Parents' Guide to Alt.Latino

Podcast Music NPR Average run time: 30 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

Juan Rodriguez Aguilar By Juan Rodriguez Aguilar , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Interviews with Latino musicians; mild language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's It About?

When ALT.LATINO started in 2010, the show provided a weekly roundup of the best new tracks in the Latino and Hispanic music world -- very similar to its sister show All Things Considered. It functioned as a playlist of sorts with insightful commentary between the tracks, serving as an incredible resource for those seeking to discover new music. Until recently, the show took a more journalistic approach, with episodes discussing the origin of many music genres while providing examples of how they've evolved from the past to the present. The current reimagining of the show is more interview-focused, where co-hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras talks to some of Latin music's most impactful artists to discuss their careers and how they got there.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

An expertly curated show with more than a decade's worth of content, this podcast is sure to appeal to music lovers who are either fully immersed in Latin music or starting to explore how it's etched into the cultural zeitgeist. Alt.Latino delights with its candid interview format, especially co-host Anamaria, who has a bubbling, likable personality and knows how to engage with and relate to guests. The show is often dependent on how interesting the guests are, but usually featured artists are willing to have open and honest discussions about their careers and their lives.

With so many years under its belt, Alt.Latino features the kind of top-notch production you'd expect from most NPR programming. This podcast offers an insightful listen for adults, tweens and teens to discuss more than just the amazing music featured, but the perseverance, activism, artistry, and culture behind the music that gives a more expansive understanding of Latino and Hispanic culture around the world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the younger guest musicians on Alt.Latino built self-confidence before reaching a pivotal point in their careers. What are some challenges these artists had to go through because of their cultures and traditions? Are these struggles different than other musicians from different backgrounds may experience? Why?

  • Why are Latino musicians marginalized in American pop culture? How do shows like Alt.Latino creating more visibility for Latino and Hispanic artists?

  • Host Anamaria is unafraid to asks hard-hitting questions to the guests on the show. How does her approach to interviewing help her guests open up and share more about their lives?

  • How do many of the artists featured demonstrate courage, gratitude and perseverance in their life and musical journey? Why are these important character strengths?

Podcast Details

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