Audio From LWC Studios

Volume 25 is something a little different

This 25th edition of ¡El Playlist! is the last for March—but that’s only because I plan to meet with a ton of Latine podcasters next week, which means I’ll have a bunch of new shows to tell you about starting in April.

And since 2024 is turning into the year of taking risks and trying new things, this issue deviates from the indie podcasting world a bit to celebrate the work of LWC Studios, founded by Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, a Dominican-born journalist and entrepreneur. They produce a slew of podcasts (and films), and also have an awards fund that subsidizes podcasters in 2 ways: education and awards submissions.

In case you didn’t know, seeking an award is an expensive endeavor. A single category submission for The Ambies (stylized after The Academy Awards) is $200. In 2023, I submitted my show for an Ambie in 3 categories…and received a nomination in none! You don’t get your money back if you fail to get a nod, but the Podcasting Seriously Fund helped cover that cost. To express my gratitude for that resource, here’s a look at a couple of their shows.

These aren’t strictly Latine shows either but they do celebrate people of color.

How to Talk to [Mamí & Papí] About Anything

Description: "My two sons' godmother, who is a first-generation Dominican in New York City, was having a really, really hard time getting through to her mother about taking extra precautions during the start of the COVID pandemic," says Juleyka Lantigua, host and creator of How to Talk to [Mamí & Papí] about Anything, Apple Podcasts' Spotlight show for January 2023. "It was like they were speaking to each other in two different languages. The cultural and generational differences between them seemed to push them further apart as their conversations progressed. I realized they represented millions of children and parents enmeshed in a drag-out white-knuckle fight because those of us who are 'Americanized' see the world—and most importantly, live in the world—very differently from our immigrant parents."

Lantigua, who is a veteran reporter and founder and CEO of the digital audio and production company LWC Studios, launched How to Talk to [Mamí & Papí] about Anything in 2020. She found out quickly that many listeners could relate to the experiences discussed on the show. "It was a grand experiment, and we were nervous and excited," she says. "And then the emails started pouring in from listeners who never knew they needed these conversations or those who wished they'd had the show growing up 20,30, 50 years ago!"

Each episode features a listener with a problem that can range from navigating relationships with parents who disapprove of their spouse to maintaining a relationship with a difficult parent for the sake of the grandchildren. An expert on the episode’s topic joins Lantigua on the show to offer professional advice and analyze the generational and cultural dynamics at play. "So many of us straddle that hyphen of being American and something else. So many of us are trying to honor our parents' ways while making our own way in the world," Lantigua says. "This is a place to find solace and really good advice."

After nearly 150 episodes, Lantigua is taking the plunge into extending the brand with a sister show, How to Talk to [High Achievers] about Anything. And her hope is that there’s more where that came from. "My vision is that the "How to Talk to" franchise continues to grow and serve the rising-majority audience in the US for years to come.”

🎧Listen to How to Talk to… here // 💻Watch How to Talk to… on YouTube

Episode recommendation: the podcast is on a bit of a hiatus, but Questioning Papí’s Food Choices is an excellent reframe of good vs bad foods, especially around cultural foods that are commonly demonized.

100 Latina Birthdays

Description: An original documentary series from LWC Studios that investigates the health and lifetime outcomes of Latinas in the United States from birth to age 100.

🎧Listen to 100 Latina Birthdays here

Episode recommendation: the latest episode Finding Community at a Predominantly White University hits a nerve!! Like Pam and I discussed on episode 36 of my podcast, this is a scenario that’s all too common for women of color.

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¡El Playlist! is taking a time out next week as I wrap up at Podcast Movement Evolutions. If you’re in the area, here are 2 events I’ll be podcasting from starting this Sunday:

Sunday, 3/24: LATINAfest is where I met guest Dra. Mildred Ortiz in 2023. If you’re in LA, come find me in the VIP Lounge/Sip & Paint Area where I’ll be volunteering in the afternoon. Prior to that I’ll be wandering talking to future LVMC guests (could that be you?).

Tuesday, 3/26: join us for Latinas in Podcasting at Bar Magnolia inside Hotel Figueroa from 4-6 pm. Featuring a no-host bar where we’ll pre-game the awards ceremony before kicking off the week at PME. RSVP on Instagram.

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Which one is your favorite podcast? Know of any other Latine-led or focused podcasts? If so, share them in the comments🔽🔽🔽