Highly Relevant With Jack Rico

Thanks for downloading episode 23 of the Highly Relevant Podcast! This week we're joined by Mexican-American actor Benito Martinez gives us details on Season 3 of ABC’s hit show 'American Crime' and what it was like to work with Tom Cruise in the new movie 'American Made' coming out Fall of this year. Then we chat in an exclusive interview with Jack Hobbs, President of the new reVOLVER Podcast network, about multiculturalism, Spanish language radio, the future of podcasts and an announcement about this podcast you’re listening to right now. Episode Summary: Benito Martinez :51 Why networks have embraced diverse programming 1:17 On his new role in Season 3: 3:36 On his Spanish and Spanish on network TV: 4:55 Does American Crime captures the plight of Mexican jornaleros: 6:29 On Latino directors in television: 7:21 On working with Tom Cruise in 'American Made': 11:02 JackedIN (news recap) 13:31 Jack Hobbs 15:17 Highly Relevant podcast joining reVOLVER Podcast Network: 15:50 On what is the vision for reVOL

Thank you for downloading episode 22 of the Highly Relevant Podcast! This week, I interview Tommy Torres, a former Ricky Martin producer turned singer, who for the first-time ever, revealed to me why he and other Latin musicians fear crossing-over into the English-language mainstream. We also chat with the premiere Hispanic news anchor in our country - Telemundo and NBC’s Jose Diaz-Balart - who was invited to the private Donald Trump meeting with network anchors and reveals to us never-before heard details on the meeting and what he said to Trump himself. That plus my film review of Marvel’s new Wolverine film…LOGAN. Episode Summary: Tommy Torres :53 How he became a producer 1:15 What differentiates his live shows from other Latin acts: 3:48 How he met Daddy Yankee for the first time and how he describes his song "Tu y Yo": 5:36 What makes Daddy Yankee so special from the rest of the Reggaetonero acts: 8:03 Does he think Spanish language music will ever reach mainstream: 10:39 Tommy reveals ex

Thanks for listening to episode 21 of the Highly Relevant podcast! We have a pretty darn good show on tap for you this week. We interview the female director of the hit bilingual film Everybody Loves Somebody, Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, about creating bilingual and bicultural cinema for a new generation of US Hispanics. Also, the Oscars are this Sunday and who better to talk to about the state of multiculturalism at the Academy Awards than April Reign, the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, plus, my review of Jordan Peele’s black horror film "Get Out". Episode Summary: Catalina Aguilar Mastretta on bilingual movies 1:44 JackedIN (news recap) 16:22 April Reign on Oscar night 18:35 What I'm listening to this week 30:19 'Get Out' movie review 31:33 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a r

Welcome to episode 20 of 'The Highly Relevant Podcast'. Filmmaker Gore Verbinski won an Academy Award for the cerebral and highbrow animated film RANGO and has enjoyed tremendous success as the director of the Hollywood blockbuster franchise PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, but it’s his latest psychological thriller - A CURE FOR WELLNESS that has many people remembering his earlier acclaimed remake of THE RING.  You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      •   Click here to subscribe via iTunes     •   Click here to subscribe via Spotify     •   You can also subscribe via Stitcher <p> </p>

Welcome to episode 19 of the "Highly Relevant" podcast! Our friend Carrie Keagan (26:00), host of Bravo After Hours, stops by the podcast to promote her new book "Everybody Curses I Swear," Ice Cube (1:20) joins me to discuss his new high school movie "Fist Fight". We also talk a bit about the American educational system, why raunch comedies aren’t offensive to people anymore and his secret to making hit movies. And if you like Latin pop music, you probably have heard of the Mexican brother/sister duo - Jesse y Joy (8:14). They have a new self-titled bilingual album and we chatted at length about bilingualism in music and in this country. It’s a great show, so put your headphones on or if you’re listening in your car, crank it up. Episode Summary: Ice Cube 1:20 Jesse y Joy 8:14 Carrie Keagan 26:00 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you e

This week, I breakdown the Oscar nominations with NY1's film critic Neil Rosen (:55). We’ll talk snubs and surprises and go over the top categories. Also, I’ll tackle the lack of visibility of Latinos in Hollywood films with my good friend and film contributor on The Insider and Entertainment Tonight, Tara McNamara (29:30). Why are we so invisible when we should also be at the forefront of film and pop culture? And finally, I discuss Trump, the wall, our new Mexico feud and sanctuary cities with The Wall Street Journal's Laura Meckler (20:41). Will cities abide by the new immigrant proposals? Miami already has and that is bad news for Latinos. Episode Summary: NY1's Neil Rosen on Oscar nominations :55 The Wall Street Journal's Laura Meckler on Trump/Mexico feud 20:41 Tara McNamara on how Latino actors need to get outraged 29:30 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you

In our 17th episode, we tackle the lunacy of what was the Donald Trump news conference this week with The Atlantic’s David Graham. From Trump’s harsh comments of CNN and Buzzfeed, what will be the future of these media organizations in the next 4 years? We also discuss Barack Obama’s Farewell Speech with Salon.com’s Chauncey DeVega and his article “Farewell, my black president”. He was there at the event and we’ll discuss if history will vindicate Obama’s legacy, will Donald Trump destroy it or will Obama stay politically active and defend it? And what are the most anticipated movies and tv shows of 2017? I’ll share with you the list on announced on the TODAY show. Episode Summary: The Atlantic’s David Graham on Trump vs Media 1:15 Salon.com’s Chauncey DeVega on Obama Farewell Speech 7:30 Most Anticipated Movies and TV Shows 2017 26:45 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram

Happy New Year! On this first show of 2017, we tackle the Megan Kelly departure from FoxNews to NBC and its overall impact in the media industry with Rachel Stockman (1:15) of the media website Mediaite.com. We also catch up with Zootopia’s director and producer Rich Moore and Clark Spencer (7:30) to discuss the creative power and appeal of the film, as well as the details on how they managed to lure superstar Shakira to perform on the soundtrack. And finally, we shoot the breeze with our good friend Kellvin Chavez (26:45), founder of the movie website LatinoReview.com. We cover everything from the Golden Globes, today’s digital movie culture to fraudulent movie trailers.  Episode Summary: Rachel Stockman on Megyn Kelly 1:15 Rich Moore and Clark Spencer on Zootopia 7:30 Kellvin Chavez on movies 26:45   You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode hea

Christmas is here and instead of repeating a show, why not give you an original episode based upon 3 marvelous films. Joining me to discuss them is Mike Sargeant from WBAI and seen on FOX News and Lisa Rosman from NY1. The movies are La La Land (3:14), Moonlight (7:15) and Arrival (17:55). We also chat a bit about Martin Scorsese's Silence, Birth of a Nation and diversity in Hollywood. Episode Summary: Silence :48 La La Land 3:14 Moonlight 7:15 Birth of a Nation 10:00 Arrival 17:55 Nocturnal Animals 22:16 Best Actress 2016 22:38 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      •   Click here to subscribe via iTunes     •   Click here to subscribe via Spotify     •   You can also subscribe via Stitcher <p> &l

On this episode 14 of the Highly Relevant podcast, we’re reintroducing some pop culture elements back into the show, but I’m keeping politics because Donald Trump has blurred the lines of the affairs of the state and entertainment. No one seems to know what’s what anymore? Regardless, many things have happened in entertainment this week such as the Golden Globes/SAG/Grammy nominations as well as the arrival of “Star Wars: Rogue One” in theaters worth talking about plus more. I’ll chat with my good friend Adam Garcia, Yahoo Editor and author of The Green Lama novels about what you can expect for your money (1:18). And what’s the required reading and viewing to understand where we are in America today? Well, I suggest a book and a documentary for you to see and read to familiarize yourself with the rust belt of pour nation and race history in our country (25:05). Plus, we speak with Oliver Darcy from BusinessInsider.com about arguably the most talked about topic in media - FAKE NEWS. What do you have to do

On this 13th episode we discuss Trump and his pugnacious relationship with the media. We’ll specifically focus on how Twitter has not only become Trump’s best friend, but a transformative tool for politicians. How will journalists confront this new media evolution. I speak to Eli Stokols (1:45), a national politics reporter for Politico.com about this very topic. Also, should liberal Americans really be worried about Donald Trump’sconflict of interests with businesses and the Oval Office?  How will it affect their lives? Alex Shepard (15:12), news editor at The New Republic gives us insights on what could go wrong. And finally, Fidel Castro died this past week and Trump has already vowed to terminate the Cuba/US relations if he doesn’t get what he wants from them. Spanish director Olatz Pérez Garmendia (22:26), who’s new HBO documentary about Cuba is out this week, weighs in on the harm of Trump ending the new alliance. Episode Summary: Eli Stokols from Politico.com, Twitter, Media and Trump 1:45 Alex Sh

In this episode I chat with Sean Braswell (2:18), a Senior Writer at OZY.com, to take me through who he thinks are the top political contenders poised to challenge Trump in 2020; and are we officially now in the “Age of the Celebrity Presidents”? With The Rock now also interested in becoming President, how serious do we take our celebrity’s political ambitions moving forward? Also, is the psychology of America shifting to the 60’s culture wars? What is the future of multiculturalism in America and what is our role in it? VOX.com writer Sean Illing (11:33) explains the complexities in maintaining a multiethnic democracy. I will then be joined by reporter Oliver Staley (21:56) from the business website QUARTZ to illustrate the potential threat to corporate workplace inclusion under the Trump administration. And we end with same-sex marriage attorney and Trump supporter Brad Berfas (30:42) about the realistic outlook at Trump nullifying same-sex marriages. Episode Summary: Sean Braswell, Age of the Celebri

Welcome everyone to the 11th episode of the Highly Relevant podcast. It’s a new day, a new United State of America and happy pop culture escapism is taking a back seat on this episode as I want to use this forum to talk about the reality of a Trump Presidency. People are upset. Half of America is protesting in the streets across the nation and there’s this feeling of hopeless that has seeped into half of the country. The only way to get passed this is by opening the right channels of conversation, by asking direct, but honest questions that you won’t hear from particular news networks. Think of this platform as an alternative voice to legacy media, a place where YOUR voice does matter, especially right now. In today’s episode we are speaking to an wide array of people such as Glenn Albright (11:26) a clinical psychologist about the malaise that many people are feeling at this moment. What is it and how do we recover from it? I also chat with reporter Alex Emmons (21:30) from the news website The Intercept

On this 10th episode, I chat with the one and only Brian Tyree Henry (a.k.a. Paper Boi) of one the most acclaimed TV shows on right now - FX’s ATLANTA. We discuss everything from the reasons why the show is resonating with viewers, the new golden age of black pop culture, his affinity to Latino culture, why Broadway still lacks diversity compared to film and TV and a passionate discussion on why the use of the ’N’ word in today’s arts and culture landscape is okay with him. That plus a look at why the website Quartz decided to create a Spanish language newsletter with its senior editor Gideon Lichfield as well as horror film recommendations for this Halloween. <p> </p>

On this ninth episode, I talk about Tom Cruise’s new movie 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' with my good friend Mike Sargeant as we tackle Tom’s career, his longevity and our opinions on why he doesn’t seem to want to collaborate with another A-List actor (3:20). We also review Broadway's new family feel-good musical Holiday Inn (24:46) as well as take a look at Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar (21:34), and I ask a New Yorker what he’s seeing, listening and downloading (27:43), plus, we recap the most important pop culture news you might have missed this week. Episode Summary: Tom Cruise chat with Mike Sargeant 3:20 Jackie Hernandez tells me why she likes OWN's 'Queen Sugar' 21:34 Jacked IN 22:50 Broadway review of 'Holiday Inn' 24:46 Preview of Jorge Ramos's 'Hate Rising' documentary 25:52 Robin the Super gives us his pop culture preferences: 27:43 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Inst

On this eighth episode, I welcome one of the quintessential NY Latino character actors in Hollywood, David Zayas (1:17). We converse about his new movie “The Lennon Report”, his lack of desire to be the star in movies and which stories he thinks Latinos should be writing about for Hollywood. Also, the NYFF begins this weekend and I spoke to Kent Jones (14:30), the director of the festival himself, to share his must-see movies, what we can expect from Pedro Almodovar’s new film Julieta and why there’s such an absence of US born Hispanic directors in cinema today. And ADVERTISING WEEK has hit NYC and I decided to speak with one of the great minds in multicultural marketing, Linda Ong (23:20), the CEO and Founder of TruthCo. about the future of Hispanic television. What language will it be in? What kind of programming will be on it? That and a recap of all the best pop culture stories that you might’ve missed this week.‘Highly Relevant’ Podcast Ep. 7 Episode Summary: David Zayas 1:17 Pop News 11:47 Kent J

In this seventh episode, actor Mark Consuelos (1:27), whose new show PITCH premiered this week on FOX, talks to me about what it’s like to co-host with his wife, "Live with Kelly Ripa," the most coveted seat in morning television right now, plus, his opinion on whether he feels more Hispanic or American, and his answer on what his favorite album is… will leave you crying.  I also caught up with Jane The Virgin’s Latin Lover, two-time Emmy nominated voice narrator Anthony Mendez (14:21) tells me what his second Emmy nomination meant to him, his involvement with Disney’s first Latina Princess and why his decision to leave the NY area for Hollywood was a tough one. And finally, have you ever wondered why there are barely any people of color on-air and off in national newsrooms today? Is it management or is it us? What can we do to fix it? I discuss this important matter with former NY Times and current CNN digital reporter on race and inequality Tanzina Vega (38:53) on the tribulations of being a m

In this sixth episode of “Highly Relevant,” we have two of the biggest names in Hispanic entertainment: Rafael Amaya (1:05), the star of “El Señor De Los Cielos,” Telemundo’s #1 novela in the country and arguably the most famous actor in telenovelas right now. He’s here  to discuss his crossover move to USA’s The Queen of the South, bilingual TV viewership and the reasons narco-novelas are the hottest thing going in television right now.  Also joining us is Enrique Santos (15:21), a tour de force Latin radio jock who departed Univision Radio to take on the one of the biggest roles in the radio industry. What is that new role, why did he leave, what are his opinions on podcasts and music streaming services and his answer on which is best language to reach Hispanics on radio… that plus all the top bicultural stories in pop culture (12:45) that you might’ve missed this week. Episode Summary: Rafael Amaya 1:05 Pop News 12:45 Enrique Santos 15:21 Emmy's / TODAY show 35:00 Movie Previews 36:00 You'd like to g

En este quinto episodio de HIGHLY RELEVANT he decidido hacerlo completamente en español en celebración del mes de la Herencia Hispana. Dejenme saber que les parece. Tuve el placer de conversar con Cristy Marrero, la VicePresidenta Editorial de la nueva revista HOLA! USA para platicar sobre la demora de la revista al mercado estadounidense y la decisión en publicarla en español e ingles. Además, New York Fashion Week llega a la Gran Manzana y la celebre periodista de moda, Kika Rocha, me explica la importancia del evento, las razones por su inaccesibilidad y cuales diseñadores latinos debemos de estar atentos. Eso y un resumen de las noticias culturales más importantes de la semana.   Resumen del episodio: Cristy Marrero: 1:05 Noticias de entretenimiento: 20:44 Kika Rocha: 23:38 Crítica de la película SULLY: 34:21 ¿Deseas darnos su opinión? Envíanos un correo electrónico a highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com y ayudar a correr la voz en las redes sociales: Twitter Facebook Instagram Si te ha gustado este episod

In this 4th episode, I have the distinct pleasure of speaking with none other than Willie Geist (1:05), one of NBC News’ biggest stars and one of the most likable men on morning television. We discuss his new SUNDAY TODAY show, soccer in America, hip-hop and the art of interviewing amongst other interesting subjects. And if you haven’t seen the Obama’s “first date” movie SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU, I have its director Richard Tanne (26:30) to talk about the inspiration in making this movie, John Legend’s involvement and if the Obama’s have already really seen the film. Did they like it? Do you love movies, get ready to see Hollywood’s best films of the year at a theater near you. Notable NY film critic and my good friend Wilson Morales (43:40) joins me to do my “Fall Movie Preview” as we select our must-see films. That and a recap of the most important bicultural pop culture news you might’ve missed this week! Episode Summary: Willie Geist :1:05 Juan Gabriel and Gene Wilder audio homage :23:46 Richard Tanne :26: