A podcast focused on Filipino American culture and identity. Hosted by Balay Kreative Program Manager and community creative, Nicole Salaver, the podcast features interviews with Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Through engaging conversations, the podcast aims to showcase the diversity and richness of the Filipino American experience, while inspiring listeners to explore and celebrate their own cultural heritage. Whether discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a Filipino American in the United States, or highlighting the latest trends and innovations in Filipino American culture, "Cultural Kultivators" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic and evolving Filipino American community.

CULTURAL KULTIVATORS: A Balay Kreative Podcast

Listen and learn from Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Embark on this enriching journey by clicking the streaming platform links below and immerse yourself in the diverse stories we're excited to share.

Available now on the Following platforms:

Booking guest: iggy@kultivatelabs.org
Press inquiries: paloma@papalodown.com

EP 21: Kathryn Serrano |  March 20, 2024

Kathryn Serrano, author of "Kalayaan Filipina Heroines of World War 2," co-host of "Future Ancestors" podcast, and director of "A Passage to Hope," channels her spirituality, womanhood, and motherhood into creating art that inspires and empowers.

EP 25: The Sarap Shop |  May 15, 2024

Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This week we are welcoming a triple threat- powerhouse team, Sarap Shop restaurant owners: Kristen and James Brillantes and JP Reyes! Join us as the trio share their journey from a celebrated Bay Area food truck to their brick and mortar grand opening this past March. They dive deep into what it takes to come together as a dream team.

EP 29: ChiChai |  July 10, 2024

Join us this week as we sit down with Bay Area multidisciplinary artist, ChiChai! As a past Balay Kreative resident artist, she catches us up on her most recent projects, large scale murals in Yerba Buena Gardens and the gateway to the SOMA Pilipinas District, Pagsasama Sama.

EP 33: Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriquez |  September 4, 2024

In this conversation, Dr. Rodriguez shares with us how the origins of the Reimagination Farm located in Lake County, California were inspired by her late son, Amado Khaya, her transition away from academia, and realizations brought on by the pandemic.

EP 37: Sapphire Sandalo |  October 30, 2024

Happy Halloween and upcoming All Souls Day! This Wednesday, we are so excited to host podcaster, animator, and occultist, Sapphire Sandalo! As the host of SpectreVision Radio’s Stories with Sapphire podcast, she is also known for her work on The Ghost Town Terror and Paranormal Caught on Camera.

EP 22: Michael Villanueva |  April 3, 2024

Michael Villanueva, Filipino-American hip-hop artist/producer from Daly City, rebranded as Mikey Vee after a stint with Fil-Am rap group, Doyen, beginning his solo career. Influenced by artists like Mos Def, Andre 3000, J Cole, Kendrick, Drake, Smino, and JID, Mikey differentiates himself from the typical Bay Area sound with unique wordplay, impactful lyrics, catchy hooks, and versatility.

EP 26: Adrienne Esguerra |  May 29, 2024

This week, we are thrilled to welcome mama of 5, educator, and founder of Raising Ancestors: Adrienne Esguerra! In this crash course on what it can look like to decolonize and re-indigenize the youth of future generations, Adrienne shows us that it does start with the revolutionary act of parenting. Building in solidarity with other BIPOC scholars and educators, Adrienne’s breakdown of the Raising Ancestors’ frameworks proves that it takes a village.

EP 30: Abi Balingit |  July 24, 2024

In this week’s episode we are honored to welcome Abi Balingit! As the 2024 James Beard Emerging Voice Award Winner, Abi opens up about the success of her first book, Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed. 

EP 34: Desi Danganan |  September 18, 2024

In this week’s episode, we’re honored to sit down with Kultivate Labs’ very own Desi Danganan, Founder/Executive Director of Kultivate Labs, a trailblazing cultural strategist, and human catalyst who is helping revitalize San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural District.

EP 38: Unsung Heroes: Amelia Naughten | November 13, 2024

This week we are kicking off the end of the year with a very special guest host: Amelia! She is a local Bay Area highschooler and graduate of our Unsung Heroes youth podcast program. In this student-produced episode, Amelia invites multidisciplinary writer, Zee Lacson, to talk about her journey as a published YA author of The Woolgathering Trilogy and her most recent novel, Twice Removed.

EP 23: Anthem Salgado |  April 17, 2024

In a metaphorically painted world of tree pruning and sports tournaments, Anthem takes us on a deep dive into his approach to professional development and artistic living. In this info-packed dialogue, he explores the starving artist narrative that many of us are all too familiar with. He advocates for a radical shift in our approach to money as a resource and reclaiming a sense of community in the arts field. 

EP 27: Kevin Camia |  June 12, 2024

This week on Cultural Kultivators, we sit down with comedian and writer Kevin Camia, who is currently on tour with Sheng Wang. From his early influences of comedy legends like Andy Kaufman and Martin Lawrence to the serious undertones of historical research and personal resilience, Kevin opens up about the complexity of his craft and his approach to life's challenges.

EP 31: Niki Saludez |  August 7, 2024

Joining us this week is multi-passionate teaching artist and dancer-choreographer, Niki Saludez! As part of the original cast of the newest Broadway musical by Alicia Keys, "Hell's Kitchen,” Niki shares his journey from internet kid studying Lady Gaga music videos to achieving what it takes to dance on a Broadway stage.

EP 35: Sondy Lucille |  October 2, 2024

Kicking off Filipino History Month (FAHM) , we’re honored to spotlight the storytelling journey of documentary filmmaker and video editor, Sondy Lucille! Sondy’s work captures the power of oral and visual storytelling, as well as cultural preservation.

EP 39: Soluna Ibarra-Tacdol |  November 27, 2024

In this episode we welcome a very special guest host: Soluna! She is a local Bay Area highschooler and graduate of our Unsung Heroes youth podcast program. In this student-produced episode, Soluna interviews co-founding member of Sama Sama Cooperative and a current advisory board member for Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity, Lisa Juachon!  

EP 24: Jenn Ban |  May 1, 2024

Join us this week as we explore Jenn Ban’s journey as a queer, Filipinx-American multidisciplinary artist whose work lies at the intersection of healing and artistic living. Learn how Jenn lives and breathes Reiki into her tattoo sessions as a powerful modality of healing and intention.

EP 28: Astralogik |  June 26, 2024

Happy Pride Month! Queer-Pinay duo, AstraLogik, joins us this week to talk all things sound and healing. As the show’s first live recording session, they curated an inclusive soundbath experience with our in-studio audience. In this episode, the pair share their trajectory of their creative process and how they discovered their “why” in the simplification of their instrumentals.

EP 32: Gelaine Santiago |  August 21, 2024

Join us this week as we sit down with Cambio & Co. co-founder and CEO, Gelaine Santiago! Award-winning social entrepreneur and storyteller, Gelaine shares the inspiration and the journey behind the Toronto and Manila based Filipino jewelry company.    

EP 36: Joe Bataan |  October 16, 2024

In this week’s episode, we’re honored to sit down with special co-host, Luna Salaver and the King of Latin Soul, Joe Bataan!  As the first recording artist to create Latin Soul music, Joe has made a lasting impact through his innovative combination of genres, including Boogaloo, Salsa, and Disco, leading to hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Young Gifted & Brown.” 

EP 40: Jerard Del Mar | December 11, 2024

This week we are closing out Season 2 and the final episode of Cultural Kultivators with Unsung Heroes student guest host, Jerard Del Mar! In this episode, Jerard interviews his father, Mario Del Mar. In this conversation, Mario reflects on the hardships he faced growing up in Cebu, Philippines and the trials and tribulations of his immigration journey in pursuit of the American Dream. With an unwavering drive to make a life for himself, he shares his experiences of code switching, microaggressions, and the values of Filipino and American culture which shaped him into the man, mentor, and father he is today. 

EP 1: Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales |  May 31st, 2023

Dr. Tintiangco-Cubales: A Filipina/x/o scholar born on Ohlone land, she's an award-winning professor at SFSU, pioneering Ethnic Studies and mentoring countless educators who champion social justice nationwide.

EP 2: Ruby Ibarra |  June 14th, 2023

Versatile Artistry: Bay Area's own Ruby Ibarra, rapper, and director, debuted with CIRCA91 in 2017, leaving a trail of performances across the US and Philippines, while co-founding the Pinays Rising Scholarship program.

EP 3: Allison Hueman | June 28th, 2023

Etherealism Unveiled: Oakland's Allison Hueman, a visionary artist, seamlessly blends realism with the ethereal, creating captivating works that explore memory, healing, and time, adorning urban walls and global galleries alike.

EP 4: Nikbo | July 12th, 2023

Healing Through Third Culture Pop: Nikbo's music transcends borders as a Filipinx artist raised in diverse corners of the world, merging emotive melodies, electronic beats, and a dedication to personal wholeness and collective liberation.

EP 5: H.P. Mendoza | July 26, 2023

Cinematic Virtuoso: H.P. Mendoza, acclaimed for films like "Colma: The Musical" and "I Am a Ghost," shines as a Filipino-American filmmaker, composer, and lyricist, while his music and experimental visual albums enrich the artistic landscape.

EP 6: Josh Dela Cruz | August 9, 2023

Joshua Dela Cruz  is a Filipino-American actor, dancer, musician, and singer. On September 13, 2018, Nickelodeon announced that Dela Cruz would be Blue's Clues & You!'s host after auditioning over 3,000 actors.

EP 7: Chef Frances | August 23, 2023

Taste Trailblazer: Chef Frances Tariga-Weshnak's trajectory from Dubai's royal family kitchens to NYC's culinary gems, her TV appearances, and Sushi Master victory underline her fusion of authentic Filipino influences with modern culinary art.

EP 8: AJ Rafael | September 6, 2023

AJ Rafael, a talented singer-songwriter and a Youtube pioneer who has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

AJ dives deep into his relationship with music and the healing effects music had in processing and honoring his late father’s memory.

EP 9: Sarina Bolden | September 20, 2023

Behind Sarina’s many successes, is her soul searching journey outside of her identity as an athlete, finding that it’s both passion and a growth mindset that will see you through, whether it’s taking a long break, starting a new career, or traveling in order to come back to yourself and your purpose.

EP 10: Gayle Romasanta | October 4, 2023

Happy Filipino-American History Month! We are incredibly honored to welcome Gayle Romasanta as this week’s writer, art-tivist, mother, and executive director of the Filipino-American Development Foundation. Gayle unwraps her process behind her latest work Larry: The Musical about Larry Itliong with us and her decades long experience working in community.

EP 11: Luna Salazer | October 18, 2023

In honor of Filipino-American History Month, we are proud to share space with Luna Salaver!  As the first half of the famous Jose Rizal quote goes,“Know History, Know Self,” Luna brings us home through nearly 100 years of Salaver family history in the Bay Area.

EP 12: Terry Valen | November 1, 2023

As Filipino American History Month comes to end, we are proud to lead with this next episodes’ guest, Terry Valen! Organizer with the Bay Area Seafarers Coalition and Executive Board and International Coordinating Body Member of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA).

EP 13: Rudy Corpuz Jr. | November 15, 2023

This week’s special guest brings decades of experience working with at-risk youth in San Francisco: Rudy Corpuz Jr.! Founder and Executive Director of United Playaz, a violence prevention program that serves the youth, Rudy has dedicated his life to the rehabilitation and development of previously incarcerated folks and our youth as an ex-felon.

EP 17: Ouida | January 10, 2024

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all of our listeners! For our first episode of the year, we are running it back full circle with past Kreative Growth artist, Ouida!
As a SF born and raised singer-songwriter with rising national and international recognition, Ouida gives us an inside scoop on the new Bolo Music Group, Ruby Ibarra and Ian Santillano’s latest project announced last October.