Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Gonzalez.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a consumer of podcasts and politics, I felt there was a gap in representation by Latinas like me. At the time, I was working at a Latinx civil rights organization advancing important issues impacting my community. I felt my community needed more information and voices they can trust the way I was feeling connected to political podcasts. I founded Tamarindo in 2016 with the mission to use comedy and laughter to illuminate important issues impacting the Latinx community.
Today, Tamarindo podcast is a lighthearted show where hosts discuss politics, pop culture, and how to balance it all con calma, hosted by me and Ana Sheila Victorino. While we are both immigrants from Mexico, Ana Sheila is gay and has expertise in technology, startups, and a passion for health and wellbeing. I am a nonprofit advocate and political junky that brings the perspective of being a formerly undocumented woman. Through Tamarindo, we use levity to inform, inspire, and impact our community.
On each episode, we invite listeners to join us as we delve into discussions on identity, race, gender, representation, and life!
Tamarindo podcast has been featured in Oprah Magazine, mitu, Remezcla, Latino USA, Latina Magazine, Variety magazine’s Entertainment and Tech Summit and Hip Latina.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Tamarindo Podcast is one of many voices in the crowded space of podcasting. Like every other industry, it is dominated by White men. As a woman-owned company, we have not had as much access to sponsors and ad buyers as those podcasts serving the general market.
Please tell us about Tamarindo Podcast.
Tamarindo can be booked for Speaking Engagement: As team Tamarindo, Brenda and Ana Sheila will bring you the usual smart, witty and comedic banter on politics, pop culture, and with a little bit of calma (well-being) to keep you balanced.
Our episodes center around particular topics that are relevant to the Latinx community in the U.S. We are happy to work with you to determine a theme that will fit your audience and that is aligned with our mission. We are based in Los Angeles but accept travel bookings anywhere in the U.S and beyond if the partnership is a great fit.
Tamarindo hosts have been speakers for national civil rights and advocacy conferences, college cultural affinity groups, Variety Magazine’s Entertainment & Tech Summit, live podcasts such as Crooked Media’s Lovett or Leave it, women’s conferences, podcast festivals, wellness conferences, and more. Brenda and Ana Sheila have even led workout and meditation activities.
The topics/theme we generally cover include: Politics, identity, gender, race, representation, Latinx culture, health, fitness, mindfulness, stress management, purposeful living, personal development, life design, Latinx/LGBTQ in tech, and community development.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is spending hours next to my big brother while he played the “Sonic the Hedgehog” video game. This is a cherished memory because my brother died when I was 11. My parents immigrated to the United States because my brother had a terminal illness and they knew that he could have the best opportunities here. This diagnosis transformed all of our lives most significantly by changing where we call home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamarindopodcast.com
- Email: contact@tamarindopodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarindopodcast/
Image Credit:
Photo: Liv Amend Steingart
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