Port of Entry

KPBS
  • 4.7 (102)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

These are cross-border stories that connect us. Border people often inhabit this in-between place. From KPBS “Port of Entry” tells personal stories from this place — stories of love, hope, struggle, and survival from border crossers, fronterizxs, and other people whose lives are shaped around the wall. Rooted in San Diego and Tijuana, we are a transborder podcast for transborder people. We live life on la linea. Hosted by Alan Lilienthal and Natalie Gonzalez, written and produced by Julio C. Ortiz Franco, mixed and sound designed by Adrian Villalobos.

  1. La Escala Planetaria, parte 3: Ita y la búsqueda del santo grial

    5D AGO

    La Escala Planetaria, parte 3: Ita y la búsqueda del santo grial

    Estamos en medio de una crisis ambiental, y nuestros estilos de vida urbanos a menudo chocan con los sistemas naturales que nos sostienen, especialmente cuando se trata de los materiales que usamos para construir. Ese fue el enfoque de los primeros dos episodios de esta serie "La Escala Planetaria", Parte 1 y Parte 2. En esta tercera edición, seguimos a Itamar “Ita” Lilienthal, un bio diseñador y arquitecto emergente que está desarrollando alternativas a materiales convencionales con biomateriales. Él cree haber encontrado un biomaterial prometedor que podría ayudar a reducir nuestra dependencia a la madera y reducir el impacto ambiental. Acompañamos a Ita a uno de sus talleres donde demuestra este material y a visitar a otro innovador con ideas afines que está haciendo lo mismo que Ita pero en de los plásticos biodegradables: el Dr. Stephen Mayfield de Algenesis Labs. Y si el apellido de Ita te suena, es porque él es el hermano menor de Alan. No querrás perderte este episodio. ¡Nos vemos pronto! P.S Los prometido es deuda y aquí las fechas de los restos de los episodios que nos hicieron falta de producir en español La Escala Planetaria pt 4 - Mayo 2026 Juan Soldado - Octubre 2026 Redes sociales y contacto De KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Puedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo. Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a corporatesupport@kpbs.org Nos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a podcasts@kpbs.org con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast. Créditos Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Escritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Productor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian Villalobos Editora: Chrissy Nguyen Episodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Directora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette

    35 min
  2. Port of Entry short - 2025 Year in Review

    5D AGO

    Port of Entry short - 2025 Year in Review

    Hey friends! 2025 was a busy year for us! We featured some truly memorable stories that we were thrilled to share with you: From the excitement of having your own MLS soccer franchise, to the touching journey of a displaced woman trying to reunite with her family, to the innovative approaches environmentalists are developing to tackle everyday challenges. What we didn't get to share with you was how many public engagements we participated in last year — with presentations both north and south of the border. It was a memorable experience to meet some of you in person and hang out with great friends. To share these experiences with you, we've put together a short video where we talk about these appearances and share some behind-the-scenes footage. Welcome to another Port of Entry short — hope you enjoy it! /////////////////////////////////////// Hola compitas! 2025 fue un año súper ocupado para nosotros! Presentamos algunas historias verdaderamente memorables que nos entusiasmó compartir con ustedes: desde la emoción de tener tu propia franquicia de fútbol de la MLS hasta el conmovedor viaje de una mujer desplazada tratando de reunirse con su familia, hasta las innovaciones que unos ambientalistas están desarrollando para enfrentar los desafíos cotidianos. Lo que no llegamos a compartir con ustedes es la cantidad de presentaciones en los que participamos este año, con presentaciones tanto al norte como al sur de la frontera. Fue memorable conocer a algunos de ustedes en persona y al igual pasar tiempo con grandes amigos. Para compartir estas experiencias con ustedes, hemos preparado un corto video donde hablamos sobre estas apariciones y compartimos algunos videos detrás de cámaras. Bienvenidos a otro corto de "Port of Entry" — ¡esperamos que lo disfruten! About Season 6 Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region. This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research. From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics! Listen in and join us! Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

    9 min
  3. Trump 2.0: Inmigración y el impacto fronterizo

    FEB 6

    Trump 2.0: Inmigración y el impacto fronterizo

    Nos sentamos con Gustavo Solís, reportero de frontera de KPBS, y Cassandra López, Directora de Litigación de Al Otro Lado, para reflexionar sobre los cambios más significativos en la política de inmigración y cómo han impactado en la región fronteriza.

    41 min
  4. Trump 2.0: A conversation — Immigration and the border impact

    JAN 30

    Trump 2.0: A conversation — Immigration and the border impact

    It’s no surprise that the first year of President Trump's second term offers much to reflect upon, both internationally and domestically, particularly regarding immigration policy and tactics. Many changes have taken place over the past year, which may be confusing for many people. Some of those changes have directly impacted people in the border region. To clarify and help us understand how everything has unfolded, we are joined by two guests: KPBS border reporter Gustavo Solis and Cassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado. This is a Port of Entry conversation: Trump 2.0: Immigration and the border impact. You won't want to miss this episode. Nos vemos pronto! Guests: Gustavo Solis, KPBS border reporter Cassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado About Season 6 Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.  This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.  From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics! Listen in and join us! Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

    44 min
  5. The Planetary Scale, part 4: Slowing the flow, redux

    12/30/2025

    The Planetary Scale, part 4: Slowing the flow, redux

    We're in the midst of an environmental crisis, and our urban lifestyles often clash with the natural systems that support us — especially when it comes to how we manage our waste. Stopping the flow of cross-border pollution can feel like a Sisyphean task. With every effort to tackle it, more trash seems to appear. That's why addressing the pollution crisis at the border takes a multifaceted approach. It involves many different types of interventions — from trash barriers to hillside reforestation to trash collection and repurposing efforts. In this fourth and final installment of The Planetary Scale, we talk with four fronterizos who have been at the forefront of efforts to mitigate this issue and check back in with old friends from six years ago.   If you have checked our past installments of this series, here are links to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Steven Wright Guests: Waylon Matson of 4walls International Oscar Romo of AlterTerra Jorge Ibañez of Las Hormiguitas Nursery Adela Bonilla of La Casa de las Botellas You don't want to miss this episode. Nos vemos pronto! About Season 6 Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.  This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.  From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics! Listen in and join us! Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen & Elma González Lima Brandão Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortiz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

    39 min
  6. The Planetary Scale, part 3: Ita’s quest for the holy grail

    12/12/2025

    The Planetary Scale, part 3: Ita’s quest for the holy grail

    We're in the midst of an environmental crisis, and our urban lifestyles often clash with the natural systems that support us — especially when it comes to the materials we use to build. That was the focus of the first two episodes of this “Planetary Scale” series, Part 1 and Part 2. In this third installment, we follow Itamar “Ita” Lilienthal, an emerging biodesigner and architect who is developing sustainable material alternatives. He believes he may have found a promising biomaterial that could help reduce our environmental impact. We’ll follow along as Ita leads a workshop where he demonstrates this material and trades insights with another like-minded inventor making waves in the world of biodegradable plastics: Dr. Stephen Mayfield of Algenesis Labs And if Ita’s last name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s Alan’s younger brother. You don't want to miss this episode. Nos vemos pronto! About Season 6 Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.  This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.  From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics! Listen in and join us! Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen & Elma González Lima Brandão Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

    29 min
  7. Bonus Episode: Day of the Dead Special - A friend reconnects with her roots

    11/01/2025

    Bonus Episode: Day of the Dead Special - A friend reconnects with her roots

    In this special Día de Muertos bonus episode, Natalie invites KPBS web producer Leslie Gonzalez to explore Tijuana’s famous Mercado Hidalgo and discover the stunning altar that’s built each year to honor the market’s founding partners who have passed away. But there’s a twist: Leslie has never actually visited Tijuana. Her parents always warned her that it was too dangerous. Now, this trip becomes a personal journey of discovery, connection, and celebration that goes far beyond the border itself. It immerses her in the colors, flavors, and traditions of Día de Muertos. Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

    26 min
  8. Bonus Episode: Halloween Special - The (True Crime) Case of Juan Soldado

    10/30/2025

    Bonus Episode: Halloween Special - The (True Crime) Case of Juan Soldado

    Like many cities, Tijuana is rich with folklore and eerie legends. One such tale is the story of Juan Castillo Morales, also known as Juan Soldado, the unofficial patron saint of migrants. In 1938, Castillo Morales, a military private stationed in Tijuana, was convicted of the rape and murder of 8-year-old Olga Camacho, a girl who lived near the military barracks. However, many believe he was wrongfully accused. According to local folklore, his spirit still wanders the old cemetery in downtown Tijuana, where some claim to have heard him proclaiming his innocence, among other supernatural occurrences. We delve deep into this folktale to uncover the truth behind the legend — the historical context, the people involved and the story of how he became known as the patron saint of migrants. To help distinguish fact from fiction, we spoke with Fernando Escobedo, a historian from Tijuana who has extensively researched the city's past. His work sheds new light on this enigmatic case through the testimony of Fausto Matus, a possible witness to the crime. Don’t miss this episode, where we unravel the mystery surrounding this iconic legend from Tijuana. Sources: “Religiosidad Popular en Tijuana, el culto de Juan Soldado” by Gabriel Rivera and Jose Saldaña “Juan Soldado: Rapist, Murderer, Martyr, Saint” by Paul J. Vanderwood Fernando Escobedo books, articles and contributions Caesar. La ensalada más famosa del mundo. World’s Famous Salad; 100 años. Thirty-Something Things You didn't know about Tijuana. About Streets: Perspectives on Urbanism, Architecture, and Placemaking Social media and contact From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp

    1h 3m
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
102 Ratings

About

These are cross-border stories that connect us. Border people often inhabit this in-between place. From KPBS “Port of Entry” tells personal stories from this place — stories of love, hope, struggle, and survival from border crossers, fronterizxs, and other people whose lives are shaped around the wall. Rooted in San Diego and Tijuana, we are a transborder podcast for transborder people. We live life on la linea. Hosted by Alan Lilienthal and Natalie Gonzalez, written and produced by Julio C. Ortiz Franco, mixed and sound designed by Adrian Villalobos.

Information

  • Creator
    KPBS
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KPBS Public Media
  • Show Website
    Port of Entry

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