The Brown Book Club Podcast

We had an incredible conversation with Sofia Robleda, author of The Other Moctezuma Girls! Sofia brought so much knowledge and passion to our conversation, especially when discussing Mexica (Aztec) history, culture, and the fascinating life of Tecuichpoch, also known as Isabel Moctezuma.

We dove into the world she lived in, the complexities of her story, and the importance of reclaiming and understanding these histories through a deeper Mexica perspective. Sofia was an absolute joy to speak with, and we’re excited for you to hear this conversation!

Tune in to our latest podcast episode with Sofia Robleda!

We’re so excited to welcome Reyna Grande back to the Brown Book Club Podcast for a second time!

Reyna is always an absolute delight, and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. We talk about her newest book, Migrant Heart, and how some of the hardest experiences in her life have found their way into her stories.

Reyna shares why writing these stories is a way of holding on to the things she never wants to forget, even when those memories are difficult to revisit. We also talk about language, memory, identity, and the power of telling our stories in our own voices.

Another beautiful conversation with an incredible author. Tune in and get to know the heart behind Migrant Heart.

In this episode of the Brown Book Club Podcast, we sit down with Kim Guerra, author of Badass Bonita, for an inspiring conversation about confidence, self-worth, identity, and embracing the power within us. Kim shares her journey and the message behind Badass Bonita, reminding us that being unapologetically ourselves can be one of the most powerful acts of all. A powerful conversation about culture, healing, empowerment, and becoming your own badass.

In this episode of The Brown Book Club Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed author Ana Castillo to discuss her groundbreaking novel So Far From God. Together, we explore the novel’s unforgettable characters, its blend of magical realism and Chicana feminism, and the ways Castillo uses humor, spirituality, and community to examine identity, resilience, and the realities of life in the Southwest. Whether you’re reading the book for the first time or returning to a modern classic, this conversation offers fresh insights into one of the most influential works in Chicano literature.

Some conversations stay with you long after they end, and this is one of them.

In this episode, we’re honored to sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Kelly Lytle Hernández to discuss her groundbreaking book, Bad Mexicans. Together, we explore the incredible true story of the Mexican Revolution, the Magón family, and the movement that challenged dictatorship on both sides of the border. Kelly brings history to life in a way that is both deeply researched and incredibly accessible, revealing stories that too often go untold.

This was one of those conversations where we found ourselves learning at every turn. Kelly poured so much into us, sharing her knowledge with generosity, clarity, and passion. Her perspective is a breath of fresh air, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone so committed to uncovering the histories that have shaped our communities.

Whether you’ve already read Bad Mexicans or you’re looking for your next great read, we hope this conversation inspires you to dig deeper into our shared history. We know it left a lasting impact on us, and we think it will on you too.

Join us for a lively conversation with Margarita Longoria and poet Daniel García Ordaz as we discuss Living Beyond Borders, a powerful anthology highlighting Brown voices and experiences. We talk storytelling, identity, community, and the importance of amplifying diverse perspectives, all while sharing plenty of laughs along the way.

In this episode of The Brown Book Club Podcast, we sit down with Marcela Fuentes for a lively and thoughtful conversation about her work. We dive into her book, unpacking the depth of her characters, especially the strength and complexity of the women she writes. We talk about embracing imperfect characters and what they reveal about real life. And in true Brown Book Club fashion, we even branch out into culture, including a fun conversation about the Bad Bunny halftime show.

We sat down with Charley Trujillo and Richard Garcia for a powerful conversation on the Chicano experience during the Vietnam War. Drawing from their books and lived experiences, they reflect on identity, service, trauma, and the often-overlooked stories of Mexican American soldiers. This episode honors resilience, brotherhood, and the lasting impact of war on both the battlefield and back home.

On this episode of The Brown Book Club Podcast, we had the honor of speaking with acclaimed author Reyna Grande about her powerful historical novel A Ballad of Love and Glory. The novel takes readers into the turbulent years of the Mexican–American War and tells the story of love, loyalty, and resistance during one of the most defining conflicts in North American history.

At the center of the novel is the story of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion, also known as the San Patricios, Irish immigrants who defected from the U.S. Army and chose to fight alongside Mexico. Reyna shared the history behind these soldiers, the moral and political struggles they faced, and how their story inspired the novel’s unforgettable characters.

Our conversation explored the overlooked histories of the borderlands, the complexity of identity and allegiance, and how storytelling can bring forgotten chapters of history back into the light. It was a thoughtful and powerful discussion about war, love, and the people whose stories continue to shape our understanding of the past.

We had the absolute honor of sitting down with Erika L. Sánchez, award-winning author, poet, and cultural force.

Best known for her groundbreaking novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Sánchez has become one of the most important contemporary voices writing about identity, grief, mental health, family pressure, and what it means to grow up caught between cultures. Her work refuses stereotypes and speaks directly to the complexity of being Mexican American in the United States.

During our conversation on The Brown Book Club Podcast, Erika was honest, funny, thoughtful, and incredibly down to earth. We talked about writing through pain, navigating expectations, representation in literature, and the power of telling our own stories. She reminded us that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s courage on the page.