Mental health, AI, and resilience across the Americas take center stage in this episode of Talk Latin America. Hosts Michelle Marinho and Diego Laje sit down with Renato Oliveira, Head of the Mental Health Unit at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to discuss how COVID-19 reshaped mental health policy, the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in mental health care, and why regulation is urgently needed. The conversation also explores children’s mental health, social media, resilience, loneliness, and the role schools, families, and governments play in building healthier, more connected societies.

In Part Two of her conversation on Talk Latin America, Colombian-American filmmaker and journalist Monica Villamizar goes deeper into the impact of her CGTN documentary Triage. She reflects on what stayed with her after filming, the ethical challenges of telling deeply personal healthcare stories, and the broader implications of medical costs in the United States. Monica also discusses how journalism can amplify marginalized voices and spark conversations about access, dignity, and reform.

Colombian-American filmmaker and journalist Monica Villamizar joins hosts Diego Laje and Michelle Marinho on Talk Latin America for a compelling follow-up conversation. Monica reflects on her experience creating the CGTN documentary Triage, which explores the affordability of healthcare in the United States. She shares powerful stories of resilient patients who opened up about their struggles, sacrifices, and the financial realities of accessing care.

Chilean-American author Cecilia Domeyko joins Talk Latin America to share how her stories explore identity, heritage, and the ties that connect us across cultures. Hosts Michele Marinho and Diego Laje discuss Domeyko’s journey as a writer, her latest work, and the inspirations behind her storytelling.

Brazilian theater, musical, and opera director Danilo Gambini joins Talk Latin America to share how his work is crossing borders and reshaping stages in the U.S. Hosts Michelle Marinho and Diego Laje talk with Gambini about storytelling, identity, and his latest acclaimed productions, including A Case for the Existence of God and The Heart Sellers.

CGTN Correspondent and “Kilo” author Toby Muse joins Michelle Marinho and Diego Laje to discuss his experiences reporting on the cocaine trade in the jungles and remote villages of Colombia.

From the smells of a jungle laboratory to the lingering feeling of danger that accompanies a reporter on the drug trade beat to the realization that we’re living “the Golden Age of Cocaine”, this conversation will give listeners a fresh perspective on the decades-old War on Drugs and its impact in countries like Colombia.

Talk Latin America hosts Michelle Marinho and Diego Laje sit down with Cristina Tardaguila, renowned founder of Lupa, the pioneering Brazilian news agency dedicated to fact-checking. Cristina shares her personal journey from Rio de Janeiro to Washington, D.C. after facing threats for her work combating disinformation and fake news during Brazil's tumultuous elections.

Discover the realities and personal risks faced by fact-checkers in Latin America, and how misinformation is evolving. Cristina, cohost Michelle Marinho and Diego dive deep into:

– The explosion of disinformation and the personal toll on journalists

– The rise of AI-generated deepfakes and financial scams across Latin America

– Practical ways fact-checkers are keeping citizens safe

— How scammers exploit public figures and trusted news anchors through sophisticated social engineering

— The changing landscape of truth, disinformation, and the ethics of fact-checking

— Unique insights into the biggest misinformation threats facing Latin America today

If you're interested in digital journalism, Latin American current affairs, or the global battle against disinformation, this conversation offers truly rare, frontline perspectives.

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In this episode of Talk Latin America, we welcome Analia Lourdes Pastran — urban economist, political scientist, and champion of sustainable cities. With over 17 years of global experience, Analia shares insights on smart urban innovation, climate-resilient development, and inclusive policies transforming cities across Latin America and beyond. As Founder and CEO of Smartly and co-chair of UN-Habitat’s World Urban Campaign, she reveals how urban leaders can drive change for a greener, more equitable future.