listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode we explore the origin and meaning of the word Chicano. What does it mean to be a Chicano? Do Mexican Americans who hold right-wing views get to call themselves Chicano? Join your hosts as we dig into these topics! End song: Indigena by Aztlan Underground Used with permission (Tlazkamati,…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Day of the Dead is Subversive Spirituality! Long before the arrival of Europeans, some of the Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions of honoring the dead were celebrated with two specific feasts: Mikailwitl (feast of the dead), and Wey Mikailwitl (great feast of the dead). These feasts were celebrated in ea…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The "Indias Mexicanas" who arrived in New Mexico during early colonization brought with them traditional healing and ceremonial practices. Members of the church often accused these women of practicing "witchcraft." In this episode, we are joined by New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez to discuss the …

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The "Indias Mexicanas" who arrived in New Mexico during early colonization brought with them traditional healing and ceremonial practices. Members of the church often accused these women of practicing "witchcraft." In this episode, we are joined by New Mexico State Historian Rob …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Dia de los Muertos: The Chicano Connection! Chicanos directly influenced the popularity of modern Dia de los Muertos celebrations in both the United States and Mexico. Let's find out how! Your hosts: Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, cultural consultant, and filmmaker. His research co…

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this EXTENDED members-only episode, we are joined by Chicano author Scott Russell Duncan to talk about his new book "Old California Strikes Back" and the state of Chicano publishing! "Old California Strikes Back is a modern Ramona Diary, the record tourists kept of the sites o…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode we are joined by Chicano author Scott Russell Duncan to talk about his new book "Old California Strikes Back" and the state of Chicano publishing! "Old California Strikes Back is a modern Ramona Diary, the record tourists kept of the sites of Old California and the book Ramona and Hollyw…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Christopher Columbus & The Indians of God! It has often been claimed that Christopher Columbus did not refer to the Indigenous people of the Americas as "Indians" because he thought he landed in India, but because he thought that they were "gente in Dios," or "people in God." But is this actually true? …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this interview from Kurly's first attempt at podcasting, we are joined by author and researcher Ben Radford of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine as we take a look at the Nazca Lines of Peru, the European Occultist origins of some allegedly "traditional" Maya knowledge, and the Chupacabra! Your host…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Hispanic Heritage Month For this throwback episode, we shed some light on the so-called Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 in the United States. If you know nothing about how it got started and its evolution, then this episode is for you. Your host Tlakateka…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Danzantes, Mexicanistas, and other cultural practitioners often display a banner that they claim is the "original" and "true" banner of the Mexika people. Often referred to as the Panketzalli, Bandera de Cuitlahuac, or the Bandera de Victoria, this symbol can be found emblazoned on t-shirts, flags, danc…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this dispatch, Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl takes us to the De La Torre Brothers exhibit "Upward Mobility" at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, and another art exhibit he attended on Lowriders! "The brothers use motifs from Aztec mythology, Catholic iconography, popular culture, and art histo…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Proponents of the nepohualtzintzin hail it as a marvel of ancient Mesoamerica. Elevated as a symbol of mathematical sophistication, the device has captured the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts since the 1970s. However, a close examination of the available evidence raises questions about the natur…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! We are joined By Dr. Magnus Pharao Hansen to discuss his new book "Nahuatl Nations: Language Revitalization and Semiotic Sovereignty in Indigenous Mexico." Nahuatl Nations is a linguistic ethnography that explores the political relations between those Indigenous communities of Mexico that speak the Nahu…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode we discuss the mytho-historic concept of Aztlan, and what it means to Chicano / Chicana / Chicanx identity! Your Hosts: Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! On November 26, 1988, a person by the name of Ramón Tirado delivered the “Consigna del sexto sol: Segunda consigna de Anáhuac” –or the “Mandate of the Sixth Sun: Second Mandate of Anahuac”– at the Convención de Anáhuac – or the “Anahuac Convention” – which was held in Mexico City. In this Episode, we ta…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode we take a look at recent news concerning the Chicano community, and take a little trip down to Belize with Kurly! Your hosts: Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections betwee…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! My name is Kurly Tlapoyawa, and I LOVE movies. I spent a good chunk of my childhood being snuck into the drive-in by my parents, where I took in double and triple features of cinematic greatness. And when movies became available on home video in the 1980s, all bets were off. It’s no exaggeration to say …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Welcome to another Throwback Thursday! In this episode we take a look back at one of Kurly's favorites. Acequias - A Forgotten History! The Acequia is a communal irrigation ditch, and its continued use is a testament to the cultural resiliency of the New Mexican people. But where does this tradition com…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this special episode, Tlakatekatl shares an interview he conducted with Carlos Aceves Yolohuitzcalotl back in 2019. Carlos has devoted his life to advancing Chicano/Mexicano Indigeneity in the U.S./Mexico Borderlands and developing the “Xinachtli Project” which incorporates indigenous pedagogy in chi…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this dispatch, we take a look at Skepticamp New Mexico, and get an Olmec Update from Kurly! Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! My name is Kurly Tlapoyawa, and I LOVE movies. I spent a good chunk of my childhood being snuck into the drive-in by my parents, where I took in double and triple features of cinematic greatness. And when movies became available on home video in the 1980s, all bets were off. It’s no exaggeration to say …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! For this edition of Throwback Thursday, we step back in time to revisit a great interview with Juan Tejeda, an icon of the Chicano Movement, and Publisher of Aztlan Libre Press. Aztlan Libre Press with Juan Tejeda In this episode we are joined by Juan Tejeda, co-owner and publisher of Aztlan Libre Press…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Dr. Herrán Ávila is a historian of the Cold War in Latin America, with an emphasis on conservative, anticommunist, and extreme right movements. After researching the comparative history of anticommunism in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, his current book project seeks to unveil the national and Latin A…

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! My name is Kurly Tlapoyawa, and I LOVE movies. I spent a good chunk of my childhood being snuck into the drive-in by my parents, where I took in double and triple features of cinematic greatness. And when movies became available on home video in the 1980s, all bets were off. It’s…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The peopling of the Americas is a touchy subject among many Indigenous people. In this episode of Throwback Thursday, we revisit our discussion with Dr. Jennifer Raff, author of the fantastic book "“Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas" from episode 25. Peopling the Americas with Dr. Jennifer Raff!…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Dr. Herrán Ávila is a historian of the Cold War in Latin America, with an emphasis on conservative, anticommunist, and extreme right movements. After researching the comparative history of anticommunism in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, his current book project seeks to unveil the national and Latin A…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this Dispatch, Tlakatekatl reads and discusses a recent Washington Post article on the troubled legacy of the Texas Rangers along the border communities of South Texas. The article explores the story of ethnic Mexican men on their way down to a to wedding on the Mexican side of the river. State agent…

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! My name is Kurly Tlapoyawa, and I LOVE movies. I spent a good chunk of my childhood being snuck into the drive-in by my parents, where I took in double and triple features of cinematic greatness. And when movies became available on home video in the 1980s, all bets were off. It’s…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Ever hear about the Mexican reporter who smuggled a codex back into Mexico? In this edition of Throwback Thursday, we revisit this story from way back in Episode 14! Rescuing the Tonalamatl Aubin A couple of years back, I visited the British National Museum in London, England, with my wife. As we stood …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! We here at Tales From Aztlantis would like to issue the following public service announcement: PLEASE DO NOT rely on social media posts as your sole source of historical and archaeological information. This should not be a controversial statement. Yet every day, social media feeds are inundated with wel…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! What is the actual history of Cinco de Mayo, what importance does it hold for Chicana/Chicano/Chicanx communities, and most importantly why is it celebrated in the United States? Well dear listener, if you have ever asked yourself any of those questions, you're in luck. Today's episode explores why we c…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Kurly recently attended the 89th Annual Meeting of the SAA (Society for American Archaeology) in New Orleans. While there, he gave some talks, saw old friends, and drank...a lot. For this special bonus mini-episode, Kurly is joined by Dr. Marijke Stoll to talk about her recent cameo appearance on the Jo…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! This Throwback Thursday we revisit Episode 16 of the podcast, where we talk about the various attacks on Chicano Indigeneity, and ways we can counter them! Chicano Indigeneity Sadly, the latest online trend within the “woke” and “Latinx” crowd is to relentlessly attack Chicanas and Chicanos who identify…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! With the passing of the Spring Equinox, we once again bring another year to a close. “In Xiwitl itlamiliz” The year has ended. This means it is once again time for the annual online arguments over whose calendar system follows the correct correlation. We here at the Tales from Aztlantis world headquarte…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! This Throwback Thursday we return to episode 6 from our first season to talk about the racial pseudohistory of the "Black Olmec" myth, and how it serves to erase, trivialize, and destroy the cultural legacies of Indigenous and African people! Hijacking History (The Problem With The "Black Olmec" Myth) Y…

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Find us: https://www.facebook.com/TalesFromAztlantis Merch: https://chimalli.storenvy.com/ Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking (Amazon)Kurly Tlapoyawa & Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Pseudoarchaeology sucks. Plain and simple. And with the advent of the internet and social media, things are only getting worse. Online conspiracists, pseudohistorians, and pseudoarchaeologists can quickly dissemninate false, often harmful distortions of history with a click of a button. On 4th November …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode we dive into the meaning of eclipses among certain Indigenous communities, and take a look at the various modern eclipse conspiracies being pushed on social media. Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest,…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! With the exciting news of three colonial-era Mexika manuscripts being sold to the Mexican Government on everyone's mind, Kurly takes a moment to cast a critical eye on the fake "Maya" Codex Porrua and how its sexual themes might be weaponized by fraudulent leaders and "elders." Kurly Tlapoyawa is an arc…

Subscriber-only episode listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! In this episode, Kurly talks talks about “Fortress," a flick which explores the blurry line that exists between victim and attacker and the tension it incites. Enjoy! My name is Kurly Tlapoyawa, and I LOVE movies. I spent a good chunk of my childhood being snuck into the drive-in…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! This Throwback Thursday we revisit one of our more controversial episodes! Hunab Ku, Ometeotl, and the Vocabulary of Conquest In 1524, twelve Franciscan missionaries were sent to Mexico from Spain to convert the previously unknown Indigenous people to Catholicism. To help facilitate this, the Spaniards …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Welcome to season FOUR cabrones! Your hosts: Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the Universit…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Hispanic Heritage Month In this episode, we shed some light on the so-called Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 in the United States. If you know nothing about how it got started and its evolution, then this episode is for you. Your host Tlakatekatl will gui…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Christopher Columbus & The Indians of God! It has often been claimed that Christopher Columbus did not refer to the Indigenous people of the Americas as "Indians" because he thought he landed in India, but because he thought that they were "gente in Dios." or "people in God." But is this actually true? …

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! American Homeboy with Brandon Loran Maxwell We are joined by filmmaker Brandon Loran Maxwell (the Daily Chela), to talk about his new documentary film "American Homeboy." American Homeboy is a documentary film directed by Brandon Loran Maxwell that explores the complex origins of pachuco and cholo cultu…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Remembering Dr. Cintli with Juan Tejeda! We are joined by Juan Tejeda of Aztlan Libre Press to discuss the legacy and impact of Roberto "Dr. Cintli" Rodriguez, who recently passed away in Mexico. In tribute, we have a group reading of Roberto's groundbreaking essay "Who declared war on the word Chicano?…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The Acambaro Figurines w/ Dr. David Anderson! In July 1944, in the Mexican city of Acambaro, Guanajuato, a German businessman named Waldemar Julsrud came across a series of bizarre ceramic figurines said to resemble dinosaurs. These figurines have been promoted by young-Earth creationists as evidence fo…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The Book of the Sun In this episode, Tlakatekatl reads the short book entitled, The Book of the Sun (1992), by Cecilio Orozco, which was influential among Mexikas, danzantes, and the Mexikayotl movement. Kurly offers his personal perspective and provides context on the book's wider cultural impact. Enjo…

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! The Strange story of Dr. Atl! In this episode, we explore the bizarre, fascinating, and contradictory life of one of Mexico's most influential painters: Dr. Atl. Your Hosts: Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and t…