What's better than two family members on this podcast? Of course, three family members! In our 4th episode, we are joined by our cousin, Charlene Rodriguez Gomez. However, this is more than just family gossip—Charlene is a determined Latina fighting for opportunities for Puerto Ricans in her career. Listen as this trio discusses the challenges facing the people of Puerto Rico, offers financial tips and solutions, and reveals what is really happening in Puerto Rico. Moreover, Charlene gives us new insight into the family and shares her favorite foods and traditions. Highlights: A look at Charlene’s career with the federal sector in Puerto Rico. A discussion of some of the unique challenges people in Puerto Rico are facing. How Charlene’s own experience as a Latina inspired her career path into government work. Career advice for people from marginalized communities interested in a role like hers. A dive into family food and traditions and more… About the guest: Charlene Rodriguez Gomez works with the federal sector in Puerto Rico. Her work has helped to bring vital assistance to areas of Puerto Rico that experience persistent poverty and economic distress. She lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is Tania’s cousin! Links and resources we talked about in the episode. Follow Coqui the Chef and More Than Rice and Beans Our website: ⁠https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans⁠ Our cooking classes: ⁠https://www.coquithechef.com/⁠ Support our show here: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support⁠ Follow Charlene Rodriguez Gomez Instagram: @alaila_zahaara & @lacamaleona_del_ caribe Resources: Income limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html Public Service: AmeriCorps Vista: https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov/ Nonprofits catalog- http://www.nperci.org/Dir.%20OSFL%20PR.pdf

In our 3rd episode for season 4, the multi-talented Jacqueline Vazquez joins us. Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime Events by Jacqueline, a premiere wedding and event planning company that creates memorable experiences around the world. She’s also an internationally recognized industry expert, educator, mentor, author, and more! Tania, Miguel, and Jacqueline discuss the challenges and rewards of being a strong Latina in a competitive industry, explore how family traditions shape the events Jacqueline loves planning, talk travel and bundling a global brand. Plus, Jacqueline shares her hard-earned advice for anyone looking to break into the event planning business. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES Follow Coqui the Chef and More Than Rice and Beans Our website: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans Our cooking classes: https://www.coquithechef.com/ Support our show here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support Follow Jacqueline Vazquez Website: https://classyandinspiring.com/ Inspired by Jacqueline Community & Podcast: https://linktr.ee/inspired_by_jacqueline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classyjv/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebjv/

Fewer than a quarter of third generation Latinx in the U.S. speak Spanish, but Wendy Ramirez is on a mission to change that. In this episode, Tania and Miguel are joined by the founder and CEO of Spanish Sin Pena (Spanish Without Shame), Wendy Ramirez. The trio breaks down the stigma and barriers that keep many Latinx people from learning their first language, talks about how connecting through language learning creates deep community and empathy, and discusses Sin Pena's ongoing advocacy work for hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico. If you've ever considered learning Spanish or are trying to connect with an Indigenous language of your own, you don't want to miss this episode! Links Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans Check out our cooking classes: https://www.coquithechef.com/ Support our show here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support Follow Wendy Ramirez Spanish Sin Pena: https://www.spanishsinpena.com/ Volunteer Relief Fund for Puerto Rico: https://www.gofundme.com/f/volunteer-relief-fund-for-puerto-rico?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES

We're back! To celebrate our season 4 premiere, we're joined by Afro-Latina multidisciplinary artist, producer, and playwright Melissa DuPrey. You may know her as Dr. Sara Ortiz on Grey's Anatomy, but did you know she's also a stand-up comedian, a community organizer, and a theatrical performer with over a decade of experience performing in full-length solo plays?! We dig into her career, advocacy, experiences, and of course, food! Plus, Melissa shares why she loves her hometown of Chicago so much and what she's working on next. You don't want to miss this one! Links: Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans Check out our cooking classes: https://www.coquithechef.com/ Support our show here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support Follow Melissa DuPrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomboomduprey/?hl=en Visit Melissa's website: https://www.melissaduprey.com/ LINK TO SHOW NOTES

We are back for season number cuatro! We’ve had three incredible seasons introducing you to Latinx people who are genuinely changing the world through their passions, skills, and talents. And we are so excited to continue this journey with our new season, premiering April 6, 2023. New episodes will drop every other Thursday!

George Torres is the guy who knows everyone. He’s a master at connecting people, sharing stories, and building community in digital spaces.  On this final episode of season 3, Tania and Miguel chat with the award-winning Sofrito for Your Soul founder about the importance of storytelling, how to connect with your culture and traditions in modern ways, the changes and challenges brought by social media, and of course, food! DOWLOAD SHOW NOTES Links: · Support our show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricebeanpodcast · Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ · George’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanjibaro/ · Sofrito For Your Soul: https://www.sofritoforyoursoul.com · Mi Abuelita podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mi-abuelita/id1610812428?i=1000551577377 · Coquito Making Class: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/2062936 Episode 8 Glossary: o Sancocho: Puerto Rican beef stew, also known as sancocho is a blend of tender beef, soft root vegetables, and bold flavorful broth! o Sofrito: Spanish sauce that consists of tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and peppers. Sofrito, which means “to lightly fry,” forms the aromatic flavor base for a range of Spanish recipes. o Patacones sandwiches: a sandwich with tostones instead of bread. o Jibarito Sandwiches: an authentic Puerto Rican sandwich made from flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread. This version uses flank steak and is complemented by Swiss cheese, tomato, onion, and a garlic-flavored mayonnaise

Carlos Frias’ life has been shaped by food from his father’s work as a prison cook to earn his exit visa from Cuba to his childhood spent watching Cuban men gather at Miami’s coffee windows to his six years as food Editor at the Miami Herald.  In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel and Tania talk with Frias about his journey to connecting with his Cuban heritage, which later inspired his memoir, his views on the Miami food scene, and his favorite coquito recipe of all time. Plus, we learn what makes a meal genuinely great, hear about his time in Cuba, and gain insight into his latest James Beard Award win. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES Links: Support our show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricebeanpodcast Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ Listen to Carlos on Sundial: https://www.wlrn.org/podcast/sundial Follow Carlos on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carlos_Frias Read Carlos Frias’ award-winning journalism for the Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/profile/218643935 Purchase Take Me with You: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00164X2JU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

It takes a talented person to become a successful spoken word artist. Or an actor. Or a salsa singer. It takes the one and only Flaco Navaja to do it all.  In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Tania, and Miguel chat with the multi-faceted legendary Nuyorican about being featured on the In the Heights soundtrack, touring the world with Def Jam Poetry, and more. Plus, you’ll hear Flaco’s suggestions for all things food, music, and poetry. You don’t want to miss this one! DOWNLOAD SHOW NOTES Links: Follow Flaco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flaconavaja/?hl=en. East Willy B (comedic web series) East WillyB - YouTube Lemon Anderson Lemon Andersen performs "Please don't take my Air Jordans" - Bing video Support our show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricebeanpodcast

Some siblings fight. Others only see each other on holidays. And some start multiple successful businesses together, right in their own neighborhood.  In this episode of More Than Rice and beans, Tania and Miguel are joined by brothers Paul and Anthony Ramirez. The Ramirez brothers own several successful Bronx-based businesses, including the Bronx Beer Hall, Taste of the Bronx, and From the Bronx. Listen in as this group chats about life and food in the Bronx, why the New York beer scene is the best, and more. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES Links: The Bronx Beer Hall: https://www.thebronxbeerhall.com/ From the Bronx: https://fromthebronx.com/ Taste of the Bronx: https://tasteofthebronx.com/ Mainland Media: https://mainlandmedia.net/ Support our show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricebeanpodcast Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/

People who don’t know Latin music know Tito Puente. In the 1950s, he brought Latin jazz to the mainstream, earning him the moniker “King of Mambo.” Now, his son Tito Puente Jr. continues his father’s legacy.  In this episode of More Than Rice and Beans, Miguel and Tania chat with Tito Puente Jr. about his childhood, career, and traditions. Fans of music of any kind will enjoy hearing this perspective of music history and cheer for Jr’s incredible ability to marry the past and the present in his own unique style. This is one you won’t want to miss! CLICK FOR SHOW NOTES Links: Book a virtual “A Tase of Puerto Rico” experience: https://www.coquithechef.com/cooking-classes/ Support our show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricebeanpodcast Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/ Listen to Tito Puente Jr.: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ROkqvVDXj5JgmN6z2uFrM?si=u_XS1_r3RraU9TsVV410xw&nd=1 Follow Tito Puente Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfyonYFO5Rv/?hl=en