Actor Hemky Madera joins us for a powerful and heartfelt season finale. Best known for his fan-favorite role as “Pote” on Queen of the South, Hemky opens up like never before about his Dominican roots, growing up in Washington Heights, New York, fatherhood, marriage, Hollywood, and the long journey to making it as an actor.

In this raw and funny conversation, Hemky shares how he knew he wanted to become an actor at just five years old and reveals the many jobs he worked before landing major roles, including waiter, bartender, babysitter, and driver. While audiences know him for playing intense and dangerous characters in movies and hit shows like Queen of the South, Euphoria, and The Mandalorian, Hemky explains why he is actually the complete opposite in real life: funny, loving, goofy, and always joking around.

The two also dive into Dominican pride, representation in Hollywood, their respect for Manny Perez and what Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win meant for Dominican actors and Latinos everywhere. Hemky reflects on balancing his love for the Dominican Republic and America, staying grounded through fame, and what’s next for his career, including returning to the Star Wars universe and the new season of Euphoria.

This episode is full of laughter, motivation, culture, family, vulnerability… just a beautiful conversation with one of the most respected Dominican actors in Hollywood.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Sunshine opens up about his early childhood, including growing up in an abusive household and the difficult years when his mother was forced to enter the shelter system for stability for their family.

He reflects on how those experiences shaped his mindset, his hustle, and his purpose. The conversation dives into the moment he discovered his voice at just five years old, singing a Menudo song at home, and how that spark led to a lifelong passion for music.

Tony also addresses dropping out of school in the fifth grade and shares whether that decision impacted his journey in business and the music industry. From there, we get into his early rise, performing alongside legends like Eddie Santiago and Celia Cruz as a child, before eventually crossing paths with Fat Joe in the Bronx.

Tony shares how that relationship changed his life, leading to major moments in hip-hop history, including collaborations with Big Pun and the creation of the iconic hit “100%.” We also explore deeper themes of loyalty, family, and survival, including Tony’s battle with addiction.

In one of the most vulnerable parts of the interview, he reveals how he disappeared from the spotlight to detox on his own and ultimately fought his way back to health and clarity.

Now at 49, Tony Sunshine is stepping into a new chapter. He talks about his latest collaboration with Lil Pump, representing Latino voices in hip-hop, and gives insight into his upcoming Spanish-language album featuring bachata, merengue, reggaeton, and more.

This episode is a story of pain, perseverance, culture, and comeback. Tony Sunshine proves that no matter where you start, your voice can carry you through anything.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎭 We sit down with Blood Love star Christopher M. Ramirez (Anzick) and choreographer Jonathan Platero, one of the creative forces behind the dance sequences seen throughout the entire play, for a fun, honest, and inspiring conversation about Latinidad, Vampires, Broadway, culture, and chasing your sueños.

Christopher opens up about his journey as the son of a Colombian 🇨🇴, growing up in Indiana, and making his Broadway debut in Real Women Have Curves. We talk about identity, representation, and what it means to proudly be Latino, even if you don’t speak Spanish, while still staying deeply connected to your roots. He also breaks down his role in Blood Love, what it took to land it, and the incredible cast and creative team behind the production.

Jonathan Platero shares his story as the son of a Salvadoran 🇸🇻 parents raised in Florida, his rise to fame as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 5), and his journey into choreography. We get into his love story with his wife, Oksana, a standout star from Dancing with the Stars, their work together, and what it’s like co-choreographing Blood Love on stage.

Together, we talk about the importance of Latino representation in Broadway, supporting our own, and why showing up for Latino-led projects matters more than ever.

This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and behind-the-scenes gems from one of the most exciting shows in NYC right now.

🎟️ Make sure to check out Blood Love, now playing at Theater 555 in NYC through May 10th - tix are on sale now at BloodLove.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeff Gardere, widely known as “America’s Psychologist,” for a conversation that feels like a real-life therapy session. From his roots as the son of Haitian immigrants raised in Brooklyn, New York, to becoming one of the most recognized psychologists in media, Dr. Jeff opens up about his journey, purpose, and impact.

We dive into his incredible career spanning decades, from psychology and academia to television, where he’s appeared on major platforms like VH1’s Love & Hip Hop, Real Housewives, Bravo, and more. Dr. Jeff shares how he became a trusted voice in family relationships, mental health, and culture, and how he’s remained relevant since 1987.

This episode goes beyond the surface. We talk about mental health in the Black, Latino, and Caribbean communities, breaking generational stigma, healing trauma, and learning how to truly speak our truth. Dr. Jeff also gives real, actionable advice on how to protect your peace, improve your mental health, and navigate today’s world, including the emotional toll of current events impacting our communities.

We also get into the effects of social media on self-worth, how families can begin the process of generational healing, and how even a psychologist like Dr. Jeff prioritizes his own mental wellness.

This conversation is about truth, healing, and growth. It’s not just an interview, it’s an experience.

If you’re Latino, Caribbean, or anyone looking to better understand your mental and emotional health, this is a MUST watch/listen.

Tap in now. This one might just change your life. 💙

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with viral social media sensation Bryan the Diamond, the Florida-raised influencer with Brazilian roots who turned everyday moments into millions of followers and built a loyal community of “besties” across TikTok and Instagram.

Now living his best Cat Dad life in Miami, Bryan opens up like never before in this raw, unfiltered, and high-energy conversation. We get into everything, from his upbringing and being raised by his mom and grandmother, to his early days filming content in his car, long before the fame. Bryan shares what he was doing right before going viral, including delivering food for DoorDash, and the exact moment he realized he had a real connection with an audience.

We also dive into identity, community, and what it means to be Latino with Brazilian roots, staying connected to Latin America while building a massive platform in the U.S. Plus, he talks about his love for animals, life as a cat dad, and how New York has been treating him during his visit. With over 10 million followers gained since COVID, Bryan the Diamond is more than just viral moments, he’s a story of resilience, authenticity, and connection.

This interview goes beyond the content and gives you the real Bryan, the heart, the journey, and the person his fans don’t always get to see. If you’re one of his “besties” or just discovering him, this is a must-watch. Tap in now and get to know Bryan the true Diamond. 💎

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Brooklyn’s own Edgar Berlanga for one of his most honest and revealing conversations yet. This isn’t just about boxing, this is about the man behind the fighter.

Berlanga opens up about growing up in Brooklyn as a proud Puerto Rican, the influence of his family, and the complicated but powerful relationship he has with his father. Despite his father being in and out of prison throughout his life, Berlanga shares how that bond shaped him, and why love and motivation define their connection today.

We also get into his career and what’s next. From his focus on making a major comeback in the ring, to having a deal in place and a fight date on the horizon, Berlanga addresses everything, including the tough loss to Hamzah Sheeraz on July 12 at the Armstrong Theater in Flushing. He speaks candidly about that moment, what he learned from it, and how it’s fueling his next chapter.

We also talk potential matchups, including a possible clash with Chris Eubank Jr., and where he stands in today’s evolving boxing landscape, including his thoughts on influencer boxing and names like Jake Paul.

Beyond the ring, this episode shows a different side of Berlanga. A father, a son, a provider, someone who gives back to his community and deeply values the people around him. He addresses the biggest misconceptions about him and how his flashy lifestyle and social media presence don’t always reflect who he truly is.

And there’s another layer you might not expect, Berlanga talks about his love for music and reveals that he’s been creating music behind the scenes for years. Now, he’s stepping into that space publicly with his upcoming single “Baby Mama”, embracing a new level of vulnerability and creativity.

This conversation is about growth, redemption, family, and identity. It’s about seeing the real Edgar Berlanga, not just the headlines, not just the highlight reels, but the human being behind it all.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Gracias, Come Again Podcast, we sit down with trailblazer Rossana Rosado for a powerful conversation about identity, storytelling, and what it means to open doors for the next generation.

Born and raised in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Rossana shares how her upbringing shaped her drive and her deep commitment to community. With more than three decades in media, she built an extraordinary career as a journalist and executive, starting as a City Hall reporter at El Diario La Prensa, the nation’s oldest Spanish-language newspaper and a cornerstone of Latino media in the Tri-State area. She went on to make history as the publication’s first woman Editor-in-Chief, later becoming Publisher and CEO.

Rossana also reflects on her time working in television at WPIX-TV, where her work producing public service programming earned her an Emmy Award, along with other major honors including a Peabody Award. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about navigating media spaces as a young Latina, hustling for stories, and establishing herself in rooms that were not always designed for women like us.

Her journey eventually led her into public service, including serving as New York’s Secretary of State and now as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, where she helps shape policy and support public safety initiatives across the state.

Rossana joins us to talk about her new memoir, Bronx Attitude, where she shares the lessons, struggles, and victories that defined her career. She also explains why she believes everyone has a story worth telling and why she’s now committed to helping others find their voice and share their truth.

This conversation is about perseverance, purpose, and the power of representation. Rossana Rosado is proof that when you stay the course, believe in yourself, and push open doors that seem closed, you can create a path for countless others to follow.

Watch the full episode and be inspired by a true Latina pioneer in media and public service.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former CNCO member R!ch Yashel sits down for a personal conversation about his journey from a kid with big dreams to an international Latin pop star.

In this episode, Rich opens up about growing up as the child of Dominican immigrants and how his parents made the bold decision to leave Rhode Island for Miami to help him chase his dream of becoming a singer. From early auditions on shows like American Idol and The X Factor to the life changing moment he landed on La Banda, the reality show that created the global Latin pop phenomenon CNCO.

Rich shares what it was like to gain millions of fans around the world at a young age, navigate fame, and now step into a brand new chapter of his career. We talk about his latest single, creative freedom, fatherhood, and the lessons he’s learned about the music business after years in the spotlight. He also reflects on a moment when he nearly gave up on music entirely and considered becoming a chef before rediscovering his passion and purpose.

This conversation is about growth, truth, resilience, and learning to follow what feels right.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.