Border Masters

Gustavo de La Fuente / Monique Casellas
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Welcome to the bilingual podcast where the U.S.-Mexico border takes center stage—a place where two nations meet and lives intersect, enriching a vibrant binational region. We invite leaders, experts, and visionaries—our 'Border Masters'—who view the border as more than just a boundary but as an opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals. Through engaging conversations, we celebrate those who have impressive achievements and those striving to make a lasting impact. Ready to share your journey? Let’s connect at the border.

  1. Sep 22

    Isaac Abadi, NewCity Tijuana: How We Build, Live and Heal

    What happens to a builder when he realizes his father couldn't take a single building with him? In this episode of Border Masters, hosts Gustavo de la Fuente and Monique Casellas sit down with Isaac Abadi, CEO of Grupo Abadi, whose family brought the first high rises to the Tijuana side of the border and never stopped building. Isaac arrived from Panama by way of Mexico City, got stuck in the 2008 crisis with a half finished tower, and came out of it with a company that now spans real estate, hospitality, finance and wellness. He talks about what changed after both of his parents died, why every project since has to be worth doing beyond the money, and what he's building now: NewCity Medical Plaza and its medical tourism ecosystem, an ibogaine clinic in Tijuana treating Israeli veterans for PTSD, and Ayeka, a retreat center in Valle de Guadalupe named for a question rather than a place. This episode is about what gets built, what gets left behind, and the question he asked himself at his father's grave: are we here to create wealth or wellness? Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Chapters:00:00:00 – Introduction to Isaac Abadi00:02:26 – From Panama to Mexico City to San Diego00:04:57 – NewCity Residential and surviving the 2008 crisis00:07:26 – Why Tijuana, with the Californian economy next door00:11:17 – Building NewCity Medical Plaza, a one stop shop for medical tourism00:15:41 – Losing both parents and rebuilding the company around purpose00:20:40 – Ibogaine research in a hospital setting00:24:21 – Ayeka, a retreat center in Valle de Guadalupe00:29:58 – Orjaim and treating Israeli veterans for PTSD00:36:00 – What the border teaches a business person00:42:33 – What it means to be a Border Master See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Isaac Abadi, NewCity Tijuana: How We Build, Live and Heal

  2. Aug 25

    Una vida creyendo en Tijuana: José Galicot y el legado de Tijuana Innovadora

    Hay ciudades que cambian su historia por accidente y otras que la cambian porque alguien decide contarla distinto. En este episodio de Border Masters, conversamos con José Galicot Béjar, empresario, escritor y fundador de Tijuana Innovadora, sobre los casi ochenta años que lleva construyendo en esta frontera. Galicot llegó a Tijuana a los nueve años, cuando era un pueblo de 20 mil habitantes con calles de tierra, y desde entonces levantó fábricas, tiendas departamentales, discotecas reconocidas entre las mejores del mundo y una empresa de telefonía global. También lo perdió todo más de una vez. Hablamos del origen de Tijuana Innovadora y de las válvulas cardíacas fabricadas aquí que nadie conocía, de los 200 discursos que dio antes de que alguien lo escuchara, de la biculturalidad Tijuana y San Diego como ventaja competitiva, y de por qué, después de seis décadas de negocios, se sigue definiendo con una sola palabra: educador. Gracias a nuestros patrocinadores por hacer posible estas conversaciones:Rancho la Puerta Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Capítulos:00:00:00 – Apertura y bienvenida a José Galicot Béjar00:03:28 – Tijuana se reinventa: la conversación que cambió la ciudad00:06:03 – De Parral a Tijuana: infancia, escuela y los años en México00:11:55 – Mil dólares, una fábrica de chamarras y el primer gran salto00:14:41 – Perderlo todo y volver a empezar: discotecas, Los Cabos y telefonía00:17:48 – Libertad para trabajar: por qué Tijuana atrae talento e inversión00:23:58 – El alma de Tijuana: migración, apertura y comunidad00:28:32 – El nacimiento de Tijuana Innovadora00:34:01 – Liderazgo, ecología y el futuro de la ciudad00:40:42 – Qué significa ser un Border Master See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Una vida creyendo en Tijuana: José Galicot y el legado de Tijuana Innovadora

  3. Jul 21

    Can Ozempic Replace Weight Loss Surgery? Dr. Ariel Ortiz on Cross-Border Care and Bariatric Medicine

    What if the solution to America's obesity crisis was a 20-minute surgery, a 20-minute drive across the border, and a doctor who's been doing it for 30 years? In this episode of Border Masters, hosts Gustavo de la Fuente and Monique Casellas sit down with Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, founder of the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana and one of the world's most recognized bariatric surgeons, to explore the intersection of medicine, economics, and transformation at the US-Mexico border. From the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to the hidden risks of muscle loss, from the reality of cross-border healthcare to Tijuana's emerging medical district, Dr. Ortiz challenges everything we think we know about obesity, surgery, and where the best care in the world actually comes from. With over 30,000 procedures performed mostly for American and Canadian patients, he makes the case that the border isn't a barrier to quality healthcare. For many, it's the only door that was ever open. This episode is about access, innovation, and the quiet revolution happening just across the fence. Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Chapters: 00:00:00 – introduction to Dr. Ariel Ortiz00:02:29 – Why Tijuana became the global epicenter of cross-border healthcare00:05:26 – GLP-1 medications, muscle loss, and the changing face of bariatric surgery00:08:50 – Metabolic disease: the silent killer affecting 7 in 10 people00:11:33 – When surgery is the right choice: 30,000 procedures in 30 years00:15:24 – The psychological and emotional transformation of weight loss surgery00:18:14 – Tijuana as a medical innovation hub and what drives international patients00:20:52 – The financial reality of cross-border care and how the business model works00:25:20 – Risks, accreditation, and how to choose the right center in Mexico00:33:55 – Tijuana's future: the medical district, organized healthcare, and legacy00:45:21 – What it means to be a Border Master and closing   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Can Ozempic Replace Weight Loss Surgery? Dr. Ariel Ortiz on Cross-Border Care and Bariatric Medicine

  4. Jun 16

    El Mundial llega a la frontera: Xolos, Tijuana y una región que recibe al mundo con Esteban de Anda

    Mientras el Mundial de 2026 se acerca, la región Cali-Baja comienza a ocupar un lugar especial en el escenario internacional. En este episodio de Border Masters, conversamos con Esteban de Anda, Director de Alianzas Comerciales y Comunicación de Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente, sobre la llegada de la Selección Nacional de Irán a Tijuana, el impacto que tendrá la Copa del Mundo en la frontera y cómo este momento puede ayudar a transformar la narrativa de nuestra región. También hablamos del orgullo que representa Gilberto Mora y del papel que juegan los Xolos como un verdadero equipo sin fronteras. Gracias a nuestros aliados de difusión y patrocinadores por hacer posible estas conversaciones:CDT - Consejo de Desarrollo de TijuanaINDEX United States-Mexico Chamber of CommerceDEITAC - Tijuana EDC Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Capítulos: 00:00:00 – El Mundial y la oportunidad para la frontera00:03:05 – Esteban de Anda y la visión de Xolos00:08:01 – ¿Por qué un Mundial entre tres países?00:10:52 – El fútbol, la identidad y la pasión de un país00:15:09 – Una frontera única durante el Mundial00:21:35 – Cómo Tijuana se convirtió en sede de Irán00:28:21 – Seguridad, logística y operación diaria00:33:08 – México, Gilberto Mora y el futuro de la Selección00:43:04 – Cambiando la narrativa de Tijuana ante el mundo00:46:09 – Qué significa ser un Border Master   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    El Mundial llega a la frontera: Xolos, Tijuana y una región que recibe al mundo con Esteban de Anda

  5. May 19

    Seguridad en México: Cómo impacta la percepción en la frontera con Cecilia Farfán-Méndez

    En este episodio de Border Masters, Gustavo de la Fuente y Monique Casellas conversan con Cecilia Farfán sobre la seguridad en México, la evolución del crimen organizado, el tráfico de armas, la militarización y la percepción de inseguridad. La conversación también plantea una mirada distinta sobre la frontera México–Estados Unidos: no solo como una zona de crisis, sino como un espacio de innovación, cooperación y posibles soluciones binacionales. En el Community Corner de este episodio los hostos platican con Adriana Eguía, presidenta de Tijuana EDC, sobre inversión, desarrollo económico y el futuro de la región fronteriza. Gracias a nuestros aliados de difusión y patrocinadores por hacer posible estas conversaciones: CDT - Consejo de Desarrollo de Tijuana INDEX  United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce DEITAC - Tijuana EDC Más episodios disponibles en olasmedia.com y en las principales plataformas de podcast. Para comentarios, ideas o colaboraciones: info@bordermasterspodcast.com Chapters: 00:00:00 – Cold Open: seguridad, percepción y frontera 00:02:10 – Bienvenida e introducción a Cecilia Farfán 00:04:21 – El Mencho y la relación México–Estados Unidos 00:07:11 – Cómo funciona hoy el crimen organizado en México 00:12:06 – La frontera como espacio de innovación 00:15:50 – Diversificación criminal y nuevas fuentes de ingreso 00:17:54 – Tráfico de armas y escalada de violencia 00:22:25 – Militarización y seguridad pública en México 00:28:15 – Cooperación binacional y diálogo fronterizo 00:40:34 – La historia de Cecilia y qué significa ser Border Master     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Seguridad en México: Cómo impacta la percepción en la frontera con Cecilia Farfán-Méndez

  6. Apr 21

    Rancho La Puerta: The wellness retreat that built a Border Legacy

    What started as a small health camp at the border became one of the most influential wellness retreats in the world. In this episode of Border Masters, hosts Gustavo de la Fuente and Monique Casellas sit down with Deborah Szekely, co-founder of Rancho La Puerta, and her daughter Sara Livia Brightwood, to explore a story that began under extraordinary circumstances and evolved into a global movement. From crossing the border during World War II to building a community rooted in health, nature, and purpose, Rancho La Puerta has shaped generations of guests, employees, and the city of Tecate itself. This conversation dives into the origins of wellness before it became an industry, the power of slowing down, and how a binational identity can create deeper human connection. This episode is about legacy, transformation, and the unique role the border plays in bringing cultures together. A special thank you to our sponsor CODET Vision Institute for making this episode possible. Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Chapters:00:00:00 – Episode introduction and sponsor message00:02:02 – Welcome to Border Masters and guest introduction00:04:56 – The origin story: crossing the border without papers00:07:17 – From a small camp to a world-renowned wellness retreat00:12:00 – Building a global community and generational legacy00:13:02 – Health, habits, and living with purpose00:20:13 – A binational identity and cultural connection at the border00:23:53 – Digital detox and the healing power of slowing down00:30:28 – Building trust and crossing the border experience00:43:20 – A lifetime legacy and what it means to be a Border Master See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rancho La Puerta: The wellness retreat that built a Border Legacy

  7. Mar 24

    Francisco Rubio, PROVINO Baja California: Del Valle de Guadalupe al Mundo

    En este episodio de Border Masters, Monique y Gustavo tienen una conversación con Francisco Rubio Cárdenas, fundador de Bodegas F. Rubio y actual presidente de ProVino Baja California, sobre su trayectoria empresarial, el crecimiento del Valle de Guadalupe y las oportunidades del vino mexicano. Desde sus inicios en el desarrollo industrial en Tijuana hasta la creación de una bodega boutique reconocida, Francisco comparte cómo la familia, la visión a largo plazo y la colaboración entre productores están ayudando a posicionar a Baja California como el corazón de la industria vitivinícola de México. Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera. No te pierdas más episodios visitando olasmedia.com o tu plataforma favorita de audio. ¡Suscríbete, dale Like y comenta!Recuerda que puedes escribirnos a info@bordermasterspodcast.com. ¡Nos encantaría saber de ti! Estos son los capítulos del episodio: 00:00:00 – Introducción y presentación de Francisco Rubio00:04:50 – De bienes raíces al vino00:10:20 – El nacimiento de Bodegas F. Rubio00:15:00 – Empresa familiar y nuevas generaciones00:20:30 – El mercado del vino en México00:25:10 – Liderazgo en ProVino Baja California00:30:05 – Preservar la esencia del Valle de Guadalupe00:34:40 – La relación del vino entre México y California00:39:20 – Sustentabilidad y el reto del agua00:43:50 – El futuro del vino mexicano See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Francisco Rubio, PROVINO Baja California: Del Valle de Guadalupe al Mundo

  8. Feb 17

    Christopher Teal, U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, on Visas, Diplomacy and Life at the U.S Mexico Border

    In this episode of Border Masters, we sit down with Christopher Teal, U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, to unpack what diplomacy really looks like on the ground at the busiest land border in the Western Hemisphere. From processing more than a thousand visas a day to strengthening U.S.–Mexico cooperation on migration, security, trade, and education, he offers a candid look at the realities behind the headlines. We also explore cross-border public safety coordination, USMCA and regional competitiveness, workforce development in Cali-Baja, and why Tijuana represents opportunity, innovation, and what he calls “the Mexican dream.” A special thank you to our sponsors SENTRE and JD Group Logistics for making this episode possible. Some Border Masters episodes are recorded in English and others in Spanish. Listen to this episode and more at https://olasmedia.com, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment, and share. For guest suggestions or inquiries, email info@bordermasterspodcast.com. Chapters: 00:02:15 – Meet Christopher Teal: A Diplomat at the Border 00:05:50 – From Illinois to International Diplomacy 00:07:22 – What a Consul General Does in Tijuana 00:13:23 – Migration Myths & Legal Pathways 00:17:27 – The Human Side of the Visa Process 00:23:35 – Visa Categories: Tourists, Students & Workers 00:25:54 – Translating Border Realities to Washington 00:28:17 – Security, Cartels & Cross-Border Enforcement 00:32:21 – USMCA, Trade & Regional Competitiveness 00:39:01 – Tijuana, Opportunity & Becoming a Border Master See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Christopher Teal, U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, on Visas, Diplomacy and Life at the U.S Mexico Border
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About

Welcome to the bilingual podcast where the U.S.-Mexico border takes center stage—a place where two nations meet and lives intersect, enriching a vibrant binational region. We invite leaders, experts, and visionaries—our 'Border Masters'—who view the border as more than just a boundary but as an opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals. Through engaging conversations, we celebrate those who have impressive achievements and those striving to make a lasting impact. Ready to share your journey? Let’s connect at the border.

Information

  • Creator
    Gustavo de La Fuente / Monique Casellas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Border Masters

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