Vault: Shakira Joins The Show

Summary

The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)

Episode: Vault: Shakira Joins The Show

Original Release: January 13, 2026
Featured Guest: Shakira

---

Episode Overview

This special “Vault” episode of The Bert Show brings the global music sensation Shakira onto the air. The hosts dive into the nuances of Shakira’s international fame, her experiences as a Colombian artist breaking into the US market, how fame looks different in America versus worldwide, the meaning and evolution of her music, and her thoughts on being seen through both cultural and linguistic lenses. Engaging live calls from Atlanta’s diverse audience enrich the conversation with heartfelt support and relevant questions about her artistry, identity, and the complexity of working in multiple languages.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bridging Musical Cultures: Global vs. American Success

• Context: The hosts begin by noting Shakira's international super-stardom and the perceived gap in her U.S. reach.
• Shakira’s Perspective (02:42):

  “Laundry Service did so good in America that I never expected such a welcome... I think things are changing and we're breaking barriers, and this is much more of a global world... we're more similar than what we think we are. Beyond the cultural differences and the language...”
  — Shakira, 02:42

• Key Insight: Shakira credits increasing openness to Spanish-language music and highlights how music television networks are breaking traditional barriers by airing Spanish videos in the U.S.

2. The Complexities of Fame & Personal Freedom

• American Press vs. International Frenzy: The host asks if Shakira enjoys relative freedom in the US compared to other countries.
• Shakira’s Honest Take (04:23):

  “…I had to move to the Bahamas, where I really feel much more tranquil and isolated... It's just the paparazzi, what I find very annoying. You know, that's La Tortura of Shakira. That's my own torture, really, that invasion.”
  — Shakira, 04:23

• Key Insight: Despite celebrity perks, constant intrusion (especially from paparazzi) remains a personal challenge; privacy is a rarity she cherishes.

3. The Art & Origins of Shakira’s Dance

• On Her Signature Belly Dancing (05:56):

  “I've been belly dancing since I was 4 years old... I was born in a town where people, I think, learn how to dance before they even learn how to walk. That's the Caribbean...”
  — Shakira, 05:56

• Memorable Exchange:
  • Host jokingly asks for a dance lesson if Shakira visits Atlanta.
  • Shakira playfully responds:

    “Sure… Whenever, wherever.”
    — Shakira, 06:38 (referencing her hit song)

4. Spotlight vs. Substance: The Focus on Image Over Music

• Fan Call from Vanessa (06:59): Vanessa, a fellow Colombian, raises concerns about the American market focusing on Shakira’s sexuality and dancing over her songwriting and poetry.
• Shakira’s Nuanced Response (07:50):

  “It's normal... when an artist is new to a market... people first focus on the external... then little by little, once they establish a relationship with you, they start discovering you more deeply... Like in a relationship, you first feel attracted maybe in the physical aspect, and then there's a spiritual connection that comes after.”
  — Shakira, 07:50

• Key Insight: Shakira understands the necessity of time and exposure for deeper appreciation beyond initial surface-level allure.

5. Connection With Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Fans

• Inclusive Sense of Belonging (09:20):

  “I'm also talking about the deep connection that I feel I have with... non Hispanic fans around the world... who have the time to really listen to each one of my songs...”
  — Shakira, 09:20

• Language Shift Criticism? (09:40):

  “No, I think that they understand that it was really important for me to go down that road and explore new possibilities... I take everywhere I go that flag and plant it in each one of the countries I visit.”
  — Shakira, 09:52

6. Empowerment & Representation: A Community’s Pride

• Fan Call from Mario (10:40): Mario expresses pride as a Colombian, thanking Shakira as a symbol of hope and inspiration for Colombians worldwide.

  “...seeing you out there making it, it gives a lot of inspiration, inspires me to make it in my own field.”
  — Mario, 11:06

7. Language Challenges & On-Brand Humor

• Learning English Phrases (11:38): Shakira shares her struggle with “stick shift,” demonstrating her good-natured approach to language differences and offering a relatable, humorous moment.

8. Creative Control and Artistic Direction

• On Her Involvement in Video Concepts (13:28):

  “I get really involved in everything I do. I can't help it. I'm like a guardian dog, always witnessing... Because, you know, that's what I have to do somehow, take care of every single detail...”
  — Shakira, 13:28

• Vision for Recent Video:

  “... I wanted to, like, portray this juxtaposition of ideas between the tribal and the urban... I always felt like it was my alter ego who was dancing on the roof deck... the beast inside me.”
  — Shakira, 14:23

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Music Breaking Barriers:

  “I think things are changing and we're breaking barriers, and this is much more of a global world...”
  — Shakira, 02:49

• On Paparazzi and Privacy:

  “That's La Tortura of Shakira. That's my own torture, really, that invasion.”
  — Shakira, 04:36

• On Dancing as DNA:

  “I've been belly dancing since I was 4 years old… the Caribbean… there's a huge culture around dancing and cult of the body as well.”
  — Shakira, 05:56

• On Relationships with Fans:

  “Like in a relationship... you first feel attracted maybe in the physical aspect, and then there's a spiritual connection that comes after.”
  — Shakira, 08:59

• On Artistic Involvement:

  “I can't help it. I'm like a guardian dog, always witnessing... every single detail…”
  — Shakira, 13:28

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:41] Introduction of Shakira and early playful banter
• [02:42] Discussion on cultural gaps and music crossing borders
• [04:23] Privacy, paparazzi, and living in the Bahamas
• [05:56] The origin and importance of Shakira’s signature dance
• [06:53] Fan calls: Addressing image vs. substance and early career experiences in the US market
• [09:20] Relationship with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic fans; on singing in English
• [10:40] Uplifting fan call from Mario about Colombian pride
• [11:38] Language fumbling: “stick shift” and moments of levity
• [13:28] Creative process behind music videos and Shakira’s control over artistic direction

---

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an intimate look at Shakira’s dual cultural identities, her evolving journey as a crossover artist, her humility and humor as an international icon, and her unwavering dedication to authentic expression. Live fan interactions and Shakira’s candid, thoughtful answers make for an insightful, fun, and inclusive listening experience.

---

For more, listen to the full episode or visit The Bert Show online.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states. January is when we recommit to the habits that support our health and well being. And naturally we start looking at what can support those goals, including supplements. The supplement industry is a low trust category. It's lightly regulated products are easy to make and companies don't even have to list everything on their label. That's exactly why I choose Momentous. They've become the high trust brand in a low trust category. They weren't satisfied with the industry standard, so they built the Momentus standard. Their commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. What truly sets Momentus apart is their testing and transparency. Every product is independently certified by NSF for sport, meaning it's tested for contaminants, heavy metals, banned substances, and verified for label accuracy. So you always know exactly what you're putting in your body. And if a product doesn't meet their standard, it never hits the shelves. In a space where trust is rare, Momentous is redefining what trust looks like. And I've genuinely felt the difference using their protein and creatine every day. Right now, Momentous is offering our listeners up to 35% off your first order with promo code PODCAST. Head to livemomentous.com and use promo code PODCAST for up to 35 percent off your first order. That's livemomentous.com promo code PODCAST.

[Radio Host]

The Fruit Show. People love Shakira. I just don't. I never can understand why there's such a gap between America and the rest of the world when it comes to music. Let's ask Shakira that question. Hi, Shakira.

[Shakira]

Hello. Good morning. How are you doing, guys?

[Radio Host]

How are you?

[Shakira]

I love how you say my name. Shakira.

[Radio Host]

Shakira. Do you want to hear how long? Do you want to hear how long I can roll an arm? No, don't do it to her. Don't do it to her.

[Shakira]

Sounds very cute.

[Radio Host]

Oh, you're cute now. See, now I'm melting.

[Shakira]

Cute little radio man.

[Radio Host]

Yes, I'm doing another cute little English speaking radio station. It's funny when you do your.

[Shakira]

It's like Bart Simpson with the aikaramba.

[Radio Host]

Hey, Sakira, Melissa asks a good question here. Yeah, I'm just fascinated by the fact that you're not the first artist, but certainly the most recent, that, you know, I mean, worldwide, you are phenomenon. And then here in America, it's just not quite that level. And why do you think that there is such a difference?

[Shakira]

Well, laundry service did so good in America that I never expected such a welcome, you know, and so warm of an embracement of my music. And I feel so thankful, you know, with American fans for having listened to my music in English and in Spanish as well. You know, believe it or not, I think that every time more and more people who are more open to listen to music in Spanish, actually, MTV and VH1, for the first time ever, have been rotating this video entirely in Spanish, you know, and even the making of the video was done in Spanish with subtitles in English for MTV America. So I think things are changing and we're breaking barriers, and this is much more of a global world and we're much closer to each other than what we think, you know, and we're more similar than what we think think we are. Beyond the cultural differences and the language and the frontiers.

[Radio Host]

Shakira, is there a small part of you that almost enjoys the. I don't wanna say lack of attention because you certainly get a lot of attention in our country. But in other parts of the world, I mean, you are attacked. I mean, the press is all over you. You can't step out of the house. And in our country, it's a little bit different. Is there a part of you that enjoys a little bit more freedom in our country than around the world?

[Shakira]

Actually, I had to move to the Bahamas.

[Radio Host]

Oh, is that right?

[Shakira]

Where I really feel much more tranquil and isolated. And I have the privacy and the space to create and be with myself. And by myself, sometimes it's where I can really get introspective. And I think every artist needs those sort of spaces, right? Because, for example, there's places like. Like. Or the cities in the US where things are easier for celebrity, you know, like Los Angeles, maybe. But, for example, to walk in Miami, for me, it's possible. There's always paparazzi. It's not that the people, you know, the people are not the problem. Because I really love having that contact with my fans. I enjoy, you know, I always give autographs. I loved, you know, taking pictures of people who asked me to take pictures with them. But it's just the paparazzi, what I find very annoying. You know, that's La Tortura of Shakira. That's my own torture, really, that invasion. Because you know, when you're doing an interview with a journalist, that's it. You do your interview, you go home, and that's it. But paparazzi are sometimes hanging from a tree, and you don't even realize they're taking pictures. In privacy of your own house. Things are difficult to cope with.

[Radio Host]

Shakira, I can't stop hearing about your.

[Shakira]

Video in the studio.

[Radio Host]

Okay. And your hip shaking, your belly dancing.

[Shakira]

Moves are absolutely amazing. Where in the world did you learn how to do that? Thank you. I don't know. I guess it's a DNA thing, you know, genetics. I've been belly dancing since I was 4 years old. And that probably has to do a lot with the fact that I was born in a town where people, I think, learn how to dance before they even learn how to walk. That's the Caribbean. You know, it's like that people. There's a. There's a huge culture around dancing and cult of the body as well.

[Radio Host]

So if you ever come to Atlanta.

[Shakira]

Could you give me a lesson? Sure.

[Radio Host]

Okay. If you're ever here in Atlanta, I want. Okay.

[Shakira]

I want a belly dancing moves lesson from Shakira. I think my husband would enjoy that. Yeah, yeah. Whenever. Whenever, wherever.

[Radio Host]

Hey, Shakira, a whole bunch of your fans would like to talk to you. Do you have some time to take some calls?

[Shakira]

Of course. Yes, always.

[Radio Host]

And, Vanessa, good morning. You are on with Shakira.

[Shakira]

Hey, good morning. I'm a big fan, Shakira. I'm a fellow Colombian, and there's a lot of Colombians actually here in Atlanta. I know. I've been following you since Don Espanos ladrones. And I've seen as soon as you step out into the American market, they sexualize you and your body, and it's basically focused on how you move. And you obviously add to that. Do you think that takes away from your music? Because I find you a beautiful poet when you sing. So do you think that takes away from kind of the message and what you're trying to portray? Thank you. Well, I feel that I've had a career for 14 years singing in Spanish. And of course, that means that there's a really deep relationship with my Hispanic fans and my music, and there's a deep understanding of what I do because of the time that's involved in this relationship. And it's normal. I find it very normal that when an artist is new to a market, like I was a couple of years ago with laundry service, people first focus on the external, on the moves, on the looks. On the music itself, but. And probably they don't take the time to listen to what you say or the lyrics and stuff. And then little by little, once they establish a relationship with you, they start discovering you more deeply. And I think that's what happened. I'm sure that the people who have laundry service in their houses, they know me much better than the people who don't because taken the time to listen to the lyrics in my songs and to understand who I really am and where I come from and what my motivations are in life. But that, you know, like, everything that always takes time. Like in relationship, you know, when you're dating somebody, you first, you know, feel attracted to that person, maybe in the physical aspect, and then there's a spiritual connection that comes after Shakira.

[Radio Host]

You're talking about that deep relationship that you have with your fans in the Latin community. Do you find any in the.

[Shakira]

No, but I'm also talking about the deep connection that I feel I have with my also non Hispanic fans around the world and in America that have laundry service, you know, that have the time to really listen to each one of my songs in the album. And, you know, beyond the people who just watch me on TV and see me as a celebrity.

[Radio Host]

Right.

[Shakira]

You know what I mean?

[Radio Host]

Has there been any, like, any resentment in the Latino community that you do your songs in English? Would they rather just have you continue to do them in Spanish?

[Shakira]

No, I think that they understand that it was really important for me to go down that road and explore new possibilities and open myself to the world. And I feel that they see me also as an ambassador of my culture and my country and my Hispanic. I take everywhere I go that flag and plant it in each one of the countries I visit. So I feel that they've accompanied me throughout this process In a very beautiful, warm way.

[Radio Host]

You know, Mario, you're on all the hits, Q100 and the Burt show, talking to Shakira. Hey, Mario.

[Shakira]

My name is Mario. I'm from Colombia as well. No, simplemente. I just wanted to call and tell you that I'm very happy that you are making it and us as Colombians here. There are a lot of Colombians in the Atlanta metro area. And we are very, very proud of you because you are definitely a sign of hope, because we all come from a country with a lot of turmoil, a lot of problems. Yes. And, you know, seeing you out there making it, it gives a lot of inspiration, inspires me to make it in my own field. And what I want to do and seeing you out there doing it, it's just really good. And I support you 150%. I'm very proud of you. Thank you so much. Those are very beautiful words. Very, very proud of you. Okay, so keep going. Be strong, and hopefully, you know, we'll get out. You know, we'll get out of this situation in Colombia and, you know, we'll turn heads. Amen.

[Radio Host]

Thanks, Mario.

[Shakira]

All right, bye. Bye. Okay, bye.

[Radio Host]

Hey, Shakira. Are there words in English that no matter how much you try, you just.

[Shakira]

Can'T pronounce in English as much as.

[Radio Host]

You practice and practice and practice?

[Shakira]

Yeah, there's one stiff. What do you call that? I can never remember that. You know, when the car is not automatic? The opposite.

[Radio Host]

Standard.

[Shakira]

Standard. Yeah, but would you say stiff?

[Radio Host]

Stick shift.

[Podcast Host]

Stick shift.

[Shakira]

Stick shift.

[Radio Host]

Yes.

[Shakira]

Stick shift.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yeah.

[Shakira]

I always say stick is. I don't know. I say never say the right thing. Stick.

[Radio Host]

Stick, shift.

[Shakira]

Whatever.

[Podcast Host]

Say it again.

[Radio Host]

Say it again.

[Podcast Host]

Other than Shakira.

[Radio Host]

Yeah? Are there words in Spanish you have trouble pronouncing?

[Podcast Host]

All of them?

[Radio Host]

Yes, Shakira. It's stick shift.

[Shakira]

Stick shift.

[Podcast Host]

You got it.

[Radio Host]

You got it, you got it.

[Podcast Host]

There you go.

[Shakira]

Yeah, but I'm sure I'll forget it. I'll forget it again.

[Radio Host]

Once again, the new album is. And correct me if I'm wrong here it's fijacion oral. It's in stores now. And then in November, the album oral fixation comes out. Correct.

[Shakira]

Volume two.

[Radio Host]

Yes, volume two. Got it. Anything else I'm not covering? What other do you have? Movies coming out, more videos. What else is happening in Shakira's world?

[Shakira]

I'm sure. New video soon. It's the remix video to this same song, you know, and that I think will come out this week. This week. And there's more videos coming out soon and a tour next year and an album, November.

[Podcast Host]

That's all. About.

[Radio Host]

Whose concept was it for the video with all the, you know, the oil and all that? Was that your idea or is that somebody else?

[Shakira]

Well, it was a collaboration. You know, I get really involved in everything I do. I can't help it. I'm like a guardian dog, always witnessing and really watching the process of everything I do. Because, you know, I feel that, you know, that's what I have to do somehow take care of. Every single detail has to do with my career and the creative aspect of it. So this video, I don't know, the director came up with the script, and then I came up with the idea of slicing the onions. And the tomato scene. And I wanted to be dancing on the roof deck. And then this idea of, you know, putting the oil rose and the black painting and all of that, which is something that I was looking for, you know, I really wanted to, like, portray this juxtaposition of ideas between the tribal and the urban. You know, I always felt like it was my alter ego who was dancing on the roof deck, you know, like the beast inside me or something like that. The angry Shakira.

[Radio Host]

Well, it's obviously getting a lot of play because it seems like whenever I turn MTV on, there it is, you know.

[Shakira]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Radio Host]

Well, congratulations. And again, we will link up to your website and we'll tell everybody to go out and buy the album. And we certainly hope when you're in Atlanta, you can stop on by.

[Shakira]

Oh, yeah, I will. Thank you so much, guys.

[Radio Host]

Okay, thank you. Bye now.

[Shakira]

Talk to you soon.

[Radio Host]

Bye bye.

[Shakira]

Bye bye.

[Radio Host]

The Bird Show.

[Shakira]

In a world where January is supposed to be boring, one staple of the holidays refuses to the great deals at Verizon, the joy just keeps on coming. Right now you can save on four new phones and four lines. Critics agree it's the deal that keeps on giving. Come into Verizon and save on four.

[Radio Host]

New phones and four lines on unlimited.

[Shakira]

Welcome. Additional terms apply. See verizon.com for details.

[Podcast Host]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching your insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy. Just drop in some details about yourself and see if you're eligible to save money. When you bundle your home and auto policies. The process only takes minutes and it could mean hundreds more in your pocket. Visit progressive.com after this episode to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Shakira]

ACAST powers the world's best podcasts. Here's a show that we recommend.

[Radio Host]

Hey, it's Christy.

[Shakira]

And I'm Kelly.

[Radio Host]

You might remember us as the OG Partners in crime from Dance Moms. Well, this is Back to the Bar, the podcast where we drag out every.

[Shakira]

Insane, chaotic and iconic moment from the show.

[Radio Host]

We're spilling the tea, calling out all the BS and sharing stuff you definitely.

[Shakira]

Didn'T see on tv.

[Radio Host]

New episodes drop every week and yes, we're laughing through the drama for once. Follow, grab a drink and join us as we go back to the bar. ACAST helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere. Acast.com.