LlamaMe Anything

UNCOVERED: The Two Internets

In this episode of Llamame Anything, Vanessa Francesca Ortega delves into the complex world of internet inequality. Discover what lies behind the illusion of digital equality and how infrastructure, geography, and policy create a divided online experience. Explore the realities of a two-tiered internet, the consequences of repealing net neutrality, and what these mean for power and access.
Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, learn about the global impact of unequal internet speeds and how it affects individuals and communities differently. From the persistence of broadband deserts to the rise of community network initiatives, this episode uncovers the challenges and the fight for digital justice.
Join us as we discuss the need for an internet that serves everyone equally, advocating for digital rights as civil rights and striving for a future where the internet becomes a true tool for empowerment and equality.
 
Resources and Citations
 
NET NEUTRALITY AND POLICY CONTEXT
FCC Reinstates Net Neutrality (April 2025)Federal Communications Commission (FCC)https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-restores-net-neutrality(Latest ruling reinstating net neutrality protections in the U.S. after years of legal and political challenges.)
What Is Net Neutrality?Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)https://www.eff.org/issues/net-neutrality(A comprehensive guide to net neutrality, how it works, and why it matters.)
Timeline: The Fight Over Net NeutralityFree Presshttps://www.freepress.net/issues/internet-access/net-neutrality(Covers major legal and grassroots developments from 2005–present.)
 
DIGITAL DIVIDE AND INFRASTRUCTURE DISPARITIES
BroadbandNow Research: Internet Availability by ZIP Codehttps://broadbandnow.com/research/fcc-broadband-map-errors(Investigates flaws in FCC broadband data and how it obscures inequities in underserved communities.)
Digital Redlining: Access DeniedThe Markup, 2022https://themarkup.org/internet/2022/10/19/why-isp-infrastructure-skips-poor-neighborhoods(Explains how ISPs prioritize wealthier neighborhoods, leaving communities of color disconnected.)
Pew Research Center: Internet Use by Race and Incomehttps://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/(Data on who has home Internet access, broken down by demographic.)
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The Equitable Internet Initiative (Detroit Community Technology Project)https://detroitcommunitytech.org/eii(Grassroots broadband justice effort training digital stewards and building local mesh networks.)
NDN Collective: Broadband Sovereigntyhttps://ndncollective.org(Indigenous-led organization advocating for infrastructure and digital sovereignty in Native communities.)
TOOLS & ACTION
    •    Fight for the Future – Take Action for Net Neutrality - https://www.battleforthenet.com (Coalition-driven action hub for contacting lawmakers and demanding open Internet protections.)
    •    Municipal Broadband Map (Institute for Local Self-Reliance) - https://muninetworks.org/communitymap (See where cities are building their own public Internet systems.)

...the kind of tea you sip slowly

In this candid episode, the hosts dive into the turbulent waters of modern dating in Miami, where social media interactions blur the lines of loyalty and trust. They tackle the unsettling reality of stalkers, exposing personal encounters with obsessive behavior that defy normal boundaries.
From deceitful ex-husbands cutting off Wi-Fi to unwanted advances from overly persistent admirers, the conversation unveils how digital connections can turn deceitful. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of setting personal boundaries and prioritizing safety in both physical and digital spaces.
https://www.thehotline.org/

Class of 2025: The Constant Cost of Reinvention

To the Class of 2025: You’re graduating into a world that feels like it’s shifting beneath your feet. Economies are uncertain. Industries are changing. AI is transforming how we work. The rules keep bending. And everyone is telling you to reinvent yourself to survive.
But here’s the truth no one tells you:
You don’t have to constantly transform to be worthy.
You’re not a startup. You’re not a brand.
You’re a human — and that’s enough.
This episode is for you. For anyone being told to “pivot,” “hustle,” or “level up” without ever getting a moment to breathe. You don’t need to become someone new to start your life. You already are someone.
Let’s talk about what it means to grow without performing, to build without burning out, and to graduate into this moment without losing yourself in the process.

The Doctor Will See Your Data Now: How Systems Shape Patient Care

@LlamameAnything:
What if your doctor’s office ran like TikTok?
In my latest episode of Llámame Anything, I reflect on my time working in a private medical office—where I led the shift from paper lab results to digital records—and how that experience now fuels my PhD research into media and healthcare systems.
This episode is about more than tech upgrades. It’s about what gets lost (and who gets left behind) when innovation outpaces empathy.
I explore what I learned behind the scenes of private healthcare, how digital transformation impacts patient care, and why media adoption in healthcare deserves more critical attention
If you work in healthcare, media, or research—or you’ve ever been a patient—this conversation is for you.
Listen here: vfo.podbean.com
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Let me know what resonates.

Wyd? What’s Next

@LlamameAnything:
Welcome to another exciting episode of Llamama Anything! In today's special edition, we're taking you behind the scenes with a personal thank you and exciting sneak peeks of what's in store for our listeners.
Get ready for fascinating solo stories, including an inspiring journey of Dollie as she establishes her law practice. This episode is all about facing real challenges and celebrating real victories.
We're also thrilled to announce that we're bringing on some major guests - artists, thinkers, and influencers who have touched your life. Stay tuned for stories and interviews that are empowering, real, and resonate with you.
Your support is the backbone of Llamama Anything. Please follow, subscribe, and share. Join us as we embark on new adventures, with big dreams and serious moves on the horizon.

There goes the AI: From Miami’s Streets to the Cloud

@LlamameAnything:
In this special Earth Day episode of Llámame Anything, our host explores two forces reshaping our world — one visible, one invisible. From the benches disappearing in Brickell to the carbon-heavy training of artificial intelligence models, both gentrification and AI reveal who cities and technologies are truly designed for. Featuring a personal story from Miami’s streets and a deeper look at the environmental toll of digital convenience, this episode asks: who pays the price for progress?

The Grace is in the Fire: Faith, War, & the Human Spirit

@LlamameAnything:
In this episode of LlamaMe Anything, we delve into the profound intersections of faith, conflict, and diplomacy shaping our world today.
Exploring Modern Spiritual Journeys
We begin with the New York Times’ “Believing” project, which offers intimate insights into how individuals navigate their spiritual paths in contemporary society. Notably, columnist David Brooks shares his personal transformation from agnosticism to faith, highlighting the evolving nature of belief in today’s world.
Faith Amidst the Ravages of War
Turning to Ukraine, we witness the resilience of communities celebrating Easter under the shadow of ongoing conflict. In the village of Lukashivka, worshippers gathered near the ruins of the Ascension Church, symbolizing hope and unity despite the devastation caused by war.
Intersecting Faith and Policy
We examine the complex relationship between religion and policy through the lens of U.S. deportations and Vatican diplomacy. Pope Francis, emerging from convalescence, delivered a poignant Easter message emphasizing global peace, particularly in regions afflicted by war and political unrest.
On-the-Ground Reporting from Syria
Our coverage extends to Syria, where the deadly legacy of landmines continues to claim lives, posing significant challenges to recovery and stability. In a notable development, U.S. Congress members made an unofficial visit to Damascus, marking the first such engagement since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, signaling potential shifts in diplomatic relations.
Join us as we navigate these compelling narratives, exploring how faith endures and evolves amidst the complexities of our modern world.
Support LláMame Anything by contributing through our secure Stripe link at tinyurl.com/llamameanything. Your donation not only sustains our podcast but also aids in combating climate change. We allocate contributions towards projects that remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, primarily by purchasing the permanent removal of CO₂ at a particular price per ton .
Join us in making a difference—every contribution helps create a more sustainable future.

Keep on, Llamame Anything

LlámaMe Anything is built on real stories and bold, unfiltered conversations—and now we’re inviting you to help keep it going. In this bonus, I’ll share how your support directly helps improve the show and why it matters now more than ever.
Even better? A percentage of all donations will go toward environmental restoration efforts, because caring for our planet is part of the bigger conversation too.
No pressure—every cafecito counts.
If you’re in, head to: tinyurl.com/LlamameAnything
Thanks for riding with me. Always.

It’s all in your head

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant hustle? You’re not alone. In this episode of Llamame Anything, your host, Vanessa Francesca Ortega Altamirano, delves into the pervasive issue of stress in our modern lives. Drawing from personal experiences and backed by insights from the World Health Organization, Francesca explores how chronic stress affects our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Listeners have been flooding Francesca’s inbox with messages, sharing their own experiences and responses to previous episodes. This overwhelming engagement underscores the importance of open conversations about stress and mental health.
What You’ll Learn:
The hidden costs of chronic stress and its impact on daily life
Practical strategies to manage and reduce stress effectively
The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care
How to foster genuine connections in a digitally connected world
Why Listen?
If you’re seeking actionable advice to navigate stress and reclaim your peace, this episode offers valuable insights and real-life strategies.
Join the Conversation:
Francesca values your input and encourages you to continue sharing your thoughts, experiences, and questions. Your messages not only inspire future episodes but also foster a supportive community.
Tune In:
Join Francesca for a candid conversation that aims to empower you to take control of your stress and enhance your quality of life.

Let’s get real

We live in a world where AI can write your emails, edit your voice, and even finish your sentences. But what happens when the pursuit of “perfect” leaves your story feeling empty? In this episode, I’m getting real about the cost of convenience and the magic of messy, human expression. Spoiler: your voice, in all its rawness, is the one thing no machine can truly replace. Hit play, and let’s reclaim what’s real.