iHeartMedia has launched a new podcast titled “Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valderrama,” which explores the life and career of Cuban-born actor Desi Arnaz. The series is hosted by Wilmer Valderrama, who is also a producer, entrepreneur, and activist. This 10-part weekly podcast is produced by Valderrama’s audio production company, WV Sound, and is part of his ongoing collaboration with the My Cultura Podcast Network, a platform focused on Latino voices and stories. Valderrama is a stakeholder in the network.
The podcast delves into the impact Desi Arnaz had on television, particularly through his role in “I Love Lucy,” which premiered in 1951 and was groundbreaking for featuring a Latino actor as a star. Valderrama discusses how Arnaz’s career and personal journey influenced his own life and career, as well as the broader culture.
Valderrama said, “As a young boy growing up in Venezuela, it was Desi Arnaz and his unapologetic Cuban accent on a major television show that gave me permission to dream of entertaining audiences around the world. Without him, so many of us would have stopped trying a long time ago. This podcast is a love letter to the man who revolutionized our industry, with contributions that continue to shape and sustain the television business today. I’m so excited to partner with iHeart and the My Cultura Podcast Network to celebrate his legacy.”
Leo Gomez, head of iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, added, “Our partnership with Wilmer and WV Sound has brought many powerful and authentic stories to the network. ‘Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valderrama’ celebrates one of the most influential Latino icons and gives audiences from all walks of life incredible insight into the depth of his impact on culture and storytelling. We’re proud to share it with people everywhere.”
The My Cultura Podcast Network, which began in May 2021 in partnership with Enrique Santos, President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino, has experienced steady growth and now features over 60 podcasts. In June, the network marked its fourth anniversary and announced that Eva Longoria and her studio Hyphenate Media Group joined Valderrama as stakeholders. The network’s catalog includes a variety of shows focused on Latino culture and experiences.
“Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valderrama” is available starting October 15, 2025, with new episodes released every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms. The podcast is executive produced by Valderrama and Erick Galindo, who is known for the award-winning series “Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez.” All shows from My Cultura are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Valderrama is recognized for his role on “That 70s Show” and currently stars in “NCIS” on CBS. He has also contributed to film projects such as “Encanto” and has produced content across various platforms through his company WV Entertainment. Valderrama is active in philanthropy, co-founding HARNESS and serving on the board of Voto Latino. He was recently honored by the USO with their Merit Award for his support of service members.
WV Sound, founded in 2022, focuses on producing original podcasts that highlight LatinX stories. Its slate includes true-crime and cultural podcasts aimed at connecting with a wide audience and celebrating Latino voices.
