La Artisteada is a new podcast that offers a diverse and inclusive platform

From producers to comedians, choreographers to muralists, actresses to artisans, La Artisteada provides a spotlight on a wide array of artistic voices and celebrates their unique perspectives. 

The podcast features engaging conversations in both English and Spanish. This dynamic interview series goes deep into the creative journeys of cultural creators and how their lives have influenced their paths and decision-making. 

The podcast’s vision is also to provide listeners with accessible resources and inspirational stories that can make them want to execute their art and impact the world.

Originally from Tijuana, México, podcast host Kiara Gonzalez Duran  knew she always wanted to work in the entertainment industry, with the goal of becoming the first Mexican Oprah. She has experience in the entertainment industry and is interested in uplifting and amplifying the voices of women of color.

Gonzalez Duran, a UCLA graduate with a double major in international development studies and Chicano studies, has interned at companies like HOPE, MARCO and CAA, all aligned with her interests in using storytelling, media representation and political action to build a more just society.

Last November, La Artisteada recorded their first two episodes. Their first guest being Manny Flores, a content creator and the host of Barz on Wheels, the first-ever freestyling show on wheels. Their second episode featured Raiza Licea, an actor, writer, comedian, artistic director of UCB Theatre LA, and one of the hosts of Spanish Aqui Presents. 

Each of La Artisteada episode serves as catalysts for inspiration and connection. Season one features all Latino guests, the majority of whom reside in Los Angeles. 

Not only do they cater to the Latino community but also to people of color and the global majority. “We’re just trying to find people who have a great story to tell, but who are specifically from a Black indigenous background or people of color background,” Gonzalez Duran said.

Gonzalez Duran also told CALÓ News that coming up with the podcast's name was a conversation that went back and forth with the team, but ultimately they decided to call it La Artisteada. “I think in Mexico, we use this word as kind of a derogatory word for people who are starting their journey as artists,” she said. “I also feel like our name represents what we are trying to say to the world.” also believes that every single person who comes on the show is shaping the world in some way. “They are proud of what they've done, and they obviously had to start somewhere. They're probably not making a lot of money, or maybe it’s like trial and error. But they’re building something worth caring about. This podcast is about helping each other and giving each other advice on how to build our paths,” she said.

Erin Jimenez is also part of La Artisteada, working on this project with Gonzalez Duran since the start  mostly as a video producer. Styolive, who is known for his record label Succo Sounds, is also part of the La Artisteada team. The podcast’s producer is a Grammy-nominated producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist.

He’ll be wrapping up the last episode of season one on La Artistada, sharing his musical journey from being an engineer to building a global community. To check it out, click here.