This set organizes episodes of the "Latin Pulse" series that deal with Ecuador.

The flag of Ecuador is in the public domain.


Ecuador

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)

This week, "Latin Pulse" centers its focus on the up-coming World Cup competition in Brazil.  Starting with a poll that shows most Brazilians are upset with how the country has spent billions for the games, the program looks at various aspects of the preparations for a month of world-class soccer (football or fútbol).  The discussion includes the competition's economic impact , the issue of national identity, and a preview of the teams to watch in what is the world's most popular sporting event.  Finally, what will these games mean to the preparations for the Summer Olympics of 2016 in Brazil?


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Andrew Zimbalist of Smith College; and
Joshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Reporter: Elyssa Pachico; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.


The photo is of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Joseph “Sepp” Blatter, the president of FIFA with this year’s World Cup trophy.  The photo is by Jose Cruz from Agência Brasil, which offers its material for reuse through a Creative Commons license: http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/


“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



Brazil and the World Cup (Lp6062014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" looks closely at Colombia:  it's politics, elections, and the long civil war.  The program gives a preview of this weekend's presidential runoff elections, discussing concerns that because there are several World Cup matches scheduled at the same time, voter turnout could be depressed.  The program also looks at an investigative report that spelled out in detail a strategy in the civil war aimed at decimating the leadership of the rebel groups who oppose the Colombian government.  The news segment this week covers the visit to the United States of Luis Guillermo Solis, the new president of Costa Rica.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Louis Goodman of American University; and
Dana Priest of The Washington Post. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Elyssa Pachico.

The photo of Alvaro Uribe, Colombia’s former president, and Oscar Ivan Zuluaga is from their political party, the Democratic Center 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


Colombia: The Presidential Runoff & New Strategies in the Civil War (Lp6132014)

This week, Latin Pulse looks closely at Ecuador, especially its policies on the environment and its diplomatic stance concerning the asylum of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.  The program discusses the various stances of Ecuador's President Rafael Correa when it comes to international free speech movements and those in the media in his own country.  The program also explores Correa's shifting positions regarding oil development in the sensitive Yasuni National Park region of the Amazon.  The news segment this week covers the re-election victory of President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Rob Albro of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and
Teodoro Bustamante of Ecuador's FLACSO. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and
Writer: Elyssa Pachico.
The photo of Julian Assange of Wikileaks and Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño of Ecuador is from the Foreign Ministry of Ecuador 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


Ecuador: Analyzing Asylum for Assange & Discussing Yasuni Park (Lp6202014)

This week before heading out on an extended summer break, Latin Pulse provides a 90-minute summer special filled with emotion and information.  The in-depth segments include an update on the protest movement in Venezuela, an examination of Brazilian national identity and the World Cup, an update on immigration issues in Mexico, and an analysis of the Panama Canal as it celebrates 100 years of operation.  Also, included: a commentary on women and the World Cup.  The program also includes a special interview with the U.S. ambassador to Honduras.  The news segment deals with coca and the Drug War.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Ambassador Lisa Kubiske, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras; 
Sonja Wolf of Mexico's INSYDE; and 
Julie Greene of the University of Maryland.


Additional interviews include: 

Hermann Escarrá of Universidad Central de Venezuela; 
Javier Ciurlizza of the International Crisis Group; 
Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic & Policy Research (CEPR); 
Carlos Lauria of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); 
Rachel Glickhouse, writer; 
Julia Michaels, writer; and
Roberto DaMatta, University of Notre Dame;  


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and
Reporter: Elyssa Pachico.


The photo is by Carlos Diaz of Venezuela via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosdiazme/13977683128/


Special: Protesting in Venezuela; Celebrating in Brazil & the U.S. View from Tegucigalpa (Lp6272014)

This week, Latin Pulse focuses on Argentina's debt crisis. A federal judge in the U.S. is holding Argentina in contempt for failing to come up with a plan that satisfies all of its creditors from a default in 2001.  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled it would not review the case, thus upholding the lower court decisions on the bond repayments.  That decision triggered a second default.  This case holds implications not only for Argentina's economic future, but for the position of financial outlets in New York. This week's news segment covers the victory claims of President Evo Morales in Bolivia.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Peter Schechter of the Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center of the Atlantic Council; and
Leslie Armijo of Portland State University. 


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

The photo is from the Jubilee Debt Campaign via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dropthedebt/8510417429/in/photolist-dY37AZ-dY8PQ1-dY38MK-dY37UB-dY8Pz1-afJqvr-bzmhTp-aVEr1D-xJbZs-mjTXmK-dnW6Bf-ffKBKp-84ZPw-83SukG-bGhLtk-ksfMZn-74cmNP-gnFi7K-8SeoTZ-4PQkJS-ohKaYh-dSQMNf-dSR2Rs-oJU4o6-ow75r8-nQTpmd-nyy8ae-nR2TEz-nSPnEK-nQTpwU-fJ8aXS-4PQm2L-c7nZ7w-p7NiBu


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


Analyzing the Debt Crisis in Argentina (Lp10172014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" dives into the Drug War.  The program explores two of the most important fronts in that war: Mexico and Venezuela.  The segment of the program on Mexico gives an overview of the condition of various cartels and why the strategy to focus on drug kingpins has mostly failed. The segment on Venezuela focuses on the ties between Venezuela's military and the drug trade. The news segment of the program gives the latest information about the controversy surrounding 43 missing university students in Mexico and whether they were massacred by police and drug cartels colluding together.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jo Tuckman of The Guardian;
Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.

The photo of Mexican marines on patrol is from Wikimedia Commons and is in the public domain:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Drug_War

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


The Drug War: Analysis of the Front Lines in Mexico & Venezuela (Lp11142014)

This week, Latin Pulse goes in-depth on politics and the environment.  The program gives a preview of the United Nations conference on climate set for next month in Peru.  And the program looks ahead to the run-off presidential race in Uruguay set for the end of the month.  The analysis of the race in Uruguay also covers the country's controversial marijuana law. The news segment of the program covers the announcement by President Barack Obama that the government will give relief to unauthorized immigrants and likely five million immigrants will be able to put off deportation for a limited time.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Andrew Miller of Amazon Watch; and
Chris Sabatini of Americas Quarterly.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.

The graphic is the official logo of the upcoming U.N. climate conference in Peru and is from the United Nations and the Peruvian government; the graphic is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Analysis of the U.N. Climate Conference in Peru & the Presidential Election in Uruguay (Lp11212014)

Venezuela, its economy, and its structure as a petro-state are the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  As Venezuela slips into recession and shortages of consumer goods become more acute, criticism of the government of President Nicolas Maduro is increasing.  The program looks at the patterns of how oil prices have often dictated the popularity of presidents and the shape of politics in Venezuela.  The news segment of the program covers the meeting this week between U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and how protests broke out in the United States due to the visit.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Dan Hellinger of Webster University; and
Alejandro Velasco* of New York University. 


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


*Velasco is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Barrio Rising:"  http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520283329

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

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


Venezuela: Petro-State (Lp1092015)

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)

Turmoil in Venezuela and the progress in the peace talks for the civil war in Colombia are the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. The first half of the program analyzes the politics surrounding the arrest of Mayor Antonio Ledezma of Caracas and how that arrest has drawn international reaction.  The second half of the program tracks the ongoing talks attempting to end the 51-year-old war in Colombia.  The news segment of the program covers the latest in the case of Alberto Nisman in Argentina and how a judge has set aside an indictment against the country's president.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and
Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


The photo of protests in Venezuela is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain.


Produced for release on Feb. 27, 2015.


The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Political Turmoil in Venezuela & Searching for an End to the Civil War in Colombia (Lp2272015)

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)

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)

Looking ahead at what appear to be the key issues for 2016 in Latin America is the mission for Latin Pulse this week.  The program includes an in-depth and extended discussion with a director of one of the top research centers reviewing Latin American affairs and includes in-depth discussion of Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and United States policy towards the region.  The news segment of the program discusses the move this week to extradite Mexican cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to the United States after he was recaptured in Mexico.

The program includes an in-depth interview with:

Eric Hershberg, the director 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 of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is from the U.S. government and is in the public domain.



The Political & Economic Forecast for Latin America in 2016 (Lp1152016)

Cuba, diplomacy and the Cuban refugee crisis in Central America provide the primary themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses the diplomatic, business, and tourist openings that continue to improve between Cuba and the United States, including a discussion of new reforms announced this week regarding travel and economic concerns.  The program also shares the view from Central America about the problem of Cuban refugees there.  The news segment of the program covers the alarm this week from health officials about the outbreak of the zika virus in the Western Hemisphere and especially how Brazil is responding.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Eric Hershberg, the director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and 
Carlos Sandoval Garcia of the Universidad de Costa Rica.


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


The photo of Cuban refugees in silhouette at the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Cuba: Improving Relations & the Refugee Question (Lp1292016)

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)

Politics in Venezuela and Bolivia provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes the political fights between Venezuela's new National Assembly and President Nicolas Maduro, often with the Venezuelan Supreme Court reinforcing the president's positions. The program also provides a preview of the important referendum in Bolivia that could extend the term of President Evo Morales. The news segment of the program covers Pope Francis and his recent trip to Mexico, including his scolding of Mexican bishops due to corruption, his condemnation of Donald Trump, and his reaction to the Zika virus.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and
Rob Albro also of (CLALS).


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


The photo of President Evo Morales of Bolivia and President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Politics: Tensions in Venezuela & Constitutional Debate in Bolivia (Lp2192016)

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)

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)

“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.  

Ecuador

LatinPulse