Eileen asks if these are really the most dangerous countries in South America or if they just have a lot of Black people. In Part 2 of this interview, Eileen talks about the award she won at the Black Travel Film Festival for her travel series “Black Latin History”. She then breaks down the historical, social, political and cultural significance of Afro-Colombian music from El Pacifico, including the legacy of Petronio Alvarez and the festival named after him. Eileen also explains why you should definitely visit Cali, Colombia. Next, she talks about Black history and culture in Medellin, Colombia, and why her first trip to the city surprised and delighted her. Eileen also talks about her upcoming Afro-Medellin group trip and how you can join. Next, she reflects on her trips to Rio and Salvador in Brazil, including how she designed them to center the rich Black history and culture in Brazil. Matt and Eileen also tell you how to get a discounted ticket to meet them at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit where Eileen is presenting a workshop. And, finally, Eileen reflects on “diaspora wars” and shares the #1 lesson she has learned from her travels.
334: How to Immerse in Afro-Latin Music, History and Culture from Colombia to Brazil with Eileen Ivette
Episode Summary
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About the Guest

Eileen Ivette
Eileen Ivette is an Afro-Colombian award-winning video producer, digital storyteller, and travel influencer on a mission to inspire and empower others to explore the world while celebrating cultural diversity. As an Afro-Latina traveler, she combines her passion for history, culture, and travel with resources illuminating Black history, events, and businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean. She is the Founder of Black Latin History which recently won the award for “Best Travel Series” at the Black Travel Film Festival, and she has now partnered with global brands and destinations ranging from Tripadvisor to Visit Brasil. And she will be a featured speaker at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit in New York City.
What You'll Learn
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Links From the Episode
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MEET MATT AND EILEEN AT THE WITS TRAVEL CREATOR SUMMIT 2025 IN NEW YORK CITY (Get a $75 discount here)
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WATCH EILEEN’S AWARD WINNING TRAVEL SERIES
OTHER MAVERICK SHOW PODCAST GUESTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
#1 BOOK THAT EILEEN RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM EILEEN WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
TOP 3 BUCKETLIST DESTINATIONS
OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
MUSICAL ARTISTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TOURS GROUPS MENTIONED:
COLOMBIAN FESTIVALS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN COLOMBIA MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN BRAZIL MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
- Matt: Asheville, North Carolina
- Eileen: New Jersey
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
CONTACT AND FOLLOW EILEEN
FOLLOW THE MAVERICK SHOW AND DM MATT
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[0:33] Eileen’s Award for Black Latin History
[4:36] Afro-Colombian Music
[14:46] The Petronio Alvarez Festival
[17:06] Cali, Colombia
[20:18] Medellin, Colombia
[25:07] Eileen’s Afro-Colombia Trips
[26:54] Rio, Brazil
[35:33] Salvador, Brazil
[37:14] How to Meet Matt and Eileen at the WITS Travel Creator Summit in 2025
[38:17] Eileen’s #1 Lesson from her Travels
[41:03] The Lightning Round
[42:19] How to Follow and Connect with Eileen