Jessica Pimentel OITNB, Brujeria, Heavy Metal & Buddhism

Step into a powerful, wide ranging conversation with actress and artist Jessica Pimentel, the Brooklyn born Dominicana whose talent and spirit stretch across continents and creative worlds. Known globally for her seven season role as Maria Ruiz on Orange Is the New Black, Jessica is a three time SAG Award winner, a classically trained musician, and the fierce female vocalist of the heavy metal band Brujeria. A graduate of NYC’s iconic High School of Performing Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Jessica’s artistry runs deep. She sings, plays violin, guitar, and bass, and brings a level of discipline and soul shaped by her journey as a Tibetan Buddhist, a practice she embraced back in the 90s. In our interview, she opens up about growing up Dominican in Brooklyn, the path that led her from city blocks to global stages, and why Sweden stole her heart as she now splits her life between Sweden and New York. We get into everything, from her family’s stories and political views to the healing work behind the scenes and why we really shouldn’t eat the mangos. It’s culture, creativity, spirituality, music, and truth told with cariño.  A conversation about identity, legacy, and life en español, straight from a woman who has lived many lives and carries them all with power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.