Jesus Florido - talking fiddle, hearing loss, and changing the music industry

Talking Ears wishes everyone a healthy and wonderful new year! To kickoff 2025, we are honored to present the latest and very special episode featuring Jesus Florido. Known as the Latin Fiddler, he is a Los Angeles-based violinist with a unique story to share. At a vital time in his life, he needed to undergo a risky ear surgery that left him with tinnitus and a permanent loss of hearing in his right ear. He discusses how this different way of hearing led to a new approach to performing music, and also shares his passion for supporting musicians with his hope of improving the music industry. For context, Jesus first met Talking Ears co-host Juan Vasquez through the MusiCares X Tuned program, which has been discussed at length on the show. Throughout the episode, you'll hear mention of a mysterious Nancy who is none other than the inimitable audiologist Nancy Gould, the tinnitus and hearing disorders expert who also works with the Tuned program. Music heard in this episode is from Jesus's album "Heading North" as well as various compositions and film scores.