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. Rebelde del Cine: Emilio Montiel y la audacia de soñar en grande (o cómo un cineasta mexicano construyó su propio imperio cinematográfico)

    5D AGO

    Rebelde del Cine: Emilio Montiel y la audacia de soñar en grande (o cómo un cineasta mexicano construyó su propio imperio cinematográfico)

    En el episodio de hoy, exploramos la trayectoria cinematográfica de Emilio Montiel, fundador de Producciones Montiel. Emilio es cantante, actor y productor de cine a sus 71 años, Su historia es tan adictiva como su obra. Si te topas con una de sus películas sin ver el número de visitas o leer los comentarios, te sorprendería saber que ha producido más de 200 películas y ha cautivado a audiencias de todo el mundo con sus lanzamientos directos a YouTube, acumulando más de 100 millones de visualizaciones — Sí, has leído bien. Su mezcla única de temas familiares, westerns mexicanos y su propio estilo musical desafía los estándares de Hollywood, creando un inesperado pero fiel seguimiento en línea. Pero el camino de Emilio no ha estado exento de desafíos. A lo largo de su carrera, ha enfrentado escepticismo y burlas, tanto personal como profesionalmente.Sin embargo, perseveró. Su historia es un testimonio de resiliencia y de encontrar la manera de realizar tus sueños, ya sea sacrificando un trabajo estable o adoptando métodos no convencionales para darle vida a tus proyectos. En el set, presenciamos la pasión que Emilio pone en su trabajo y el apoyo inquebrantable de su equipo, muchos de los cuales han encontrado un hogar creativo en sus producciones. La historia de Emilio es más que hacer películas. Es en sí misma un relato digno de la gran pantalla: una historia de perseverancia, creatividad y la incansable búsqueda por hacer lo que amas. Su historia sirve como recordatorio de que nunca es tarde para seguir tus sueños. Si tienes curiosidad por obtener una mirada detrás de cámaras en una de las producciones de Emilio, echa un vistazo al reportaje de nuestro colega de KPBS, Matt Bowler. ¡Incluso podrías ver un vistazo del brazo de Julio sosteniendo el micrófono! Un agradecimiento especial a Armando Hernández del podcast Trash-Mex por compartir su experiencia sobre los narco-westerns mexicanos y su impacto cultural. Mencionados en este episodio: Petula ClarkBernabé “El Gatillero” MelendrezLos Hermanos Almada (Mario Almada, Fernando Almada and Horacio Almada)Patricia RiveraVicente FernándezPelículas escuchadas en este episodio: “Dos Carteles”“Muerte en Tijuana”“No Más Muertes en la Frontera”Canciones escuchadas: “Prefiero Morir” de Emilio Montiel 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

    39 min
  2. Reel Rebel: Emilio Montiel and the courage to dream big (or how a Mexican filmmaker built his own movie empire)

    FEB 28

    Reel Rebel: Emilio Montiel and the courage to dream big (or how a Mexican filmmaker built his own movie empire)

    In today’s episode, we explore the filmmaking journey of Emilio Montiel, a 71-year-old singer, actor and film producer — and founder of Producciones Montiel. His story is as binge-worthy as his work. If you stumbled upon one of his films without seeing the view count or reading the comments, you might be surprised to learn that he has produced more than 200 movies and captivated audiences worldwide with his direct-to-YouTube releases, amassing more than 100 million views. Yes, you read that right. His unique blend of family themes, Mexican Westerns and his own musical style defies Hollywood standards — creating an unexpected but devoted online following. But Emilio's path has not been without challenges. Throughout his career, he has faced skepticism and mockery, both personally and professionally. Still, he persevered. His story is a testament to resilience — and to using unconventional methods to bring a lifelong dream to life. On set, we witnessed the passion Emilio pours into his work — and the unwavering support of his team, many of whom have found a creative home in his productions. Emilio's journey is more than filmmaking. It's cinematic in its own right — a story of perseverance, creativity and the relentless pursuit of doing what you love. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. If you're curious to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Emilio's productions, check out KPBS video journalist Matt Bowler’s latest story. You might even catch a glimpse Julio’s arm holding the mic! Special thanks to Armando Hernandez of the Trash-Mex podcast for sharing his expertise on narco-Mex Westerns and their cultural impact. Mentioned in this episode: Petula ClarkBernabé “El Gatillero” MelendrezThe Almada Brothers (Mario Almada, Fernando Almada and Horacio Almada)Patricia RiveraVicente FernándezMovies heard in this episode: “Dos Carteles”“Muerte en Tijuana”“No Más Muertes en la Frontera”Songs heard in this episode: “Prefiero Morir” by Emilio Montiel About Season 6 Port of Entry has a fresh new season for you, with richer stories of our border region.  This season spotlights shapers and visionaries of the borderlands — people impacting the region, and in some cases the world, with their work and research.  From urbanism and architecture to education, and politics, to art and robotics, these stories explore the region’s most innovative voices. 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

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

    FEB 20

    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
  4. Port of Entry short - 2025 Year in Review

    FEB 20

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KPBS Public Media
  • Show Website
    Port of Entry

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