Minority Majority 011: Hernan Lopez's $300M Podcast Empire, America Ferrera's Impact, & The Rise of BZRP

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Today, we dive into Hernan Lopez's remarkable journey from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to becoming a podcasting titan whose company sold for $300M. We also honor America Ferrera's inspiring path as a first-generation Honduran-American in both entertainment and activism, and tune into the rhythm of Bizarrap, Argentina's musical genius revolutionizing the global music scene.

So, grab your afternoon cafecito and enjoy this week’s edition of Minority Majority. ☕️

BUSINESS
From Local Airwaves to Global Audiences:
The Hernan Lopez Story

After listening to Hernan Lopez on How I Built This with Guy Raz, I knew I wanted to share his journey with the Minority Majority community. His story takes us on an incredible life trek from the colorful streets of Buenos Aires to the forefront of the podcasting revolution. Hernan's tale is one of resilience and the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries.

Born in Argentina, under the shadow of a military dictatorship, Hernan's early life was a battleground of identity and expression. As a young gay man in a conservative society, grappling with the stark realities of the AIDS crisis, Hernan found his refuge in storytelling. His first foray into media, as editor of his school newspaper, was more than a role – it was a proclamation of his dedication to truth and narrative.

At the ambitious age of 18, Hernan Lopez and his friends took to the airwaves, purchasing late-night slots on a local radio station to host a show that predated the podcast era, ingeniously funding their passion project through advertising sales. This endeavor, though brief due to Hernan's subsequent leap into a full-time role at a radio and cable company, was a glimpse into his innate entrepreneurial spirit and love for media.

Fast forward to Hernan's bold move to the United States, where he faced the daunting challenge of language barriers. Yet, his ambitious spirit wasn't deterred. He joined Fox and quickly went up the ranks, becoming Senior Vice President of Fox Latin America at the age of 30. Later on, at Fox International Channels, Hernan's remarkable talent shone as he adapted beloved U.S. TV shows for Spanish-speaking audiences, witnessing the dawn of a new era in television.

At this point in his life, he had achieve great success, a ‘cushy’ corporate position, a good salary, and traveled the world representing Fox. Kind of hard to give up, right? However, inspired by the podcast 'Serial', he saw an untapped opportunity in audio storytelling and he couldn’t shake it off. He had to do something about it.

The birth of Wondery in 2016 was a turning point in Hernan's career. Building Wondery was no easy feat – the early days were riddled with challenges, from securing funding to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of podcasting. Hernan's unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling drove him to push boundaries and innovate.

Hernan's perseverance paid off, as Wondery broke through the noise with 'Dirty John', a podcast that redefined the industry and established Wondery as a leader in emotionally immersive storytelling. As Wondery grew, Hernan's efforts to raise venture capital bore fruit, propelling the company to new heights.

Renowned for its engaging, high-quality content, Wondery specialized in narrative-driven podcasts that often feel more like audio documentaries or dramas. From true crime to introspective historical narratives, its productions are known for their depth, characterized by rich, immersive soundscapes and meticulously researched stories that captivate listeners. Wondery quickly became a titan in the world of podcasting, its shows gained critical acclaim, and acquisition offers started rolling in.

However, just as Hernan was celebrating these achievements, his world was rocked by a legal battle linked to his past at Fox. Wrongfully accused in a bribery scandal, Hernan faced one of the most challenging periods of his life, fighting to clear his name and maintain his reputation.

Despite this personal crisis, Wondery continued its upward trajectory, Hernan won his appeal, and he scored an acquisition by Amazon for an astounding $300 million. This was not just a business deal; it was a testament to Hernan's vision, tenacity, and the impact he had made in the world of podcasting.

Hernan Lopez's journey is more than a success story in business. It's a narrative that weaves together the challenges of cultural and personal identity with the triumphs of entrepreneurial spirit. Hernan's story stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how storytelling can bridge divides and how resilience can turn dreams into reality.

IMPACTO
America Ferrera's Trailblazing Path in Film, Television, and Activism

America Ferrera, an actress, producer, and activist, has been making a significant impact in the entertainment industry for over two decades. Recently honored with the SeeHer Award at the Critics Choice Awards, Ferrera's journey from a first-generation Honduran American girl to a celebrated Hollywood icon is a story of tenacity and breaking barriers.

Ferrera's acting career took off with her feature film debut in "Real Women Have Curves" in 2002, a role that won acclaim for its authentic portrayal of young women struggling against stereotypes. This film, along with others like "Plainsong" and "How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer," established Ferrera as a force in both independent and mainstream cinema.

However, it was her portrayal of Betty Suarez in the hit series "Ugly Betty" that brought her widespread fame. Her brilliant performance in the English-language adaptation of "Yo Soy Betty, La Fea" earned her the "triple crown" of television acting, including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award, making her the first Latina to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress.

Post "Ugly Betty," Ferrera continued to diversify her roles, appearing in films like "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and voicing Astrid in "How to Train Your Dragon." Her stage work also garnered attention when she played Roxie Hart in the musical "Chicago" in London’s West End.

Beyond acting, Ferrera has ventured into directing and producing, notably with "Gentefied," a series on Netflix that became an important story for Latino representation on screen. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, Ferrera remains committed to nurturing and supporting diverse storytelling.

In her recent groundbreaking role in Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie," Ferrera continues to challenge the norms of casting and representation in Hollywood. Her involvement in various social and political causes, including Voto Latino and the Women's March on Washington, further underscores her commitment to using her platform for positive change.

Ferrera's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact movies and TV can have in affirming our humanity and the importance of diverse representation in media. Her career, marked by groundbreaking roles and advocacy, serves as an inspiration for people of color, women, and aspiring artists everywhere.

CULTURA
The Rhythmic Rise of Bizarrap: Argentina's Global Music Maverick

If you’ve listened to Shakira’s latest hit song with over 870 Million streams on Spotify and 670 Million on Youtube, you might have not realized you were also listening to Bizarrap. At only 25 years of age, Gonzalo Julián Conde, better known as Bizarrap, has been making waves in the global music scene. Born in Ramos Mejía, Argentina, Bizarrap's journey from a young music enthusiast to an international sensation is nothing short of remarkable.

From an early age, Bizarrap was captivated by electronic music, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Skrillex, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix. His passion led him to delve into music theory and piano at 14, laying the groundwork for his future in music production. His unique blend of genres, including trap, EDM, Latin trap, and rap, has become his signature style.

Bizarrap's career catapulted to new heights in 2017 with his "Combos Locos" series, showcasing highlights from local freestyle battles with a twist of humor. This series not only honed his skills but also opened doors to collaborations with key figures in the Latin rap industry. His remix of Duki's "No Vendo Trap" marked his first major breakthrough, leading to further collaborations with artists like Dani, Paulo Londra, and Khea.

The launch of his first Freestyle Session in 2018, featuring Kodigo, was a pivotal moment, introducing a new format to his repertoire. This was followed by his BZRP Music Sessions, which have since become a global phenomenon. These sessions have featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Residente, Nicky Jam, Rauw Alejandro, and Nathy Peluso. As mentioned earlier, Shakira’s Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 broke records and became a viral sensation, showcasing Bizarrap's incredible talent in bringing out the best in his collaborators.

By December 2020, Bizarrap achieved a significant milestone, becoming the most listened to Argentine artist and producer globally on Spotify, with over 11 million monthly listeners (Now, 39 Million as of Jan. 2024). This recognition placed him among the top 300 most listened to artists worldwide, a testament to his growing influence and popularity. His latest BZRP Music Session with one of my new favorite artists previously featured on Minority Majority, Young Miko, quickly rose to the top 10 trending YouTube music videos in less than a week.

Bizarrap's story is not just about music; it's about innovation, cultural expression, and breaking barriers. His rise to fame reflects the vibrant energy of Latin American music and its impact on the global stage. As he continues to collaborate with renowned artists and break new ground, Bizarrap remains a symbol of creativity and cultural pride, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and creators.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Ajiaco Bogotano

Ajiaco Bogotano is a comforting Colombian chicken and potato soup made with a colombian herb called guascas, which provides its unique flavor. If you can't find the traditional herb guascas in the U.S., dried oregano can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be different. You can often find guascas in specialty latin markets or you can purchase it on amazon here: Get Guascas on Amazon.

Ingredients

- 3 chicken breasts (with bone and skin for more flavor)

- 10 cups of water

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 3 different types of potatoes, peeled and sliced:

- 2 large russet potatoes

- 2 large red potatoes

- 2 large yellow potatoes

- 1 cob of corn, cut into 4 pieces

- 1 /3 cup of guascas (substitute: dried oregano if guascas are unavailable)

- 2 chicken bouillon cubes

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup of heavy cream for serving

- 1 cup of capers for serving

- 1 ripe avocado, sliced for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, place the chicken breasts, garlic, onions, and chicken bouillon cubes. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 30 minutes).

2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, let it cool, and shred it. Discard the bones and skin.

3. Add the potatoes to the pot. Start with the russet potatoes as they take the longest to cook, followed by the red and yellow potatoes after about 10 minutes.

4. Add the cob pieces to the soup and continue to simmer. As the potatoes cook, they will start to break down and thicken the soup. If using russet potatoes, they will disintegrate and help thicken the soup.

5. When the potatoes are nearly done, add the shredded chicken back to the pot along with the guascas (or dried oregano). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Simmer the soup for another 30 minutes on low heat. The consistency should be creamy with some potato pieces still intact.

7. Serve the ajiaco hot, garnished with capers, slices of avocado, and a drizzle of heavy cream.

Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish that is a staple in Colombian households, especially on chilly days. It's a complete meal that warms the soul and brings people together.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: What unique stone, only found in the Dominican Republic, is known for its blue-green color and is often used in jewelry?

The correct answer is…Larimar!

Larimar, a unique and captivating gemstone, is exclusively found in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the Bahoruco Mountain range. This rare blue-green mineral, a variety of the silicate mineral pectolite, was first discovered in 1916, but it wasn't until 1974 that its potential as a gemstone was recognized.

The distinct coloration of Larimar, ranging from light blue to greenish blue, is attributed to the presence of copper within the stone. Its ocean-like hues have led to its nickname, "The Atlantis Stone," and it's often associated with legends of the lost city.

Larimar is not only a cherished gem for jewelry but also a symbol of Caribbean beauty, capturing the essence of the sea and sky in its striking tones.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Which 2010 film, portraying the Bolivian water crisis, won 3 Goya Awards? 

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

RIEGA LA VOZ

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