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Dominican-Italian artist YEИDRY joins us for a powerful conversation about her debut album, Como Agua, her Afro-Latina identity and the experiences that shaped her life and music. Raised in a small town in Italy, YEИDRY opens up about staying connected to her Dominican roots while navigating life in Italy’s countryside as a brown girl experiencing racism and colorism. She shares how feeling different influenced her identity, artistry and decision to create music in Spanish, Italian and English. YEИDRY also reveals that she has felt like an adult since she was only 9 years old. Because her Italian was stronger than her mother’s, she often helped her mom communicate and navigate life in their new country. Her family’s immigrant experience shared many similarities with the stories we often hear in the United States, except theirs unfolded in Italy. That responsibility helped shape the fearless woman she is today. As YEИDRY says during the interview, “I’m not afraid of anything.” Music also became one of her greatest teachers. YEИDRY learned English by translating songs from Jay-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé and Nelly Furtado. Before having internet access at home, she would visit an internet café, print out the lyrics and study them. After building her life and career across Europe, YEИDRY moved to the United States in 2023 and now lives in Los Angeles. The conversation gets deeply personal as YEИDRY discusses reconnecting with her father after he moved to New York when she was young. That experience inspired “Espejo,” meaning “mirror” in Spanish, a song about seeing herself reflected in her father and rebuilding their relationship. Plus, YEИDRY reveals how COLORS unexpectedly reached out to her ad blew her up, reflects on how she landed NPR Tiny Desk and talks about her growing presence in music and fashion. This episode is a heartfelt and fun conversation between two Dominicanas connecting through culture, family, identity and their shared love for the Dominican Republic. 'Como Agua' by YEИDRY is available now on all major streaming platforms. Her NPR Tiny Desk performance is also available to watch now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salsa ICON Tito Nieves takes us back to the beginning of his career and shares personal memories of working with Héctor Lavoe, an artist he loved and deeply admired. He also explains why he believes El Cantante, the film starring Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, focused too heavily on the darker parts of Lavoe’s life and failed to show who Héctor truly was beyond his struggles. The conversation also explores the lasting impact of “I Like It Like That,” including Tito’s version of the classic and its revival by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin. Tito shares his thoughts on today’s rising salsa singers and reveals which new-generation artists he believes are helping carry the genre forward. You may recognize a few of their names from previous episodes of Gracias, Come Again! Beyond the music, Tito opens up about love, four marriages, and the happiness he has found with his current wife, who is also his business partner. He speaks candidly about addiction, going to rehab four times, and reaching 30 years of sobriety. Drawing from his own recovery journey, he offers heartfelt advice and encouragement to anyone struggling with addiction. Tito also helps launch a new Gracias, Come Again segment called Life Advice, AKA Consejos de la Vida, where he shares wisdom on love, resilience, recovery, happiness, and making the most of life. He also reflects on nearly 50 years in music, his Puerto Rican roots, his deep connection to New York City, and his upcoming La Historia Continúa concert at NJPAC on 09/26/26. This is Tito Nieves like you have never heard him before: honest, funny, emotional, grateful, and still passionate about salsa after five decades in the game. La Historia Continúa, and the legend is far from finished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Cleyvis Natera joins Gracias, Come Again to talk about her second novel, The Grand Paloma Resort, a gripping story set in the Dominican Republic that explores sisterhood, class, tourism, labor, exploitation, poverty, and the hidden cost of luxury. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Cleyvis takes us inside the world of The Grand Paloma Resort, where tourists come for paradise, but the Dominican workers behind the scenes are the ones keeping that paradise alive. The conversation also goes deeper into some of the book’s most uncomfortable and important themes, including crimes connected to tourism, tourists who travel to exploit vulnerable children, sex work surrounding hotels, poverty, and the circumstances that can push workers into degrading or dangerous situations simply to survive. Cleyvis and I also discuss the hotel workers and laborers across the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean whose work keeps the tourism industry thriving, even when they rarely get to experience the luxury they help create. This is a conversation about far more than a book. It’s about Dominican identity, sisterhood, tourism, working-class women, exploitation, family, survival, and what really exists behind the beautiful resorts so many travelers never think twice about. We also get into Cleyvis Natera’s journey as an author, her Dominican roots, her life in New York, and how her own perspective helped shape this powerful story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Luis Figueroa joins Gracias, Come Again to talk salsa, Puerto Rican culture, family, and his journey from YouTube covers to becoming one of the genre’s brightest stars. Luis shares how posting covers online led to being discovered by Marc Anthony, who became a major mentor in his career, and opens up about touring with Romeo Santos, where he fully embraced the Spanish language and went from not being fluent or confident speaking it to becoming fluent and even more connected to his culture. We also revisit the moment Honey first discovered Luis performing in the Bronx alongside the legendary La India, singing her iconic duet originally recorded with Marc Anthony. Luis talks about keeping salsa alive for a new generation, his Puerto Rican roots, songwriting, family, and why carrying the culture forward means so much to him. This is a conversation about music, identity, language, legacy, and why Luis Figueroa is no longer just considered the future of salsa, he is very much part of its present. 🎙️ Watch the full interview with Luis Figueroa on Gracias, Come Again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Reyes is making history from the Bronx to the WORLD. Born and raised in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Jason is the founder and principal of the Bronx School of Hip Hop, the first hip hop high school in the world, opening in New York City in September 2026. Before launching this groundbreaking school, Jason served as principal of MS 129 Academy and built his career around helping young people discover their identity, their voice, their brilliance, and their power. His journey was not easy. Jason grew up in foster care, experienced family loss and adversity, and still chose to dedicate his life to education and service. His story is rooted in resilience, culture, strength, and a refusal to let obstacles determine what is possible. In this conversation, we talk about how the Bronx School of Hip Hop came to be, why hip hop belongs in education, what it means to build a school around culture and identity, and how Jason is handling criticism from people who are not happy about his role as principal. We also get into books, fatherhood, leadership, his love of hip hop, and of course, his top five hip hop artists of all time.  Jason Reyes is not just opening a school, he is building a legacy. This fall, the Bronx School of Hip Hop will make history in New York City and around the world, and we are proud to celebrate the man behind the mission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DaniLeigh joins Honey German for a raw, emotional and revealing episode of Gracias, Come Again.  The Dominican American artist, choreographer, dancer...opens up about her upbringing in Miami, her move to Los Angeles and the experiences that shaped the woman she is today. DaniLeigh begins by sharing the incredible story of being discovered by Prince at only 18 years old. She explains how they met, what their relationship was truly like and how Prince trusted her with “Breakfast Can Wait.” Dani directed and starred in the music video, even stepping into the role of Prince. She also reflects on the life-changing lessons she received from one of music’s greatest icons and how she felt when he passed away. The conversation continues with Dani’s 2019 collaboration with Chris Brown on the hit “Easy” remix and the pressure that comes with being publicly linked to other celebrities. Dani then shares one of the most personal chapters of her life, her father’s battle with cancer and the heartbreak of losing him.  She becomes emotional while remembering the relationship they shared and the blessing of her father meeting her daughter, whom she shares with rapper DaBaby, before his passing. Dani also speaks honestly about finding Jesus during a dark and anxious period following a serious accident and public scandal. Dani explains how faith, prayer, accountability and positivity helped her move forward, reminding listeners that our mistakes do not define us and that a comeback is always possible. Later, the family joins the conversation as we meet the ladies of Bella Dose, including one of Dani’s sisters, along with her brother, who is also an artist. Together, they discuss their new single, “La Familia,” available now. This interview shows DaniLeigh in a completely different light, as a daughter, mother, sister, believer and artist determined to continue growing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freestyle legend K7 of TKA sits down for an intimate, no-holds-barred conversation about the music, memories, heartbreak and hustle behind a career spanning four decades. K7 opens up about his childhood and the life-changing move from Ponce, PR to Spanish Harlem, New York, where he reunited with his mother and eventually found his path to music. He takes us back to the beginning of TKA, from performing at neighborhood parties to landing a record deal with Tommy Boy Records, becoming one of freestyle music’s most influential groups, and ultimately reveals why the original TKA broke up. K7 also takes us inside the stories behind the music, including the FULL backstory of the TKA classic 'Maria' revealing that the song was actually inspired by two women he dated. He explains how writing became his way of expressing emotions he couldn’t always say out loud and how that pen helped establish him as one of freestyle music’s GOATs. We also get into K7’s transition from freestyle into hip-hop, his massive solo success with records like 'Come Baby Come' and how he managed to evolve while building a career that has lasted nearly 40 years. K7 shares stories about his relationships with fellow Latino music icons La India, Marc Anthony and Ivy Queen, giving us a rare look at who La India and Ivy Queen really are when the cameras are off. He also revisits the early days of Lisa Lisa and Full Force, and his role in connecting the pieces that helped launch one of the most important careers of the freestyle era. But this conversation goes far beyond music. K7 gets deeply personal about his wife’s battle with cancer, what it means to stand beside your spouse through sickness, and delivers a powerful message to men about showing up, becoming a true caretaker and honoring the commitment you made to your partner. He also reflects on his unexpected chapter in radio, why he ultimately walked away from it, the price of longevity, and what four decades in the entertainment business have taught him about friendship, family, love, loyalty and survival. From Ponce to Spanish Harlem, TKA to K7, freestyle to hip-hop, this is the story behind the hits and the man who wrote them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Gracias, Come Again, Honey sits down with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the son of Dominican immigrants who was born and raised in Los Sures, Brooklyn. Reynoso opens up about growing up in a Section 8 apartment while his family relied on food stamps, and how education, a scholarship and a clear plan changed the direction of his life. His journey eventually led him into public service, first as a New York City Council member and later as the youngest borough president in New York City history. Elected to a four-year term, he also became the first Dominican to serve as a borough president in the city. During this deeply personal conversation, Reynoso shares how his upbringing shaped his approach to leadership, why he entered politics and what it means to still live just three blocks from his childhood home, even as the neighborhood around him has transformed through gentrification. He also reflects on the lasting influence of his mentor, Thomas, who taught him a lesson that continues to guide his life and career: “we don’t have the luxury of not having a plan” This is a powerful conversation about Dominican identity, education, community, representation and the journey from Los Sures to Brooklyn Borough Hall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising artist Lenexx joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, identity, family, and the musical movement she's creating. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, Lenexx opens up about her journey from living with her abuela while her mother worked tirelessly in New York to build a better life for the family, to arriving in the U.S. at just eight years old with dreams, questions, and endless possibilities. In this episode, Lenexx reflects on her Dominican upbringing, her mother's sacrifices, and how growing up in one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the world shaped her as both a person and an artist. Surrounded by Dominican, Mexican, Colombian, Indian, and countless other communities, Jackson Heights became the foundation for her global perspective.  She also shares the story behind her deep connection to Brazilian culture, explaining how her best friend introduced her to Brazilian music and traditions, inspiring her to learn Portuguese and eventually record music in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Most importantly, Lenexx introduces listeners to Funketon, the genre she created by fusing Dominican rhythms, Brazilian funk, and New York energy into a sound that's entirely her own. As one of the pioneers of this emerging style, she's breaking musical boundaries while building a global fanbase. We also talk about her special relationship with Brazil, where she spent time immersing herself in the culture that has inspired so much of her music. During her stay, Brazilian fans embraced her wholeheartedly, showing immense love for both her artistry and her vision. That experience further cemented her connection to the country and reinforced her belief that music truly has no borders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bronx-born singer George Lamond joins discuss his roots, musical evolution, and legacy as one of Freestyle and Salsa's biggest voices. He reveals how he hid his talent and dreams from his family until they heard his song playing on NYC radio. George reflects on growing up in the same neighborhood as Marc Anthony and La India, experiencing freestyle’s club scene at just 17, and developing his own sound and image. He also opens up about navigating major labels, the origins of his stage name, and the assumptions people made about his ethnicity and sexuality because of his polished “pretty boy” appearance. After “Bad of the Heart” skyrocketed in 1989, George crossed over into salsa, built a seven-album catalog, and today continues touring and earning from music created decades ago.  Plus, he reveals his ultimate Freestyle Mount Rushmore. Stream and subscribe for more conversations celebrating Latino music, culture, and entertainment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef, television host, and culinary storyteller Chef Bren Herrera joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, resilience, identity, and the journey that made her one of the most recognizable Afro-Latina chefs in media. Known as the host of Culture Kitchen on MyCLEO.TV, Chef Bren opens up about her Cuban heritage, her unwavering love for Cuba, and why she's passionate about seeing the island one day become free. She shares the emotional story of her parents fleeing Cuba and building a new life in the United States, while reflecting on what it means to proudly represent the Afro-Latino community. Beyond the kitchen, Bren discusses how she intentionally uses social media to spread joy, love, dancing, positivity, and authenticity in a world that often needs more of it. She also shares why being the "cool tía" is one of her favorite roles, and how her nieces have become part of her television journey by joining her in the kitchen. Whether you're passionate about food, Afro-Latino culture, Cuba, family, or chasing your dreams, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughs, and inspiration. 🎙️ Subscribe to Gracias, Come Again for more conversations celebrating Latino culture, identity, music, food, and the people making an impact around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Berto Colón joins Gracias, Come Again for aconversation about family, perseverance, and building a career in Hollywood. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in The Bronx, Berto reflects on his island roots, his love of the beach and surfing, his father's influence, and how those experiences continue to shape the man he is today. We dive into his standout roles as Cesar in Orange Is the New Black, Lorenzo Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost, and Solomon Vega in The Night Agent.  He also shares what's ahead with his role in the Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch and his upcoming in American Horror Story. Berto opens up about his passion for fitness, being a devoted husband and girl dad, and how a football injury ended his dream of playing professionally, ultimately leading him to discover acting. Most importantly, he discusses his work as a board member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, highlighting its mission to fund pediatric cancer research and the upcoming events where supporters can make a difference in the lives of children and their families. This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, purpose, Latino representation in Hollywood, and using success to create lasting impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Puerto Rican superstar Lenny Tavárez joins Honey German on Gracias, Come Again for one of his most candid interviews yet. Fresh off the release of his new salsa single "Palo Bonito," Lenny reveals the incredible story behind the record, including how it was originally written for Chayanne and Ricky Martin. He shares how legendary producer Sergio George convinced him that the song belonged to him and why Sergio believes Lenny should record an entire salsa album. Lenny also opens up about working alongside his wife, Natasha a talented dancer and choreographer, giving fans an intimate look at their relationship, creative process, and how they bring their chemistry to life in music videos, from cinematic productions to fun, at-home content. The conversation also dives into: Why "The Avengers" era with Sech, Justin Quiles, Feid, Dalex, and Justin Quiles came to an end, and why he believes it was the right time. The discipline, focus, and athlete's mindset he applies to music, fitness, and life. Raising his two children while balancing life as a global artist. The differences between life in Miami and Puerto Rico... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farruko opens up like never before. The global superstar reflects on his transformative journey of faith and how publicly declaring himself a man of God has impacted both his career and personal life. He discusses his latest project, a tribute to Panama that honors the pioneers who helped pave the way for reggaeton and Spanish reggae, while sharing his deep respect for the artists who came before him. Farruko also explains why, despite his worldwide success, he refuses to leave Puerto Rico and why staying connected to his roots remains so important to him. He talks about the music he listens to when he wants to unwind, the challenges of navigating social media, and why it's important to introduce OG culture to younger generations. As a father of seven, Farruko gets candid about family life and what it's like watching one of his sons show interest in following his path into music and becoming an artist. He shares the lessons he's learned as a parent and the responsibility that comes with raising the next generation. Most importantly, Farruko opens up about his spiritual awakening, his experiences with the church, and the ongoing struggle of balancing his past with his faith. This is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal conversation that humanizes one of Latin music's biggest stars and reveals a side of Farruko the world rarely gets to see. Experience an unforgettable conversation about faith, family, music, culture, purpose, and redemption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Hemky Madera joins us for a powerful and heartfelt season finale. Best known for his fan-favorite role as “Pote” on Queen of the South, Hemky opens up like never before about his Dominican roots, growing up in Washington Heights, New York, fatherhood, marriage, Hollywood, and the long journey to making it as an actor. In this raw and funny conversation, Hemky shares how he knew he wanted to become an actor at just five years old and reveals the many jobs he worked before landing major roles, including waiter, bartender, babysitter, and driver. While audiences know him for playing intense and dangerous characters in movies and hit shows like Queen of the South, Euphoria, and The Mandalorian, Hemky explains why he is actually the complete opposite in real life: funny, loving, goofy, and always joking around. The two also dive into Dominican pride, representation in Hollywood, their respect for Manny Perez and what Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win meant for Dominican actors and Latinos everywhere. Hemky reflects on balancing his love for the Dominican Republic and America, staying grounded through fame, and what’s next for his career, including returning to the Star Wars universe and the new season of Euphoria. This episode is full of laughter, motivation, culture, family, vulnerability… just a beautiful conversation with one of the most respected Dominican actors in Hollywood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.