Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Hispanic Heritage Foundation
  • 5.0 (19)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, hosted by Antonio Tijerino, is a cultural coming together for Latinos to find comfort, connection, information, identity, and inspiration by exploring what makes us complicatedly compelling and how to move forward with greater unity. A new episode will premiere the third Thursday of every month, digging into Latinx culture - the past, present, and future - and broadening the definition of community and familia. Follow us on TikTok & Instagram @hispanicheritage. To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.

  1. Cheech Marin: From Counterculture to Cultural Institution

    FEB 20

    Cheech Marin: From Counterculture to Cultural Institution

    As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Season 5 of Fritanga looks in three directions: past, present, and future. We begin with someone whose life spans all three. The legendary comedian, actor, author, and art collector Cheech Marin!  For over five decades, Cheech has helped expand who gets to be visible and heard in American culture. Born in South Central Los Angeles, Cheech left the United States during the Vietnam War era and met Tommy Chong in Vancouver. What they built together moved from underground comedy stages to national influence, blending satire, music, and lived experience in a way that reshaped American entertainment. In this conversation with our host, Antonio Tijerino, Cheech reflects on identity, reinvention, and belonging. They talk about growing up Mexican American in LA, about music as the rhythm behind comedy, about leaving America and returning to reshape it. From film to television to Disney animation to sold-out reunion tours decades later, Cheech shares what it takes to pivot without losing who you are. The conversation culminates in his work as a collector and advocate for Chicano art. What began in the 1980s as a personal commitment became national exhibitions and ultimately The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, the first museum dedicated to Chicano art. For Cheech, institutions matter because they affirm presence. This episode is about who we have always been in relation to this country, and what it means to make that presence permanent.   Follow The Cheech Center:Instagram -  @theCheechCenterTikTok - @theCheechCenterFacebook - @theCheechCenter Support The Cheech in their effort to uplift diverse artists:https://bit.ly/thecheechlegacy   WATCH THIS EPISODE TODAY: https://hispanicheritage.org/fritanga/ FOLLOW: @FritangaPodcastCONNECT: Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org   TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro Senior Producer: Connor Coleman Producer: Ambrose Davis

    1 hr
  2. De Guayama Pa'l Mundo: The Scenic Design of Gerardo Díaz Sánchez at The Hispanic Heritage Awards

    09/25/2025

    De Guayama Pa'l Mundo: The Scenic Design of Gerardo Díaz Sánchez at The Hispanic Heritage Awards

    This month, guest host and executive producer Antonio Caro pulls back the curtain with acclaimed set designer Gerardo Díaz Sánchez—the creative mind shaping this year’s Hispanic Heritage Awards stage. From the show’s guiding theme of gold (not of greed, but reciprocity and ancestral respect) to designing a world that works both live and on TV, Gerardo breaks down how he turns stories into spaces, memory into architecture, and heritage into design. They get into: Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico–rooted staging and what it signals about home and identity; how queerness and culture shape Gerardo’s voice; the do-or-die realities of designing with tight budgets; and the line between spectacle and intimacy when the set should shine—and when it should disappear so the story can lead. In this episode: The vision behind this year’s Hispanic Heritage Awards set and its “gold” as offering & reciprocityDesigning for two audiences at once: the room and the national PBS broadcastFrom Guayama, Puerto Rico, to YaleStage Design Process Deep-DiveAuthenticity on screenLearn more about Gerardo's work at https://www.gerardodiazsanchez.com/  Watch the Episode on YouTube @HispanicHeritage Follow: @FritangaPodcast on Instagram today! Reminder: Watch the 38th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards on PBS – September 26 at 9/8c and stream on PBS.org + the PBS app in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

    47 min
  3. La Reina de Quechua Rap - Renata Flores, Peruvian Singer, Rapper, & Activist

    08/06/2025

    La Reina de Quechua Rap - Renata Flores, Peruvian Singer, Rapper, & Activist

    From the Andes to the world: this month, we bring you the story of Quechua singer, rapper, and activist Renata Flores—a journey of rhythm, resistance, and reclamation straight from the mountains of Ayacucho, Peru. This episode of Fritanga features an English-language introduction, followed by a powerful conversation in Spanish with the viral artist redefining Latin music and honoring Indigenous identity by bringing Quechua to the world stage. Desde los Andes para el mundo: este mes, te traemos la historia de Renata Flores - cantante, rapera y activista quechua - una manifestación de ritmo, resistencia y reivindicación desde las montañas de Ayacucho, Perú. Este episodio de Fritanga Podcast comienza con una introducción en inglés, seguida de una conversación en español con una artista que está redefiniendo la música latina al honrar su identidad indígena y llevar el quechua al escenario mundial. ABOUT RENATA [ENGLISH VERSION]: At just 14, Renata Flores went viral rapping Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” in Quechua—the Indigenous Andean language of her ancestors and the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Latin America. But that moment wasn’t just a remix. It was a reclaiming. Now 24, Renata has become a powerful voice for Indigenous youth across Latin America. Her music blends hip hop, pop, and ancestral tradition to celebrate her roots and challenge colonial narratives. Her lyrics speak truth to power, and to the soul of a people whose language and culture have survived conquest, marginalization, and war. Following her 2021 debut album Isqun - a 9-track tribute to the strength of Andean women throughout history - Renata is preparing to release her second album, deepening her commitment to cultural pride, Indigenous visibility, and sonic innovation. 📺 This episode is recorded primarily in Spanish. To watch with English subtitles, visit our YouTube channel @HispanicHeritage or click here to watch the episode today. 🎧 RESOURCES / RECURSOSListen & Follow [Escucha y sigue a] Renata Flores: SpotifyApple MusicYouTube - @RenataFloresRivera Instagram - @RenataFloresRiveraTikTok - @RenataFloresRiveraFacebook - @RenataFloresPeru_____________________________________ SOBRE RENATA [VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL]: A los 14 años, Renata se hizo viral interpretando “The Way You Make Me Feel” de Michael Jackson en quechua—la lengua ancestral de los Andes y la lengua indígena más hablada en América Latina, con más de 8 millones de hablantes. Pero ese momento no fue solo un remix. Fue una recuperación cultural. Hoy, con 24 años y su segundo álbum en camino, Renata es una voz imprescindible para la juventud indígena en toda la región. Desde su ciudad natal de Ayacucho, continúa mezclando hip hop, pop y tradición ancestral para celebrar sus raíces y desafiar los relatos coloniales. En este episodio, Renata conversa con Antonio Tijerino, presidente y CEO de la Fundación de Herencia Hispana, y con Marcos Marin Quintero, CEO y editor en jefe de Tiempo Company (El Tiempo Latino, El Planeta), sobre música, identidad y resistencia. Sus letras abordan desde la justicia climática hasta la equidad de género y reflejan el alma de un pueblo cuya lengua y cultura han sobrevivido a la conquista, la marginación y la guerra. 🎙️ Este episodio fue grabado íntegramente en español. Para verlo con subtítulos en inglés, visita nuestro canal de YouTube: @HispanicHeritage o haz clic aquí.

    44 min
  4. The Soundtrack of the American Dream ft. Emilio Estefan, Grammy & Emmy Award-Winning Producer, Director, & Entrepreneur

    07/02/2025

    The Soundtrack of the American Dream ft. Emilio Estefan, Grammy & Emmy Award-Winning Producer, Director, & Entrepreneur

    What does the American Dream sound like? In this special Fourth of July episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with one of the composers of that dream: Emilio Estefan. Long before he became a 19-time Grammy-winning producer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and one of the most influential Latino cultural architects of our time, Emilio was an 11-year-old Cuban boy arriving in Miami with an accordion, no money, and a belief in something bigger. A belief in this country. In music. In himself. From creating the “Miami Sound” to launching the global careers of artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan, Emilio’s story is one of hustle, heart, and the rhythm of possibility. In this episode, Antonio and Emilio dive into: Emilio’s journey from Cuba to the global stageHow immigrant resilience redefined American musicWorking with legends—and fighting for Celia Cruz’s comebackFatherhood and creative legacy with his daughter Emily EstefanNew projects including Raíces, Gloria Estefan’s first Spanish album in nearly 20 yearsBASURA, the new Broadway-bound musical co-created by Emily and Gloria EstefanThis isn’t just an interview—it’s a love letter to culture, legacy, and what it means to build something lasting from nothing. WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube.  FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org Featured Resources & Mentions: 🎶 Gloria Estefan’s “Raíces” Album 🎭 Emily & Gloria Estefan’s Musical “BASURA” TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro  Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman  Producer: Ambrose Davis

    42 min
  5. The Art of Being Seen | Alberto Ferreras, Award-Winning Director, Author, and Multimedia Artist

    05/29/2025

    The Art of Being Seen | Alberto Ferreras, Award-Winning Director, Author, and Multimedia Artist

    In this episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with award-winning writer, filmmaker, and cultural storyteller Alberto Ferreras for an unforgettable conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From the groundbreaking Habla series to working with Madonna (yes, THE Madonna), Alberto reflects on the spiritual power of creativity, queer and immigrant narratives, and how art connects us all. Released as we kick off World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C. next week, this episode is both celebration and call to unity. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and a reminder that our stories are our strength.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Read about Alberto's latest installation, "American Latinos 1935-1945", a multimedia project that includes an immersive video installation with more than 250 images of Hispanic-Americans, captured almost a century ago by some of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Click here to learn more about his career and work.  WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube.  FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro  Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman  Producer: Ambrose Davis  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - The Essence of Latino Identity 00:00:24 - Introducing Alberto Ferreras 00:03:11 - Pride Month and Community 00:04:45 - Unity in Diversity 00:07:22 - Cultural Background and Identity 00:10:08 - Challenges of Being Venezuelan 00:12:21 - The Power of Storytelling 00:13:03 - The Habla Series 00:17:27 - Working with Madonna 00:22:00 - The Impact of Music on Life 00:23:03 - Exploring Identity Through Art 00:24:00 - Be As In Beauty: A Novel 00:29:10 - The Importance of Self-Expression 00:31:06 - The Miracle: A New Show 00:37:11 - The Healing Power of Music 00:39:08 - Art as a Form of Connection 00:42:18 - The Role of Storytellers in Culture 00:46:01 - Creating Quality Content for Children 00:47:56 - Navigating Modern Challenges for Youth

    56 min
  6. Hustle, Grit, & Community: How Two HHF Youth Awardees Took on Silicon Valley

    04/30/2025

    Hustle, Grit, & Community: How Two HHF Youth Awardees Took on Silicon Valley

    Season 4 of the Fritanga Podcast kicks off with a full-circle conversation about hustle, identity, and building a fintech company rooted in community. Richie Serna and Emmanuel Pleitez—both past Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Youth Awardees—are now leading one of the most exciting startups in tech: Finix. Richie Serna is a first-generation Harvard graduate from Santa Ana, California, raised by Mexican immigrant parents who instilled a powerful work ethic and value system that still guides him today. After a brief stint in consulting, he taught himself to code, moved into a hacker house, joined a Silicon Valley startup that later sold, and co-founded Finix in 2015. He now serves as CEO. Emmanuel Pleitez, raised in East LA by a single mother from El Salvador, is a first-gen Stanford grad whose journey spans Wall Street, the White House, the U.S. Army, and venture capital. He is the founding managing partner of East Los Capital and now serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Finix. Emmanuel also served as Board Chair and is now Chair Emeritus of HHF, where he launched our national Code as a Second Language initiative and helped shape our leadership work—mentoring thousands, including many of us. Together, Richie and Emmanuel are redefining what leadership looks like in Silicon Valley—while staying deeply connected to where they came from. 💳 About Finix: Finix is a modern payments infrastructure company powering everything from taco trucks to billion-dollar brands. With no-code and embedded payment solutions, Finix empowers businesses to own their entire payments stack. 👉 Learn more at finix.com 🎙 This episode is packed with stories about mentorship, identity, risk-taking, and how the HHF ecosystem helped shape two Latino leaders building for the world—and each other. WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube.  FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro  Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman  Producer: Ambrose Davis

    1 hr
  7. Marissa Solis: Uplifting Latino Voices and Future-Proofing the NFL

    01/24/2025

    Marissa Solis: Uplifting Latino Voices and Future-Proofing the NFL

    Welcome back, familia! We're excited to kick off the year with an inspiring conversation featuring Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. From her roots in Mexico to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, Marissa shares her bold vision to future-proof the NFL, ensuring it stays relevant to younger and more diverse audiences. Discover how she uses her platform to uplift the Latino community, including her leadership in the NFL Latino Youth Honors—a program in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation that celebrates outstanding high school tackle and flag football athletes for their academic and athletic excellence. Marissa also reflects on the life lessons she’s learned—from growing up in the Rio Grande Valley to navigating boardrooms as a proud Latina leader. Tune in to hear her passion for breaking barriers, building inclusion, and inspiring the next generation. From leadership and resilience to the power of storytelling in sports and beyond—this is an episode you don’t want to miss! RESOURCE: Learn more about the NFL Latino Youth Honors in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation here. The winners will be announced the week of Super Bowl LIX.  WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube.  FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro  Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman  Producer: Ambrose Davis

    53 min
  8. Love, Guilt, and Dignity: The Complexities of Caregiving in Latino Families

    10/25/2024

    Love, Guilt, and Dignity: The Complexities of Caregiving in Latino Families

    In this heartfelt episode of Fritanga, we dive into the profound challenges of caregiving within Latino families. Host Antonio Tijerino shares personal reflections on the weight of caregiving, recalling his experience with his late mother and aging father. Joined by Yvette Peña, VP of Audience Strategy at AARP, Adrian Gaston Garcia, a queer Latine storyteller, and Alejandra Castillo, Fellow in Residence at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, we explore the emotional, mental, and financial strains that come with caring for our aging loved ones.  Through their stories, we highlight the cultural significance of family, respect, and unconditional love, while also discussing the complexities of guilt, expectations, and balancing our own well-being. This conversation offers practical advice on navigating caregiving, asking for help, and ensuring dignity for our loved ones, especially within the Latino community. AARP Resources for Caregivers: AARP provides free caregiving guides in English and Spanish. Access them at www.aarp.org/caregiverresourceguides. WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube.  FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org TEAM: Host: Antonio Tijerino Executive Producer: Antonio Caro  Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman  Producer: Ambrose Davis

    1h 10m
See All (38)

Trailer

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, hosted by Antonio Tijerino, is a cultural coming together for Latinos to find comfort, connection, information, identity, and inspiration by exploring what makes us complicatedly compelling and how to move forward with greater unity. A new episode will premiere the third Thursday of every month, digging into Latinx culture - the past, present, and future - and broadening the definition of community and familia. Follow us on TikTok & Instagram @hispanicheritage. To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.

Information