when it managed to run a candidate for president of the United States.

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Kristina Lopez, PhD, Professor of Social Work. A graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with a degree in social work and psychology, Lopez explores disparities in early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of underserved children and their families with special emphasis on Latino/a children with autism. The two talk about how Latino families have come to understand autism, and how they take the news that their child might be on the autism spectrum. They also talk about what parents should do if they suspect a child may have some form of autism or another neurodivergent condition. Finally, they discuss the public schools and where they fall short in helping students with special needs.

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his old friend and former Harvard classmate, Dr. Ronald J. Granieri who is a history professor at the United States Army War College, as well as a Templeton Education Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Given that Dr. Granieri's speciality is European history, with an emphasis on the study of allies and adversaries, the conversation could not be better timed. The two old friends talk about America's place in the world, and the changes in the U.S.-E.U. partnership in the era of President Trump. They also discuss Russia and Ukraine, trade and tariffs, immigration and global economics.

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend and spirtual adviser Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, one of the nation's most prominent Latino evangelical leaders. They discuss faith, social activism and impactful storytelling. They also talk about the moral soul of America, which seems to be hurting at the moment -- and what can be done to heal it. Finally, they delve into the inner workings of Generation Z and explore what religion and faith means to a younger generation of Americans.

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Marisa Calderon, CEO of Prosperity Now, and Bob Friedman, the organization's founder. They discuss social activism, racial justice, and prosperity for all. They also talk about what the political parties have done right and wrong over the years, and how organizations like theirs can help make a better world and build a more perfect union.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a great conversation with his old friend, Chris Salcedo, a fellow professional communicator and broadcaster who traded living in California for Texas about the same time that Navarrette did the opposite. The two talk about politics, MAGA, the turbulent state of media, and why Latinos are finding a new home with a group of people they detested just 30 years ago: Republicans.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a great conversation with his old friend, Emiliano Limon, about the new media and what went wrong with the old media. They talk about Limon's long career in talk radio and how that medium changed America -- and then went off the rails. They also discuss broadcast media in general, and what the future holds for an industry that seems to be changing by the week.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a great conversation with his old friend, and former Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Michael Fisher. They discuss immigration enforcement policy, and the most effective methods of securing the nearly 2000-mile long border between the United States and Mexico. They also talk about politics, leadership and the need to speak honestly about complicated problems that don't have simple solutions.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a great conversation with Tavis Smiley, his old friend of 30 years and former LA radio co-host. They talk about Smiley's new book, which offers a fresh look at a project he started two decades ago -- "The Covenant With Black America, 20 Years Later." They address the current state of Black America, where it's been and where it's going. They also talk about the 2024 Election and how Black voters are likely to fit into that storyline.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a great conversation with powerhouse mother-daughter team, Lupita Castañeda-Liles & Maria Soco Castañeda about their lives, their partnership, and their shared passion for their exciting social media platform, "Becoming Mujeres: Translating Cultural Expectations Into Opportunities." They talk about the mental health challenges facing Latinas -- especially young Latinas -- and the long list of opportunities that await the next generation.