Mi Gente on Air

Episode 47 -Detroit Journalist Louis Aguilar and Why He's Writing a Book On Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 01:00:00 +0000

One of the great journalists hailing from Michigan is Louis Aguilar out of Southwest Detroit. He is an award winning journalist, author and Kresge Literary Arts Fellow. He has worked as a project reporter for the Detroit News for 15 years, and was a senior reporter for Bridge Detroit. He has chronicled the rise/fall of his native Detroit from a different lens like only he can. With today's bombardment of news, Auguilar talks about his career and why he's writing a book on Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and their time spent in Detroit in the 1930's. I welcome Louis Aguilar to Mi Gente on Air as a fellow Latino journalists, and an admirer of his work.

Episode 46 - Recuredos: Our top shows in our first year of Mi Gente On Air

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Mi Gente On Air has some awesome guess on the show— 45 episodes since we started in November of 2020. From actors and producers, to Tejano superstars, to local leaders; it’s been memorable. On this episode we look back at my most memorable. From actor Seidy Lopez César Chávez son Paul Chávez, to Saginaw songstress Roxanne Chantaca to Tejano Royalty Michael Salgado and Stepahnie Montiel and more. I just thank you the listener for tuning in and maybe you caught some of these shows, and hopefully will continue to listen and wish me the best as we venture into 2022 bringing you Latino Culture, Concerns, and Contributions. Muschisimas Gracias!

Episode 45 - Saginaw City Councilman Michael Flores

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Saginaw City Councilman Michael Flores, through his hat in the ring during the 2020 election and ran for Saginaw City Council. He won and is the first Hispanic City councilman elected since Daniel Soza Jr. in 1998. He gives insight into his one year tenure as a councilman, and why he sought a council seat in a highly polarized election year. It’s important to Flores to help make Saginaw a better place and help change the narrative with a more diverse council.

Episode 44 -The Iconic Chicana Artist Nora Chapa Mendoza

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Internationally-respected fine artist Nora Chapa Mendoza has devoted her life to art and the expression and promotion of human rights. Her social and political themes of labor, revolution, and freedom are derived from a Mexican heritage and the experiences of a twentieth-century American artist working in urban Detroit. At almost 90 years-of-age, and over 75 years painting, she's still creating today. Hear her story.

Episode 43 - Valedictorian Elvis Machul Jr. Signs with Saginaw Valley State University

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Saginaw's Arthur Hill High School Senior Elvis Machul Jr. joins us with his Father Elvis Machul Sr., to talk about his signing with Saginaw Valley Sate University for collegiate basketball. With years of dedication and committment, he's reaching for the stars and is on track to be his school's valedictorian. A great role model within our midst. Join Us.

Episode 42- Promoting the People of Saginaw With Phil Eich of Full Steam Social Media

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000

This week we talk to entrepeanuer Phil Eich, founder of Full Steam Social Media about his interviews and profiles of the people that make Saginaw so great. You can see his post on facebook under City of Saginaw Government and Riverfront Saginaw. His style is unique and he's a big proponate of the Great Lakes Bay Region. We turn the tables on Phil and hear his story. Join Us.

Episode 41 - Explaining Dia de Los Muertos in the Time of Covid with Union Civica VP Theresa Gomez

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Putting a picture on an ofrenda is a helpful way to grieve a lost loved one in the ritual of Dia de los Muertos. Celebrating the Mexican holiday (or the lack of it) has taken on a new meaning in the time of COVID. The death of so many has amplified the traditions, as many have passed as a result of this pandemic, and in these times it hurts to call it a celebration. We talk with La UNion Civica Mexicana Vice President Theresa Gomez and her bout with the disease and why she advocates for the Vacine. Bobby DeLeon of the Mexican American Council and Gilberto Guevara of the American GI Forum also join us to encourage everyone to get the Covid vaccines.

Episode 40 - Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of 96 Tears with ? Mark of ? Mark and the Mysterians

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In 1966, Question Mark (?) and the Mysterians were riding the top of the Rock-n-Roll world with their #1 hit 96 Tears! It was a moment in time when the dreams of five young Mexican-Americans became a reality. The Supremes, the Four Tops and The Lovin’ Spoonful all had number ones leading up to October 29, 1966, when ? and The Mysterians put Saginaw on the map. We talk with ? Mark to celebrate the 55th anniversary of when 96 Tears hit the top of the Billboard charts across America.

Epsidoe 39 - Celebrating 90 year-old Mary Adella Chantaca

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mary Adella Chantaca celebrates the 90th year of her birth. The Saginaw native comes from an era during the depression and we talk about presidents, the Kennedy assasination and when Jimmy Carter came to the Union Civica Mexicana. A great show filled with history looking back at the life of one classy lady.

Episode 38 - Remembering El Gallito Restaurant and Maria's Restaurant, Long Time Entrepreneurs

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

We give homage to the late Felix and Josie Gallardo of El Gallito Restaurant and Maria Gomez of Maria's restaurant, both long term entrepreneurs in the Saginaw region. Their food has fed the cravings for Mexican food for years. We talk their history, the culture and sacrifices in maintaining their restaurants for several decades and their success.

Episode 37 - A tribute to Daniel Soza Jr. With his son Daniel Soza III

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Daniel Soza Jr. was the first Latino councilman elected to the Saginaw City Council in 1993. He was a great community leader in education and left quite a legacy. We talk with his son Daniel Soza III about his father.

Episode 36 -Tribute to Jimmy Fulgencio and La Rondalla of St. Joseph Catholic Church

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 18:00:00 +0000

We give homage to the late Jaime Fulgencio and La Rondalla of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Saginaw. Also we recognize the 80th birthday of Lola Aguilar of La Union Cívica Mexicana.

Episode 35 - The Need To Get Vaccinated

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Pastor Craig Tatum, Bobby DeLeon and Angelia Williams talk with me on the Importance to work with African American Pastors and Hispanic leaders in Saginaw with The Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in the spread of the Delta variant.

Episode 34—A tribute to the late Gilberto Olivarez and the Latin Messengers

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Gilberto Olivarez was a servant of God and a civic minded individual. While he lived he contributed to the community in many capacities. His greatest legacy was his musical contributions in his ministry as a Latin Messenger with his brothers Ernie and Willy. They toured many places in their 36 year career. Hear Gilberto's story as we talk to his son's Danny and Patrick Olivarez on this episode of Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 33 - Detroit Muralist Freddy Diaz Paints La Estrella Del Norte Mural in Saginaw

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Arts help make any community thrive. And Detroit Muralist Freddy Diaz joins Mi Gente On Air along with Cassie Zimmerman from the Great Mural Project to talk about their collaboration in bringing forth a cultural mural at La Estrella Del Norte Bakery in Saginaw. It's touched the heart of the community depecting a woman rolling out masa. Join us.

Episode 32 - Migrant Appreciation With Jesse Costilla from the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed July as Migrant Appreciation Month in Michigan. Jesse Costilla from the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers talks about the 30,000 migrants in Michigan and how his organization helps with health resources the seasonal workers who put our fruits and vegetables on our tables. All this and more during migrant appreciation month in Michigan on Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 31 — Friday Night Live with Saginaw Positive Results Jeanne Conger and Gabriel Burciaga of the Bad Boyz

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Saginaw Positive Results post on an amazing event for the Great Lakes Bay Region with Friday Night Live. Executive Director Jeanne Conger disccusses the long time organization and their event. Gabriel Burciaga of the Bad Boyz will perform at this year's Latin Festa at FNL, and he discusses his family's history as one of the leading Tejano bands in the Midwest.

Episode 30 - Tejano Royalty Stefani Montiel and Gabriel Zavala

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Stefani Montiel has had an amazing career in the Tejano genre with early hits in the 1990s, like “Celos,“ “Porque Soy Mujer” and “Baile Conmigo,” and after almost 30 years her success continues with this years “Ya Lo Vez,” while her husband muscian Gabriel Zavala is one of the most sought out producers of the day bringing the memorable hit “Luces” to the dance florrs. Together they are on their La Buenda Vida Tour around the United States, and take a moment while in Los Angeles to speak to Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 29 - Tony Garza and the El Farolito Legacy

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Tony Garza stops in to talk about the legacy of El Farolito Restaurant and the histrorical significance of the long time staple in Saginaw. WE also talk about the new location at the SVRC Marketplace in Downtown. Also Magdelena Perez and Raquel Martinez from the Michigan Health Clinics discussing why it's still important to get the Covid-19 vaccination.

Episode 28 - Ever Lopez Wears Mexican Flag at Commencement, Ricardo Medina joins us to talk about this national firestorm

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Ashboro student Ever Lopez kicked off a national firestorm when he wore a Mexican flag over his commencement gown and was then denied his diploma by Principal Penny Crooks. Former Bridgeport Superintendant Ricardo Medina joins me to talk about this incident that sparked another race relations outcry while Lopez stuck to his guns and recieved his diploma four days later.

Episode 27 - Ronnie Longoria of Las Aztecas on his upcoming perfomance and President Biden's visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Ronnie Longoria of Las Azteca Band talks on the reopening of the historic Unión Cívica Mexicana after 15 months due to the Covid Pandemic. We talk about how people are ready to dance andhos it affects are mentality! Also I talk with historian John Ayala and the significance of President Joe Biden's visit to to commemorate the Tulsa Race Massacre that happened 100 years ago on May 31 - June 1, 1021, in Tulsa Oklahoma. Join Us!

Episode 26 - A tribute to the late Mónica L. Martinez and her legacy with friends who she uplifted

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week's show gives tribute to the late Mónica L. Martinez. She was too young, too vibrant of a light, too professional — and to know that she is no longer with us, well, it is poignantly shocking. Yet the legacy she left is immeasurable and uplifting. A few friends, Jane Garcia, Belda Garza, Lydia Gutierrez and Jesse Venegas from the Southwest Detroit community join me to talk about their friend and the incommprable impact she leaves behind. She was a woman of grace, character, and intelligence, and we were all better for knowing Mónica L. Martínez.

Episode 25 - Celebrating our 25th Episode with guest Dave Mauer, Dr. Roberto Garcia, Jennifer Pahl and Pastor Marcos Salazar

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Afer 6 months we celebrate the 25th episode milestone. WSGW Operation Manager/Program Director Dave Mauer talk about the genesis of MI Gente on Air. Also we talk with Dr. Roberto Garcia, SVSU multicultural director and Jennfer Pahl, SVSU admissions director about the Cardinal Commitment. Plus we honor the late Señora Alicia Mosqueda and talk with her grandson Pastor Salazar about her legacy of Faith that changed a community.

Episode 24 - Entrepreneur Guadalupe Rosas and having success with T & T Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Guadalupe “Toyo” Rosas went from the pinta to turning his life around as a Saginaw businessman, with not one business, but two. He talks about T & T Authentic Mexican Cuisine and the daily operations needed to succeed as well as taking over the Jesus Loves You Carwarsh onthe Southsid eof Saginaw.

Episode 23 - Elton Monroy Duran and Southwest Detroit Murals

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Elton Monroy Duran is a muralist from Hildalgo, Mexico, but he's making a huge impact with his colorful, cultural, historical murals in Southwest Detroit. We get the backstory on some of his greatest works on this weeks Mi Gente on Air, and why he is calling Mexicantown his home. Detroit's Mexicantown is the only community in the USA that is named Mexicantown in the USA, with all its resturants, food trucks, musica and murals — it's a great place to visit.

Episode 22- Netflix's Selena The Series with Executive Director Jaime Davila

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week we're celebrating Cinco de Mayo and contributions of Latinos in the USA. I talk with Jaime Davila, the executive Producer of Netflix's Selena The Series, while the second season making it's debut May 4, 2021. Davila gives great insight about the series, Selena, and why it's important to push our Latinx culture and presence on film telling our unique experiences. He's on a mission to get Hollywood gatekeepers to bend their outdated perseptions of the Latinx market.

Episode 21 - The importance of getting the Vaccine and my take on the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Community advocate Bridget Staffelino talks about her experience of getting the Covid -19 Virus and the importance of getting the vaccine. Also, I discuss the Derek Chauvin Guilty veridct and what it means for our country. Todays pertinent tops on MI Gente on Air!

Episode 20 - Celebrating Selena's 50th Birthday - Selena Quintanilla Perez

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Paying homage to Selena Quintanilla Perez in what would have been her 50th birthday on April 16, 2021. My guest are two singers from the midwest who have been influenced by the Latina icon. Amanda Cena from Lansing, Michigan and Nicolina Burciaga from Detroit reminisce about their world with Selena and what she means to the Latino culture.

Episode 19 - Joaquin Diaz and Latino Basball History and Why Immigrants Are Coming to The USA

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mr. Joaquin Diaz, 79, talks with M Gente on Air about Luna Ball Park and Saginaw Latino Baseball history in the 50s and 60s. Also I tackle the issue of immigration at the border. Whty are so many from Central America risking it all and sending their kids to the border. We look at the four more reasons, as President Biden tackles this refugee crisis.

Episode 18 -Paul Chavez and the Legacy of his father César E. Chávez

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Every March 31, is César Chávez Day in America. Paul Chavez talks about the legacy of his father, and lessons learned as his son. We are joined by Lupe Ramos Montigy, who is the chair of the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez and their 2021 Virtual César Chåvez celebration on March 31. We celebrate the birth and life of the great civil rights hero and labor leader on Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 17 - Tejano/Conjunto artist Michael Salgado Celebrates a 25 year Musical career

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Tejano/Comjunto artist Michael Salgado talks about his experience with the pandemic and Texas' winter storm, along with his memorable 25 year career as one of our generations beloved artist. From Cruz de Madera, Palomita Blanca, Sin Ella, Mi Tesoro, with his raspy sounding voice and delivery on the accordian, Salgado knows how to keep patrons on the dance floor. Join me as we welcome Tejano royalty on Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 16 - Pastor Mary Garcia speaks on the Miracle of her Husband Isaac's Survival of Covid-19

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Pastor Mary Garcia joins us to speak on what her family is calling a miracle after her husband Isaac was pronounced dead twice, and came back surviving the devastation of Covid-19. Through faith and prayer, the family helped in his survival.

Episode 15 - Texan Winter Storm and Roxanne Chantaca Sings

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +0000

The recent winter storm and it's after affects, Maximo Anguiano calls in from San Antonio, Texas to give us some great insight. Also Roxanne Chantaca is a calming voice in this “Winter of Peril”, she comes to the WSGW studios to sing and tell her beautiful story.

Episode 14 -Exciting times for Journalist with Rosa E. Morales

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

We are living in historic times and for journalist everywhere it's been pretty amazing. On this week's show I speak with seasoned journalist Rosa E. Morales and we talk about a number of issues affecting our community today.

Episode 13 - Covid Vaccine and Latinos in Baseball

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Mi Gente on Air gives insight in regard to the Covd-19 Vaccine. Our guest Dr. Brenda Coughlin and Angelia Williams from the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers answer our pertinent questions. Second half of the show highlights the historic new exhibit at the Castle Museum with its President /CEO Jonathan Webb. There is a Smithsonian traveling exhibit celebrating Latinos in Baseball entitled “Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/En los barrios y las grandes ligas.” Great topics concerning our community!

Episode 12 - Poet Michael Reyes Talks about The Latino Inuagural Gala

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Saginaw/Detroit poet Michael Reyes talks with Mi Gente on Air about his experience performing on the Latino Inaugural Gala for President Joe Biden along with his experiences as an organizer, protester, and culture creator. He's making a difference. Adelante!

Episode 11 - The Promise of a New Day with John Ayala and Daniel Soza III

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:00:00 +0000

After an exillariating Inauguration in the nation's Capitol, Hispanic leaders John Ayala and Daniel Soza III speak on the Promise of a New Day. The hope of the Biden admininstration gives people of color a sigh of relief. This is America's day! Sosa also talks about immigration at the border. Join us!

Episode 10 - Vanessa Guerra talks Transitions

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra talks about transitions during this highly divisive political climate. The former State Rep. talks of hope and change as she transitions into her new role representing Saginaw.

Episode 9 - Valerie's Downtown Eatery and Mexican Caldos

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode we talk to Bob and Jane Stricker, who are the parents helping their daughter Juliana Stricker with her new restaurant in downtown Saginaw named Valerie's Downtown Eatery. And I give insight to how to make Mexican popular soups of menudo and pozole from from the chile pods of Ancho and Guajillo.

Episode 8 - La Unión Cívica Mexicana Celebrates 75 years

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 01:00:00 +0000

The Union Civica Mexicana has a grand history as a Civil Rights organziation that has touched every Mexicano/Latino in the Saginaw area since it's founding in 1945. I talk to a former Civica Queen Mary Hernadez Silvas and a granddaughter of a past president, Ana Sanchez and their memories of one of the oldest Mexican organization in the country still in existence.

Episode 7 - Gideon Boxing Club and A Diaz Cookbook

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +0000

This week we talk with Joe Mendez, a young man who started Gideon Boxing Club to help young adults to learn discipline and boxing skills. Also, I published a book on family recipes entitled A Diaz Cookbook, and my prima Connie Medel called in from San Antonio, Texas to talk food!

Episode 6 - Philanthrophy in the Time of Covid

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Philanthropy in our community is so important. On this week's episode I talked with Jessica Hernandez, Elvis Machul, Toyo Jr Rosas and Kingston Stricker on how they are involved in raising money for philanthropic efforts this holiday season. Also we remember Louis R.R. Flores and Gloria Muñoz. All on Mi Gente on Air!

Episode 5 - Actor Seidy Lopez talks “Selena the Series.”

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Actor Seidy Lopez talks about her recent role as Marcella Quintanilla in “Selena the Series” and several other historical roles in Latino film. She's played Mousey in Mi Vida Laco, Deborah in Selena, Lena in Mi Familia and Cindy in Luminarias. Hollywood comes to Mi Gente on Air.

Episode 4 - Tamales and Vargas & Son Tortillas

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +0000

It's December and that can only mean one thing — Tamale Time! We talk with Tamale Matriarch Della Chantaca who has made tamales for over 75 years, along with Alejandra Vargas, whose family provides teh corn mesh maza that makes Tamales possible for many families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Episode 3 - The Novena and Christmas With Angels

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Mi Gente on Air talks with head Dama Cruz Diaz about the traditional Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Joseph Catholic church which is over 90 years old. And Elvis Machul updates us on the 4th Annual Christmas With Angel's philantropic effort. The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting both in 2020. See how they cope. Join us!

Episode 2 -Saginaw Promise/Maggie Garcia

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 01:00:00 +0000

On this show we talk with Deborah Sanchez, Executive Director of the Saginaw Promise, a philanthropic effort to give students scholarships. They've reached over 1 million dollars given. Also we talk with the daughters of Maggie Garcia, about the lost of their mother to Covid-19 in September and the devastation to their family. We remember the one and only Maggie of Saginaw.

Episode 1 - Mi Gente On Air Debuts

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Mi Gente On Air debuted on Nov. 22, 2020 with our guest Mike Mendoza from Delta College's La Calente Show. With much appreciation we will attempt with this radio talkshow to highlight Hispanic Culture, Contributions and Concerns! The show is an extended arm of Mi Gente Magazine which is celebrating its 25th year publishing.