Central American Voices

El fútbol es más que un deporte. Es recuerdos, familia, identidad y una pasión que nos conecta sin importar dónde estemos. En este episodio de  Unidos por el Fútbol , conversamos con la creadora de contenido guatemalteca Monica Velásquez sobre cómo crecer rodeada del fútbol la llevó a convertir su pasión como fan en una comunidad digital donde miles de personas comparten la misma emoción. Hablamos...

In this episode of  Unidos por el Fútbol , we keep things simple and gather around with friends to talk about the beautiful game. From childhood memories and family traditions to favorite teams, unforgettable World Cup moments, and the emotions that only fútbol can bring, this conversation is a celebration of the sport that connects generations, cultures, and communities across the world. Come joi...

In this kickoff episode of our Men World Cup Series called "Unidos por el Fútbol", we sit down with Ricky Canales, founder of World Class Football and organizer Carlos, to talk about the power of soccer as a tool for culture, community, and connection. Ricky shares the vision behind World Class Football and gives us a preview of their month-long World Cup celebration taking place in their hometown...

In this episode, we sit down with Los Angeles-based writer and culture journalist Astrid Kayembe to explore how identity, community, and lived experience shape the stories she tells. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles with Belizean and Congolese roots, Astrid reflects on how culture shows up in fashion, food, music, and everyday life across the city. We talk about her work documenting L.A. cu...

In this episode, we sit down with Guatemalan-Honduran-American filmmaker Santos Arrué to explore her creative practice and the themes that ground her work. We talk about her focus on displacement, representation, and what it means to tell stories that reflect lived experiences while imagining new futures for communities like ours. Santos shares insights into her short film Azul , her upcoming feat...

In this episode, we sit down with Karina Magallon, a Panamanian-American bilingual artist and multi-instrumentalist whose sound blends Latin and pop influences with heartfelt storytelling and Spanglish lyrics. Raised in Houston and now based in Los Angeles, Karina shares how growing up between cultures shaped her identity and her artistry. From studying music in Nashville to building her career as...

In this episode we sit down with Roger and Stephanie from Pro-Sé-So, a community-centered legal platform focused on empowering immigrant communities through law, education, and accessibility. Together, they discuss the mission behind Pro-Sé-So, their work supporting immigrant families, and why democratizing legal knowledge is critical for underserved communities. From immigration challenges to com...

In this episode we sit down with  Michelle Myra , founder of  Sazón Pilates , to talk about identity, resilience, and building something rooted in culture. Born in  Bellflower, California to Guatemalan immigrant parents , Michelle’s journey has taken her across the world from studying art history and living in Italy to spending nearly a decade in China and traveling throughout Southeast Asia. Afte...

In this episode, we talk with filmmaker and educator  Matthew Serrano  in a thoughtful conversation about identity, ancestry, and intentional storytelling. Matthew reflects on growing up Salvadoran-American, his journey through Youth Cinema Project, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories about our communities. The conversation centers on his film  Xolo  and the care, research, and...

En este episodio conversamos con Soudi Jiménez , periodista salvadoreño del Los Angeles Times en Español y autor del libro Ecos Migrantes . Soudi comparte cómo fue crecer en El Salvador, su llegada a Estados Unidos para trabajar en el consulado salvadoreño y su transición al periodismo, desde donde ha documentado por más de una década las múltiples realidades de la comunidad migrante. Profundizamo...

In this episode, we sit down with  Tanya Flores Hodgson , a Nicaraguan artist based in Los Angeles, for an intimate conversation on art, memory, feminism, and liberation. Born in Masaya, Nicaragua, Tanya shares her migration story and how her work uses photography, video, and the body to confront political violence, U.S. imperialism, and silenced Central American histories. Together, we explore Ce...

In this episode, we talk with Central American artist Kiara Aileen Machado about her journey growing in Los Angeles and how her Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Honduran roots shape her artistic voice. We discuss her work exploring identity, migration, and the absence of Central American representation in mainstream art spaces. Kiara walks us through her studio practice, the stories behind her painting...

En este episodio hablamos con  Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez , futbolista profesional del  Kansas City Current (NWSL)  y mediocampista de la  Selección Nacional Femenina de Costa Rica . Juntas exploramos su recorrido desde jugar fútbol en Costa Rica con su familia hasta convertirse en una de las atletas centroamericanas más reconocidas en el fútbol femenino. 🔗  Follow Rocky Rodríguez: Instagram:  @raq...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana; cultural worker, muralist, and creator of  The Humanizing Deportation Archive . Together, we explore how art becomes a tool for survival, memory, and resistance at the U.S.–Mexico border. We reflect on silence, storytelling, and the power of artivism to challenge dominant narratives of migration and belonging; connecting these border st...

  Surprise! In this special birthday episode, we’re introducing our amazing  Associate Producer  so you can get to know the person who helps make  Central American Voices  happen behind the scenes. This conversation feels like one of those long hangouts with close friends; we laugh, dive deep into  identity and intersectionality , talk about  growing up across generations , and of course… end up t...

En este episodio, conversamos con Daniela Calvo, comediante argentina radicada en Los Ángeles y pionera de la comedia en español. Juntas exploramos cómo el voseo, los acentos y la diversidad lingüística se convierten en herramientas para reír, conectar y construir comunidad. Desde la identidad que llevamos en el idioma, hasta el histórico paso de Daniela presentándose en el  Main Room  del Comedy...

In this first episode live recording of  Central American Voices , we talked with Saray Martínez, the creative mind behind Hood Baby . From her Honduran-American upbringing in Los Angeles to building a fashion brand worn by artists like Young Miko and Tyla, Saray shares how jerseys, joy, and community storytelling shape her work. In this episode, we explore identity, creative resistance, and the p...

On this episode, we sit down with  Nadieme Villar , a Belizean filmmaker, to dive into the power of storytelling across different mediums, from novels to filmmaking. Our conversation also touches on the filmmaking landscape in Belize, the challenges and possibilities of Caribbean cinema, and the ways storytelling connects us beyond borders. Connect with Nadieme Villar: Instagram: ⁠https://www.inst...

In this episode, we talk with Josslyn Glenn, a Belizean and Chicana transgender producer from LA, about the role of independent filmmaking in amplifying Central American and LGBTQ+ stories. Josslyn shares how her identity fuels her work, the challenges of making films outside the mainstream, and the activism/resistance behind independent media. Connect with Josslyn Glenn: Instagram: https://www.in...

We sit down with Jared Olson to discuss his work as a journalist covering stories in Honduras and Central America. He shares how he amplifies Central American narratives through his freelance journalism and fosters community through meaningful connections. Connect with Jared Olson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolson321/ Twitter: https://x.com/jolson321 Subscribe to his Sub stack: https://...

Buckle up—this episode is a long one! Alejandra and Brenda sit down to discuss the LA fires, sharing their firsthand experiences as LA residents and emphasizing the importance of community support for those affected. They also open up about their raw emotions while recording on Inauguration Day, breaking down executive orders that impact our communities. And as Bad Bunny fans, they take a deep div...

As 2024 comes to an end, the Central American Voices Podcast returns after an 11-month break! Join our host and special guest, Brenda Hernandez, for a special update on 2024 and exciting news for 2025. Brenda's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/ Mentions: MiraLA Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/miralapodcast/ Social Media Website: www.centralamericanvoices.com Instagram: https:...

In this episode, we talk with filmmaker and screenwriter Marlon Vladimir Rodriguez about his filmmaking journey and his reconnection to his culture and home country, El Salvador. Guest/Invitado: Marlon Vladimir Rodriguez: https://www.instagram.com/m_vladimir_r/ Lunar Fragments: https://www.instagram.com/lunarfragments/ Language/Idioma: Bilingual: English Social Media Website: www.centralamericanvo...

In this episode, we have a conversation with Marvin Garcia, an expert in US Latin / LATAM Music Marketing. Our discussion revolves around Central American Music, the Music Industry, and exploring ways to support artists from Central America. Language/Idioma: English Guest: Marvin Garcia https://www.instagram.com/asap.marvin/ Support Central American Voices Podcast: Become a : www.patreon.com/centa...

Beyond Status is a series of short form films produced by The Center for Cultural Power, written and directed by migrant storytellers who, in their own artistic expression and method of storytelling, aim to construct new narratives about who they are as migrants in today’s political and personal contexts. In this Episode, Alejandra (Our Host) talks about her film Searching… with Cultural Power and...