3: Julissa Bermudez on Industry Rivalries, Pivots & Regrets, & Staying True to Her Latin Roots

[@sliverfoxbox7967]

As latinas from nyc they know good and well hiphop and 106 n park was a driving factor in the Latino community growing up in New York. Latinos were definitely watching 106. They made it seem Tabu with this interview

[@redcupchronicles6812]

Right as a black girl from NYC all my friends were Puerto Rican and Dominican and they did not listen to salsa nearly as much as they did hip-hop.

[@LikeAStarrx33]

Right

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

I think this is in terms of their own personal insecurities and behind the scenes are different. Just goes to show you of how to choose and navigate culture vs subculture.

[@Nenaleon07]

I adore Julissa. I love how she speaks on not watering ourselves down for anyone. She comes across with so much sincerity and genuine kindness.

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

Yes❤we love to see it

[@dinajones2761]

Yes I’ve always liked her

[@CC23411]

I fully understood what Julissa meant by codeswitching. Unfortunately, Rocsi missed the point and instead reframed the conversation to be about adaptability, which came across as both dismissive and condescending. Codeswitching is a real and exhausting experience-it's not just about adapting to a professional environment; it's about feeling forced to change who you are in order to be accepted, to get opportunities, or to make others comfortable. I resonated with Julissa's point. It's disappointing that Rocsi didn't get it because this could have been a meaningful conversation between two women of color. While I'm happy for their success, I was let down by Rocsi's inability to grasp Julissa's perspective.

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

Rocsi is a professional code-switcher that’s why she defended it.

[@dinajones2761]

I don’t care for Rocsi’s personality

[@deeg0712]

Rocsi definitely has a negative vibe. Thank god they’re “good friends.” I think she needs to do better. Not her best interview. Julissa felt like she had to defend her comments sometimes and it shouldn’t be about that.

[@princessbc9791]

Aj made an announcement that Free had left; it was sad, and he started crying. Afterward, Aj left and started working for Extra. I loovvved AJ and Free.

[@hyperiondragon]

And never looked back. Moving to Extra was a smart move. He got to continue doing what he was used to and loved to do to a wider demographic.

[@dinajones2761]

Me too 😢

[@natashaalvarado2966]

Julissa is so candid about her journey! Wishing her the best on her entrepreneurial journey.

[@brkjeff]

Instead of saying black culture, she says, “all the things that were cool in America.” She’s talking about hip-hop music, fashion, dialect etc… *Black culture*

[@illwills]

They just can’t say it even though they know the truth. Or they say NYC Culture, It’s still Black Culture.

[@OhDatsJaVion]

She’s a 3rd world immigrant! What you expect

[@marriejames01]

They are AntiBlk it’s a harsh truth. They especially the host wouldn’t be where she’s at without 106 and Park. I blame BLkP for giving these folks an opportunity. I’ve never seen BLkP on Latin shows and probably never will. “We” always giving other people chances when we shouldn’t.

[@preciousaryee2901]

I said Black culture out loud as she made that statement! Ok, haven't listened to the whole interview yet but based on the title about not being able to be authentic in her Latin ness, I wonder were there other opportunities within the Latin entertainment landscape available?

[@ceejaf1]

The real crazy thing is they think they’re Spanish! You’re Afro-Latino! Dominicans think they are anything but Black 🤦.

[@glocan]

I used to work at Nordstrom in the shoe department and Jullissa hosted an event for Steve Madden. She was so sweet and kind.

[@keishacorbin4904]

I can believe it

[@deonnadyson]

Right... there was an event when a Macys first opened up near me as well and she was hosting

[@melissawhite5688]

❤ 106 n park with Aj & Free, from Jalissa & Big Tigg and Rocsi & Terrance J!! I'm happy to see everyone evolve and flourish in their careers 😚

[@loddidoddie]

When I go to spanish speaking countries..they pronounce my name with a spanish accent and I accept it. Its no big deal! I think sometimes we have to think in the reverse to understand things. Diversity and participation and acceptance of all cultures is a beautiful thing. We can all be at the same BBQ and enjoy each others company. One doesnt have to dominate or be better than the other.

[@ThisBahamianGyal]

Rocsi, I am so happy you interviewed Julissa. I have been such a fan of hers. I love her spirit and she has always come across so kind and down to earth. I am happy she pivoted. I hated that people had a problem with her accent, which is so beautiful. I am soooo happy to see her thriving. What a smart, self-aware woman.

[@woozie_tv]

The fact were just getting a rocsi podcast is wild. Glad i found this

[@nicolehunter5927]

Me too

[@Ihopethishelps1]

I loved this conversation, As someone who has worked in corporate world and higher education too. It's still code switching no matter how you pretty the explanation up. It's what people of color always had to do in many situations.

[@JanellAjani]

I have always loved Julissa and thought she was so dope. I'm glad to see she is still out here shining.

[@loveevemarie]

This conversation was so necessary. Well done ladies 🤩👏🏽

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

Rocsi nor Terrence were compatible to the culture of the show. It’s not even about the color of your skin (there are Black Hondurans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, etc.) it’s about the CULTURE you are related to. Do you appreciate and VALUE Black culture or do you just want to capitalize on Black culture (be in proximity)? That’s a question each individual has to ask themselves. Rocsi seemed to be trying to tell her story through Julissa but their experiences were not the same. Rocsi and Terrence were not being genuine during their time on 106 and that translated to the audience. Julissa and Big Tiga were being themselves and we liked that

[@WinstonCowans-hy1bu]

Rocsi was defining code switching while saying she doesn’t do that

[@esthercastellano7831]

Love both of you. I’m ready for Free to come on next ❤

[@sepyrino2146]

Julissa!! My “holla cone” queen! Love her energy. Stay you mama!!

[@Aquary07]

Rocsi….. adapting to your professional environment IS indeed the definition of code-switching

[@allthingsjanee7192]

Thank you!! Julissa you are right on how you viewed the topic when you originally said how you felt🫶🏾🤍

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

💯

[@hyperiondragon]

Thank you Julissa and Rocsi for all that you do for the culture and for American culture ❤️

[@einstein0313]

I appreciate Julissa!! She’s a great testimony of a overcomer and good person

[@PopCultureKing2009]

I love Julissa because of her reality show empire girl and friendship with Adrienne Bailon from cheetah girls and 3LW but I love her Latina personality it’s attractive

[@DelaDelamore]

the best latina hosts from my time.

[@lynetteminute]

Good interview and cool to see where they are now. I always knew Julissa's latina from the get-go, but didn't know Rocsi was until later. So , it's interesting to hear them say how much they've been compared and the emphasis placed on their latinidad. Too, when Julissa brings up code-switching and Rocsi relabels it as adaptability but it means the same thing. Anyway, it's good things've progressed to the point where people can show up as themselves, bc we can experience diversity more authentically that way.

[@Zeus0886]

106 and park originated in Spanish Harlem. Some many people dont even know what 106 and park meant.

[@seaserenity5971]

The idea of the show “106 & park” was started by Jermaine Dupree from Atlanta for rapper bow wow….. according to his interview

[@Zeus0886]

Lol yea ok. The show was located on 106 street park avenue. Across the street from my high school. After school we would always attend the shows. This was like 2000 2001. 106th street is heart of Spanish harlem

[@mekax89]

what kind of music was played on the show and what culture were the ORIGINAL creators, hosts and producers from?

[@Zeus0886]

@@mekax89 get your racist ass outta here. Nobody said anything about what music was being played. Im from Harlem/ Spanish Harlem and i grew up around nothing but blacks. Half my family is black and im puerto rican. It was never a topic of conversation with my friends. Im STILL friends with these people from high school 20 yrs ago.

[@fistandpen2505]

This is the most stupid point. The show was located in Spanish Harlem... a venue. What does that have to do with the culture of the show?

[@tonyluongo3781]

Juli and Zilla you ladies are iconic you’ll never be forgotten 😊 I’ve been crushing since day one and my feelings haven’t changed you ladies are amazing 😍

[@byrdtaylor5703]

Code-switching is the practice of adjusting one's language, accent, dialect, or behavior to conform to different social or cultural contexts. Adaptability is the ability to adapt to change. Professionalism is to maintain a respectful and efficient working environment that allows individuals to collaborate effectively. Julissa was correct and Rocsi confirmed it, although Rocsi would describe it as adaptability. You can be professional and yourself in any setting.

[@chubbywubby90]

It's what fake people do

[@especillee4u]

I don’t really like to say anything negative. But for some reason, Rocsi just seemed disingenuous towards Julissa. And if you look at Julissa’s face and how she furrows her eyebrows, you can tell that she thought something was off with Rocsi during this interview. Rocsi just seemed to….. I don’t know what word it is I’m looking for, but I think she was kind of like an undercover hater. There are a lot of things about them both that I like, but if you just have to look at the body language of both of them during this interview and I get the impression that Rocsi feels superior to Julissa…like she’s better. And I also think Julissa felt it too, especially at the end of the interview when she talked about adaptability.

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

Patronizing

[@JinaMedinaaa]

I am glad someone else observed it.

[@dinajones2761]

Because Rocsi is jealous

[@Alladathings]

I love Julissa, she just exudes this sweet, sincere answer fun energy 🤩I even watched her show on the Roku channel and I don’t speak Spanish 🤣 Rocsi, your interviewing energy and questions are GREAT ✨

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

_Las reinas_ Omg, you ladies didnt age physically Your energy and skin looks the same !! I learned alot from this bc, still you were both great.

[@TheForkOnTheLeftist]

clearly didn't age mentally either which is alarming

[@shavaemcknight8610]

That's the definition of code switching. I'm not sure why the word is given a negative connotation here. This has been spoken about as early as W.E.B. Dubois. Also, someone telling you to pronounce your name incorrectly is wrong. That isn't code switching that's someone being ignorant and diminishing who you are. Those are two completely different things.

[@Alladathings]

I noticed Rocsi found nuance in the phrase, “code-switching” could be negative if you’re having to do it because of the white gaze or in order to succeed, she’s choosing “adaptability” seemingly because it’s a less-pressured choice and more of a journalism/hosting/career skill. I never thought of the nuance within the word, it could be more negative or positive depending on how you view it

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

Erasure

[@Ali_FloatLikeAButterfly]

Loving this Rocsi!! Thank you for providing this platform that reminds me of OUR awesome era❤ The best era evvverrr!!!!

[@Gagemusicx]

I love how open the guests are on this show another dope episode 😍😍

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

It’s interesting to see other cultures go through the exact same social oppressions Black Americans have written historical books on…in the end, both women understand that Latinas are not a monolith. EVERYONE needs to read Black history because it educates one on overall social awareness even if you are not African-American ( …read up on self-love & anti-Blackness as well because everyone needs to unlearn )❤

[@annacherish5734]

cultures can be black .. Julissa is black .. black with different nationalities .. nationality is just about tradition and language

[@generationk2095]

This was a good interview great Job ladies. Now this was a mature discussion that I appreciated no degrading cursing disrespect. Thank You.

[@dominic0313]

Love this for you Rocsi. Keep the content coming. 🎉🎉😎

[@jasminealexia]

Lol! I’m a lash tech and me and my clients have these same exact conversations! I appreciate both perspectives on code switching/being adaptable but I always admire the person that stays true to their dialect no matter what environment they’re in! I myself have been more on the adaptability side and I hate it because now I have actually lost most of my Ebonics but I’m gonna change that TODAY! I need people to identify me as a black woman without even seeing me. Society having minorities feeling a way about their Latin or black flavor and that’s the main thing that makes us so special and charismatic! Both such beautiful ageless smart and successful women with high standards it’s no wonder they’re not settling for less than they deserve! I’m 33 with no kids never married either! I’m praying for us all! Some fine God-fearing husbands are on the way in Jesus’s name!!

[@TheThelastone88]

Wepa! 🎉🎉

[@dinajones2761]

Do you ever have clients who want silence during their appointment?

[@rebeccaferguson4722]

I fly enjoyed this interview. I've been a fan of both of them for at least 15 years. The Roof on Mun2 was my night on Fridays. I can hear sean Paul's "I'm still in love" now

[@shyetloka17]

Definitely growth here. I love it for her

[@theroyals5398]

Rocsi seems to have competitive or some sort of other negative energy toward Julissa in this exchange. Julissa's energy is very light and airy.

[@NormaLopez-yb7bk]

Agree! Omg I see it too! It’s the tone & body language! 👀

[@iloveplatano]

I think it's because, and I didn't realize it before, Julissa is very smart and introspective. Definitely an intellectual. Where Rocsi is wellspoken but only on the surface. Also, Puerto Rican women used to be the hype in the Latin community in the 90s-00s but now Dominican women are all the hype.

[@pinkstar9430]

I see it too. Rocsi sounds like she mad that ppl call her Julissa 9 out of 10 times lol. Poor Rocsi. They are both professional tho. It feels like Rocsi is not supporting Julissa’s sentiments in some of her main points.

[@byrdtaylor5703]

I thought I was tripping.

[@generationk2095]

Not true. They are good. ❤

[@hyperiondragon]

I loved this. Their sisterhood is so beautiful ❤. I wish them continued success.

[@Ingridnco]

I love Juli’s transparency and embracing of her Latin roots. I never knew Rocsi was Latina.

[@Jay..nice23]

Must love to both Julissa and Rocsi two of my favorite host ❤🥰

[@Mimichellee]

I love these two 💞💞💞

[@MsJcbee]

I remember Julissa from the Roof on mun2 💛🤗 love her!

[@janetluzsackey3373]

Maybe yall should come together and make a show centering Latinidad!

[@kelsb303]

Love that you guys are creating your next chapters Congrats!

[@anatejada1100]

I love Julissa since Mun2 days! I used to watch the reggaeton videos there 😂

[@Xitsaapril]

Love you both ❤

[@letimeyers]

Two of my Favorite Latinas 🥰🫶🏽✨ we need part 2 3 4 5 6 +++ to continue this convo with you two lol 😆

[@kinghiggins5021]

106 and park legends love from portmore Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@wronnebrookins8863]

Feliz Latin Heritage Month 🎉

[@talkwithdreafriendspodcast5072]

What do she do now???

[@susiewhyte9043]

Free wasn't on the last show. I'm not sure what happened, but AJ had on a t-shirt with still Free on it and tell us it's his last show..Julissa and Big Tigger was doing ok,but it did not last..Kinda didn't watch it after that..Terrence and Rocsi was ok but had lost interest by then...😢

[@anewno6240]

julissa is so pretty and has not aged at all

[@JM-Vision-]

Not gonna lie I used love Julissa back in the day lol

[@irenegelpi8351]

I love this podcast ❤

[@thesenoritawest]

Love the transparency!

[@Oneeka220]

Well said Roxy!!! Being adaptable is what it is all about . “Code switching “ mentality get you no way ….

[@reesewiltz]

I love her accent. I hate that they made her change

[@paulclothinglots9266]

Outstanding 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@vee22354]

I dunno why I thought Rocsi was creole and from New Orleans. But lowkey she could be a good talk show host!!

[@em4001]

She is from New Orleans

[@Kami3mil]

Yeah she from New Orleans... we went to the same high school. I think her people are Honduran tho....

[@OhDatsJaVion]

@@Kami3mildad is black American her mom is white Latino

[@k.h.a.l.i.l.]

​@javionriley8739 hmm, she was born in Honduras. That doesn't make it impossible to have an AA dad but it seems unlikely

[@hrlw_]

Love me some Julissa! ❤

[@lowkeydarkknight]

Rocsi looking so damn good

[@asjfounder]

Nice pod ❤

[@alona724]

It’s always hard to replace people on a popular show… gotta send them out the right way or the new people never really get a chance to shine

[@lolarivera-dlr4774]

Love yall ❤🎉🎉🎉❤❤ felt the kid part 100

[@user-vc9or5uc4x]

I like both of their accents

[@mayraa457]

Love me some Julissa and Rocsi

[@unapologeticallyromel7096]

Love julissa❤

[@persnicketypleasantpenelop7505]

❤❤❤Love the interview and always liked J. But Ive always wondered if Latina women have that stigma of growing older in appearance where Black women look better as they get older? Is it the same stress because of the cultural differences due to the mainstream media that caters to Caucasian men and women that makes them feel insecure about looking old. Or is it because Latina women aren't getting the support from their own communities? I believe in the African American community we have our own and that becomes popular in white culture, which makes our community desirable but discrimination is what we go through in the mainstream media. Some Latina are seen in their culture but are also pinned against one another on top of Black women and other women in various cultures. This interview really enlightened my understanding of Latina women and their stigma vs struggles.

[@kitate37]

I’m 52 be yourself

[@SelinaRoselynLifestyle]

Great interview ❤ New subscriber here ✨️

[@JustMe-rc9gk]

Is she the one that used to date Maxwell

[@janiceburke6037]

AMAZING LADIES! Don't change the way you say "Julissa for anyone nor anything. It would not sound as Lovely, Sexy. And you would be Selling Julissa cheap. You look like you can create your Culture Films, Swimwear in the DR ect... Be Patient with yourself. Your Accent will Sell You. I Love It! Didn't, Don't need the Industry to Valiidate You!

[@lucasfrank8843]

They way you guys are trying to rip off black struggle is hilarious to me.

[@jamesway]

Who is not surprised 😂

[@jewles9122]

You think Latinos didn’t have a struggle? Like as well? You realize those two are not mutually exclusive right? Weirdo

[@jro819]

Huh? Do you know how hard it is to come to a country and have to learn the language???? Nice try though

[@Jess_cool25]

What? Both of them are black. You understand Latin American people can be black too, right?

[@lucasfrank8843]

@@Jess_cool25 I think both would deny that.

[@angelsummertimecuteface]

It is in fact code-switching and it is self-harm. Read up on those Black history books.

[@raquel7202]

Rocsi’s energy was off… idk. Hater. Weird vibes

[@dinajones2761]

She’s jealous of Julissa

[@CaapriceTube1]

i was kinda feeling that too. the slight shades to juliissa's responses, etc. julissa just seems more genuine.

[@shawnmichael428]

❤

[@JasonBrown-xs5px]

👏👏👏👏

[@SirButtah]

I wanted to marry this woman when I was coming home from middle school back in the g.

[@dinajones2761]

Which one?

[@SirButtah]

@dinajones2761 Julissa.

[@STOMPTobacco]

💐💐💐

[@heyerikan]

I wish you all spoke a lil more on the egg freezing experience

[@user-pz4vb9cu8u]

Women weren't showing how to have a successful career and children before Cardi B? I don't understand why she's praised when we've BEEN seeing women in all career fields successfully juggling both. Cardi had her daughter and continued with her life. She didn't write any books on it, movies, started nonprofit, etc. Nothing.

[@Melmass1]

✨💕

[@charlierosa9577]

Got her wait up

[@GCarnell]

🔥

[@bobbobby8250]

Welcome to "No man's land" ladies. As a new father, I never knew the love and joy a child brings to your life. I pity you'll never get to experience it. Just do everyone a favor and don't try to be a single mother. Statically, you're putting the child at a horrible disadvantage. Best of luck to you both.

[@odelinedamus7731]

106 & Park is on BET❗️ I didn't understand why a latina was a host❗️At least an afro latina would make sense, representation matter❗️ Nothing against her but the fact that she claimed that she had to suppress her latiness says it all❗️

[@BeyondtheSky777heaven]

I 💗 y'all 🩷

[@BlancaLawson-iq6cz]

To SUPRESS ones true self is a disrespect to you and all that made you what you have manifested to today 😢

[@CD-xq1lc]

If you in Boston talkembout “Pahk the car in Hahvahd Yahd” you are Cosplaying NOT being Adaptable 🤨

[@tw8002]

Lil Kim was the first to embrace motherhood!

[@pinkstar9430]

Sorry but Julissa drags her answers lol. Also shes missing her opportunity to properly advertise her product. Rocsi had to give her a hand. C’mon girlllll shes so humble lol .

[@charlierosa9577]

Ya mun dos

[@dharper4301]

umm I am 40 have 5 kids an am a baddie. 26:00

[@marcedwards2464]

Never suppress your latinus for no amount of money or status for the white man 😔

[@charlierosa9577]

I'm not talking to you you did 60 minutes

[@charlierosa9577]

Was sup julissa you on the phone wait movies you making know we still got a date 7 pm Saturday central ave channel 9 wwor

[@charlierosa9577]

Yes or no

[@Iamanillusion1]

Sounds like a cigar smoker

[@dinajones2761]

It’s her natural voice