Passport Season: Brazil
Brazil is the largest country of South America and it’s also the fifth largest country on earth. It’s a nation that achieved its independence in 1822, which has lead to Brazil becoming one of the most vibrant places on the planet. With numerous mountains, beaches, jungles and a populace that’s drastically diverse; there simply is no place like Brazil. It’s also home to some of the most overtly passionate people you can find on earth. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that I’ve never known a passive Brazilian; and in all honesty, I love them for that. In many ways, this episode is about exploring how Brazil is a place where art is an explosion of affecting colors that feel welcoming.
Last winter I ventured there during a turbulent period in my personal life. Getting to go there…it’s something that I know I’m going to hold dear for years to come. It was a reminder of how vast the world is, how welcoming and lovely strangers can be; along with a reminder of how you can be fully immersed within a place. This episode of the season was planned before I went there, but getting to be on the ground in Brazil has definitely caused this one to become a lot more personal than I expected it to be.
Joining me for this episode is my sister Nicole Almeida (a pop culture writer, photographer, executive producer, and an overall multi-hyphenate from São Paulo), Nouvella (a rock band from Florianopolis that’s meshing soul, jazz, and funk in such a genuine way), Nonô (a pop singer-songwriter from Rio de Janeiro who’s brilliant at embedding her cultural heritage into her art), and lastly my friends in Boogarins (a neo-psychedelic indie band from Goiânia who’ve formed a unique kind of brotherhood with their music).
A reminder, next week will see the release of the companion broadcast to this episode. That companion piece will feature loads of Brazilian music that I’m sure you’re going to love and you’ll be able to only hear that episode over on Spotify.
Episode Timestamps:
Nicole Almeida Chat (3:18), Nouvella Chat (41:35), Nonô Chat (60:10), and Boogarins Chat (1:34:40).
