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.

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Rising artist Lenexx joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, identity, family, and the musical movement she's creating. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, Lenexx opens up about her journey from living with her abuela while her mother worked tirelessly in New York to build a better life for the family, to arriving in the U.S. at just eight years old with dreams, questions, and endless possibilities.

In this episode, Lenexx reflects on her Dominican upbringing, her mother's sacrifices, and how growing up in one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the world shaped her as both a person and an artist. Surrounded by Dominican, Mexican, Colombian, Indian, and countless other communities, Jackson Heights became the foundation for her global perspective. 

She also shares the story behind her deep connection to Brazilian culture, explaining how her best friend introduced her to Brazilian music and traditions, inspiring her to learn Portuguese and eventually record music in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Most importantly, Lenexx introduces listeners to Funketon, the genre she created by fusing Dominican rhythms, Brazilian funk, and New York energy into a sound that's entirely her own. As one of the pioneers of this emerging style, she's breaking musical boundaries while building a global fanbase.

We also talk about her special relationship with Brazil, where she spent time immersing herself in the culture that has inspired so much of her music. During her stay, Brazilian fans embraced her wholeheartedly, showing immense love for both her artistry and her vision. That experience further cemented her connection to the country and reinforced her belief that music truly has no borders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising artist Lenexx joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, identity, family, and the musical movement she's creating. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, Lenexx opens up about her journey from living with her abuela while her mother worked tirelessly in New York to build a better life for the family, to arriving in the U.S. at just eight years old with dreams, questions, and endless possibilities.

In this episode, Lenexx reflects on her Dominican upbringing, her mother's sacrifices, and how growing up in one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the world shaped her as both a person and an artist. Surrounded by Dominican, Mexican, Colombian, Indian, and countless other communities, Jackson Heights became the foundation for her global perspective. 

She also shares the story behind her deep connection to Brazilian culture, explaining how her best friend introduced her to Brazilian music and traditions, inspiring her to learn Portuguese and eventually record music in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Most importantly, Lenexx introduces listeners to Funketon, the genre she created by fusing Dominican rhythms, Brazilian funk, and New York energy into a sound that's entirely her own. As one of the pioneers of this emerging style, she's breaking musical boundaries while building a global fanbase.

We also talk about her special relationship with Brazil, where she spent time immersing herself in the culture that has inspired so much of her music. During her stay, Brazilian fans embraced her wholeheartedly, showing immense love for both her artistry and her vision. That experience further cemented her connection to the country and reinforced her belief that music truly has no borders.

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.

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.

Celebrity chef, television host, and culinary storyteller Chef Bren Herrera joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, resilience, identity, and the journey that made her one of the most recognizable Afro-Latina chefs in media.

Known as the host of Culture Kitchen on MyCLEO.TV, Chef Bren opens up about her Cuban heritage, her unwavering love for Cuba, and why she's passionate about seeing the island one day become free. She shares the emotional story of her parents fleeing Cuba and building a new life in the United States, while reflecting on what it means to proudly represent the Afro-Latino community.

Beyond the kitchen, Bren discusses how she intentionally uses social media to spread joy, love, dancing, positivity, and authenticity in a world that often needs more of it. She also shares why being the "cool tía" is one of her favorite roles, and how her nieces have become part of her television journey by joining her in the kitchen.

Whether you're passionate about food, Afro-Latino culture, Cuba, family, or chasing your dreams, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughs, and inspiration.

🎙️ Subscribe to Gracias, Come Again for more conversations celebrating Latino culture, identity, music, food, and the people making an impact around the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef, television host, and culinary storyteller Chef Bren Herrera joins Gracias, Come Again for an inspiring conversation about culture, resilience, identity, and the journey that made her one of the most recognizable Afro-Latina chefs in media.

Known as the host of Culture Kitchen on MyCLEO.TV, Chef Bren opens up about her Cuban heritage, her unwavering love for Cuba, and why she's passionate about seeing the island one day become free. She shares the emotional story of her parents fleeing Cuba and building a new life in the United States, while reflecting on what it means to proudly represent the Afro-Latino community.

Beyond the kitchen, Bren discusses how she intentionally uses social media to spread joy, love, dancing, positivity, and authenticity in a world that often needs more of it. She also shares why being the "cool tía" is one of her favorite roles, and how her nieces have become part of her television journey by joining her in the kitchen.

Whether you're passionate about food, Afro-Latino culture, Cuba, family, or chasing your dreams, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughs, and inspiration.

🎙️ Subscribe to Gracias, Come Again for more conversations celebrating Latino culture, identity, music, food, and the people making an impact around the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Berto Colón joins Gracias, Come Again for aconversation about family, perseverance, and building a career in Hollywood. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in The Bronx, Berto reflects on his island roots, his love of the beach and surfing, his father's influence, and how those experiences continue to shape the man he is today.

We dive into his standout roles as Cesar in Orange Is the New Black, Lorenzo Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost, and Solomon Vega in The Night Agent.  He also shares what's ahead with his role in the Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch and his upcoming in American Horror Story.

Berto opens up about his passion for fitness, being a devoted husband and girl dad, and how a football injury ended his dream of playing professionally, ultimately leading him to discover acting.

Most importantly, he discusses his work as a board member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, highlighting its mission to fund pediatric cancer research and the upcoming events where supporters can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, purpose, Latino representation in Hollywood, and using success to create lasting impact.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Berto Colón joins Gracias, Come Again for aconversation about family, perseverance, and building a career in Hollywood. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in The Bronx, Berto reflects on his island roots, his love of the beach and surfing, his father's influence, and how those experiences continue to shape the man he is today.

We dive into his standout roles as Cesar in Orange Is the New Black, Lorenzo Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost, and Solomon Vega in The Night Agent.  He also shares what's ahead with his role in the Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch and his upcoming in American Horror Story.

Berto opens up about his passion for fitness, being a devoted husband and girl dad, and how a football injury ended his dream of playing professionally, ultimately leading him to discover acting.

Most importantly, he discusses his work as a board member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, highlighting its mission to fund pediatric cancer research and the upcoming events where supporters can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, purpose, Latino representation in Hollywood, and using success to create lasting impact.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.