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Órale Boyle Heights is an interview podcast hosted by me, Erick Huerta. Tune in and listen to my discussions with friends, foos, acquaintances, artists, and anyone who says yes to being on the show. I do my best to record a new episode at least once a month. You can follow me on Bluesky and Instagram as @ElRandomHero.

Sponsor an episode by sending some coin my way via Venmo (@Erick-Huerta-1) or via Zelle (animemanz@gmail.com). Any amount is appreciated. Don't forget to include a message or shout out that I will include in the next episode I record. Thanks! <3

www.elrandomhero.com

Órale Boyle Heights

Erick Huerta

Society & Culture

65 episodes / 17.3K listens

65: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 64: Marlon Marinero

My guest this episode is Marlon Marinero. I met up with Marlon at their study to get to know more about their art, their journey into ceramics, how they became a ceramics teacher, and growing up in LA as a skater. You can follow their work on Instagram at marlonmarinero_studio (https://www.instagram.com/marlonmarinero_studio/#) and book a ceramics class through his website, at www.marlonmariner...

1hr 43m • Jul 24

64: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 63: Metzli & Lydia

My guest this episode are Metzli and Lydia. Both Metzli and Lydia are returning guests of the show, so it was a lot of fun to have them on again, seven years later! Our discussion touched on the different aspects of gentrification, Metzli's own experience as a young person, the back yard punk scene, we defined what a Xicano Hipster is aka a Xipster, and hopefully made some people uncomfortable ...

1hr 51m • Jun 02

63: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 62: Steve Campos

My guest this episode is Steve Campos. I caught up with Steve at their studio to talk about their journey of being a self-taught creative metal designer and artist, building community in various spaces, and his experience contributing to and moving on from the bicycle co-op, the Bike Oven. To learn more about Steve's work and art, visit his website Steel Fabricated Arts (https://steelfabricated...

1hr 38m • May 30

62: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 61: Celina Lopez

My guest this episode is one of the co-owners of Cruzita's Deli & Cafe, Celina Lopez. I had a great time chopping it up with Celina, reflecting on Cruzita's 10 year anniversary, their plans to expand the space, and learning about their journey to bring healthy and delicious food options to the Huntington Park community. Follow Cruzita's on Instagram at @cruzitasdeliandcafe (https://www.instagra...

1hr 44m • Apr 28

61: Son of Órale Boyle Heights

I'm back! The two year hiatus is over, I am officially bring back the show. Listen as I share how a break of a few weeks turned into two years. Looking forward to getting back into the flow things and bringing y'all new episodes at least once a month. Sponsor an episode by sending some coin my way via Venmo (@Erick-Huerta-1) or via Zelle (animemanz@gmail.com). Any amount is appreciated. Don't ...

60: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 60: Oscar Rodriguez Zapata

My guest this episode is Oscar Rodriguez Zapata. I met up with Oscar to learn about their love for photography and their work documenting Virgen de Guadalupe murals in different communities. We talk about their journey into photography, their experience growing up in South East LA, and how they began documenting murals. Versos pa la Lupita, featuring photographs by Oscar and poetry by Xitlalic ...

1hr 10m • May 29, 2023

59: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 59: Christopher Cruz

My guest this episode is Christopher Cruz. I sat down with Chris to talk about their work in documenting their grandfather's, Manuel Gomez Cruz' contributions to the culture back in the day with their murals and activism. We also talked about Chris' own journey growing up on the Eastside, becoming politicized, and how their passion for photography continues to evolve with various projects. You ...

1hr 47m • Mar 27, 2023

58: Órale Boyle Heights ep 58: Jessica Perez

My guest this episode is Jessica Perez. I caught up with Jessica to talk about how they got their start as a journalist, starting the community blog MisNeighbors (https://misneighbors.wordpress.com/) , mentoring youth as part of their work with the Boyle Heights Beat, to working in the L.A. Times. You can follow Jessica on Twitter at @JessicaPerezLA2 (https://twitter.com/JessicaPerezLA2) . You ...

1hr 43m • Feb 27, 2023

57: Órale Boyle Heights ep 57: Lena Williams

My guest on this episode is Lena Williams. They are the Programs Director at People for Mobility Justice, owner of Lena's Puppy Love, and owner/worker at Ride On! Bike Co-Op. We talked about their love for riding their bike, being profiled by the police while riding in South L.A., the connection/love they have with the animals they look after and their owners, and reminiscing about growing up i...

1hr 24m • Jan 16, 2023

56: Órale Boyle Heights ep 56: Earthy Corazon

My guest this episode is Ely of Earthy Corazon. I met up with them at their shop in City Terrace to talk about their journey into becoming a small business owner, the intention that goes into everything they make, and the support she has received from her community to make the shop a reality. You can follow them on Instagram at @earthycorazon (https://www.instagram.com/earthycorazon/) . Visit t...

1hr 28m • Nov 16, 2022

55: Órale Boyle Heights ep 55: Fernando Carrillo

My Guest this episode is Fernando Carrillo. I talk to Fernando about their growing up in Koreatown/Historic Filipinotown in the 90s, falling in love with low riders at a young age, and their love BBQ. You can follow Fernando on Instagram at @ragtopfernsbbq. (https://www.instagram.com/ragtopfernsbbq/)

1hr 21m • Nov 11, 2022

54: Órale Boyle Heights Ep 54: Teresa Flores

My guest this episode is artist Teresa Flores. We got to talking about their journey into the art world via Fresno California, some of their recent work, including an essay in Alta Journal, a show at Espacio 1839, and the Experimental Quesadilla Lab. You can follow them on Instagram at @NotTeresa (https://www.instagram.com/notteresa/) . Their website is www.teresafloresstudio.com (https://www.t...

1hr 49m • Jun 20, 2022

53: Órale Boyle Heights ep 53: Javier Solórzano

My guest this episode is artist and Super Lucha Cats creator, Javier Solórzan. Our conversation touched on how Javier has grown as an artist over the years, growing up in Bell Gardens, their love for comic books, lucha libre, and the creation of their comic book, Super Lucha Cats. You can follow Javier on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/luchacat/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/LuchaCat)...

2hr 9m • May 30, 2022

52: Órale Boyle Heights ep 52: Bus Stop Prophet

My guest this episode is Francisco Escamilla, otherwise known as the Bus Stop Prophet. We talk about their experience growing up in Wyvernwood in the 80s, finding themselves through their poetry, and working with youth through Street Poets Inc. You can follow Bus Stop on Instagram at @BusStopProphet (https://www.instagram.com/busstopprophet/) .

1hr 9m • Mar 18, 2022

51: Órale Boyle Heights ep 51: Evil Cooks

My guest this episode are Alex and Elvia, the Evil Cooks. We talk about their journies into the culinary arts, how they were inspired to start their own pop-up kitchen, the inspiration behind some of their most popular tacos, and starting their own podcast, The Darkside of the Cooks. You can follow them on Instagram at @evil_cooks (https://www.instagram.com/evil_cooks/) . You can follow their p...

1hr 20m • Jan 18, 2022

50: Órale Boyle Heights ep 50: Picaresca Barra De Cafe

My guest this episode are Elisa and Leo, owners of Picaresca Barra de Cafe. We talked about their journey into the world of specialty coffees, their experiences learning the ins and outs of working at coffee shops, roasting, and how they came to open their cafe in Boyle Heights. You can follow them on Instagram at @picaresca.cafe (https://www.instagram.com/picaresca.cafe/) . They are located at...

1hr 46m • Jan 05, 2022

49: Órale Boyle Heights ep 49: Esquina Bicycle Shop

My guest this episode is Ollin, co-owner of the Esquina Bicycle shop. We talk about their experience opening up their bike shop in the middle of a pandemic, the challenges that come with being a small business, supply chain delays, and striving to provide quality service to the community. You can follow Esquina on Instagram at @Esquina.bicycleshop (https://www.instagram.com/esquina.bicycleshop/...

1hr 2m • Dec 06, 2021

48: Órale Boyle Heights ep 48: Mariah Castañeda

My guest this episode is Mariah Castañeda. Mariah is a journalist, producer, and host of "Smoke Screen: The Sellout," a podcast produced by Neon Hum Media in partnership with L.A. Taco. The Sellout chronicles the rise and fall of the political career of Jose Huizar. Mariah and I discuss the origins of the show, their experience interviewing community members, and the current state of politics i...

59m • Oct 26, 2021

47: Órale Boyle Heights ep 47: Carlos Aguilar

My guest this episode is Carlos Aguilar. Carlos is a film critic and freelance writer. We talk about how his love for movies was instilled in him at a young age by his mom, their experience moving to the U.S. from Mexico City as a teenager, and how he started his career as a critic after graduating college. You can follow Carlos on Twitter at @Carlos_Film (https://twitter.com/Carlos_Film) .

1hr 39m • Oct 11, 2021

46: Órale Boyle Heights ep 46: Kenneth and Mariana Lui

My guest this episode are Kenneth and Mariana Lui. Kenny and Mariana are indy films makers that write, direct, and produce their own short films. They recently made their feature film debut with Artists in Agony, a satirical faux-documentary on the fictional world of assassination art. We talked about their love and passion for making films, what inspired it, and their collaborative process as ...

1hr 39m • Jun 28, 2021

45: Órale Boyle Heights ep 45: Erwin Recinos

My guest this episode is Erwin Recinos. Erwin has been a regular contributor to L.A. Taco for more than 10 years. We talk about how they got connected to the taco, growing up in South East L.A., their passion for photography, and reflecting on their documentation of the L.A. gallery/art scene. You can follow them on Instagram at @_losojos_ (https://www.instagram.com/_losojos_/) & at @_erwinr_ (...

1hr 53m • May 16, 2021

44: Órale Boyle Heights ep 44: Doña Junta

My guest this episode is Doña Junta. We reminisce about the olden days of blogging and talk about their experience growing up in Harbor City, nurturing their passion/love for architecture, and starting the podcast Beyond the Facade. You can follow Doña Junta on Instagram at @swapmeet_chronicles (https://www.instagram.com/swapmeet_chronicles/) and you can listen to Beyond the Facade on your favo...

1hr 21m • Apr 12, 2021

43: Órale Boyle Heights ep 43: mark! Lopez

My guest this episode is mark! Lopez. We talk about their love for King Taco, continuing the work of his family and the Madres del Este de Los Angeles Santa Isabel, growing up in a community of activists, how environmental justice is actually environmental white supremacy, and his work at East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice. You can read mark!'s thesis, The Fire: Decolonizing “Envir...

2hr 23m • Mar 11, 2021

42: Órale Boyle Heights ep 42: Marlene Aguilar

My guest this episode is Marlene Aguilar. We talked about their journey in becoming a cook/cocinera, being a food justice promotora, how their relationship with food has changed over the years, and the origins of their meal prep service. You can follow them on Instagram @Irekuarhikua (https://www.instagram.com/p/CLaBv3hgJhZ/) .

1hr 43m • Feb 22, 2021

41: Órale Boyle Heights ep 41: Espacio 1839

My guest this episode is Nico Avina, co-owner of Espacio 1839. Like most non-essential businesses, Espacio had to close in March when the pandemic hit. We talk about how the store managed to survive with the support of community members and artists, the family coming together to make face masks, and the steps they took to reopen the store after being closed for months. You can follow Espacio 18...

1hr 43m • Dec 11, 2020

40: Órale Boyle Heights ep 40: Lexis-Olivier Ray

My guest this episode is Lexis-Olivier Ray. Lex is an artist and writer covering police violence, people experiencing houselessness, cannabis culture, and other issues in L.A. Lex and I talked about his passion and love for photography, storytelling, and writing for L.A. Taco. You can follow Lex on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ShotOn35mm) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/shoton35mm/) at...

1hr 39m • Nov 15, 2020

39: Órale Boyle Heights ep 39: Gracias Señor

My guest this episode is Rodolfo Barrientos. Rudy is the owner and chef of the food truck, Gracias Señor. Rudy and I talked about his experience growing up undocumented, balancing his school/work responsibilities, and how he came to own his own lunch truck. You can find the Gracias Señor truck parked on Sunset Blvd, between La Cruz Drive and Carey st every day from 11 am to 2 pm, except on Wedn...

1hr 52m • Oct 08, 2020

38: Órale Boyle Heights ep 38: Laura Enriquez

My guest this episode is Laura Enriquez. We talked about her journey to researching, writing, and publishing her first book, Of Love and Papers: How Immigration Policy Affects Romance and Family. The book is available through most booksellers and you can download a free version of the book here (https://www.luminosoa.org/site/books/m/10.1525/luminos.88/) . If you'd like to get in contact with h...

1hr 11m • Sep 06, 2020

37: Órale Boyle Heights ep 37: Peatónito

My guest this episode is Jorge Cáñez, better known as Peatónito. We talk about his journey as a transportation and pedestrian advocate in Mexico, the creation of his character Peatónito, and his research on Vision Zero in L.A. You can follow Jorge on Twitter at @Peatónito (https://twitter.com/peatonito) . You can read the policy brief based on his thesis here (https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0...

1hr 56m • Aug 10, 2020

36: Órale Boyle Heights ep 36: Latinx with Plants

My guest this episode is Andi Xoch. In June, I profiled Andi on their Instagram account, Latinx with Plants. You can read the story on LA Taco here (https://www.lataco.com/latinx-plants-identity/) . In this episode, I catch up with Andi to reflect on how the profile on LA Taco and The LA Times increased her followers, people's reactions to the stories, and their plans for the future. You can f...

53m • Jul 13, 2020

35: Órale Boyle Heights ep 35: Astrid

My guest this episode is poet and writer Astrid. We got to talking about our quarantine lives, her passion for poetry, contributing to L.A. Taco, and working on publishing her first poetry book. You can follow Astrid on Instagram at @PoetAstrid (https://www.instagram.com/poetastrid/) .

1hr 14m • Apr 20, 2020

34: Órale Boyle Heights ep 34: Lucha Foos

I was a guest on the Ey foo, you a rocker podcast back in March. This is a repost of that show. Shout out to the foos Alex, Vlad, and Eldrick for having me on to talk about my experience being a rocker foo and my love for wrestling. Follow them on Instagram at @eyfooyouarocker (https://www.instagram.com/eyfooyouarocker/) and subscribe to their podcast.

1hr 54m • Apr 07, 2020

33: Órale Boyle Heights ep 33: Daniel Morales Leon

*On Friday, July 15th, 2022 Daniel transitioned from this world after having a heart attack. He'll be deeply missed by all the homies, communities, and lives he brought joy to with his presence, wit, humor, and rawness. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to interview them right before the pandemic hit and that a part of them will continue to live on through this space.* My guest this ...

1hr 45m • Mar 15, 2020

32: Órale Boyle Heights ep 32: Dryland

My guests this episode are Viva Padilla, Founder/Editor in Chief of Dryland and Nikolai Garcia, Associate Editor. We talked about how Viva's love for literature and experiences in the publishing world led to the creation of Dryland, the transition from publishing online in the beginning to a physical book, and the need for independent publications in communities like South Central L.A. Follow D...

1hr 19m • Feb 24, 2020

31: Órale Boyle Heights ep 31: Nikolai Garcia

My guest this episode is Nikolai Garcia. He is a poet from South Central L.A. and we met up at his favorite bar, Hanks, to discuss his new poetry chapbook, what it was like growing up in the hood, his journey to becoming one of those great L.A. poets. You can follow Nikolai on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellokommie/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/HelloKommie) at @HelloKommie. Foll...

1hr 49m • Jan 06, 2020

30: Órale Boyle Heights ep 30: Jenise Miller

My guest this episode is Jesine Miller. We met up at Patria Coffee in Compton for a redo since the first interview wasn't recorded :( We talked about her experience growing up in the Panamanian community of L.A., familial responsibilities, becoming an urban planner, and working on her first chapbook of poetry. You can follow Jenise on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jenisepalante/) and Tw...

1hr 58m • Dec 16, 2019

29: Órale Boyle Heights ep 29: Memo Torres

My guest this episode is Memo Torres. We met up at my house because of a scheduling hic-up at Radio Espacio. We talked about the journey he started earlier this year joining L.A. Taco and becoming an instagram food personality. You can see what he is eating on instagram at @el_tragon_de_los_angeles (https://www.instagram.com/el_tragon_de_los_angeles/) and on twitter at @el_tragon_de_LA. (https:...

1hr 10m • Nov 25, 2019

28: Órale Boyle Heights ep 28: Jonathan Romero

My guest this episode is Jonathan Romero. I met up with Jonathan at a coffee shop to talk about his experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles, going to college Kamalazoo, going from appreciating Jordans to appreciating life, and his experiences thus far as a Masters student at USC. You can follow him on Twitter at @_JonathanRomero (https://twitter.com/_JonathanRomero) and on Instagram ...

2hr • Sep 16, 2019

27: Órale Boyle Heights ep 27: Mario Ybarra Jr

My guest this episode is artist Mario Ybarra Jr. I met up with Mario at his studio in Wilmington and got to talking about what it was like growing up there, his path to becoming an artist, co-founding Slanguage. You can follow Mario on Instagram at @mario_ybarra_jr (https://www.instagram.com/mario_ybarra_jr/) and on twitter at @marioybarrajunior (https://twitter.com/marioybarrajr) . You can fol...

2hr 47m • Sep 04, 2019

26: Órale Boyle Heights ep 26: Brenda Yancor

My guest this episode is Branda Yancor. In this episode, Brenda and I got to talking about their experience growing up in South East L.A., riding a bicycle from L.A. to Guatemala, becoming an Outdoor Educator, and starting her own business. You can connect with Brenda via her website www.rhondastrailkitchen.com (https://rhondastrailkitchen.com/) or via email: RhondasTrailKitchen@gmail.com

1hr 54m • Aug 11, 2019

25: Órale Boyle Heights ep 25: Drunk on my Born Day

On this episode of Órale Boyle Heights, I got the bright idea of recording while I was celebrating my born day. What followed are fun and random conversations throughout the night. From deciding that the Karate Kid is an official 'hood' movie to me taking sanctuary from ICE at Placita Olvera. The conversations were loud, messy, and a lot of fun.

1hr 17m • Jul 24, 2019

24: Órale Boyle Heights ep 24: Areli Morales

My guest this episode is Areli Morales. We met up at a bar after work to talk about her experience growing in Venice and seeing it change over the years, her journey to becoming a bicycle/transportation advocate and being proud of her Oaxacan heritage. You can support Areli with a donation to her Climate Ride fundraiser here (https://support.climateride.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.parti...

1hr 41m • Jul 07, 2019

23: Órale Boyle Heights ep 23: Catherine Hernandez

My guest this episode is Catherine Hernandez. This is an extra long episode, but you will not be disappointed if you listen through to the end.

2hr 48m • Jun 17, 2019

22: Órale Boyle Heights ep 22: Armando Velez

My guest this episode is Armando Velez. We got to talking about his journey as a Director of Photography, representation in Hollywood when it comes to production roles, being a cameraman for reality tv shows, traveling the world, and becoming a dad. Keep up with Armando via his Instagram @MandoVizion16 (https://www.instagram.com/mandovizion16/) .

1hr 21m • May 10, 2019

21: Órale Boyle Heights ep 21: Cesar Hernandez

My guest this episode is writer Cesar Hernandez. We got to talking about his experience growing up in South East Los Angeles, the struggle of having to work for a living, and how he started his current path as a budding journalist and food writer. You can follow Cesar's work here (https://www.lataco.com/author/chesar48gmail-com/) and you can follow him on Instagram as Fukufoodz (https://www.in...

1hr 56m • Apr 14, 2019

20: Órale Boyle Heights ep 20: Wenceslao Quiroz

My guest this episode is artist Wenceslao Quiroz. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Boyle Heights, becoming an artist, and his passion for the arts. Keep up with him on Instagram at @wenzq (https://www.instagram.com/wenzq/) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WenzGallery/) .

1hr 17m • Feb 24, 2019

19: Órale Boyle Heights ep 19: Nylsa Martínez

My guest this month is writer Nylsa Martínez. We got to talking about her experience growing up in Mexicali Mexico, her passion for writing, balancing said passion with the responsibilities of life, going back to school, and reminiscing about ska bands from the 90s. You can check out some of her published works via GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4149368.Nylsa_Mart_nez) .

1hr 21m • Jan 14, 2019

18: Órale Boyle Heights ep 18: James Rojas

My guest this episode is Urban Planner James Rojas. We got to talking about how his experience growing in Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles influenced him as a planner, seeing the world during his time in the military, and how he wrote the book on Latino Urban Planning. You can learn more about his work and his workshops by visiting www.placeit.org (http://www.placeit.org/index2.html) and www.enac...

1hr 27m • Dec 17, 2018

17: Órale Boyle Heights ep 17: Alessandro Negrete

My guest this episode is Alessandro Negrete. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Boyle Heights, being undocuqueer, and being part of the BH Neighborhood Council. He is running for reelection in 2019 and you can follow his campaign on Instagram at @Alessandro4BH (https://www.instagram.com/alessandro4bh/) . You can learn more about East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice ...

1hr 41m • Nov 12, 2018

16: Órale Boyle Heights ep 16: Jesus Cortez

My guest this episode is Jesus Cortez. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Anaheim, being an undocumented immigrant, navigating higher education, being part of the Dream Act movement, and how at least he tried. You can follow him on Instagram at @staytrue_ahm (https://www.instagram.com/staytrue_ahm/) .

2hr 26m • Oct 29, 2018

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