Life as a Gringo
“Life As A Gringo” is a podcast from Z100 On-Air Personality, Dramos. The show represents the voices of American-born Latinos who live their lives existing in a gray area. Those who are looked at as a gringo or “too white” by their family back in their native land, but were constantly reminded that their house smelled different or their parents music was “weird” by the people they grew up with. This is life as seen through our eyes. “...one feels at home in both places, yet at home in neither place” - Ed Morales
Episodes
What does it really mean to be “the man”? In many Latino communities—and beyond—men are taught that having lots of sexual partners is proof of status, strength, and masculinity. In this special episode, Dramos unpacks that toxic message, sharing personal stories about chasing validation, peer pressure, and the role of machismo culture in shaping harmful expectations. He explores why this obsession with &ldqu...
Growing up in a Latino household, real conversations about sex often felt one-sided—or didn’t happen at all. In this special episode, Dramos opens up about how that silence made it harder to talk openly with friends and partners about sex, intimacy, and boundaries. He explores the fears and cultural pressures that make these talks intimidating, from worries about inexperience to the weight of tradition. Dramos also shar...
Cultural taboos around sex and sexuality run deep in many Latino households, often shutting down important conversations before they even start. In this special episode, Dramos opens up about how religion, gender roles, and family expectations shaped his own understanding of sexual health—or lack of it. He explores how these cultural norms can leave young people unprepared, misinformed, and anxious about their own well-being....
After over three years, Life as a Gringo comes to a close. In this final episode, Dramos reflects on the journey—from launching the show as a passion project to building a platform that gave a voice to the unheard. He opens up about the personal growth, the lessons learned, the community built, and why it’s time to turn the page. Plus, he answers listener questions, sharing what&rsquo...
Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour is selling out fast, proving once again that Latino artists are dominating the global stage. This week, we dive into what his massive success means for representation and cultural power. We also spotlight how Latina moms are being celebrated this Mother's Day—not just with gifts, but with recognition for their strength, wisdom, and the...
One week away from the series finale, Dramos takes a moment to reflect on the wild ride that has been Life as a Gringo—from its early beginnings during the pandemic to becoming a platform for unfiltered truth, cultural pride, and connection. He opens up about how the show helped him find his voice, reconnect with his roots, and build a community that felt seen. As he prepares to close this ...
Three U.S. citizen children were deported—one with stage 4 cancer—while Trump downplays the fallout in a chaotic ABC interview. His national security adviser resigns over a Signal scandal. Women are quietly signaling a recession through canceled appointments and DIY beauty. And Yale launches a Bad Bunny course that’s really about Puerto Rico, colonialism, and cultural power.
In this solo episode, Dramos recaps everything we uncovered during Financial Literacy Month—from building wealth without generational money to healing from financial trauma and learning how to shift from survival mode to long-term stability. Whether you’re just starting your money journey or trying to level up, this one’s all about the real talk they don’t teach us: mindset shifts, money mistakes, and what f...
Trump says tariffs on China are coming down, but not disappearing, as major retailers push back against rising costs. Meanwhile, a prisoner swap proposal between Latin American leaders stirs international tension, and a viral debate has Gen Z women asking: is marriage still a good deal? Plus, Pedro Pascal makes a bold statement for trans rights without saying a word.
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For Financial Literacy Month, this week’s episode is with Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino, former public school math teacher and founder of Wealth Para Todos. Soledad breaks down how she and her husband are on track to retire by 45—not through flashy schemes, but by shifting from survival mode to long-term wealth planning. We talk about the power of financial education in our communities, how Latinos can build wea...
What happens when power is ignored, abused, or taken back? In this episode, we break down the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Maryland man sent to a Salvadoran mega-prison despite a court ruling protecting him—and the Trump administration’s outright refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico faces yet another massive blackout, leaving millions without power and prompting artists lik...
As part of Financial Literacy Month, we're breaking down the real story behind the gig economy with award-winning leadership consultant Dr. Nika White. From side hustles that build long-term wealth to the burnout and instability that come with hustle culture, this episode explores how people of color are redefining success.
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This week, we dive into a series of heavy-hitting stories shaping our communities: the tragic collapse of Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic that killed over 100 people—including music legend Rubby Pérez and former MLB players—raising urgent questions about safety and accountability. We also unpack a major shift in U.S. immigration policy as the IRS agrees to share taxpayer data with ICE, a move that cou...
As a part of Financial Literacy Month, Dramos is joined by Dr. Paul Rivera—co-founder of BeActChange and a man whose journey spans academia, diplomacy, international economics, and strategic coaching. We dive into the harsh realities behind the so-called “American Dream,” especially for Latinos. From financial stress to mental health struggles, we unpack the hidden costs of chasing success in the U.S. and explore ...
To kick off Financial Literacy Month, we’re joined by stand-up comedian and Creative Director of Mente World, Luis Galilei. Beyond the laughs, Luis has been on the frontlines of mutual aid work in New York, helping shift the narrative around mental health by first addressing the basic needs of our communities. Mente is building spaces where young Americans can find connection and healing amid the mental health crisis. In this...
We start with the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a centuries-old law that’s suddenly back in the conversation. What does it mean, and how could it impact immigrants today? Then, we dive into the rift between Senate Democrats, as Michael Bennet openly criticizes Chuck Schumer’s leadership—what’s behind the tension, and what does it mean for the party moving forward? We also tackle a hard truth: undocumented ...
Success isn’t built in the spotlight—it’s forged in the quiet, uncelebrated grind. In this episode, we dive into the reality of doing the work day in and day out with no immediate results. Kevin Hart talks about how the hardest part of success is showing up every day, even when it feels like nothing is happening. But that’s the price of greatness—patience, discipline, and trust in the process. Because ...
Dramos dives into trending stories including Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protester, is now facing deportation after being targeted for his activism—raising serious questions about free speech and immigration rights. Meanwhile, a racist realtor got fired after celebrating mass deportations online (instant karma). We also get into the latest on Yolanda Saldívar’s possible parole—could Selena’s...
In this episode, I’m revisiting a talk I gave at the Just Be Social Club mastermind, breaking down one of the biggest roadblocks we all face—bringing our ideas to life. Too often, we wait for the perfect moment, the right connections, or a clear path forward. But the truth is, the key to success is to be in constant creation. When you keep moving,...
In this episode, we break down the latest in Latino entertainment and politics, from Nicky Jam rethinking his past support for Trump to Daddy Yankee facing a $250 million lawsuit that could impact his legacy. We also dive into reports that Trump allegedly considered making Puerto Rico independent to avoid U.S. financial responsibility and celebrate Zoe Saldaña’s historic Oscars win for Read more
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