Reflecting on Privilege, Reframing Access Part III

Episode #27Today, we’re continuing the conversation started last week with a special focus on another community that has a unique relationship with tourism and access—Puerto Rico. I’m joined by two amazing guests, one who was born on the island Stephanie Hebron, Stephanie currently lives in Chicago and calls both Puerto Rico and New Jersey home, and the other Bianca Alba who has called the island home for the past 8 years. In addition to their personal ties to the island both Stephanie and Bianca are public health professionals giving them a unique insight into the topics we'll be discussing in today’s episode. They'll be sharing what it’s like to live in a place that’s often marketed as a carefree paradise for tourists, but where the reality for locals can be quite different.We’ll dive into their experiences with the scarcity of natural resources, the impact of government decisions that prioritize tourism over local needs, and what it means to be a responsible traveler when visiting such places. This episode is about listening, learning, and understanding how we can be more mindful in our travels.If you haven’t listened to part 1 and 2 of this 3 episode series, I invite you to press pause and go listen to that episode first. To briefly recap this past summer, I had the opportunity to live in Mexico City for a few months, and it had some truly eye-opening experiences. I saw firsthand in a new way the impact of tourism, gentrification, and how access to resources can shift so dramatically depending on where you are in the world.Be sure to join us next week for the final episode of the season! You won't want to miss it.Support the show