Podcast Summary: Siempre es Lunes

Host: Macetaminofen
Guest: Brenda Giselle (de Noventeando)
Episode: Charlando cosas: #TBT Novelones de los 90s
Date: February 12, 2026

Overview: Main Theme and Purpose

In this lively and nostalgic special episode, host Macetaminofen and guest Brenda Giselle, creator of the podcast "Noventeando", take listeners on a vivid trip down memory lane to revisit the iconic telenovelas of the 1990s. Swapping stories and reflections, they highlight how these melodramas shaped Puerto Rican childhoods and family routines, discuss their influence on pop culture and personal identity, and recall both beloved and hilariously cringe-worthy moments from the decade’s TV landscape.

“Aquí no esperes análisis profundo, tu IQ va a bajar. Esto no es un podcast, esto es una irresponsabilidad.”
— Macetaminofen, [00:36]

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nostalgia for 90s TV and Telenovelas

• The hosts open by reminiscing about how television was a universal “bonding” activity, particularly telenovelas watched alongside mothers and grandmothers.

  “En los 90… lo que nos unía todavía era la televisión… el bonding que hicimos con nuestras mamás y nuestra abuelita fueron fue ver novelas.”
  — Macetaminofen, [01:27]

• They acknowledge that the local Puerto Rican telenovela industry was waning by the 90s, with “Natalia” (1991) highlighted as the last major homegrown production before a long hiatus.

2. The Golden Era’s Triumphal Trilogies

Thalía’s Trilogía (María Mercedes, Marimar, María la del Barrio)

• María Mercedes:
  • Fondly remembered for its villain "Mística", who had a dramatic biker persona and an unforgettable wardrobe.

    “La mala… era hasta casi caricaturesco porque ella se montaba en una motora con este traje de leather negro.”
    — Macetaminofen, [08:05]

• Marimar:
  • The panel recalls the infamous ‘gallina macho’ episode and discuss the trauma of associating beloved animal pets with food.

    “Momento gallina macho. Tuvo que haber sido como traumático.”
    — Brenda, [09:33]

  • Iconic scene: Chantal Andere’s character bullies Marimar by making her retrieve jewelry from the mud with her mouth, only for Marimar to turn the tables in the finale.

    “Otra escena bien icónica… es cuando el personaje que hace… Chantal Andere, la hace recoger la prenda del fango con la boca…”
    — Macetaminofen, [09:42]

• María la del Barrio:
  • The peculiar choice of headwear and profession ("pepenadora": scavenger) of Thalía’s character prompts much laughter and confusion.
  • Side note: “Marisol” with Erika Buenfil is lamented as a low point—“Esa novela fue bien mierda. Y me encojona que sea la que lleve mi nombre…”

    — Macetaminofen, [13:00]

3. Latin American Telenovelas: A Global Craze

Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, and Colombian Contributions

• Reflects on now-forgotten Puerto Rican productions, the rise of Osvaldo Ríos (notably his leap to Venezuela and the major hit "Casandra," which found a cult following in Eastern Europe).
• Brief nostalgic aside on the show’s modest international fame versus its niche status at home.

  “Tú vas por Europa del Este y todo el mundo te habla de Casandra…”
  — Brenda, [04:37]

The Brazilian Wave

• First exposures cited: "Roque Santeiro" (noting its censorship under Brazil's dictatorship and subsequent worldwide export).

  “Esa novela primero había sido censurada por la dictadura en Brasil… no pudieron tirarla como hasta 10 años después…”
  — Brenda, [13:41]

• Discusses the gritty realism of Brazilian productions as compared to the polished, model-like casts of Televisa/Venezuela.

  “En Brasil tú veías la gente normal…”
  — Brenda, [16:31]

• "Pantanal" and its unforgettable “tujuju” (bird) scene, magical realism, and sexual content (“la primera novela que puso así prácticamente una mujer en pelotas a las once de la mañana”).

  — Brenda, [18:22]

• "Chica da Silva" and "Mulheres de Areia" (“de las gemelas”), both praised for innovation.

4. Children’s and Youth Novelas: Carrusel, Luz Clarita, Muchachita y más

• Celebrates the massive impact of "Carrusel," highlighting themes of classism and racism (Cirilo & María Joaquina), as well as bullying.

  "Era clasismo y racismo en tu cara. Y Ay, Dios mío. El personaje… de la de gordita. Yo nunca me acuerdo el nombre."
  — Brenda, [20:17]

• The merchandising phenomenon of "Luz Clarita" in Puerto Rico, her live appearances, and how it catalyzed fads in schools (haircuts, bags, accessories).

  • "Maldita pobreza, Luz Clarita."

    — Macetaminofen, [22:01]

• Recalling attempts to emulate novela uniforms and fashion at school, sometimes subverting dress codes to mimic stars from "Agujetas de Color de Rosa" and others.

  “Las faldas acá arriba porque se las enrollaban. Era la orden del día.”
  — Brenda, [23:45]

5. Iconic and Bizarre Moments: Meme-Worthy Legacies

• Notorious Televisa hairiness (“pelo power”), masculine aesthetics, and 90s sex symbol debates.

  “Él tenía una alfombra, como mucho guay… De hecho, yo me imagino que de ahí se tiene que haber inspirado el gángster de lo del pelo power.”
  — Macetaminofen, [10:50]

• Recounting legendary villain Soraya Montenegro and her iconic “maldita lisiada” tirade.

  "La famosa escena de la maldita Aliciaba… de esa novela me gusta también una escena que ella le dice 'demuéstrame tu poder satánico'.”
  — Macetaminofen, [31:29]

• The recurring Cinderella trope in telenovelas, with a comparison to modern hits like "Bridgerton."

  “Es que esa historia de Cenicienta siempre vende…”
  — Macetaminofen, [06:36]

6. Lasting Impact and Personal Memories

• Both hosts reflect on how these shows influenced their childhood, language (romanticizing Portuguese thanks to Brazilian novelas), identity and even personal style (haircuts inspired by Adamari López).

  “Yo fui al Beauty y yo le dije a Delfín, yo quiero el recorte de Adamari.”
  — Macetaminofen, [27:09]

• Ponder the continued relevance of telenovelas and invite listeners to share which show had the strongest impact on them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Era la época maravillosa, esa nostalgia noventosa que todos los que la vivimos nos encanta recordar.”
  — Macetaminofen, [00:55]
• “En los 90 todavía la televisión nos unía... ver novelas con nuestras mamás y abuelitas.”
  — Macetaminofen, [01:27]
• “Cirilo se pintó de blanco con un betún o algo… y el amiguito de Ay, ahora soy… ay, me palillo.”
  — Macetaminofen, [20:36]
• “Fue la primera novela que puso así prácticamente una mujer en pelotas a las once de la mañana.”
  — Brenda, [18:22]
• “La famosa escena de la maldita Aliciaba.”
  — Macetaminofen, [31:29]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:36 – Episode opening, introducing Brenda and the theme
• 01:27 – TV as family bonding and the social role of telenovelas
• 04:08 – Puerto Rican novelas’ decline and “Natalia” (1991)
• 06:36 – The enduring power of the Cinderella story
• 08:05 – Thalía’s villainous “Mística” in María Mercedes
• 09:42 – Iconic Marimar scenes: the ‘prenda en el fango’ moment
• 13:00 – Complaints about “Marisol” and discussion on Brazilian novelas (Roque Santeiro, Pantanal)
• 16:31 – Brazilian realism versus Televisa’s glossiness
• 20:17 – “Carrusel,” classism, racism, and bullying
• 22:01 – “Maldita pobreza, Luz Clarita” & merch mania
• 23:45 – School fashion inspired by teen soap operas
• 27:09 – The Adamari López haircut trend
• 31:29 – “Maldita lisiada” and legendary novela villains

Calls to Action & Closing

• Listeners are encouraged to comment on which 90s novela marked them the most, and to check out Brenda’s podcast "Noventeando" for deeper dives into 90s nostalgia and more detailed novela discussions.
• “Vayan para allá. Gracias por haber llegado hasta aquí y no se olviden de comentarnos qué novelas y qué episodios así bien famosos ustedes recuerdan. Hasta la próxima.”
  — Macetaminofen, [31:49]

Tone:
Conversational, humorous, irreverent, packed with personal anecdotes and pop culture references. The hosts blend affectionate nostalgia with sharp wit, welcoming listeners to reminisce and laugh about the melodramatic highs and lows of 90s telenovelas.