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.