This compilation includes programs from "Latin Pulse" that cover topics related to the Afro-Latin American experience.

The photo shows the Afro-Cuban rap duo Hermanos de Causa; the photo is from the duo's MySpace page and is used here following fair use guidelines related to promotional materials.   (See: http://www.myspace.com/hermanosdecausa/ ) Hermanos de Causa often make music on themes related to the Afro-Latin American experience.

Afro-Latin American Topics

For a summer change of pace, this week Latin Pulse travels to New York City for the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC).  The program explores both musical and cultural issues linked to the conference, and highlights music from various countries and regions including: Mexico, Argentina, Panama, and Puerto Rico.  The program traces the roots of alternative music from salsa through rock and rap.  The news segment covers the latest complaints from Latin American governments regarding the revelations of Edward Snowden regarding NSA spying on various governments in the region.&#13;
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The program includes in-depth interviews with:&#13;
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Felix Contreras &amp; Jasmine Garsd of NPR's Alt.Latino .&#13;
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The program also includes shorter sound clips from artists: &#13;
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Ruben Blades  http://www.rubenblades.com/&#13;
&amp; &#13;
Carla Morrison  http://www.carlamorrisonmusica.com/&#13;
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Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell&#13;
Associate Producer: Curt Devine.&#13;
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More on the LAMC can be found here: http://www.latinalternative.com/&#13;
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A complete list of song excerpts used in this program can be found here: https://app.box.com/shared/static/u2f80os3weo4zly0ecrn.pdf&#13;
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The photo from the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) is by Rick Rockwell and is used with permission.&#13;
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Celebrating the Latin Alternative Music Conference (Lp 7122013)

The popularity of telenovelas throughout the hemisphere returns to the attention of “Latin Pulse” this week.  This is the third in a series of special reports on telenovelas: going beneath the surface to analyze the gender identity issues and racism involved in the productions.  The program also looks at the important cultural aspects of these popular programs.  The news segment of the program covers the return of Michelle Bachelet to the presidency in Chile; as her historic win is the first time a woman has been returned to the presidency in that country's history. 

The program includes interviews with:


Carolina Acosta-Alzuru of the University of Georgia; and 
Guillermo Avila-Saavedra of Salem State University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo is of Alicia Machado from a promotion for Univision’s “La Madame” and is used here following fair use guidelines: http://corporate.univision.com/advertise/portfolio/la-madame-the-madame/#.UrMqGIVdrY0
A full listing of sound excerpts used in this program can be found here: https://app.box.com/shared/static/gfz64oinrqh2skfk74er.pdf

“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.



Analyzing New & Notable Telenovelas (Lp12192013)

Latin Pulse returns to its regular schedule this with a variety of items, including discussions of religion and sports. One key interview in the program covers how Brazil is preparing for FIFA's World Cup and how preparation for that sports competition has diverted funds for transportation, healthcare, and education. The program also includes a discussion about the growth of religious freedom in Cuba with a Cuban cleric. And the program also includes a commentary about the ongoing violent protests in Venezuela. The news segment of the program covers protests against violence in Mexico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Paulo Sotero, Director of the Brazil Institute of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and 
Dr. Reinerio Arce, Rector and President of the Protestant Ecumenical Seminary in Matanzas, Cuba.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.


The graphic is of commemorative coins for the World Cup issued by the Banco Central do Brasil 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.
www.american.edu/soc/
www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm



Brazil Prepares for the World Cup & Following Religion in Cuba (Lp3212014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" celebrates its third anniversary with a look back at some of the most popular interviews of the past season.  This celebration has become a tradition for the program and includes a mix of out-takes and excerpts.   The program follows various themes:  politics and elections in Brazil; the dispute over ownership of the Falkland Islands (also referred to as the Malvinas); corruption in Paraguay; and the growth of religion in Cuba.  The news segment covers the recent legal moves in Argentina to bring to justice those who covered up the stealing of babies during that country's Dirty War. 

The program includes interviews with:


Cristina Pacheco of the State University of Paraiba;
Paulo Sotero of the Woodrow Wilson Center;
Mike Summers, MLA of the Falkland Islands;
Andrew Nickson of the University of Birmingham (U.K.); and
Dr. Reinerio Arce of the Protestant Ecumenical Seminary of Matanzas, Cuba.


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

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Anniversary III: Outstanding Out-takes & Excerpts (Lp9192014)

Mystery and celebration are the twin themes of Latin Pulse this week. The mystery is provided through an analysis of the complex case regarding the death of Alberto Nisman, a special prosecutor in Argentina.  The program sorts through the case linked to the bombing of a Jewish community center in the 1990s.  The celebration theme comes in the form of Carnival in Brazil. The news segment of the program discusses how the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team has cast doubt on the explanation of the Mexican government regarding 43 missing students, a case that has galvanized a protest movement in Mexico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Fulton Armstrong*, of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and 
Rachel Glickhouse, author of the Rio Gringa blog. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


*More from Fulton Armstrong on the Nisman case can be found here:  http://aulablog.net/2015/02/09/argentina-who-killed-alberto-nisman/


The photo of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman is from the Argentine government and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


The Mysterious Death of Alberto Nisman & Celebrating Carnival in Brazil (Lp2132015)

China and its economic and geopolitical strategy and cultural influence provide the central themes for this week's edition of Latin Pulse. The first half of the program examines the trade and economic issues connected to China's strategies in Latin America.  And the program debates the response of the U.S. to this economic expansion.  The second half of the program examines the history and cultural influence of Chinese emigration to Peru.  The news segment of the program covers the protests this week against the handling of the investigation into the death of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman in Argentina.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Mark Jones of Rice University; 
Kevin Gallagher of Boston University;
Larry Clayton of the University of Alabama; and 
Adam McKeown, author of Chinese Migrant Networks and Cultural Change. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


The photo of President Ollanta Humala of Peru and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China is from the Peruvian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Feb. 20, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/



Special: The Chinese Strategy in Latin America & The Cultural Influence of China in Peru (Lp2202015)

The arts and the internet in Cuba provide the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program includes an in-depth discussion with two of Cuba's leaders in the arts, discussing artistic freedom and freedom of expression, along with the cultural themes of their work in the theater. The program also discusses the development of the internet and dissident media in Cuba. The news segment of the program covers the rise in tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, and the U.K.'s plans to modernize its defenses on the islands.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Flora Lauten & Raquel Carrio of Cuba's Teatro Buendia; and
Ted Henken of Baruch College of the City University of New York (CUNY).


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

The photo collage is from OWNI.eu which makes its content available through a Creative Commons license: http://owni.eu/2011/02/15/digital-rations-internet-policy-in-castros-cuba/

Produced for release on March 27, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Cuba: The Arts & the Internet (Lp3272015)

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)

Issues in the Caribbean provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program provides a deep analysis of the issues confronting the new relationship between Cuba and the United States.  Major parts of the discussion reveal how these relations are linked to domestic presidential politics in the United States.  The second segment in the program discusses the racial tensions fueling immigration policy in the Dominican Republic, regarding threats to deport Haitian immigrants.  The news segment of the program covers the details of the historic ceremonies to officially open the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Bill LeoGrande of American University; and
Tim Shenk of the Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR).


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

The graphic is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on July 24, 2015.

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


Historic Diplomatic Change with Cuba & Immigration Tensions in the Dominican Republic (Lp7242015)

Looking back at the violent history of repression in the Dominican Republic is the central theme this week on Latin Pulse, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of U.S. efforts to bolster a military dictatorship.  The program discusses the U.S. invasion and occupation in some depth and discusses how this event continues to resonate with Dominicans to this day.  The program also explores the political and economic fallout from that invasion.  The news segment of the program covers the violent transportation strike in El Salvador and how street gangs have amplified the tense conditions.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Tim Shenk of the Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR); and
Lauren Derby of UCLA.

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

The photo is from the National Security Archive at George Washington University and is in the public domain: http://nsarchive.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB513/

Produced for release on July 31, 2015.

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


Retrospective: 50 Years After the U.S. Invasion of the Dominican Republic (Lp7312015)

Colombia and its civil war provide some of the central themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses land reform, rural development, and indigenous issues and how they are related to the civil war.  Some of the program discusses the conflict between business development in Colombia and rural residents.  The program also reflects on the Colombian emigrant experience and the various social and cultural forms that this community works to keep alive.  The program discusses Colombian music, dance, and customs.  The news segment of the program covers the debt default of Puerto Rico and its economic crisis.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jack Laun of the Colombia Support Network; and
Maria Amparo Holmes, author of Conexiones/Connections.


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

The photo of President Juan Manuel Santos is from the Colombian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Aug. 7, 2015.

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




Colombia: Development Concerns & Honoring Emigrant Culture (Lp8072015)

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)

Religion and politics, the so-called taboo subjects provide the central themes for "Latin Pulse" this week.  The program provides a preview of Cuba's favorite religious celebration, the feast day of San Lazaro.  The program explores the mix of faiths that honor that day on Dec. 17, including the practitioners of Santeria and those with Christian beliefs.  The program also goes in-depth on reaction to the surprising landslide win of opposition groups in Venezuela in that country's Congressional elections. The program includes excerpts from an international press conference that analyzes the political scene in Venezuela.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael Atwood Mason, the Director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; and
David Smilde of Tulane University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.
 
*Michael Atwood Mason is also the author, editor, and curator of a cultural blog called Baba Who? Babalu!  http://baba-who-babalu-santeria.blogspot.com/

†David Smilde is also the curator, editor and author of the WOLA blog, Venezuela Politics & Human Rights: http://venezuelablog.tumblr.com/ 

The photo of a woman making the pilgrimage to Rincon during the Feast of San Lazaro celebrations is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.


Cuba and Venezuela: Santeria, the Feast of San Lazaro & Election Results (Lp12112015)

Latin American films provide the central focus for Latin Pulse this week.  The program completes its two-part conversation on the film Olvidados, which recounts Operation Condor and its human rights abuses from a Bolivian perspective.  The program also reviews the top Brazilian film of the past year, The Second Mother.  The news segment of the program delves into the controversy between the new National Assembly in Venezuela and that country's Supreme Court over accusations of electoral fraud and the power politics behind the swearing in of three new members of the National Assembly.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Carla Ortiz, the producer of Olvidados; and
Kathy Corley of Webster University.


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


The photo is a still from the film “Olvidados” and is used here following fair use guidelines for promotional materials.


Films: 'Olvidados' from Bolivia & 'The Second Mother' from Brazil (Lp1082016)

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)

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)

Politics in both Brazil and the Dominican Republic provides the discussion points this week on Latin Pulse. Several segments of the program deal with the fallout from the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and what are the next steps for Brazil's Congress as it works to remove her.  The program covers the political arguments Rousseff is making to retain her office. The program also sketches the important issues, parties, and candidates involved in the presidential race in the Dominican Republic.  The discussion revolves around the possibility that President Danilo Medina may win re-election on the first round of voting in May.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Jeb Sprague of the University of California Santa Barbara.


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 and voting on impeachment is from Marcelo Camargo of Agência Brasil . Agência Brasil is the Brazilian government news agency and offers its material through a Creative Commons license: http://www.portalodia.com/noticias/politica/veja-como-deve-caminhar-processo-do-impeachment-no-senado-266238.html


Politics: Impeachment in Brazil & the Presidential Race in the Dominican Republic (Lp4222016)

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)

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/


Rick Rockwell's Album

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

Cuba is the central focus of "Latin Pulse" this week, with discussions of new diplomatic proposals and a new documentary about the island. The debate about Cuba covers why the United States lists the country as a state sponsor of terrorism and how the two nations could move beyond their diplomatic deadlock. The documentary preview includes views on the effects of the revolution and how race plays a key role in everyday Cuba. The news segment discusses the recent railway tragedy in Argentina and the program also includes a commentary about China's trade and diplomacy with Latin America.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Andres Serbin of CRIES; and
Bill Gentile of American University 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine
Writer: Zach Cohen.

The photo of Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont visiting with Cuban President Raul Castro earlier this year is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.


Cuba: Diplomacy & Documentary Insights (Lp6142013)

“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.  

Afro-Latin American Topics

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