PODCAST · news
Vanguardia with James Garcia
by James E. Garcia
Vanguardia features weekly news interviews on politics, business, arts and culture in the U.S. Latino community.
Episodes
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Chandler appoints a new manager to lead its newly renovated performing arts center
The City of Chandler has appointed Julianna Crespo, a performing arts executive with more than 14 years of experience, as the new general manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA). Crespo sat with Vanguardia's James Garcia to talk about the center's new season, her career and vision, and...
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Singer-songwriter Lila Downs on love, rejuvenation and the sacred Ceiba trees of Oaxaca
Our guest is Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winner Lila Downs, the daughter of Mixtec singer Anita Sanchez and Scottish-American art professor and filmmaker. Allen Downs. We've invited her on the show ahead of her concert at the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration at the Mesa Arts Center Oct.…
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Israel Alexander is Edgar Allan Poe in "Whispers in the Dark"
Israel Alexander is a Phoenix-based actor starring as Edgar Allan Poe in the Southwest Shakespeare production of Whispers in the Dark at the Mesa Arts Center, Oct. 15-25. The show features theatrical dramatizations of some of Poe's greatest works, including The Raven. LA-born Alexander, who is...
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ASU's Hispanic Research Center and Bilingual Press turn 40
The Hispanic Research Center and Bilingual Press | Editorial Bilingüe at Arizona State University are marking the sister organizations' 40th anniversaries. Our guests are HRC Director Stella Rouse and Anita Huizar-Hernandez, publisher and managing editor, Anita Huizar-Hernandez. Rouse and Huizar,...
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The Ugly Little Monkeys (Los Changistos Feos), a Tale of Triumph and Tragedy
Formed in the 1960s, Los Changuitos Feos (The Ugly Little Monkeys), a youth mariachi group would rise from the Tucson barrios to achieve international acclaim and spark a youth mariachi movement across the U.S. But guided by a charismatic and musically gifted Catholic priest, their road to…
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Herbert Siguenza stars in the new play, "Diego Rivera: His Story"
Our guests are actor-playwright Herbert Siguenza and playwright Carlos Morton, the duo behind Diego Rivera: His Story, a new one-man show about the life of the famed Mexican muralist. Morton and Siguenza co-wrote the play, which has toured in Europe and across the U.S. You can catch a free...
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Immigrants rights activists working to curb, expose "horrific" conditions in federal detention facilities
Our panel of activists say federal immigration authorities are running roughshod on the law, but they remain hopeful concerted efforts to push back and expose abuses can turn things around. Our guests are Zaira Garcia of Fwd.us, immigration attorney Emilia Bañuelos, and Vivian Sarafin of Living...
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Teatro Mechico's Festival Cultural Latino is May 9
The Latino Cultural Festival, organized by TeatroMeshico, celebrates the international roots and richness of Latino/a identity. Our guests, Theresa Valenzuela and Mario Zapian, talk about what's in store for the event this year. Now in its fifth year, the festival features poetry, theater,...
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Renowned jazz venue, The Nash, hosts summer boot camp featuring some of the world's top musicians
The Nash is enrolling for its Jazz Summer Camp at Arizona School for the Arts, a weeklong immersive jazz program for student musicians that runs from June 14-20, 2026. On our show this week to talk about the summer camp are jazz musicians and camp instructors Corcoran Holt, Clark Gibson and…
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Si Se Vota leaders on getting out the Latino vote in AZ
Our guests are Lydia Guzman of Chicanos Por La Causa and Danny Ortega from the CPLC Action Fund. Host James E. Garcia talks to them about CPLC's Si Se Vota campaign, and the growing importance of Arizona's Latino electorate as we approach the state's July 21 primaries and November's general...
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Teatro Dignidad's "Bocon" addresses family separation through the eyes of its protagonist
Our guests are Alba Jaramillo and Alida Holguín Wilson-Gunn of Teatro Dignidad. The Tucson-based theater company is presenting ¡BOCÓN! by Lisa Loomer, a fable filled with mysticism and truth that tells the story of Miguel, a storyteller and irrepressible bocón or big mouth. Miguel loses his voice...
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New play explores Ukraine war through the eyes of those waiting for it to end
"While We Wait" Directed by Anastasia Levkun Devised by the full company When full-scale war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, many Ukrainians entered a new reality. Some fled abroad, others stayed, but as the war dragged on, waiting for life to "return to normal" was no longer possible. While We…
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Grammy Award winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval to perform at the Phoenix Symphony, Nov. 21-23
Grammy Award winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval talks to Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia about Sandoval's love of music, artistic freedom in the U.S., and the joys of performing with a full symphony. Sandoval will present his Trumpet Concerto No. 2 with the Phoenix Symphony orchestra on...
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Transqueer Pueblo demands release of migrant cancer victim
At a press conference this week, Phoenix-based Transqueer Pueblo, which advocates for migrants and the LGBTQ+ community, demanded the release of ArbellaRodríguez Márquez from the ICE detention center in Eloy. Yari, as she’s known to family and friends, is a permanent U.S. resident and...
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A tribute to the legacy of Arizona civil rights icon Alfredo Gutierrez
Vanguardia Arizona host James Garcia leads a discussion with four Arizona community leaders to talk about the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader Alfredo Gutierrez. Our guests include Raquel Teran of Proyecto Progreso, attorney and civil rights activist Danny Ortega, Lydia Guzman of...
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AZ Hispanic Chamber CEO Monica Villalobos talks social justice, Latinos and economic power
Our guest is Dr. Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which recently released its annual DATOS report. The report tracks the impact of Latinos on the economy in Arizona and nationwide. Monica talks to host James E. Garcia about the role social justice...
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AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes on her run for reelection and pushing back against 'authoritarianism' in the White House
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced her bid for reelection. Host James E. Garcia talks to Mayes about the more than 20 lawsuits — and counting — she’s filed against the Trump administration in the past nine months, and her broader statewide agenda, including countering housing fraud...
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Rep. Ansari condemns conditions at federal immigration detention centers and talks about her tenure in office to date
Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari talks to Vanguardia Arizona host James E. Garcia about the deteriorating conditions at U.S. immigration detention facilities , many of which are now over capacity. After being blocked by authorities, Ansari recently visited the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona to met...
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Helios Education Foundation marks 20 years and $350 million of 'investments' in public education initiatives
Helios Education Foundation President/CEO Paul J. Luna discusses what he calls the organization's "investments" over the past 20 years aimed at ensuring "all students, including those from low-income, historically underserved communities and those forging nontraditional paths" succeed after high...
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Meisei Gonzalez of Green Latinos talks about the impact of worsening air quality on Latinos and other communities of color
Our guest is Meisei Gonzalez, Climate Justice and Clean Air Advocate for Green Latinos, a national non-profit of Latino leaders confronting environmental issues in the Latino community nationwide. Gonzalez talks with host James E. Garcia about the impact of our nation's worsening air quality on...
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Report finds gross domestic product of U.S. Latinos reaches more than $4 trillion
The 2025 Latino GDP Report finds that the gross domestic product of U.S. Hispanics has surpassed $4.1 trillion, meaning if they were their own country they would constitute the fifth largest economy in the world, larger than that of India, the United Kingdom, or France. Host James E. Garcia…
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Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro and Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes call Trump's use of troops an intimidation tactic
Our guests are onetme presidential candidate and Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro and Vanessa Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tem of Ausin, Texas. Host James E. Garcia spoke to them on June 14 as millions took to the streets nationwide as part of massive No Kings Day marches and rallies against the policies...
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United We Dream co-founder Cristina Jiménez is "Dreaming of Home..."
Host James E. Garcia talks with Cristina Jiménez, author of the new book, "Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear into Pride, Power, and Real Change." (Jiménez is on a national book tour.) Published by St. Martin’s Press, the book is about a young woman a coming-of-age story and finding her true self...
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Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Espinosa on his work and screening his films at the Filmoteca Española
Our guest is Emmy Award winning filmmaker Paul Espinosa. Host James E. Garcia spoke to Paul about his extensive career, life on the U.S.-Mexico border, and a recent major screening of his work at the Filmoteca Española in Madrid, Spain. Paul is an anthropologist who has worked at the intersection...
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Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza talks about her new memoir: La Hija de la Chingada, Chronicles from a Mexican Chef in the U.S.A.
Welcome to Vanguardia America. In this episode, host James E. Garcia speaks with Award Winning Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, the former owner of the iconic Barrio Café in Phoenix, which she operated for more than 20 years. Chef Esparza came on the show to talk about her new memoir, La Hija de La...
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Crime fiction writer Manuel Ramos talks about his books, his passion for crime fiction, and his TV deal with Warner Bros.
Manuel Ramos is the author of the recently re-released crime fiction novels, The Ballad of Rocky Ruiz, The Last Client of Luis Móntez, Blues for the Buffalo and many other works published by Arte Publico Press. In this episode, host James Garcia talks to Ramos about his craft, his love for crime...
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The Music of Selena - A Phoenix Pops Symphony Concert
In this episode, host James E. Garcia welcomes singer and recording artist Isabel Marie Sanchez, who'll be performing in the Phoenix Pops Symphony presentation of "The Music of Selena," April 5 and 6, 2025, at the Orpheum Theater. Sanchez was the 2017 Tejano Music Awards Best New Female Artist…
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An interview with Mona Alvarado Frazier, author of the young adult novel, "A Bridge Home"
Vanguardia America host James Garcia speaks with Mona Alvarado Frazier, author of “A Bridge Home,” a young adult novel published by Arte Público Press. This is her second book. Jacqui Bravo is a 17-year-old Chicana striving to earn a scholarship to attend UCLA after the loss of her father in the...
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U.S. premiere of "Frida" at Ballet Arizona
Vanguardia America talks to Averi Gutierrez, marketing director at Ballet Arizona, about the dance company's premiere in the U.S. of "Frida" from Feb. 13-16 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. The production was by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, a prolific, award-winning, and...
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Author Sonora Reyes talks about their new book, “Broposal”
Born and raised in Arizona, Sonora Reyes is the author of contemporary Young Adult novels The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School and The Luis Ortega Survival uClub, and the just released Adult Romance novel The Broposal. They also have contributed short stories to the anthologies Transmogrify!…
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Arte Público Press Founder and Director Nicolas Kanellos, recipient of the prestigious National Humanities Award
Dr. Nicolas Kanellos, founder and director of Arte Público Press, was recently awarded the prestigious National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden. Since 1979, Arte Público has been publishig Latino literature, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and an wide array of children’s books and...
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On the Latino vote, a post-election analysis with Rafael Collazo and Joe Garcia
Rafael Collazo and Joe Garcia join host James E. Garcia for a free-flowing discussion about Latino voters and the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Collazo is executive director of UnidosUS Action Fund and Garcia is executive director of the CPLC Action Fund. (Both organizations...
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S2 Ep109: Canto Mundo Director Belinda Acosta
Host James E. Garcia interviews Belinda Acosta, director of Canto Mundo at Arizona State University. Canto Mundo supports Latinx poets and poetry from across the nation and is housed at Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at ASU. Acosta discusses the organization's mission and events...
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S2 Ep81: Luis Miranda, author of "Relentless, My Story of the Latino Spirit That is Transforming America."
Vanguardia America's James Garcia speaks with Luis Miranda about his book, RELENTLESS: My Story of the Latino Spirit that is Transforming America. Miranda shares the poignant narrative of his life and career—from his early days as a radically-minded Puerto Rican activist, to his decades of...
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S2 Ep80: Richard Ochoa of Motorsport Showcase Events and Lowrider Magazine
Vanguardia host James Garcia interviews Richard Ochoa of Motorsport Showcase Events. The company hosts Lowrider car shows across the nation. Ochoa is the 10-city tour manager for Lowrider Magazine, which caps off a year of shows in Las Vegas in October. We talk about this weekend's show in...
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S2 Ep76: Roberto Reveles, 91, on his race for AZ Legislative District 7
Roberto Reveles is running for AZ Legislative District 7 against ultra-right Republican Wendy Rogers. A longtime Democratic activist and civil rights leader, Reveles, who is 91, is a former president of the ACLU of Arizona. He was the founding president of Somos America, an immigrants rights...
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S2 Ep59: University of Arizona returns Castro home to family
The University of Arizona has ceded ownership of a historic home in Nogales that once served as the residence of the state's only ever Latino governor, Raul H. Castro, and his wife Pat. The home is now back in possession of the late governor's family. Host James E. Garcia speaks to Beth Castro,...
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S2 Ep58: Remembering Bill Richardson (25 mins.)
In this episode, we remember a leading figure in American politics, someone regarded as a giant in the Latino community, the late Bill Richardson, who died at 75 on Sept. 1 at his summer home in Chatham Massachusetts. Among his many achievements, Mr. Richardson served as a member of Congress,...
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S2 Ep55: UnidosUS report finds hundreds of thousands Latino families losing Medicaid benefits
A new report by UnidosUS finds hundreds of thousands of Latino families have lost Medicaid coverage since the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. Medicaid is the national health insurance program, funded jointly by the state and federal governments, for low-income...
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S1 Ep50: LULAC Interim-CEO Juan Proaño talks about the group's 2023 convention
Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia talks to LULAC Interim-CEO Juan Proaño about the organization's 2023 convention happening in Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 31 to Aug. 5. Mr. Proaño discusses highlights of this year's convention, including a town hall featuring Congresswoman Veronica…
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S1 Ep49: David Castro, UnidosUS VP of Communications and Marketing
Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia interviews David Castro, vice president of communication and marketing for UnidosUS, about the highlights at this year's UnidosUS annual national convention in Chicago, including the appearance of Vice President Kamala Harris and other top Biden...
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S1 Ep49: Rafael Collazo, Executive Director of the UnidosUS Action Fund
Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia interviews Rafael Collazo, executive director of the UnidosUS Action Fund, about the state of Latino politics across the nation as his group's parent organization, UnidosUS, gathers for its annual national conference in Chicago. Collazo's organization also...
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S1 Ep44: Actor and writer "Ithamar Enriquez Has Nothing to Say."
Vanguardia America interviews Ithamar Enriquez, an El Paso native and now California-based actor and writer who's done television and film in L.A. for the past 15 years, even as he tours his comedy, "Ithamar Has Nothing to Say." The show is called that because Ithamar actually doesn’t utter a...
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S1 Ep43: "Private Lives" - Directed by KJ Sanchez and presented by Arizona Theater Co.
Vanguardia America host James Garcia interviews Director KJ Sanchez and actors Sarita Ocon (Sybil) and Brady Morales Woolery (Victor) from the Arizona Theater Co. production of "Private Lives" which runs through May 28 at the Herberger Theater Center. The play, written by Noel Coward in the…
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S1 Ep20: Playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez and director Ricky Araiza talk about "Tomas and the Library Lady"
Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia interviews California-based playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez and Ricky Araiza of Tempe, AZ's Childsplay Theater Company. The duo will be talking about a play by Gonzalez titled “Tomas and the Library Lady,” which opened Feb. 4 and runs through March 12 at the...
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S1 Ep19: Lewis Nash and Joel Goldenthal of The Nash
Vanguarida America host James Garcia interviews Joel Goldenthal, the Executive Director of The Nash, a nightclub and educational center in Downtown Phoenix, and the club’s namesake, jazz drummer and Arizona State University professor Lewis Nash. Downbeat Magazine calls the Nash one the great jazz...
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S1 Ep18: Latino Climate Justice Framework report - published by Green Latinos
In this episode, Vanguardia America welcomes some of the folks behind the national coalition, Green Latinos, about an impactful report called the Latino Climate Justice Framework. The report takes an in-depth look at climate and environmental issues affecting the Latino community nationwide. Our...
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S1 Ep17: Director Chris Chavez, Luz Navarro and Dolores Medina talk about La Ruta, a play by Isaac Gomez
Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia talks to Chris Chavez, the director of La Ruta, the latest production by Stray Cat Theater. The show opens Dec. 2 at the Tempe Center for the Arts and runs through mid December. La Ruta, written by Isaac Gomez, was a smash hit at Chicago’s Steppenwolf...
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S1 Ep17: Monica Villalobos selected as co-chair of AZ Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs transition team, says she's already received a death threat
Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to co-chair the transition team for Arizona's incoming Democratic Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs. Vanguardia America host James E. Garcia spoke to Villalobos, a Republican, about her goals and assignment…
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S1 Ep17: Post-2022-Midterm Election National Latino Roundtable
Vanguardia America invited three experts on national Latino politics to talk about the fallout of the 2022 midterm elections, including the current and future impact of Latino voters. What brought Latinos to the polls? What role did abortion rights play? What can Democrats and Republicans learn...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Vanguardia features weekly news interviews on politics, business, arts and culture in the U.S. Latino community.
HOSTED BY
James E. Garcia
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vanguardia with James Garcia have?
Vanguardia with James Garcia currently has 76 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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Vanguardia features weekly news interviews on politics, business, arts and culture in the U.S. Latino community.
How often does Vanguardia with James Garcia release new episodes?
Vanguardia with James Garcia has 76 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Vanguardia with James Garcia is created and hosted by James E. Garcia.
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