Welcome to the Rio Grande Podcast, the valley's newest adventure. If you live anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, this show is about YOU. This is your home, and you're proud of it! It's time to showcase the power and beauty of this region we've all grown to love. We're going to explore the best ways to thrive living in South Texas, empower each other to stay healthy in the middle of Hispanic culture, and illuminate the faces of local business. It's time to build community and amplify the voic ...
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Bradley Freeman Jr.: From Brownsville TX to Sesame Street, The Muppets and Beyond
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Bradley Freeman, Jr. grew up dreaming of puppeteering for A-list TV shows like Sesame Street and The Muppets. Fast forward only a few short years, and he is doing Exactly that. It’s amazing: A regular Sesame Street character puppeteer from Brownsville! Get to know @BradleyFreemanJr and listen in on his incredibly rare journey straight to the top of…
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Actress Dannie McCallum from Edinburg, TX!
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Marvel’s Echo- and Tom Hanks’ Here Actress Dannie McCallum is an Edinburg native who has excelled in the world of film/theatre since her time with ECISD. Now in LA, Dannie is a full-time actress who has already taken on multiple roles in her exciting career. Today, she hops on the podcast to spend some time with the place she calls home. Get to kno…
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V’s Up! This week we sit down with UTRGV Football RB Coach Marco Regalado, a Zapata, TX native who found his way back to South Texas. You’ll find him on the sidelines or on stage, and you just might find him behind the grill. Find out how he discovered his love for coaching and what drives him every day. Get to know another member of your all-new D…
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This week and we sit down and get to know one of the most recognized and loved faces of the Rio Grande Valley: Channel 5’s very own Tim Smith! Tim reflects on his career journey, shares what he loves about covering weather in South Texas, and answers some fun questions in between. Huge thanks to Tim for taking some time to share his story with the …
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Harlingen’s Cookies4College: A Sweet Small-Business Journey with Madelynn Birdwell
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This week we sit down with Madelynn Birdwell, founder/owner of the beloved ‘Cookies4College’ in Harlingen. We wanted to know: How do you grow a small unknown college-saving side gig into a thriving high-demand business that everyone loves? This is another RGV market/pop-up shop success story that you’ll love, from an incredible local you should kno…
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Nana's Taqueria: A Little Piece of Beautiful México in Weslaco, TX
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Have you been to @NanasTaqueria in Weslaco? What has blossomed into a ‘Business of the Year’ success story started out as a last-ditch effort to stay afloat in the middle of life-changing moves on a small corner lot in Weslaco. Listen in as owner Roxanna Treviño looks back on a whirlwind journey of determination, necessity, vulnerability and love t…
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Steve Rogers: I Survived Getting Hit By a Truck
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Meet Stephen Rogers, an auto-pedestrian accident victim who lived to tell the tale. Rogers’ life got slammed to a halt by a nightmare of an accident right in front of his daughter. One month-long medically induced coma and multiple trauma and reconstructive surgeries later, he joins the show to reflect on his journey to recovery. Make sure to follo…
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Rick Torres, Paramedic/Fire (Pt.2) - The Life of a Paramedic in South Texas
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A look inside the lives of our local first responders: Rick Torres is a veteran paramedic with also 10 years of service as a firefighter. As citizens/residents of our communities, we don’t always get to see what really goes on inside the lives and careers of our first-responder neighbors. We learn today that the role of a paramedic involves a lot m…
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Rick Torres, Firefighter/Paramedic (Pt.1) - Inside Fire Rescue in the RGV
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A look inside the lives of our local first responders: Rick Torres is a 10-year veteran firefighter with 2 years of service as a paramedic. As citizens/residents of our communities, we don’t always get to see what really goes on inside the lives and careers of our first-responder neighbors. We learn today that the role of a firefighter involves a l…
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Sea Turtle, Inc. - Saving the Planet’s Sea Turtles with Wendy Knight, CEO
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This week we take a deep dive into the work going on at Sea Turtle, Inc. in South Padre Island. Have you visited yet? Sea Turtle, Inc. truly is the future of sea turtle conservation for the world. The most common species found here is the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle - a critically endangered species. One of the facility’s biggest objectives? Educating…
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Gilbert Hernandez of ‘Búho’: The Community Bookstore that Brownsville Needed
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Have you checked out ‘Búho’ bookstore? Búho is the Rio Grande Valley’s newest local bookstore in downtown Brownsville. What started out literally as a wandering shower thought turned into a local gem of a bookshop that is bringing people together every week to help build the sense of community that the 956 deserves. From regular wine tastings to ad…
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Therapist Valerie Rivera: Trauma, Relationships and Healing in the 956
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This week we take a dive into the world of therapy and counseling with licensed therapist Valerie Rivera to discuss the state of mental health in the Rio Grande Valley. As a specialist in childhood trauma and couples therapy, Valerie works hard to brighten the lives of her neighbors by helping them heal from life’s trials and navigate everyday chal…
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‘Freddsters’: 1.4 Million on TikTok! Meet Major Foodie-Content Creator Alfredo Garcia
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Freddsters is in the building! This week we sit down with viral tik tok foodie Alfredo Garcia to talk about his career in content creation and explore how he was able to go from working with the family business to exploding into social media stardom. We also discuss how he found himself in the middle of a viral situation with singer Cardi B! With o…
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Music Artist Daphne Michelle: A Singer’s Dream Unfolding in Front of the World
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Have you discovered the beautiful Daphne Michelle? Check out this week’s episode to see what it took to turn a dream into a goal - and a goal into an unfolding beautiful reality. Listen to Daphne’s story and check out the music style that is taking her to new heights in the Latin American music world. Support her work and don’t forget to follow @Da…
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Mercedes Author Tessie Ledesma: Fulfilling Dreams and Spreading Love with Polly the Possum
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Tessie Ledesma is a new author who chased her lifelong dream of writing a book, a journey that took her from pageants to possums in the middle of the pandemic. When she saw first-hand the need to spread a much-needed message about self-love and belonging, she knew she had to act, but she needed to find a way to speak to the thousands of kids that n…
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Lexi Peralta: The (Non-Toxic) Candles That Keep Harlingen Glowing
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Hey guys! This week we head to Harlingen to talk to Ms. Lexi Peralta of Jade Candle Co. to meet another local business owner who has taken Cameron County by storm with her non-toxic custom made candles. The story of how she got into this business is as fun and interesting as she is herself! Learn about the candle-making process, what she loves abou…
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Celebrity Chef Graham Campbell: From Scotland to Edinburg (Texas!)
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Did you know the Rio Grande Valley is home to a Michelin-starred celebrity chef? Meet Chef Graham Campbell, owner of Castlehill Bistro in Edinburg, Texas. Find out how a bona fide Scottish Head Chef found his way from the small towns of Scotland to the biggest cooking competitions in the USA. Before he finally found his place in South Texas, he tou…
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RGV Dietician Isaac Anzaldua - Food, Culture and Perspective
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This week we head to Rio Grande City to talk to Mr. Isaac Anzaldua, Registered Dietician. You might recognize his last name as he is connected to the people that the Anzalduas Park and Bridge around Mission, Texas are named after. Join the conversation as he reflects on his love of food, culture and his people. Be sure to follow @nuestro.nutrition …
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UTRGV Vaquero Football: The Rio Grande Valley Meets Head Coach Travis Bush
24:45
24:45
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Hey #VaqueroNation! Your very first UTRGV Football Head coach Mr. Travis Bush has arrived to #RallyTheValley behind our new D1 football program and it’s time to get to know him a little better! A true Texan through-and-through, Coach Bush has absolutely made his mark at the highest levels of Texas High School- and College football, both as a player…
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Meet Brody Rivers: Texas Country Music Star Rising Straight from Cameron County
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Brody Rivers is a rising Texas country music artist from Rio Hondo, TX. Join him on his journey through the raging country music scene as he reflects on the start of his newfound career and all that has come with it, including a shot at competing on the hit series American Idol. Be sure to check out @BrodyRiversMusic on social media and your favori…
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Ingrid Monserrat: “Planting” Change in the RGV with Maria Cruz Cuisine
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Hey RGV! Season Two is here and it’s starting off with a bang! Meet Ingrid Monserrat, local visionary and owner of Maria Cruz Cuisine plant-based restaurant. Driven by a mission to “Be the Change”, Ms. Ingrid has found her passion of guiding the community to a healthier lifestyle through wellness and plant-based eating. Growing up around ranching a…
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The Rio Grande Podcast - Introducing Season 2
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Text us! Support the Show.By RGV 956 - Rio Grande Valley, Texas
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The Rio Grande Podcast: Season One Recap - Part 2
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And so, just like that… Season one of @TheRioGrandePodcast is officially wrapped up! We want to thank all of our listeners for the amazing support and all the feedback and positive comments over the last several months. This level of engagement was almost unprecedented/unexpected for the show’s first set of episodes, so we really felt that it was b…
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The Rio Grande Podcast: Season One Recap - Part 1
27:20
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And so, just like that… Season one of @TheRioGrandePodcast is officially wrapped up! We want to thank all of our listeners for the amazing support and all the feedback and positive comments over the last several months. This level of engagement was almost unprecedented/unexpected for the show’s first set of episodes, so we really felt that it was b…
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Nick Stacey: Fragile Planet Wildlife Park
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Meet Nick Stacey, local wildlife conservationist and co-owner of Fragile Planet Wildlife Park, a new wild immersive attraction here in Los Fresnos, TX. Listen to the story of how and why he decided to bring a whole new zoo experience to the Rio Grande Valley and what this new wildlife park has to offer. From exotics to native species, this place de…
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Alex Velasco: The "Fork to Fit Kitchen" Revolution
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This week we sit down with Alex Velasco, local visionary and co-Founder/CEO of @ForkToFitKitchen based in McAllen. Driven by a passion for health and wellness , he has taken on the challenge of working to “revolutionize the way people eat, to empower a happier, healthier world.” Deep within a society where fast life is powered by Fast Food, Velasco…
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Daniel Seddiqui: The “Most Traveled Person in America” Visits the RGV
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It was his Grande Finale! The “most-traveled man in America” has spent years exploring the United States to get a taste of life and work in every corner of the country. He had seen and experienced it all - except for one last piece of the map: the great South Texas. Now that he’s finally conquered his “final frontier” in the RGV, he’s sat down with…
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Giovanni Cardenas: All About Alpaquita Ranch
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In this episode, we head to the amazing Alpaquita Ranch in Monte Alto to meet owner Giovanni Cardenas and learn all about the alpaca farm that has taken the Rio Grande Valley by storm. We talk the farm’s origin story, Alpaca fun facts, and discuss all the things that make @AlpaquitaRanch a must-visit attraction in the RGV. Can you name the two type…
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The Rio Grande Podcast: Hanging Out with the Crew Part 2
35:47
35:47
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Have you seen the “Big Bird”?? Did they ever find Pancho Villa? Where did ‘fajitas’ and all those famous fajita tacos come from? And are all local-market commercials as witty as Valley commercials, or is that just an RGV thing? Listen in as the podcast peeps talk about local history and culture. Don’t forget to follow the show on social media and o…
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Arianna Cazares, RDH: Brushing Up On Dental Hygiene 101 in the 956
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Does your toothbrush look like it’s having a bad hair day? Do you still brush in circles?? And what’s with the whole “coated tongue” phenomenon? Listen in as local Registered Dental Hygienst Arianna Cazares fills us in on all the need-to-know basics on oral health and shares her vision of making the RGV a better place one smile at a time. Thank you…
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Corine Garcia Maldonado: The Power of Music with Starr Music Academy
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35:57
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Join us as we get to know Corine Garcia Maldonado, founder of Starr Music Academy, as she reflects on the deeper impact music has on her students and the world around us. A professional musician and dedicated music teacher, her work is helping future generations grow to become true “Starrs” of the Rio Grande Valley. Text us! Support the Show.…
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Lebby Salinas and Terry Drefke: Promoting Wellness and Healthier Eating in the 956 and Beyond
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Tune in this week as locals Terry Drefke and Lebby Salinas share their passion for empowering the community to lead safer, healthier lives through the power of food. Learn how they work to make the valley a better place, one bite at a time. Text us! Support the Show.By Rio Grande Valley, TX
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The Rio Grande Podcast: Hanging Out with the Crew
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What do you call those “bolis” pops in English? Were you a victim of Hispanic fear-mongering as a kid? Hang out with us as we sit down and talk life in the 956 and also highlight our love for local restaurants. Text us! Support the Show.By Rio Grande Valley, TX
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Glenn Simpson: Beekeeping with BayBees, Raw Honey Unfiltered
37:24
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Oh, honey! Join us this week for a lesson on bees and honey-harvesting as local beekeeper Glenn Simpson teaches us what we should know about the buzzing world of bees and his experience with his growing honey business, BayBees. Text us! Support the Show.By Rio Grande Valley, TX
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Zach Myers and Isaac Herrera: Hanging Out with Pharr Out Records
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On this episode, Zach Myers and Isaac Herrera of Pharr Out Records reflect on their business journey that took them from pop-up shop market success to opening the doors to their first storefront in Pharr, Texas! Through hard work and dedication, this 4-member team has brought the 956 a record shop to be proud of and an experience worth discovering.…
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Magdiel Castle: Discover the South Texas International Film Festival
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Have you been to the South Texas International Film Festival?? Every year hundreds of filmmakers from different parts of the world submit their works to be showcased for free right here in Edinburg, Texas for a chance to win awards and recognition from professionals in the film industry. Grab your popcorn and tacos as we talk to Magdiel Castle, Dir…
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Alyssa Cerroni: A Conversation with Yaqui Animal Rescue
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Are you an animal lover? It may surprise you that the Rio Grande Valley has some of the nation’s highest rates of strays and homelessness of our “furry friends”. To help combat the issue, shelters and organizations like Yaqui Animal Rescue have been working hard to give the Valley’s animals a new start and a better tomorrow. Join us as we meet Alys…
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Thomas Ray Garcia: Mentoring the Future of the Valley
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Thomas Ray Garcia is the founder of the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP) and a dedicated educator and author. The drive for his mission to provide college access for all was sparked by his “unlikely” journey from Pharr, TX to Princeton University where his made-it-out experience became the very catalyst for his homecoming and t…
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Bryceidee Leos: Glamour, Runways, and Personal Growth
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Pageants are just about looking pretty on stage, right? Well, you’ll most likely have a change of opinion after Bryceidee Leos explains what goes on behind the scenes and what it truly takes to hit the runway. Listen to her story and find out what pageantry has taught her and where it's led her today. Text us! Support the Show.…
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It's time! Welcome home! Text us! Support the Show.By Rio Grande Valley, TX
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In this episode, Sam sits down and explores his reasons for loving the place he calls home. What do you love about the RGV? Text us! Support the Show.By Rio Grande Valley, TX
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Jennifer Wilson: Flower Farming in a Blooming Community
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38:57
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Listen in as local flower farm owner Jennifer Wilson gives us a glimpse into the wonderful life of a school teacher-turned-business owner. Beloved in her community, Mrs. Wilson has witnessed her enjoyable side hustle blossom into a full-fledged triple-threat thriving business (and counting!). Text us! Support the Show.…
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Javier De Leon: Birding in the Rio Grande Valley
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Have you ever gone bird watching in the RGV? Did you know it's one of the Valley's greatest tourist attractions? Join us for a chat with Mr. Javier De Leon, Park Superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco as we delve into the wonderful world of birding in South Texas. Text us! Support the Show.…
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Welcome to the Rio Grande Podcast! Let's do this! Text us! Support the Show.By Samuel
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