By Lia Portillo Cantarero, Northwestern State University student journalist

NATCHITOCHES – Every country, culture, ethnic group, and even universities partake in traditions that unify the members of these groups. Traditions are essential for people to feel connected to their group or history, which is why in “Latino Living’s” newest episode the crew expands on that conversation.

Northwestern State University’s Hispanic Student Journalist Association continues their podcast’s second season with their latest episode on “Traditions.” The podcast is made with the guidance of Dr. Nick Taylor and the cooperation of the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts.

“Traditions” features Naydu Daza Maya, “Latino Living’s” co-host, and Lia Portillo Cantarero, producer and co-host, as they recall what traditions have made them closer to their heritage.

The episode also features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, a professor in the Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies, as he describes what traditions are and how these traditions can give culture shock to foreigners. The student guest is Kevin Juarez, an international student from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, majoring in music business. Both guests bring in the perspective of how new traditions can shape the lives of people learning to get accustomed to a new country.

“Traditions” invites the audience to recall their own traditions and search the meaning of why they are important to all of us. Whether it’s running down Turpin Stadium at the first game of the football season or gathering at the Thanksgiving table passing around the gravy, traditions define the identities of who we are.

“Latino Living” is produced with the help of Taylor, an assistant professor; Portillo Cantarero, producer; Daza Maya, host; Isabel Juarez Rubio, assistant producer; Allison Florez Bermudez, editor; and Laura Cabarcas Vargas, technical director.

The video podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify.

https://youtu.be/VDmBS5O3kw0?si=qd0NaMlAxqoeMmBG

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hsja-nsula/episodes/Latino-Living-S2-Ep-4—Traditions-e2f8itl