This set includes programs on culture and public affairs that include topics related to Puerto Rico.

The photo is by Nicholas Laughlin of Trinidad and Tobago via Flickr, through a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholaslaughlin/2306679094/sizes/z/in/photolist-4vQkkd-4ZvmG9-gLmys-5wM5bq-fvh4W-5P2tQV-xdiVQ-6LMEXt-5h7XHk-dGyFE-wFrYK-7iUm1d-e2iwUQ-dZuLLr-5jQ1p2-78HqM9-5XMHx2-9y6GiV-az1qzY-az1qwf-9vpwHi-cfroGS-Q1dZH-dYGfRo-5aRECf-5aMr8c-aezKZ5-dtbkUG-4Fobe8-CWdRM-dnPoQ1-dnPfHK-dnPmHf-dnPjrN-dnPnnb-dnPn4S-dnPjV9-dnPg7B-dnPiZd-dnPhBR-dnPopf-dnPkv1-4ZCwWV-7ywjwQ-9sDHiQ-dSvnvK-PZKZw-bWX7f2-9WA5Vb-bWX7s8-bWX7KR/

Puerto Rico

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

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


Analyzing New & Notable Telenovelas (Lp12192013)

Originating in Puerto Rico this week, "Latin Pulse" takes a look at the status of the island and whether there is movement forward on a change to statehood or independence.  The program also covers the issues of identity, culture and economics facing the island commonwealth.  The program also delves into the special relationship the U.S. has developed with Mexico and how trade pacts and economic reforms have brought the countries closer.  The news segment of the program deals with the latest charges and counter-charges related to allegations that powerful leaders in Venezuela are connected to the drug trade.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Maria Acosta Cruz of Clark University; and
Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations.


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


The photo is by Nicholas Laughlin of Trinidad and Tobago via Flickr, through a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholaslaughlin/2306679094/sizes/z/in/photolist-4vQkkd-4ZvmG9-gLmys-5wM5bq-fvh4W-5P2tQV-xdiVQ-6LMEXt-5h7XHk-dGyFE-wFrYK-7iUm1d-e2iwUQ-dZuLLr-5jQ1p2-78HqM9-5XMHx2-9y6GiV-az1qzY-az1qwf-9vpwHi-cfroGS-Q1dZH-dYGfRo-5aRECf-5aMr8c-aezKZ5-dtbkUG-4Fobe8-CWdRM-dnPoQ1-dnPfHK-dnPmHf-dnPjrN-dnPnnb-dnPn4S-dnPjV9-dnPg7B-dnPiZd-dnPhBR-dnPopf-dnPkv1-4ZCwWV-7ywjwQ-9sDHiQ-dSvnvK-PZKZw-bWX7f2-9WA5Vb-bWX7s8-bWX7KR/

Produced in Puerto Rico for release on May 22, 2015.


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


Exploring Puerto Rico & the Special Ties between Mexico and the U.S. (Lp5262015)

Originating in Puerto Rico again this week, Latin Pulse looks at issues of identity, the media and politics on both the island and in Mexico. The program discusses how U.S. and Latino media often homogenize programming and forget the Puerto Rican experience.  The program also reveals how in Mexico, issues of equity and media corruption distort the political debate.  How do the political left and right find space for debate in a system dominated by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (the PRI).  The news segment of the program covers set backs in the peace process for the Colombian civil war.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Federico Subervi of Kent State University; and
Manuel Alejandro Guerrero of the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

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

The graphic of a coin is from the U.S. government and is in the public domain.

Produced in Puerto Rico for release on May 29, 2015.

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


Puerto Rico & Mexico: Media, Identity and Politics (Lp5292015)

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)

Violence and salvation are the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The alarming rise in homicide rates in El Salvador catches our attention and the program discusses the causes and how the government is reacting to the rise in gang-related violence.  The reaction seems to be extrajudicial killings and the return of death squads.  The program also includes an analysis about the shift of religious beliefs in Latin America, including the rise of evangelicals and religious pluralism. The news segment of the program covers the latest votes related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and special trade authority for President Barack Obama.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Hector Silva of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; and
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

The photo of Salvadoran gang members is from InSight Crime using a Creative Commons licensing agreement: http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/el-salvador-gang-truce-technically-finished-police

Produced for release on June 19, 2015.

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


Violence & Salvation: Homicides in El Salvador & Religion in Latin America (Lp6192015)

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)

Puerto Rico and Mexico provide the central locales for the main themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes a proposal before the U.S. Congress to help Puerto Rico survive its debt crisis. But the proposal includes a fiscal control board that can supersede the powers of Puerto Rico's government, a provision that some find controversial. The program also includes a wide ranging discussion of corruption, politics and diplomacy with Mexico. The news segment of the program covers the outcome of the presidential elections in the Dominican Republic and the re-election of President Danilo Medina.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations; and
Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations. 


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


The photo from Puerto Rico comes via the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


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


Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico & the Politics of Diplomacy with Mexico (Lp5202016)

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)

For the holiday season, "Latin Pulse" revisits music and culture in Latin America. This program is a sequel of sorts to last month's music special (http://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp111811) that focused on music and social movements. This program again has a focus on Afro-Cuban culture and Cuban rap. But this special also talks about rap as protest music in Puerto Rico and Mexico. The program includes frank discussion about the delicate subject of race relations in Cuba. The news segment of the program includes the latest on heated political exchanges between the U.S. and Venezuela.
*Warning: The music in this program includes lyrics in English and Spanish that contain graphic language and terms that some may find offensive. Parental guidance is recommended.
In-Depth Interviews:
Katrin Hansing of City University of New York (CUNY); and
Felix Contreras &amp; Jasmine Garsd of NPR's Alt.Latino.
Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Lydia Beyoud
(To download a playlist of songs included in this podcast, please go here:<a href="https://www.box.com/shared/static/g84iz4c54gu3498yalbd.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.box.com/shared/static/g84iz4c54gu3498yalbd.pdf</a>)
The photo is by Libertinus — Libertinus Yomango of Montevideo, Uruguay and with Montecruz Foto — via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertinus/4068088577" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertinus/4068088577</a>/
Program Advisory: Latin Pulse will return on Jan. 6, 2012.

Rap & Social Movements in Latin America (Lp12222011)

“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.  

Puerto Rico

LatinPulse