Welcome to Season 4 of the 500 and Growing Podcast! Host Jesus “Azteca 500” Sanchez kicks off the new season with a powerful, reflective conversation featuring acclaimed poet, performer, and interdisciplinary artist Mayda Del Valle.

The 500 and Growing Podcast is a space dedicated to inspiring creatives to reach their fullest potential, sharing conversations about navigating life's adversities, honoring cultural roots, and staying true to artistic vision. In this premiere, Mayda shares her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the second Poet Laureate of the City of Chicago.

In this episode, we explore:

• Rooted Beginnings: Growing up on Chicago's South Side and launching a landmark career at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café.

  
  

• Breaking Ground: Making history as the youngest and first Latine poet to win the National Poetry Slam.

  
  

• Major Stages & Honors: Reflections on Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Def Poetry Jam, performing at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and being featured on Oprah’s inaugural O Power List.

  
  

• Interdisciplinary Art & Heritage: How Mayda connects poetry, movement, photography, and her 15-year practice in Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba with ensemble Las Bompleneras to transform personal history into shared ritual.

  
  

• City Laureate & New Projects: Her role as Chicago's Poet Laureate and the development of Herencia, a multimedia performance piece exploring Puerto Rican migration to Chicago.

  
  

Connect & Learn More:

• Visit 500andgrowing.com to explore past episodes, show updates, and community initiatives.

  
  

• Visit maydadelvalle.com to explore Mayda's portfolio, upcoming workshops (La Mesa Arté), and artistic works.

  
  

🎧 Stream Season 4, Episode 1 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or directly at ⁠500andgrowing.com⁠!

To experience Mayda's electrifying performance style, watch her iconic piece ⁠Def Poetry - Mayda del Valle - Descendancy⁠ on YouTube, which highlights the raw power, heritage, and poetic artistry she brings to every stage.