Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

After the enforcement surge in Minneapolis earlier this year, communities were living through a reality that headlines and social media couldn’t fully capture: families in fear, businesses shutting down, and neighborhoods forced into survival mode. In this episode of Fritanga, Minneapolis community leaders - Henry Jiménez, Carolina Ortiz, and Rev. Hierald Osorto - share what they witnessed on the...

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Season 5 of Fritanga looks in three directions: past, present, and future. We begin with someone whose life spans all three. The legendary comedian, actor, author, and art collector Cheech Marin!  For over five decades, Cheech has helped expand who gets to be visible and heard in American culture. Born in South Central Los Angeles, Cheech left the Unite...

This month, guest host and executive producer Antonio Caro pulls back the curtain with acclaimed set designer Gerardo Díaz Sánchez —the creative mind shaping this year’s Hispanic Heritage Awards stage. From the show’s guiding theme of gold (not of greed, but reciprocity and ancestral respect) to designing a world that works both live and on TV , Gerardo breaks down how he turns stories into spaces...

From the Andes to the world: this month, we bring you the story of Quechua singer, rapper, and activist Renata Flores —a journey of rhythm, resistance, and reclamation straight from the mountains of Ayacucho, Peru. This episode of Fritanga features an English-language introduction, followed by a powerful conversation in Spanish with the viral artist redefining Latin music and honoring Indigenous i...

What does the American Dream sound like? In this special Fourth of July episode of Fritanga , host Antonio Tijerino sits down with one of the composers of that dream: Emilio Estefan . Long before he became a 19-time Grammy-winning producer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and one of the most influential Latino cultural architects of our time, Emilio was an 11-year-old Cuban boy arriving...

In this episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with award-winning writer, filmmaker, and cultural storyteller Alberto Ferreras for an unforgettable conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From the groundbreaking Habla series to working with Madonna (yes, THE Madonna), Alberto reflects on the spiritual power of creativity, queer and immigrant narratives, and how art conne...

Season 4 of the Fritanga Podcast kicks off with a full-circle conversation about hustle, identity, and building a fintech company rooted in community. Richie Serna and Emmanuel Pleitez—both past Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Youth Awardees—are now leading one of the most exciting startups in tech: Finix . Richie Serna is a first-generation Harvard graduate from Santa Ana, California, raised b...

Welcome back, familia! We're excited to kick off the year with an inspiring conversation featuring Marissa Solis , Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. From her roots in Mexico to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, Marissa shares her bold vision to future-proof the NFL , ensuring it stays relevant to younger and more diverse audiences. Discover how s...

In this heartfelt episode of Fritanga, we dive into the profound challenges of caregiving within Latino families. Host Antonio Tijerino shares personal reflections on the weight of caregiving, recalling his experience with his late mother and aging father. Joined by Yvette Peña, VP of Audience Strategy at AARP, Adrian Gaston Garcia, a queer Latine storyteller, and Alejandra Castillo, Fellow in Res...

In this month’s episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with Jonathan Jayes-Green (they/them), a trailblazing LGBTQ+ non-binary Afro-Latinx activist and advocate for justice. Jonathan shares their deeply personal journey of returning to Panama after nearly 20 years in the U.S., reflecting on the healing, reconnection, and self-discovery that accompanied this transformative experience. Jonathan al...

Before J-Lo and Shakira, there was the one and only Lisa Lisa. This month, the queen of freestyle music and the first Puerto Rican and Latina artist to break into the pop and R&B charts joins the Fritanga podcast to share her journey from Hell's Kitchen to global stardom. Alongside actress Judy Reyes, she discusses the impact of her music, her influence on fashion and culture, and the challenges s...

Join host Antonio Tijerino on this special episode Fritanga featuring Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr., and Thomas Brasuell, President of the Roberto Clemente Foundation . Together, they discuss the life and legacy of the Great One: Roberto Clemente.  Wearing the iconic number 21, Clemente was the first Latino player inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. His illustrious career include...

Welcome back to the Fritanga Podcast by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. In this week’s episode, we explore the urgent need for immigration reform to address the ongoing migrant crisis at the border. Joining us is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah , President and CEO of Global Refuge. On the pod, we explore: - The humanitarian crisis resulting from a broken immigration system and the failure of elected off...

As Latinos, entrepreneurship is in our blood. With nearly one in four new businesses being Hispanic-owned, the future of America is in our hands. In this week's episode, we welcome Isabel Casilla Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the highest-ranking Latina in President Biden's cabinet. On the pod, we'll discuss the critical role of small businesses in dri...

On this month's episode of Fritanga, we dive into the complex journey of mental health, emphasizing the importance of resilience, hope, and self-care within the Latine community. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with two inspiring figures, Curly Velasquez and Cheryl Aguilar, to chat about cultural, systemic, and individual barriers to mental health, includ...

This week on the Fritanga podcast, we delve into the inspirational journey of Dr. Ellen Ochoa , the first Latina astronaut in space. From her groundbreaking achievements to her advocacy for STEM education and diversity, Dr. Ochoa's story is one of grit, passion, and breaking barriers. Tune in to discover how she shattered stereotypes, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire th...

On this special Madre Tierra episode, host Antonio Tijerino welcomes visionary advocate for environmental justice, Mark Magaña . As the Founding President & CEO of GreenLatinos , Mark has led the charge against climate change's disproportionate impact on our community since 2012. From heatwaves in Texas to hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Latinos across the United States and beyond are particularly vuln...

Welcome back to Fritanga! This season, we're thrilled to continue hosting  powerful voices from our community and beyond as we explore what makes us complicatedly compelling and beautiful as Latinos and how we can move forward with greater unity. In our first episode of 2024, we explore the Afro-Latino experience, vision, and intersectionality. Host Antonio Tijerino is joined by 3 inspiring Afro-L...

In our Season 2 finale of Fritanga, we dive into the world of flavors, humanity, self-care, and traditions with the culinary maestra who has captivated us through her delicious dishes and empowered thousands through her advocacy: Ingrid Hoffmann.   On the pod, host Antonio Tijerino explores Ingrid's multicultural upbringing, her journey into the culinary arts, and her experiences with Michelin-sta...

In this episode of Fritanga, Antonio Tijerino kicks it with "El Padrino" of alternative Latino music, Felix Contreras . As the co-creator and co-host of Alt. Latino , the groundbreaking NPR radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture, Felix's work with NPR has introduced some of the most unique, indie musicians to mainstream radio, while also showcasing chart-toppers like Kali Uchis...

"I've always felt ni de aqui, ni de alla , that feeling will never go away. I think that kind of makes us superheroes - able to navigate one culture and another." - Mariana Atencio, Award-Winning Journalist, Motivational Speaker, and Best-Selling Author.   Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, familia! This month, the Peabody Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and viral speaker,...

"More than 58% of Latinos are under the age of 34...You want to build a relationship to help carry your brand through the next 20 years." - Stacie de Armas, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Insights and Initiatives at Nielsen On this month's episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino is joined by Stacie de Armas to discuss the crucial topic of Latino representation in media and entertainment. Wi...

With football season fast approaching, we go back to the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Foundation archives to our Tertulia with the only Latino head coach of the NFL  - the head coach of the Washington Commanders, Coach Ron Rivera. Of proud Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, Coach Rivera has been a difference-maker for the Commanders since he took over in 2020. Despite facing challenges like name changes,...

BONUS EPISODE! In honor of Pride Month, host Antonio Tijerino welcomes the warmth and the brilliance of Richard Blanco to Fritanga. With roots in Cuba, Richard was born in Spain but was raised in New York and Miami, Florida. Through his artistry - he explores the twisted fabrics of our nation and the beautiful quilted experiences of Queer and Latino Identity. On the pod, we talk about Richard's jo...

Activism is defined as the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. No method of activism is more powerful than art.  In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, the brilliant DACAmented art-ivist, Yehimi Cambrón, joins Fritanga to share her story of resilience, hope, and creativity.  Originally from San Antonio Villalongín, Michoacán, Mexico - Yehimi gre...