Uptown Voices
A podcast focused on the Uptown neighborhoods of Inwood, Washington Heights and Harlem. Our neighborhoods have a voice and we want to be heard and felt. We love Uptown. Each episode will elevate the people here who are making a difference in the life of this community. We’re also committed to “real talk” that seeks solutions that improve the quality of life in our beautiful Uptown neighborhoods.
Episodes
This is Uptown Collective's first LIVE Black and Blanco episode, recorded on November 11, 2025.
Led and Octavio dive into a wide-ranging conversation that spans from their first live broadcast experience to heartfelt tributes to veterans. They explore political critiques, the influence of billionaires, and the importance of grassroots movements. The discussion also highlights cultural pride, the history of graffiti in Washi...
Join us on Tuesday, November 11 at 5:30 pm for our very first LIVE podcast!
Full episode will appear here one day after the live show airs.
In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss the recent historic election of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, reflecting on the implications of this victory for the community and the political landscape. They explore themes of voter turnout, community engagement, and the importance of understanding race and solidarity among marginalized groups.
The conversation also critiques past political leaders...
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with Anthony Alvarez, co-founder of Project Feel, discussing the impact of their work in the community, particularly through events like Futuro at the New York Latino Film Festival and the upcoming short film program, The Other Lens. They explore the importance of representation in media, the challenges of filmmaking, and the need for continued activism and community eng...
In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led and Octavio discuss a range of topics including current events, political dynamics, community issues, and the influence of hip-hop culture. They reflect on personal experiences, the importance of activism, and the power of people to effect change in their communities.
The conversation emphasizes the need for solidarity among marginalized groups and the role of art and culture in social...
In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with James Lee, the proprietor of 181/Cabrini, to discuss the evolution of nightlife and the restaurant industry in Washington Heights, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. They reflect on the community aspect of dining, the challenges of running a restaurant, and the impact of gentrification. James shares insights on the importance of maintaining qua...
In this episode of Black & Blanco on the Uptown Voices podcast, hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss various topics including the upcoming NOMAA exhibit, the importance of local artists, new business openings in Washington Heights, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They also delve into political commentary, the impact of social media, and the implications of AI technology on society.
The conversation emphas...
Summary
In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage with Claudette Brady, the executive director of Save Harlem Now. The conversation explores the importance of preserving Harlem's architectural and cultural heritage, the resilience of the African American community, and the challenges faced in the preservation process. Claudette shares insights into the historical significance of Harlem,...
Summary:
In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco celebrate the 20th episode milestone, reflecting on their journey and the importance of community engagement. They discuss their experiences at the New York Latino Film Festival, highlighting cultural narratives and personal stories. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on culture, the significance of political discourse within ...
In this episode of the Uptown Voices podcast, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with Michael Palma Mir, the executive director of the West Harlem Arts Alliance. They discuss the activation of the Innovation Triangle in West Harlem, the importance of community engagement, and the role of the arts in fostering a vibrant neighborhood. Michael shares insights into the challenges faced by local artists, the impact of the pa...
Summary
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss the significance of the New York Latino Film Festival, highlighting its role in showcasing Latino talent and culture. They explore the top films to watch at the festival, the importance of representation in the film industry, and the growth of Latino filmmaking. The conversation also touches on community engagement, personal experiences in filmmaking, and the imp...
Join Led Black and Octavio Blanco as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the current state of race relations in America. This episode delves into the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring its implications and the broader context of racism and power dynamics in society.
Key Topics:
The impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination on race relations. Historical context and the role of media in shaping perce...
In this compelling episode of Uptown Voices, we delve into the political challenges and censorship faced by artists, featuring the renowned Felipe Galindo, also known as Feggo. Join hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco as they explore the impact of political climates on artistic expression, highlighting Galindo's personal experiences with censorship by the Trump Administration and the broader implications for freedom of expr...
In this episode of Uptown Voices, join hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco as they dive into a vibrant conversation with Marco Shalma, the visionary behind the Uptown Night Market and Bronx Night Market. Discover Marco's journey from an immigrant to a community leader, his passion for supporting local businesses, and the cultural impact of his events. From the challenges of organizing large-scale festivals to the joy of see...
In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss the importance of community, culture, and the arts in Uptown. They reflect on their personal experiences, highlight local heroes, and address pressing issues such as the drug epidemic and gentrification. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and solutions to improve the neighborhood, while also sharing insights from their t...
25 Years of Audacity, Tenacity and Growth for Calixto Chinchilla & the New York Latino Film Festival
As the New York Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in September, Calixto Chinchilla, who founded the premiere showcase of Latinx motion pictures in New York while still living with his mother in public housing in 1998, joins Led and Octavio in an inspirational episode of Uptown Voices.
Chinchilla's grit and perseverance helped him land a key meeting with HBO, establishing NYLFF as a cornerstone of the Latino fil...
Uptown housing attorney Ellery Ireland has represented tenants across the city as they battle landlords. He joins Led and Octavio to discuss what it takes to fight against predatory landlords.
This is not a nuts and bolts conversation about do this and do that to beat your landlord - it's just not that easy - it's a discussion about who has power and what it takes for tenants to recognize theirs and to put it into effect.
El...
Led and Octavio chop it up about their feelings about the podcast, how things are going in the neighborhood, Leo season... and a lot more.
No guests, just the hosts of the Uptown Voices podcast, two guys from the neighborhood, catching up on things as they reminisce on the historic podcast that they are producing.
CIty Council representative Carmen De La Rosa joins Led and Octavio on the Uptown Voices podcast for a wide ranging conversation.
In this episode we learn about her origins as a daughter of immigrants who grew up on Post Avenue in Inwood, the northern-most neighborhood of Manhattan Island. She also discusses the state of the Uptown community (District 10) and what needs to happen as the Executive Branch of the US governme...
@artbydario draws vibrant scenes celebrating life in the beloved Uptown neighborhood where he grew up. His images are vibrant representations of what many of us walk past everyday, sometimes without noticing, or at the very least, taking for granted the characters that exist in the background of our lives.
Ruben Dario, named after a Nicaraguan poet, never takes the small details for granted and brings forward the images...
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