Octavio Blanco
Appears in 41 Episodes
Word Up Books: Creating Community Through Literature. In conversation with Veronica Liu
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with Veronica Liu, co-founder of Word Up Books, more than a community bookstore in Washington Heights. They discus...
Black & Blanco LIVE! Grassroots Activism in Uptown With Special Guests From the Uptown Community Democrats Club - Full Episode
In this engaging conversation, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss the importance of community involvement in politics with guests Joanna Garcia and Edwin Mazzara fro...
Assembly Member Amanda Septimo: We need to start playing offense in our politics.
In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a compelling conversation with Amanda Septimo, an assembly member representing the South Bronx. The discussion ...
Jackie Aleman: The Heart and Soul of the Washington Heights and Inwood Business Community
In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage with Jackie Aleman, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights and Inwood. They discuss the vi...
ICE and the Reality of Immigration with special guest Nick Valencia
In this episode, Octavio Blanco and Led Black engage in a deep conversation with independent journalist Nick Valencia about the current state of immigration, the role ...
Our Reaction to the Murder of Observer by ICE Agents in Minnesota: Black and Blanco LIVE
In this conversation, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss a recent horrific murder by ICE in Minneapolis, reflecting on the community's reaction and the historical co...
Reacting to the Illegal US Abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro: Black & Blanco LIVE from Washington Heights, Recorded on Jan 4, 2026
In this episode, Led and Octavio discuss the recent fall of Venezuelan leader Maduro and the implications of U.S. intervention in Latin America. They explore the histo...
Black and Blanco, Year-End Show 2025 - Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco reflect on their achievements over the past year, emphasizing the importance of community support and engagement. They di...
Black & Blanco LIVE, Dec 21, 2025
In this episode, Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage in a dynamic conversation with uptown artists Adrian Miranda, Frank De Las Mercedes and Tom Sanford, exploring the...
"The magic is in the work" A Conversation with Artist Tom Sanford
In this episode of the Uptown Voices podcast, Led Black and Octavio Blanco sit down with artist Tom Sanford, who shares his journey as an artist in New York City. Tom ...
Cuentos con Santa: A Holiday Tradition - Uptown Voices (recorded LIVE on Sunday, December 14)
In this episode of Uptown Voices, hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco engage with Tuto Taveras, discussing the importance of community events like Cuentos con Santa, wh...
Healing Through Art: Adrian Miranda's Journey
In this episode, Adrian Miranda shares his journey as a physical therapist turned filmmaker and theater creator. He discusses the founding of Gross Anatomy Studios and...
Keeping Uptown front and center: A conversation with Grace Bonilla, CEO of United Way, NYC
In this engaging conversation, Grace Bonilla, the president and CEO of United Way New York City, discusses her role in the transition team for the new mayor and the im...
Uptown Voices LIVE: Zohran Mamdani, A New Political Force
In this episode of Uptown Voices, Led Black and Octavio Blanco discuss various topics including Thanksgiving reflections, the recent meeting between Mamdani and Trump,...
Empowering West Harlem: The Mission of WHDC and Zead Ramadan
In this conversation, Ziad Ramadan, the executive director of the West Harlem Development Corporation, discusses the organization's mission to uplift the West Harlem c...
Black and Blanco All The Way Live From Washington Heights - Recorded on November 11, 2025
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 th...
Status Quo Democrats, It's Time For You To Go
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 ...
Bridging Creativity and Community: The Project Feel Journey
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, particular...
The Rise of the Mamdani Tsunami - Black & Blanco #7
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-ho...
James Lee: O.G. Washington Heights Restauranteur
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 re...