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Season 4 | Episode 4

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

Meet Our Cousin Charlene Rodriguez Gomez, This is More Than Family Gossip

Episode Description: What’s better than two family members on this podcast? Of course, three family members!

In our 4^th 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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Season 4 | Episode 1

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

Meet Melissa DuPrey: Afro-Latina Artist Creating Meaningful Connections

Episode Description:

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!

Highlights include:

Tania and Miguel are joined by performer and producer Melissa DuPrey, known for her work on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Empire, Chicago PD, and more.

• Melissa tells us what it was like to work on Grey’s Anatomy after watching it for years.
• We chatted about the importance of representation in popular media and why the role of Dr. Sara Ortiz was so special.
• Melissa tells us about her experiences working alongside some of the most influential and inspiring actors in Hollywood.
• We talk about hometowns and how the neighborhoods we grew up in shape us for the rest of our lives.
• We discussed Melissa’s mental health advocacy work and the importance of giving back to our communities.

About the guest:

Melissa DuPrey is a multidisciplinary artist, producer, and playwright from Humboldt Park, Chicago. She is a critically acclaimed solo artist whose work spans over a decade with 5 full-length solo plays highlighting the intersections of Blackness, queerness, healing, and sexuality. DuPrey is also a community organizer and spiritualist who launched The Good Grief Project in 2020- an extension of the social justice component from her solo play GOOD GRIEF, where communities of color are connected to local, accessible, and multidisciplinary mental and spiritual wellness practitioners of color.

She has performed stand-up comedy in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. She was recently seen as “Dr. Sara Ortiz” on Grey’s Anatomy (Seasons 17 and 18). She’s also been seen on Empire, The Resident, Chicago PD, and The Chi. Her theater credits include works at Court Theater, The Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf, Free Street Theater, Urban Theater Company, Victory Gardens, The Greenhouse Theater, Oracle Theater, and Teatro Luna. She is currently an Ensemble Member at Urban Theater Company and Africaribe.

Links:

SHOW NOTES

Season 3 | Episode 9

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

 Got Sofrito for Your Soul?! Meet George Torres

Episode Description:

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!

Highlights:

Miguel and Tania are joined by community builder, storyteller, and Latinx media mogul George Torres.

• A look at the birth of Sofrito for Your Soul and a reflection on the website’s growth over the past quarter century.
• George shares how a hate crime changed his outlook on the significance of culture and connections.
• Tania and George reminisce about the early days of Coqui the Chef, complete with mascot costume and puppet!
• A discussion about how the stories we share about and around food enrich our connections.
• George shares the Latinx people, stories, and content we should all be following right now.
• Advice on building community online and in “real life,” navigating burnout from advocacy and activism, and applying your energy effectively and meaningfully.

About the guest:

George Torres, also known as the Urban Jibaro, is an industry-leading Latino storyteller, connector, community builder, and talent manager in Latinx media. He’s the creator of Sofrito For your Soul, a Latino storytelling website that celebrates the community’s history and adds context to our legacy, and Sofrito Media Group. This multi-media company produces and manages branded projects appealing to Latinx audiences. In 2022, Torres joined Talento United as a Partner, where he creates content for brands from financing to grooming. He’s also a long-time friend of Coqui the Chef, an avid traveler, an engaging public speaker, and a tireless advocate for community building.

Links:

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Season 3 | Episode 7

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

The Miami Voice of Food & Culture Meet Carlos Frias

Episode Description:

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.

Highlights:

Miguel and Tania chat with two-time James Beard Award winner Carlos Frias.

• A look at Frias’ connections to the Cuban food that shaped his childhood and helped him understand his parents’ life before America.
• A peek behind the triumphant rise of Frias from sportswriter to Editor.
• A selection of the best food Miami offers and some of the food trends Carlos Frias wishes would disappear.
• A discussion on the difference between Cuban food and food in Cuba- no, they are not the same!
• Carlos names the best coquito of all time, and Tania humbly accepts her crown.
• The story behind La Ventanita, the podcast that brought Carlos closer to his community during the pandemic

About the guest: 

Carlos Frias is the host of Sundial, a daily show on the South Florida NPR affiliate station WLRN. Frias served as Food Editor at the Miami Herald for six years and is a two-time James Beard Award winner for his stellar journalism. A Miami native who grew up with parents exiled from Cuba, Frias spent much of his life dreaming of a homeland that existed only in his family’s stories. A 2006 work assignment in Cuba inspired his memoir, Take Me With You: A Secret Search for a Forbidden Family in Cuba.

Links: 

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Season 3 | Episode 7

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

Uplifting Latino Arts in the Heart or the Bronx Meet Flaco Navaja

Episode Description:

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!

Highlights:

In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania and Miguel are joined by Flaco Navaja.

• Flaco explains, in simple(ish) terms what exactly he does.
• A look at the infamous Def Jam Poetry series and how it shaped Flaco’s future.
• What it’s like to write and produce music during an international lockdown.
• How being a Nuyorican has influenced Flaco’s creations.
• What it’s like to be featured on a Blockbuster movie soundtrack, plus the inside scoop on Lin Manuel Miranda.
• A look at the best food Flaco’s ever eaten and how traditional cuisine impacts his artistry.
• And more!

About the guest:

Flaco Navaja was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, by proud Puerto Rican nationalist parents. A singer, actor, and poet, Flaco performs in Spanish and English to crowds worldwide. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase, “All That! Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz,” at the famous Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe. He has performed at national and international venues and events. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam and has appeared on four HBO series episodes. Navaja is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, has appeared in several films & television shows, and was recently featured on the soundtrack of the Blockbuster hit In the Heights.

Links:

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Season 3 | Episode 6

More Than Rice and Beans Podcast®

Building the Bronx of the Future, One Business at a Time Meet the Ramirez Bros 

Episode Description:

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.

Highlights:

Tania and Miguel are joined by entrepreneurs extraordinaire Paul and Anthony Ramirez.

Highlights include:

• A look at how the Bronx shaped the Ramirez brothers into the men they are today.
• The challenges and triumphs that come with opening and operating several businesses at once.
• Why New York state has some of the country’s most exciting and innovative brewers.
• What makes food in the Bronx so unique, and how the Ramirez brothers share that with the world.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Mainland Media, the Ramirez brothers’ media company that has helped launch hundreds of successful brands in NYC and beyond.
• And more!

About the guests:

Anthony and Paul Ramirez are Bronx natives who grew up in a Puerto Rican family. They’ve loved their neighborhood since childhood and have spent their adult years working to shift the perspective of the Bronx through their business endeavors. From retro-inspired t-shirts featured at MOMA to craft beers sold in the heart of Little Italy to media consulting for other Bronx-loving businesses, this duo never ceases to highlight the community, artistry, and strength that makes their borough special.

Links:

SHOW NOTES

Season 3 | Episode 5

More Than Rice and Beans®

Embracing His Father’s Legacy Meet Tito Puente Jr

Episode description:

Even 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!

Highlights:

Tania and Miguel talk with Latin jazz superstar Tito Puente Jr.

Highlights include:

• A look at the legacy of Tito Puente and what it was like to grow up with a father who made music history.
• A discussion on the difficulties and rewards of a music career and why Tito Puente Jr. chose to follow in his father’s footsteps.
• Puente Jr. tells us about the importance of family, heritage, and traditions in his own close-knit family.
• Insight into the pressures of maintaining a legacy while building a name for yourself.
• A look at why Latin jazz music is so uniquely electric and where you can find an experience near you.

About the guest:

Tito Puente Jr. is an internationally recognized powerhouse of Latin jazz percussion. Following in his father’s legendary footsteps, Puente Jr. has performed to audiences across the globe, sharing the joy and heritage of music like mambo with the masses. His 2004 album, In My Father’s Shoes, was turned into a BET Jazz television special, and Puente Jr. was featured on NBC’s The Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem. He’s also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, One Life to Live, and more. His studio albums have received critical praise, and Puente Jr. continues to perform to sold-out audiences regularly.

Links:

SHOW NOTES

Season 3 | Episode 4

More Than Rice and Beans®

Meet Creator of Kiki Koki and Disney Artist Ed Rodriguez 

Episode description:

           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.

Highlights:

Tania and Miguel chat with Nuyorican author, illustrator, and animation artist Ed Rodriguez.

Highlights include:

• A look at Ed’s career before IdeaRworks, including a tenure as Creative Director at Walt Disney Studios.
• A discussion on the Puerto Rican frog that inspired both Ed and Tania in their work.
• Ed tells us about the creative process of designing characters and stories that enchant children.
• A look at why diversity in children’s books, animation, and beyond is so important, especially now.
• Ed gives advice on how to get started in illustration and animation.
• What’s next for Ed Rodriguez, Kiki Koki, and IdeaRworks Studios.

About the guest:

Ed Rodriguez was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Puerto Rican parents. He spent his childhood visiting family in Puerto Rico, where he first encountered the coqui frog, a tiny amphibian that would go on to inspire his very own children’s book. After graduating from Pratt Institute, Rodriguez went on to work as Creative Director at Walt Disney Studios. Over a decade later, he served in other top-tier positions in the creative and animation world before launching his own production company, IdeaRworks Studios. Ed Rodriguez is a master of creating and developing characters, building immersive worlds, and crafting stories.

Links:

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Season 3 | Episode 3 – More Than Rice and Beans®

Salsa Music in the Netherlands Meet Composer Jan Reijnders

Episode description:

            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.

Highlights:

Tania and Miguel chat with composer and producer Jan Reijnders.

Episode highlights include:

• A look at Jan’s childhood in the Netherlands and how it shaped his relationship with music.
• The unusual path Jan took to discover his love of salsa music.
• A visit to the salsa culture of the Netherlands.
• The process of composing, producing, and publishing music as an independent artist.
• Jan’s favorite foods to eat after a performance, with his loved ones, and more.
• Advice for aspiring musicians on how to protect their art and their confidence.

About the guest:

Jan Reijnders grew up in the Netherlands and began playing the accordion when he was nine years old. After a decade of study, he pursued his interest in piano. A self-taught composer, Jan spent years practicing in the orchestral arena before moving into a serious solo career. His first album, Last Dawn Before Sunrise, explored Jan’s interest in cinematic music. His second release, La Flecha y mi Corazon, introduced his fans to his newfound love of salsa music. Today, Jan has hundreds of thousands of listens on Spotify and a global fan base that can’t wait to hear what he does next!

Links:

SHOW NOTES

Season 3 | Episode 2

More Than Rice and Beans®

Meet Brooklyn’s Legendary Toy Sculptor Dave Cortes

Episode description:

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

Highlights:

Tania and Miguel are joined by legendary freelance sculptor and native Brooklynite Dave Cortes.

Episode highlights include:

• Cortes tells us how he went from a fascination with stop-motion animation to sculpting toys.
• What a modern sculptor does, and how it’s different from the clay we all used in high school art class.
• How Cortes broke into the mega-exclusive world of sculpting for comic giants DC and Marvel
• The story behind the famous Captain America sculpture we all know and love.
• What it’s like to be a Latino working in the sculpting field.
• What Cortes is working on next.
• Miguel gets the answers to all his nerdiest comic questions.

About the guest:

           Dave Cortes, a native Brooklynite, was attending the School of Visual Arts when a fascination with stop motion animation evolved into an obsession with creating the characters. Cortes worked at McFarlane Toys as a staff sculptor before snagging deals with DC Comics, Sideshow Toys, Toy Biz, and Marvel. He became a household name in 2016 with the unveiling of his bronze Captain America in his native Brooklyn to recognize the superhero’s 75^th anniversary. Today, Cortes continues to create art in his Park Slope, Brooklyn studio.

Links:

SHOW NOTES

Season 3 | Episode 1

More Than Rice and Beans®

Where Did Mo-fon-go? With Guest Manolo Lopez

Episode Description:

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.

Highlights:  

Tania and Miguel are joined by Manolo Lopez, founder of Mofon-GO, and Cosa Nuestra Collective.

Highlights include:

• A look at the early days of Mofon-GO and how the combination of Puerto Rican culinary traditions and business sense plus an NYU design school education created the magic sauce that made the pop-up pure magic.
• Monfon-GO’s journey to Japan and the reason it took nearly two years to plan a pop-up in Osaka.
• Manolo shares how his mother succeeded in enrolling him in a culinary school when he was just twelve years old, setting the stage for his success in life.
• Tracking the devastation of Hurricane Maria and how Manolo walked away from Monfon-GO to provide humanitarian relief for months in his homeland.
• How the hurricane changed Manolo’s relationship with food, restaurants, and awareness.
• What Manolo is up to now with Cosa Nuestra Collective, international storytelling, podcasting, and more.

About the guest:

Manolo Lopez spent his teenage years in a Puerto Rican culinary school, shuttled three hours each way by his devoted mother. After a lifetime of dreaming of opportunities in America, Manolo discovered a deeper connection to his culture in New York, fueled by the Puerto Rican pride of the diaspora. Inspired by how a simple dish could bring Latinx people together in a place like New York, Manolo launched Mofon-GO, a pop-up tent in Brooklyn’s famous Smorgasborg marketplace. To say it was a success would be an understatement. His venture gained international attention with a pop-up in Osaka, Japan. But at the height of success, Manolo walked away from it all to return to Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. After months of experiencing the impact of food insecurity, Manolo found a new calling and now works to raise money and awareness for disaster relief through curated cuisine experiences and storytelling. He’s also the producer and co-host of the Identity at Play podcast

Links:

Show Notes

Season 2 | Episode 8

Final Episode of Season 2

Episode description:

            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.

Highlights:

• Marcelo shares what makes his company different than the rest of the tourism industry and tells us about the inspiration behind it.
• Why we should all aim to approach travel in a sustainable and mindful way.
• Tips on how to be a good tourist in any destination.
• Marcelo’s favorite trips ever and how he thinks travel impacts humanity.
• Tania grills Marcelo on the importance of food in connecting with new cultures through travel.
• Marcelo shares his challenges as a Latinx entrepreneur.

About the guest:

            Marcelo Munoz is the co-founder of Trip4Good, a sustainable tourism company that aims to use travel to generate social and environmental changes in Chile and Latin America. A life-long traveler himself, Munoz believes in the transformative power of tourism but wants to change how it impacts local communities and nature. Along with his friend and co-founder Rosario, he helps build sustainable travel opportunities that positively impact the destination and the traveler. When he’s not designing new adventures, Munoz is exploring his other passion: surfing, through his work with Surf Therapy Coquimbo.

Links:

Season 2 | Episode 7

More Than Rice and Beans: A Taste of Puerto Rico

Episode description:

            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.

Highlights:

• A look at Miguel and Tania’s personal connections to Puerto Rico
• The best local food in Puerto Rico, and vegetarian meals
• How to make habichuelas, a Puerto Rican style bean stew
• An explanation of the three assorted styles of mofongo, a traditional dish found all over Puerto Rico
• Information on Vieques, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico
• How to explore Mosquito Bay, the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
• Why seeing turtles is necessary in Puerto Rico
• Miguel’s reflections on what made this trip so special

Links:

Season 2 | Episode 6

Show Notes

More Than Rice and Beans: The Bronx Is Not Burning, It’s Thriving! With Guest Amaurys Grullon

Episode description:  

            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.

Highlights:

• Amaurys tells us where the idea for Bronx Native came from and why he decided to go into business with his sister.
• Why New Yorkers feel so much pride in their neighborhoods.
• The highs and lows of getting celebrity exposure for your brand.
• How creating a brand as a Latinx family presented challenges and worked as an asset.
• The pressures and privilege associated with representing your community when you achieve success.
• Amaurys’s favorite meals to eat in the Bronx.

About the guest:

            Amaurys Grullon is the co-founder of Bronx Native, an apparel, art, and media brand devoted to highlighting the strength and beauty of the Bronx and its people. Amaurys and his co-founder, sister Roselyn, grew up in the Longwood section of the Bronx and have always felt passionate about supporting their community. When the pair realized, they were struggling to find clothing that represented their neighborhood, they decided to do it themselves. Bronx Native was launched as a store to sell apparel that starts a conversation and supports the creative community of the Bronx, highlighting local artists, writers, and creators.

Links:

Season 2 | Episode 5

More Than Rice and Beans: Our Voice is Who We Are with Guest Melissa Del Toro

Episode description:

If you’ve ever heard an ad, audio book, or narration that features the warmest, most inviting Midwestern voice ever, you’ve probably 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.

Highlights:  

• Professional voice actor Melissa Del Toro tells Miguel and Tania how she got started in voice acting and grew her business into her very own production company
• How being a white-passing Puerto Rican influenced Melissa’s childhood and connection with the Latinx community
• What it’s like to have a complete recording studio in your own home
• Melissa’s advice for people interested in pursuing a career in vocal work
• All about the fantastic short stories podcast Untold Tales

About our guest:

            Melissa Del Toro is a professional voice actor and CEO of Melissa Del Toro International, a prestigious audio production company in Peoria, Arizona. Melissa has years of experience with dozens of different types of vocal projects, from audio books to ad campaigns. She’s also the host of the popular podcast Untold Tales, featuring a short new science fiction story each week! When she’s not busy recording in her home studio, Melissa is a mother to a young child and loves seeking out new adventures with her family by her side!

Links:

Season 2 | Episode 4

More Than Rice and Beans: Diversity Inclusion Through Food With Guest Vivian Guzman

Episode description:

            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.

Highlights:    

• Vivian Guzman tells Tania and Miguel about her new YouTube series, Dishin’ It.
• Why Vivian thinks eating organic food is the best health gift you can give to your body
• How a health scare with leaky gut syndrome changed Vivian’s outlook on food and life
• Where to find some of the very best food in the world

About Our Guest:

Vivian Guzman is a passionate and gifted self-taught home cook. A Dominican who moved to the states when she was a child, Vivian experienced a turbulent childhood marked by years of uncertainty and instability. By the time she was 35, Vivian had moved over twenty times. But never one to let the past define her, Vivian built a brand out of her unique life experiences and loves to share her story and learn what others have to offer to the world. Vivian is the host of Dishin’ It; a YouTube series focused on bringing people from diverse backgrounds together over a delicious homecooked meal. When she’s not hard at work in the kitchen, Vivian enjoys travel, experimenting with new makeup looks, and sampling cuisine from New York’s best restaurants.

Links:

Season 2 | Episode 3

More Than Rice and Beans: Clowns and Mompreneurs

Episode description:

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 chat 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!

Highlights:

• Lourdes shares how she started Confetti, including her inspiration, struggles, and most significant lessons learned.
• How to stand out in a crowded industry as a Latinx woman.
• How-to carry-on traditions tied to cultural heritage while carving out a future for yourself and your children.
• How Lourdes finds time to connect through food, despite running a successful business.
• Advice for new entrepreneurs on starting a new business.
• How you can learn from Lourdes’ years of experience in her eBook, 10 Steps to Jumpstart Your Business, While Your 9-5 Helps You Fund It

About our guest:  

Lourdes Gamez is the founder and CEO of multiple successful businesses, including Confetti Clowns, Confetti Kids, and Confetti Part Place. Gamez is a native New Yorker with over twenty years of experience building success as an entrepreneur. She is passionate about sharing her hard-earned wisdom with other women, and her recent book, 10 Steps to Jumpstart Your Business (While Your 9-5 Helps You Fund It), aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to find success. Gamez enjoys traveling, laughing with friends, and horror movies when she’s not busy running her multi-business empire. She’s a happily married mother of three human children and one fur baby.

Links:

SEASON 2 | EPISODE 2

Episode description:

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.

Highlights:

In this episode, Tania and Miguel reflect on their family’s experience with reality TV. Highlights include:

• Background information on the TLC reality show “What Not to Wear.”
• Tania’s thoughts on being nominated for a makeover show, and how she surprised she really
• What it was like for Miguel to watch his mom go through the experience, and what he noticed about her afterward.
• How Tania and Miguel think being on a reality TV showed impacted their family, business, and confidence.
• Tania and Miguel’s thoughts on the possibility of a “What Not to Wear” Reboot

 Links:

SEASON 2 | EPISODE 1 Episode description:

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.

Highlights:

In this episode, Tania and Miguel talk about their favorite food memories. Highlights include:

• A discussion on how food contributes to Miguel and Tania’s family life and ways it helps them connect to their culture.
• Tania and Miguel’s favorite childhood meals.
• Recommendations on the tastiest budget eats for times when you are strapped for cash.
• Reflections on the best meals both Tania and Miguel have ever experienced, and thoughts on what made them the best. (It’s so much more than just the food!)

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Episode 5: Hey Gringo with Will Edwards

Episode description:

            “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!

About the guest:

            Will Edwards is the Director of the Food Arts Center at Fedcap, an organization that works to create opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being. Will has over 25 years of experience in international culinary education and is passionate about using food narratives to educate and advocate. He’s also a professional photographer, an experienced public speaker, and is the creator of Anatomy of a Plate, a multi-medium company that produces virtual programming, live performances, and video content. Will works with food industry partners, culinary schools, and food producers around the world to implement innovative strategies.

Highlights:

• The history and etymology behind the term “gringo”
• Will Edwards reflects on all the times he’s been called “gringo” and other terms during his experience working closely with the Latinx community and how it makes him feel.
• Will reflects on the first time he truly understood what it felt like to be an outsider.
• Will’s thoughts on VICKS being touted as a cure-all.
• Miguel reflects on what he learned about the uniqueness of his own culture when he began having interactions outside of his community.
• Miguel, Tania, and Will ruminate on the confusion of “lip pointing,” Latin stoicism, and why Puerto Ricans throw the best parties.
• Tania teaches Will to say “wepa!” like a Puerto Rican.
  

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Episode 4: A Proud Mami 

Episode description:

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.

Highlights:

• Miguel, Valedictorian of the Class of 2020 at Manhattan College, shares the original, uncut version of his speech.
• Miguel reflects on his path to becoming the first college graduate in his family.
• Tania gets much-deserved props for her decision to raise her children in New York City, her fight to get them into good schools, and the examples she set as a hardworking entrepreneur.
• Miguel explains why he pursued an education in mechanical engineering, despite spending over a decade becoming an accomplished musician.
• Miguel reflects on the opportunities he received while studying at Manhattan College.
• Why Tania is prouder of her children’s happiness than any degree or career they’ve earned.

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Episode 3: Mi Abuelita

Episode description:

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.

Highlights:
• Tania shares a story she wrote when working with a storytelling organization called The Moth.
• Tania’s struggles with growing up with chronic asthma, a condition that left her feeling excluded and unloved.
• The decision to send Tania to Puerto Rico to live with her grandmother in the warmer climate.
• How a hill went from being a symbol of frustration to proof of Tania’s strength.

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Episode 2: Latinx Life Remedies with Cat Feliciano 

Episode description:

            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.  

About the guest:

Cat Feliciano is the founder and CEO of Events by Cat, a boutique event coordination and design company in New York City. Cat specializes in bold, beautifully crafted bespoke events and is a certified wedding and event planner. Nuyorican Cat has always loved entertaining and has worked with companies and organizations like Universal Orlando Resort, Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club, and New York Athletic Club. When she’s not working, Cat enjoys volunteering, trying new recipes, dabbling in food photography, and spending time with her friends and family.

Highlights:

• Tania welcomes special guest event and catering planner Cat Feliciano to the show.
• Cat shares about growing up in New York, finding her footing in event planning, and why every season is right for coquito.
• How Cat went from doing administrative work to voice-overs to catering and event planning in a field that continued opening doors for her talent.
• Cat’s health struggles with autoimmune disorders, and why she didn’t seek a diagnosis sooner.
• How holistic healing has helped Cat overcome autoimmune attacks that left her unable to speak or walk, and how the experience has taught her to enjoy every healthy moment of her life.
• Why Cat may be the real-life Dora the Explorer
• Latinx home remedies, and why you’re not an authentic Puerto Rican if you don’t have VICKS in your medicine cabinet.
• How Tania, Miguel, and Cat use their hobbies to manage stress and escape from the world.
• Cat’s experience working with Tania as a volunteer for Coqui the Chef and how their instant connection shaped a friendship.

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Season 1 | Episode 1: Our Love and Hate Relationship with Food

Episode description:

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.

Highlights:

• Tania Lopez is the mom of two adult children and a professional chef in the Bronx, New York.
• Miguel Xavier Diaz-Lopez is a mechanical engineer working with NASA and studying for a Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University.
• Tania and Miguel talk about their inspiration behind the podcast, their plans to showcase inspiring Latinx guests, and what they hope to bring to their listeners.
• Tania reflects on her family’s history as Nuyoricans in the Bronx, their struggles to find a community, and how life has changed.
• Tania’s journey from super picky eater to a professional chef, and why learning to love food was so hard for her.
• Miguel’s relationship with food and how it was shaped by worries about spending money on food, being overweight due to only being able to afford processed food, and learning there was a world of food outside of their neighborhood.
• Our hosts reflect on how important it is to seek healthy, affordable food and talk about diet as a preventative to health problems.

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