Luis Hernandez

Host, Reporter, and Storyteller over twenty-five years running…

I’m blessed. Most of my professional career, almost 20 years, I’ve spent as a journalist. Some of it was in print, a little in television, but most of it in radio. I’ve worked with some wonderfully talented producers and directors in those two decades. It would take pages to elaborate on all of the experiences I’ve had as a reporter, producer and host. Needless to say they include opportunities talking with leaders of state, religious leaders, civic leaders, writers, artists and entertainers. The last couple decades have been a lot of fun. But, the next couple decades will be far better.
  • Good Morning, Buenos Dias, Buongiorno, Bom Dia.

    Good Morning, Buenos Dias, Buongiorno, Bom Dia.

    Good morning Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, I’m Luis Hernandez, and this is Ocean State Media.

    I’ll say those words, or a wide variation of morning greetigs every day over and over. As the morning host I’m the first voice our listeners will hear. I’m responsible for getting them their first serving of news before they go off to work or school. It’s an incredible responsibility and one I take with deep passion and commitment. I’m grateful for the opportunity.

    News, weather, weekly calendar, underwriting, and more are just a few of the things I discuss every morning on the program.

    What are people saying about Ocean State Media since my arrival?

    I just waned to tell you that I love Luis Hernandez.  He has a beautiful voice and his conversational style  as a morning host is very engaging. Somehow he seems more relaxed and real than most radio hosts.  I am very glad you found him.  Good job! Kristin

    Luis – loyal longtime daily listener from Warwick here, just wanted to say I am loving the new vibe/tone in the mornings! Upbeat, funny, a great start to the day. Thank you!!

    Matt

    I’m a longtime listener and just wanted to let you know that I think you’re doing a great job! You have a great energy, I enjoy your fun tweets, and even though Rhode Islanders can be resistant to change, I feel like you’re going to fit right in. I hope you feel the same! But I for one feel very lucky that we convinced you to come up here. šŸ™‚

    Jill Finkle 

    For years I had been waking to Chuck in the morning.  I was concerned who would fill his spot on the Publicā€™s radio.  I am absolutely delighted it was you.  Your energy, your conviviality, your curiosity, your enthusiasm and your voice get my day off to a great start.  Rhode Island has been my home for nearly 34 years old f my 58 years.  I moved away once for a few years to try something new but couldnā€™t wait to move back.  This state is amazing in so many ways.  I hope you will come to love it as much as I do.  You are a great addition to the community.  Iā€™m so impressed.

    Terry Fogerty

    On this Thanksgiving Day, listening to your program, I am inspired to say ā€œThank you!ā€ for your excellent broadcasting and reporting. As a teacher, I often share with my class, your interesting snippets of facts I hear as I prepare to leave my home for work; a fun and thought-provoking way to begin their day! My principal and I often comment on your reporting and carry with us, your work, throughout the day! You are doing a wonderful job! I hope you are enjoying our unique and beautiful state and feel welcome here!

    Christine Bernardo

  • Latin Connection!

    Latin Connection!

    Public media has tried (it’s not the only media company to do so) and struggled to make strong gains within the Hispanic community.

    Long before people spoke the letters D.E.I., I have worked tirelessly to help shrink that gap between Public Media and the ethnicity of my birth. As a host and anchor I have pushed for more stories and conversations with the newsmakers, influencers, artists, and voices within the Hispanic community.

    Here are some of those conversations over the past fifteen years.

    Teatro en El Verano explores the ultimate bargain in ā€˜Ā”Que Diablos! Fausto,ā€™ a bilingual ā€˜Doctor Faustusā€™

    Protesters say ICE detentions highlight the plight of immigrants in Rhode Island

    A Puerto Rican, No Matter Where You Live

    How Florida Democrats Lost Latino Voters And What They Should Learn From It

    This Is How Spanish-Language TV Portrays LGBTQ Characters, And Itā€™s Worrisome

    English-Only Immersion Programs: Why Don’t They Work?

    Politics and Community Service Help Rancho Students Get to college

  • Storytelling with Podcasts

    Storytelling with Podcasts

    I love podcasting because it’s simply another tool to sit down and talk to people.

    Currently I’m host and producer of the podcast Middle Age Renaissance Man. It’s a closer look into life for GenX folks facing a rapidly changing world.

  • Art Is Never Finished…

    Art Is Never Finished…

    I love talking with artists, writers, poets, actors, directors, just about anyone who works in the arts.

    For a few years I have been doing these interviews on our formerly weekly podcast Artscape. We still have regular conversations with artists, musicians, actors, and authors.

    Like the conversation I had with author Brad Gooch about his biography on one of the most important American artists of the last half century, Keith Haring.

    We did this interview at the Jamestown Art Center in front of a studio audience of more than 100 people.

    We also bring musicians into the studio and do our own version of tiny desk, more like tiny studio, and have a blast.

    Like the time we brought in Allysen Callery, a singer/songwriter from Bristol, R.I., who creates quiet, haunting, ā€˜ghost folkā€™ with her acoustic guitar and delicate voice.

    Artscape is still onĀ SpotifyĀ orĀ Apple Podcasts or useĀ this RSS feed. To let us know about an artist or event, please email arts@thepublicsradio.org.

    That’s just the work I’ve done in my current job in Rhode Island. Most of my career in public radio I’ve had the opportunity to host incredibly memorable and fascinating conversations.

    While host of Sundial at WLRN in South Florida I was able to host a plethora of conversations with artists from all mediums. One of my favorite projects with the show was our Sundial Book Club. I can spend a lot of time talking about many of the authors I spoke to, but this is one of my favorites, Karen Russell and her book Swamplandia.

    Karen Russell’s Haunting And Dreamlike ‘Swamplandia!’

    We also had a fun segment devoted to musicians called Live from the 305. One of the more interesting discussions came when I sat down with the local group Lemon City about their inspirations.

    Live From The 305: Lemon City Trio Brings New Meaning To Funk

    Living in Las Vegas was full of fun opportunities to see a lot of different types of shows, beyond the Vegas Strip magician or Cirque de Soleil show. One of my favorites was former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.

    KNPR: State of Nevada:

    Mike Tyson’s ‘Undisputed Truth’

    Another fun and fascinating conversation had to be with Vicki Lawrence, one of my favorite actresses.

    Vicki Lawrence

    Covering the arts has always meant something special to me considering the fact that I am also an artist, author, and former actor myself.