Podcast Summary: Más de uno (Onda Cero) – Episode: "hjhj" (January 9, 2026)

Main Theme

In this episode, Carlos Alsina and team discuss the launch of the 2026 solidarity calendar by Down Valladolid, an association supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. Guests Manuel Velázquez (President of Down Valladolid) and Dani Mantis (photographer) share insights on the calendar's creation, the impact of their work, the vital role of community and sponsorship, and the ongoing needs of the organization. The tone is warm, candid, and appreciative, blending information with humor and familiarity.

Key Discussion Points

1. Launch of the "12 meses, mil colores" Calendar

• Start of the Year Tradition: The solidarity calendar is introduced at the top of each year, marking the association’s new cycle of activities.
  • "Tenemos ya un poco la tradición de presentar el calendario en esta primera semana del año, y como dices, es dar el pistoletazo para el nuevo curso, para el nuevo año 2026." (Manuel, 00:17)
• Participation: Over 50 people from the association participated this year (children to adults), representing more than half of Down Valladolid’s families.
  • "Han participado más del 50% de las familias conformando Valladolid." (Manuel, 00:37)

2. The Role of the Photographer – Dani Mantis

• Long-standing Collaboration: Dani has been the calendar’s photographer since its inception—over a decade of involvement.
  • "El calendario solidario de Amball nació con Dani mantes hace ya 10 años, si no recuerdo mal." (Manuel, 01:02)
• Capturing Authenticity: Dani focuses on authenticity and natural smiles, finding joy in working with the children and striving for unposed, sincere portraits.
  • "Simplemente se esperará su sonrisa, es una sonrisa completamente verdadera." (Dani, 02:13)
  • "He tenido niños que han empezado bebés y ahora ya han tenido más de 12 años... Pasen los años y seguir colaborando con ellos es para mí una pasada." (Dani, 04:43)
• Building a Comfortable Environment: The collaborative spirit and familiarity cultivated over the years help participants feel at ease, which is key to the photos’ success.
  • "El ambiente se ha ido creando con el paso de los años. Los chavales ya vienen mucho más ilusionados." (Dani, 03:19)

3. The Calendar’s Impact & Fundraising Importance

• Multiple Benefits: Calendar sales not only finance group activities but serve as a daily awareness tool for the community.
  • "El calendario... también es una forma muy buena de darnos a conocer, de estar presentes, porque el calendario tiene algo maravilloso, que es que está presente todos los días del año en aquel que lo compra." (Manuel, 06:06)
• Funding Structure: About 30-35% of budget comes from public funding, another portion from families, and the rest via community support and fundraising projects like the calendar.
  • "Nosotros de las administraciones públicas recibimos alrededor de un 30%, 30-35%... hay otra parte muy relevante de aproximadamente un 30-35% que hay que buscar en otras partes." (Manuel, 05:17)
• Corporate Sponsorship: Increasing support from companies, who sponsor pages or the calendar as a whole, has been essential the past few years.

4. Community Involvement & Ongoing Needs

• Gratitude and Continuous Demand: While acknowledging solid support from Valladolid society and institutions, Manuel emphasizes that needs always outpace resources, especially as the number of families grows and some require full financial assistance.
  • "Nuestras necesidades no se terminan nunca, siempre hay un proyecto más, siempre hay una familia más." (Manuel, 06:45)
  • "Yo creo que la sociedad vallisoletana... responde y responde muy bien, pero siempre necesitamos más recursos." (Manuel, 07:31)

5. Where to Buy and Final Appreciations

• Where to Purchase: The calendar is available for €5 at the association’s office (Plaza Uruguay, barrio Arturo Iríes) and at Dani Mantis’s studio (Calle Cardenal Torquemada, 50).
  • "Todavía tenemos unidades disponibles en la sede de la Asociación... y también el estudio fotografía de Dani Mantis en la calle Cardenal Torquemada, número 50." (Manuel, 07:57)
• Local Connection and Word of Mouth: Dani humbly accepts on-air promotion, noting the value of “word of mouth” in his work, and the episode ends with warm mutual thank-yous and encouragements.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On capturing authentic smiles:
  "Simplemente se esperará su sonrisa, es una sonrisa completamente verdadera..."
  — Dani (02:13)

• On building a supportive environment:
  "Para mí no es paciencia, para mí es ese saber estar, de saber esperar, de tener la pausa justa o esperar el momento adecuado para no hacerles sentir en ningún momento antinatural."
  — Dani (03:36)

• On calendar’s impact:
  "El calendario tiene algo maravilloso, que es que está presente todos los días del año en aquel que lo compra."
  — Manuel (06:06)

• On ongoing needs:
  "Nuestras necesidades no se terminan nunca, siempre hay un proyecto más, siempre hay una familia más."
  — Manuel (06:45)

• A touch of humor & humility:
  "Está muy bien la promoción siempre, siempre, sí señor. Que hablen de uno, bien o mal."
  — Dani (08:26)

Key Timestamps

• 00:17: Manuel describes the launch and tradition of the solidarity calendar
• 01:02: History of Dani as the calendar’s photographer
• 02:13: Dani elaborates on capturing authentic, natural smiles
• 03:19: Discussion on building a comfortable, familiar environment over years
• 05:06: Manuel details funding sources and importance of calendar sales
• 06:06: Calendar’s daily presence and public awareness role
• 06:45: Manuel speaks to ongoing needs and community response
• 07:57: Where to buy the solidarity calendar
• 08:26: Dani speaks lightheartedly on self-promotion

Tone and Language

• The conversation is informal, familiar, and positive, with warmth, gratitude, and occasional humor.
• Manual and Dani both express humility and appreciation for the community’s support, taking opportunities to highlight others’ contributions.

Conclusion

This episode of “Más de uno” shines a light on the longstanding tradition of Down Valladolid’s solidarity calendar, the loving work behind its creation, and its critical role in supporting the association’s mission. Through personal stories, practical information, and authentic conversation, the episode underscores the importance of community, visibility, and ongoing generosity for local associations.