This is a compilation of all "Latin Pulse" programs that deal with the topic of agriculture in Latin America.

The photo of a maize harvest in Tlaltizapán, Mexico is from CIMMYT (The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) of Mexico < http://www.cimmyt.org/en/ > and is available via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: www.flickr.com/photos/cimmyt/5426974387/

Agriculture

This week, "Latin Pulse" takes a deeper look at the disappearance of students from Ayotzinapa and Cuban migration to the United States. Global activists are protesting due to the disappearance of the 43 university students in Mexico. The situation is emblematic of decades of corruption and collusion in the Mexican government. This time, however, it appears the Mexican government will be held to account. Later in the program, Cuban immigrants are coming to the U.S. in higher numbers now than any time in the past 20 years. The program looks at the reason behind this increased immigrant flow.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA);
William LeoGrande of American University.


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

The protest graphic was created by activists in Mexico and distributed to publicize their protests; the graphic is in the public domain.

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


Rage Over Missing Students in Mexico & Rising Cuban Immigration (Lp11072014)

In this special edition of "Latin Pulse," we dip into the holiday spirit, literally, by exploring the spirit of tequila.  The program includes an in-depth discussion of the business and economics surrounding the trade of tequila and how the taste for tequila has changed, propelled by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  The program also includes a tasting and discussion of top shelf tequilas. The news segment of the program looks at the historic proposal this week worked out between the Cuban and U.S. governments regarding discussions of normalizing diplomatic relations after more than 53 years of conflict.


The program includes an in-depth interview with:

Ramses Armendariz of Webster University.

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

The photo is by Eric Driggers of Lake Zurich, IL and is made available through Flickr using a Creative Commons licensing agreement: https://www.flickr.com/photos/imnohero/2345543856/in/photolist-4zgwtj-5eT3WE-5VBpLC-bys2in-76HQN6-5ks865-6RXqBR-akZmyC-bdhAA-65xQqt-6pMMVK-oGTLmL-4F4rU3-bomY7s-8VLUfz-ehWxiU-8VXrsH-6XXGU-cRuP7W-aqoA6W-8WUjv3-3bptsy-65C7hQ-2bwQV-yTWbg-qfAXH-8WUjks-6m55aJ-2bLT3Q-fRVyoG-9E2hUR-29HHY-my87j1-akWtgp-4ByJ52-q2Sf9-6MkThJ-8Hog2Y-8Hog1Y-2Uhyo4-7j4YQd-aoHi1B-5wyB3K-a8zr4E-5mdqGi-61kQMW-CyaMK-HxxnB-xePfY-KTLNB

To see a set list of songs used in the production of this program, please go here: https://app.box.com/shared/static/ldc79rpiv6k4cwcmn62c.pdf

To hear an extended interview with Ramses Armendariz on the topic of tequila you can listen here: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/tequila-extended-interview

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


The Tequila Special (Lp12192014)

During the first month of the new year, Latin Pulse focuses on the spiritual aspects of indigenous communities as a way of providing reflection on this time of change.  The program features the stories and analysis of experts on archaeology and anthropology to provide context on these deep topics.  The program looks at spiritual practice and history in Mexico and Guatemala.  The news segment of the program discusses the latest change in travel and trade regulations between the U.S. and Cuba, allowing travelers from the United States to travel to Cuba unfettered for the first time in many decades.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


David Freidel of Washington University; and
Tim Knab of the Universidad de las Americas - Puebla. 


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


The photo of a Mayan astrological circle is from theilr via Flickr using a Creative Commons license:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/90863480@N00/2176833400/in/photolist-4jmQJm-4iRHeM-4kZMEd-4ihEm2-4mormw-4kvdxQ-4j6SjF-4ieuMe-4iVLKS-4kvdSQ-4mkAiN-4iVMbJ-4mjnY2-4jaVjA-4kveoQ-4iRHVB-4ievap-4iVMVA-4kVKxk-4kgMku-4kgMpY


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



Indigenous Religions: The Maya & the Aztecs (Lp1162015)

The debate over immigration in the U.S. took center stage in Washington, DC, and with the U.S. Congress this week, and that provides one of the main themes for this edition of Latin Pulse this week. The program looks at the historical context of the immigration debate and analyzes the potential for progress on immigration reform.  The program also provides an update on the Zapatistas in Chiapas and discusses the problems that they face with violence and repression. The news segment of the program looks the series of hearings this week regarding diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Susan Martin, director of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM); and 
Giles Clarke* of Getty Images Reportage. 


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


*Clarke's photo essay on the Zapatistas for Business Insider can be found here:  http://www.businessinsider.com/mexican-zapatistas-chiapas-mexico-2014-9


The photo of a road sign in California is from the Iraqi government and is in the public domain.


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


Rejoining the Immigration Debate & Revisiting the Zapatistas (Lp2062015)

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)

Violence provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse as the program looks at troubles in Colombia and El Salvador. In Colombia, as the country's civil war turns the corner on 51 years of pain, the peace process seems stalled as violence escalates in the war.  In El Salvador, violence levels are higher than they have been in more than 20 years.  The news segment of the program covers how women demonstrated across South America this week to call attention to the high levels of violence aimed at them and the need for laws to combat the problem.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Winifred Tate of Colby College; and
Hector Silva of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University.

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

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

Produced for release on June 5, 2015.

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


Violence: Civil War in Colombia & Gang Warfare in El Salvador (Lp6052015)

Looking ahead to next week and the important meetings between Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff and U.S. President Barack Obama, Latin Pulse gives an analytical preview of what to expect.  The program includes viewpoints from both Brazil and the United States, taking into account the domestic problems Rousseff faces, including the worst economic climate in a generation as Brazil slips into recession, and the worst presidential popularity ratings in Brazil's democratic history. The news segment of the program covers the success of special trade authority in the U.S. Congress this week and what that means for Mexico, Peru and Chile.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Matias Spektor of the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil; and
Victoria Langland of the University of Michigan.


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

The photo is from the U.S. government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on June 26, 2015.

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


Brazil & the U.S.: Diplomacy and Economics (Lp6262015)

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)

It's the fourth anniversary of "Latin Pulse," and the program celebrates in its own way:  a medley of out-takes and pithy comments from the most popular programs of the past year. The topics on the program range from a review of the crisis of unaccompanied minors on the U.S.-Mexico border to covering various fronts in the Drug War.  The program also includes segments on the economic impact of China on Latin America.  The news segment of the program covers the aftereffects of the earthquake in Chile that saw a million people evacuate their homes.


The program includes interview segments with:

Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center; 
Jo Tuckman of The Guardian;
Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime;
Mark Jones of Rice University;
Kevin Gallagher of Boston University; and
Ignacio Siles of the Universidad de Costa Rica.


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


Produced for release on Sept. 18, 2015.


Anniversary IV: Outstanding Out-Takes & Memorable Excerpts (Lp9182015)

Trade, finance and economics provide the main themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program gives an in-depth analysis of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and what obstacles it faces in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system.  The program also reviews the current status of the debt crisis in Puerto Rico and dissects how the island territory piled up billions in debt.  The news segment of the program covers the results of presidential elections in Latin America, with a focus on why the presidential race in Argentina is headed to a second round of voting.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Chris Sabatini of Columbia University & Latin America Goes Global; and
Mauro Guillen of the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

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

The Trans-Pacific Partnership logo is from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 30, 2015.


Evaluating the Trans-Pacific Partnership & Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico (Lp10302015)

Reflections on a special trip to Cuba provide the main themes on Latin Pulse this week.  The program includes interviews with a U.S. delegation on a cultural and educational exchange in Cuba, including the delegation's leader, the former governor of Missouri.  The program also includes viewpoints on the U.S. embargo of Cuba and the possibility of business development on the island.  The discussion ranges through politics, economics and shared interests between the U.S. and Cuba.  The news segment of the program discusses the capture of Syrians using illegal passports in Honduras to possibly enter the U.S. illegally.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bob Holden, former governor of Missouri and now with Webster University; and
Chris Gutierrez, SmartPort of Kansas City.

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

The photo of a Cuban tourist bus is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Special: Analyzing Cuba & the U.S. from Havana (Lp11202015)

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)

Politics and diplomacy provide the main themes for "Latin Pulse" this week.  The program marks the anniversary of the diplomatic opening between Cuba and the United States with a special interview recorded in Havana.  The program deals with the prospects for the end of the embargo and future business ties between the countries.  The program also follows the complicated corruption scandal in Brazil that has now intersected with the political movement to impeach and unseat President Dilma Rousseff.  The scandal has now evolved into a political crisis as all branches of the Brazilian government are involved in which politicians should be prosecuted and removed from office.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bob Holden, former Governor of Missouri and now with Webster University; and
Matt Taylor of American University.


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


The photo of Presidents Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and Raul Castro of Cuba is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain.


Produced for internet distribution on Dec. 18, 2015.


Politics: The Promise of U.S.-Cuba Relations & Crisis in Brazil (Lp12182015)

President Barack Obama and his historic trip to Cuba provide the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes news about various details of Obama's trip to Cuba and Argentina, and in-depth analysis of the political, human rights, and business changes resonating through both countries after the trip.  Although only minor initiatives were signed during the state visit, Obama's trip provides a symbolic touchstone for moving forward on improving the human rights climate in Cuba, discussing what to do with the U.S. economic embargo and resolving the issue of Guantanamo.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bill LeoGrande of American University; and
Chris Gutierrez of KC SmartPort.


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


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


Obama and his Historic Trip to Cuba: In-Depth Analysis (Lp3252016)

Taking stock of the new leaders in Peru and Argentina is the where our weekly political analysis heads this week on Latin Pulse. The program delves into how Pedro Pablo Kuczynski managed to upset Keiko Fujimori in Peru's presidential race and what a Kuczynski administration will likely mean for Peru.  The program also reviews the opening months of President Mauricio Macri's term in Argentina and how his policy shifts have changed his country.  The news segment of the program covers U.S. President Barack Obama's call for the U.S. Congress to find solutions for the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Mark Jones of Rice University and the Baker Institute.


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

The photo of Pedro Pablo Kuczynksi 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/


Presidential Politics: Analyzing the Election in Peru & Policy Changes in Argentina (LP6172016)

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)

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)

“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.  

Agriculture

LatinPulse