The Pocho Podcast: Recent Episodes
Steve and TJ Valdez
We're two Mexican Americans who were raised leaning much more to the American side of that. So, now we explore something different about our Mexican heritage each week!
Been a while, but we're back again with one of the most iconic Mexican vocalists in history: Vicente Fernandez! Today, TJ tells us about his music, how he helped redefine masculinity for Mexican men, and that his legacy has...a few blemishes...Listen to hear the whole story!
You may know her mononymously as "Selena", but how much do you really know about the Queen of Tejano Music? The Pochos are BACK and talking about the life, and tragic death, of Selena Quintanilla Perez!
It's marathon time! And not the terrible awful running 26 miles kind, the several days of parties kind! We have two episodes on the series of celebrations in December!
It's marathon time! And not the terrible awful running 26 miles kind, the several days of parties kind! We have two episodes on the series of celebrations in December!
You've seen her image in Mexican artwork, you're heard her spoken about by Mexican culture, but who is the Virgin of Guadalupe? And why is she so revered in Mexico? Steve answers these questions and more in today's pod!
Today, we learn about Las Posadas! It's a Mexican Christmas tradition where you go door to door and people tell you to go away,Seriously, it is!Okay, there's more to it than that, but you'll have to listen to find out!
If you're looking for a place in the US that is one of the closest representations of Mexico outside of the country itself, look no further than Calle Olvera! TJ tells us all about this place filled with rich Mexican history, fun shops, and delicious food!
You may know him as "that one assassin from Desperado", or, "that one vampire in From Dusk Till Dawn", or even "the dude that tamed a rancor in Book of Boba Fett"... Okay, you probably just know him as Danny Trejo. But do you really know him? Find out how this man with hundreds of film credits is more than just an actor, but a hero as well!
It's part 2 of our Mariachi Music dive! Learn about the direct roots of modern mariachi music, find out about a VERY famous pocha who has her own mariachi album, and of course, listen to some clips of great music!
Songs in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3TumX_KpV8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXq1L3k0FWQ&list=PLtyoje6CkG7bdFYE7q5OGyzdHhFKLorlS&index=4
What is that joyous sound? What are those wonderful harmonies? What is it that delights your ears? It's this week's episode on Mariachi music! find out the amazing history of this cultural cornerstone, and listen to different styles of traditional Mexican music!
Sources of music used in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMwe52kwIEk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqkkiSno8nI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zRIHqlycss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGmCqxifC5s
Every culture has their wedding traditions, so let's talk about Mexican ones! What's with these coins? Why does the bride get an extra bouquet? The guests can stuff money WHERE?! Listen to find out all the answers and more!
Hey everyone? It's not Mexican Halloween. It's Dia de Muertos. But if it's not just Mexican Halloween, then what is it? Well, listen and find out!
Today, Tj tells us about fascinating man-made islands that were started by the Aztecs for growing crops! Nothing spooky there, right? ...right?
And now it's time for what could be the most iconic of Mexican scary stories...La Llorona. A myth that send shudders down the spine of Mexicans everywhere. Find out the story behind this chilling tale today!
It's spooky season on The Pocho Podcast! And we're kicking it off with El Cucuy (pronounced koo-KOO-wee), the Mexican boogieman. But where did this legend begin? Tj has the chilling facts in this episode!
It's time for the man, the myth, the legend...EL SANTO. Who was this incredible masked man, and what brought about his meteoric rise to fame? Steve has the whole story today!
Did you know Nacho Libre was based on a true story? Did you know the story is significantly less comedic and significantly more beautiful and wonderful? Well, today we learn about Fray Tormenta and his efforts to build an orphanage through wrestling, and both Steven and TJ are brought to tears...(seriously)
It's Mexican Independence Day! But what does that mean? Why is it September 16th? And what exactly happened that day? TJ guides us through one of the most important moments in Mexican History, the Grita de Dolores!
It's time for those high flying, mask wearing, burly folks you know and love: luchadores! But how did Lucha Libre start? And did Steve say that masked wrestling started in...France?! Listen and find out!
You've seen the style, and you've heard the songs, but what's going on with this glorious suit? How did it come to be? well, sit back and listen to Steve talk about the history of the Zoot Suit, and the real life story of the Zoot Suit Riots (no, it's not just a song).
Mexican Americans aren't often represented in media, so today, we celebrate some of TJ's favorites! So sit back as we discuss TJ's top 20 fictional Mexican American Characters!
Are you hungry? Well, you will be, because today we're talking about all the foods that came as a combination of Mexican and American cultures! And I think you'll be surprised to find what isn't traditional Mexican food!
You've played bingo, but have you heard of Loteria? Or maybe you've seen images of La Mano or El Borracho, but weren't sure where they came from. Today, TJ talks us through the traditional Mexican game, Loteria!
You've probably hear of "Montezuma's Revenge", and maybe an unfortunate group of you have suffered from it, but who is the man himself? Why does Montezuma want revenge? Today, Steve tells us al about this man who frowns like a lord!
They're soft, they're sugary, and they're delicious! It's pandulce time! Come listen to TJ tell us all about how Mexican pastries came to being.
Xavier Valdez, TJ's son (and therefore Steve's nephew), recently went on a trip to Mexico city that he won from The Price is Right! So he fills us in on what he did, what the culture was like...and his struggles in entering the country through customs...
We continue looking into the incredible life of Cesar Chavez and see his impact on the nation, his incredible allies, and even some of the more...odd things he did...
You've heard the name, you may even know a bit about him, but what really is the story of Cesar Chavez? Why is he revered as such a hero? Sit back and listen as Steve tells us why Chavez deserves to be called one!
Sorry for the late upload! This week, we learn about those colorful vessels that are always ready to take a beating! So sit back, relax, and let TJ rain down the sweet, sweet candy of knowledge on you!
Mestizaje is the word for someone who is of combined European and Indigenous American heritage. But it means so much more than that. Today, TJ talks us through what mestizaje means in Mexico, for better...and for worse.
What's warm, fluffy, and brown? Steve and TJ! But you know what else is? Tortillas! So join us today as we look at the history of the tortilla, and how it maybe should have a different name...
Is mezcal really just tequila not made in the Tequila region? Does tequila really have a worm in it? Why are some tequilas white and others golden? TJ has all the answers for you in today's episode!
TJ briefly mentioned the Chicano Movement last episode, but what is that? What exactly happened? Well, Steve is diving into it today, so come find out about Mexican jazz, chicano poetry, the Delano Grape Strike, and more!
Featured in this episode: Los Chucos Suaves by Lalo Guerrero Y Sus Cinco Lobos) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixbwni57Ed8&list=RDixbwni57Ed8&start_radio=1&rv=ixbwni57Ed8&t=0
Spoiler alert: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican independence day. So then what is it? Why do we celebrate it in America? Listen nd find out!
Did you have or have you been to a Sweet 16 party? What about a quinceanera? What exactly is a quinceanera? Listen and find out!
Wait, some Mexicans in the United States never crossed a border? Some always lived there? Find out how the Valdez family became Americans as we learn about the Mexican American war!
Wait, what does St. Patrick's day have to do with Mexican-American culture? Our guest, Andrew White, tells us about the Irish-Americans who fought with Mexico!