12/20/12

Latin Pulse: 12.20.2012

This week, Latin Pulse comes one day early to provide a special centered around the myths of the Mayan calendar.  Although some wrongly attribute beliefs about a doomsday on Dec. 21, 2012 to the Mayan calendar, this program traces the origins of such misinformation and discusses Mayan astronomy, astrology, and religion.  The news segment of the program covers the creation of a new federal police force in Mexico and how that might affect the Drug War and human rights concerns in that country.

In-depth interviews include:

Dr. Mark Van Stone of Southwest College;
and
Dr. David Freidel of Washington University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine

(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)


(For a list of songs used in this special, please click here.)


 (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)

 




















12/14/12

Latin Pulse: 12.14.2012

Latin Pulse this week takes a close look at politics and elections in Ecuador, with presidential elections coming in that South American country in February of 2013. Ecuador's President Rafael Correa is far ahead in most polls, but does he face any real political or policy challenges?  The program attempts to answer that question while also looking at Correa's inconsistent record regarding free speech.  Both the news segment of the program and a commentary focus on the renewed health concerns regarding President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.

In-depth interviews include:

Rob Albro of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University;
and
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine

(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)



 (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)

 




















12/7/12

Latin Pulse: 12.07.2012

With the passing this week of the third anniversary of the incarceration of Alan Gross, Latin Pulse returns to a focus on Cuba. The program looks at prospects for change between the U.S. and Cuba during the next term of the Obama administration.  The program also features discussion of a new mini-documentary produced by Cuban documentary-makers about housing conditions in Havana, an example of reforms and a loosening of communication controls.

In-depth interviews include:

Phil Peters of the Lexington Institute;
and
Prof. Bill Gentile of American University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine
Writer: Jordan D'eri.

(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)



 (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)