Podcasts about la brega

  • 52PODCASTS
  • 132EPISODES
  • 34mAVG DURATION
  • 5WEEKLY NEW EPISODES
  • Feb 25, 2026LATEST

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Best podcasts about la brega

Latest podcast episodes about la brega

Code Switch
The Young Lords' legacy of fighting for Puerto Rico from the mainland

Code Switch

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 47:52


While Puerto Rican independence is in the spotlight after Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, we're throwing it to our play cousins at  La Brega, a show about all things Puerto Rico. We hear from former Young Lords member Iris Morales about how the group took their love for their homeland to educate and organize against U.S. colonialism.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

La Brega
4. Isabel González v. United States

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 42:53


In 1902, Isabel González arrived in Ellis Island, pregnant, alone and with only $11.00 in her pocket. She – like others before her – was detained for being an "alien" and at risk of becoming a "burden" on the state. But Isabel took her fight to the courts, defending her right to stay in the country that had invaded her homeland just four years earlier. She fought all the way to the Supreme Court where she argued for citizenship. In this episode we learn about Isabel's ever-so-pertinent legacy, and how another recent challenger also fought for Puerto Rico at the US Supreme Court.Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
4. Isabel González vs. Estados Unidos

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 49:45


En 1902, Isabel González llegó a Ellis Island sola, con 11 dólares en el bolsillo y embarazada. La detuvieron, como a tantos otros, por ser “extranjera” y porque consideraron que podría ser “una carga para el Estado”. Pero ella peleó por su derecho de quedarse en el país que había invadido su patria y llegó hasta el Tribunal Supremo para reclamar la ciudadanía estadounidense. En este episodio, exploramos junto a expertas las repercusiones históricas y legales del desafío sin precedentes de esta boricua de principios del siglo 20. Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio Ambulante
La Brega: Las banderas de Alberto [Episodio especial]

Radio Ambulante

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 43:57 Transcription Available


En 1980, Estados Unidos decidió boicotear las Olimpiadas de Moscú. Pero en Puerto Rico, el joven boxeador Alberto Mercados no dudó: nada le impediría representar a su país. Hoy traemos este episodio de la nueva temporada de nuestros amigos de La Brega, un podcast sobre Puerto Rico, sus personas y los símbolos que los representan. ♥ Vivimos tiempos difíciles. Somos un medio sin ánimo de lucro, y nuestra permanencia depende de oyentes como tú. Si valoras nuestro trabajo, únete a Deambulantes, nuestras membresías. Ayúdanos a elevar las voces latinas y narrar la experiencia de nuestras comunidades. Tu aporte se invierte directamente en nuestro trabajo periodístico y hace toda la diferencia. ★ Si no quieres perderte ningún episodio, suscríbete a nuestro boletín y recibe todos los martes un correo. Además, los viernes te enviaremos cinco recomendaciones inspiradoras del equipo para el fin de semana. ✓ ¿Nos escuchas para mejorar tu español? Tenemos algo extra para ti: prueba nuestra app Jiveworld, diseñada para estudiantes intermedios de la lengua que quieren aprender con nuestros episodios. In 1980, the United States decided to boycott the Moscow Olympics. But in Puerto Rico, young boxer Alberto Mercados didn't hesitate: nothing would stop him from representing his country. Today we bring you this episode from the new season of our friends at La Brega, a podcast about Puerto Rico, its people, and the symbols that represent them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Brega
3. The Many Flags of Alberto Mercado

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 40:12


It was 1980, and the Olympics were to be held in Moscow against the backdrop of the Cold War. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter called for a boycott of the games, leaving Puerto Rican athletes uncertain of their participation. But Alberto Mercado and two other young Puerto Rican boxers were determined to represent Puerto Rico. This is a story about fighting for visibility on the global stage, and the heartbreak and triumph that athletes experience outside of the ring when politics and sports mix. Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
3. Las banderas de Alberto Mercado

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:25


En plena Guerra Fría, el presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter llama al boicot de los Juegos Olímpicos Moscú 1980 y en Puerto Rico se debate qué significa eso para la participación de los deportistas locales. Pero un joven boxeador llamado Alberto Mercado no tiene dudas: no habrá boicot ni protesta que le impida representar a Puerto Rico en el más importante escenario deportivo. Esta es una historia sobre la visibilidad de Puerto Rico en la palestra internacional y de los triunfos y sinsabores que viven los atletas cuando la relación entre el deporte y la política se hace evidente. Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Thick
Introducing – La Brega: Season Three

In The Thick

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 36:08


The hit podcast returns from Futuro Studios for its third season. La Brega tells stories of the Puerto Rican experience.In Season 3 of La Brega, we're bringing you stories of Puerto Rico's champions. We're going to go to the ballfields and cultural battlegrounds where carrying the flag takes on even more meaning. We'll meet fighters who have represented us in courtrooms and in boxing rings, and icons who have worn Puerto Rico on their sashes and their jerseys. We're going to ask: what do we learn about Puerto Ricanness by spending time with our champions? La Brega: Season 3 is out everywhere on 2/3. New episodes every Tuesday on the La Brega: Campeones feed.Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

puerto rico acast puerto rican futuro studios la brega
Suave
Introducing – La Brega: Season Three

Suave

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 36:14


The hit podcast returns from Futuro Studios for its third season. La Brega tells stories of the Puerto Rican experience.In Season 3 of La Brega, we're bringing you stories of Puerto Rico's champions. We're going to go to the ballfields and cultural battlegrounds where carrying the flag takes on even more meaning. We'll meet fighters who have represented us in courtrooms and in boxing rings, and icons who have worn Puerto Rico on their sashes and their jerseys. We're going to ask: what do we learn about Puerto Ricanness by spending time with our champions? La Brega: Season 3 is out everywhere on 2/3. New episodes every Tuesday on the La Brega: Campeones feed.Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Suave and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anything For Selena
Introducing – La Brega: Season Three

Anything For Selena

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 35:59


The Futuro Studios podcast, La Brega, returns for its third season. In Season 3, La Brega shares stories of Puerto Rico's champions. They take us to the ballfields and cultural battlegrounds where carrying the flag takes on even more meaning. You'll meet fighters who have represented Puerto Rico in courtrooms and in boxing rings, and icons who have worn Puerto Rico on their sashes and their jerseys. La Brega asks: what do we learn about Puerto Ricanness by spending time with our champions?  La Brega: Season 3 is out everywhere on 2/3. New episodes every Tuesday on the La Brega: Campeones feed.

puerto rico futuro studios la brega
Locatora Radio [A Radiophonic Novela]
Capítulo 261: From Puerto Rico to the World: Bad Bunny's Half-Time Performance

Locatora Radio [A Radiophonic Novela]

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 43:20 Transcription Available


This week Diosa discusses the remarkable performance by Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl halftime show, from the cultural and historical symbolism embedded in his act to the significance of his Grammy Award Winning album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. In the second half of this episode, journalist and podcast host Alana Casanova Burgess joins Locatora Radio to analyze the visual and thematic elements and how Bad Bunny decentered the U.S. in his performance. Also, tune in to a conversation about Season 3 of La Brega, which explores stories of Puerto Rico's champions. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/locatora_productionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez
Presentando – La Brega: Campeones

Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 40:59


A horas de que llegara el rey de España a Puerto Rico en enero de 2022, el país se despertó con una sorpresa: la estatua de Juan Ponce de León en el Viejo San Juan estaba tirada en el piso. Ese día, el pasado y presente colonial de Puerto Rico se entrelazaron de manera evidente, y muchos se preguntaron: ¿quién se merece estar en un pedestal?, ¿quién representa la puertorriqueñidad?, ¿quiénes son nuestras campeonas y campeones?  Esta temporada, conoceremos más sobre Puerto Rico a través de personas y símbolos, y nos preguntaremos qué hace falta para ser una campeona o campeón de Puerto Rico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

La Brega
2. Our Cuatro (And Why It Makes Us Cry)

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 40:28


When the musician Luís Sanz showed up for a mystery recording session last year, he didn't know that he'd be playing a cuatro solo for “Lo que le paso a Hawaii,” a lament about the dangers of statehood. Benito's instruction was simple yet heart-wrenching: “play the cuatro as though it's bleeding out.” In this episode, cuatristas show us that the cuatro is more than a musical instrument: it's the soundtrack to the Puerto Rican experience. We follow the cuatro as it travels all over the world with the diaspora, as it fights against displacement, and as it adapts to a new global spotlight.Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
2. Nuestro cuatro (o por qué nos hace llorar)

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 43:57


Cuando el cuatrista Luis Sanz se presentó en un estudio para una grabación misteriosa, no imaginó que terminaría tocando un solo de cuatro en “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii”, la canción de Bad Bunny que habla sobre los peligros de la estadidad. Las instrucciones de Benito fueron simples, pero dolorosas: “toca el cuatro como si se estuviera desangrando”.En este episodio, varios cuatristas demuestran por qué, para los boricuas, el cuatro es más que un instrumento, y viajamos junto al cuatro mientras acompaña a la diáspora, lucha contra el desplazamiento y se acostumbra a ser una estrella mundial.Can't wait for the next episode? Join Futuro+ for early access to the whole season, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content for La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.¿No puedes esperar al próximo episodio? Únete a Futuro+ y disfruta de la temporada completa por adelantado, sin anuncios y con contenido exclusivo de La Brega http://futuromediagroup.org/joinplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Y esto no es todo'
Bad Bunny en el Super Bowl. Las elecciones en Aragón. El círculo de poder en Nicaragua

'Y esto no es todo'

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 17:07


Hablamos en San Juan con la periodista Laura Pérez del pódcast La Brega; en Madrid con la presentadora del pódcast "Pausa", Marta García Aller, y también con el director de "Confidencial", el periodista Carlos Fernando Chamorro

It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders
Bad Bunny redefined what "America" means

It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 24:22


Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance had a clear message for his fans and his haters. The pop star's show was a colorful and vibrant vision of Puerto Rican culture and heritage, from a real life wedding to boxing matches - and even a surprise cameo from Ricky Martin. Against a backdrop of widespread immigration crackdowns and targeted rhetoric, Bad Bunny centered joy as an act of resistance - and as a space for all people in North and South America to unite. Brittany is joined by Pop Culture Happy Hour cohost Stephen Thompson, music and entertainment critic Reanna Cruz, and Alana Casanova-Burgess, host of La Brega podcast, to understand the version of America that Bad Bunny wants us to live in.For more on Bad Bunny, check out this deep dive into his latest album: Bad Bunny & the battle for Puerto RicoSupport Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Here & Now
Epstein co-conspirator refuses to answer lawmakers' questions

Here & Now

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 21:45


On Monday, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's convicted co-conspirator, invoked her Fifth Amendment rights during a virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee. Investigative journalist Vicky Ward talks about what that means and explains how the release of files related to the Epstein investigation threatens to take down UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.And, pro-democracy advocate and former media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison after he was convicted in a Hong Kong court last year on charges of endangering national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. His daughter Claire Lai joins us.Then, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show took viewers on a musical tour of Puerto Rico. Alana Casanova-Burgess of the podcast “La Brega” dissects his performance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Latino USA
La Brega: Who Are Our Puerto Rican Champions?

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 38:09 Transcription Available


It was January 24, 2022. The King of Spain was coming to Puerto Rico. But everyone woke up to unexpected news: the statue of the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León in Old San Juan had been toppled. When the mayor promised to restore it that same day, it raised questions: Who deserves to be put up on a pedestal? Who are our champions? Today, we bring you the first episode of the newest season of La Brega, a podcast from our own Futuro Studio. This season looks at Puerto Rico through the people who represent boricuas and asks: What does it take to champion Puerto Rico? Original episode art by Tania M. González. You can find her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/petupetin/ Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Media
How the Justice Department Failed Epstein's Victims

On the Media

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 50:28


In the latest batch of Epstein files, hundreds of pages are redacted, shielding the names of prosecutors and possible co-conspirators. On this week's On the Media, what the files say about how the criminal justice system failed Epstein's victims. Plus, the toppling of a statue raises questions about who represents Puerto Rican culture. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Julie K. Brown, investigative journalist for The Miami Herald, whose reporting back in 2018 led to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's arrest. Brown is pouring through the Epstein files and finding new information about how prosecutors failed to bring Epstein to justice for so many years. She is documenting what she finds in her substack newsletter, The Epstein Files by Julie K. Brown. [19:24]  We're celebrating the launch of Season 3 of La Brega from Alana Casanova-Burgess and Futuro Media by featuring episode one: about the toppling of the statue of a Spanish colonizer in San Juan a few years ago, what that reveals about Puerto Rico's champions, and who deserves that pedestal. Further reading / watching:“What I found today in The Epstein Files,” by Julie K. Brown“Did the FBI investigate Trump and Epstein?” by Julie K. BrownSeason 3 of La Brega On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

Latino USA
Untangling the Many Meanings Behind 'La Brega' and Its Ubiquity Among Puerto Ricans

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 22:59 Transcription Available


As we celebrate the release of season three of Futuro Studios’ hit-show La Brega, we take you back to where it all first started: Season 1, Episode 1. Host Alana Casanova-Burgess sets out to define the many meanings of “la brega”—one of them being the struggle—and its ubiquity among Boricuas. Alana takes us from potholes, to protests and metaphors, to compile all of the possible meanings that lie within “la brega”, she looks at how it sometimes asks too much of Puerto Ricans and how, at the same time, the word itself has an innate sense of hope. Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brian Lehrer Show
La Brega: Stories of Puerto Rico's Champions

The Brian Lehrer Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 11:19


Alana Casanova-Burgess, host of the podcast La Brega, talks about the new season of La Brega, which spotlights Puerto Rico's champions, and what they teach us about Puerto Ricans and the diaspora.

La Ventana
El Club de la Escucha | La Brega

La Ventana

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 15:59


Abrimos el Club de la Escucha para recibir a Eugenio Viñas, creador de formatos de podcast y televisión en PRISA Media y a Alana Casanova-Burgess, cocreadora y presentadora del podcast La Brega. 

club abrimos el club la brega alana casanova burgess prisa media
La Ventana
La Ventana de 18 a 20h | La Ventana del Cine, El club de la escucha, Acontece que no es Poco, Lo que queda del día

La Ventana

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 80:02


Abrimos La Ventana del cine para recibir a Carlos Boyero. Hoy en el Club de la Escucha se asoman a La Ventana Eugenio Viñas, creador de formatos de podcast y televisión en PRISA Media y Alana Casanova-Burgess, cocreadora y presentadora del podcast La Brega. Nieves Concostrina nos hace un nuevo repaso por la historia. Y por último, Isaías Lafuente repasa los mejores momentos del día. 

club cine queda el club acontece la fuente la ventana nieves concostrina la brega alana casanova burgess prisa media
La Brega
1. ¿Quién nos representa?

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 39:36


A horas de que llegara el rey de España a Puerto Rico en enero de 2022, el país se despertó con una sorpresa: la estatua de Juan Ponce de León en el Viejo San Juan estaba tirada en el piso. Ese día, el pasado y presente colonial de Puerto Rico se entrelazaron de manera evidente, y muchos se preguntaron: ¿quién se merece estar en un pedestal?, ¿quién representa la puertorriqueñidad?, ¿quiénes son nuestras campeonas y campeones? Esta temporada, conoceremos más sobre Puerto Rico a través de personas y símbolos, y nos preguntaremos qué hace falta para ser una campeona o campeón de Puerto Rico.Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
1. Who represents us?

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 36:59


It was January 24, 2022. The King of Spain was coming to Puerto Rico. But everyone woke up to some unexpected news: the statue of the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León in Old San Juan had been toppled. When the mayor promised to restore it that same day, it raised big questions: Who deserves to be put up on a pedestal? Who represents Puerto Ricanness? Who are our champions? This season, we're going to learn about Puerto Rico through the people who represent us. And we'll ask: what does it take to champion Puerto Rico?Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

spanish spain puerto rico acast represents juan ponce old san juan la brega
La Brega
Tercera temporada: Campeonas y campeones de Puerto Rico

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 1:01


¡La Brega regresa! Esta temporada, contamos las historias de personas y símbolos que representan a Puerto Rico. Y nos preguntamos: ¿Quién defiende a Puerto Rico? ¿Qué podemos aprender sobre la puertorriqueñidad al conocer sus historias? Disponible el 3 de febrero.Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
Season 3: Puerto Rico's Champions

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 1:01


La Brega is back! This season, we're telling the stories of the people and symbols that represent Puerto Rico. We're asking: who champions Puerto Rico? And what can we learn about Puerto Ricanness through their stories? Listen February 3.Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latino USA
This Giving Tuesday, Futuro reflects back on 2025

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 36:54 Transcription Available


It’s been quite the year, for the United States and for Futuro Media. At Latino USA, we’re bringing you in-depth reporting from the front lines. At Futuro Studios, we’re developing ground-breaking shows like La Brega Season 3, which is set to premiere early next year. In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Futuro Media founder Maria Hinojosa reflects on the year behind and the year ahead. She’s joined in conversation by Latino USA Managing Editor Fernanda Echavarri and Futuro Studios Executive Editor Maria Garcia. The Futuro Plus Team includes producer Tasha Sandoval, production managers Victoria Estrada and Jessica Ellis, marketing manager Luis Luna, and development manager Danetsy Len. Mixing by Multitude Productions. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The Thick
This Giving Tuesday, Futuro reflects back on 2025

In The Thick

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 36:54


It's been quite the year, for the United States and for Futuro Media. At Latino USA, we're bringing you in-depth reporting from the front lines. At Futuro Studios, we're developing ground-breaking shows like La Brega Season 3, which is set to premiere early next year.In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Futuro Media founder Maria Hinojosa reflects on the year behind and the year ahead. She's joined in conversation by Latino USA Managing Editor Fernanda Echavarri and Futuro Studios Executive Editor Maria Garcia.The Futuro Plus Team includes producer Tasha Sandoval, production managers Victoria Estrada and Jessica Ellis, marketing manager Luis Luna, and development manager Danetsy Len. Mixing by Multitude Productions. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplusWant to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suave
This Giving Tuesday, Futuro reflects back on 2025

Suave

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 36:54


It's been quite the year, for the United States and for Futuro Media. At Latino USA, we're bringing you in-depth reporting from the front lines. At Futuro Studios, we're developing ground-breaking shows like La Brega Season 3, which is set to premiere early next year.In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Futuro Media founder Maria Hinojosa reflects on the year behind and the year ahead. She's joined in conversation by Latino USA Managing Editor Fernanda Echavarri and Futuro Studios Executive Editor Maria Garcia.The Futuro Plus Team includes producer Tasha Sandoval, production managers Victoria Estrada and Jessica Ellis, marketing manager Luis Luna, and development manager Danetsy Len. Mixing by Multitude Productions. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturopluWant to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Suave and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
This Giving Tuesday, Futuro reflects back on 2025

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 39:00


It's been quite the year, for the United States and for Futuro Media. At Latino USA, we're bringing you in-depth reporting from the front lines. At Futuro Studios, we're developing ground-breaking shows like La Brega Season 3, which is set to premiere early next year.In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Futuro Media founder Maria Hinojosa reflects on the year behind and the year ahead. She's joined in conversation by Latino USA Managing Editor Fernanda Echavarri and Futuro Studios Executive Editor Maria Garcia.The Futuro Plus Team includes producer Tasha Sandoval, production managers Victoria Estrada and Jessica Ellis, marketing manager Luis Luna, and development manager Danetsy Len. Mixing by Multitude Productions. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
Sneak Peak: How we make La Brega

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 4:05


We have a sneak peak of our latest bonus episode for Futuro+ members. Alana and OG La Brega producer Ezequiel Rodríguez Andino break down how they make the show in two languages – something rarely done in podcasting. Plus, hear never before heard audio. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latino USA
Bad Bunny's Residency in Puerto Rico Proves He's El Rey Del Pop (Con Reguetón y Dembow)

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2025 29:57 Transcription Available


Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico reveals grown-up Benito, an evolved artist whose love for his homeland shines through in everything he does. So let’s talk about his shows! Together in San Juan (a 6 millas de la casita de Benito) Alana Casanova-Burgess, Ezequiel Rodríguez Andino, Laura Pérez, and Maria Garcia share their reflections on the residency and Bad Bunny’s evolution from trapero to joyous salsero. You have to listen to this conversation from the team behind La Brega’s new season which will be all about Puerto Rico campeones, and Bad Bunny, obvio, as one of our biggest campeones. Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Brega
¡Buenas noticias de La Brega!

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 7:32


¡Wepa! Te traemos buenas noticias: ¡Regresa La Brega! Y llega directamente desde Futuro Studios. Estamos produciendo la tercera temporada, que podrás escuchar muy pronto. Pero, mientras, te dejamos algunas pistas de por dónde irán los nuevos episodios. ¡Dale play, pa que te enteres!¿Quieres apoyar nuestro periodismo independiente? Únete a Futuro+ para disfrutar de episodios exclusivos, early access y el chisme detrás de La Brega y todos nuestros podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Brega
Big News from La Brega

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 7:02


Wepa! We've got big news for you: La Brega is back, directly from Futuro Studios! We're in production right now on a third season and it'll hit your headphones soon. In the meantime, we have a hint on what's coming this season. So hit play to find out!Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on La Brega and all our podcasts. https://bit.ly/joinfuturoplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

acast big news wepa futuro studios la brega
It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders
Bad Bunny & the battle for Puerto Rico

It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 20:59


Bad Bunny's new album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, has struck a chord with fans worldwide. He's always expressed a deep love for Puerto Rico, but his latest work takes it to new heights. In his fusion of old and new genres, he speaks to the shared experiences of the Puerto Rican diaspora and looks to their collective past as a way forward. Writer Carina del Valle Schorske and La Brega podcast host, Alana Casanova-Burgess join the show to break down the function of shared nostalgia and explain the backstory to Puerto Rico's symbols of independence.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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Unpacked by AFAR
From Bomba to Bad Bunny: Searching for the Sounds of Puerto Rico

Unpacked by AFAR

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 50:28


Puerto Rico has had a huge impact on the world's music scene, in comparison to its size. And on this week's episode, host Aislyn Greene travels to the island to find out why. She explores bomba and plena, two of the earliest forms of music that emerged from Puerto Rico's African ancestors. Discovers jibaro music, or “hillbilly” music, though this style of music is incredibly complex and improvisational. Found the source of danza music, watched salsa musicians urge people to their feet, and met with reggaetón artists. And though we couldn't possibly capture all of the complexities of the island's music in one episode, we hope it does reveal what she found: a place that is singularly committed to art and music. As one of her guides, Nory, put it: “We are artisans, we are painters, we are all musicians. That's actually the identity of a Puerto Rican.” Meet this week's guests Margarita “Tata” Cepeda, owner of Puerto Rico Is Bomba, a dance and music school Maribel Martinez, guide at House of the Troubadour Luis Miranda “Pico de Oro” Melina Aguillar, owner of Isla Caribe Tours Norymar Maldonado, Isla Caribe tour guide Angelina Villapiano Luna, musician, dancer, and salsa teacher Petra Rivera Rideau, author of Remixing Reggaetón: The Cultural Politics of Race in Puerto Rico RaiNao, urbano musician  Herson Guerrero, professor, photographer, and musician  Resources Read the full transcript of the episode.  Listen to the playlist. Read Petra's Bad Bunny Syllabus Listen to the La Brega podcast. Explore club 58 at La Concha resort. Follow the podcast to ensure you don't miss an episode.  Subscribe to Afar's YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation.

Temprano en la Tarde... EL PODCAST
Boricuas en “la brega” aquí y en la diáspora.

Temprano en la Tarde... EL PODCAST

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 59:52


Vivien Mattei y José Raúl Cepeda conversan con Lauryliz González del Teatro Rodante de la PUCPR y con Ezequiel Rodríguez y Alana Casanova productores del podcast La Brega. Segmento 1 Agradecemos invitación del Programa de Comunicaciones de Inter Ponce y aplaudimos exitosa actividad de hoy. Laurylis Gonzalez, directora Taller Teatro Rodante Luis Torres Nadal nos invitó a la presentación de Julieta y Romeo a partir de mañana en la Casa Alcaldía de Ponce. Segmento 2 Dimos la bienvenida a Ezequiel Rodríguez y Alana Casanova, periodistas y productores del podcast “La Brega”. ¿Qué es La Brega? ¿Cómo comenzó? ¿Quiénes son? Segmento 3 Ezequiel y Alana comparten sobre cómo llegar audiencias en Puerto Rico y la diáspora. Alana explica que aprovechan todos las oportunidades y plataformas posibles de podcast y radio. Graban dos versiones en español e inglés y reciben feedback de ambas. Esto provoca que los contenidos tengan variaciones culturales. Los siguen personas de otras diásporas que se identifican con las experiencias diaspóricas. Segmento 4 ¿Cómo se sienten en el rol de traductores de la cultura puertorriqueña? ¿Dónde los pueden seguir? Spotify y otras plataformas de podcast

La Brega
La Brega Presents: Esmeralda Santiago on Language and History

La Brega

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 19:40


The writer Esmeralda Santiago's latest book, “Las Madres,” is an intergenerational story about Puerto Rico, our history, and what it means to remember it. She recently spoke with The New Yorker's Vinson Cunningham in an episode for The New Yorker Radio Hour, and we thought La Brega listeners would appreciate hearing this conversation about language and the longing. In 2008, Santiago suffered a stroke and had to relearn how to read words using some of the same strategies she had used to first learn English after moving to the States. In “Las Madres” a character named Luz has a similar experience. “For me, Luz is almost representative of Puerto Rico itself. We have this very long history that we don't necessarily have access to. . . . Those of us who live outside of the island, we live the history but we don't really know it.” You can find more of the The New Yorker Radio Hour from WNYC Studios here, or wherever you get podcasts.

The Brian Lehrer Show
Hawaii, Puerto Rico and "Disaster Capitalism"

The Brian Lehrer Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 34:04


A multibillion-dollar recovery effort is underway in Hawaii following the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century. Kaniela Ing, a seventh-generation indigenous Hawaiian from Maui and the national director of climate justice organization Green New Deal Network, discusses how residents now worry that wealthy outsiders will stand to make a profit, and Alana Casanova-Burgess, co-creator, host and producer of the podcast La Brega, from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, explains what Hawaii can learn from Puerto Rico's recovery after Hurricane Maria.

Radiolab
Family People

Radiolab

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 63:47


In 2021, editor Alex Neason's grandfather passed away. On his funeral program, she learned the name of his father for the first time: Wilson Howard. Not Neason. Howard. And when she asked her family why his last name was different from everybody else's, nobody had an answer. In this episode, we tag along as Alex searches for answers through swampy cemeteries, libraries, and archives in the heart of south Louisiana: who was her great grandfather, really? Is she supposed to be a Neason? Where did the name Neason come from, anyways? And is a name something whose weight you have to shed, or is it the only path forward into the future?Special thanks to, Cheryl Neason-Isidore, Karen Neason Dykes, Johari Neason, Keaun Neason, Kevin Neason, Anthony Neason, the late Clarence Neason Sr. and Anthony Neason, Clarence Neason Jr., Olivia Neason, Tori Neason, Orelia Amelia Jackson, Russell Gragg, Victor Yvellez, Asher Griffith, Devan Schwartz, Myrriah Gossett, Sabrina Thomas, Nancy Richard, Katie Neason, Amanda Hayden, Gabriel Lee, Paul Brandenburg, Justin Flynn, Mark Miller, Kenny Bentley, Jason Issacs, Irene Trudel, Bill Hyland, the staff members at the Orleans Parish, East Feliciana Parish, and Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court offices. Episode Credits:Reported by - Alex Neasonwith help from - Nicka Sewell-SmithProduced by - Annie McEwenwith help from - Andrew ViñalesMusic performed by - Jason Isaacs, Paul Brandenburg, Justin Fynn, Mark Miller, and Kenny Bentleywith engineering and mixing help from - Arianne Wack and Irene TrudelFact-checking by - Emily KriegerEpisode Citations:Audio - You can listen to the episode of La Brega (https://zpr.io/p5EcBJyU2dfJ), in English and in Spanish.Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)! Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today. Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.   Leadership support for Radiolab's science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

music family english science education technology leadership radio spanish philosophy court louisiana studios lab foundational reported radiolab wnyc mark miller jason isaacs john templeton foundation orleans parish la brega betty moore foundation jason issacs abumrad science sandbox paul brandenburg myrriah gossett annie mcewen krulwich
Planet Money
The battle for Puerto Rico's beaches

Planet Money

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 23:06


Puerto Rico's beaches are an integral part of life on the island, and by law, they're one of the few places that are truly public. In practice, the sandy stretch of land where the water meets the shore is one of the island's most contested spaces.Today we're featuring an episode of the podcast La Brega from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, a show about Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican experience. On the island, a legal definition dating back to the Spanish colonial period dictates what counts as a beach. But climate change, an influx of new residents and a real estate boom are all threatening legal public access to some of Puerto Rico's most cherished spaces. The debate all comes down to one question: what counts as a beach?You can listen to the rest of La Brega (in English and Spanish) here. They have two full seasons out, which explore the Puerto Rican experience through history and culture. Check it out.This episode was reported by Alana Casanova-Burgess and produced by Ezequiel Rodriguez Andino and Joaquin Cotler, with help from Tasha Sandoval. It was edited by Mark Pagan, Marlon Bishop, and Jenny Lawton and engineered by Joe Plourde. The zona maritimo terrestre was sung as a bolero by Los Rivera Destino.The Planet Money version was produced by Dave Blanchard, fact checked by Sierra Juarez, edited by Keith Romer, and engineered by Brian Jarboe.Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

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Snap Judgment
Boricua en la Luna from WNYC Studios & Futuro Studios

Snap Judgment

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 35:47


“Boricua En La Luna” is a classic anthem about a young man born outside Puerto Rico, who dreams of going back to his parents' home but never does. Based on a poem written by Juan Antonio Corretjer, the song vividly evokes themes of displacement and connection. And it asserts that Puertoricanness exists no matter where one lives, declaring, “yo seria borincano aunque naciera en la luna” – “I would be Puerto Rican even if I were born on the moon.” But… what would happen if someone Puerto Rican were actually born on the moon? This week on Snap, we bring you an amazing story from “La Brega” a co-production of WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios. They asked the acclaimed Puerto Rican writer Sergio Gutiérrez Negrón to answer this question in a short fictional story. Kelvin is the first human born on the moon, and finds himself growing up there alone. By listening to recordings sent by his grandmother, he learns to love the island he's never seen. But when he finally meets someone else on the lunar surface, Kelvin is faced with a dilemma about his attachment to both the moon and to Puerto Rico, and how much he can hold onto his two identities. Performances by Keren Lugo (Jessica), Nancy Ticotin (Marielena) and Jesús del Orden (Kelvin). Sound design by Joe Plourde. Listen to the Spotify playlist, featuring music from this episode – and this season of La Brega. They add to it each week as new episodes come out. Special thanks to Kelly Gillespie, Ana María Dîaz Burgos, Orlando Javier Torres, Juanluis Ramos, and Olga Casanova-Burgess. And thank you to the other voices who brought this episode to life: Brian Lehrer, Melissa Harris Perry, Nancy Solomon, Stephen Nessen, Jeff Spurgeon, Kerry Nolan, Terrance McKnight, Brigid Bergin, Natalia Ramirez and Elliott Forrest. Fact checking by Istra Pacheco and Maria Soledad. This season of La Brega is made possible by the Mellon Foundation. Artwork by Fernando Norat Season 14 - Episode 10

Latino USA
'Suavemente' — The Merengue War

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 41:32


For this week's Latino USA, we're bringing you an episode from the newly released podcast series from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, La Brega, The Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs. By the end of the 1990s, merengue ruled supreme on the radio and TV in Puerto Rico, but the road to get there was long and complicated, coinciding with the growing Dominican population to the island and culminating in perhaps what was the pinnacle of its popularity and takeover in Puerto Rican music, at home and abroad: Elvis Crespo's “Suavemente.” Journalist Ezequiel Rodríguez Andino shares the story of merengue's ubiquity and how the shift from salsa to merengue brought to the surface serious class and racial tension that still remains today. You can subscribe to La Brega here.

Death, Sex & Money
Introducing La Brega Season 2, the Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs

Death, Sex & Money

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 4:52


Today, in a short teaser episode, Anna talks to Alana Casanova-Burgess, who is the co-creator and host of  La Brega, a dual-language podcast from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios. Alana and her team of Puerto Rican journalists, producers, musicians and artists at La Brega have just released their second season, which tells the story of the Puerto Rican experience through eight different songs. You can find the newest episodes of La Brega in both English and Spanish here.

Latino USA
I Wonder If I Take You Home: Freedom in Freestyle

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 40:54


For this week's Latino USA, we're bringing you an episode from the newly released podcast series from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, La Brega, The Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs. Created by Nuyorican street kids in the mid-80s, freestyle music became the sound and story of second-generation Boricuas. Hip-hop and pop, Latin Caribbean rhythms and instruments, all came together in freestyle. The sound was ubiquitous in New York and later in Orlando, FL. Young Puerto Rican women became the face of the genre. They sang about love, heartbreak, and their sexual desires. In Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's “I Wonder If I Take You Home” —a huge hit in the genre— a young woman sings about that on her own terms and without shame, opening up mother-daughter conversations that weren't happening. You can subscribe to La Brega here.

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Code Switch
The Merengue War

Code Switch

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 43:29


From the dance floors of weddings and bar mitzvahs to the Billboard Hot 100, chances are, you've enjoyed some merengue music – think about the 1998 Puerto Rican hit 'Suavemente,' which topped charts across the globe. But did you know that merengue's path to global fame started in the Dominican Republic, before it made its way to Puerto Rico? In this episode, we hand the mic to our friends at La Brega to unpack the story behind that famous merengue single and how it sums up a complicated and tense history of cultural exchange.

Latino USA
“El gran varón” — ¿Quién era Simón?

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 41:27


Esta semana en Latino USA, te compartimos un episodio del nuevo podcast “La Brega: La experiencia boricua en 8 canciones”, producida por WNYC Studios y Futuro Studios. Inicialmente, "El gran varón" fue prohibida por algunas estaciones de radio, pero a pesar de esto, se convirtió en un éxito; muchos la consideran una de las salsas más conocidas de todos los tiempos. Omar Alfanno explica que la canción fue realmente inspirada por un rumor sobre un amigo de la vida real. Sólo años más tarde se dio cuenta de que sus letras contenían una profecía escalofriante. En este episodio, la presentadora Alana Casanova-Burgess analiza la letra de “El gran varón” y cómo esta canción que critica a un padre por rechazar a su hijo cuir ha lastimado y a la vez ayudado a la comunidad LGBTQ+ y sus familias. Te puedes suscribir a La Brega aquí.

lgbtq el gran inicialmente wnyc studios latino usa futuro studios la brega alana casanova burgess
Latino USA
El Gran Varón: Who Was Simone?

Latino USA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 41:16


For this week's Latino USA, we're bringing you an episode from the newly released podcast series from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, La Brega, The Puerto Rican Experience in Eight Songs. Gabby Rivera was 7 when Willie Colón released “El Gran Varón” in 1989. She remembers her father playing in the Bronx. The cinematic arc of the song would stick with her: Simóne, depicted as a trans queer person, is shunned by their father and dies alone of what's assumed to be AIDS. “El Gran Varón” was first banned by some radio stations but became an international hit anyway. Many call it one of the most well-known Latin songs of all time. Its songwriter explains that it was inspired by a rumor about a real-life friend. Only years later did he realize his lyrics contained an eerie prophecy. You can subscribe to La Brega here.

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On the Media
Puerto Rico in 8 Songs

On the Media

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 27:42


Former OTM producer Alana Casanova-Burgess is back with season 2 of her critically acclaimed podcast series, La Brega. This one is all about the music! For over a century, Puerto Rican musicians have been influential across the hemisphere. From the Harlem Hellfighters of WWI who helped develop jazz to the reggaetoneros who dominate today's charts, Puerto Rican music is everywhere. We start the season with the island's most celebrated composer Rafael Hernandez, who wrote beloved songs like “Lamento Borincano,” “Ahora Seremos Felices,” and “Perfume de Gardenias” – and one of the island's unofficial anthems, “Preciosa.” It's a love song written for Puerto Rico that praises the island's beauty and, remarkably, also calls out the forces that oppress it. When Bad Bunny exploded onto the scene and became the most-streamed artist in the history of the world, it became undeniable that Puerto Rican lyrics – the poetry of what people sing about, the bregas in every chorus – resonate all over the hemisphere. In September, he put out a music video for his hit “El Apagón,” (“The Blackout,”) which then turned into a mini-documentary about gentrification – the way people from the states are taking advantage of tax benefits and displacing Boricuas. It's called “Aqui Vive Gente" ("People Live Here"). “El Apagón,” has become somewhat of an anthem – an installment in the long tradition of Puerto Ricans singing about home, longing and belonging, popularized by Rafael Hernandez. But Bad Bunny isn't singing about yearning for Puerto Rico – his music is often about never even leaving in the first place. It's about staying, and creating a future for Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico. If the video's Youtube comments – declarations of solidarity – are any indication, his music has touched on something deeply relatable across Latin America. Learn more about the voices in this episode:• Myzo, the singer from the plane• Bobby Sanabria, Grammy-nominated bandleader and educator• Elena Martínez, folklorist at City Lore and the Bronx Music Heritage Center• Watch Marc Anthony's performance of “Preciosa”• Watch Bianca Graulau's documentary “Aquí Vive Gente” (“People Live Here”) Our cover of “Preciosa” is by the artist Xenia Rubinos (out in March). You can listen to first season of La Brega and hear new episodes from this season here. Listen to the La Brega Spotify playlist, featuring music from this episode – and this season. It will be added to each week as new episodes come out.   On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

On the Media
Puerto Rico in 8 Songs

On the Media

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 27:38


Former OTM producer Alana Casanova-Burgess is back with season 2 of her critically acclaimed podcast series, La Brega. This one is all about the music! For over a century, Puerto Rican musicians have been influential across the hemisphere. From the Harlem Hellfighters of WWI who helped develop jazz to the reggaetoneros who dominate today's charts, Puerto Rican music is everywhere. We start the season with the island's most celebrated composer Rafael Hernandez, who wrote beloved songs like “Lamento Borincano,” “Ahora Seremos Felices,” and “Perfume de Gardenias” – and one of the island's unofficial anthems, “Preciosa.” It's a love song written for Puerto Rico that praises the island's beauty and, remarkably, also calls out the forces that oppress it. When Bad Bunny exploded onto the scene and became the most-streamed artist in the history of the world, it became undeniable that Puerto Rican lyrics – the poetry of what people sing about, the bregas in every chorus – resonate all over the hemisphere. In September, he put out a music video for his hit “El Apagón,” (“The Blackout,”) which then turned into a mini-documentary about gentrification – the way people from the states are taking advantage of tax benefits and displacing Boricuas. It's called “Aqui Vive Gente" ("People Live Here"). “El Apagón,” has become somewhat of an anthem – an installment in the long tradition of Puerto Ricans singing about home, longing and belonging, popularized by Rafael Hernandez. But Bad Bunny isn't singing about yearning for Puerto Rico – his music is often about never even leaving in the first place. It's about staying, and creating a future for Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico. If the video's Youtube comments – declarations of solidarity – are any indication, his music has touched on something deeply relatable across Latin America. Learn more about the voices in this episode:• Myzo, the singer from the plane• Bobby Sanabria, Grammy-nominated bandleader and educator• Elena Martínez, folklorist at City Lore and the Bronx Music Heritage Center• Watch Marc Anthony's performance of “Preciosa”• Watch Bianca Graulau's documentary “Aquí Vive Gente” (“People Live Here”) Our cover of “Preciosa” is by the artist Xenia Rubinos (out in March). You can listen to first season of La Brega and hear new episodes from this season here. Listen to the La Brega Spotify playlist, featuring music from this episode – and this season. It will be added to each week as new episodes come out.