185 episodes

‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast. Jack Rico - TV host, journalist, film critic, and podcaster - talks with actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives about how they are influencing mainstream entertainment.

Highly Relevant with Jack Rico reVolver, Jack Rico

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.3 • 44 Ratings

‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast. Jack Rico - TV host, journalist, film critic, and podcaster - talks with actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives about how they are influencing mainstream entertainment.

    Ben Odell On The Ten Year Journey to Make 'Radical'

    Ben Odell On The Ten Year Journey to Make 'Radical'

    Producer and CEO of 3Pas Studios, Ben Odell, is our guest this week. He shares the fascinating story behind his critically acclaimed new film 'Radical,' starring Eugenio Derbez. The film centers on a gifted but disadvantaged group of students in Mexico whose lives are transformed by an unconventional new teacher. Hear how the film was received differently by Mexican versus American audiences, Eugenio’s decade-long journey to becoming a dramatic actor, the challenges Latinos face in gaining Oscar recognition, and the surprising story of how the film's rights were nearly lost.

    • 43 min
    Director Angel Gracia Talks "How The Gringo Stole Christmas"

    Director Angel Gracia Talks "How The Gringo Stole Christmas"

    'How the Gringo Stole Christmas' is one of only a handful of Latino-centered holiday films ever made. This week, its director, Venezuelan-American Angel Gracia, joins the show to discuss this pressing question: Why are Latino holiday movies so rare? Plus, we discuss his rich three-decade journey in filmmaking, the challenges of authentically casting Latino roles, and the hard business truths of making art in Hollywood.

    • 29 min
    Gustavo Santaolalla: Crafting the Soundtrack of a Latino Generation

    Gustavo Santaolalla: Crafting the Soundtrack of a Latino Generation

    In this episode, I sit down with rock en español pioneer and legendary music producer, composer, and artist, Gustavo Santaolalla — the mastermind behind some of the most iconic Latin rock albums of all time. This two-time Oscar Award-winning composer has recently been nominated for an Emmy for his original score for HBO's "The Last of Us," which stars Pedro Pascal. Later this year, he will also receive the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In our conversation, we discuss how his 50 years of musical contributions have shaped an entire generation, why he doesn't believe in failure, and why he's betting big on fellow Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi becoming a massive role model in the US.

    • 31 min
    Monsieur Periné Talks 'Bolero Apocaliptico' and White Identity in Latin Music

    Monsieur Periné Talks 'Bolero Apocaliptico' and White Identity in Latin Music

    This week, renowned Colombian band Monsieur Periné joins the show to discuss their latest release, 'Bolero Apocaliptico.' We interview them about the evolution of their musical style, how they challenge traditional love narratives, and the influence of Afro-Colombian roots on their work. The conversation also navigates thought-provoking issues, such as cultural appropriation and white identity in Latin music, as well as discovering sources of love in an increasingly loveless world.

    • 13 min
    Julio Iglesias Jr. Finds His Own Voice

    Julio Iglesias Jr. Finds His Own Voice

    In this week's episode, we welcome singer Julio Iglesias Jr. who celebrated his 50th birthday with a new big band album titled "Under The Covers" out now, his first musical project in 15 years. He also opens up about his father Julio Iglesias Sr. and superstar brother Enrique, and how he defines himself in terms of race, culture, and identity.

    • 18 min
    Xochitl Gonzalez on Navigating the Complexities of Social Climbing For Latinos

    Xochitl Gonzalez on Navigating the Complexities of Social Climbing For Latinos

    Our first guest of 2023 is Xochitl Gonzalez, the multi-talented Puerto Rican-Mexican American writer of the New York Times best-seller "Olga Dies Dreaming" and staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine. She's here to discuss with me her latest thought-provoking article, "The New Case for Social Climbing," and its impact on people of color, particularly Latinos. In our interview, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of seeking higher social status, the right and wrong ways to do it, and why Latinos are more likely to succeed at it. We also get an update on her Hulu TV adaptation of "Olga Dies Dreaming” starring Aubrey Plaza and Ramon Rodriguez.

    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5
44 Ratings

44 Ratings

SonOfPod ,

Great show!

Que Rico!!!!!!

TheMonicaDiaz ,

Highly Significant

I listen to a lot of podcast and subscribe to a few. This one I'm subscribed to. Jack has created a space where intellect and pop culture meet with a voice that is smart and witty. As a Latina I love the sprinkle of Spanish and as a New Yorker I love that it is all inclusive. The guest are some of the best in their field. By far one of my favorites!

DavidAraujo.Tv ,

Refreshingly new

I'm glad something like this is finally happening. Great subjects involving the latin culture in the US. There hasn't been really anybody that I know tackle the subject and get really involved in the goods of the latin culture, it's usually the worst that they portrait.
Thanks Jack for that!

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