More Than Rice and Beans

What's better than two family members on this podcast? Of course, three family members!

In our 4th episode, we are joined by our cousin, Charlene Rodriguez Gomez. However, this is more than just family gossip—Charlene is a determined Latina fighting for opportunities for Puerto Ricans in her career. Listen as this trio discusses the challenges facing the people of Puerto Rico, offers financial tips and solutions, and reveals what is really happening in Puerto Rico. Moreover, Charlene gives us new insight into the family and shares her favorite foods and traditions.

Highlights:

• A look at Charlene’s career with the federal sector in Puerto Rico.
• A discussion of some of the unique challenges people in Puerto Rico are facing.
• How Charlene’s own experience as a Latina inspired her career path into government work.
• Career advice for people from marginalized communities interested in a role like hers.
• A dive into family food and traditions and more…

About the guest:

Charlene Rodriguez Gomez works with the federal sector in Puerto Rico. Her work has helped to bring vital assistance to areas of Puerto Rico that experience persistent poverty and economic distress. She lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is Tania’s cousin!

Links and resources we talked about in the episode.

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In our 3rd episode for season 4, the multi-talented Jacqueline Vazquez joins us. Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime Events by Jacqueline, a premiere wedding and event planning company that creates memorable experiences around the world.

She’s also an internationally recognized industry expert, educator, mentor, author, and more! Tania, Miguel, and Jacqueline discuss the challenges and rewards of being a strong Latina in a competitive industry, explore how family traditions shape the events Jacqueline loves planning, talk travel and bundling a global brand. Plus, Jacqueline shares her hard-earned advice for anyone looking to break into the event planning business.

Fewer than a quarter of third generation Latinx in the U.S. speak Spanish, but Wendy Ramirez is on a mission to change that. In this episode, Tania and Miguel are joined by the founder and CEO of Spanish Sin Pena (Spanish Without Shame), Wendy Ramirez.

The trio breaks down the stigma and barriers that keep many Latinx people from learning their first language, talks about how connecting through language learning creates deep community and empathy, and discusses Sin Pena's ongoing advocacy work for hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico. If you've ever considered learning Spanish or are trying to connect with an Indigenous language of your own, you don't want to miss this episode!

Links

We're back! To celebrate our season 4 premiere, we're joined by Afro-Latina multidisciplinary artist, producer, and playwright Melissa DuPrey.

You may know her as Dr. Sara Ortiz on Grey's Anatomy, but did you know she's also a stand-up comedian, a community organizer, and a theatrical performer with over a decade of experience performing in full-length solo plays?! We dig into her career, advocacy, experiences, and of course, food! Plus, Melissa shares why she loves her hometown of Chicago so much and what she's working on next. You don't want to miss this one!

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George Torres is the guy who knows everyone. He’s a master at connecting people, sharing stories, and building community in digital spaces. 

On this final episode of season 3, Tania and Miguel chat with the award-winning Sofrito for Your Soul founder about the importance of storytelling, how to connect with your culture and traditions in modern ways, the changes and challenges brought by social media, and of course, food!

Carlos Frias’ life has been shaped by food from his father’s work as a prison cook to earn his exit visa from Cuba to his childhood spent watching Cuban men gather at Miami’s coffee windows to his six years as food Editor at the Miami Herald. 

In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel and Tania talk with Frias about his journey to connecting with his Cuban heritage, which later inspired his memoir, his views on the Miami food scene, and his favorite coquito recipe of all time. Plus, we learn what makes a meal genuinely great, hear about his time in Cuba, and gain insight into his latest James Beard Award win.

It takes a talented person to become a successful spoken word artist. Or an actor. Or a salsa singer. It takes the one and only Flaco Navaja to do it all. 

In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania, and Miguel chat with the multi-faceted legendary Nuyorican about being featured on the In the Heights soundtrack, touring the world with Def Jam Poetry, and more. Plus, you’ll hear Flaco’s suggestions for all things food, music, and poetry. You don’t want to miss this one!

Some siblings fight. Others only see each other on holidays. And some start multiple successful businesses together, right in their own neighborhood. 

In this episode of More Than Rice and beans, Tania and Miguel are joined by brothers Paul and Anthony Ramirez. The Ramirez brothers own several successful Bronx-based businesses, including the Bronx Beer Hall, Taste of the Bronx, and From the Bronx. Listen in as this group chats about life and food in the Bronx, why the New York beer scene is the best, and more.

People who don’t know Latin music know Tito Puente. In the 1950s, he brought Latin jazz to the mainstream, earning him the moniker “King of Mambo.” Now, his son Tito Puente Jr. continues his father’s legacy. 

In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel and Tania chat with Tito Puente Jr. about his childhood, career, and traditions. Fans of music of any kind will enjoy hearing this perspective of music history and cheer for Jr’s incredible ability to marry the past and the present in his own unique style. This is one you won’t want to miss!

What artist wouldn’t love to have a chance to create for Walt Disney Studios?! 

Ed Rodriguez kicked off his impressive career doing just that and serving as Creative Director there for over a decade was just the beginning. In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel sit down with animator/illustrator/author/all-around-genius Ed Rodriguez to talk about his career, the creation of Kiki Koki, his best-selling children’s book series, and his production company, IdeaRworks. You won’t want to miss this fascinating look at what it’s like to break into an industry, make it to the top, and then strike out on your own.

Tania and Miguel are joined by composer/producer Jan Reijnders on this episode of More Than Rice and Beans. 

When you think of salsa music, do you picture a tropical beach? How about a dark New York dance club? What about windmills? 

For Jan Reijnders, the Netherlands provided the backdrop to learn about, fall in love with, and begin composing salsa music. In this fun episode, Miguel and Tania learn about Jan’s background, career, and journey into Latin music.

Have you ever wondered who is behind all the action figures and miniatures that line the aisles at toy stores? 

Chances are, you’ve seen something created by this week’s guest, sculptor Dave Cortes! Tania and Miguel are joined by Cortes, a legendary sculptor from Brooklyn who has worked with Marvel, DC, Sideshow Toys, and more. In 2016, Cortes created the thirteen-foot bronze sculpture of Captain America that was unveiled in celebration of the superhero’s 75th birthday. 

Don’t miss this exciting episode of More Than Rice and Beans to learn about Cortes’ rise to success, sculpting process, and more!

SHOW NOTES

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When you start culinary school at age 12, your life moves quickly. At least that was the case for Manolo Lopez, who by age 26 had launched a successful pop-up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn serving just one perfect dish: mofongo. In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel are joined by chef, entrepreneur, producer, activist, and proud Nuyorican Manolo Lopez. The trio explores the unifying magic of mofongo, the success of Lopez’s pop-up concept that took him to Japan, the impacts of Hurricane Maria, and more.

Season 2 | Eps 8 - Final episode of Season 2 - Tania and Miguel chat with the founder and CEO of Trip4Good, Marcelo Munoz. This unique approach to tourism in Chile encourages travelers to engage with and support the local communities that make each destination so special. Plus, Marcelo shares his favorite personal travel stories and teaches us how to make our own tourism more sustainable. He’s also got indispensable advice on creating and running your own business, so you won’t want to miss this episode of More Than Rice and Beans.

Season 2 | Eps 7 - What would you do if you could spend a month exploring Puerto Rico? More Than Rice and Beans’ very own Miguel is here to give you some ideas. 

Miguel fills Tania in on his time there. From the incredible local food like mofongo and learning to make a traditional bean stew. Eating through Puerto Rico was an adventure. Miguel also talks about his favorite experiences, like exploring the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay on the island of Vieques and meeting the local turtles. Traveling to Puerto Rico is always a special experience, but Miguel is eager to share why this vacation was more meaningful than ever.

Season 2 | Eps 6 - There’s no pride quite like the people from New York’s boroughs have in their neighborhoods. In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel are joined by Amaurys Grullon, the co-founder of Bronx Native, an apparel, art, and media brand devoted to highlighting the beauty of the Bronx and lifting fellow Bronx creatives. Amuarys shares the inspiration and challenges behind creating a niche brand to serve his community, and shares how Bronx Native is working to educate and inspire their neighborhood and beyond.

Season 2 | Eps 5 - If you’ve ever heard an ad, audiobook, or narration that features the warmest, most inviting midwestern voice ever, you’ve been listening to this week’s guest! Melissa Del Toro is a voice actor from Peoria, Arizona, who runs her own production company, Melissa Del Toro International. In addition to being a killer vocal talent, Melissa is also a proud Puerto Rican who connected with her roots a bit later in life. Join us this week as Tania, Miguel, and Melissa explore how different the Latinx experience can look, how we can use our voices to share our stories, and how you can enjoy Melissa’s voice each week through her podcast, Untold Tales.

Season 2 | Eps 4 - One of life’s greatest pleasures is sharing a delicious home-cooked meal with an interesting friend. This week’s guest on More Than Rice and Beans does just that in her series, Dishin’ It. Vivian Guzman is a talented home cook, an avid traveler, and a proud Latinx New Yorker. Tania and Miguel chat with Vivian about the inspiration behind her show, explore how unexpected health problems changed the way she thought about the food we put in our bodies and dive into what it’s like to experience instability in childhood.

Season 2 | Eps 3 - Finding your niche and starting a successful business is a struggle for everyone, but Latinx women face their own unique set of challenges. In today’s episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel chatted with the founder and CEO of Confetti Party Place, Lourdes Gamez. Specializing in children’s party entertainment, Gamez has carved out a unique and exciting business in the Bronx. Tania, Miguel, and Lourdes talk about carrying on traditions, what success means, and of course, food!

Season 2 | Eps 2 - Who remembers the TLC reality makeover show called “What Not to Wear?” For a decade, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly taught us the “rules” for dressing our bodies, made us daydream about being handed a $5,000 VISA gift card, and showed us the transformations that were possible with just the right clothes, a great haircut, and the correct shade of foundation. You may be surprised to find out that our very own Tania was featured on the famous show in its last season! In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel talk about the show’s impact on their family, the lasting effects of the makeover, and what it’s really like being on a reality TV show.

Season 2 | Episode 1 - What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? That’s the question Miguel and Tania tackle in this episode of More Than Rice and Beans. The meals we love have great food at the center but are most meaningful because of who we share them with. The mother and son duo also talk about why food has been important to their family, how it helps us connect with diverse cultures, and how to eat well even when you’re low on cash. Join us for the first of many conversations about food, Latinx culture and stories, traditions, and more.

Season 1 | Ep.5 - “Hey, gringo!” is a phrase guest Will Edwards has heard many times. In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel and Tania chat with the Director of Fedcap’s Food Arts Center about his experiences with Latinx culture. Working in New York’s culinary field, Will has lots of experience being the white guy in a room full of minorities. His unique perspective on navigating Latinx culture as an outsider opens up a conversation about traditions, superstitions, and the time Tania confused a party with a funeral. You don’t want to miss this funny collaborative episode!

Season 1 | Ep. 4 - Did you know that Miguel was Valedictorian of the Class of 2020 from Manhattan College?! In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel shares the speech he wrote and hoped to give in front of his classmates, beloved teachers, and family. COVID-19 delayed that event, and in the end, it was held virtually. Proud mom Tania hopes hearing Miguel’s words about becoming bigger than your history, finding your path, and creating the future you desire inspires you.

Season 1 | Ep. 3 - In honor of National Puerto Rican Day, this special episode of More Than Rice and Beans highlights a Puerto Rican that shaped Tania’s life: her Abuelita. Tania shares a recording of a story she wrote while working with The Moth, a New York-based storytelling organization. In this moving piece, Tania talks about her childhood as a chronic asthmatic who spent time in and out of the hospital before being sent to Puerto Rico to live with her grandmother. While there, Tania not only learned to breathe, but she also learned she was as strong as her Abuelita.

Season 1 | Ep. 2 - Tania and Miguel welcome special guest Cat Feliciano on this episode of More Than Rice and Beans. A catering and event planner, Cat has years of experience as a hardworking, successful Nuyorican in a tough industry. But even though it seemed all the doors opened for her in the event planning world, Cat experienced obstacles with her own body. In her early 30s, Cat was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that has left her unable to speak or walk several times. In this important look at health, holistic remedies, and perseverance, Cat and our hosts explore overcoming obstacles, lessons learned through hardship, and how hobbies can help us escape.

Season 1 | Ep. 1 - In this premiere episode, Miguel and Tania introduce themselves through their family’s relationship with food in this mother-son podcast. Tania, a professional chef in the Bronx who shares her passion for healthy, authentic food through community outreach, discusses the long journey of learning to love food. And Miguel, a Ph.D. student working with NASA, reflects on how periods of food insecurity during his childhood complicated his feelings on health, finances, and access. Plus, Tania and Miguel share their inspiration for starting the podcast and what you can expect from future episodes.