Podcast Spotlight: Latina to Latina

Last updated on March 7th, 2020

Latina to Latina is an interview podcast between host Alicia Menendez and a Latina guest settling deep into conversation. With a new episode almost every week, listeners will hear from musicians, entrepreneurs, political activists, authors and more. Not only are their conversations interesting, but Alicia is a wonderful, informed, and prepared interviewer. The conversation between the two women sounds natural, like they have known each other for ages, and Alicia asks questions that effortlessly advance each topic.

Alicia and her guests tackle a variety of topics, including stereotypes, moving away from home, and starting your own business. It is inspiring to listen to these women navigate the world and thrive as women of color. During a time that can be so hostile to the Other, it is uplifting to hear success stories of women paving their own way. Listeners who are not Latinx are still welcomed to learn from these conversations. Each episode is sure to teach you something new. 

We were fortunate to talk with Williams about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : I was a fan and then had the opportunity to lead a team at NPR that created a podcast. That led to me falling in love with the creative and collaborative process. When I decided to branch out after a long career in legacy media, I knew my new path would be in podcasting. Alicia, who is broadcast veteran, had the opportunity to create a podcast for an outlet where she was a contributing editor. She came up with the Latina to Latina concept and I was invited to produce it. The rest is sweet Latina to Latina history.

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Latina to Latina?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS: Everyone should listen to Latina to Latina if they want to be inspired, get a jolt of positivity in their day, and cackle at some of the insane stories our guests share. The frank, heart-to-hand conversations with some of the baddest women in their fields will pump some serious energy into you. You’ll also get invaluable insight into how the worlds of entertainment, business and finance, influencer culture, politics, and so much more really work–from insiders that help shape them every day.

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : We have the best audience! They send us long loving emails, quick witty DM’s, and generally boost our serotonin levels with the kindest messages about how much they cherish the show. We are so grateful for the wave of encouragement we’ve received from the beginning. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a sampling of 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts:

A must
I enjoy this show immensely! The guests are diverse and bring a lot of ideas to the audience about history, their story, how to’s, inspiration…. and so much more!! And Alicia’s prep work and questions are right on!

A Fantastic Podcast!
I’m so hyped to have found this podcast! Alicia is a warm and informed interviewer and I gain so much insight from each episode. I am not Latinx, but am grateful to learn more about the culture and find many points of relation with the guests. Thank you!

Empowerment
As a young Latina I feel so incredibly empowered after every episode. I feel that I have a strong community of latinas behind me in everything I do. Also Alicia and Juleyka are some of the most inspirational women I know! Would 100% recommend this to anyone not just Latinas who are looking for a source of hope and courage. 💕

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : We typically record in a professional studio to have the best sound quality.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : Same as all indies: Discoverability. Our show is well made, fascinating, and beloved by our audience. Now we want waaaaay more people to find it and love it as much as our listeners do.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : We have big dreams for Latina to Latina. We’d like to tour around the country to create memories with our listeners. We’d like to expand to a yearly gathering that brings some of our stellar guests together with our audience for even more empowering conversations. And we’d love to expand our merch offerings.

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : Gaslit Nation, Reveal, Tamarindo, Long Distance, Masters of Scale, Dear Young Rocker, City of the Future, Drilled

MENENDEZ: The Anxious Achiever, Feeling My Flo, SuperMamás, A Thing or Two with Claire and Erica

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

LANTIGUA-WILLIAMS : Happy listening!