The Latinness Podcast

Paola Reyes es una figura arrolladora en la escena gastronómica local panameña. (Nota: este episodio no trata sobre comida.) A través de su proyecto Otra Especia, educa a sus clientes y audiencia sobre el autocuidado mediante la alimentación intuitiva. Además, dirige SALVA, un restaurante muy querido entre los amantes de la comida saludable en Ciudad de Panamá. Desde su apertura en 2022, SALVA ha ganado rápidamente reconocimiento por su comida nutritiva y su ambiente vibrante. El camino de Paola para convertirse en una reconocida emprendedora gastronómica no fue sencillo. Hace diez años, estaba en una trayectoria corporativa, trabajando para una ONG de renombre. No fue sino hasta después de convertirse en madre que decidió reavivar una llama creativa que había estado ardiendo silenciosamente dentro de ella. En este episodio, Paola nos cuenta sobre cómo se desvió de lo que pensaba que era el "camino inteligente" y cómo ese giro ha hecho toda la diferencia en su vida. Hablamos sobre la influencia de la maternidad, la importancia de seguir tu instinto y cómo está redefiniendo el autocuidado.  ------- PAOLA REYES: "Just because you're good at something doesn't make it your passion" Paola Reyes is a force of nature in the local Panamanian gastronomic scene. (Side note: this episode is not about food.) Through her project Otra Especia, she educates her clients and audience on self-care through intuitive eating. Additionally, she runs SALVA, a beloved restaurant among health-conscious foodies in Panama City. Since opening in 2022, SALVA has quickly gained acclaim for its nutritious fare and vibrant ambiance. Paola's journey to becoming a recognized food entrepreneur wasn't straightforward. Ten years ago, she was on a corporate path, working for a reputable NGO. It wasn’t until after becoming a mother that she decided to reignite a creative flame that had been silently burning inside her. In this episode, Paola opens up about veering off what she thought was the “smart path” and how that pivot has made all the difference in her life. We discuss the influence of motherhood, the importance of following your gut—both literally and figuratively—and how she is redefining self-care.

La artista visual argentina Josefina Guarracino, más conocida por su alias Pepita Sandwich, pasó su infancia leyendo Mafalda y dibujando sus propios personajes como una forma de escapar de la vida cotidiana, sin imaginarse nunca que podría convertirse en una carrera. Un punto de inflexión llegó cuando ganó una beca para estudiar fotografía en Milán, donde descubrió su pasión por la ilustración. Ahora, autora publicada con un MFA en Cómics del Center for Cartoon Studies en Vermont y colaboradora frecuente de publicaciones prestigiosas como The Washington Post y The New Yorker, Guarracino está radicada en Nueva York, lanzando su tercer título, "El Arte de Llorar," donde explora la ciencia detrás de nuestras lágrimas. Con su estilo de dibujo único y voz ingeniosa, representa a una nueva generación, utilizando sus habilidades narrativas para explorar temas universales como la salud mental, la nostalgia, la diversidad y el feminismo. En este episodio, hablamos sobre su amor por los sándwiches, el proceso de encontrar su pasión y por qué ya no se avergüenza de llorar en público (y por qué nosotros tampoco deberíamos hacerlo). ------- Pepita Sandwich: "It's what's  beautiful about art, being able to evoke an emotion" Argentinian visual artist Josefina Guarracino, better known by her alias Pepita Sandwich, spent her childhood reading Mafalda and drawing her own characters as an escape from everyday life, never imagining it could become a career. A turning point came when she won a scholarship to study photography in Milan, where she discovered her passion for illustration. Now, a published author based in Brooklyn with an MFA in Comics from the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont and a frequent contributor to prestigious publications such as The Washington Post and The New Yorker, Guarracino is launching her third title, "The Art of Crying," where she explores the science behind our tears. With her unique drawing style and clever voice, she represents a new generation, using her storytelling skills to explore universal themes such as mental health, nostalgia, diversity, and feminism. In this episode, we discuss her love of sandwiches, the process of finding her passion, and why she’s no longer ashamed to cry in public (and why we shouldn’t be either).

En el ámbito de la fotografía de moda en América Latina, pocos nombres brillan tan intensamente como el de Andrés Oyuela, nacido en Bogotá. Reconocido por su trabajo en resaltar la belleza latina tradicional que admiraba desde joven, el artista colombiano no comenzó inicialmente su viaje como fotógrafo. Atraído por el mundo creativo a través del cine, fue un momento crucial en su clase de iluminación lo que lo llevó a descubrir su talento para capturar la esencia de las personas a su alrededor. Como joven creativo, Oyuela se abrió camino en la industria impulsado no solo por su habilidad, sino también por un carisma irresistible. Esta combinación ganadora le abrió puertas en Vogue y oportunidades para fotografiar luminarias latinoamericanas como Carolina Herrera y J Balvin, entre muchos otros. Después de mudarse a Nueva York en busca de un desafío profesional, Oyuela experimentó un momento transformador en su carrera que lo hizo cuestionar el trabajo que estaba haciendo. Fue esta experiencia la que eventualmente le dio paso para establecerse como una voz influyente para la región con una visión creativa firme. Acompáñanos mientras nos sumergimos en su narrativa y conocemos más sobre su último proyecto "THINGS YOU MISSED”. ------------- ANDRES OYUELA: “I had to move to New York to realize I was Colombian” In the realm of fashion photography in Latin America, few names shine as brightly as Bogota-born Andres Oyuela. Renowned for his work in highlighting the traditional Latin beauty he grew up admiring, the Colombian artist didn’t initially begin his journey as a photographer. Drawn to the creative world through cinema, it was a pivotal moment in his lighting class that led him to discover his talent in capturing the essence of the people around him. As a young creative, Oyuela carved his spot in the industry fueled not only by his skill, but also by an irresistible charisma. This winning combination opened up doors for him at Vogue and opportunities to photograph Latin American luminaries like Carolina Herrera and J Balvin, amongst many others. After a relocation to New York in pursuit of a career challenge, Oyuela experienced a transformative moment in his career which made him question the work he was doing. It was this experience that eventually has given way to establishing himself as an influential voice for the region with a steadfast creative vision. Join us as we delve into his narrative and learn more about his latest project “THINGS YOU MISSED”.

San-Diego born ready-to-wear designer Jonathan Cohen always harbored ambitions of launching his own brand. Following his education at Parsons School of Design and experience with industry luminaries like Patricia Field and Oscar de la Renta, Cohen and his business partner Sarah Leff took the plunge in 2011. They recognized a gap in the market and sought to “inject more color” diverging from the monotonous black. By embracing vivid hues and floral prints inspired by his Mexican roots and California upbringing, Cohen's eponymous brand has made its mark in the New York fashion scene over the past decade. He was recognized as a runner-up in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2018, and gained further acclaim in 2020 for dressing First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on the eve of the presidential inauguration. Throughout his journey, Cohen has eschewed conventional industry norms, relying on his personal vision to drive his business forward and navigate obstacles. In this conversation, he reflects on the importance of kindness in the pursuit of success, shares how his creative process has been a journey of self-discovery, and discusses the guiding principles behind his work.

En este episodio exploramos la vida y carrera de Maritere Castellanos Esteve, la comediante y creadora de contenido puertorriqueña detrás de la cuenta MADRES EN CUARENTENA. Con más de un millón de seguidores en Instagram, la madre de tres hijos es conocida por su autenticidad y humor. A través de sus redes, comparte anécdotas humorísticas que resuenan con madres hispanas en todo el mundo. En este episodio, nos sumergimos en el viaje tardío de Maritere en las redes sociales, desde sus comienzos como maestra de drama hasta un intento de casting en Televisa. Nos cuenta sobre sus inspiraciones, proceso creativo y su más reciente lanzamiento: un espectáculo de stand-up comedy en su amada Puerto Rico. Si deseas conocer más historias de creativos de Latinoamérica, visita www.latinness.com o síguenos en @latinness__. [https://www.instagram.com/latinness__/?__d=1] ------------- In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Maritere Castellanos Esteve, the Puerto Rican comedian and content creator behind the account MADRES EN CUARENTENA. With over a million followers on Instagram, the mother of three is known for her authenticity and humor. Through her social media platforms, she shares humorous anecdotes that resonate with Hispanic mothers worldwide. In this episode, we immerse ourselves in Maritere's late journey into social media, from her beginnings as a drama teacher to an audition attempt at Televisa. She shares about her inspirations, creative process, and her most recent venture: a stand-up comedy show in her beloved Puerto Rico. If you want to discover more stories of creatives from Latin America, visit www.latinness.com or follow us on @latinness__. [https://www.instagram.com/latinness__/?__d=1]