Hispanista: Latino Writers On the Air

A Podcast “book” search on iTunes yields results like NYtimes.com Book Review, World Book Club from the BBC and Book Tour from NPR; and although these Podcasts include some episodes where international authors are featured, Latino or Latin American literature is rarely discussed on these programs.

Latino literature buffs looking for a place with reviews, interviews and commentary on the genre and culture that surrounds it can tune into Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Have Their Say, a radio show based in Houston, Texas.

Image used with Nuestra Palabra's permission

A typical Nuestra Palabra show begins with music, and depending on the day, you might hear anything from classical Latin American folklore to reggeaton. Then comes the introduction, describing what the show is all about: “This is Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Have Their Say on the air, tuning you into the Latino literary renaissance in all its splendor. Interviews, teatro, rap, fiction, poetry, memorias, composer spotlights and more, always más.” The hosts are witty, good-humored and smart, and their guests are eye-opening and inspiring, making the hour-long show fly by.

Image used with Nuestra Palabra's permission

The Nuestra Palabra team works hard to build their community both inside and outside the radio studio. Their website is frequently updated with information on events, submission requests and workshops. Frequently, the team plays a vital role in these events; they have partnered with other organizations for “Made in Texas: Mexican-American Literature and Culture,” a free, interactive workshop for teachers in the Houston area, scheduled for April 10. A few days before the workshop, on April 8, they will launch a quarterly magazine called Aztec Muse.

This month the program is focusing on Women’s History Month, showcasing and interviewing local activists and women authors. You can listen to Nuestra Palabra every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CST on KPFT, or you can listen to their recorded show online.

-Silvia Viñas