Two Years, Bold Moves: The Rise of La Pija and La Quinqui
In a short span, Carlos Peguer and Marián Maturana elevated their podcast duo, La Pija and La Quinqui, into a standout force on the audiovisual scene. From modest beginnings, the show grew into a benchmark within its genre, celebrated for its casual, irreverent tone and a knack for sparking conversations that resonate with audiences across North America and beyond. Notable visitors have included prominent figures such as Rosalia and Pedro Sánchez, and their appeal has led to a coveted invitation from Ron Barceló to the third edition of the winter music festival Nevalia, held at Aramón Formigal.
Seizing the moment, the pair used the festival setting to celebrate the second anniversary of their digital space. They spoke with Ricky García for YOTELE, the television portal of El Periódico de Catalunya under the Prensa Ibérica umbrella. Marián emphasized their rapid ascent: the podcast quickly landed in the Top 5 on Spotify within its first month, illustrating a momentum that surprised even them.
Reflecting on the media leap they took with Rosalia, the duo noted that it represented a major milestone. They launched that moment from a home setup with a modest computer and no professional on-camera footage. The appearance alongside Pedro Sánchez followed a similar trajectory, helping their audience reach a broader TV audience who could discover their personalities and points of view. The experience even drew coverage in mainstream media, underscoring the impact of their candid style.
Following the early seasons of La Pija y La Quinqui, Peguer and Maturana were offered a surprising opportunity: to join the discussions on El Conquistador on TVE, sharing social-media reactions about what the show did not showcase. Looking back, they recall the opportunity with a mix of humor and reflection, noting it was “a challenging experience” that helped them understand media dynamics from a different angle.
Marían Maturana explained that the team was treated well and felt comfortable, yet recognized that the format did not align with their evolving goals. As they entered their sixth season of the podcast, they began learning what works for them and what does not, including the importance of saying no when necessary. Carlos Peguer added that the initial program concept shifted as they developed. The original pitch fit only for a while, and the duo found themselves adapting to new realities and discovering a more authentic path.
Ultimately, the program in question did not feel like their core focus. The pair came from a self-managed project and preferred a lean setup with a small team, making quick decisions and continuing to work with accessible telephony equipment. They acknowledged that the broader television landscape also shaped perceptions, with audience expectations and industry norms evolving as media landscapes shifted. Yet Marián remained open to future television opportunities, stating that no doors are closed, even as they currently prioritize other formats and platforms.
For viewers in Canada and the United States, the story of La Pija and La Quinqui stands as a case study in independent content creation that scales. It highlights how authentic voices built on grassroots momentum can attract high-profile attention, while also reminding creators that growth does not always align with traditional formats. The duo’s experience underscores the value of improvisation, audience engagement, and strategic diversification across media channels. Attribution: industry observations on podcast growth and cross-media convergence.