Advertise on podcast: Central American Voices

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 intention behind every creative choice exploring why representation goes beyond visibility and why storytelling, when done with purpose, can be an act of preservation. Xolo has been selected for SBIFF and will screen during:Narrative Shorts 7 – Festival Circuit Faves Thursday 2/12 — 6:00 PM — Film Center Aud 4 Friday 2/13 — 12:00 PM — Film Center Aud 4 Tickets Here 🔗 Follow Matthew Serrano: Instagram: @matthew_ serrano  ⁠⁠@xolo_film Brand: @tobyandlinus | Toby & Linus THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS ⁠⁠Honduras Kitchen⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bravo Foods USA⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Annette's Illustrations⁠⁠ 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

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. Profundizamos en la inspiración detrás de Ecos Migrantes, una recopilación de crónicas que amplía la narrativa tradicional sobre la migración y visibiliza voces diversas; desde diplomáticos y estudiantes hasta trabajadoras domésticas y artistas. Recordándonos que migrar también es resistir, construir identidad y dejar huella. Un episodio esencial sobre migración centroamericana, memoria, periodismo y humanidad. 🔗 Follow Soudi Jiménez: Instagram: ⁠@soudijimenez @ecosmigrantes (You can get his book by DM him on his social media) THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS ⁠Honduras Kitchen⁠ ⁠Bravo Foods USA⁠ ⁠Annette's Illustrations⁠ 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

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 Central American identity, decolonial feminist practice, diaspora, and how art becomes a powerful tool for resistance, healing, and collective remembrance. 🔗 Follow Tanya Flores Hodgson: Instagram: @tanya_la_guerillera THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS Honduras Kitchen Bravo Foods USA Annette's Illustrations 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

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 paintings, and how her travels through Honduras, Guatemala, and Cuba have influenced her understanding of land, memory, and geopolitical identity. We also dive into the role of community, the challenges of navigating the art world, and how she uses her work to preserve collective memory and create visibility for our diaspora. 🔗 Follow Kiara Aileen Machado: Instagram: @kiara_aileen_arts 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Twitter/X: ⁠@centamvoicespod ⁠Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

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: @raque_rocky 💛 Let’s Stay Connected:Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠Twitter/X: ⁠@centamvoicespod⁠Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

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 stories to shared immigrant experiences across the Americas. Mentions Painting the Archive: https://lizbethdelacruzsantana.com/painting-the-humanizing-deportation-archive Interactive Playas de Tijuana mural: https://lizbethdelacruzsantana.com/interactive-digital-muralTrailer for Painting the Humanizing Deportation Archive: https://youtu.be/ezicShI52-A?si=GxJ4VWTavLQ_y5HJ  Dr.Lizbeth Social media platforms:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbethdsantana/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizbethdsantana  X: https://x.com/lizbethdsantana  Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Twitter: ⁠@centamvoicespod⁠ Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast

 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 talking about food (because what’s a Central American convo without plátanos?) Announcements:Saturday, Oct 11 – Latino FestivalSunday, Oct 12 – Comedia en Español Support Our Work:Donate via PayPal Let’s Stay Connected:Instagram: @centamvoicespodcastTikTok: @centamvoicespodcastTwitter: @centamvoicespodFacebook: @centamvoicespodcast

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 Store, esta conversación celebra la risa en nuestro propio lenguaje como un acto de resistencia y alegría. Este episodio está completamente en español! Tickets: Comedia en Español CreditsGUEST: Daniela CalvoHOST: Alejandra QuirozPRODUCER: Brenda HernándezASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Lizette CastroCAMERA OPERATOR: Brenda HernándezAUDIO: Brenda Hernández & Alejandra QuirozEDITOR: Alejandra QuirozLOCATION: Creativamente Yo Studio / Elisa Rodríguez Guest Gift Sponsor: Annette’s Illustrations Let's Stay Connected Our Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Our Tiktok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Our Twitter: ⁠@centamvoicespod⁠ Our Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast

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 power of fashion as cultural memory. Recorded live at Pass the Mic in collaboration with MiraLA Podcast and The Football Boutique. CreditsGUEST: Saray Martínez (Hood Baby LA)HOST: Alejandra QuirozPRODUCER: Brenda HernándezCAM 1: Brenda HernándezCAM 2: Kristina AndrezCAM 3: Olivia MedinaAUDIO: Wooin JeonEDITOR: Alejandra Quiroz Guest Gift Sponsor:  Annette’s Illustrations Ballon D’Flor Episode Sponsor:  NAMI Community Partner:  New York Life Let's Stay Connected Our Instagram: @centamvoicespodcast Our Tiktok: @centamvoicespodcast Our Twitter: @centamvoicespod Our Facebook: @centamvoicespodcast

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.instagram.com/nadieme.villar/ Podcast Social Media Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Founder & Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠⁠⁠ Producer & Co - Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠

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.instagram.com/funky.nurd/ Podcast Social Media Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod ⁠⁠⁠ Founder & Host:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠⁠ Producer & Co - Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠

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://jaredoperiodista.substack.com Podcast Social Media Website: ⁠⁠www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod ⁠⁠ Host Alejandra's IG:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠ Co-Host Brenda's IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠

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 dive into their personal experiences and interpretations of two special songs from DtMF. LA FIRES RESOURCES Latino Wildfire Aid Gofundme Directory Recovery Fund for Latinos KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BAD BUNNY ALBUM Podcast Social Media Website: ⁠www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/⁠ Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod ⁠ Host Alejandra's IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/ Co-Host Brenda's IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠

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://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod Host Alejandra's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/

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.centralamericanvoices.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centamvoicespodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centamvoicespodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/centamvoicespod Host Alejandra's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/