Podcast
Timestorm
The Ventura twins are yanked into another dimension where they meet a distant cousin who gives them an extraordinary mission: travel through time to preserve their culture’s true history. Alexa and Beni visit three continents across the span of five centuries, meeting people who have left their mark on Puerto Rican heritage. In the twenty-first century, the twins navigate school, friendship, and family while keeping their time-traveling quests a secret. Series Producers Dania Ramos (Creator, sh...more
Episodes
Minisode: Newark Sounds
Jan 19 2021
After Sonia wins the Newark Sounds contest, the studio version of her original song hits the airwaves. EPISODE CREDITS Script, engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Script editing by Dania Ramos Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock/Kolonko ”This Is Me” composed by Michael Aquino; lyrics by Michael Aquino & Dania Ramos Main Vox - Jessica Bracken (as Sonia) Backing Vox - Frances Ramos (as Janelly) Guitars, Bass, Drums, Strings, and Clavinet -...more
Bonus: Timestorm Bloopers
Dec 30 2020
Bloopers, outtakes, and lots of laughs with the lead actors of Timestorm. EPISODE CREDITS Audio engineering, editing, and sound design by Michael Aquino Writing by Dania Ramos Actors: Leilany Figueroa and Claudio Venancio Additional Voices: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: shutterstock / Artur Szczybylo Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX. Support for TRAX comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additi...more
Special: Treasure
Oct 30 2020
The Ventura twins meet a mysterious figure and learn the name of the treasure they will soon seek. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Alicia Rivas and Orlando Segarra Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Wilqkuku Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Michael Aquino as Cofresí Timest...more
Bonus: The Beat of Three Motherlands
Oct 27 2020
Michael Aquino shares how he collaborated with musicians to create the music featured in season 2 of Timestorm. EPISODE CREDITS Script, audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino; Script editing by Dania Ramos ”In the Timestorm” (alternate version) lyrics by Michael Aquino & Dania Ramos; music by M. Aquino with percussion by Lara Gonzalez, Christopher White “The Beat - Parts I & II” & “Naming” created and performed by Lara Gonzalez Christopher White ”The ...more
Minisode: Take Up Space
Oct 13 2020
The Ventura twins make new connections in their family tree. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: shutterstock/80's Child & Natasha Barsova Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Brissae Valdes as Melba/Elbita Additional voice: Donatella Nesti Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. Additional suppor...more
Minisode: Rising Sun
Sep 29 2020
Guaynia, Borikén, 1510: Aguey walks in the woods with his wife Karaya. They recall a simpler time before the Spanish arrived on the island and life as they knew it changed forever. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Claudio Venancio Additional writing by Andrew Siañez-De La O Story by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Aaron Catano-Saez, Ashely Kristeen Vega Additional music by William Ruiz Episode art layout: M. Aquino; origi...more
Episode 20: Instant
Sep 15 2020
Josie shows the secret tapestry to Alexa and Beni and plans for the three of them to travel to the other store together…but someone tags along. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Aaron Catano-Saez, Frances Ramos, Alicia Rivas, Orlando Segarra, Claudio Venancio Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Earth Trotter Photography Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio ...more
Episode 19: Primos
Sep 08 2020
The Ventura twins travel to San Juan in 1999 where they find a message from family inside an iconic park. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Frances Ramos, Alicia Rivas, Orlando Segarra, Claudio Venancio Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Brandon Wheeler Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Frances Ramos as Janelly Jessica Bracken as Sonia ...more
Episode 18: Mistaken Identity
Sep 01 2020
Janelly finds a mysterious item hidden inside Taíno Comics and Games. Alexa, Beni, and Sonia join her investigation to uncover the identity of the person who hid the secret object. EPISODE CREDITS Written by Andrew Siañez-De La O Story, additional writing, direction by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Ariana Martinez, Kristofer Otero, Alicia Rivas, Orlando Segarra, Claudio Venancio Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutter...more
Episode 17: Full Circle
Aug 11 2020
Loiza, Puerto Rico, 1890: The Ventura twins meet a family of storytellers and recognize one member from a previous quest. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Alicia Rivas, Orlando Segarra, and Claudio Venancio Additional effects: FreeSounds/Glitchedtones Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Darin F. Earl II ...more
Episode 16: First Impression
Aug 04 2020
When the Ventura twins land inside La Academia de San Fernando in Madrid in 1852, they must find Francisco Oller, an art student who can help them with their quest. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Additional recording by Mark Pagán, Alicia Rivas, Orlando Segarra, Andrew Siañez-De La O, Claudio Venancio, and Louis Vetter Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Horacio M...more
Minisode: Beni's Silence
Jul 28 2020
Beni recalls an unsettling moment during the music festival that left him speechless. This minisode includes a moment of racialized language. Please see below for content resources. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Alexander_P Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Tocador: Wesley Tahsir-Rodriguez Additional voice: Cooper Ta...more
Minisode: Tapestry
Jul 21 2020
A look back at the moment when Datu learned about Josie's secret tapestry. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Anton Khrupin Joel D. Arandia as Datu Angelica Ubiera as Josie Additional voice: Alicia Rivas Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. Additional support comes from the Google Podcasts creator program. Shou...more
Episode 15: Keeping Count
Jul 07 2020
The Venturas spend the day at a music festival in Branch Brook Park. Janelly does some solo investigating at Taíno Comics and Games. Datu joins Josie on a visit to her other store. EPISODE CREDITS Written by Andrew Siañez-De La O Story and direction by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock / Painterstock Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Walter F. Rodriguez as Ramiro ...more
Episode 14: Before He Was Cacique
Jun 30 2020
The Ventura twins are sent to Guaynia, Borikén, in 1488 to carve the beat of three motherlands. They meet Aguey, a teen boy afraid to recite the Taíno creation tale at his village’s areíto. EPISODE CREDITS Written by Andrew Siañez-De La O Additional writing, story, and direction by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: shutterstock/Olha Turchenko Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura ...more
Episode 13: Unfinished Business
Jun 23 2020
After the Ventura twins return from their journey to nineteenth-century Senegal, they face unfinished business with their friends back home in twenty-first-century Newark. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: shutterstock/design36 Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Darin F. Earl II as ...more
Episode 12: Naming
Jun 16 2020
In 1810, the Ventura twins search for the beat of three motherlands in a Wolof village in the Saint-Louis region of Senegal in West Africa. They meet Idrissa, who invites them to a baby-naming ceremony for his nephew. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: shutterstock/design36 Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Horacio Ménd...more
Episode 11: What Is Missing?
Jun 09 2020
When a spring thunderstorm approaches the city of Newark, the Ventura twins hope they’ll soon be heading back into the timestorm. But first, Beni and Janelly suspect there's something mysterious happening at Taíno Comics and Games. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Pixabay / Prettysleepy Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra ...more
Season 2 Trailer
May 07 2020
The Ventura twins are back! Their new adventures will send them to 3 continents…and 3 centuries. Trailer content written by Dania Ramos and Andrew Siañez-De La O Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Guest musicians: Lara Gonzalez and Christopher White III Series art by Hispanic Legacy Studio Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Frances Ramos as Janelly Joel D. Arandia as Datu Als...more
Bonus: Announcements & Recap
Apr 30 2020
Looking forward to season 2 and revisiting season 1. EPISODE CREDITS Written by Dania Ramos and Andrew Siañez-De La O Directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Featured cast: Leilany Figueroa, Claudio Venancio, Orlando Segarra, Alicia Rivas, Jennica Carmona, Walter F. Rodriguez, Joel D. Arandia, Emily Smith Córdoba, Frances Ramos, Jessica Bracken, J. F. Seary, Alexis Pérez, Carlos Ponton, Christine Mariani, A. R. Garcia, Ernio Hernandez, I...more
Bonus: Las Maestras
Mar 10 2020
A bonus episode featuring moments with women teachers: Celestina Cordero, Lolita Tizol, and Monsi Román’s fictional teacher, Señora Ramirez. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Additional music performed by Aurora Méndez Featured cast: Leilany Figueroa, J. F. Seary, Isabel Pask, Maria Diaz, Liliana Zertuche. Episode art design: Michael Aquino; original image: UnSplash.com/Carli Jeen This bonus is part of the ...more
Bonus: Actor Chat with Claudio and Leilany
Feb 17 2020
A brief chat with cast members Claudio Venancio (Beni) and Leilany Figueroa (Alexa). Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art photo and design: M. Aquino. Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. Additional support comes from the Google Podcasts creator program. TimestormSeries.com Twitter & Instagram: @CocotazoMedia Facebook: facebook.com/CocotazoM Equipment sponsor: 3DioSound Series art: Hispanic Legacy Studio Proud ...more
Special: The Heart of Newark
Nov 27 2019
Sonia and Janelly perform in the Heart of Newark fundraiser at the Brick City Cafe. The emcee for the event is Josie Nevarez, the mysterious owner of Taíno Comics and Games. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino ”te amo, me amas” written and performed by Isabel Pask ”Talking Spirts” written and performed by Aquino and Deivito ”Blackout” written and performed by J. F. Seary ”This Is Me” written by M. Aquino (guitar); Jess...more
Bonus: The Music of Timestorm Season 1
Nov 07 2019
Michael Aquino shares how he created the music featured in season 1 of Timestorm. EPISODE CREDITS Script, audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Pixabay/Gordon Johnson ”In the Timestorm”; “Home”; “Taíno Comics and Games”; “Bell, Locker, Class”; “Into the Timestorm”; “Library Magic”; “Mario’s Pizza”; “The Outside Life”; “Disco!”; ”So Long, and Thanks” written and performed by M. Aquino ”This Is Me” written by Michael A...more
Minisode: Thad's Deal
Oct 24 2019
Thad makes an admission, a deal, and an offer. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino ”Yo Soy America” written by Deivis Garcia; performed by the United States of Boogaloo; recorded and mixed by Johnny Kray at Kray Studios. Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Pixabay/Computerizer Philipe AbiYouness as Thad Frances Ramos as Janelly Joel D. Arandia as Datu Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as ...more
Minisode: Mysterious Voices
Oct 10 2019
The twins do some sleuthing about L. J. Ortega and find a strange clue: secret audio with mysterious voices. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Pixabay/TinchoFF Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Mysterious Voices ??? Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. Additional support comes from the Google P...more
Minisode: This Is Me
Sep 30 2019
Several stages of Sonia's songwriting. EPISODE CREDITS Script, audio engineering, sound designer, and music by Michael Aquino Story by Dania Ramos ”This Is Me” written by Michael Aquino (guitar) and Jessica Bracken (vocals) Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Pixabay/efes Jessica Bracken as Sonia Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. TimestormSeries.com Mailing list sign-ups: Timestorm | TRAX Twitter & Instagram: @CocotazoMedia Faceb...more
Episode 10: Answer the Call
Sep 19 2019
A Newark neighborhood unites to get donated goods shipped to Puerto Rico. The Venturas finally hear word about family on the island. Please be advised this episode mentions Hurricane Maria. EPISODE CREDITS Script by Andrew Siañez-De La O and Dania Ramos; Story by Dania Ramos Directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino ”Yo Soy America” written by Deivis Garcia; performed by the United States of Boogaloo; recorded and mixed by Johnny Kray at Kray Studios ...more
Episode 9: Invisible
Sep 12 2019
The Ventura twins travel to 1975 to find an invisible danger at the University of Puerto Rico. They meet Monsi Román, a primary school student visiting the campus for a local science fair when a mysterious illness spreads among the judges. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock/Anton Khrupin Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orla...more
Episode 8: Changing Times
Sep 05 2019
The Ventura twins come to terms with their changing neighborhood, friendships, and lives. The library gets critical help with hurricane relief efforts. EPISODE CREDITS Script by Andrew Siañez-De La O; Story by Dania Ramos Directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image: Shutterstock/MisoNemcek Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Walter F. Rodriguez as Ramiro Ventura Jennica Carmon...more
Bonus: Consolación by Claudio Brindis de Salas
Aug 24 2019
A behind-the-scenes episode about how the Timestorm team recorded violinist Aurora Méndez performing ”Consolación,” which was composed by Claudio Brindis de Salas Garrido. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino ”Consolación” composed by Claudio Brindis de Salas Garrido; performed by Aurora Méndez Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/refat Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud mem...more
Episode 7: Broken
Aug 22 2019
The Ventura twins travel to Ponce during the turn of the twentieth century to retrieve a broken promise. They meet future educator Lola Tizol and world-renowned violinist Claudio Brindis de Salas Garrido. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino ”Consolación” composed by Claudio Brindis de Salas Garrido; performed by Aurora Méndez. Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/refat Leilany Figueroa as Ale...more
Episode 6: Ordinary Lives
Aug 15 2019
The twins struggle to navigate their ordinary lives while keeping their time-traveling quests a secret. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/blambca Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Walter F. Rodriguez as Ramiro Ventura Jennica Carmona as Clara Ventura Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Méndez Frances Ramos as Janelly Jessica B...more
Episode 5: Torn
Aug 08 2019
San Juan, 1838: The twins head to La Fortaleza to confront the Spanish guard officer who has stolen the plea for equality. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/muzon Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Carlos Ponton as Peña y Ruiz Alexis Pérez as Román J. F. Seary as...more
Episode 4: La Maestra
Aug 08 2019
In San Juan, 1838, Alexa and Beni must retrieve a plea for equality. They meet Maestra Celestina Cordero who is fighting for supplies for her schoolgirls. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/antoniomas Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Alexis Pérez as Román J. F. ...more
Episode 3: Atabey
Aug 01 2019
The twins return to the timestorm ready to join Horacio’s mission. They meet an incorporeal entity that helps them prepare for their first quest. Please be advised this episode mentions Hurricane Maria. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/Forfunlife Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Walter F. Rodriguez as Ramiro Ventura Je...more
Episode 2: ...Will Change Everything
Aug 01 2019
The Venturas learn their family in Puerto Rico will have to brace for a second hurricane in two weeks. Alexa researches about Horacio Méndez in an unlikely place. Please be advised this episode mentions Hurricane Maria and depicts bullying. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Additional audio effects: freesound.org and soundeffectsplus.com Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/skovorod...more
Episode 1: The Storm
Aug 01 2019
Alexa and Beni Ventura are yanked into a timestorm where they meet a distant cousin who gives them an extraordinary mission: travel through time to preserve their culture’s true history. Please be advised this episode mentions Hurricane Maria. EPISODE CREDITS Written and directed by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Episode art layout: M. Aquino; original image by Shutterstock/Molotok743 Alicia Rivas as Atabey Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Ménd...more
Timestorm Series Trailer
Jun 19 2019
The Ventura twins travel through time to preserve Puerto Rico’s true history. Trailer content written by Dania Ramos Audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino Series art by Hispanic Legacy Studio Leilany Figueroa as Alexa Ventura Claudio Venancio as Beni Ventura Jennica Carmona as Clara Ventura Walter F. Rodriguez as Ramiro Ventura Orlando Segarra as Lt. Horacio Méndez Alicia Rivas as Atabey Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX fr...more