Ray Talk Show Episode 292: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Democratic strategist Abe Amoros to discuss the future of the Democratic Party. Is the anchor institution of the resistance movement ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in 2019? What is the Legislative Agenda for the Democratically controlled Congress? How will the intra-party battle between Progressives and establishment Democrats play out? Is Labor dying off or can it rebound as a more powerful force for Democrats?

Collazo and Amoros kick off our 2020 Presidential Democratic primary analysis with first takes on the initial groups of candidates. Collazo also shares his thoughts on Trump’s latest attempt to shutdown the government and endanger us by withdrawing troops in Syria.

This episode is dedicated to Jackelin Caal. The 7 year old girl from Guetemala that died under questionable circumstances in the custody of border patrol agents. Your loss will not be in vain. #RIPJackelin

Continue to support podcast and check out radio version of show on WPPM 106.5FM in Philadelphia. Can catch content online at PhillyCAM.org.

Rays Talk Show Episode 291: Host Ray Collazo is joined by activists Dwight Bullard of New Florida Majority, Natalia Salgado of Center for Popular Democracy and WPPM’s Vanessa Maria Graber to discuss what’s next for progressive movement. How did 2018 Election results impact progressive movement? What do Progressives do now? How is the #AOC effect impacting progressives? How do we organize in this current political environment?

Collazo also shares his thoughts on what Democratic leaders missed with Pelosi’s clapback against Trump this week and the real stories behind Michael Cohen’s sentencing this week. The Presidential campaign kicked off this week with an accent on the “A.”

Interviews on show were originally aired on WPPM 106.5FM Community Radio in Philadelphia. Support WPPM in Philly or anywhere on the TuneIn App.

Rays Talk Show Episode 290: Rays Talk Show kicks of It’s “What Next” Series to get us ready for what to expect in 2019. And Rays Talk Show also kicks off this series on a new platform! This episode was recorded and originally aired on WPPM 106.5FM Community Radio Station in Philadelphia. Look out for the “What’s Next” Radio series on WPPM.

On this episode, Host Ray Collazo is joined by Mikhel Harrison of Indivisible and Analilia Mejia, the New Jersey Executive Director of the Working Families Organization, to discuss ‘What’s Next” for activists after the 2018 Mid-terms. How did mid-terms change the game? How are we holding our friends accountable now that Democrats control the House? What policies are activists focusing on and how are they organizing to make positive change?

Thanks again to Vanessa Graber and WPPM Radio for the beginning of this special collaboration. Catch Ray and friends on WPPM soon!

Rays Talk Show Episode 289: Host Ray Collazo is grateful to be joined by Grecia Lima of Community Change Action and Tomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition to discuss the electoral gains made by Latinos in Nevada and Florida. What are the lessons learned from their organizing this cycle and ‘what’s next’ for their work in 2019.

Collazo also shares his thoughts on the Nancy Pelosi’s battle to maintain her hold on the House speakership and the “Three M’s” of the 2020 Presidential Election. It is never too early to talk about 2020!

Collazo is grateful to the Rays Talk Show community for your support and leadership. Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Rays Talk Show Episode 288: Host Ray Collazo shares what the results and emotions of the last few days mean to our politics, including the significance of the 'Chase Utley moment' and the 70 yard bombs thrown by Andrew Gillum and Stacie Abrams. 

Collazo then reveals his initial reflections on what should be next for House Democrats and the overall progressive movement. Hint: The Future is female. 

Rays Talk Show Episode 287: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Michell Tremillo of the Texas Organizing Project and Florida political analyst Elbert Garcia to share their thoughts on the upcoming mid-terms. Collazo also shares his predictions for Tuesday. Go Vote Familia!

Rays Talk Show Episode 286: Host Ray Collazo joins Vanessa Maria Graber’s “Power Hour” Radio Show on WPPM 106.5FM PhillyCAM Radio. Graber is a progressive media activist who is also the General Manager of PhillyCAM Radio. Collazo and Graber discuss their lessons learned in community organizing, the mid-term elections and the future of online media.

Collazo also shares his thoughts on how we could approach the next few weeks as we organize people for the ongoing mid-term elections and why so many pundits are clueless. “You Can’t Poll Heart.”

Mil gracias Vanessa for allowing the rebroadcast. Ray looks forward to many more collaborations!

Rays Talk Show Episode 285: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Puerto Rican author Dr. Ivelisse Rodriguez to discuss her new book “Love War Stories.” Dr. Rodriguez shares how the complicated relationship many women have with love led to the making of “Love War Stories.” Rodriguez and Collazo discuss the importance of raising alternative narratives of Puerto Ricans from throughout the diaspora and how blackness needs to celebrated by all Latinos.

Buy “Love War Stories” and meet Dr. Rodriguez at a book signing near you!

Rays Talk Show Episode 284: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Yashira 'Yaya' Rivera to discuss how the identity politics debate impacts Latinos, Yaya's passion for women's healthcare advocacy, social media activist survival and her amazing summer trip. 

Ray is also joined by Elbert Garcia on a late night conversation the night of the historic victory of now Florida Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum. Ray and El B share raw reaction to Gillum's historic victory and what the next two months will shape up in Florida and around the country. 

Rays Talk Show Episode 283: Host Ray Collazo is joined by urban media star Mina “Say What” Llona. Mina is one of the leading Latinas in hip-hop media on platforms such as The Heat Sirius Hip-Hop Channel, Fox 29 Philadelphia and her own #MinasHousePodcast. Mina shares the lessons from her career and her hottest takes on today’s hip-hop superstars. Mina also provides us a few insider tidbits about her beloved Philadelphia 76ers. Support Mina at MinaSayWhat.com and check Mina out on her own #MinasHousePodcast.

Highlights from Mina Say What on Rays Talk Show:

(3:00) How Urban Radio found Mina through mother’s inspiration
(4:28) Angie Martinez’ Influence
(11:25) How Mina Grew Up on POWER 99
(16:00) Lessons From Hustle Post-POWER 99
(22:30) Mina’s Plan Without a Plan
(27:40) What Makes Cardi B So Dangerous
(30:42) Did Ray Just Say Biz Markie Can’t Rap?
(31:00) Mina’s Take On Tekashi69
(31:45) What It Takes To Make It In Hip-Hop Nowadays
(33:52) Does Mina Really Like Today’s Hip-Hop?
(34:32) Ray’s Southern Hip-Hop Reference Mario Will Appreciate
(36:05) Mina’s Take On Reggaeton/Latin Trap Scene
(39:35) The Secret To POWER’s Success
(42:32) Mina’s State of the 76ers Address
(46:45) Shoutout to Demi Lovato
(47:15) What Ray Admires About Mina/Lifting All Boats
(51:20) The Power of Positive Energy

Rays Talk Show Episode 282: Julio Ricardo Varela of the In the Thick Podcast and Latino Rebels joins Host Ray Collazo to discuss the 'white tears 101' of a recent Washington Post article that turned heads and brought to question cultural competence in mainstream media.

Collazo and Varela go into depth on the problems that sprouted out of this article: from invisibilty of Latinos in media to ignorance of Latino history as part of working class America.

Varela also gives us an update on the lavish spending habits of the PROMESA Fiscal Board which is supposed to show the island of Puerto Rico how to be fiscally responsible. There is also some family hanky panky that Latino Rebels is now reporting that Varela shares. Que Lastima!

Support Latino Rebels and Futuro Media to support independent media in our community. 

Rays Talk Show Episode 281: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Immigration Reporter and Author Jo Napolitano to report on the continued separation of families on our Southern Border. Joe shares the atmosphere on the border and the immigrants literally waiting on a bridge for their chance at the American Dream.

Ray shares the biggest lesson from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s stunning victory of NY Congressional District 14th’s Democratic primary. He also shares what the biggest impediment has been in urban America to Latino political power and it isn’t Republicans.

Finally, Ray is joined by the “Cuban Lion” Nissim Leon on what Lebron James and El Tri mean to LA. Listen to full interview with Nissim Leon on Latino Sports Talk Podcast.

We are pushing back and we need to keep organizing. And keep writing Alexandra Ocasio Cortez checks!

Rays Talk Show 280: Ray takes a break from the serious issues of the day to preview the World Cup with Futbol Analyst Andrea ‘Soccer’ Canales. Canales and Collazo analyze the legacies that are on the line for Lionel Messi, Christian Ronaldo and Neymar. Collazo and Canales also compare the careers of Lionel Messi and Lebron James.

Canales breaks down her thoughts about the fates of Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. Collazo admitted to his optimism towards Uruguay’s chances and placed the Cinderella runs of Peru, Costa Rica and Panama in historical terms.

Canales makes pick for the winner of World Cup 2018. Viva La Copa!

Rays Talk Show Episode 279: Host Ray Collazo is joined by journalist and political commentator Adriana Maestas to break down this week’s California primary elections. What do the results mean for California, Latino political power and the battle for control of Congress. Maestas and Collazo also speculate if this is the end of former Los Angeles’ Mayor Antonio Villaraigoza’s political career and the November prospects of Senate candidate Kevin De Leon.

Collazo provides political updates from Puerto Rico, New Mexico and New Jersey and why we must open our eyes to how history is repeating itself at our Southern Border.

Please support relief efforts for the people of Guatemala at GoFundMe.com/unitedforguatemala and RIP Anthony Bourdain.  

Rays Talk Show Episode 278: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Natasha Lycia Ora Bannan of Latino Justice and the Lawyers Guild to discuss the attack on our children by the Federal Government. Bannan details the continued negligence in Puerto Rico and the endangerment of children on the Southern Border through hateful immigration enforcement.

Hip-Hop Philosopher Mario Collazo joins to discuss what the Drake vs. Pusha T beef means for Hip-Hop and how burner accounts are heating up Philly sports.

Collazo shares his election and legislative updates and why legendary advocate Angelo Falcon will be missed. Go Vote California!

Episode 277 of Rays Talk Show: Host Ray Collazo shares a choc full episode that includes the latest updates from Capitol Hill on the attack on Latino wealth and Immigrant policy ‘discharges.’ Collazo also shares what the primary election wins in Texas, Georgia and Pennsylvania mean for our politics.

Hartford City Councilwoman Wildaliz Bermudez and Ohio leader Victor Leandry join Rays Talk Show to discuss how they are mobilizing the Puerto Rican vote throughout the diaspora.

Collazo interviews Melissa Vargas of the Environmental Defense Fund on her work to raise voice of Latinos in Environmental movement and against the shadiness of EPA Director Scott Pruitt.

And listen for Ray’s huge announcement about next week’s ‘A-List’ guest!

Rays Talk Show Episode 276: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Hip-Hop artist and Philly Sports Superfan Mario Collazo aka Planetary of Outerspace and Army of the Pharoahs to discuss how sports, music and politics are merging to make Philly center of our culture right now. The brothers talk about Meek Mill, Kanye, Kevin Hart, the Process, and the next generation of the Collazo musical legacy.

Ray Collazo provides updates on how the courts have given President Trump another DACA bodyblow, what Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Rossello is doing in Florida and what may be next for San Juan Mayor Carmen Yullin.

Shoutout to Musica Urbana artists who are leading the global hip-hop movement and are muses of young Latinx culture. Collazo shares what he learned about community organizing from the Latin Billboards Award Show and how these lessons should change how we think about our own community.

Thanks to Venessa Rivera and other continuing to provide relief to people on the Island of Puerto Rico and throughout the diaspora.

Rays Talk Show Episode 275: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Mikhel Harrison of Indivisible in an interview recorded in front of the Starbucks in Philadelphia where the highly questionable arrest of African-American patrons took place last week. They spoke about the link between the Starbucks incident and the hyper-aggressive ICE office in Pennsylvania as well as why Republicans are now attacking us with food and medicine.

Ray shares what his oldest son taught him this week and how that is changing his daily #Resist plan. Ray also provides latest update on Puerto Rico and what it reveals about federal policy.

Shoutouts to friends that were honored at Hispanicize 2018. Latinos in Podcasting have come a long way!

Rays Talk Show Episode 274: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Congresswoman Nanette Diaz-Barragan and Latina environmental leaders on how they are fighting for the Clean Power Plan. Collazo also shares why ‘we have no choice’ and its important that ‘everyone has a cousin in Whittier.’ Highlights from episode 274:

Trump Showed his @$$ Again (2:50)
Latinas Act on Climate Part I (10:10)
The Sucka Is Simple And Plain (22:15)
Latinas Act on Climate Part II (25:48)
Felicidades Epsy Campbell (40:40)
Call Your Cousin in Whittier (42:40)

Subscribe to Rays Talk Show on iTunes, Spotify or anywhere you can download podcast or follow Rays Talk Show on Twitter or Instagram.

Rays Talk Show Episode 273: Hosts Ray Collazo and Elbert Garcia discuss how we move towards institutional solutions after homicide of Stephon Clark and empathic messaging in mainstream media of domestic terrorist Mark Anthony Conditt.

Collazo interviews Democratic candidate for New Mexico Congressional District 1 Damon Martinez. Learn about what inspired Martinez to run for Congress and about how he plans to identify proactive solutions to most important issues impacting New Mexicans.

Collazo and Garcia discuss how leaders of color can overcome party politics to develop independent political campaigns and organizations. Saludos to Chuy Garcia, Andrea Mercado and even Big Papi David Ortiz for showing real leadership.

Rays Talk Show Episode 272: Host Ray Collazo is joined by co-host Elbert Garcia and special guest Marisabel Torres of UnidosUS to discuss the hottest issues impacting Latinos in politics and society.

(1:30): Garcia on the ground with latest on FIU Bridge Collapse
(6:50): How National School Walk Out Impact Gun Debate and who needs to “Move…Get Out They Way.”
(21:30): Marisabel Torres on attacks in Congress on Dodd-Frank
(38:30): Why the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) protects Latinos and how Trump is trying to weaken bureau
(00:47): How Dominicans Became Professional Mountain Climbers
(1:01): What Democrats ‘should not’ learn from PA-18 Special Election victory of Conor Lamb
(1:05:50): Do Democrats have a vision for America?
(1:12:15): Why You Must Move Like Beto
(1:14:55): What’s next for Rays Talk Show on Puerto Rico
(1:15:50) #RIP to Marielle Franco, Joaquin Avila, Craig Mack and the victims of the Austin bombings
(1:17:30): Buzz about Colorism talk in Latinx community.
(1:28:45): Collazo and Garcia speculate on grabbing some Brugal with Junot Diaz

Continue conversation on politics and other issues impacting our community on social media on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to Rays Talk Show anywhere you listen to your podcasts.

Rays Talk Show Episode #271: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Yvonne Gutierrez of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and Cristina TzinTzun of Jolt Texas on the implications of this weeks’ Texas primary elections on Latinos in Texas and nationwide. Collazo also shares why Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ visit to California this week was so shameful and why we are happy to say the words ‘Saint Oscar.’

Rays Talk Show Episode 270: Host Ray Collazo is joined by Carlos Guevara of UnidosUS on what recent court decisions mean for DACA recipients and future of immigration debate. Carlos and Ray also discuss how immigration will impact Congress and Elections in 2018.

Collazo also provides his analysis of how the youth of Parkland are leading a revolution of change for peaceful Americans everywhere. Listen to what milllenials can do to create policy change in Washington and who Collazo thinks is the real terrorist organization we need to worry about.

Rays Talk Show also reveals who is Lupe Valdez and why Latino voters in Texas are truly leading the progressive movement in 2018. The time is now.

Continued support for Emma Gonzalez, Josh Hogg and the entire Parkland student family.

Subscribe to Rays Talk Show on iTunes, Spotify or anywhere you can download a podcast.

Rays Talk Show Episode 269: Host Ray Collazo and guest Leo Perales share the visceral reaction of Latino and progressive activists to discussion of Senate Democrats to back down after 3 days of a government shutdown. Collazo and Perales speculate on what’s next for the fight for DACA legislation and what Democrats need to do for Latinos to show them more love in 2018.

Rays Talk show also discusses the latest news on Healthcare, the Puerto Rico crisis, recent wins in Voting Rights and how Collazo is feeling about his Philadelphia Eagles in the SuperBowl. #FlyEaglesFly

Rays Talk Show Episode 268: Host Ray Collazo and Co-Host Leo Perales discuss the real danger of the *hithole-In-Chief and the biggest issue that came of out DHS Secretary Nielsen’s testimony this week.

Collazo shares the latest on potential DACA and CHIP deals that are in the balance as the government shutdown deadline looms this week. Hear what can make this deal happen and why Perales thinks Democrats need to shut the government down.

Activists Quetcy Lozada and Amaris Hernandez-Padgett join the podcast to share why Latinas are engaged in Women’s March this weekend. Lozada and Hernandez-Padgett also update us on how ongoing humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico has united leaders across the country and reaffirmed their commitment to the island and women’s causes. Thank you Four Our Future for organizing Latinas for this weekend’s marches.

Collazo also reveals what Latino politician is the one to watch this year and what state will be the epicenter of Latino and progressive politics in 2018.

Subscribe to Rays Talk Show on ITunes, Spotify or anywhere you can download a podcast. Continue the conversation going on Twitter or email.