Ocu-Pasión

Send a text Capítulo 053: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Model, Stylist, and founder of "Mujeres of all Shades" , Franchela Ulises.  Listen in as we discuss expressing her identity,  challenging  notions of what it means to be Latina, and creating a place where women of all shades can champion their own style.  Franchela Ulises is a model, fashion stylist, and social medi...

Send a text Capítulo 052: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multi talented award-winning multilingual American actress, Cosima Cabrera.  Listen in as we discuss drawing the actors' own experiences of life, connecting with characters authentically, and staying motivated through uncertainty.  An award-winning multilingual American actress, Cosima is known for her strong emotional r...

Send a text Capítulo 051: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multi talented graphic designer and visual artist, Chris Tobar Rodriguez .  Listen in as we discuss designing with color in mind, working on vast design projects, and the journey that led him to the art world.  Chris ‘Tobar’ Rodriguez is a multi-talented multimedia artist and designer based in Austin, Texas. His striking digi...

Send a text Capítulo 050: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Writer/Director/ Producer and Performer, Josefina Lopez.  Listen in as we discuss the journey of co-authoring the award winning film Real Women Have Curves, her experience as the founding Artistic Director of CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights, and the world premier of "Remembering Boyle Heights" Josefina López (Wri...

Send a text Capítulo 049: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Los Angeles-based Actor, Yumarie Morales.  Listen in as we discuss representation in the industry, the process of learning from rejection, and the importance of having a strong willingness to persevere. Yumarie Morales, of Panamanian and Puerto Rican parentage, has always found herself at the intersection of American culture...

Send a text Capítulo 048: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Founder of Softwax Record Pressing, Federico R. Casanova.  Listen in as we discuss the process of building a record pressing plant, meeting the needs of independent record labels, and how music fits into the landscape of the first-generation experience.  Ever since his move to Philadelphia 10 years ago, Mr....

Send a text Capítulo 047: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Philadelphia-based Chef and owner of Juana Tamale, Jennifer Zavala .  Listen in as we discuss connecting to identity through cooking, her experience as a contestant on Top Chef, and the journey to opening Juana Tamale.  Jennifer Zavala is a Chef and the owner of Juana Tamale restaurant in South Philadephia. Chef Jennifer Zava...

Send a text Capítulo 046: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer of Ballet Hispánico, Tamia B. Santana .  Listen in as we discuss creating new avenues of engagement with dance,  promoting collaboration and engagement within diverse communities, and fostering a love of the arts for all.  Tamia B. Santana is an advocate for dance and the arts. Previousl...

Send a text Capítulo 045: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​ Chris Urquiaga ​, known as JChris .  Listen in as we discuss his performance experiences,  different art styles to his music, and his support for the LGBTQ+ community along with his own drag persona, Cara Linda. Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​ Chris Urquiaga ​, known as JC...

Send a text Capítulo 044: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by interdisciplinary artist, activist, and curator, Savanah Pennell.  Listen in as we discuss the intersection of Art & Activism, storytelling as a tool for creating change, and exploring new ways of communicating through Art.   Savanah Pennell (b. 1995, Honolulu, HI) is an artist, curator, activist, and scholar. Pennell was...

Send a text Capítulo 043: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by  Journalists, Entrepreneurs, and founder of LATINAFest, Bel Hernandez and Naibe Reynoso.  Listen in as we discuss the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the Latin community, the mission of LATINAFest 2022, and the impact media coverage can have on latin-owned businesses. Naibe Reynoso is a Mexican-American Multi-Emmy award-win...

Send a text Capítulo 040: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by electronic music producer/composer, DJ, theatrical actor, and an award-winning clown/mime, Marvin Quijada (a.k.a. Silent Marvin).  Listen in as we discuss immersive plays and interactive theater experiences, the beauty of silent story telling, and creating Teatro Vista's new moving graphic novel, Detective Q. Marvin Quij...

Send a text Capítulo 041: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by doctoral fellow and program assistant Chell Parkins.  Listen in as we discuss the experiences of Latin youth engaged in culturally relevant dance-making practices, her contribution to the nation's only doctoral program focused on educational research in dance, and her journey back to Puerto Rico. Chell Parkins is a Docto...

Send a text Capítulo 039: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by actress and writer, Kenia Munguia. Listen in as we discuss making a character your own, expressing difficult emotions, and pursuing your passion early in life.   Kenia Munguia is a Honduran Nicaraguan actress and writer who started her career in Los Angeles. A year ago, she moved to New York City to push her artistic boundari...

Send a text Capítulo 038: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by collage artist and Art Engineer, Luis Martin. Listen in as we discuss the unapologetically exploring his role as an artist, Collage as a  democratic art practice, developing your own authentic visual language. Born in Los Angeles, and based in New York city, Luis Martin began his journey in the art museums of LA where he work...

Send a text Capítulo 037: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Director of Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance and co-founder of the Latinx Dance Educators Alliance , Michelle Manzanales. Listen in as we discuss the connecting culture to formal dance, Tejano influences, her commitment to creating an environment where all students are inspired to explore movement. Michelle Manzanales is a...

Send a text Capítulo 036: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Founder of Utopia Moss, Pamela Prat. Listen in as we discuss the process of using Sea Moss in creative ways that promote wellness and offers priceless insights and inspiration from her entrepreneurial journey. "Utopia Moss is your one stop shop for all your sea moss needs. At Utopia Moss we strive to make the best natura...

Send a text Capítulo 035: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Brazilian illustrator, tattoo artist, designer and photographer, Francisco Martins, aka Cuckoo Martins. Listen in as we discuss the art, application, and practice of creating meaningful photos, the relationship between Brazil and its identity as a Latin American country, and the mission of "Poca Madre Studio".  &quo...

Send a text Capítulo 034: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, actor, singer and producer, Sandra Delgado. Listen in as we discuss reimagining Latin history on stage and creating  the Sandra Delgado Experience: "A big band music spectacular with a lil bit of dancing, a lil bit of storytelling and a whole lot of joy." Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor,...

Send a text Capítulo 033: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Award Winning Actress, Playwright and Producer, Jessica Carmona. Listen in as we discuss telling culturally empowering stories, her strong connection to social justice and faith, and the power of the Arts to inspire and ignite social change. Jessica is an Award Winning Actress, Playwright and Producer of Afro- Puerto Rican de...

Send a text Capítulo 032: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Professional dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer Marcela Gómez Lugo. Listen in as we discuss the Cuban ballet method, creating culturally relevant pieces, and reimagining the future of ballet classics.  Marcela Gómez Lugo, dancer, teacher, writer, and translator, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She began her pre-prof...

Send a text Capítulo 031: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Professional singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer  Carolina Rial from "The Voice" Season 20. Listen in as we discuss her deep passion and love for music, being a self-taught singer, and building a musical career from the ground up.  Carolina Rial is an 18-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, actress,...

Send a text Capítulo 030: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Poet Adrian Ernesto Cepeda. Listen in as we discuss the collective experience of grief, discovering the importance of one's voice, and healing through the writing process.  Adrian Ernesto is the author of Flashes & Verses… Becoming Attractions from Unsolicited Press, Between the Spine from Picture Show Press, Speakin...

Send a text Capítulo 029: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Teatro Vista's Co-Artistic Directors Wendy Mateo and Lorena Diaz.  Listen in as we discuss pushing the boundaries of digital theatre, creating a safe space for artists to explore, and a sisterhood that has lasted over two decades.  Teatro Vista, Theatre With A View is firmly committed to sharing and celebrating the riche...

Send a text Capítulo 028: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Vocalist, Guitarist, and Songwriter Heidy Flores from the band Los Hollywood.  Listen in as we discuss the songwriting process, exploring new genres, and sharing the stage with legends like Aterciopelados, La Ley, and Enanitos Verdes. Los Hollywood is a Rock Pop band from California that formed in 2008.  Current members inclu...