Amigues! In this episode, we’re joined by La Defensa’s Gabriela Vazquez, Leah Perez, and Bryanna Siguenza, as we delve into the essential work of CourthWatchLA, a national organization that promotes transparency, accountability, and justice within courtrooms. We learn all about the work they’ve been doing in the last few months, the challenges they’ve faced and the impact they’ve had on the court by just showing up! We also talk about the launch of Rate My Judge and even get some chismesito...

Amigues! We have such a special episode for you this week. We’re joined by the talented writer, director, and comic book creator and a prima from East LA, Kayden Phoenix. We learn all about how Kayden’s upbrining and her desire to see strong Chicana heroes represented on the big screen led her to create the comic series A La Brava and The Majestics. From the origins of her characters to the intricate stories they weave, Kayden shares the creative process behind these vibrant tales of courage...

Today we welcome the icon, activist and president of TransLatin@ Coalition - Bamby Salcedo, who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of transgender Latinas in the United States and beyond.  In this heartfelt conversation, we explore Bamby's incredible journey, from her upbringing on the streets of Guadalajara to becoming a prominent LA figure. We also dive into the impact of Wendy Guevara’s groundbreaking win on La Casa De Los Famosos, what it means for Mexican television and...

Amigues! We have such a special episode today! We’re joined by none other than the Art Papi himself, Mito Aviles, who serves as Art Commissioner of the City of West Hollywood. He tells us all about his life as an artist, how he looks for talent in his current role, and even shares some amazing tips for up-and-coming artists! He reminds us that — no matter who you are — anyone can be artist! Be sure to follow Mito on IG to keep up with all his work @mistertreat   And make sure to follow Fruta...

Amigues! On today’s episode, we're talking pupusas and cumbias all day as author, event producer, activist and founder of the non-profit Salvies Who Lunch, Cyn Gonzalez joins us for an emotional chat about those loved ones that play a vital role in our upbringing and often become our safe space. We had no idea this is where the chisme would take us, pero ni modo. She shares what inspired Salvies Who Lunch, which aims to educate on and promote El Salvador’s culture and empower the Salvadoran...

Amigues! It’s been a minute since we’ve had a check in. Today’s episode, we’re catching up on some chisme, including the latest escandalo in LA’s City Council. If you haven’t heard, Councilmember Curren Price is being charged with 10 felony counts. Aqui les contamos!    Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to know when a new episode drops!   Produced by Marginal Mediaworks, Inc.

Amigues! We have a special episode for you today. Our friend Dino-Ray Ramos recently invited Jose Richard to join him on Problematic Fave. In this episode, we covered Boys Don’t Cry, an emotional film from 1999 that earned Hillary Swank the academy award for Best Actress for the role of Brandon Teena. Please note y’all - this is a tough movie to watch and discuss, so take care while listening. Enjoy!   Follow Dino on instagram @dinoray and subscribe to Problematic Fave wherever you get your...

Amigues! In today’s episode, we delve into the multifaceted career of New York actor, writer, producer Goya Robles, known for his breakout role as Yago in the critically acclaimed series "Get Shorty" and his recurring role in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," We explore his journey as an actor and his passion for using art to create positive change. We also discuss his latest project, Tokyo Cowboy, about two unlikely friends who meet on a ranch in Montana. The film is currently making its way...

Amigues! So excited for you all to hear this one! Our primo and comedy daddy from East Los, Marquez Acuna joins us today to share his journey and his passion for the stage. Full disclosure y’all, this one got a little emotional. We talked about tragedy and how our loved ones who have passed continue to live with us and inspire us to create. Marquez also gives us a crash-course on stand-up comedy, so don’t worry ya’ll, because this wouldn’t be Fruta Fresca without a little bit a...

Amigues! On today’s episode, we’re joined by none other than LA artist and activist, Julio Salgado! He is best known for his artwork that explores themes of immigration, queerness, and social justice. We discuss the challenges of learning to navigate queer spaces as young latinos and Julio shares how his work with The Center for Cultural Power is helping a new generation of artists and digital creators. To apply and learn more about the Disruptors Fellowship, click here.   And make sure to...

Amigues! This episode is long overdue. After months of trying to pin him down, actor, writer, comic, and padrino D’Loco Kid joins us on the pod to talk all things Performance! D’Lo shares how his journey through the stage started with poetry and hip-hop and why he now chooses to make art for QTPOC communities. We discuss the importance of making art from both our separate and our intersecting identities, and D’Lo explains why he feels safest and his most authentic self on stage. If you’re in...

Amigues! On today's episode, we're doing a quick check-in and filling you in the latest nalgona chisme. So grab your cafecito and tap in because Summer is right around the corner and we have a lot to catch up on!    Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to know when a new episode drops!   Produced by Marginal Mediaworks, Inc.

Amigues! In today’s episode, we’re joined by dancer, director, and Queerchata founder, Bex Nitti, for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of creating space. Bex shares how this latin dance project went from a single boombox to the hit community event that it is today. We also talk the power that comes with learning to be your authentic self and of course lots and lots of joteria!   Make sure to check out Queerchata in DTLA every third Saturday of the month! Follow @queerchata and...

Amigues! Today, DJ Sizzle Fantastic (musician, artist, and entrepreneur) joins us for a trip down nostalgia lane. We discuss the music we grew up with and how these sounds inspired Sizzle to create Cumbiaton, the intergenerational Nationwide Pachanga! Our conversation inspired us to build our first Fruta Fresca playlist! Hope you enjoy!   Check out the playlist on Spotify. Follow @sizzle007 and @cumbiaton_la for upcoming events. And make sure to follow Fruta Fresca on...

Surprise! We’re back and more excited than ever! For this season opener, we’re checking in with you to see how your manifestations are going and talk a lot of what we have brewing here at Fruta Fresca. We also get a little deep as Jose Richard opens up their mental health journey this year and how it has inspired some upcoming projects.   Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to know when a new episode...

Amiguis! It’s the end of 2022! Hope you’re all staying warm these holidays wherever you are. In this episode, we’re looking back at all the amazing things that happened in 2022 and thinking about what we hope 2023 brings! Happy New Year and thank you all for your support! See you on the other side.    Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to know when a new episode drops!   Produced by Marginal...

Amiguis! We made it to 25 episodes! As we celebrate this benchmark and get ready for the holidays, we're taking some time to reflect on this journey so far. We're also talking about our own complicated relationship with the holidays, because as we know, this season can be taxing for many. We hope you enjoy!   Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to know when a new episode drops!   Produced by Marginal...

Amiguis! We're very excited to share our first live episode! In this episode, Jose Richard sits down with Diego "2 Pistolas" Garijo aka Lola Pistola - MMA fighter, bare-knuckle boxer, drag performer and artist - in front of a live audience to discuss what it takes to find one's passion. Diego shares some of the lessons he's learned in the ring and on the stage, and how he's able to live without fear. He reminds us that it takes some digging (and maybe a few psychedelics) to figure out what...

Amiguis! We have a special educational treat for you today! We’re giving you a crash course on one of the things we somehow always end up talking about here on Fruta Fresca: Urbanismo. Jose Richard breaks down how red-lining works and who makes the decisions that affect the lives of thousands of residents who live in communities like our beloved South Central. You don’t wanna miss it!   Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast...

Amiguis! Did you miss us? We took a little hiatus but we’re back! In this episode, we’re taking a trip to Jose Richard’s old stomping grounds and reconnecting with an old friend and fellow organizer Tiffany Krystal. In this lighthearted conversation, we’re taking you down memory lane and talking about the spaces that shaped our early adult years. Hope you enjoy!   Make sure to follow us on IG: @frutafresca.podcast @soynalgona   Please review and subscribe to the podcast so you're the first to...

Amigues! I’m sure you’ve been keeping up with the dumpster fire at city hall, so we shifted our plans to bring you this timely episode. This week, we’re joined by Ivette Alé-Ferlito, the co-founder of La Defensa - an organization focused on the intersectional feminist approach to dismantling of oppressive systems. They believe in the importance of investment in community power that thrives on promoting health, wellness, love of their communities, transformative justice, and community...

Amigues! We're so excited to be closing out our Latine Heritage Month series with our most important episode yet. Today, we're joined by Roberta Braga and Maria Isabel Di Franco Quinonez of Equis - a research firm working to create a better understanding of Latino communities, invest in innovative approaches to reach and engage them, and uplift the Latinx leaders of tomorrow. Roberta and Maria Isabel give us a general look at the Latinx vote in 2020 and where it is today. We also discussed...

Amigues! Hope you’re all having a lovely week. Just a quick note - this episode does feature some heavy discussions around self-harm so listener discretion is advised.   In this episode, we’re joined by Brandie Carlos, founder of Therapy For Latinx, a directory that provides resources and connects folks with mental health professionals in an effort to help the Latinx community heal, thrive and become advocates for their own mental health. Brandie opens up about the life-changing moment that...

Amigues! Guess what! Today we are talking all about the media that raised us: TELENOVELAS! We’re talking to two special guests. Dr. Melixa Abad-Izquierdo takes us through the history of the Teleteatro (which we could call a predecessor to Novelas) and draws a direct line from Mexican media of the late 50s to the classics we know and love! We’re also joined by Sergio Gonzalez (future Doctora) for a fun conversation on our favorite novelas, protagonists and villanas! What a rabbit hole of...