The Care Talk Radio Hour

This two-part radio series hosted by artist Michael Rippens aired in January 2021 on dublab, a non-profit radio station based in Los Angeles, CA. Both episodes of the Care Talk Radio Hour have been added to the dublab archive.

Episode 1:

This show featured excerpts from telephone-interviews with L.A.-based Filipino caregivers from October 2020 to early January 2021. Rippens asked five frontline workers to describe their personal experiences living and working during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discussed dealing with workplace hazards, coping with quarantine life, how they managed to celebrate the holidays, and the anticipation of a vaccine. These caregivers also shared their migration stories, how and why they became caregivers, and what motivates them to continue helping others despite the hardships and risks.

Episode 2:

The second and final show was broadcast live from the dublab studios. Rippens was joined via telephone by guest Catherine Ceniza Choy, (@ccenizachoy) professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. She is the author of “Empire of Care: Nursing and Migration in Filipino American History”, which explores how and why the Philippines became the leading exporter of professional nurses to the United States. This episode also featured a recorded interview with Aquilina Soriano Versoza, founder and current Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, a non-profit serving and organizing the low-wage Pilipino immigrant community in Los Angeles.  

Care Talk Music:

The original Care Talk theme music was created by composer and artist Nathan Matthew David which he arranged with music supervisor, Angela Asistio. Here’s Nathan describing some of the elements of his composition…

“I ran with the idea of creating some[thing] organic, acoustic, propulsive and optimistic, but still with a bit of weight. The main instrument is a Tambuleleng, which is actually an indigenous Filipino instrument. I combined it with acoustic guitars, as I felt like it created an interesting Fil-Am commentary. I was inspired a bit by the guitar work of Malian musician Ali Farka Toure. There's some percussion and production added throughout to give it some momentum.“

Angela also curated the songs and artists that were featured in both episodes of the Care Talk Radio Hour.

Featured Music, Episode1:
“Dreamland” by ESTA.
“Bronsé” by Pantayo
“You’ve Got a Home” by Fanny
“Ordinary Guy” by Toro y Moi, featuring the Mattson 2

Featured Music, Episode 2:
“Mabuhay Boy” by Vex Ruffin
“Tomorrow” by Fanny
“Stay With Me” by Trackademicks

Bonus Material:

Due to time constraints, an interview with Rippens’ mother was cut from Episode 2 of the Care talk Radio Hour. In this segment, she tells her story of immigrating to the United States from the Philippines. She also recounts the struggles she faced as she worked to become a nurse in a new country, while also raising two young children.

About dublab:

dublab is a non-profit, radio station based in Los Angeles.

Since 1999, dublab has been broadcasting wide-spectrum music from around the world. Their programming has expanded to include the production of original art exhibits, films, events record releases and educational programs related to health, youth, development, education and creative processes.

dublab is a platform for discovery and the cultivation of next-wave music, arts and culture.

Learn more at: dublab.com/about