Xochitl Gonzalez on Navigating the Complexities of Social Climbing For Latinos

02/08/23 • 46 min

Our first guest of 2023 is Xochitl Gonzalez, the multi-talented Puerto Rican-Mexican American writer of the New York Times best-seller "Olga Dies Dreaming" and staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine. She's here to discuss with me her latest thought-provoking article, "The New Case for Social Climbing," and its impact on people of color, particularly Latinos. In our interview, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of seeking higher social status, the right and wrong ways to do it, and why Latinos are more likely to succeed at it. We also get an update on her Hulu TV adaptation of "Olga Dies Dreaming” starring Aubrey Plaza and Ramon Rodriguez.

Episode Breakdown

Topic 1: What is Social Climbing?

Xochitl's definition of social climbing
Common misconceptions about social climbing
Differences between social climbing and networking

Topic 2: The Pros and Cons of Social Climbing

Advantages of social climbing
Disadvantages of social climbing
How social climbing can impact personal relationships

Topic 3: Strategies for Successful Social Climbing

How to navigate the social climbing world
Tips for building authentic relationships
Balancing ambition and authenticity

Topic 4: Ethical Considerations of Social Climbing

The impact of social climbing on marginalized communities
The responsibility of those who engage in social climbing
The importance of self-reflection and introspection

Highly Relevant Music Playlist:
Diferente - (Steve Aoki featuring CNCO)
Por Si Volvemos - Karol G and Romeo Santos
Only One - Jessie Reyez

Highly Relevant Podcast
‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast hosted by Jack Rico, TV host, journalist, and film critic. He interviews Latino actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives to explore their impact on mainstream culture and entertainment.

Episode Breakdown

Topic 1: What is Social Climbing?

Xochitl's definition of social climbing
Common misconceptions about social climbing
Differences between social climbing and networking

Topic 2: The Pros and Cons of Social Climbing

Advantages of social climbing
Disadvantages of social climbing
How social climbing can impact personal relationships

Topic 3: Strategies for Successful Social Climbing

How to navigate the social climbing world
Tips for building authentic relationships
Balancing ambition and authenticity

Topic 4: Ethical Considerations of Social Climbing

The impact of social climbing on marginalized communities
The responsibility of those who engage in social climbing
The importance of self-reflection and introspection

Highly Relevant Music Playlist:
Diferente - (Steve Aoki featuring CNCO)
Por Si Volvemos - Karol G and Romeo Santos
Only One - Jessie Reyez

Previous Episode

Marta Tellado, CEO Consumer Reports, Talks New Book 'Buyer Aware'

In this interview with Marta Tellado, the CEO of Consumer Reports, we discuss how she became one of the few Latina CEOs in the country, how her Cuban heritage shaped her democratic ideals, and how her new book, ‘Buyer Aware: Harnessing Our Consumer Power for a Safe, Fair, and Transparent Marketplace,’ acts as a guide for consumers to reclaim their power against shady business practices.

Marta's Favorite Things:
Casa de Papel, Sound of Music, Esperanza Spaulding

Highly Relevant Music Playlist:
Flores - Nino Freestyle, Dalex
Tomemos un Trago - Kat & Alex
I Know You Know - Esperanza Spaulding

Highly Relevant Podcast
‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast. Jack Rico - TV host, journalist, film critic, and podcaster - talks with actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives about how they are influencing mainstream culture and entertainment.

Next Episode

Julio Iglesias Jr. Finds His Own Voice

In this week's episode, we welcome singer Julio Iglesias Jr. who celebrated his 50th birthday with a new big band album titled "Under The Covers" out now, his first musical project in 15 years. He also opens up about his father Julio Sr. and superstar brother Enrique and how he defines himself in terms of race, culture, and identity.

Interview with Julio Iglesias Jr.:
Segment 1: Julio's Musical Journey

Julio discussed his love for his last album, Tercera Dimensión, a Spanish rock record in 2003, which is still one of his favorite records.
After that, he did a cover record in Spain, but it was a quicky kind of record that didn't turn out well.
He then joined a French project man band called "Latin Lover," where they did a cover of "BK" in French.
Julio reveals how he found his passion for big band music and how his producer Rudy Perez helped him create his latest album.
Julio explains that he doesn't follow trends and only sings what he loves, which is why he defied the trend of singing reggaeton or urban music.

Segment 2: Julio's Identity

Jack Rico asks Julio how he culturally identifies, whether as Hispanic, Spaniard, or Latino.
Julio admits that he is confused about his identity and explains why.
Julio says that he has always felt comfortable embracing his father's music and sees himself doing that type of music as opposed to his brother Enrique.

Segment 3: Embracing Family and Music

Jack Rico asks Julio why he is so comfortable embracing his family, despite the media trying to create a different narrative.
Julio explains that he grew up listening to his father's music and sees himself as a true fan of his dad's music.
Julio talks about how he doesn't see Enrique singing his father's songs, but he loves doing it himself.
Julio says that he loves his family and enjoys touring with his dad whenever he can.

Highly Relevant Playlist:

Tormenta - Gorillaz feat Bad Bunny
Tu Veneno - Silvestre y La Naranja
Tan Basico - Los Rumberos

Highly Relevant Podcast
‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast hosted by Jack Rico, TV host, journalist, and film critic since 2016. He interviews Latino actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives to explore their impact on mainstream culture and entertainment.