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EP#50 Super White & Real Talk with Erik Rivera

This week, La Gata sits down with stand-up comedian Erik Rivera for a conversation that’s as hilarious as it is real. From balancing family life and a booming comedy career to unpacking the pressure of representation in Hollywood, Erik keeps it honest about what it takes to make people laugh—and make it matter.

This week, La Gata sits down with stand-up comedian Erik Rivera for a conversation that’s as hilarious as it is real. From balancing family life and a booming comedy career to unpacking the pressure of representation in Hollywood, Erik keeps it honest about what it takes to make people laugh—and make it matter.

They dive into his creative process, the story behind his bold HBO special Super White, and why authenticity—not stereotypes—is the key to connecting across cultures. Erik opens up about growing up Guatemalan and Puerto Rican, navigating identity, and how a moment watching Coco with his son reshaped how he sees representation on screen.

The conversation expands into the bigger picture: why Latino stories still struggle to get greenlit, the pressure placed on the few that do, and what it will take—from audiences and the industry—to truly shift the narrative. Erik shares his vision as a creator, from developing TV and film projects to pushing for more nuanced, everyday Latino stories that go beyond clichés.

Plus, they get into music (yes, Bad Bunny makes the list), comedy inspirations, cultural clashes in relationships, and the realities of being Latino in rooms where you’re often “the only one.”

Funny, thoughtful, and full of gems, this episode is a reminder that representation isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen right.

Tap in for laughs, perspective, and a much-needed conversation about where we go next.

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EP#49 afrobeat, Dominicanidad & Versatility ft. La Gabi

La Gata sits down with Dominican artist La Gabi for a conversation that's equal parts real and inspiring. la Gabi breaks down her new song Maldita Guerra — a kizomba-infused AfroBeat anthem about finally walking away from a love that was never going to change — and opens up about the personal experiences that made the song hit so close to home.

La Gata sits down with Dominican artist La Gabi for a conversation that's equal parts real and inspiring. la Gabi breaks down her new song Maldita Guerra — a kizomba-infused AfroBeat anthem about finally walking away from a love that was never going to change — and opens up about the personal experiences that made the song hit so close to home.

But the conversation goes way deeper than music. La Gabi talks about the years she spent studying and refining her sound, why she believes an artist's identity is everything, and what it really means to go against the grain in an industry full of trends. She shares her vision of being the Latina Ciara — a full performer who dances, commands a stage, and leaves a trademark.

We also get into Afro-Latina identity and what it means to represent in spaces that don't always see you, the importance of women supporting women in the Latin music industry, and how La Gabi keeps herself grounded through faith, volleyball, and knowing when to put the phone down.

This one's for the girls building something real. 

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EP#48 POP CULTURE & TINGS

Join La Gata as she sits down with media strategist and curator Brenda Valientos for a candid conversation about the highs, lows, and realities of the modern media world.  They dive into viral moments in pop culture, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Tyla, and Ice Spice, and explore how friendships, mentorship, and community shape careers in music and media. Honest, unfiltered, and unapologetically, this episode is for anyone curious about the intersection of culture, music, and the evolving media landscape.

Join La Gata as she sits down with media strategist and curator Brenda Valientos for a candid conversation about the highs, lows, and realities of the modern media world.  They dive into viral moments in pop culture, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Tyla, and Ice Spice, and explore how friendships, mentorship, and community shape careers in music and media. Honest, unfiltered, and unapologetically, this episode is for anyone curious about the intersection of culture, music, and the evolving media landscape.

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EP#47 NOW THAT’S FUNNY FT. AIDA RODRIGUEZ

The Internet isn't ready for this convo! Reggaeton, Culture, And The Real Jokes of the times with the Hilarious and brilliant woman known for her HBO Comedy Special "Fighting Words" and her hilarious set Tiffany Haddish: They Ready on Netflix, my very good friend: Aida Rodriguez.

The Internet isn't ready for this convo! Reggaeton, Culture, And The Real Jokes of the times with the Hilarious and brilliant woman known for her HBO Comedy Special "Fighting Words" and her hilarious set Tiffany Haddish: They Ready on Netflix, my very good friend: Aida Rodriguez.

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EP#45 DESAMOR Y PERREO FT. MATIZ

Ever wonder what its like for a new sad-boy Reggaeton artist to find their voice in the midst of the current Reggaeton era? Bueno aqui estamos! Meet Matiz, a Colombian artist who is just establishing his artistic edge thanks to support from Latin Grammy legend, Pamela Velez.

Ever wonder what its like for a new sad-boy Reggaeton artist to find their voice in the midst of the current Reggaeton era? Bueno aqui estamos! Meet Matiz, a Colombian artist who is just establishing his artistic edge thanks to support from Latin Grammy legend, Pamela Velez.

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Watching the Reggaeton Scene Bubble From Overseas ft. Galilea

Some real talk with Journalist Galilea Méndez drops from Germany about reggaeton’s messy mix of race, misinformation, and accountability. We get into AI fakery, colorism, and history rewriting are watering down reggaeton’s Black roots. From ICE raids to why some stars stay silent, this is a refreshing take—reminding us reggaeton is way more political than it looks.

Follow Reggaeton Con La Gata

tiktok.com/@reggaetonconlagata

Instagram.com/reggaetonconlagata

threads.com/@reggaetonconlagata

 

Some real talk with Journalist Galilea Méndez drops from Germany about reggaeton’s messy mix of race, misinformation, and accountability. We get into AI fakery, colorism, and history rewriting are watering down reggaeton’s Black roots. From ICE raids to why some stars stay silent, this is a refreshing take—reminding us reggaeton is way more political than it looks.

Follow Reggaeton Con La Gata

tiktok.com/@reggaetonconlagata

Instagram.com/reggaetonconlagata

threads.com/@reggaetonconlagata

 

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No More Smoke & Mirrors ft. Daniel Alvarenga

Daniel Alvarenga is the leading Journalist covering the Salvadoran-American experience, host of the brilliant HUMO podcast, and is my dear friend. In this conversation we have a deep dive into the Salvadoran-U.S. policies affecting Latinos as the ICE raids ramp up and what it means to "drink the kool aid."

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The Girls Who Get It, Get It ft. Janel Martinez And Henao

Garifuna from the Bronx, Author, Leader, Friend, Creator of the iconic 'Ain't I Latina' Platform that opened the pioneering destination media space for AfroLatines.  A Texan with Colombian roots, a magic mushroom and a dream. We had a time vibing on what keeps the energy flowing and how to love our roots amidst American upbringing.

Garifuna from the Bronx, Author, Leader, Friend, Creator of the iconic 'Ain't I Latina' Platform that opened the pioneering destination media space for AfroLatines.  A Texan with Colombian roots, a magic mushroom and a dream. We had a time vibing on what keeps the energy flowing and how to love our roots amidst American upbringing. Meet Janel Martinez & Henao. 

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Defining El Flow ft. Nino Augustine

Nino Augustine is a pioneer in AfroLatin House. His smooth, swaggy & witty lines captivate audiences in English and Spanish. As a non-isleño wanting to create music in his own sound, not only has he found it difficult to go "contra la Corriente" or against the tide–but to deal with the aftermath of being seen yet underestimated. This is his story.

Nino Augustine is a pioneer in AfroLatin House. His smooth, swaggy & witty lines captivate audiences in English and Spanish. As a non-isleño wanting to create music in his own sound, not only has he found it difficult to go "contra la Corriente" or against the tide–but to deal with the aftermath of being seen yet underestimated. This is his story.

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Codigos de Bayamon

Unrestricted Queer, Boricua,Brilliance. This artist from Bayamon, PR doesn’t care about the rules. Nohemy’s artistry and her codigos for those aspiring to rise in the industry.

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