Michelle Telléz

Michelle Telléz, an Associate Professor specializing in Mexican-American studies, shares her personal journey with Día de los Muertos following her father's death, emphasizing the balance of grief and joy. Matthew Sandoval, a scholar known as Dr. Muerte, discusses the evolving nature of this ancient ritual and its significance in honoring ancestors. Together, they explore how communal remembrance fosters connection, the impact of commercialization on tradition, and the role of rituals in shaping cultural identity and easing children's understanding of death.

Michelle Telléz, an Associate Professor in Mexican-American studies, and Mathew Sandoval, an artist and expert on Día de los Muertos, dive into the healing power of rituals. They discuss how Día de los Muertos celebrates life while honoring loss, highlighting emotional connections through ofrendas. The conversation explores the tradition's rich history, its evolution, and the tension between authenticity and commercialization. Personal stories illustrate how these rituals help families process grief, illustrating death as a continuum of love.