For Season 11’s season premiere, Sarah sits down with Gabriela Piña, an assistant professor in the Universidad Mayor. Gabi reflects on her doctoral research in which she conducted ethnographic fieldwork with a pehuenche community in Southern Chile. The anthropologist also tells us about how her research led to her current engagement with collaborat…

In this episode, Sarah and Luísa reunite to reflect on this past season. We share our thoughts, feelings, and favorite moments — from standout episodes and special guests to fun behind-the-scenes stories. We also open up about what it's been like working together and how much has changed since we first kicked off the season. We hope you enjoy this …

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Peruvian archeologist, Dr. Solsiré Cusicanqui Marsano from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Solsiré reminisces on her initial interest in archeology and her current engagement with more community-based methodologies that seek to democratize the field through the consideration of local and Indigenous…

In this episode, Luísa had the pleasure to sit down and chat with returning guests, Helen Batchoun and Juanita Arango! This time around, they share about Vivir Sin Miedo, a collective based on the University of Toronto, which aims to create spaces where all women and girls feel supported and understood. Our guests share about how the collective act…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Ximena Morillas Altamirano, an up-and-coming writer and educator from Cajamarca, Perú. She shares with us her personal journey with creative writing–from writing poems to her middle school crush, creating fanfiction on wattpad, to publishing her first poetry book Viaje Hacia El Mar. Xime also tells us about her curre…

In this episode, Luísa sits down with Dr. Andrea Allen, an assistant professor at the Anthropology Department and Centre Diaspora and Transnational Studies at UofT. She talks about her research on Afro-Brazilian Lesbian relationships, with a particular focus on how those women both perform and deny Brazilian citizenship. Our guest also talks about …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Gabriel Tejada, professional photographer and documentarian from Cajamarca, Perú. He talks about how his experience with photography and cultural management led to his involvement in the documentary Carnaval La Fiesta Entre Carne y Espíritu. Gabriel also reflects on the creative process behind documenting Cajamarca’s…

In this episode, Luísa talks to Vanessa, Daniel and Homere, three undergrad students at the LAS program. They share some interesting thoughts about the program, how their perspectives about Latin America have changed, as well as some fun anecdotes about their experience in the program so far. Finally, our guests also give precious advice to student…

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Seba Mena, our former Season 6 and 7 host, to talk about his current project: Lina’s Stories. He also tells us about the importance of learning about renowned theatre teacher and performer Lina de Guevara for archiving Latinx live here in Canada. The LAS alumni also reflects on how his career as a performer and…

In this episode, Luísa talks to Paula Karger, an assistant professor in the teaching stream of Latin American Studies and Spanish at the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Our guest talks about her fascinating research on "La Doncella Teodor," exploring how the story traveled across the globe and evolved through cultural exchanges and translatio…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Samantha Hare and Matias Recharte. Together, with Roxana Escobar, they run Manchita Productions, a management group that seeks to promote Peruvian culture through musical events here in the city. Sami and Matias share insights behind the organization of Peñas Criollas abroad. They also reflect on the importance of th…

In this episode, Sarah and Luísa talk to LAS students Elle Gilbert and Diego Brizuela-Crespo about their learning abroad experiences in Argentina and Puerto Rico, respectively. They share their contrasting experiences and insights, what knowledge and skills they have gained, and unexpected issues and moments they lived while being abroad. Finally, …

In this first episode, Sarah introduces el CafeciTO’s new co-host, Luísa Melchert. Luísa is a second-year undergraduate student who is doing a major in Public Policy and two minors in Latin American Studies and Political Science. In this episode, she tells us about her experience at UofT so far, and about her interesting extracurriculars. Finally, …

For season 9’s finale, Sarah talks to Manuela Mora Castillo and Natalia Peña, the co-editors in chief of @el.paradigmasur , University of Toronto’s Undergraduate Journal of Interdisciplinary Latin American Studies. We get to know more about Manuela and Natalia as they tell us about their degrees and their varied extracurriculars. They also reflect …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Luisa Duarte Milani, a Brazilian PhD candidate from the Geography and Planning Department. Luisa tells us about how her background in architecture and planning inspired her research on informal housing and environmental risk. She also reflects on the experiences of conducting academic research in her home city, São P…

Episode 03 is part of our special segment: Reporting from LASA2024, el CafeciTO's collaboration with graduate student Johann Kirchenbauer. In this episode, Johann speaks to professor Ryan Long from the University of Maryland. We learn from professor Long's diverse research approaches and interests, and we will get a sneak peek in the ways the Unive…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Johann Kirchenbauer, a Venezuelan PhD student from the Spanish and Portuguese Department. Johann tells us about his research interests in modern and contemporary Hispanic literatures and cultures with a focus on the Venezuelan diaspora. We also get to learn about his experience in the Latin American Studies Associati…

For season 9's premiere, Sarah interviews renowned Argentine journalist and novelist Mariana Enriquez. Author of multiple bestselling novels like Los Peligros de Fumar en la Cama (2009), Las Cosas que perdimos en el Fuego (2016) and Nuestra Parte de la Noche (2019). In this episode, the Argentinian author discusses the affective impact of her horro…

S08E11: The FinaleWelcome to El CafeciTO’s season 8 Finale! In this episode Luis & Sarah give some updates as to what they have been up to recently. They also reminisce over this year's podcasting highlights, lessons learned and goals for the future. Additionally, tune in for some exciting updates about El CafeciTO in the summer! We hope you enjoy …

In this episode we commemorate 8 de Marzo, also known as International Women's Day. Sarah talks to Adriana Pérez-Rodríguez, a Colombian second-year PhD student at the Institute of Women and Gender Studies and feminist researcher. Adriana talks about her PhD research in Cucutá Colombia and her previous work as one of the directors of the Observatori…

In this episode, Luis talks to Arturo Alexander Gomez, an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying criminology and neuroscience. Alex has a candid talk about his journey from Mexico to Calgary to Toronto, thoughts on the campus acting and theater scene, and an analysis on what we do to connect to our roots when we are abroad. We …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Andrés Lalama Vargas, a PhD Candidate of the History Department. Andrés talks about his experience as a history student and his research on symbolic spaces located at the margins of the city of Quito, Ecuador. Andrés also tells us about the different surprises that come up when doing archival research and his role as…

In this episode, Luis sits down with Isidora Cortés-Monroy, a PhD student in Hispanic Literature at the Spanish and Portuguese Department. Isidora talks about how her love of fiction not only motivated her academic studies but also reconnected with her Latin American culture. She also elaborates on her research on mining literature in Chile and Bol…

In this episode, Luis chats with Fatima Sanchez, a Toronto based actress, singer, and dancer. Together, they discuss their shared Mexican heritage, their shared last name, and their passion for the performing arts. Fatima also shares her experiences training at the Randolph College of the Performing Arts, her time spent in Mexico, and her inspirati…

In this episode, Sarah catches up with Cassandra Yanez-Leyton, a LAS alumna who is now working as an associate producer and web writer for CBC Montreal. Cass was the founder and first host of our beloved podcast. Today, she reminisces about her time as an undergraduate student and the beginnings of el CafeciTO. Cass will also tell us about her grad…

In this episode, Sarah talks to Alejandra Molina Vélez, a Puerto Rican undergraduate student who is majoring in Psychology and Latin American Studies. Ale is a loyal listener of the podcast. Today, she tells us about her extracurriculars, including her role as the Latin American Mentor Navigator at UofT Access and Inclusion Program. Ale will also r…

In Episode 4, Luis sits down with Mariana, a fourth-year undergraduate student and make-up artist, to discuss conceptions around language, the self-perception of being an immigrant and Tim Hortons secret menu items! We hope you enjoy this episode!By el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

In this episode Luis sits down with Anna Sofia Alemany, a third-year undergraduate student in UofT studying Political Science and Peace, Conflict, and Justice. Anna and Luis chat about their latino heritage and the changes in identity students face when they are home and studying abroad. We hope you enjoy the episode! ☕️💛…

In episode 2, Sarah sits down with renowned Colombian author Héctor Abad Faciolince, who is considered one of the most talented and influential post-Latin American Boom writers. Author of 15 books, including bestselling novels like La Oculta (2014), and most recently Salvo mi corazón, todo está bien (2022). In this episode, the Colombian author dis…

In this episode Sarah introduces our newest host: Luis Sanchez Blanco. Luis is a third year undergraduate student in International Relation, Polisci, and History. In this episode, he will tell us a bit about himself, his exciting extracurriculars, and his previous experience with podcasting. We are so excited for this upcoming season! We hope you e…

This is the Season 7 finale. Sarah and Sebas reminisce about this last season and share their summer adventures. As a future graduate, Sebas will also share some tips about the LAS program and its opportunities for incoming and current students. Lastly, the hosts share their plans for the fall semester. El CafeciTO is grateful for all of this seaso…

S07E10- In this final interview of Season 7, Sebas sits down with Mexican-Canadian celebrity, makeup artist, and Toronto coffee shop owner Luisa Duran. Luisa shares her journey of becoming a prominent Canadian makeup artist based in Los Angeles. She tells the story of how she got into the coffee business, becoming the owner of one of Toronto’s olde…

In this episode, Sarah interviews Marianne Lahaie Luna, a Canadian Venezuelan Ph.D. student at UofT’s Geography and Planning Department. Marianne talks about what drove her to pursue a Masters in Environmental Public health. She also shares the important work she does with her NGO, Lahaie Luna Lezama, an association of Menstrual and Reproductive Ri…

In Episode 08, Sebas and Sarah travel to the West Coast to chat with two of seven founding members of CALTAC, Alexandra Lainfiesta and Pedro Chamale. The two Latinx westcoaters talk about the creation of the Canadian Latinx Theatre Artist Coalition (CALTAC), highlighting the important work they do with advocating for Latinx artists. The two Guatema…

For episode 7, Sarah catches up with LAS alumna, Emily Encalada, who is currently doing her masters in Sociology of Law at the University of the Basque Country. Emily reminisces about her time as a LAS undergraduate student and her involvement in OLAS and the SSO. She also talks about her research on memory spaces in Chile, highlighting both their …

In this episode, Sarah talks to Andrea Román Alfaro, a Peruvian Ph.D. candidate at UofT’s Sociology Department. Andrea tells us about her experience as a doctoral candidate, her collaborative research with la Casa Comunitaria Juvenil de Puerto Nuevo, and her involvement in the executive board of CUPE’s local 3902 unit. We hope you enjoy this episod…

Episode 5 is the second part of Lina de Guevars’s inspiring life and theatrical career. The renowned theater director tells el CafeciTO about the beginning of her company, Puente Theater. For this project, she decides to foreground the talents of refugee and migrant non-actors, coming from Latin America. Lina reflects on how important this project …

In this episode Sebas chats with Chilean actress and theater director Lina de Guevara. Lina reminisces about her childhood in Santiago, and her theatrical training in the University of Chile. The renowned theater director tells El CafeciTO about how her educational career as a theater teacher in Valdivia got abruptly interrupted by the Chilean coup…

In this episode Sebas chats with visual artist and painter Jesus Mora. Jesus talks about his impressive work, the Codices Michoacán, a document that illustrates the rich and complex history of his father’s birthplace. The artist also discusses how this work came to be and offers us a different way to think about the processes of field work, researc…

For episode 2, Sebas catches up with Marisol Diaz, a student from the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. Marisol tells us about her experience as a student here at UofT. We also get to learn about her work as an Outreach Coordinator at the Caribbean Studies program. Marisol will be graduating from the university soon, and we, as el Cafec…

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 7! El CafeciTO (Summer Edition): Voices of Latin America. In this episode Sebas talks to Puerto Rican professor and media personality José Rivera González, who teaches International Studies and Global Communications at Universidad Sagrado Corazón. The Profe gives us his take on Puerto Rican politics and identity. He a…

S06E21- Episode 21 is the last episode of Season 6. Sarah and Sebas reflect on the past season, give a little sneak peek of Season 7, and discuss their summer plans. We wanted to thank our listeners for tuning in every Tuesday! We hope you enjoy the episode ☕️🌎By el CafeciTO - Latin American Studies @ UofT

S06E20- In this episode, Sarah and Sebas get to know Professor Luis Van Isschot, our program’s newly appointed Associate Chair. He talks about his trajectory as a historian and human rights observer, his work with Latin American human rights movements in Colombia, and his new role at the Latin American Studies program. Lastly, the chair tells us ab…

S06E19- In this episode, Sebas sits down with graduating LAS undergrads Mateo Peña and Fabiola Cruz. The grads talk about their undergrad experience and share their course recommendations. They also give us some strategies that helped them get through their U of T journey. Fabiola and Mateo discuss their participation with RefugeAid U of T, a stude…

S06E18-In this episode, Sebas sits down with Mariana Medellin Canales, a Mexican born multi-disciplinary artist and undergraduate student at UofT. Mariana tells us about her philosophy and approach to art making. She also shares her perspectives on culture and identity, reflecting on art’s transformative potential. Listeners be on the lookout! If y…

S06E17- In this episode, Sebas and Sarah talk to Christie Lazo, a Peruvian M.A. candidate at OISE. Christie also hosts and produces her own podcast: Vida with Christie. Today, we will talk about Chrities’s research in the pedagogies of decolonizing motherhood, her work with intergenerational trauma among first generation immigrant families, and her…

S06E16-In this week’s episode, Rosy Cervantes lights up the Faculty of Music’s library by playing her songs to El CafeciTO. Rosy takes Seba through her musical journey from when she first discovered that she could sing to now where she is the vocalist of two local Toronto bands. The Mexican born/Toronto-based songwriter also introduces us to her lo…

S06E15- For this week’s episode, Sebas and Sarah catch up with Victor Rivas, our beloved LAS professor. We learn about his professional trajectory as an anthropologist, journalist, and scholar, his work with the Latin American testimonios, and the courses he currently teaches. Lastly, the Venezuelan professor gives us a sneak peek on some opportuni…

S06E14- Episode 14 honours 8 de Marzo, also known as International Women's Day. In this episode, Sebas and Sarah sit down with Dr. Martha Balaguera, a Colombian professor at UofT’s Political Science Department. Professor Balaguera talks about her interests in topics of social movements and protests, and her trajectory as a Latina scholar. She also …

SO6E13- This week Sarah and Sebas visit the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library to sit down with Venezuelan librarian David Fernández. As part of the first cohort of LAS, David reminisces about his U of T experience, walking us through his journey from undergrad student to his current responsibilities as the first Latino department head of Rare Books a…