Episode 125 - Spanish-language television helped shape culture, identity, and political power in the United States.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by media entrepreneur and author Javier Marín to discuss his new book, Live from America: How Latino TV Conquered the United States (Grupo Planeta). Javier traces the rise of the Spanish International Network—now Univision—from its early days to its emergence as the nation’s leading Hispanic media network.

We go behind the scenes to explore the personal rivalries, strategic decisions, and cultural shifts that turned Spanish-language TV into a powerful force—from telenovelas and soccer to news and politics. The conversation also highlights how the U.S. became the world’s second-largest Spanish-speaking country and the role Latino media played in shaping national history.

A compelling look at the network that helped give a community its voice. 🎙️

Find Book at - https://www.amazon.com/Live-America-Latino-T-V-Conquered/dp/B0G6DRVYCQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W8RORZY0H9FO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wE0KV6hr3IDRNewiFqI_EvNAJOe1UDqkGvsoATuQBm_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.I2ScgWh6J11aiz3thvqPK3YRQinkhsuymMrefUPQ8YQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=live+from+america+javier+marin&qid=1770710551&sprefix=Live+from+Amer%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

Episode 124 - Before sunrise on July 16, 1945, the New Mexico desert became the epicenter of a new and terrifying era. The Trinity test—the world’s first nuclear explosion—changed the planet forever, without warning the tens of thousands of people living nearby.

In the years that followed, families across surrounding communities began to suffer mysterious and devastating health effects. They became known as the Downwinders—ordinary people living with the consequences of an extraordinary and closely guarded secret.

This episode explores Downwind, a world-premiere opera by student composers Michael Smith and Demian Galvan. After traveling to New Mexico to better understand the land and the legacy of Trinity, the composers bring these often-ignored stories to the stage. As Smith writes, “While the family in our opera is fictional, the reality that they face is not.”

Together, we examine the history, the harm, and the haunting beauty of a work that asks a powerful question: what does progress cost—and who is made to pay the price?

Ticket Sales Link -

https://music.utexas.edu/events/5255-downwind

Episode 123 - Texas State University’s New Program Helps ‘LIFT’ Small Business Growth

Small businesses fuel local economies — but growth requires the right tools, training, and support. In this episode, we spotlight Texas State University’s Learning and Insights for Forward Traction (LIFT) accelerator, a six-week program designed to strengthen marketing skills and help small businesses scale with confidence.

Developed by Texas State’s SCALEUP initiative and delivered in collaboration with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and community partners, LIFT recently graduated more than 300 small business leaders from across Texas and beyond. Participants reported major gains in marketing confidence, social media strategy, goal setting, and practical execution.

You’ll hear insights from program leaders Dr. Josh Daspit and Dr. Marlene Orozco on how research-driven training translates into real-world growth, as well as why access to practical tools matters for long-term economic stability. We also explore how entrepreneurs are redefining branding, leveraging analytics, and using innovative resources like an AI Business Coach to accelerate their businesses.

Whether you’re a business owner, chamber leader, educator, or economic development professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how targeted education and partnerships can strengthen entrepreneurs and communities statewide.

Tune in to learn how LIFT is helping small businesses move forward — faster and smarter.

SCALE UP - SCALEUP : Texas State University

Podcast Guests

Dr. Josh Daspit is an Associate Professor of Management at Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business and the founding director of the SCALEUP initiative. He’s a nationally recognized expert in entrepreneurship and family business, with more than 50 publications and ranked among the top three most productive family business scholars in the country. His work focuses on translating research into real-world solutions that help small businesses grow.

Dr. Marlene Orozco, LIFT Program Lead and Research Fellow with SCALEUP. Her research centers on inclusive entrepreneurship, Latino and immigrant-owned businesses, and turning data into practical strategies that strengthen communities. She has led major national research efforts, including contributions to the State of Latino Entrepreneurship reports.