¿Quién Are We?

Follow ¿Quién Are We?
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

¿Quién Are We? is a podcast from Colorado Public Radio exploring what it means to be Latino, Hispanic or Chicana ... or however you identify. Host and journalist May Ortega shares stories about our wide-ranging identities and the beautiful things that mak

Colorado Public Radio


    • May 17, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 18 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The "Quién Are We?" podcast is a refreshing and engaging show that brings Latino storytelling to the forefront. Hosted by May Ortega, this podcast creates a sense of home and authenticity through its genuine conversations and pure joy. It's truly awesome to hear such focused storytelling that celebrates Latino communities across the United States.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of content it offers in response to a simple yet deep question. Each episode brings something new and interesting, allowing listeners to learn something while also finding themselves smiling. The show becomes a celebration and a road-trip journey, making it an enjoyable experience for all. Moreover, as someone who isn't Latina, I appreciate how this podcast continues my journey of learning about different cultures and peoples.

    Another great aspect of "Quién Are We?" is its ability to create an inclusive environment for discussions on ethnicity and identity. It can be challenging for individuals with mixed heritage like myself to articulate their feelings on their ethnicity, but these conversations are honest and non-judgmental. This podcast provides a safe space where people can openly discuss who they are and share their stories without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

    On the other hand, one potential downside of this podcast could be its focus solely on Latino communities. While it's wonderful to have a platform that amplifies these voices, some listeners might yearn for more diversity in terms of cultural representation. It would be great if future episodes could also explore other communities' experiences with identity and ancestry.

    In conclusion, "Quién Are We?" is an incredible podcast that delves into the rich exploration of cultural identity and connecting with one's ancestry. May Ortega does an excellent job hosting the show, bringing her versatility as a journalist into these conversations with vibrant sound design as the backdrop. With its empowering stories and joyful demeanor, this podcast has the potential to make anyone feel seen and understood. I'm eagerly looking forward to tuning in to future episodes and continuing this enriching journey of exploration.



    More podcasts from Colorado Public Radio

    Search for episodes from ¿Quién Are We? with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from ¿Quién Are We?

    The Game Maker

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 30:42


    Carolina Acosta didn't grow up speaking Spanish or doing family game nights. Then she made a Spanglish drinking game. And it blew up. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Emily Williams Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Son

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 34:29


    Obed Manuel remembers the best taco he ever had: the ones his parents sold, walking door-to-door in their Dallas neighborhood. With long drives, some sorrow, lots of joy and a little smoked meat, those memories shaped him into the father he is now. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Emily Williams Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Artist

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 27:27


    Artist Jasmine Dillavou fights for space in a mostly-white profession, fueled her passion for art that highlights Latino joy. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Emily Williams Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Luis Antonio Perez Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    Introducing Off the Walls

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 31:35


    We'll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, we're excited that our friends at Off the Walls are taking over the feed this week – with the people and the stories behind Denver's street art. Listen to all five episodes of Off the Walls on CPR.org or wherever you listen to podcasts. To see photos of the mural “Huitzilopochtli,” visit CPR.org. Credits for “The Hummingbird Warrior” from Off the Walls: Hosts: Kibwe Cooper, Emily Williams Editor: Jo Erickson Written and reported by Emily Williams and Kibwe Cooper Mixed by Kibwe Cooper Denverite editor: Obed Manuel Additional editorial support: Kevin Beaty, Erin Jones, Rebekah Romberg, Luis Antonio Perez Theme music by Kibwe Cooper. Additional music via Universal Production Music. Executive producer: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Kevin Beaty, Hart Van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Kyle Harris, Desiree Mathurin, Kim Nguyen, Maria Juliana Pinzón, Clara Shelton, Rebecca Tauber, Isaac Vargas, Arielle Wilson. This show was produced with support from PRX, and is made possible in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and a grant from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. Off the Walls is a production of Denverite and Colorado Public Radio — part of the NPR Network. Credits for ¿Quién Are We?: Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Emily Williams Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Luis Antonio Perez Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Businesswomen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 27:53


    Jennifer Serrano and Veronica Vasques are former enemies, turned lovers and business owners of a design company called JZD. But being Latina and queer can come with both opportunities and obstacles – including from one of the biggest corporations of all: Target. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Emily Williams Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Luis Antonio Perez Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Anthropologist

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 29:34


    Growing up in beautiful, tropical Costa Rica led anthropologist Fernando Villanea to fall in love with the biology of nature. And it's led him down a path of passion, success and a yearning for home as he studies one of the most interesting animals of all: us. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Emily Williams Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Luis Antonio Perez Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Therapist

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 23:07


    A family trauma expert, Mariel Buque, guides us through her own path of acceptance and healing. Her perspective was shaped by her family's difficult transition from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey. Host and producer: May Ortega Mixed by: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Project Manager: Rebekah Romberg Additional editorial support: Jo Erickson, Kibwe Cooper, Emily Williams Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Episode art: Maria Juliana Pinzón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's members and staff. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    Trailer: ¿Quién Are We? Is Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 3:07


    Get ready for a new season of ¿Quién Are We?, a podcast about being Latinx, Hispanic, Chicana – or however you identify – and the beautiful things that make us who we are. Host and journalist May Ortega is back with more everyday stories of incredible people who are exploring their heritage through their personal passions. You'll hear from an artist, an anthropologist and a game-maker. You'll hear about the relationship between two enemies, turned lovers and the connection between a father and son. Most importantly, you'll hear yourself in these stories. Season 2 of ¿Quién Are We? from Colorado Public Radio debuts April 5. Follow us on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    The Millennial Mom

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022 28:56


    When a teenager in Chicago had an unwanted pregnancy, she was ready to put her baby in the foster care system. Instead, that baby -- Dimitra Trejo -- was adopted by a family friend and came of age in South Texas. Dimitra's relationship with her adoptive mother, plus learning at an unexpected moment that she was adopted, made life hard. Now, she's a mother herself. And her experiences with her birth mother and adoptive mother have shaped how she will raise her son. Hey friends! The ¿Quién Are We? team loves making this show for you ... and wants to know how you think we might make future episodes better. Would you take a minute and complete this survey?  https://forms.gle/GG6yDNA3HLWA7u1dA Thank you for your feedback! Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Mixing: Luis Antonio Perez Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Ana Campbell Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Twitter: @MayVOrtega, @COPublicRadio

    The Dancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 24:10


    As a child in front of the TV, at block parties, at school; Manuela Sanchez loved to dance. Then when she discovered she could pursue her passion as a career, her life changed. And even as her identity as an Afro Dominicana strengthened her love of dance, she struggled — as an arts pioneer in her family and in the largely white world of her profession. Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Mixing: Patrice Mondragon Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Ana Campbell Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Twitter: @MAyVOrtega, @COPublicRadio

    The Político

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 25:54


    Growing up in Texas, Jose Borjon's mom raised him to love his community and help the people around him. He never would have guessed that his passion for serving others would take him all the way from the Rio Grande Valley to Washington, D.C. Host: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Mixing: Luis Antonio Perez Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Ana Campbell Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QienAreWe.org Twitter: @MayVOrtega, @COPublicRadio

    The Plant Papi

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 25:26


    Victor Sosa always loved plants. But it wasn't until the Denver entrepreneur saw a post online that he realized he might be able to turn his passion into a business opportunity. He didn't just make the sale. He made houseplants accessible to his community in a whole new way. Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas Mixing: Rebekah Romberg Additional producers: Jo Erickson, Ana Campbell Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega Find The Plant Room on Instagram: @PlantRoomDenver

    The Green Chile Recipe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2022 19:54


    Brandon Vargas feels incredible pride when he thinks of his grandmother's green chile recipe. So he set out to recreate it for his friends and family. There was just one catch: She never wrote down the recipe. Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Andrew Villegas, Dennis Funk, Brad Turner Mixing: Pedro Lumbrano Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Erin Jones Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Journalist (May's Story)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 24:07


    In this episode, it's our host's turn to tell her own story! Growing up in Texas, May Ortega thought she had a pretty good idea of who she was. But but when she became a journalist, she realized that to report on other people, she had to figure out her own story. Host: May Ortega Produced by: Erin Jones Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Rebekah Romberg, Ana Campbell Mixing: Pedro Lumbrano Additional production: Jo Erickson Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Filmmaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 26:32


    Denise Soler Cox was lonely growing up outside New York City. Her parents were Puerto Rican, and the dominant culture in her town was white. It wasn't until she grew up and moved away that she realized there was a whole community of people who feel just like her. She knew she had to share this community with others, and so the idea for a film was born. The only thing she needed to figure out was how to make a film. Learn more about Denise Soler Cox and her film, “Being Eñye,” at projectenye.com. Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer and mixing: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Andrew Villegas, Ana Campbell, Erin Jones Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Baseball Fan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2022 25:24


    Allan Benavides grew up in Southern California, in a family that loved baseball. Despite his family's wishes, he couldn't be a player. Still, he dreamed of working with the sport in some way. Eventually he landed his dream job — in a town that was much whiter than the one he was from. Could he create a new sense of community and pride there among Latino baseball fans? Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Andrew Villegas, Ana Campbell, Erin Jones Mixing: Pedro Lumbrano Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    The Brewer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 22:10


    When Jon Baron's plan to attend college didn't work out, he realized something was missing from his life. So he worked his way into Denver's vibrant brewing scene, where he grew to love the techniques behind brewing. Still, it took a special drink from his heritage, brewed with centuries of myth and meaning, to find what he'd been missing. Host and producer: May Ortega Lead producer and mixing: Luis Antonio Perez Editors: Andrew Villegas, Ana Campbell, Erin Jones Additional producers: Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson Theme music by Pedro Lumbrano; additional music courtesy Universal Production Music Cover art: Mia Rincón Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Kim Nguyen, Brittany Werges and CPR's Latino Audience Working Group. QuienAreWe.org Follow May on Twitter: @MayVOrtega

    Trailer: Get Ready for ¿Quién Are We?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 3:47


    This summer, get ready for a new podcast about being Latino, Hispanic or Chicana – or however you identify – and the beautiful things that make us who we are. Host and journalist May Ortega will share the everyday stories of some incredible people, and explore how we connect with our heritage through our interests. You'll hear from a brewer, a dancer, a baseball lover, a filmmaker and many others with moving stories. You'll hear journeys of Latino identity, relationships with parents and friends, and the ways new places show us new parts of who we are. But most importantly, you'll hear yourself in these stories. ¿Quién Are We? from Colorado Public Radio debuts July 8. Follow us on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    Claim ¿Quién Are We?

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel