This set organizes various programs in the "Latin Pulse" series that deal with health issues and health concerns in Latin America.

The graphic logo is in the public domain.


Health Issues Collection

Drugs and the Drug War are the central focus this week on "Latin Pulse." The program examines the proposed law in Uruguay that will legalize the use and sale of marijuana.  The program also notes how Uruguay is using the experience of Colorado and Washington states in the U.S. as examples for how to shape its system.  Also, the program includes an interview with the author of "Midnight in Mexico," about immigration and the Drug War.  The news segment of the program covers the new trial for the oil company Chevron to dispute damage findings by indigenous groups in Ecuador.

The program includes interviews with:


John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Alfredo Corchado of The Dallas Morning News & the author of Midnight in Mexico.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell;
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The graphic is from the Uruguayan branch of the non-profit activist group Cultiva Tus Derechos and is used here following fair use guidelines for promotional materials: www.facebook.com/ctduruguay

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is affiliated with the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), and with Link TV.
www.american.edu/soc/
www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Drugs: Uruguay's Marijuana Bill & Cartel Violence in Mexico (Lp10172013)

Economic and political reforms in Mexico are the centerpieces of analysis on “Latin Pulse” this week. The program also covers new violence and concerns over the security situation in Mexico.  The analysis spends considerable timing assessing the first year in office of President Enrique Pena Nieto.  The program also includes a repeat of interviews on Mexico and U.S policy to mark the passing of Robert Pastor, former U.S. National Security Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean.  During those retrospective discussions the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and U.S. policy with Venezuela provide the central themes. 

The program includes interviews with:


Duncan Wood of the Wilson Center; and an archival interview with
the late Robert Pastor, formerly of American University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is from Iran’s Press TV 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.


Evaluating Mexico's President, NAFTA & U.S. Policies (Lp1162014)

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" looks at the conflict between indigenous rights and the work of extractive industries in Guatemala and Peru.  The discussion goes in-depth on various projects in Guatemala, including the recent case of protestors in the La Puya region attempting to stop the development of a mine. The program also covers illegal logging and gold mining in the Amazon. The news segment covers the results of the first round of the Colombian presidential elections.  The program also includes a commentary about the effect of the anti-Cuban policies of the U.S. and the fallout for hemispheric diplomacy.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Kelsey Alford-Jones and Rob Mercatante of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission; and
Andrew Miller of Amazon Watch. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Elyssa Pachico.


The photo shows the confrontation between the indigenous community of La Puya, Guatemala and Guatemalan authorities. The photo is © copyright James Rodríguez of MiMundo.org and is used with permission through a limited licensing agreement: http://www.mimundo.org/how-to-order/to-download-a-low-resolution-comp-image/


“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


Indigenous Rights and Extractive Industries in Guatemala & Peru (Lp5302014)

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" returns in a new format after its summer hiatus.  The program focuses on Brazil.  One of the in-depth segments look at the presidential election race and how it has heated up with a change of candidates.  The segment discusses the political issues involved and how the entrance of Socialist candidate Marina Silva has changed the election competition.  The program includes a segment about threats to free speech in Brazil, including discussion of why Brazil is on the Committee to Protect Journalist's list of dangerous countries.  The news segment deals with a new economic plan for Venezuela.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Matt Taylor of American University; and
Carlos Lauria of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

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

The photo shows Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff and former President Luiz Inacio Lula ("Lula") da Silva campaigning for the Workers Party.  The photo is from the election campaign of President Dilma Rousseff and is in the public domain.

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

Brazil: Presidential Elections & Threats to Free Speech (Lp9052014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" focuses on elections in South America.  With elections coming in Bolivia and Uruguay next month, the program looks at the leading candidates and key issues in the races.  The segment on Bolivia also discusses the long-time popularity of President Evo Morales.  The program also discusses indigenous groups and politics in Bolivia. The segment on Uruguay analyzes the political return of former President Tabare Vazquez. The news segment deals with the murder in Peru of an environmental activist, with suspicions the murder is linked to illegal logging.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Sinclair Thomson of New York University; and
Gabriela Santini of TeleDoce in Uruguay.


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


Some audio material in this program is made available via Peru's Utero through a Creative Commons license: http://utero.pe/2014/09/10/quizas-nunca-escuchaste-de-edwin-chota-pero-el-asesinato-de-este-lider-ashaninka-ha-conmovido-al-mundo/


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

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

Elections: Presidential Campaigns in Bolivia & Uruguay (Lp9122014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" provides insight into important elections in South America: presidential races in Brazil and Uruguay.  Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff is fighting for her political life as some polls show conservative challenger Aecio Neves ahead with voting coming this weekend. In Uruguay, polls show former president Tabare Vazquez is the front-runner.  However, balloting this weekend may reveal he is not popular enough to avoid a second round of voting.  Necessary improvements in education is an issue driving both races.  The news segment covers an informal alliance between Cuba and the U.S. to fight Ebola together in West Africa.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Cristina Pacheco of the State University of Paraiba;
Francisco Panizza of the London School of Economics.


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


The photo of Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff and Governor Aecio Neves is from the Iranian government’s Press TV and is in the public domain.


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


Presidential Politics: Elections in Brazil & Uruguay (Lp10242014)

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)

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)

This week, Latin Pulse puts its focus back on Cuba as Alan Gross, an imprisoned U.S. citizen passed the five year mark of his incarceration on the island.  The program includes an in-depth interview analyzing the Gross case and what it means for U.S.-Cuba relations.  The program also looks at the modern history of secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba and how those negotiations have subtly changed policy.  The news segment of the program looks at the resumption of peace talks in Colombia after the release of a general held captive by rebels.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Phil Peters of the Cuba Research Center; and
Bill LeoGrande of American University.

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

Associate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.

The photo of Alan Gross is from the Facebook page campaigning for his release and is in the public domain:  https://www.facebook.com/FreeAlanPGross

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


Cuba: The Alan Gross Case & the History of Secret Negotiations (Lp12052014)

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)

Trade and financial concerns provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse as the program focuses on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.  With the U.S. Congress split over the TPP, the program debriefs an economic expert on how the proposed trade pact will have an impact on jobs in Latin America, the U.S. and Asia too.  The program also unravels the key issues related to the debt problems of Puerto Rico. The news segment of the program covers the ongoing debate between Argentina and the U.K. over disputed islands in the South Atlantic.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Rob Scott of the Economic Policy Institute; and
Mauro Guillen of the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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

The graphic is from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and is used through a Creative Commons licensing agreement:  https://act.eff.org/action/don-t-let-congress-fast-track-tpp

Produced for release on June 12, 2015.

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


Finance & Trade: Analyzing the Trans-Pacific Partnership & Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico (Lp6122015)

War and politics provide the themes on Latin Pulse, this week, as the program tunes in to events in Guatemala and Colombia. The first segment of the program discusses the complex political matrix in Guatemala as the country heads toward presidential elections and what effects the anti-corruption protests in the country might have on that process.  The second part of the program examines how U.S. policies have affected the conduct of the civil war in Colombia. The news segment of the program gives details of the prison escape by Joaquin "El Chapo Shorty" Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa Cartel.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Julie Lopez of Plaza Publica; and
Winifred Tate of Colby College.


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

The graphic is from the LIDER Party of Guatemala and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on July 17, 2015.

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



Politics in Guatemala & Assessing the Civil War in Colombia (Lp7172015)

Pursuit of justice in major human rights cases in Central America provide the main themes this week on Latin Pulse. First, the program considers the potential extradition of Inocente Montano, a former high-ranking military official in El Salvador who a Spanish court is attempting to try for his part in ordering the massacre of Jesuit priests and religious workers.  The second case concerns former dictator Efrain Rios Montt accused of genocide in the killing of Mayan villagers in Guatemala. The news segment of the program covers the controversies swirling around the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Havana.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Hector Silva of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and
Kelsey Alford Jones of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission.


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

The photo of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt is from his first genocide trial; the photo is by Elena Hermosa for the Irish charity Trocaire and is available through a Creative Commons license: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efra%C3%ADn_R%C3%ADos_Montt#/media/File:Ex_General_Efrain_Rios_Montt_testifying_during_the_trial.jpg

Produced for release on Aug. 14, 2015.

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


El Salvador & Guatemala: Seeking Human Rights Justice (Lp8142015)

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 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)

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)

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)

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/

Rick Rockwell's Album

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

“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.  

Health Issues Collection

LatinPulse