Best Javier Ortega Podcasts (2025)

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One in Nine Live Under Criminal Governance in Latin America 59:39

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19h ago59:39

59:39

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we look at how criminal organizations offer basic order and security in Latin America and how decades of authorities resorting to repressive strategies in order to address underlying social problems have provided fertile platforms for criminal shadow governments. Misguided state policies have shown that political…

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An Uncertain Second Round of Elections in Bolivia Ahead 47:08

15d ago47:08

47:08

Following the historic defeat of the MAS in the first round of presidential elections in August 2025, Bolivians are left with two options to vote for, both to the right of centre. Former president Jorge Quiroga will face Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira in a run-off set to take place on 19 October 2025. On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look…

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Inside Gay Dating & Love w/ Eddie Valdovinos 1:04:48

21d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Inside Gay Dating & Love — w/ Eddie Valdovinos (@Valdovinosvv) | @CLCTV7 In this intimate sit-down, host Javier Ortega opens the door to a real conversation with best friend Eddie Valdovinos—NYC production hairstylist, intuitive tarot reader, and member of @CLCTV7. Together they unpack what it means to date and love as queer men in their 30s: ident…

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Mexico's Judicial Reform: A Future Headache for President Sheinbaum? 44:00

29d ago44:00

44:00

In one of his final acts as president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador pushed through a contentious judicial reform. López Obrador celebrated the overhaul of the judiciary as a necessity and an important legacy of his government. A primary concern is that the reform weakens judicial independence, reducing checks and balances on the government…

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Political Violence Increasing in Colombia 38:48

1M ago38:48

38:48

Threats of political violence and a deteriorating security situation are raising concerns as Colombia approaches its presidential elections in May 2026, while tensions with the United States have also increased. Security challenges are expected to weigh heavily on the upcoming electoral period. This week on The LatinNews Podcast, host Richard McCol…

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Economic Stability in Paraguay but Corruption Remains an Issue 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Under President Santiago Peña, Paraguay is enjoying economic stability, the fastest growth in Latin America, the lowest debt to GDP ratio in the region, a stable currency and the award of investment grade status for the first time ever. And, while this is impressive and cause for celebration, analysts are asking what the Paraguayan government is do…

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Can Ecuador's President Noboa Deliver? 44:14

2M ago44:14

44:14

President Noboa’s victory in Ecuador seems to have owed a huge amount to his sweeping crackdown on organised crime, which has seen the military permanently mobilised against gangs. Insecurity is repeatedly identified as voters’ main concern. Can Noboa deliver? It's clear that Noboa stands and falls on security and voters gave him the benefit of the…

1
The Peruvian Government is Failing to Regulate Illegal Mining 38:41

3M ago38:41

38:41

The biggest threat to Peru's efforts to further tap into its vast copper ore reserves is the growing number of informal and illegal mining activities. Conflicts between property owners and concession holders have become a critical issue, and the Peruvian government is striving to find a balance. Peru's rich copper and gold ore reserves have attract…

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Cosmic Compatibility Insight w/ Regina Mirando 1:04:00

3M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

What if the stars could help you understand your patterns in love? In this eye-opening episode of Built For Love, host Javier Ortega sits down with Regina Mirando—astrological counselor, tarot reader, and soul evolution guide with over 25 years of experience—to decode how cosmic alignment shapes connection. From the emotional truths behind moon sig…

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Inequality and Marginalization on the Rise in Costa Rica 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

Security and violent crime are the single most pressing issues on the minds of voters regarding the presidential elections in Costa Rica in February 2026 and so, on The LatinNews Podcast this week, we investigate the causes for these troubles - including inequality and marginalization - and what President Rodrigo Chaves has done to combat this. We …

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Pope Leo XIV and his deep connections to Latin America 1:16:18

4M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

The recent election of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church. Not only is Leo XIV the first pope from the United States, but he is also a pontiff deeply connected to Latin America, where he dedicated nearly forty years to pastoral work, particularly in Peru. In this respect, Leo would appea…

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A Straight Man’s Dating POV w/ Ivan 1:07:57

4M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

By Builtforlovepodcast

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The Rise of the Far-Right in the Southern Cone 51:37

4M ago51:37

51:37

How much is historical revisionism in South America's southern cone responsible for a rise in the far-right in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay? What does this mean for the largely prevailing consensus on the brutality and the indefensible and egregious human rights violations perpetrated by the dictatorships in the 1970s and 1980s? Can we poin…

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Twin Flames: The Real Deal w/ Manjinder Sidhu (aka Mani) 55:11

4M ago55:11

55:11

Twin Flames: The Real Deal w/ Manjinder Sidhu aka Mani In this episode, Javier Ortega dives into the depth and nuance of the Twin Flame journey with spiritual teacher and human rights advocate Manjinder Sidhu, aka Mani (@myspiritualsoul). Together, they explore what Twin Flames really are, how to navigate the emotional and spiritual awakening they …

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The Importance of Chile's Pension Reforms 39:21

5M ago39:21

39:21

As if we hardly need reminding that Chile's controversial pension reforms were the focal point of protests at the heart of the civil unrest or "estallido social". This has been particularly incendiary in Chile with the AFP's origins dating back to the Pinochet dictatorship. Chile has always seemed like the Switzerland of Latin America, routinely to…

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Is That What Love Looks Like? – Redefining Love with Candice Moore 1:08:17

5M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

There are people who inspire change—and then there are people who change the way we see ourselves. In this deeply moving episode of Built For Love, Javier Ortega sits down with visionary speaker, author, and healing catalyst Candice Moore. From surviving foster care and addiction to becoming a global leader in emotional fitness and transformation, …

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Trinidad and Tobago's Balancing Act 39:01

5M ago39:01

39:01

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at the implications of mass deportations from the United States and the possible effects of this on Trinidad and Tobago's society, the current state of emergency due to violent crime as well as the upcoming elections in April. With the surge in gang-driven crime due to transnational drugs, arms and…

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Lessons in Love and Healing with Kevin Troiano 1:07:26

5M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Episode 1: Lessons in Love & Healing w/ Kevin Troiano What does it really mean to heal? In this deeply personal and powerful premiere episode, I sit down with intuitive healer and breathworker Kevin Troiano. Together, we explore the raw truth behind healing: the patterns we inherit, the pain we hide in plain sight, and the journey of reclaiming our…

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Welcome: The Red Print 9:08

5M ago9:08

9:08

By Builtforlovepodcast

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Was Panama a Bad Deal for the United States? 58:42

6M ago58:42

58:42

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a profound look at current events involving Panama, most notably the statements about the country made by President Trump. Was Panama a bad deal for the US? Is there a possibility of the US invading Panama in a second take on 1989's operation Just Cause? Does China control the canal? It's a sign of the ti…

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Is President Lula Out of Touch with Reality in Brazil? 45:20

6M ago45:20

45:20

As his popularity continues to wane, President Lula appears as if disconnected to the new realities in Brazil as he faces the most testing time in his political career. The weakness of Brazil's currency, the rising cost of living, the disastrous municipal elections in October 2024, the fiscal deficit and investor concerns are all issues which Lula …

1
Crucial Elections Ahead for Suriname 42:21

7M ago42:21

42:21

Suriname will vote for a new president on 25 May 2025 in what are seen as crucial elections set against the backdrop of economic uncertainty and the forthcoming exploitation of potentially wealth-changing oil reserves for the country. Presently, there are 15 to 17 parties registered and in this episode of The LatinNews Podcast we provide an explain…

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Mercosur & EU Trade Deal: Breakthrough or Breakdown? 45:58

8M ago45:58

45:58

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at the challenges ahead for Mercosur, Mercado Común del Sur (Southern Common Market), as this trading bloc seeks to sign a FTA with the EU despite opposition from several European nations and approval from others, political polarization and enmity between Argentina's President Milei and Brazil's Pr…

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Will the Milei Model in Argentina Be Exported to Other Latin American Countries? 46:41

8M ago46:41

46:41

If we take President Milei's achievements in Argentina at his word, his policies have led to the reduction of inflation, created a fiscal surplus and a reduction of the country's credit debts. He has avoided impeachment, hyperinflation, reduced price indexes, controlled social unrest and carried out far-reaching austerity measures. Can President Mi…

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Why Are El Salvador and Costa Rica Rethinking Mining Laws? 33:43

9M ago33:43

33:43

Despite mineral production never having dominated the economies of Central American countries, change appears to be on the horizon. On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we talk to Paul Harris, Americas editor for Mining Journal, Senior editor for Kitco and organizer of the Colombia Gold Symposium to hear his thoughts on upcoming decisions in El Salv…

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Cuba's Current Wartime Economy 35:15

10M ago35:15

35:15

Hundreds and thousands of Cubans have arrived in the US since 2022, power outages are becoming more frequent and the island does not generate enough from exports to pay for its imports, does anything remain of the "achievements of the Revolution" such as: health, education and social equality? On the LatinNews podcast this week, we speak to William…

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How Will Latin America Fare Under President Trump? 53:59

10M ago53:59

53:59

Specialists on Latin America are hopeful that the region will play a more central role in President Trump's foreign policy agenda. However, how does the importance of Latin America rank regarding the US pulling back from Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East? Can Trump's advisors have a unified view of US policy towards Latin America or can w…

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The Tragedy in Haiti Is Growing Exponentially: A Security Intervention Against Gangs Is Needed 43:02

11M ago43:02

43:02

There are approximately 150 gangs in Haiti and between them have killed ten thousand people over three years, they control 80 per cent of Port au Prince and recent massacres have stunned even the most hardened observers. Presently there are 400 security personnel from Kenya, deployed in the country as a UN mission to support Haiti's police force, w…

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Urban Mobility: Latin America as a Creative Incubator 47:28

11M ago47:28

47:28

On this week's LatinNews Podcast, we explore the themes of urban mobility, transport infrastructure, and social inequities in Latin American cities, and discover why cities in the region serve as creative urban incubators. We speak with Dr. Daniel Oviedo, Associate Professor at UCL's Development Planning Unit and an expert on economic and spatial i…

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President Arévalo's Election: A Glitch in the Matrix 41:18

12M ago41:18

41:18

By all accounts, Bernardo Arévalo was not expected to win Guatemala's 2023 presidential election. The shock of his victory took the Guatemalan establishment by surprise, and his win has been described by Edgar Ortiz, an expert in constitutional law and political risk in Guatemala, and our guest this week, as "a glitch in the matrix." In his efforts…

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What Is China's Endgame in Latin America? 44:38

12M ago44:38

44:38

China's engagement with Latin America is a complex and multifaceted relationship that is both broad and substantial. The PRC's use of commercial tools and instruments of State to create a global economic order that functions to its benefit has not gone unnoticed. So, this week on The LatinNews Podcast, we speak to Dr Evan Ellis, Latin American Rese…

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The Deadly Fragmentation of Mexico's Drugs Trade 43:08

1y ago43:08

43:08

How did Mexico get here? While all eyes are on the growing civil war within the Sinaloa Cartel, between those loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who was arrested on July 25, and the Chapitos, accused of betraying him, in order to understand current events in Mexico's fluid drugs trade, it's necessary to step back and take all of the information in …

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Pre-Electoral Instability and Economic Morass Leave Bolivia in a Political Limbo 37:56

1y ago37:56

37:56

Bolivians go to the polls on 1 December 2024 in a referendum to decide on the removal of fuel subsidies and to define whether to admit continuous or discontinuous presidential re-election. As if this weren't enough, on the same date, there are also judicial elections and another challenge to be clarified in the referendum is the shortage of dollars…

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Sanctions in Latin America: An Important Diplomatic Tool or Ineffective Economic Coercion? 49:49

1y ago49:49

49:49

In theory, sanctions are designed to force governments to defend business interests, restore or seek democracy, respect human rights, protect the environment, fight corruption and tackle international crime and Latin America - according to a new report - is disproportionately targeted. "Sanctions in Latin America: the Regrettable Rise of a World of…

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Chile's Long Standing Historical Debt 58:41

1y ago58:41

58:41

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we look at what is being done to resolve the long standing conflict between the Chilean government and the Mapuche indigenous people, inhabitants of parts of south-central Chile, who have suffered from a policy of "pacification" which resulted in a tragic history of exterminations and displacement. Tracing its ro…

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Elections in Venezuela: Best and Worst Case Scenarios 39:08

1y ago39:08

39:08

Venezuela will vote for a new president on 28 July in what will not be free and fair elections, that much is certain. But, which way will it go? On The LatinNews Podcast this week we explore some of the worst case scenarios facing Venezuela including the possibility of increased repression and massive voter fraud. Or, will Nicolas Maduro seek a neg…

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Could Petro’s Total Peace be Working? 50:40

1y ago50:40

50:40

Colombia’s cluster of armed conflicts seem interminable on the surface but President Gustavo Petro, the country’s first leftwing premier and a former guerrilla himself, has made Total Peace (Paz Total) a cornerstone policy of his government in an attempt to pull the nation from continual asymmetrical conflicts scattered all about the territory. And…

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Will Claudia Sheinbaum Be Mexico's Continuity President? 38:32

1+ y ago38:32

38:32

The Mexican electorate made history on 2 June by electing the country's first woman president in Claudia Sheinbaum, former Mexico City mayor, scientist, academic and protege of outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Much has been reported about Sheinbaum's possible difficulty in distancing herself from AMLO's influence, but ironical…

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South American Organized Crime: The Tren de Aragua 40:30

1+ y ago40:30

40:30

On this week's LatinNews Podcast, we discuss the reach and main characteristics of the Tren de Aragua criminal group, from its beginnings in the Tocorón prison in Venezuela, to its spread through South America. We speak to Chris Dalby, director of the World of Crime media company and publishing and expert on organized crime, about the reasons for t…

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What Is Behind Jamaica's Success Story? 38:20

1+ y ago38:20

38:20

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at how Jamaica has turned its economy around to start enjoying strong growth, low unemployment, reductions in debt burdens and attracting investors. Marla Dukharan, a renowned economist and advisor on the Caribbean provides us with an impartial analysis of Jamaica's success story. And, while we can…

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Murders Are Falling, Yet Insecurity Fears in Brazil Increase—What Can President Lula Do? 36:43

1+ y ago36:43

36:43

Murder rates in Brazil have fallen under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, but surveys show that people believe violence to have increased in the country. There is little trust in the police and judicial system, 64,2 million live in households with food insecurity, there have been more than 4 million cases of dengue in the first four months of 2…

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Challenges Ahead for Panama's Stability 44:07

1+ y ago44:07

44:07

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we discuss the myriad of challenges facing a new government in Panama. Outgoing president Laurentino Cortizo is immensely unpopular and the victorious candidate in May's presidential elections will have to face up to growing public unrest due to corruption, the stuttering economy, climate change and its effects o…

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No Snap Elections in Belize as Prime Minister John Briceño Consolidates Power 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

Speculation about a potential early election call in Belize has been dismissed by Prime Minister John Briceño. Тhе Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr’ѕ соmmеntѕ fоllоw thе Реорlе’ѕ Unіtеd Раrtу’ѕ (РUР) rесеnt vісtоrу іn munісіраl еlесtіоnѕ, in which thеу ѕесurеd а ѕіgnіfісаnt mајоrіtу over the United Democratic Party (UDP). Тhе РUР’ѕ ѕtrоng ѕhоwіng hаd lеd ѕоmе оbѕеrv…

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The Environmental and Social History of Deforestation in the Amazon 48:22

1+ y ago48:22

48:22

On The LatinNews Podcast we discuss the Environmental and Social History of Deforestation in the Amazon and the Latin American region. In a far-reaching episode, we take a look at the tenurial structure, technologies and political regimes in understanding rapid forest conversions, and the complex dynamics of forest resurgence now found throughout t…

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Are President Noboa's New Measures Working for Ecuador? 39:27

1+ y ago39:27

39:27

The combination of a weak state and strong criminal forces has led to a near-doubling of homicides each year in Ecuador since 2020 and the nation's murder rate for 2023 was around 40 per 100,000 people, making it the highest in Ecuador's history and therefore one of the most violent in Latin America. In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we ask…

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The Dominican Republic: A Success Story of Democratic Politics in the Region 48:29

1+ y ago48:29

48:29

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we ask Dr Jacqueline Jimenez Polanco, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Bronx Community College of the City University of New York, to what can we attribute the success of the anti-corruption and anti-impunity politics in the Dominican Republic? With elections on the horizon for May 2024, will the victor co…

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Uruguay: The Benchmark for Democracy in Latin America 50:09

1+ y ago50:09

50:09

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we speak to Martin Weinstein, Emeritus Professor of Political Science at William Paterson University in New Jersey and author of dozens of books on Uruguay, his opinions on the upcoming presidential elections in Uruguay in October 2024. Uruguay is unlikely to lose its reputation as the "Switzerland of Latin Ameri…

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The Challenges Facing Honduras and President Xiomara Castro 42:14

1+ y ago42:14

42:14

On this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we ask Rosemary Joyce, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, how governable is Honduras considering the challenges facing the country and President Xiomara Castro? In reality, Hondurans can point to the 2009 coup against President Zelaya (current President Xiomar…

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Can "Anarcho-Capitalist" President Javier Milei Deliver an Economic Miracle in Argentina? 38:27

1+ y ago38:27

38:27

On the first LatinNews podcast episode for 2024, we welcome back Jon Farmer, Editor in Chief of Latin News to provide us with an in-depth look at Argentina's President Javier Milei, his election, his domestic policies, plans for the troubled economy, foreign policies and the relationship with the IMF. Milei was voted in as an indictment of the poli…

1
Can Costa Rica's Straight-Talking President Rodrigo Chaves Stand Up to the Country's Political Elites? 35:02

2y ago35:02

35:02

On the final episode of The LatinNews Podcast for 2023, we ask Ronald Alfaro-Redondo, a researcher in Political Science at the University of Costa Rica and at the State of the Nation Program, how Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves can build on popular discontent with the country's long-established political elites? Alfaro-Redondo leads us through…