Mexican actor Erik Hayser who has a new series on Telemundo called "Preso #1," a political thriller about the President of Mexico who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Jack asks why political themes have not been prevalent on Spanish-language primetime, if English-language Latinos will watch it, typecasting, if he still auditions, and his thoughts on how he sees social media in his professional and personal life.

Film and culture Mike Sargent joins Jack to discuss the reasons that led to the new 'Men In Black' reboot to get "the boot" from general audiences.

On this week’s show, film and culture critic Mike Sargent gives us our First Reaction from inside the theater of the first NY press screening of the new X-Men film, Dark Phoenix. (3:06) Then we talk to Puerto Rican actor Marquis Rodriguez, one of the five young actors in Netflix’s new controversial mini-series “When They See Us” from director Ava DuVernay, but he’s also going to be in HBO’s "Game of Thrones" prequel currently filming in Europe right now. JackedIn Pop Culture News Recap (1:53) Music Playlist - (10:42) Love through the computer - Gucci Maine (feat. Justin Bieber) Que Bueno! - Noa Sainz Enjoy Yourself - Charles Goose

Tanya Saracho, the talented creator of the TV show 'VIDA,' and a leading voice in the Latinx community, comes on the show to discuss how VIDA happened, the pains of writing the pilot while she was mending from a spinal infection, her bouts with anxiety and doubt and the tricks she does to get through them. She also reveals how in a particular Hollywood writing room, the writers called her and her friend Spic and Span, and she opens up about her jitters on not being renewed for S3 before S3 got picked up. Music Playlist Aute Cuture - Rosalia Playa Grande - Sofi Tukker and Bomba Estereo  El Telón - Jenny and the Mexicats and Vetusta Marla 

STARZ’s new Latinx show VIDA begins season 2 on Sunday, May 26, and one of the coolest things about the show is the soundtrack. So joining us this week is one of the show’s featured singers, Maria del Pilar, who discusses the blend of musical genres she uses to make up her sound, she also explains the business of being a musician in 2019, and why it’s so crucial for her to give back to her community.  Music Playlist A mí - Rels B Solo de Madrugada - Floridablanca Funeral - Maena

This week on the show, we discuss the Univision and Telemundo 2019 Upfronts with media reporter Michael Malone from Broadcast & Cable Magazine, plus we review the third installment of the John Wick series with film and culture critic Mike Sargent.

In an industry of barely any Latino representation, Broadway’s Sergio Trujillo is one of its most shining examples. Trujillo, of Colombian roots, was recently given the second Tony nomination of his career for Best Choreography for “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations”. If you haven’t seen it yet, this Motown jukebox musical features dance moves that are alive, kinetic and spectacular. I spoke to Trujillo just days before his nomination about what the creative process was like to bring the music of The Temptations to life through dance. Music Playlist Yayaya - Stella Santana Don Juan & Cupido - Henry Santos and Anthony Santos Mañana es Too Late - Jesse y Joy (feat. J Balvin)

We are dedicating the entirety of this episode to "Avengers:Endgame". Film and culture critic Mike Sargent joins me to go through the most pressing questions you might have AFTER you saw the film. We do have to make a disclaimer… if you have not seen the movie yet, don’t listen to this podcast, because the very purpose of this episode is NOT to prepare you to see the film, but to discuss the subsequent questions and future of the franchise and your place in it. Episode Summary 12:07 - Can Endgame beat Avatar? 15:58 - Spoiler and bullying culture because of Endgame 17:52 - Can anyone ever replace Robert Downey Jr. popularity as Iron Man?  23:29 - Will we ever see an all-female Avengers? 

Javi Morgado is the Executive Producer of CNN’s morning-news program NEW DAY and happens to be the only Latino executive producer in the highly-competitive morning news landscape. We spoke to him about why he believes there aren’t more Latinos in positions of power in the media industry like himself, what he learned from his journey from local news assignment producer to his position today, and why one of the best advices he can give journalism students is to just write.

TV Queen Kate del Castillo joins the show to talk Season 2 of Telemundo’s La Reina del Sur 2, easily Spanish-language TV’s most iconic telenovela. Jack asks her being on 'The Tonight Show' for the first time was like, where she found the strength to overcome the darkness and fear during the Chapo moments, and how it’s like to work with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence on Bad Boys 3. (2:48) Then, we review The Curse of La Llorona. But instead of giving you my sole opinion, why not allow me to present to you a more truthful way of giving you a review… a review which I believe to be the purest way to know what people truly feel about a movie. You’re going to want to listen to this. (18:26) Pop Culture recap (1:16) Music Playlist (17:27) Vente - Technicolor Fabrics Ella Tu y Yo - Girl Ultra La Plata - Juanes, Los Angeles Azules, Lalo Ebratt

How can you can get a table "week of" at the best restaurants in Manhattan? Jack cold-called a white glove concierge and a reservationist at a 3-Michelin restaurant and point blank asked them to come clean on how the game is played. (2:41) Then, looks like the show you’ll be binging this weekend is going to be Brazilian. My wife shares her latest TV infatuation - 'Coisa Mais Linda'. (8:08) Pop Culture recap (:55) Music Playlist (12:17) Mi Persona Favorita - Alejandro Sanz feat. Camila Cabello Con Altura - Rosalia feat. J Balvin and El Guincho Carnavalera - Bomba Stereo y Sistema Solar

We discuss the rise of Spanish singer Rosalía. The NY Times just included her song 'Con Altura' (feat. J Balvin) in their top song picks of the week, and Isabela Raygoza, music journalist for Rolling Stone Magazine will give me a primer on what you and I need to know. (2:30) Jack suggests 3 new movie releases (19:35) Then film critic Mike Sargent and I give you our 'First Reaction' of DC’s latest action-comedy 'Shazam!' (20:51) And one of the things we want to do from time to time is promote other Latino podcasts by inviting them to come on the show and to help expand YOUR podcast tastes. That’s why we chose to begin with Nick Leiber, co-host of Don't Interrupt Me. Por Favor, a bilingual podcast you should subscribe to. (28:44)

Jordan Peele’s new highly anticipated horror film, US, is out in theaters and critics are raging about it… except Jack. Film critic Mike Sargent offers his perspective on the good and bad of the film.  'JackedIN' Pop News Recap: (:50) #HighlyRelevantMusicPlaylist Calma - Los Wálters Caballero - Mr.Pig, Fancy Folks, y Bruses Below - Noah Pino Palo Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Maria Elena Fernandez, TV reporter for New York Magazine and Vulture.com joins us to discuss how One Day at a Time's cancellation might detour any progress made for US Latino TV shows. (1:49) Then, Concepción de León of the New York Times pitched and created their first-ever Latinx column EL ESPACE. How did it come to be? Did she encounter any resistance from editors? What’s been the feedback so far? We have an interesting conversation on identity, writing and how she broke into the business. (21:40)

Chilean Oscar-winning director Sebastian Lelio on the art of remaking his own film 'Gloria Bell' starring Julianne Moore. Why did he do it when all his confidants told him no? What did he gain from it? What did he discover through the experience? (4:04) Then film critic Mike Sargent and Jack give their First Reaction to Marvel's first female-superhero, Captain Marvel, inside the theater while the end-credits roll. (23:56) And finally, Telemundo's new 'Un Nuevo Día' star, Stephanie 'Chiquibaby' Himonidis tells how she got into the Spanish-language entertainment business and her approach to social media. (34:03) Music playlist of the week - (33:13) No sé - Ximena Sariñana (feat. Girl Ultra) On Top - Esteman Illest - Doxamillion (feat. Daramola)  Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Robert Rodriguez, the director of the new film Alita: Battle Angel discusses how it was a happy coincidence that his lead actress Rosa Salazar was Peruvian, how one of the main goals of his TV network EL REY was to find and hire more Latino filmmakers, and if it is the responsibility of a Hispanic director to create Latino stars. (2:22) Rosa Salazar, the star of Alita: Battle Angel discusses why her Peruvian culture means so much to her, how she had to white-knuckle her way to becoming the star of her own movie, and why seeing Latinos on screen can build viable career aspirations for today’s Latinx. (16:33) Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Javier Bardem discusses his new movie 'Everybody Knows' starring Penélope Cruz, the moments on set where his acting just sucked and what he did to overcome it. He talked about working with wife Penélope, he also offers incredible insight on what actors need to do to give the best performance of their life, and what Alfonso Cuarón said to him when I asked why they haven’t worked together yet. (1:25) Our 'JackedIn' segment, a recap of all the most highly relevant Latinx pop culture news of the week. (19:01) And film critic Mike Sargent on who will win at the Oscars this Sunday, what they need to improve their poor ratings, and why no one really wanted to host the Oscars this year. (20:19) Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Cristina Gallegos is the co-director of the new Colombian narco film Birds of Passage (Pajaros de Verano). We get into why she’s reclaiming the way Colombian drug movies are seen in Hollywood, the shame Latin Americans carry with their ethnicity, why she chooses to make high-brow films, and how Latina female directors are making a difference on film. (1:10) Then, Mexican filmmaker Antonio Chavez Trejo shares with us the secrets of how he shot an award winning film with just his iPhone and how YOU can too! (22:11) Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Mexican-American TV producer Jaime Davila Jr. and 26-year-old Dominican entrepreneur John Henry join the show. Davila talks how the new Hispanic content today is being created for general audiences (1:30) and Henry discusses his new entrepreneur show 'Hustle' on Viceland, plus, he gives some advice on what you need to start a small business. (39:43) Episode Summary Jaime Davila interview - 1:30 Why he develops Hispanic content for general audiences - 2:20 He explains the formula of US Latino programming - 6:06 Why white Hollywood buyers don't purchase Hispanic content - 7:03 How he convinces buyers that Latino productions are good business - 10:32 He discusses new productions Selena on Netflix and Mexican Dynasties on Bravo - 12:37 Casting indigenous faces - 23:19 Does Hollywood want Latinx stories? - 27:04 His view of the state of Hispanic content today - 29:20 Has he thought of quitting the business of Latino production - 31:04 Advise for young producers getting into the business - 33:32 Music playlist - 38:35 Raquel Sofía - La Persona Que Eres  Aterciopelados - Play Luis Miguel - Soy Lo Prohibido John Henry interview - 39:43 Summary of the TV show 'Hustle' - 40:36 How do you pick the people you help on the show - 41:48 How he got the show developed - 43:16 How Alicia Keys and Marcus Samuelsson got involved in the show - 44:13 Due to short attention spans, why are the episodes 1hr long and not 30 minutes - 47:07 Why he wants to help people - 47:55 What you need to start a business - 48:49 Why there's a dearth of wealthy Hispanics in America - 51:16 Lack of interest in business from Latino youth - 54:04 Influences - 56:35 Hispanic role models - 58:22 How does someone with a great business idea get to scale? - 1:00:23 Do you need to know business first before creating a business? - 1:03:47 What he wants people to take away from 'Hustle' - 1:05:58 Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Film and culture critic Mike Sargent joins me to discuss the Gina Rodriguez anti-black debacle, the Tom Brokaw anti-Latino statements on Meet The Press, and why M. Night Shamalan’s new film 'Glass' is reviled by critics but adored by fans. (1:28) We also talk to Hugo Balta, President of the NAHJ to help me tackle the bloodbath that took place this past week with over 1,000 journalists who were laid-off. What should unemployed Latino journalists do now, how do journalism students stay hopeful of the media industry and we discuss how he dealt with the Tom Brokaw news as President of the NAHJ and being a Senior Producer at MSNBC. (24:17) Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher

Awards season expert Clayton Davis from AwardsCircuit.com joins us to discuss the 2019 Oscar nominations (10:25) and the newly minted Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (1:55), which he founded. I’ll talk to him about what would happen if Roma sweeps the Oscars… will it quiet Latino critics who claim prejudice by the Academy? Also will actress Yalitza Aparicio’s nomination break down doors for indigenous faces in film and TV? Then we chat with versatile bilingual actor, singer and host Carlos Ponce (38:43) about his new co-starring role in Telemundo’s “Jugar con Fuego”. We talk about attracting a bilingual viewer to Spanish TV, the value of returning to your Latino roots after crossing-over, and why he thinks “Jugar con Fuego” will be a word of mouth hit.

Interviews with Alfonso Cuarón on ROMA, Nicole Acevedo on Latin vs. Country, Director Manolo Caro Discusses His New Comedy 'Perfectos Desconocidos'.

Michael Longoria discusses his Latino heritage and his new album Merry Christmas Darling.

Movies and newsletters with a Latino tilt.

Basil Tsiokas, the program director of DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, joins us to speak about this year’s LatinX documentaries and why so many LatinX stories are starting to be made (1:06). And if you’re going to the movies, film and culture critic Mike Sargent talks to me about two new releases - Hugh Jackman’s political drama The Frontrunner and the WW2 horror-action film Overlord (16:09). Would you like to get in touch with us? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico:      • Click here to subscribe via iTunes    • Click here to subscribe via Spotify    • Click here to subscribe via Stitcher