Life in Spanglish

Six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Luis Figueroa joins Gracias, Come Again to talk salsa, Puerto Rican culture, family, and his journey from YouTube covers to becoming one of the genre’s brightest stars. Luis shares how posting covers online led to being discovered by Marc Anthony, who became a major mentor in his career, and opens up about touring with Romeo Santos, where he fully embraced the Spanish language and went from not being fluent or confident speaking it to becoming fluent and even more connected to his culture. We also revisit the moment Honey first discovered Luis performing in the Bronx alongside the legendary La India, singing her iconic duet originally recorded with Marc Anthony. Luis talks about keeping salsa alive for a new generation, his Puerto Rican roots, songwriting, family, and why carrying the culture forward means so much to him. This is a conversation about music, identity, language, legacy, and why Luis Figueroa is no longer just considered the future of salsa, he is very much part of its present. 🎙️ Watch the full interview with Luis Figueroa on Gracias, Come Again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DaniLeigh joins Honey German for a raw, emotional and revealing episode of Gracias, Come Again.  The Dominican American artist, choreographer, dancer...opens up about her upbringing in Miami, her move to Los Angeles and the experiences that shaped the woman she is today. DaniLeigh begins by sharing the incredible story of being discovered by Prince at only 18 years old. She explains how they met, what their relationship was truly like and how Prince trusted her with “Breakfast Can Wait.” Dani directed and starred in the music video, even stepping into the role of Prince. She also reflects on the life-changing lessons she received from one of music’s greatest icons and how she felt when he passed away. The conversation continues with Dani’s 2019 collaboration with Chris Brown on the hit “Easy” remix and the pressure that comes with being publicly linked to other celebrities. Dani then shares one of the most personal chapters of her life, her father’s battle with cancer and the heartbreak of losing him.  She becomes emotional while remembering the relationship they shared and the blessing of her father meeting her daughter, whom she shares with rapper DaBaby, before his passing. Dani also speaks honestly about finding Jesus during a dark and anxious period following a serious accident and public scandal. Dani explains how faith, prayer, accountability and positivity helped her move forward, reminding listeners that our mistakes do not define us and that a comeback is always possible. Later, the family joins the conversation as we meet the ladies of Bella Dose, including one of Dani’s sisters, along with her brother, who is also an artist. Together, they discuss their new single, “La Familia,” available now. This interview shows DaniLeigh in a completely different light, as a daughter, mother, sister, believer and artist determined to continue growing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Gracias, Come Again, Honey sits down with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the son of Dominican immigrants who was born and raised in Los Sures, Brooklyn. Reynoso opens up about growing up in a Section 8 apartment while his family relied on food stamps, and how education, a scholarship and a clear plan changed the direction of his life. His journey eventually led him into public service, first as a New York City Council member and later as the youngest borough president in New York City history. Elected to a four-year term, he also became the first Dominican to serve as a borough president in the city. During this deeply personal conversation, Reynoso shares how his upbringing shaped his approach to leadership, why he entered politics and what it means to still live just three blocks from his childhood home, even as the neighborhood around him has transformed through gentrification. He also reflects on the lasting influence of his mentor, Thomas, who taught him a lesson that continues to guide his life and career: “we don’t have the luxury of not having a plan” This is a powerful conversation about Dominican identity, education, community, representation and the journey from Los Sures to Brooklyn Borough Hall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bronx-born singer George Lamond joins discuss his roots, musical evolution, and legacy as one of Freestyle and Salsa's biggest voices. He reveals how he hid his talent and dreams from his family until they heard his song playing on NYC radio. George reflects on growing up in the same neighborhood as Marc Anthony and La India, experiencing freestyle’s club scene at just 17, and developing his own sound and image. He also opens up about navigating major labels, the origins of his stage name, and the assumptions people made about his ethnicity and sexuality because of his polished “pretty boy” appearance. After “Bad of the Heart” skyrocketed in 1989, George crossed over into salsa, built a seven-album catalog, and today continues touring and earning from music created decades ago.  Plus, he reveals his ultimate Freestyle Mount Rushmore. Stream and subscribe for more conversations celebrating Latino music, culture, and entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Gracias, Come Again, we sit down with actor, comedian, and stand-up comic Jason Andors, a New York City native whose career has spanned decades in the U.S. comedy and acting world, and who is now going viral across the Dominican Republic under his beloved alter ego, El Tiguere Vacano. Jason takes us back to his upbringing in NYC, born to Jewish parents but raised in a city that shaped his deep connection to Black and Latino culture. He opens up about a journey that surprises many, from being a trained ballet dancer, to performing on the Black comedy circuit, to ultimately finding a second home and a second chapter in the Dominican Republic. We go all the way into la cultura. Jason talks about how he fell in love with the DR, how the island embraced him right back, and how he now lives there part-time creating viral content that Dominicans genuinely love. He shares stories of acting alongside legendary Dominican actor Manny Perez, finding real love on the island, his appreciation for Dominican women and Dominican food, and even how he got his two elderly Jewish parents to jump into skits that ended up going viral. The conversation also highlights his nonprofit work and his deep commitment to giving back to the Dominican Republic through building homes, giving away toys, and supporting communities in need. Jason speaks from the heart about why his desire to give back to the island is bigger than words, and how important it is for him to show respect, not exploitation. We talk about the moment he decided to fully lean into becoming “Dominican,” from doing dembow, to immersing himself in neighborhoods that even some locals avoid, all in the name of understanding the culture from the inside out. Jason also shares what it was like being a judge on Dominicana's Got Talent, and how surreal it feels to be embraced everywhere he goes, with fans stopping him for photos and love. This episode is funny, honest, and deeply cultural. It shows how Dominicans and Latinos embrace anyone who truly loves and respects the culture, and how Jason Andors is not playing Dominican culture, he is living in it, celebrating it, and making people laugh along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Gracias, Come Again, we sit down with DJ Tony Touch, legendary DJ, producer, artist, mixtape pioneer, and one of the most influential cultural figures in Hip-Hop history.  Tony Touch takes us back to his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, sharing how his Puerto Rican roots and musical household shaped his destiny. Raised in a family of musicians, with a grandfather and father who played music and a mother who sang, Tony explains how music was always in his DNA. We explore Tony Touch’s role as a firsthand witness to the birth of Hip-Hop AND reggaeton and how he has remained present and impactful decade after decade, building a global legacy while staying grounded in community.  Going beyond the music, Tony speaks candidly about his private life, sharing that he is both a father and a grandfather, while explaining why he chooses to keep much of his personal life out of the spotlight. He discusses growing up in a religious home, how faith and God have always guided his journey, and how he attributes his success, longevity, and purpose to his spiritual foundation. The conversation also dives into Boricuas in Hip-Hop, Tony’s groundbreaking ReggaeTony era, and his work with icons like Tego Calderón & Ivy Queen. Tony reflects on being a crucial bridge when reggaeton traveled from Puerto Rico to New York, and how he helped introduce the sound to the Spanglish and Latino communities across the United States.  We also get his thoughts on Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl performance, his cultural impact, and what his success represents for Latino music on the global stage. Tony closes the episode by sharing his vision for 2026 and graciously accepting his flowers as a true hip-hop legend whose influence continues to shape generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.