NILC’s Freedom to Thrive Podcast is Back for Season Two

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025

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Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC’s Freedom to Thrive Podcast is Back for Season Two

New season, focused on resistance, justice, and resilience, kicks off with comedian, writer, and actor Cristela Alonzo

WASHINGTON – The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) today launched its second season of the award-winning Freedom to Thrive podcast, an arts and culture-centered podcast hosted by LA-based artist and Las Cafeteras founding member, Hector Flores. It explores the current state of immigration through conversations with artists, culture workers, policymakers, and activists.

This season kicks off with a powerful new episode “Comedy is Resistance” where acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor Cristela Alonzo, fresh off her third Netflix comedy special, explores how laughter fuels activism. From growing up on the border to breaking into Hollywood, Cristela shares her journey, her stand-up trilogy, Lower Class, Middle Class, Upper Class, and how rest and joy are radical tools for change. NILC President Kica Matos also joins the episode to share how people can take action in these difficult times and what NILC is doing to support immigrant communities.

“When you’re making good art, it should be about what you’re feeling—your existence, your plight, your emotion, who you are at that moment,” Cristela Alonzo said during her interview. “You know, the truth is that good work will always be found by your tribe.”

“If there was ever a moment to step up and fight, it’s now,” said NILC President, Kica Matos, during her interview. “Our democracy is under threat every day and saving it depends on we the people. We are using every tool at our disposal to protect our constitutional rights and democracy.”

Listen and subscribe to NILC’s Freedom to Thrive podcast series here. Also available on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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