Hummingbird Cricket Hour

Trini and Luis examine the many sides of independence. They discuss the July Fourth spectacle in Washington, glorification of the military, the complicated history of American rebellion, and the undervalued importance of the revolutionary impulse.  Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis reflect on the real causes of poverty. They discuss the recent Poor People's Campaign event in Washington, the theft of land and resources at the root of privatization, our growing crisis of climate change, and taking responsibility for our collective survival. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis sit down for a long, rich discussion with Nicole Rojas and Luis Ruan. Doing healing work in their communities for 20 and 30 years, respectively, they each transform trauma and create restorative justice. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis share in a meeting of poets with Francisco Aviles Pino, self-described writer, immigrant, and abolitionist. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis usher in 2019 with a longer-than-usual conversation about sustainability, spirituality, religion, and consumerism. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis invite Cozkacuauhtli Huitzilzenteotl to the show. He is a teacher and friend with much ancestral knowledge to share. The discussion relates to the often obscured native histories, such as some misconceptions and lies told about native practices and beliefs. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

Trini and Luis meet with Ashley Hufnagel. From her life experience living in New Orleans to her 12 years of anti-poverty work in the community, she brings a fruitful discussion about the Poor People's Campaign, the man-made problems of otherwise natural disasters, and more. Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta" (A Question to an Answer).

For this extraordinary episode of the Hummingbird Cricket Hour, we introduce two special guests Allison Treviño and Luis Ruan. They discuss much of the healing work they have done, assistance they have both given and received from their communities, as well as the benefits of togetherness and social responsibility.   Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta," (A Question to an Answer), produced by U.S.O.P / Skilz to Deal, in Milan, Italy, September, 1998.

Trini and Luis discuss the importance of a ceremony they recently participated in on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. They reflect on the need to slow down, the value we all have inside, and the distinction between cures and healing.   Music is from "Civilization." Poem written and read by Luis J. Rodriguez. Music by Italian Hip Hop artist Flycat from his CD "Una domanda alla risposta," (A Question to an Answer), produced by U.S.O.P / Skilz to Deal, in Milan, Italy, September, 1998.

Trini and Luis sit down with photographer Arlene Mejorado. They reflect on her identity as an artist, her work with Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural, her world travels, and the meaning in photography.

Trini and Luis reflect on both the struggles and the solutions in life. They examine ways in which our art can heal us, challenges in finding meaning from loss, and the proper idea of a warrior.

Trini and Luis explore the meanings of ancient knowledge. They ponder nature and its laws, principles of human development, and the wisdom which may be found in depression and uncertainty.

Celebrating the 17th anniversary of Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural, Trini and Luis speak on the ways the nonprofit they co-founded is transitioning. They express hope about new leadership, admire the wisdom and capacities of young people, and remember the radical roots of this continent.

(Reuploaded. Originally recorded on May 15th 2017.) In honor of Mother's Day, Trini and Luis Rodriguez discuss their recent trip abroad. They delve into the lessons and reminders they felt along the journey, give thanks to the mothers in their lives, and consider the importance of Mother Earth herself.

(Reuploaded. Originally recorded on January 17th 2017.) Luis reads his essay "Regeneration." It has history, indigenous concepts, and words of caution to ponder following the inauguration of Donald Trump as president.

(Reuploaded. Originally recorded on January 24th 2016.) Trini and Luis share a conversation with their two sons, Ruben and Chito. The family pores over storytelling, love of reading, limitations of American schooling, and the new ways that knowledge and information spread.

(Reuploaded. Originally recorded on November 5th 2015.) Trini and Luis embark on the first episode of Hummingbird Cricket Hour. They examine their reasons for creating the show, speak to the symbolism in its title, and kick off a conversation about homelessness, prisons, mental health, addiction, and the life-saving power of community.