My Cultura

My Cultura will also continue to expand its impressive slate of successful podcasts that elevate Latinx voices and stories to include five new shows executive produced by Valderrama

NEW YORK (September 22, 2022) -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, together with My Cultura, the company’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories, announced today that actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS, Encanto, That 70’s Show) has expanded his role with My Cultura to become a shareholder. In addition, Valderrama will help to curate the network's slate of Latinx-focused podcasts and has committed to five new shows that will be executive produced by and/or star him. The news comes as the network celebrates an impressive first year, with monthly podcast downloads across My Cultura shows more than doubling since the beginning of this year. The network’s dedication to inclusive content has garnered a large audience of both Gen Z and Millennials with 9 in 10 of the network’s total downloads coming from listeners aged 18-49. The network has also circulated funds back into Latinx communities with donations to various organizations totaling over $400k in this first year.

“Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices. At WV Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community, but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone. We are so grateful to our partners at iHeartMedia for seeing the value in this and prioritizing the need to highlight the joy, the power, and the heart of our community in ways that are still all too rare,” said Valderrama.

​​“We are excited to have Wilmer on board in an even larger, expanded capacity as a shareholder in iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group. “His energy, experience and creativity will set this network up for even further success in year two and beyond.”

Valderrama began his relationship with My Cultura in Summer 2021 when he launched his podcast “Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama.” Executive produced by Valderrama and Leo Klemm via his production banner WV Entertainment and Clamor, the weekly series features intimate conversations and interviews with people on the frontlines of food service, transportation, child-care and other systems where workers’ voices are often overlooked.

“We’re incredibly proud of the rapid growth our network has seen in its first year,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “We are the first majority Latinx-owned podcast network, and we are grateful to our partners and our diverse roster of hosts, including Wilmer, who continue to further My Cultura’s mission to tell our own stories. It’s stories by us for everyone to enjoy.”

The My Cultura Podcast Network was announced in May 2021 in partnership with Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia’s top-rated on-air personality and President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino. It is home to hit podcasts including “Connections with Eva Longoria,” “Princess of South Beach'' starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Sheryl Rubio (Casa de las Flores), “Wrestling with Freddie” with Freddie Prinze, Jr.,  “Sisters of the Underground” executive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, “Chiquis and Chill,” “Lone Lobos with Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand,” “Escuela Secreta,” “Enrique Santos Podcast” and many more. Listeners can hear all My Cultura shows on iHeartRadio and anywhere podcasts are found.

About Wilmer Valderrama:

Actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama is beloved for his role as exchange student ‘Fez’ on the Emmy-nominated series That 70s Show. He currently stars in the #1 TV drama NCIS on CBS, and recently announced he is developing a live-action “Zorro” series at Disney Branded Television in which he will star and executive produce. On the big screen, he most recently lent his voice to the hit Academy Award-winning Disney animated film Encanto. Outside of acting and producing via his WV Entertainment banner, Valderrama is a passionate activist who lends his voice to organizations including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Voto Latino, the USO as their Global Ambassador, and HARNESS, which he co-founded with America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams. He also recently partnered with John Pollack to launch Allied Management Group, which focuses on partnering with, collaborating, and representing new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media.

Hosted by Alex Fumero and Produced by Nigel Duara and Fumero for Trojan Horse Media, The Series Will Probe the Real-Life Drama Surrounding Edward James Olmos’ Controversial Film on the 30th Anniversary of Its Release

Listen to the official trailer now HERE

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 14, 2022 – Candle Media’s Exile Content Studio in collaboration with Trojan Horse Media’s podcast series and iHeartMedia’s My Cultura, a podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories, today announced a new podcast series “More Than a Movie: American Me,” will launch its first two episodes this Thursday, Sept. 15. Hosted by Emmy®-nominated producer and writer Alex Fumero (HBO Max’s “Menudo: Forever Young”) and produced by CalMatters journalist Nigel Duara, the series delves into the true story of Edward James Olmos’ 1992 cult film classic, “American Me,” and the legacy the controversial film left behind. The series will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

When Edward James Olmos set out on his directorial debut of “American Me,” he wanted to accomplish two things: to represent Chicano culture on the big screen and to save part of his community from gang violence. But when people were allegedly murdered because of their participation in the film, and Olmos himself was reportedly extorted by the real Mexican Mafia, it brought to light the unintended risks of trying to expose corruption.

Daniel Batista, Exile's Chief Digital Officer said, “‘American Me’ and its director, Edward James Olmos, both hold prominent places in Latino film history for the film’s powerful portrayal of Latinos facing the realities of gang life in the late 20th century. But perhaps more historically significant than the film itself is the bigger story surrounding the film, which this podcast series explores in detail with people close to the story.”

The podcast’s host, Fumero, is a celebrated producer and creator whose most recent project, “Menudo: Forever Young” for HBO Max, premiered earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival. His other projects include “Mucho Mucho Amor” (Netflix) – an Official Selection of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival – and the critically acclaimed sketch show, “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson” (Netflix/Irony Point). Fumero also produces the podcast through his Trojan Horse Media banner, along with Executive Producer, Kareem Tabsch.

Added Fumero, “ When I first heard the rumors about ‘American Me’ it all sounded so wild, I had to try to separate fact from fiction. But beyond that, Edward James Olmos is an artist and activist I deeply respect, so I wanted to understand how this could’ve happened, if it did. I really believe that even those who have never seen the cult classic ‘American Me’ film, or aren’t familiar with Olmos, will find this podcast both fascinating and addicting.”

There are a total of 12 episodes in the series, with Episode 1: An Overture, Behind the Blowback, Myths, and Danger of “American Me” and Episode 2: Edward James Olmos (Santana) set to premiere on Sept. 15. New episodes of “More Than a Movie: American Me” will be posted every Thursday.

“This podcast gives a behind-the-scenes look at a film that paved the way for Latino cinema, while also diving into the controversial topics of prison and gang life. It’s important to highlight our stories, our movies and give Latino creators a platform to speak on it,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura.

“More Than a Movie: American Me” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. To stay up to date with Exile’s upcoming projects, follow along at @ExileContent. For updates from Trojan Horse, follow @TrojanHorseMedia on Instagram.

About Exile Content Studio

Exile Content Studio creates content in Spanish and English for a global audience across multiple platforms — TV, Film, Audio and Digital. Exile’s team has led content production for the largest Spanish-language media companies in the world with responsibility for film studios, OTT service, broadcast and cable networks, music, news and digital. The company’s current slate includes award-winning talent across genres and formats. To stay up to date on Exile’s projects, follow @ExileContent on Twitter and Instagram.

About Candle Media

Candle is an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises built for the digital age. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond. Candle was founded by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

About Trojan Horse Media

Trojan Horse is a partnership between director Kareem Tabsch and producer Alex Fumero to tell larger-than-life, stranger-than-fiction stories, which carry a deeper meaning below the surface. Tabsch & Fumero first collaborated on Netflix’s Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado. Subsequently through their Trojan Horse banner, the duo have produced HBOMax’s Menudo: Forever Young, the iHeartMedia podcasts Crumbs and Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami, and are producing the upcoming Onyx Collective’s Gigante, about the iconic Latino TV program, ‘Sabado Gigante’ and the birth of Latino identity in America.

Co-produced by Longoria and Ramirez, the podcast tells the true story of The Mirabal Sisters whose lifelong activism led to the downfall of El Jefe

Listen to the trailer HERE

LOS ANGELES (August 23, 2022) -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced details for “Sisters of the Underground” --  the newest podcast from Eva Longoria and her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment’s exclusive slate of shows with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, a network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories -- launching August 31, 2022. Executive produced by celebrated actresses Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, who will also voice a character in the show, the 8-part scripted series tells the true story of the courageous Latina siblings, known as the Mirabal sisters, whose lifelong activism in the Dominican Republic and state-orchestrated assassination led to the downfall of one of the most brutal and enduring dictators of the 20th Century, Rafael Trujillo (aka El Jefe). Fans can listen to the official trailer for “Sisters of the Underground” now, here.

"I’m so excited for listeners to hear the incredible story of the Mirabal sisters in this captivating and immersive format. They are true heroes and their story is an important example of the strong need for all of our community’s stories to be heard, seen, and celebrated. We are proud to have assembled an incredibly talented team of Dominican actors and writers to help tell this story in the most authentic and fresh way possible and to continue giving Latinx stories a platform to shine,” said Longoria.

“Sisters of the Underground” will bring the legacy of the Mirabal Sisters to life for a global audience in a vivid, immersive, audio drama lead by a cast of talented Dominican actors including Judy Reyes (Minerva Mirabal), Celinés Toribio (Dédé Mirabal), Sharlene Taulé (Maria Teresa Mirabal), Akari Endo (Patria Mirabal), Sergio Carlo (Manolo), Hemky Madera as (Trujillo) and Dania Ramirez as Minou Taváres Mirabal (Narrator).

“I am honored to have partnered with Eva Longoria, iHeartMedia and My Cultura Podcast Network in association with School of Humans Audio Productions on the scripted podcast Sisters Of The Underground,” said Dania Ramirez. “We were given the freedom to bring on a Dominican writer/director Jose Maria Cabral, a Dominican/American co-writer Mary Castellanos and a cast of talented Dominican actors to give listeners the most authentic interpretation of this historical time.”

The podcast is the second of three original shows created by Longoria and her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment for the My Cultura Network, joining “Connections with Eva Longoria,”' which launched earlier this year as well as the upcoming “Hungry for History,” where Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón explore the origins of some of the most delicious dishes and ingredients from la cultura. These podcasts further My Cultura’s dedication to celebrating and elevating Latinx voices, content creators and inspiring stories like “Sisters of the Underground.”

“It has been such a pleasure to work with Eva, Dania and the rest of this wonderful cast and crew to bring such an important story in Latinx history to life,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “It was important to us to tell this story of our Dominicana freedom fighters in an authentic way by including Dominican actors. I’m thrilled to share the inspiring story of the Mirabal Sisters, that isn’t talked about in history class, with our global audience and to continue to expand our mission to amplify Latinx voices and stories.”

The first episode of “Sisters of the Underground” will be available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms on Wednesday, August 31. Listen to the trailer now HERE.

Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.

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WHAT: iHeartMedia’s My Cultura, a podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and creators and sharing the Latinx experience with millions of listeners, Sonoro, and Trojan Horse teamed up to launch “Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami.” The new My Cultura podcast is hosted by Kareem Tabsch, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Joey Daoud, a media producer and founder of New Territory Media.

“Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami” is a conversation between friends, both South Florida natives, about the notorious true crime cases that have occurred in their home state. In each episode cohosts Kareem Tabsch and Joey Daoud narrate the facts of the case, with details, anecdotes, and general color offered by an interview guest with a connection to the crime whether it’s journalists who covered it, the investigators who solved it, survivors or the perpetrators themselves. The podcast shares stories of true crimes committed right under the Florida sun, from the outrageous to the utterly bizarre. The first episode will examine Griselda Blanco, the infamous  Colombian drug lord of the Medellín Cartel and in the Miami-based cocaine drug trade known as the Black Widow and God Mother for being one of the few women who ran a huge drug operation in a man's world.

Other high-profile crimes investigated will include the true story of Rudy Eugene, known for the “Miami Zombie attack” after he attacked and maimed a homeless man; Yahweh Ben Yahweh, a killer cult leader; world-famous fashion designer Gianni Versace; Jeremy Macauley, who was accused of gunning down a Florida Keys couple in October 2015 over a cocaine extortion and is awaiting a new trial this year; and many more.

WHO: Kareem is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work focuses on documenting that which exists on the fringes of mainstream society. His feature films include Netflix's Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020) and The Last Resort (2018) and the short film Dolphin Lover (2015). Tabsch's work has been included at prestigious festivals like Sundance, SXSW, and HotDocs and has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and NPR among others. He is co-founder of Trojan Horse.

Joey is a media producer and founder of New Territory Media. He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, with past work streaming on Netflix, The New York Times, and National Geographic. He hosts the podcast Behind the Upload. A Miami native, he enjoys exploring the Everglades or scuba diving in the Florida keys.

WHEN: “Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami” launches today, Wednesday, May 18, with new episodes, released weekly on Wednesdays.

WHERE: “Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and can be heard on iHeartRadio and all major podcast listening platforms.

ASSETS: Hi-res logos for “Paradise Lost: Crime in Miami”, and a full bio & headshot for Kareem Tabsch and Joey Daoud can be found HERE.

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Podcasts Across Genres Include a Scripted Series About the Mirabal Sisters and Two Unscripted Shows Hosted by Eva Longoria

The First Podcast, “Connections” Hosted by Eva Longoria, Premieres on March 31

Listen to the Official “Connections with Eva Longoria” Trailer HERE

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2022) -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a slate of original podcasts as part of its My Cultura Podcast Network launching in partnership with award-winning actress, producer, director and activist, Eva Longoria. The upcoming shows further My Cultura’s dedication to celebrating and elevating Latinx voices, stories and content creators like Longoria. The projects span across genres -- two of the series will be hosted by Longoria herself including an interview series and a food and culture show; Longoria, along with actress Dania Ramirez, will also executively produce a scripted podcast series based on a true story.  

“We’re incredibly excited about this partnership, and the growth of our network, as we continue to tell our stories and celebrate our Latinidad,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “We’re thrilled to partner with Eva as we continue to increase the representation and visibility of our community and cultura in the podcast industry and beyond.”

“I’m excited to be partnering with iHeartMedia to bring you a new slate of podcasts, which touches on everything I love while also celebrating our culture and uplifting the stories of our community. As a longtime podcast listener, these are three shows that I personally would want to listen to and can’t wait to bring listeners along on this journey,” said Longoria.

In the first show to launch, “Connections with Eva Longoria,” premiering March 31, Longoria and her guests take on complex topics that affect us all and break them down into lively, meaningful conversations ranging from spirituality to money, romance, food, politics and parenting. Podcasts coming later this year include the scripted series, “Sisters of the Underground,” that tells the true story of the Mirabal sisters -- the Dominican women behind the take down of Rafael Trujillo; as well as “Hungry for History,” where Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón explore the origins of some of the most delicious dishes and ingredients from la cultura.

iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network x Eva Longoria Slate Includes:

• “Connections with Eva Longoria,” Launching March 31, Unscripted

Eva Longoria is taking us back to the very foundation of what makes us human - our desire to authentically connect with others. In open and honest conversations with some of the brightest thought leaders of the moment, Eva seeks to reinvigorate our focus on the power and critical importance of connection. Eva and her guests take on complex topics that affect us all and break them down into lively, meaningful conversations. Covering a wide range of topics, from spirituality to money, romance, food, politics and parenting, Eva’s signature style will give you a new perspective on your most powerful connections - with the world around you, and with yourself. Guests include: Jay Shetty, Huda Kattan, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Elsa Marie Collins, and many more.

• “Sisters of the Underground,” Summer 2022, Scripted

An 8-episode scripted series by executive producers Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez. It follows the true story of Las Hermanas Mirabal, the Mirabal sisters. Their lifelong activism in the Dominican Republic and state-orchestrated assassination ignited outrage that led to the downfall of one of the most brutal and enduring dictators of the 20th Century, Rafael Trujillo (aka El Jefe). This series takes us back to a period when the Mirabal Sisters inspired an entire nation to emancipate themselves from a tyrannical regime that lasted for more than 30 years. While the martyrdom of the Mirabal Sisters is the stuff of legend in the DR, Sisters of the Underground brings these hidden figures to life for a global audience in a vivid, immersive, audio drama.

• “Hungry for History,” Launching October 2022, Unscripted

Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón explore the origins of some of the most delicious dishes, and ingredients from Mexico. They’ll share personal memories and family stories about the topic, decode culinary customs, and even provide a recipe or two for listeners to try at home. Through lighthearted dialogue and historical facts, our hosts will take us on a culinary journey that will connect our past with our present and prove that we are “Hungry for History.”

The first episode of “Connections with Eva Longoria” will be available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms on Thursday, March 31. Subscribe to listen HERE.

About Eva Longoria

Having worked consistently in Hollywood for over 20 years, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as an industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera.  An award-winning actress, Emmy-nominated director, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist, Longoria has been leading the charge of diverse and female representation since her starring role in the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives. Through her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, Longoria has become one the most significant trailblazers and recently renewed her overall deal with Twentieth Television. Founded in 2005, the company actively chooses purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. The company has also partnered with ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group for their First Time Directors program highlighting BIPOC and women filmmakers to produce 50 films across the group’s portfolio of networks and streaming services. Longoria has directed countless hours of television and recently wrapped production on her feature directorial debut, the biopic Flamin’ Hot for Searchlight. Named by Variety Magazine as one of the directors to watch in 2021, she is also preparing to direct two other feature films – the workplace comedy 24/7 for Universal Pictures in which she will executive produce and star opposite Kerry Washington, and female action comedy Spa Day for Sony Pictures. Additionally, Longoria directed the documentary La Guerra Civil, produced by her Emmy-nominated UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which tells the story of boxers Oscar de la Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez, delving into the historic bouts between the two Latino giants. La Guerra Civil premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and will be released later this year. In September 2021, Longoria launched Casa Del Sol tequila, a luxury sipping Tequila, inspired by the magic of golden hour and the legend of the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel. As a Mexican-American, she is proud to be a co-founder of a brand with authentic Mexican roots with a strong female influence. Recently named by People Magazine as one of the “Women Changing the World”, Longoria is a dedicated philanthropist and activist who has consistently lent her voice to the issues she is passionate about, ranging from immigration to STEM education. Committed to empowering Latinas everywhere, Longoria established the Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF) in 2012 to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through educational programs, scholarships, mentorship and entrepreneurship. She is a co-founder of Latino Victory Fund, Momento Latino and Poderistas. Longoria has also been the face of L’Oréal Paris for over 15 years. A native of Texas, Longoria currently resides in Los Angeles with her family. 

“Lone Lobos” Debuts on iHeartMedia’s New My Cultura Podcast Network, Dedicated to Elevating Latinx Voices and Stories, on September 21

Listen to the official trailer now HERE

LOS ANGELES (September 14, 2021) – On the heels of the season 5 renewal announcement of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated smash hit Cobra Kai, series stars Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand have joined iHeartMedia’s new My Cultura podcast network, dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and creators, and sharing the Latinx experience with millions of listeners. Under the new network, Maridueña and Bertrand will host their original podcast series Lone Lobos, a talk show format series centered on the two budding stars discussing all things pop culture and featuring the occasional guest. The show will debut September 21 on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Fans can listen to the official Lone Lobos audio trailer now HERE.

“Representation of authentic voices is super important to Jacob and me, and we know it's important to our partners at iHeartMedia,” said Maridueña and Bertrand in a joint statement. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to invite you all into our conversations and smack talking. This podcast is all about getting to know us beyond the surface and doing a deeper dive into the lives of the Lone Lobos.”

Maridueña and Bertrand currently star in Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai, a continuation of the classic Karate Kid film franchise, alongside original cast members Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. Both have quickly become fan favorites, while also garnering wide critical praise since the show’s 2018 debut. After a wildly successful run on YouTube Premium, the series moved to Netflix for its third season where it reached the #1 spot in the U.S. upon its January 1, 2021 premiere. Prior to the season three release, Netflix premiered the show’s first two seasons in the summer of 2020, where it held onto the #1 spot worldwide for over three weeks, impressively reaching 50-million-member accountsthat chose to watch the series in the first 28 days. The show’s fourth season is set to premiere this December, and it was recently announced that Cobra Kai was renewed for season five. Maridueña was also recently announced as DC Comic’s latest superhero, BLUE BEETLE, marking the first time ever a superhero film will star a Latino character.  Jacob Bertrand will also star in the upcoming Warner Bros. Animation series, Batwheels. Voicing the character of Bam, the Batmobile, Batwheels is the first DC preschool animated series and will feature the most heroic and iconic vehicles from the DC universe.

Lone Lobos and all My Cultura shows are distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. For more information, please visit: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-lone-lobos-86777814/

“Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama” and “Exactly Amara” headline the new content offerings for the new Latinx-focused podcast network

NEW YORK – July 7, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, today announced four new shows launching in July from My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s new podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and creators, while also sharing the Latinx experience with millions of listeners. The network’s initial lineup will include “Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama,” “Exactly Amara,” “Transportista” (published in both English and Spanish) and “Life As a Gringo.” With a driven commitment to the creation of a platform that helps amplify the Latinx community, Coca-Cola, State Farm and Walgreens will be My Cultura’s inaugural sponsors, building connectivity amongst this growing audience. All of the new podcast series will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

This lineup officially kicks off the My Cultura podcast network which is set to release 30 total shows in its first year. My Cultura was announced last month with “In the Heights: El Sueñito,” a special limited podcast series with Lin-Manuel Miranda and hosted by Eva Longoria. Additionally, My Cultura’s future podcast series will span a variety of genres including pop culture, music, comedy, mental health, finance, news and more. 

“The wait is over. We’re thrilled to announce that these new shows are joining iHeartMedia’s My Cultura and to showcase the incredible storytelling talents and diverse perspectives of Latinx creators,” said Gisselle Bances, Lead Executive Producer for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “From Amara La Negra’s authentic perspective on being Afro-Latina in ‘Exactly Amara’ to investigating the world of cartels in ‘Transportista’ to amplifying the voices of the world’s essential workers in ‘Essential Voices,’ and much more, this new slate of My Cultura shows promises to entertain, educate and inspire.”

My Cultura podcasts being released this month include: 

July 8

“Exactly Amara” -- A weekly talk-show style podcast hosted by reality star, model and singer Amara La Negra alongside co-host Stevey Newnez. The pair will get personal on just about everything and will discuss dating, sex, relationships, social media, plastic surgery, body positivity and everything in between. In each episode, Amara will add her Spanglish sazón, getting raw and real with topics that hit close to home. Listen to the official trailer now here. 

July 14

“Transportista” -- This weekly limited-series podcast opens the door into a hidden world of drug trafficking and its ties to political power. Told from a North Carolina Federal Prison via a smuggled cell phone, the show explores the story of a now-incarcerated head of transportation for some of the world’s most dangerous drug lords in Latin America. Brought to life in both English and Spanish, the podcast will shine a light on the life of a man who had access to the top cartels’ women, wealth and supply chain, until it all came to a screeching halt. Buckle up, the plane is taking off and El Transportista is talking about it all. Listeners can hear the official trailer in English or Spanish.

July 20

“Life as a Gringo”-- Hosted by The Breakfast Club and Z100’s Dramos, this podcast shares the perspective and voices of American-born Latinos who live their lives existing in a gray area: those who are looked at as a gringo by their family in their native land while being constantly reminded that their house smelled different or their parents’ music was “weird” by people they grew up with in the states. This is life as heard from the voice of a “gringo”. New episodes will post every Tuesday and Thursday.

July 27

“Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama” - Hosted by actor, producer and activist Wilmer Valderrama(NCIS, That ‘70s Show), this weekly podcast will share intimate conversations with people on the frontlines of food service, transportation, child-care and other systems where workers’ voices are often overlooked. While COVID-19 introduced many people to the phrase “essential workers,” this group of people existed far before the pandemic and will continue to play a vital role in society long after it’s over. The show seeks to illustrate the invisible connections between all of us and point us toward strategies for meaningful change. 

In addition to the shows announced today, listeners can expect a steady stream of new podcasts launching each month this year with My Cultura, which will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network. 

New network will bring together and amplify well-known and new influential Latinx voices alike – including Eva Longoria, Wilmer Valderrama, Rosario Dawson, Gloria Estefan and more, with a slate of groundbreaking and culturally relevant content 

 Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eva Longoria to provide a sneak preview of the slate with “In the Heights: El Sueñito” – a special limited podcast series with Lin-Manuel Miranda, hosted by Eva Longoria, launching June 2

NEW YORK –May 13, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America and No. 1 podcast publisher, announced today that it will launch a new, standalone podcast venture – My Cultura, dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and creators, and sharing the Latinx experience with millions of listeners.   

In partnership with Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia’s top-rated on-air personality and President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino, My Cultura will offer creators a platform to share stories and perspectives relevant to Latinx listeners and all audiences. The network will roll out 6 new shows at launch in Summer 2021, and 30 shows throughout its first year, across a variety of genres including pop culture, music, comedy, mental health, finance, news and more – from well-known and new voices alike, including Eva Longoria, Wilmer Valderrama, Rosario Dawson, stars of Red Table Talk: The Estefans - Gloria, Lili and Emily Estefan, Cobra Kai stars Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand, Amara La Negra, Chiquis, Daniel Habif and more.

“Latinx creators drive our culture. And yet, even though almost 20 percent of the U.S. population is Latinx, this community of creators is still strikingly, consistently underrepresented across media,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “As the biggest podcast network in the world, we at iHeart have a chance to course-correct this incredible, exploding medium so that these voices are better represented and amplified. We could not be more excited for this launch and the entire company is behind it. This will be some of the strongest content we launch this year, period.” 

Tony Award-winning “Hamilton” creators Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eva Longoria will give us a sneak peek of ‘My Cultura’ with the podcast “In the Heights: El Sueñito,”  a celebration of In the Heights, Warner Bros. Pictures feature film In the Heights. adaptation of Manuel’s first stage musical. The limited series will launch in on June 2 with an in-depth conversation about the inspiration for the musical story and how it went from the stage to the screen. 

‘My Cultura’ will also partner with Sonoro, a global media company focused on creating the most sought-after Latinx and global Hispanic content in the world. The Princess of South Beach, a comedy podcast that reinvents the telenovela, will launch in July in both English and Spanish. The show pays homage to classic telenovela twists with larger-than-life characters.

Exile content studio, a full-service studio producing premium content in Spanish and English for global audiences across TV, film, audio and digital, will launch a slate of shows beginning with El Flow. The show takes a historical look at the rise of Reggaeton from the creation of the Panama Canal, to the streets of San Juan, to conquering the world.

In addition, the new network will kick off with season two of Santos’ own popular podcast “Hola, My Name Is,” which debuted last year and has featured conversations with guests including Gloria Estefan, J. Balvin and Dr. Anthony Fauci, in early 2021. 

“iHeartMedia’s commitment to serving the needs of the Latin community throughout the nation is unparalleled and I’m honored by their continued commitment to our community,’ said Santos.  “This is why iHeartMedia and I are collaborating to build upon the current programming and to create the largest Latin-focused podcast network that celebrates our culture, people and community.”

State Farm has signed on as an inaugural sponsor of My Cultura with others to be announced.

All shows on the My Cultura podcast network will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts. With over 257 million downloads each month, iHeartRadio is the leading podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with a substantial lead over the next largest commercial podcaster. iHeartPodcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. iHeartPodcasts are distributed on all major podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app.