Ilé to Ilé

Hey Russo Productions

Carlos has been an olorisha for 21 years. Cecilio for 36. Together they’ve seen this religion at its most profound — and at its most complicated. Ilé to Ilé isn’t a class on Santeria. It’s two men with nearly six decades of lived experience in the Lucumí tradition sitting down and being honest — about what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve had to unlearn, where they agree, and where they genuinely don’t. Opinions formed by experience. Conversations that used to happen after ceremonies, in someone’s kitchen, between people who trusted each other enough to tell the truth. Caribbean roots. Diaspora reality. No filter.

Episodes

  1. Choosing Carefully: The Responsibility of Guidance

    1d ago

    Choosing Carefully: The Responsibility of Guidance

    In this episode, Carlos and Cecilio discuss one of the most important relationships in Lucumí/Ocha: the relationship between godparent and godchild. They reflect on their own experiences with godparents, elders, yubonas, and religious community — from nurturing guidance and lifelong mentorship to discipline, accountability, and learning through observation. The conversation explores what a godparent should provide, what a godchild should be looking for, and why this relationship should never be rushed. Together, they unpack how the role of godparents has changed over time, the importance of asking questions, the responsibility of correcting with care, and why spiritual relationships require patience, trust, respect, and good character. This episode is for anyone asking: What should I expect from a godparent? How do I find one? What makes someone qualified to guide others? And how do we preserve accountability in the tradition while continuing to grow? Reflection Question: What do you expect from a godparent — guidance, discipline, availability, teaching, accountability, or all of the above?

    28 min
  2. Piedra y Caracol: Yomaira on Lucumí, Akpones, and Spiritual Responsibility

    May 30

    Piedra y Caracol: Yomaira on Lucumí, Akpones, and Spiritual Responsibility

    In this second episode, Cecilio sits down with Yomaira Garcia Chiu Ochungere — Akpon, Olorisha, author, educator, and founder of Ipadapo Productions — for a deep conversation on lineage, music, ceremony, and the responsibility of preserving Lucumí tradition. Born into the religion and crowned at two years old, Yomaira shares what it was like growing up surrounded by elders, tambor, misas, and a community where learning came through repetition, discipline, and lived experience. Together, she and Cecilio reflect on the changes they’ve seen over the decades: the role of the Akpon, the meaning behind the songs, the importance of spiritual development, and the difference between preserving tradition and simply performing it. The conversation also explores Yomaira's current work through Ipadapo Productions, where she teaches Yoruba storytelling, song, meaning, folklore, and meditation — bringing the essence of Orisha tradition to communities in Miami, New York, Atlanta, and even Thailand. This episode is a conversation about memory, responsibility, evolution, and what it means to carry tradition with integrity in a time when everything is more visible, more accessible, and often more misunderstood. Guest: Yomaira Garcia Chiu Ochungere Organization: Ipadapo Productions Book: Golden Ripples Topics: Lucumí, Orisha music, Akpones, tambor, lineage, meditation, spiritual development, Yoruba storytelling, preservation of tradition

    1h 6m
  3. What We Thought We Knew | Entering Lucumí & Unlearning Everything

    May 22

    What We Thought We Knew | Entering Lucumí & Unlearning Everything

    Cecilio and Carlos sit down for the very first episode of Ile to Ile — an honest conversation between two Olorishas from different generations, different experiences, and different houses. This isn’t a class. It isn’t dogma. And it definitely isn’t gatekeeping. In this episode, they discuss: Growing up inside the tradition vs discovering it later in lifeWhat they thought they knew before initiationThe realities of making OchaHow Lucumí traditions have evolved over timeCommunity, discipline, and spiritual responsibilityThe difference between tradition and performanceWhy unlearning can be just as important as learningFrom basement ceremonies in New York to modern-day spiritual culture online, this conversation explores the beauty, contradictions, and humanity within the faith. Whether you’re deeply involved, just beginning your journey, or simply curious — welcome. What did YOU have to unlearn? Let us know in the comments.

    38 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Carlos has been an olorisha for 21 years. Cecilio for 36. Together they’ve seen this religion at its most profound — and at its most complicated. Ilé to Ilé isn’t a class on Santeria. It’s two men with nearly six decades of lived experience in the Lucumí tradition sitting down and being honest — about what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve had to unlearn, where they agree, and where they genuinely don’t. Opinions formed by experience. Conversations that used to happen after ceremonies, in someone’s kitchen, between people who trusted each other enough to tell the truth. Caribbean roots. Diaspora reality. No filter.

Information

  • Creator
    Hey Russo Productions
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hey Russo Productions 2026
  • Show Website
    Ilé to Ilé

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