This is a very special holiday Liberal Sherpa podcast because it was inspired by the many questions from our listeners and followers who have been asking “What is Noche Buena?” Cathy Areu knows the answer should come from a proud, and maybe one of the most recognizable Cuban V.I.P. 's in our country: Actress, Singer, and Dancer Paloma Morales. Paloma, who is known by billions worldwide as the dancing diner waitress in Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” music video, is also part of Disney's new movie this holiday season: “Encanto.” And, to my surprise, she’s also on TV right now in one of the happiest holiday ads of the season.

When she arrived in the United States at 15, she enjoyed many “firsts,” but perhaps the most amazing first was celebrating Cuba’s most special nights: “Noche Buena.” From the food to the presents, she’ll explain it all ... including why it’s been banned in her native Cuba for over 50 years.

Catching up with the great Carlos Alarazqui is too much fun. And inspirational! He’s the kind of person who makes you feel lucky just to be around him. To talk to him. To learn from him. And, luckily for this journalist, and a special co-host, podcaster Cristina, Carlos took a break for us. All of us. The actor and comedian, known by millions as Deputy James Oswaldo Garcia, on the hit comedy Reno 911, since 2003, is not only an award-winning star on the small screen but is actually one of the most popular voice actors in the country. He is the voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua, everyone’s favorite Brazilian pilot in Disney’s hit Inside Out, as well as the title character, Rocko, in the popular animated series Rocko’s Modern Life. The best part: he gives us all advice and hope that becoming the best voice actor in the country is attainable. For all of us with big dreams and big passion. Whatta great interview!

It’s "back-to-school" time! Time to get us in a learning mood. Time to be inspired to rule the world with new knowledge ... and inspirational stories from our nation's classrooms. In this episode, Latina journalist Cathy Areu introduces you to a great personal story of triumph just for you! Meet Patricia Trejo. She’s beyond a rags-to-riches story. She’s someone who valued an education so much that her passion to learn led her to a career in academia, and the title of "president" on her business cards. But this podcast host cannot do Patricia's story justice alone. Listen to an interview where a little Latina girl made it from working on the fields -- from state to state -- to the President of one of the most important organizations in our country: the FLorida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (Florida's ALAS). If President Patricia doesn’t show how important an education and drive is, then that’s it. This podcast host will never do another "back to school" inspirational episode again. But that won't happen because this story is what "back-to-school" is all about. Back to learning and dreaming big

To say the actor who goes by “Kid Vicious” on Twitter, Kirk M. Acevedo, is passionate would be an understatement. Luckily for us, the Puerto Rican actor primarily known for starring in every series and movie you know and love — like Arrow, Oz, Fringe, Law and Order, the Walking Dead, 12 Monkeys, Band is Brothers, the Dawn of Planet of the Apes (to name a few) — opens up about the harsh reality and many hurdles in the acting industry these days, thanks to a pandemic no one really planned for.

Sure, being a Latino in the business has never been easy, but wait until you hear how this rebellious kid from the Bronx (he was kicked out of Kindergarten!) made it to the big and small screen against incredible odds. His “pep talk” (he’s a self proclaimed “realist”) is guaranteed to make you feel, and know, anything is possible. (*And a special “thank you” goes out to Writer Tara Dublin for making this interview with one of the best Tweeters on Twitter, and one of the most passionate people on the planet, possible.

Liberal Sherpa podcast host Cathy Areu has been wanting to bond with Brent Hatley ever since he said “excruciating headaches” during a segment of the Howard Stern Show about a year or so ago. Brent, a senior producer on the hit show, was never able to elaborate ... or maybe he didn’t want to? But, for so long, Cathy has been wanting to know if Brent is OK! And, do they have something in common: chronic migraines? On this podcast, find out what life was like, and is like, for the star of “The Brent Hatley Show” ... & how he, thankfully, gets by with a little help from his friends (and wife)!

We know him from so many movies, his unapologetically honest podcast IAmRapaport, his character on Netflix’s hit series Atypical, or as a long-time valuable/irreplaceable member of the Howard Stern show family. But, to this journalist, and many political junkies, Rapoport reached new heights during the last year of the Trump Administration. He became a trusted news source. A voice of reason. A tell-it-like-it-is political commentator! Lucky for us, Rapaport pulls the curtain back a little to let us into his world of political mayhem ... if only for a moment. We soon discover that he is no ordinary, very opinionated guy. And that turns out to be a good thing! A really good thing ... for our nation’s politics & beyond.

After speaking with Mariann from Brooklyn (The Mother of the Howard Stern Wack Pack), on last week’s Liberal Sherpa episode, it was only fitting that Jeff the Drunk would be interviewed this week. 

How does one become a member of the most famous (and only) wack pack on radio history? What is the drunk Howard Stern regular like? Drunk? Sober? Angry? Kind? Yes! 

If you’re a Stern Show fan, you know Jeff the Drunk and the wack pack. If you’re not familiar, then you may confuse him for the next Harry Styles ... when it comes to fishing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised (actually surprised) by this singing, drinking, smoking, and caring radio star.

Mariann From Brooklyn is known by millions as Howard Stern’s biggest fan, singing “All I Need is Howard in my Life” all the time! And she means it.

If you’re a Stern Show fan, you know Mariann as the sweet, yet tough mom, who can battle it out with a Stern staffer one day and lovingly take care of a “whack packer” the next.

If you’re not familiar with the woman behind the most famous “unique” voice on radio, then you’re in for a treat! And there’s a bonus: Mariann provides all of the lyrics to the song which made her a star ... and just may bring a certain Latino crooner back to the show!