This compilation organizes various "Latin Pulse" programs that deal with indigenous issues.

The photo of an indigenous street vendor in Guatemala is by Abe Kleinfeld via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abekleinfeld/2499395577/

Indigenous Topics

This week, Latin Pulse studies the culture of indigenous religions as the program dives into the history of the Day of the Dead. The program takes a look at the impact of colonialism on this holiday, and how those changes continue to impact Latin America today. However, the day continues to be a celebration of humanity's relationship with death and the environment. Then, in the second half of the show, the program analyzes Mayan spirituality and its central role in Mayan culture. The news segment of the program follows the evolving situation with a group of missing university students in Mexico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Roberto Barrios of Southern Illinois University - Carbondale;
David Freidel of Washington University.


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

The photo is by kaizermodo via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kaizermodo/6152552466/in/photolist-anFruN-5yVo1v-aByjUf-akWLtP-7d1v3V-81pZne-anCDxa-9ThV34-pAFeUE-pAGY9v-rn2cN-awRgGH-8PvP9y-bEYi8n-7ayEja-w2XeG-5y2Hrt-dWJZUn-5z61i6-8PsKUk-47BRvm-34DTDZ-pjdm5b-8VpoaJ-7dbuCJ-8PsYQM-5yXgQq-pGWd4j-7d5bJU-77M14k-dpygpT-oM3Nq-aBnRPv-aACvWF-5zs7pG-fK29V-5yUJ3J-3K61cf-5xVNF5-hd73p1-5yCb7x-e1cW9q-8Kx4Y8-dx1w3k-k4t5Dk-8PyVpi-7h7NWw-kNKcB-rpnmp-5yZJcS


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


Religious Culture: Day of the Dead & Mayan Spirituality (Lp10312014)

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)

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)

What happens when you mix drug cartels with religion? This week, Latin Pulse explores the rise of narco-religion in Mexico.  The discussion includes a heady mix of discussion regarding the veneration of Catholic saints by violent criminals but also the rise of the devotion of folk saints such as Santa Muerte.  The program also discusses curanderos and the use of witchcraft by the cartels.  The news segment of the program covers the outbreak of violence in student protests in Chile; the protestors are calling for more equity in higher education in the country.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University; and
Tim Knab of the Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico.


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


The graphic of Santa Muerte is in the public domain and is via Wikimedia Commons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte#/media/File:Muerte-Blanca_6.jpg


Produced for release on May 15, 2015.


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


Mexico: The Rise of Narco-Religion (Lp5152015)

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)

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)

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 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)

Brazil and its struggles with corruption and development provides the central focus on Latin Pulse this week. The program discusses in detail the various corruption scandals that have created political gridlock in Brazil.  The program also has the latest on the development of the controversial Bello Monte dam and how that project is the source of environmental and cultural damage in the Amazon region.  The news segment of the program covers the speech by U.S. President Barack Obama at the United Nations calling for the U.S. Congress to strike down the economic embargo against the country.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Matt Taylor of American University; and
Eve Bratman of American University.


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

The image of various denominations of the Brazilian real is from the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 2, 2015.


Brazil: Corruption & Development (Lp10022015)

"Latin Pulse" returns from holiday hiatus this week, with a program about culture and politics.  The program previews the film "Olvidados," about Operation Condor, that will soon make its cable debut on HBO Latino.  The film tells the story of Operation Condor from a Bolivian perspective.  And the program catches up with the results of the Argentine presidential elections and analyzes how a shift to a conservative government means historic changes for that country.  The news segment of the program looks at the move this week to begin official impeachment proceedings against President Dilma Rousseff in Brazil.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Carla Ortiz, the producer of "Olvidados;" and
Chris Sabatini of Columbia University & "Latin America Goes Global."


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


The photo of Carla Ortiz in "Olvidados" is used here following fair use guidelines for promotional materials.


Culture and Politics: The Operation Condor Film & Presidential Changes in Argentina (Lp12042015)

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


The program includes interviews with:

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


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

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

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

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

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp5182012



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

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

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

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


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

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)

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)

Human rights violations in Mexico and Guatemala provide the themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program delves into a new report on atrocities in Mexico that have some calling for action by the International Criminal Court.  Analysis includes discussion of some of the worst cases of abuses by security forces in Mexico. The program also discusses moves toward justice in Guatemala for the indigenous Maya, including analysis of the genocide case against former dictator Efrain Rios Montt.  The news segment of the program covers the upset by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski over Keiko Fujimori in the presidential race in Peru.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Eric Witte of the Open Society Justice Initiative; and
Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


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

The photo of a protest in Mexico 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/


Human Rights: Seeking Justice in Mexico & Guatemala (Lp6102016)

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

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


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


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

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


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

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


The program includes interviews with:

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

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

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

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

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

“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.  

Indigenous Topics

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