Tales From Aztlantis cover image

Tales From Aztlantis

Latest episodes

undefined
Jul 8, 2025 • 37min

Episode 81: How the Hell Did We Get Here

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!In this episode, Tlakatekatl critically examines the current political climate in the United States, particularly the increased targeting and detention of immigrants from Central and South America by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tlakatekatl argues that ICE’s claims of targeting only criminals are false and that the agency is engaging in what amounts to kidnapping. Tlakatekatl also connects the rise of authoritarianism and anti-immigrant sentiment to the mainstream media’s failure to hold power accountable. He concludes by exploring psychological and sociological theories, such as the Authoritarian Personality and Social Dominance Theory, to understand the rise of authoritarian figures that can contribute to the appeal of fascism. Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
Jul 3, 2025 • 52min

Throwback: How Old is the Word Chicana?

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!In this throwback from Season 2 – Episode 35, we discuss the origin and antiquity of the words “Chicana” and “Chicano.” We start by explaining the origin of the episode which began many years earlier as a blog response to a commentary piece by acclaimed author and scholar, Ilan Stavans. We then explore the history of the term, its evolution as an identity for Mexican Americans, and its deep Indigenous Mesoamerican roots. Que viva la Chicana! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
Jun 24, 2025 • 41min

Episode 80: The Chicano Moratorium!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Given the current climate here in Occupied America, we thought it would be worth taking a look at the Chicano Moratorium march of August 29, 1970. The event serves as a good example of how we organized as a community to speak out against an unjust war and the price our people paid fighting in it. This episode was originally released as a Premium (paid only) episode, but we wanted to give everyone a chance to check out our discussion. Enjoy! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
Jun 19, 2025 • 48min

Throwback: Hunab Ku, Ometeotl, & the Vocabulary of Conquest!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 2min

Episode 79: 100 Years of Cosmic Racism!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!In this episode we take a look at the book "La Raza Cosmica" written by Jose Vasconcelos one hundred years ago!  Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 10min

Throwback: The Strange Story of Dr. Atl!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!The Strange story of Dr. Atl! In this episode, we explore the bizarre, fascinating, and contradictory life of one of Mexico's most influential painters: Dr. Atl.  Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
May 27, 2025 • 53min

Episode 78: How Conspiracy Theories Undermine Ethnic Studies!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Recently, Kurly was invited to speak at the inaugural SkeptiCamp New Mexico, hosted by New Mexicans for Science & Reason. In this episode, we take a look at the lecture he gave, which covered the many way sthat conspiracy theories and pseudoarchaeology undermine the goals of ethnic studies programs.Enjoy the show! Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
May 22, 2025 • 1h 15min

Throwback: The Aztec Witches of New Mexico!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!The "Indias Mexicanas" who arrived in New Mexico during early colonization brought with them traditional healing and ceremonial practices. Members of the church often accused these women of practicing "witchcraft." In this episode, we are joined by New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez to discuss the legacies of these women! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
May 15, 2025 • 1h

Ad-Free & Extended Episode 77: The Miraculous Virgin of New Mexico!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Welcome to the ad-free & extended version of Episode 77! As a premium member, we thank you for supporting the podcast.What if I told you that there is an 18th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, armed with an Aztec weapon and surrounded by the bloody violence of the Pueblo Revolt, hanging in the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe? And that the Virgin herself had appeared to a 6-year-old little girl to give a warning about the revolt, and this image of the Virgin would later become known as "The Virgin of the Macana." In our latest episode, we delve into the mythology surrounding the origin of this image and explore its relevance to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, as well as take a look at the presence of Mesoamerican warriors in Colonial New Mexico.All this and more, on this episode of the Tales From Aztlantis podcast!The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a pivotal moment in which the Pueblo people of New Mexico rose up against Spanish colonists, driving them out and securing their independence for 12 years. During the uprising, approximately 21 Franciscans and nearly 400 colonists lost their lives. Interestingly, no artists of that time ever bothered to memorialize this significant event in their work. It wasn’t until the later 18th-century that visual representations of the revolt began to emerge. One such image, a painting known as The Virgin of the Macana—is now housed in the New Mexico History Museum.Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
undefined
May 13, 2025 • 43min

Episode 77: The Miraculous Virgin of New Mexico!

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!What if I told you that there is an 18th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, armed with an Aztec weapon and surrounded by the bloody violence of the Pueblo Revolt, hanging in the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe? And that the Virgin herself had appeared to a 6-year-old little girl to give a warning about the revolt, and this image of the Virgin would later become known as "The Virgin of the Macana." In our latest episode, we delve into the mythology surrounding the origin of this image and explore its relevance to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, as well as take a look at the presence of Mesoamerican warriors in Colonial New Mexico.All this and more, on this episode of the Tales From Aztlantis podcast!The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a pivotal moment in which the Pueblo people of New Mexico rose up against Spanish colonists, driving them out and securing their independence for 12 years. During the uprising, approximately 21 Franciscans and nearly 400 colonists lost their lives. Interestingly, no artists of that time ever bothered to memorialize this significant event in their work. It wasn’t until the later 18th-century that visual representations of the revolt began to emerge. One such image, a painting known as The Virgin of the Macana—is now housed in the New Mexico History Museum. Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app