This collection organizes "Latin Pulse" programs that deal with the environment as a key topic.  

The photo is from epSos.de, via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/epsos/3384297473/

The Environment & Environmentalism

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" looks at elections and economics: Brazil’s presidential election and Argentina’s economic crisis.   The Brazilian elections feature three major party candidates vying to get more than 50 percent of the vote or move on to a second round of voting.  The program looks at the chances of upstart candidate Marina Silva of the Socialist Party and debates her chances of upsetting President Dilma Rousseff.  The program also gives the latest on the Argentine debt crisis and explores its origins.  The news segment covers the recent killing of charismatic Venezuelan youth leader, Robert Serra.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Prof. Jose Antonio Cheibub of the University of Illinois; and
Prof. Leslie Armijo of the Portland State University of Oregon.

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

The graphic is from the presidential election campaign of Marina Silva and is in the public domain.

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


Presidential Elections in Brazil & the Debt Crisis in Argentina (Lp10032014)

This week, Latin Pulse focuses on the presidential elections and debate over indigenous rights in Bolivia. Evo Morales, Bolivia's popular president runs for a third term in office against Samuel Doria Medina. If Morales wins a third term, what will that mean for diplomacy with the United States? The latter half of the program reflects on the emergence of indigenous rights in Bolivia and how that runs against the trend of suppression of indigenous political power. The news segment covers the disappearance of students in Mexico and the controversy it has caused.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Forrest Hylton of Northwestern University; and
Rob Albro of American University. 

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

The photo is from the Facebook page of President Evo Morales’ re-election campaign and is in the public domain.

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


Indigenous Issues: Elections in Bolivia & Politics in the Post-Colonial Era (Lp10102014)

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)

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)

Debating conditions in Venezuela provides a special topic this week on "Latin Pulse," as the program provides an extended time for a diplomatic representative of the Bolivarian government to respond to questions. Beyond an official representative of the Venezuelan government a left-wing critic of the government also discusses his view that Venezuela is slipping into autocracy. The news segment of the program covers the call this week for further investigations into illegal domestic spying in Colombia and the sentencing of former government officials to long prison sentences for ordering such illegal activities.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza, Consul General for the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela; and
James Bloodworth, editor of Left Foot Forward.

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


The photo of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on May 1, 2015.

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


Special: Debating Venezuela and Authoritarianism (Lp5012015)

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


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


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


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

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

Produced for release on June 26, 2015.

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


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

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)

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)

Colombia and its civil war provide some of the central themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses land reform, rural development, and indigenous issues and how they are related to the civil war.  Some of the program discusses the conflict between business development in Colombia and rural residents.  The program also reflects on the Colombian emigrant experience and the various social and cultural forms that this community works to keep alive.  The program discusses Colombian music, dance, and customs.  The news segment of the program covers the debt default of Puerto Rico and its economic crisis.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jack Laun of the Colombia Support Network; and
Maria Amparo Holmes, author of Conexiones/Connections.


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

The photo of President Juan Manuel Santos is from the Colombian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Aug. 7, 2015.

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




Colombia: Development Concerns & Honoring Emigrant Culture (Lp8072015)

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


The program includes interview segments with:

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


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


Produced for release on Sept. 18, 2015.


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

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)

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)

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)

Peru and its presidential politics provide the primary themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses the upcoming election in Peru that currently has a crowded field of 19 candidates, including two former presidents.  The program discusses in depth the chances of front-runner Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of Alberto Fujimori, another former Peruvian president now in prison. The news segment of the program covers the national address by President Dilma Rousseff in Brazil to make her country aware of the nation's new program to eradicate mosquitoes carrying the zika virus.


The program includes an in-depth interview with:
Moises Arce of the University of Missouri.


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



The photo of Keiko Fujimori, the front-runner in the current Peruvian presidential race, is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Peru: Assessing Presidential Politics (Lp2052016)

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)

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)

“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.  

The Environment & Environmentalism

LatinPulse