The Forefront with Art Aguirre

I wanted to end the year on a good note by answering a couple questions and giving some unsolicited advice.  For anyone and everyone who downloaded, listened, shared, or even just followed us on Instagram, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. I hope this new year brings hope and promise to you. Take care and stay safe. 

After a long hiatus, we're back. To celebrate spooky season, Art brings back one of his favorite guests who also happens to be a dear friend, Celeste Nevarez. Celeste and Art sit down and talk about fear. First, they start with a brief conversation on the thrill of horror and suspense and later shift their focus to what many folks fear…commitment.

On this episode, Art sits down to talk with his friend and assistant professor of communication studies at Towson University, Dr. Eric Karikari. With the current push in the republican party to shut down critical race theory, Art and Eric sit down to discuss what critical race theory is, why it's important to continue teaching it, what the problem is if it is prohibited, and how we all can benefit from using a critical lens throughout our daily lives.

This week Art brings back another return guest, recent doctoral graduate from the University of Kansas, Dr. Polo Camacho. Art and Polo discuss the similarities they have in how they grew up, their body images issues, their affinity for tattoos, and the struggles they have had with imposter syndrome, professional perception, and identity while working on a PhD and in academia in general.

After a long two-month break, we are back and just in time for our one-year anniversary episode. To celebrate, we have a very special guest from the Department of Communication at the University of South Florida, Dr. Diana Leon-Boys. Diana shares her journey to USF, her research interests including her development of the subfield of Latina girls' studies, and we also get into her study of Disney and how her research has affected the way her and her daughter consume media.

After a much-needed break, we're back. Art starts the podcast discussing the passing of Chris Wesseling, a member of the Around the NFL podcast, & how/why Wess' passing had such an effect on him & other listeners. This week's guest is a professor at McDaniel College, Dr. Erin Watley. Erin discusses her journey to McDaniel, the importance of media representation, & her perspective on/approach to critical intercultural dialogue. If you want to reach out to Erin, you can email her at ewatley@mcdaniel.edu

Art is back this week with a return guest. Doug Silva joins the show again, and this time, Doug gives his perspective on the situation going on with GameStop, hedge fund companies, AMC, and Robinhood. Doug also shares some advice for those who are curious about investing in stocks as well as the importance of your risk appetite. Be sure to subscribe to Doug's patreon at www.patreon.com/dsilva13 to get his advice on things like mortgage decisions, investing in stocks, and other financial topics.

On this week's episode, Art is joined by podcaster, musician, and very good friend—Mina Soto. Mina shares how she started writing music, describes her writing process, explains what it was like recording her first studio single, and we also hear how Art and Mina first met before joining a band together. Go listen to Mina's new single “Can't Be Sure” wherever you stream/listen to music.

This week Art starts by briefly discussing the domestic terrorist attack/riot that took place last week in the Capitol, & what has happened since. Art then sits down with Eric Reed from the band Alabama Deathwalk. Art & Eric discuss how Alabama Deathwalk started & evolved, the new EP coming out at the end of the month—Young Runner, & what Eric means when he calls the band “Post-Evangelical Rock.” Eric was also kind enough to give us an exclusive track from Young Runner to share with you titled “Distance.”

For this last episode of 2020, Art has Celeste back on the show, and they start by discussing the impact 2020 has had on most of us and how we should assess ourselves after such a tumultuous year. This leads to a discussion on new year resolutions, how they've been constructed for us by our media and social environments, how we should really go about creating a resolution for ourselves, and why you need to “be f*cking nice to yourself.”

This week we continue interviewing young business owners, and Art sits down with the owner of Panther Lounge Style & Co., Benjamin Romero Castillo. Ben discusses how he got into powerlifting, his path to starting Panther Lounge, and the goals he has for the future of the business.

We continue speaking to small business owners, and this week's guest is the owner of Fox Labyrinth in El Paso, Vivi Madero. Vivi talks to Art about her decision to open a piercing studio, the challenges she's faced over the last 10 years they've been operating, and how the pandemic affected her business.  

This week the gang does things a little different. Karla and Danielle take their turn doing the interviewing and talk to Art about the clothing line he's starting, Power Panza. Art talks about body images issues he's had since he was young, how powerlifting and his powerlifting coach have helped change some of those issues, and what his purpose is with Power Panza.

This week's episode starts with Art, Karla, Danielle, and Danielle's cousin, Ali talking about what they're thankful for this year and how they plan on acting on that gratitude moving into the new year. This week's guest is former linebacker for the University of Texas at El Paso and current CEO of ShredSkinz, Kalaii Griffin. Kalaii talks to Art about his journey to UTEP, his decision to walk away from football, and his decision to start ShredSkinz.

This week the gang is back. Karla and Danielle return and join Art for this week's episode. The gang talks about their feelings throughout the election, how they feel now that most media outlets have called the race for Biden and Harris, the current Covid-19 numbers in El Paso, and their frustration with how Covid-19 has become a partisan issue.

We have a surprise second episode this week, and Art took a small break from election news to catch up with his friend and band member of the Lusitania, Adi Kanlic. Adi shares his experience playing and touring with the band for the last 15 years, how the writing process has changed over the years, and discusses the re-release of their album Rain and Rivers, which you can find on all streaming platforms.

On this week's episode Art's guest and co-host is his friend from grad school, Dr. Diana Leon-Boys from the University of South Florida. Art and Diana use this episode to decompress their thoughts and feelings now that this election is over (kind of). They discuss how this election felt different than the one in 2016, their feelings about Biden winning the Presidential election, and the work that needs to be done now that the election is over.

It's election day, so I did a special mini-pod with return guest, and my good friend, Celeste. Celeste and I start by discussing the stress that comes with this particular election, especially given that we may not know the results for some time. We then talk about how this election and the run up to the election may have sparked some difficult conversations with family members and friends. Celeste explains how those relationships may have changed and how important boundaries are in all relationships.

This is the last episode of our election series, and Art is joined by writer and actor, Elizabeth Dwyer. Elizabeth has been engaging in community organizing and grassroots activism for years, and she shares with us what is at stake for the LGBTQ community in this election. Elizabeth explains how she became an activist, some of the progressive milestones for the LGBTQ community as well as how the Trump administration has rolled back regulations and protections for folks in the LGBTQ community as well.

On this episode we discuss Covid-19 & focus on the experience of those working on the frontlines of this pandemic. We have 3 guests this week who share what it has been like working in the medical field over the last 8 months & how things have changed as the pandemic has spread & cases have increased. All of us here at the Forefront want to thank the frontline workers, their families, & anyone who has been working to fight this virus. Wear your masks. Practice social distancing. Care about each other.

We continue our election series as well as our conversation from last week. Karla & Art start the episode by discussing the difficult nexus of faith, family & politics as we get closer to the upcoming election, which leads to this week's guests—Father Michael Lewis & Fernie Ceniceros from the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. (34:37) Art, Father Michael, & Fernie discuss the role of faith/religion when voting, misconceptions surrounding the Catholic church & partisanship, & what it truly means to be pro-life.

This week is a little bit different. We had a guest have to cancel at the last minute, so Art was going to cancel this week's episode and double up next week. Instead, Dan the Man makes his triumphant return for an impromptu conversation on the complicated nexus of family, faith and politics. Karla was even able to call in and join the conversation for a little while. That said, our election series will continue, so keep an eye out for more episodes over the next 3 weeks.

Danielle returns this week with Art & Karla & they discuss the Presidential debate as well as Trump & his team testing positive for Covid-19. We continue our elections series by discussing two radical groups who have thrown their support behind President Trump—the Proud Boys & QAnon. Ben Sales from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency joins us to discuss some of the anti-Semitic beliefs in each group, and Eden Gillespie from the Feed explains the current “Pastel QAnon” movement that's sprouted on social media.

We're back this week to continue our election series, and Karla returns as co-host. This week's guest is Eric Lopez from the University of Texas at Tyler. Eric discusses his journey from El Paso to Dallas, the reason the electoral college was established and the debate as to whether or not we should move towards a direct election.

This week Art continues the election series and is joined by Rebecca Larsen, Instructor and Regional Site Manager for the Political Science Department at the Waco location of Texas Tech. Art and Rebecca discuss the Supreme Court, the impact of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the likely scenario for filling the Supreme Court vacancy, what's at stake for the upcoming election, and actions everyone can take as we get closer to November 3rd.

Karla is back this week to co-host with Art, & they continue the election series. This week they focus on the economy. Karla & Art discuss some previous financial regret, & then Karla explains how she became friends with this week's guest, Doug Silva, Senior Vice President at Rio Bank. Doug shares his journey from Houston to McAllen & then delves into a discussion with Art on the economy. Doug touches on the stock market, unemployment, the minimum wage debate, & ends by giving some helpful financial advice.

This is the 1st week of our election series where we focus on issues voters should consider for November. Art is joined by Dan who explains how COVID has affected him as a parent & teacher, & they both share stories of impactful teachers they had. This week's guest is Chrissy Beltran Ceniceros, also known as Buzzing with Ms. B, who details her journey from teacher to curriculum & instructional consultant. She also shares her thoughts on the impact Betsy DeVos has had & could have on educators & students.

This week it's just the gang—Art, Danielle, and Karla. They begin the episode by recapping the tragic shooting of Jacob Blake as well as the murder of two protestors in Kenosha. They discuss the emotions involved with these police shootings and subsequent protests and the frustration in the blindness some have towards racial injustice. They end the episode by discussing the death of Chadwick Boseman and the impact he made and left behind.

Art, Karla & Danielle are back for this month's final installment of the sports series. They start the episode discussing the change of certain terminology in the fantasy football industry & why/how the words we use matter. Later, Art talks to this week's guest, Fantasy Editor at the NFL, Marcas Grant. Marcas discusses how he worked his way to the NFL, the necessary changes that are happening with fantasy terminology, & how the fantasy industry can start recognizing & including more women & people of color.

Art is back this week with Karla, along with another familiar face as co-host—Celeste Nevarez. Art, Karla, & Celeste begin the show discussing the notion of privilege & all the uncomfortable feelings & emotions that come up when people hear that word. The sports series continues with this week's guest from the NFL Network, news anchor Patrick Claybon. Patrick discusses his journey from Alabama to the NFL & the race & gender equality movement going on both nationally as well as in the sports industry.

Art & Karla are back for another installment of the sports series. They start by discussing the explosion in Beirut, the current crisis with USPS, and end by discussing the debate on paying college athletes. This week's guest is Aileen Martinez, the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing for the University of Texas at San Antonio. Aileen shares her journey to her current position, how she dealt & continues to deal with sexism in the sports industry & how these experiences have influenced her mentorship.

Art is back this week with Karla and a new co-host, Matt Higgins. This month, with sports trying to make their way back from this pandemic, we're focused on marginalized voices and stories from the sports industry. Our guest this week is Andrew Aqua, one of Art's former students and a former football player for the University of New Mexico. Aqua shares his experience from high school to college and what changes he thinks are needed in collegiate sports.  

One year ago today, the lives of many people on the El Paso/Juárez border were forever changed when a man with racist intent shot & killed 23 people at a Wal-Mart in El Paso. We wanted to do something to remember that day & those people, so we're sharing our interview with Celeste Nevarez from episode 3 where her & Art discussed the shooting & what trauma like that can do to a community. We hope that you use today to spread joy & love with the people around you because that's what El Paso is truly about.

It's the final installment of our Love & Relationships series, and we're ending by talking about love. It's also the return of Danielle as co-host with Karla and Art. They answer some questions about love including how their concept of love has changed and some of the biggest lessons they've learned. This week, instead of one guests, a bunch of Art's friends came on to answer 3 questions about love and relationships. 

Warning: On this episode we discuss topics like rape, abuse, gaslighting & a number of other topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. This week Art & Karla discuss the movement by women in El Paso to share their stories of abuse by people in the local art & music scene. Our guest is Celeste Nevarez who discusses abuse, trauma, & the effects this trauma can have on survivors. If you need help, go to www.rainn.org or call 800-656-HOPE. In El Paso you can go to www.casfv.org or call 915-593-7300.

Art is back this week with a new co-host—his friend & powerlifting coach, Jay Kearney. Art & Jay talk about their experience with body images & how they each have worked to change the way they view themselves. This week's guests are Polo Camacho & Vicky Díaz-Camacho. Polo & Vicky share how they met, their journey to Kansas, how their view of themselves has changed over time, & what realizations they've had about themselves since moving from the Southwest to the Midwest.

This month we wanted to do something different, so we're focusing on love & relationships. This week Art is joined by Karla, Danielle, & his best friend Dan. They talk about their thoughts on friendship & best friends & how those thoughts & feelings have changed over time. This week's guest is Art's friend from elementary school, Roy Moody. Roy & Art talk about their friendship & Roy talks about his experience as a Black man in El Paso, his journey to D.C., & what lessons he's trying to teach his daughter.

Art returns with Karla and Danielle, and this week they discuss the current movement in the entertainment industry to remove old television episodes that depict racist themes/tropes. They also discuss the disgusting behavior of Shane Dawson and why you should call out racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination when you see it. Their guest this week is Aarón Alonso, an aspiring actor living in LA. He shares his journey into acting and improvisation, the projects and roles he's often cast in, and what life in Juarez was like growing up and the changes he's seen each time he visits.   

Art is back with Karla and Danielle on this episode, and they start by discussing the tragic case of Andres Guardado and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. From there three of them discuss some of the things they've learned about themselves and their own circle of family and friends over the last few weeks. Our guest this week is our first return guest—Mario Carrillo. He joins us to discuss the recent DACA decision, what it means to be in a mixed status home, and the implications of the 2020 election.  

Art is back with Karla this week, along with two new co-hosts, Rebecca and Eddie Valdez, Karla's cousins. The topic they discuss this week is the idea of growing up brown/Mexican/Latinx/whatever it is you grew up identifying as, and how their perceptions changed over time. They discuss how living in El Paso can shelter you from some of the racism other Latinx folks receive and endure in other parts of the U.S. as well as how they have grown to appreciate who they are as they've gotten older. The guest this week is guitarist, double bassist, and teacher, Jesus Apodaca, who is also currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Peabody Conservatory. Art and Jesus continue the conversation on Latinx identity and delve into their experience growing up in the music scene in El Paso.

This week Art is joined again by Danielle and Karla, and they start with an update on the George Floyd case and the protests happening all over the world. Later, they discuss a local movement to out local photographers who have assaulted women that leads to the focus of their conversation--the many obstacles and everyday life considerations women must face in a world dominated by the male-perspective. This week's guest is Reina Davis, the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Women's Resource Center at the University of New Mexico. Reina discusses the goals of the center, the services they provide, and how they incorporate intersectionality and a feminist approach in all they do.

Art is back with Karla and Danielle to discuss the tragic events of this past week. They discuss Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Christian Cooper, Tony McDade, George Floyd and the protests that occurred in response these violent, racist attacks. This week's guest is Dr. Godfried Asante, Assistant Professor of Communication, Difference and Disparities as San Diego State University. Dr. Asante discusses his concept of the “white right to be right,” the social issues at play with these instances of police brutality, institutional racism, and what it means to be an ally to BIPOC.

Art is back with Karla as his co-host, and they start this episode discussing the similarities they had growing up Catholic and how their beliefs and faith have changed as they've gotten older. Art's interview this week is with Fernie Ceniceros, one of his best friends and the Public Information Officer for the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. Fernie details his journey to his current position including his time in the seminary. Later he explains the Diocese's approach to immigrants and immigration as well as the feedback they received because of their approach.

Art is back with Karla as his co-host, & their guest is Celeste Nevarez, the Chief of Clinical Services for El Paso's local mental health authority. This week, they talk about trauma & mental health, specifically in terms of the shooting that took place at the Walmart in El Paso on August 3rd, 2019. On that day, 22 people were murdered & 24 others were injured as a result of a racially driven attack on the El Paso/Juarez community. Art & Karla discuss their own experience that day, and in this week's interview, Celeste explains the effect a traumatic event like that can have on a community & the importance of taking care of your mental health.

This week Art is joined by his co-hosts, Karla and Danielle. They start the show by discussing the murder of Ahmaud Arbery which leads to a discussion of what it means to be Black and/or mixed-race in America. Danielle shares her experience growing up as a mixed-race Latina living on the border, and the group gets into a discussion on race and hate. Art then brings on this week's guest, Joseph James aka Jay (1:25:43). Jay discusses his experience as a touring musician, his journey into powerlifting, and his goals for his company Counteract Training Systems. He also explains how all these areas of life have been different for him as a black man.

On the first episode of the Forefront, Art is joined by this week's co-host Karla Cuburu. Art explains why he started the Forefront, and then Karla and Art get into the current COVID-19 pandemic and how they've been getting through this "new normal." Art then brings on the first guest of the podcast, Mario Carrillo, the campaigns manager for America's Voice (31:41). Mario shares his story as a naturalized citizen, his path to working with America's Voice, and his view on the changes that have taken place with regard to immigrants in the United States between the Obama administration and the Trump administration.