Guests share personal stories of survival, enduring friendships, Puerto Rican witchcraft, immigrant struggles, and a mysterious object found underwater in this episode celebrating Hispanic American heritage.
Voting is a fundamental democratic right that should be exercised, and the frustration lies in those who choose not to participate.
The practice of Santeria, with its fusion of African, indigenous, and Catholic beliefs, holds deep cultural significance.
Deep dives
The Journey to Voting
The speaker shares their journey of wanting to vote, facing challenges as an undocumented immigrant, and finally becoming a US citizen. They express the importance of voting and the frustration of those who choose not to exercise this fundamental democratic right.
The Power of Spells
The speaker reflects on their grandmother's practice of Santeria, a syncretic religion combining African and indigenous beliefs with Catholicism. They share stories of their grandmother performing spells with seemingly inexplicable results, highlighting the enduring cultural significance of spiritual practices.
The Frustration of Not Voting
The speaker recounts their regret at not voting in the 2016 election due to delays in their citizenship process. They express anger at the significant portion of the population who have the right to vote but choose not to exercise it, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
Finally Voting
After years of waiting and undergoing the naturalization process, the speaker becomes a US citizen and is able to vote for the first time. They describe the emotional experience of casting their ballot and feeling a sense of empowerment and having a voice.
To celebrate Hispanic American heritage, we present the third in our Hispanic Lives series, guest hosted by Manolo Matos, with stories by Dioselín González, Nelson Lugo, and Nestor "the Boss" Gomez.