Latin Pulse

During the first month of the new year, Latin Pulse focuses on the spiritual aspects of indigenous communities as a way of providing reflection on this time of change.  The program features the stories and analysis of experts on archaeology and anthropology to provide context on these deep topics.  The program looks at spiritual practice and history in Mexico and Guatemala.  The news segment of the program discusses the latest change in travel and trade regulations between the U.S. and Cuba, allowing travelers from the United States to travel to Cuba unfettered for the first time in many decades.The program includes in-depth interviews with:David Freidel of Washington University; andTim Knab of the Universidad de las Americas - Puebla. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaCubaMex

Venezuela, its economy, and its structure as a petro-state are the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  As Venezuela slips into recession and shortages of consumer goods become more acute, criticism of the government of President Nicolas Maduro is increasing.  The program looks at the patterns of how oil prices have often dictated the popularity of presidents and the shape of politics in Venezuela.  The news segment of the program covers the meeting this week between U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and how protests broke out in the United States due to the visit.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Dan Hellinger of Webster University; andAlejandro Velasco* of New York University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)*Velasco is also the author of the forthcoming book: Barrio Rising.  (The program is 30 minutes in length an

This week, Latin Pulse looks at the historic decision of the United States and Cuba to normalize diplomatic relations.  After more than a half-century of tensions and embargoes, the next steps for Cuba are the central focus of this program.  The program also includes analysis of the human rights situation in the country and debates the effectiveness of democracy-building programs initiated by the United States.  The news segment of the program looks at the onset of recession in Venezuela and the reaction of the government to the economic problems.The program includes an in-depth interview with:Eric Hershberg of American University's Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS); andPhil Peters of the Cuba Resource Center.  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here click here.)(To see a set list of songs used in the production of this program, please go here.)  (The

In this special edition of Latin Pulse, we dip into the holiday spirit, literally, by exploring the spirit of tequila.  The program includes an in-depth discussion of the business and economics surrounding the trade of tequila and how the taste for tequila has changed, propelled by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  The program also includes a tasting and discussion of top shelf tequilas. The news segment of the program looks at the historic proposal this week worked out between the Cuban and U.S. governments regarding discussions of normalizing diplomatic relations after more than 53 years of conflict.The program includes an in-depth interview with:Ramses Armendariz of Webster University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)(To see a set list of songs used in the production of this program, please go here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is

This week, Latin Pulse rejoins its analysis of Venezuela with a focus on the political and economic debate there.  With the U.S. levying economic sanctions on the country due to human rights violations, the opposition and protests movements again take center stage in the debate.  The program also looks at the issues of justice regarding accusations leveled at opposition politicians and the jailing of Leopoldo Lopez.  The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the development of the current form of Venezuelan government and how the death of President Hugo Chavez continues to be felt in amidst the current crisis.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Alejandro Velasco* of New York University; andDan Hellinger of Webster University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)*Velasco is also the author of the forthcoming book: Barrio Rising.  (The program is 30 minutes in

This week, Latin Pulse puts its focus back on Cuba as Alan Gross, an imprisoned U.S. citizen passed the five year mark of his incarceration on the island.  The program includes an in-depth interview analyzing the Gross case and what it means for U.S.-Cuba relations.  The program also looks at the modern history of secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba and how those negotiations have subtly changed policy.  The news segment of the program looks at the resumption of peace talks in Colombia after the release of a general held captive by rebels. The program includes in-depth interviews with:Phil Peters of the Cuba Research Center; andBill LeoGrande of American University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaCubaimmigrationAlan GrossdiplomacyespionageColombiaUnited Statesintern

This week, Latin Pulse takes a deeper look at the disappearance of students from Ayotzinapa and Cuban migration to the United States. Global activists are protesting due to the disappearance of the 43 university students in Mexico. The situation is emblematic of decades of corruption and collusion in the Mexican government. This time, however, it appears the Mexican government will be held to account. Later in the program, Cuban immigrants are coming to the U.S. in higher numbers now than any time in the past 20 years. The program looks at the reason behind this increased immigrant flow.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA);William LeoGrande of American University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaMexicoIgualaCubaviolenceEn

This week, Latin Pulse studies the culture of indigenous religions as the program dives into the history of the Day of the Dead. The program takes a look at the impact of colonialism on this holiday, and how those changes impact Latin America today. However, the day continues to be a celebration of humanity's relationship with death and the environment. Then, in the second half of the show, the program analyzes Mayan spirituality and its central role in Mayan culture. The news segment of the program follows the evolving situation with a group of missing university students in Mexico.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Roberto Barrios of Southern Illinois University - Carbondale;David Freidel of Washington University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaMexicoreligiontraditiond

This week, Latin Pulse provides insight into important elections in South America: presidential races in Brazil and Uruguay.  Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff is fighting for her political life as some polls show conservative challenger Aecio Neves ahead with voting coming this weekend. In Uruguay, polls show former president Tabare Vazquez is the front-runner.  However, balloting this weekend may reveal he is not popular enough to avoid a second round of voting.  Necessary improvements in education is an issue driving both races.  The news segment covers an informal alliance between Cuba and the U.S. to fight Ebola together in West Africa.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Cristina Pacheco of the State University of Paraiba;Francisco Panizza of the London School of Economics.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the

This week, Latin Pulse focuses on Argentina's debt crisis. A federal judge in the U.S. is holding Argentina in contempt for failing to come up with a plan that satisfies all of its creditors from a default in 2001.  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled it would not review the case, thus upholding the lower court decisions on the bond repayments.  That decision triggered a second default.  This case holds implications not only for Argentina's economic future, but for the position of financial outlets in New York. This week's news segment covers the victory claims of President Evo Morales in Bolivia.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Peter Schechter of Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center of the Atlantic Council; andLeslie Armijo of Portland State University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) News