A new podcast is creating space for Latino voices at the University of Toronto. “More Than Tequila”, a recently launched podcast in the Department of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese & Latino American Studies (ISPLAS), was created by Juan Carlos Rocha Osornio, associate professor, teaching stream.
The project began after Prof. Rocha Osornio has been interviewed on episode #75 of the “Voices of Vic” (VOV), an independent podcast launched in 2023 by former #UofT student Carter Ponce, who graduated in economics in 2025. “Carter had been in my first-year seminar, ‘More than Nachos and Tequila: Mexican History & Culture,’ and later invited me to be the first U of T professor featured on his show,” Rocha Osornio recalls. He describes the experience as “incredibly rewarding,” noting that his students connected strongly with the conversation.
In that episode, Rocha Osornio reflected on his experience in the country and his journey from growing up in Mexico to becoming a Spanish professor in Canada.
A year later, after graduating from U of T, Ponce founded VOV Media, a Toronto-based digital media agency specializing in podcast management, social media management, and video editing. “More Than Tequila” was launched with the agency’s support. “Latino experiences are often underrepresented or oversimplified in mainstream spaces. I wanted to create a platform where the diversity of our community could be shared in a more authentic and meaningful way,” Rocha Osornio explains.
The first episode aired March 19. Since then, six editions have been released, with new episodes published on Thursdays. Each one features students and faculty stories and memories to reflect their individuality and perspectives about their Latin American identity.
In this interview, Rocha Osornio discusses how this podcast is a rich platform to support storytelling, connect ideas to real-world contexts and build a sense of belonging, as well as what he has learned from the project so far.
What are the main goals of the “More Than Tequila”?
This podcast is also a way to build community, both within and beyond U of T. Many Latinos in Canada navigate complex questions of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation, often balancing multiple worlds at once. By sharing personal stories—the challenges as well as the successes—"More than Tequila” fosters a sense of connection and visibility, while also opening space for dialogue across communities.
Another important goal of the podcast is to serve as a tool for teaching real, everyday Spanish. I want listeners to hear how the language is naturally spoken across different countries, accents, and contexts—not just the standardized version often found in the textbooks that we often use in class. I believe language is shaped by culture, humor, and lived experience, and this podcast reflects that richness. In this way, it becomes both a cultural platform and an engaging, accessible resource for language learning.
Who is your intended audience?
My intended audience for this podcast is primarily Latinos living in Toronto, Canada. They may be recent immigrants, second-generation, or have been here for a long time. It is for people navigating identity, language, and belonging, and who want to feel more connected to a broader Latino community. At the same time, the podcast is also for non-Latinos who are interested in learning more about Latino cultures, perspectives, and contributions in Canada. By sharing real stories and conversations, it offers an easy and approachable way for anyone interested to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within the Latino community.
Additionally, it’s meant for Spanish learners or heritage speakers, such as my own students at U of T, who want to improve their listening skills through authentic, real-world conversations. Since the podcast showcases authentic Spanish from a variety of regions and cultural backgrounds, it serves as an effective and enjoyable resource for learning the language, all while remaining deeply connected to its cultural context.
How do you choose topics and guests?
I don’t plan topics rigidly in advance. Instead, I focus on having natural, flowing conversations with my guests, allowing discussions to develop authentically and organically. Rather than adhering to a strict structure, I make room for stories, memories, and reflections to surface spontaneously. Guests are selected based on their availability and willingness to share their experiences, recognizing that not everyone feels comfortable in front of a microphone. So far, participants have included U of T students and alumni, faculty and staff, as well as members of Toronto’s broader Latino community.
This approach is especially meaningful for a podcast about Latinos in Canada because it allows for a more genuine representation of our diverse experiences. Each guest brings a unique background, perspective, and voice, and the conversation naturally adapts to reflect that individuality. Often, the most memorable and insightful moments arise unplanned, rather than from prepared questions.
By emphasizing this conversational, unscripted style, the podcast mirrors how people communicate in real life—shifting between topics, sharing anecdotes, and building connections through dialogue. This method not only makes each episode engaging but also aligns with the goal of presenting authentic, everyday Spanish as it is spoken across different cultures and contexts.
Ultimately, my aim is to cultivate a relaxed and trusting environment where guests feel comfortable sharing openly, resulting in conversations that are deeper, more personal, and truly impactful.
What have you learned from the conversations so far?
I have discovered that everyone has a story worth sharing, and no matter how difficult a goal may seem, with determination, it is achievable. Canada holds a special place for Latinos because it allows us to preserve our culture without shame. Through this podcast, I’ve come to appreciate even more the importance of sharing these experiences—the struggles and the triumphs—so that others can see themselves reflected and feel motivated. Every story highlights the strength, ingenuity, and impact of Latinos in Canada, emphasizing the importance of our voices. Ultimately, this project has deepened my faith in the ability of community, meaningful connections, and storytelling to celebrate identity and encourage others to embrace their cultural roots while pursuing their aspirations.
How do you hope the podcast will evolve over time?
I hope to continue growing this project to include Latinos from across Canada, not just Toronto. My goal is to highlight the diversity within our community and amplify voices that are often unheard—students, artists, entrepreneurs, immigrants, and multi-generational Canadians. I want the podcast to reflect the full range of experiences, challenges, and successes that shape our community. Ultimately, I see it as both a cultural record and a source of inspiration, in other words, as a space where people can see themselves represented, feel connected, and embrace their heritage proudly, while contributing to the broader Canadian mosaic.
“More Than Tequila” episodes released so far:
Being Latina in Canada: Culture Shock, Identity, and Finding Your Voice [EN]
With undergraduate student Renata Rodriguez Badillo
A Spaniard in Canada: The Truth About Latinos, Spain, and Fitting In [ES]
With PhD student Marta Rocatín
“Am I Latino?” - A Canadian’s Identity Crisis After Living in Argentina [EN]
With undergraduate student Diego Rupolo
Why She Left Colombia for Canada (And What Shocked Her Most) [ES]
With Daniela Maldonado, a University of Toronto doctoral graduate and adjunct assistant professor at Queen’s University
"I Don't Feel Canadian... I Feel Torontonian" - Latino Identity in Toronto [ES]
With undergraduate student Romario Sarmiento
"I Don't Look Latina... But I Am" - The Identity Struggle No One Talks About [EN]
With Paula Karger, assistant professor in ISPLAS