This collection gathers the "Latin Pulse" programs that deal with the various countries of Central America.

Central America

This collection organizes the various "Latin Pulse" episodes that cover issues related to the Drag War in Latin America.

The photo is from the Mexican government and is in the public domain.

The Drug War

This set organizes "Latin Pulse" programs that cover the topic of economics.

The graphic is from the Mexican government and is in the public domain.

Economics

This is a compilation of all "Latin Pulse" programs that deal with human rights issues.

The photo of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt testifying at his genocide trial is from the Guatemalan government and is in the public domain.

Human Rights

This set organizes various programs in the "Latin Pulse" series that deal with the issue of religion.  

The image is from Emma T Photography via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12066488@N00/366845496/

Religion

This set organizes episodes of the "Latin Pulse" series that deal with politics.

The photo is of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the former president of Brazil and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil.  The photo is by Roberto Stuckert Filho for the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

Politics

This set organizes programs from the "Latin Pulse" series that cover topics of street gangs from Central America, sometimes referred to as maras or pandillas.  

The photo of a young gang member in Guatemala is from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is in the public domain.

Central American Gangs (Maras)

This set organizes programs of the "Latin Pulse" series that deal in depth or in some significant way with Pope Benedict XVI, now pope emeritus, the first pope to resign his post in 600 years.  These programs deal with the retired pope's impact on Latin America.

The photo is from the Catholic Church of England and Wales via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism/4601222212/

Pope Benedict XVI

This set organizes programs of the "Latin Pulse" series that deal in depth or in some significant way with poverty.

The photo is of K'iche children in Guatemala from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); as the photo is a government image it is in the public domain.

Poverty

This set organizes various programs in the "Latin Pulse" series that deal with the Catholic Church.

The photo is of Pope Francis from the era when he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires; the photo is from the Argentine government and is in the public domain

Catholicism

Latin Pulse looks forward this week to the upcoming trip to Brazil by Pope Francis.  The discussion revolves around the symbolic importance of this trip as the first pope from Latin America returns to the region for his first international trip as pope. The program discusses the competition between Catholicism and evangelical Protestants in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America.  The program also discusses the various initiatives Pope Francis has undertaken this year.  The news segment covers the discovery this week of a North Korean freighter, which unsuccessfully tried to traverse the Panama Canal, laden with arms from Cuba.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Tom Quigley, formerly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine.

The photo of Pope Francis with Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff is by Roberto Stuckert Filho; the photo from earlier this year is credited to the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.


Previewing Pope Francis' Tour of Brazil (Lp7182013)

Pope Francis and his trip to Brazil are the primary focus of "Latin Pulse" this week. The pope has focused his trip around poverty and social justice, but this program also deals with various controversial issues including: the Vatican bank's corruption scandal; calls to modernize the Church's positions on birth control and on the role of women in Catholicism. The program also covers the reaction of Brazil's protest movement to the visit. A commentary on the program deals with how Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has failed so far to completely calm her country's protest movement.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Father Thomas Reese, Senior Analyst for the National Catholic Reporter; and
Monsignor Kevin Irwin of The Catholic University of America.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine.


The photo of Pope Francis in Brazil is by Marcelo Camargo for the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Pope Francis & his Brazilian Trip (Lp7262013)

The martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador provides the theme this week on Latin Pulse.  The program includes discussions of the philosophical debate embodied in the stalled progress of Romero's status as an official Catholic martyr.  The program also includes a discussion of Vatican politics that stretches over the past 30 years.  The program also includes reflections on U.S. policy and how it sparked a climate of violence in Central America.  The news segment of the program covers the controversial economic sanctions from the United States aimed at Venezuela and how that move was condemned by UNASUR.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Jeanette Rodriguez of Seattle University; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


The photo of Archbishop Oscar Romero is from the Archdiocese of San Salvador and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on March 20, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


The Martyr: Remembering Archbishop Oscar Romero (Lp3202015)

Violence and salvation are the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The alarming rise in homicide rates in El Salvador catches our attention and the program discusses the causes and how the government is reacting to the rise in gang-related violence.  The reaction seems to be extrajudicial killings and the return of death squads.  The program also includes an analysis about the shift of religious beliefs in Latin America, including the rise of evangelicals and religious pluralism. The news segment of the program covers the latest votes related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and special trade authority for President Barack Obama.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Hector Silva of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock.

The photo of Salvadoran gang members is from InSight Crime using a Creative Commons licensing agreement: http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/el-salvador-gang-truce-technically-finished-police

Produced for release on June 19, 2015.

The program is produced through the support of Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Violence & Salvation: Homicides in El Salvador & Religion in Latin America (Lp6192015)

Pope Francis and his upcoming trip to the Andes provide the central theme this week on "Latin Pulse." The program includes analysis from Rome and how the issues of marriage equality and LGBT acceptance by the Catholic Church may arise during the pope's trip.  The program also includes discussion of the pope's role in bringing Cuba and the United States together diplomatically during the past year.  The program includes analysis of the pope's shift to favor liberation theology. The news segment of the program covers the plans between Cuba and the United States to resume normal diplomatic relations.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Joshua McElwee of the National Catholic Reporter; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock.

The graphic is from the government of Paraguay and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on July 2, 2015.

The program is produced through the support of Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Preview: Pope Francis and his Trip to the Andes (Lp7022015)

Pope Francis and his trip to the Andes region of Latin America provides the central theme on "Latin Pulse." The program includes a deep theological discussion of how Pope Francis is redirecting the philosophy of the Church to take the concerns of poverty more seriously.  The program also discusses the Church's views on LGBT rights, indigenous issues, and euthanasia.  The program also reviews the political issues in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay that intersect with the pope's trip. The news segment of the program covers the criticisms of ecological policies in Ecuador leveled by the pope during his trip.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Rev. Joe Eldridge of American University; and
Alex Wilde of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Announcer: Guillermo Rodriguez.

The graphic is from the government of Ecuador and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on July 10, 2015.

The program is produced through the support of Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Analyzing the Andes Trip of Pope Francis (Lp7102015)

Violence, crime and national security provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. First, the program reviews security in Mexico, and discusses the rise of various cartels, especially the Sinaloa Cartel.  Another in-depth part of the program deals with the crisis in El Salvador due to the involvement of street gangs in a transportation strike. Both segments discuss how the central governments in these countries do not have the power to stop the criminal groups. The news segment of the program covers the border crisis between Venezuela and Colombia due to unauthorized immigration, violence and the influence of criminal groups.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jo Tuckman of The Guardian;
and
Hector Silva of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.



The photo is of cocaine bricks stamped with a scorpion, a sign associated with the Sinaloa Cartel according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The photo is from the DEA and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Aug. 28, 2015.


Crime & Violence in Mexico & El Salvador (Lp8282015)

Religion in Latin America provides the theme this week on "Latin Pulse," as Cuba prepares for an official visit from Pope Francis. The program analyzes the importance of the pope's upcoming trip to Cuba and reflects on how the Cuba trip will provide a preface for the pope's visit to the United States. The program also reviews a new book that deals with how religion is fighting violence throughout Latin America, especially Central America.  The news segment of the program reviews the results in the first round of the Guatemalan presidential voting and the upset of comedian Jimmy Morales.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University; and
Alex Wilde of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The logo for Pope Francis’ trip to Cuba is from the Archdiocese of Havana and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Sept. 11, 2015.


Religion: Preparing for the Pope in Cuba & Reflections on Violence (LP9112015)

Femicide and violence against women in Latin America provide the themes on Latin Pulse this week.  The program focuses on murders aimed at women in Central America and Mexico, the region with the worst global statistics as assembled by the United Nations.  The program also discusses linkages between such violence and unauthorized immigration.  The program discusses the causes behind femicide and includes analysis about the need to improve the justice in the region.  The news segment of the program covers the constitutional changes in Bolivia to allow President Evo Morales to run for re-election in four years if he wishes.


The program includes an in-depth interview with:
Karen Musalo of the University of California.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The anti-femicide logo is from the Honduran government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Nov. 6, 2015.


Femicide and Violence Against Women in Latin America (Lp11062015)

Latin Pulse registers its 200th episode this week, so the program looks back at the audience's favorite programs since the program became an online radio project.  Themes included in the program include migration, the Drug War, the civil war in Colombia, indigenous issues, and the construction of the Belo Monte Dam in Brazil. The program also includes a discussion of religion, including Santeria and about the folk saint Santa Muerte.  The news segment of the program analyzes the surprise diplomatic move this week by President Mauricio Macri in Argentina to reach out to the United Kingdom.


The program includes interviews with:

Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA);
Gimena Sanchez of WOLA;
Eve Bratman of American University;
Michael Atwood Mason, Director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

Original versions of these interviews can be found at these URLs:

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/indigenous-issues-belo-monte-dam-drug-war-colombia-lp8312012

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/spirituality-santeria-santa-muerte-lp10262012

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp5182012



Program No. 200: War, Religion, Migration & More (Lp1222016)

Pope Francis and his trip to Mexico provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program discusses the pope's fourth trip to Latin America, which will primarily focus on key stops throughout Mexico. The program reflects on the pope's efforts to put the global refugee crisis and the need to ease migration restrictions in front of policymakers in the hemisphere.  The news segment of the program covers testimony from the Centers for Disease Control in the United States officially linking the zika virus outbreak to microcephaly, a condition that causes brain damage in infants.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); and
Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto and Pope Francis is from the Mexican government and is in the public domain.


Mexico: The Visit of Pope Francis, Migration and Scandal (Lp2122016)

Latin American cinema provides the key discussion points this week on "Latin Pulse." The program includes an in-depth discussion with the director of "Embrace of the Serpent," the first Colombian film nominated for an Academy Award.  The program also includes a survey of some of the most interesting newer film releases from Brazil, including "Casa Grande," "The Second Mother," and "Neighboring Sounds." The news segment of the program covers the latest move by U.S. President Barack Obama to close the detention facilities at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo and how the U.S. Congress has thwarted those efforts.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Ciro Guerra, director of Embrace of the Serpent; and
Kathy Corley of Webster University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo is a screenshot from the film “Embrace of the Serpent” and is used here with permission as part of the promotions for the film: http://embraceoftheserpent.oscilloscope.net/



Films: 'Embrace of the Serpent' from Colombia & Notable Releases from Brazil (Lp2262016)

A controversial presidential race in Peru and seeking justice in El Salvador provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes how protest marches and concerns raised by the Organization of American States (OAS) may impact the voting in Peru after several candidates were removed from the ballot.  The program also traces moves toward justice in the massacre of Jesuit priests and religious workers in El Salvador; a case that began in 1989.  The news segment of the program outlines the report known as the Panama Papers and how those revelations may affect politicians in Argentina and Mexico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; and
Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


The photo of protestors in Peru is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Presidential Election Controversy in Peru & Seeking Justice for El Salvador (Lp4082016)

Consequences regarding abuses of power provide the central discussion this week on "Latin Pulse." The program delves into the politics of impeachment in Brazil as President Dilma Rousseff tangles with members of Congress.  Congress says Rousseff misled them about the country's finances.  But many of those looking to prosecute Rousseff are themselves tangled in various corruption scandals.  The program's analysis gives the necessary context before a Congressional impeachment vote this coming weekend. The program also looks at the reaction in Latin America to the Panama Papers scandal.  The discussion revolves around the Panamanian view of the corruption scandal.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Alex Cuadros, the author of Brazillionaires; and
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


The photo of members of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil demonstrating about impeachment is from Fábio Rodrigues Pozzebom of Agência Brasil .  Agência Brasil is the Brazilian government news agency and offers its material through a Creative Commons license: http://otaboanense.com.br/noticia/19327/deputados%20usam%20cartazes%20para%20manifestar%20voto%20sobre%20impeachment


The Impeachment Debate in Brazil & Panama Papers Fallout (Lp4152016)

The controversial presidential election in Peru is the centerpiece of discussion this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes two interviews recorded at the recent Latin American Studies Association (LASA) meetings in New York City with two of the top experts on Peruvian politics. Besides providing details about the two challengers Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the program also talks about the legacy of corruption left by Fujimori's father, Alberto, who once was Peru's dictator but is now serving time for his various crimes.  The program also discusses the recent scandals haunting the Fujimori campaign.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; and
Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The photo of Keiko Fujimori is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/ 



Peru: Presidential Election Preview (Lp6032016)

The Rio Olympics set for this summer in Brazil and their various problems provide the central themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes a variety of challenges for these games including security, crime, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental and economic impacts of the games.  The program also discusses the various health issues confronting these games including the zika virus and super bacteria that are present in some of the venues for water events in the Olympics. The news segment of the program covers the resignation of Eduardo Cunha, president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies due to corruption charges.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Andrew Zimbalist of Smith College; and
Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The graphic is the official logo of the 2016 Olympics and is used here following fair use guidelines.


“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Brazil: Debating the Olympics in Rio (Lp7082016)

An hour-long special covers various issues regarding human rights and democratization on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the various crises affecting Venezuela, including the political and economic situations.  The analysis also includes discussions on the peace process in Colombia and accusations of human rights abuses by the military in Honduras.  The program also includes a review of a book on corruption in Brazil. The news segment of the program covers how El Salvador's Supreme Court struck down the country's amnesty law opening the door to human rights prosecutions linked to the country's civil war.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Dan Hellinger of Webster University; 
Orlando Perez of Millersville University;
Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and 
Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.

The photo of anti-government protesters marching due to the lack of food supplies in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Special: Crisis in Venezuela; the Peace Process in Colombia; and Brazillionaires (LP7152016)

Venezuela, Colombia, and their simmering problems provide the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth analysis reviewing the state of democracy in Venezuela and how that affects the current crisis situation.  The program also discusses how minority groups (Afro-Colombians and indigenous tribes) have been marginalized as part of the negotiations to end the country's long-running civil war. The news segment of the program covers the inauguration of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski as both Peru's newest and oldest president, along with noting his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP).


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Dan Hellinger of Webster University; and
Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The photo of an anti-government protester in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Venezuela in Crisis & Indigenous and Afro-Colombian Views of Colombia's Peace Talks (LP7292016)

Fútbol (or soccer) at the Olympics and concerns about the military and police in Honduras    provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program provides an in-depth analysis of both the women's and men's fútbol competitions at the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The program also concludes its two-part critique of the Honduran military. The program also discusses the role the military is playing in both the Drug War and in the political sphere in Honduras. The news segment of the program discusses U.S. President Barack Obama's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP).



The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Joshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University; and
Orlando Perez of Millersville University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The photo Brazil’s fútbol team in action against South Africa in the Olympics is by Marcelo Camargo of Agência Brasil.  Agência Brasil offers its images for use via a Creative Commons license:
http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/rio-2016/foto/2016-08/brasil-estreia-contra-africa-do-sul-no-mane-garrincha

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Rick Rockwell's Album

Olympic Fútbol, Analyzing Soccer in Rio & Concerns About the Military in Honduras (Lp8052016)

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or trans-gender) issues at the Summer Olympics in Rio, along with economics and politics provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program delves into homophobia in Brazil and how Brazilian crowds have reacted to LGBT athletes.  The program also includes an in-depth analysis into the current economic and political issues facing Cuba. The news segment of the program discusses the uptick in Zika cases in Honduras and how newborns are being affected there, while civil society groups call for more access to birth control.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jim Buzinski of Outsports; and
Dan Hellinger of Webster University. 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Technical Director: Jim Singer. 
 
*This program includes frank discussion of adult themes related to sexuality and sexual identity. 

The photo of female soccer competitors, including Megan Rapinoe (left) is a public domain photo.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


LGBT Issues at the Rio Olympics & Economic Challenges in Cuba (Lp8192016)

The proposed peace treaty dealing with the FARC in Colombia and the deterioration of democracy in Nicaragua are the twin themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program dissects the proposed peace pact between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC by its Spanish acronym) and the Colombian government. Also, the program explores how President Daniel Ortega has manipulated the electoral system in Nicaragua. The news segment of the program covers the end of Dilma Rousseff's presidency as the Brazilian Senate found her guilty of shifting funds without Congressional approval and with misleading the Brazilian Congress.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Technical Director: Jim Singer. 

The photo of celebrations about the proposed peace treaty in Colombia is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


The FARC Peace Treaty in Colombia & Politics in Nicaragua (Lp9022016)

Brazil and its various concerns are again on the radar of "Latin Pulse" this week. First, the program looks at what is in store for Brazil politically and economically after the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff by the country's Congress. And how will the Temer administration deal with anti-government protests? Also, the program discusses ways to fight the Zika virus, after the disease started in Brazil but has now spread to Central America and beyond. The news segment of the program covers how funds to fight Zika and support research for Zika vaccines are stalled in the U.S. Congress.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Prof. Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Dr. Reina Turcios-Ruiz of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Technical Director: Jim Singer. 

The photo of protests in Brazil is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Brazil: Unrest After the Rousseff Exit & Fighting Zika (Lp9092016)

On Mexico's independence day Latin Pulse focuses this week on key themes for the country: the Drug War, national security, immigration, corruption, justice, and of course, politics. The program includes an in-depth interview tracking the effects of the visit of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump to Mexico.  The program also looks at a new violent uptick in the Drug War, with clashes between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Nueva Generacion Jalisco Cartel. The news segment of the program covers new indictments against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the popular former president of Brazil often just called Lula.


The program includes an in-depth interview with:


Maureen Myer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 


The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.


“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Mexico: The Drug War, Corruption & Politics (Lp9162016)

We celebrate the "Latin Pulse" five-year anniversary fiesta, with out-takes and excerpts from the past year, a tradition for the program.  The audience's favorite themes are on display.  Those themes include: the clash between the National Assembly and the president in Venezuela; the shift to the right in Argentina; the impeachment trial and corruption scandals in Brazil; and the Feast of San Lazaro and Santeria. The news segment of the program covers the defense by Brazil's President Michel Temer before the United Nations' General Assembly, justifying the impeachment and removal of Dilma Rousseff, an act that brought Temer to power.


The program includes interviews with:


Eric Hershberg of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS);
David Smilde of Tulane University;
Matthew Taylor of American University;
Chris Sabatini of Columbia University; and 
Michael Atwood Mason of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

Excerpts and out-takes from this program came from these popular programs:

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/cuba-venezuela-santeria-feast-san-lazaro-election-results-lp12112015

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-crisis-brazil-aftereffects-obama-trip-argentina-lp4012016 

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-economic-forecast-latin-america-2016-lp1152016




“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Anniversary V: Outstanding Out-Takes & Excerpts (Lp9232016)

This special edition of Latin Pulse includes a different perspective on the presidential elections in the U.S.: a view from Cuba.  A Cuban professor discusses how the elections could have an impact on the warming relations between the two countries.  The program also discusses the rise of English as a mandated second language in South America and how that could reflect cultural imperialism. The news segment of the program covers the negotiations between opposition parties in Venezuela and the president to avert further protests and a move by the National Assembly to hold an impeachment trial.


The program includes interviews with:

Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Center for International Political Research (CIPI); and
DJ Kaiser of Webster University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

The photo of Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Special: The U.S. Elections, the Cuban View & Education in South America (Lp11052016)

This special edition of Latin Pulse includes an opportunity to hear a Cuban perspective on politics and diplomacy, along with an analysis of what derailed the peace process in Colombia.  A Cuban professor discusses the importance of continued exchanges between the United States and Cuba, while analyzing reactions to U.S. programs designed at political change and Cuban succession.  The program also discusses the rejection of the peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The news segment covers doubts about the sincerity of Venezuela's president during the papal negotiations to end the country's political crisis and avert violence.


The program includes interviews with:


Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Cuban Center for International Political Research (CIPI); and
Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

The photo of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Cuban President Raul Castro and FARC leader Rodrigo (Timochenko) Londoño Echeverri at the signing of a preliminary peace agreement is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Special: The Cuban Perspective & Derailing Peace in Colombia (Lp11122016)

Religion and politics, the topics we're told not to bring up in polite company take center stage this week on Latin Pulse, with the focus again returning to Cuba.  The Cuban government's response to the visit of Pope Benedict XVI continues to resonate across the island in the human rights community and beyond.  The program also includes news of the death of Sandinista leader Tomas Borge in Nicaragua.

In-Depth Interviews:
Tom Quigley formerly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and
Rev. Joe Eldridge of American University.
 
Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Lydia Beyoud

(The photo is from teleSUR, the non-profit, intra-governmental television network based in Venezuela, and is in the public domain: http://www.telesurtv.net/ )

The Pope's Aftermath in Cuba (Lp5042012)

“Latin Pulse” is a weekly program that reviews news from Latin America and analyzes politics, culture, religion, and important issues throughout the region. This weekly podcast is distributed by Link TV, iTunes, and, of course, SoundCloud.  

The Martyr: Remembering Archbishop Oscar Romero (Lp3202015)

LatinPulse