Border Kids

Cassandra Webb
  • 4.9 (10)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • SERIES
Border Kids

Welcome to "Border Kids," the podcast where real stories from the Texas-Mexico border come to life.  Here, we go beyond the headlines and dive into personal narratives. We explore the rich culture, unique lifestyle, and complex realities of border life that are rarely seen in the media. From the struggles of immigration to the tight-knit communities that thrive in the shadow of the border wall, we’re sharing raw and unfiltered experiences. Do you want to know what’s really going on at the border? Join us as we uncover the true essence of life where a river divides two worlds in a little town called Del Rio, Texas —told by the people who live it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

  1. Episode 1: A Love Letter to Your Hometown

    EPISODE 1

    Episode 1: A Love Letter to Your Hometown

    Sarah Sigmon is a third-generation resident of Del Rio who lives and breathes the essence of border life. Sarah’s story will challenge everything you think you know about the southern border. And she’s a tough cookie. You’ll hear about the time she was surrounded by Federales with machine guns and how she found her way out. She’s also tender, speaking with a warmth and love for her hometown that’s so palpable, it brings her to tears. She opens her heart about the day her world stopped – as news broke of the mass shooting just an hour away in Uvalde. The pain and trauma hitting home, as Del Rio first responders, including her close friend, rushed to help. Feel the fire in her voice as she talks about Del Rio’s resilience and the power of community. And she doesn’t hold back her strong feelings about immigration. This episode will leave you thinking about the true meaning of home, pride, and what it takes to create a life worth living.  00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:15 Meet Sarah: A True Border Life Story 02:19 Sarah's Family History in Del Rio 04:36 Returning to Del Rio: A Family Decision 10:26 Building a Community Hub: Mesquite Creek 14:26 Navigating the Pandemic and Expanding Business 20:38 The Importance of Bilingualism 27:45 Growing Up on the Border: The Good and the Bad 30:33 Appreciation for Security and Opportunities in the U.S. 31:21 Misconceptions About Safety and Culture in Del Rio 33:23 Community Pride and Frustrations 35:41 Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement 36:15 Memorable Anecdotes from Del Rio 45:07 Challenges and Realities of Immigration 55:54 Emotional Impact of the Uvalde Shooting 59:14 Final Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    1h 1m
  2. Episode 2: Under Pressure

    EPISODE 2

    Episode 2: Under Pressure

    Bruno Lozano is the former mayor of Del Rio, a man whose journey from growing up gay on the border to leading his city is nothing short of remarkable. Bruno’s story goes against a deeply rooted machismo culture, a fight to embrace his identity in a town bound by tradition. But that’s only the beginning.  As mayor, Bruno faced one of the largest humanitarian crises on U.S. soil when nearly 15,000 Haitian migrants gathered beneath the international bridge, seeking asylum. He was thrust into the eye of the immigration storm, only to feel betrayed by his own political party.  After his term ended, his life took a dramatic turn with an arrest for drunk driving, a story he’s now using to shed light on the very specific kind of trauma that border living can inflict on communities.  Bruno pulls no punches as he opens up what really went down when the world was watching.  00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:15 Meet Bruno Lozano: From Mayor to Advocate 02:11 Bruno's Current Endeavors and PTSD Awareness 04:06 The Hidden Trauma of Border Life 08:39 Bruno's Arrest and Path to Recovery 16:15 The Journey to Becoming Mayor 21:26 Challenging Machismo Culture 23:35 Cultural Influences and Personal Interests 24:13 Challenges of Growing Up Gay 26:00 Navigating Identity and Community 26:59 Bilingualism and Cultural Intelligence 28:17 Love for Del Rio and Tejano Culture 31:58 Misunderstandings About the Border 34:28 Migration and Political Challenges 43:08 Importance of Sharing Border Stories 45:30 Closing Remarks and Personal Reflections Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    47 min
  3. Episode 3: Sneering at Refried Beans

    EPISODE 3

    Episode 3: Sneering at Refried Beans

    Hope Wright grew up on a sprawling ranch in Mexico, complete with cowboys, black bears and even an ostrich named Paco. Hope’s childhood is anything but ordinary. Imagine flying into town for dance class or hosting Hollywood A-listers at your house. Hope will share her story of navigating life between Mexico and Del Rio and how this experience shaped her opinions on the current immigration crisis.  00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:15 Meet Hope Wright: A Unique Childhood 02:39 Life on the Ranch: Cowboys, Bears, and Ostriches 03:59 Crossing Borders for Education 05:48 Cultural Experiences and Family Life 09:49 Challenges and Changes at the Border 15:11 Hollywood Comes to the Ranch 20:28 Balancing Heritage and Family 25:28 Life on the Ranch: Morning Routines and Homemade Cheese 26:06 Cultural Differences: Food and Grocery Shopping 26:37 Challenges of Growing Up: Corruption and Bribery 29:23 Misunderstandings and Misconceptions 31:34 Impact of Border Life on Personal Growth 35:57 Complexities of Immigration and Legal Status 43:23 Cherished Memories: Riding and Family Gatherings 47:10 Balancing Two Cultures: Privilege and Prejudice 50:18 The Importance of Sharing Border Stories 52:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    54 min
  4. Episode 4: The Renaissance Man

    EPISODE 4

    Episode 4: The Renaissance Man

    Clifton Castle is a blue-eyed "white boy" who defies all the boxes people try to put him in. He doesn’t just appreciate Regional Mexican music—he sings it like he was born to it, like it flows through his veins. Hear about the time Clifton crossed the border, only to have his car taken away by authorities. How did he get it back? Well, let’s just say his smooth-talking Spanish came to the rescue—big time. Clifton opens up about his family's history, including his grandfather’s escape from Europe during World War 2 and his father’s legacy as a respected photographer. He shares the undeniable connection he feels to his border community—where people gather to celebrate family, art, music, and food. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:16 Meet Clifton Castle: The Renaissance Man 02:04 Clifton's Journey and Family Business 03:57 Returning Home and Family Legacy 04:29 Clifton's Father's Legacy 06:14 Family History and Immigration 09:35 Learning Spanish and Cultural Immersion 14:12 The Value of Bilingualism 16:25 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded 17:05 Growing Up in a Border Town: The Best and Worst Parts 18:56 Misconceptions About Border Towns 21:59 The Immigration Situation and Leadership Issues 24:32 A Memorable Story from the Border 29:44 Celebrating Border Town Culture 33:41 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    35 min
  5. Episode 5: The Rancher

    EPISODE 5

    Episode 5: The Rancher

    Joe Neal Kerr is a third-generation Texan whose family has deep roots in ranching near Del Rio, Texas. Joe Neal shares his personal experiences growing up in a predominantly Hispanic border town and discusses how the immigration crisis has impacted daily life on his family's ranch. The conversation explores themes of community, cultural dynamics, and the economic realities of ranching. Joe Neal also reflects on the urgent need for immigration reform and the humanitarian challenges faced by those crossing the border. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:15 Meet Joe Neal Kerr: A Rancher's Story 01:49 Growing Up in Del Rio: Family and Culture 03:58 Challenges and Realities of Border Life 05:19 Leaving the Ranch: Economic Realities 11:57 The Humanitarian Crisis at the Border 13:41 Industrialization of Immigration 15:23 Solutions and Perspectives on Immigration 16:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 17:10 Closing Remarks Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    18 min
  6. Episode 6: Bread or Tortillas?

    EPISODE 6

    Episode 6: Bread or Tortillas?

    Roy Austin grew up in a unique blend of cultures—his family’s been in Texas since the 1820s. Roy navigated life as both Anglo and Hispanic. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Roy shares how his bilingual upbringing shaped his career and outlook on life. Today, he'll talk about his journey from Del Rio to where he is now, the challenges of growing up on the border, and the importance of cross-border relationships. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:18 Meet Roy Austin: A Blend of Cultures 02:35 Roy's Family History and Roots 05:44 Navigating Life as a Border Kid 11:01 Challenges and Opportunities on the Border 14:08 Reflections on Border Culture and Community 23:53 The Complexities of Immigration 25:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    30 min
  7. Episode 7: Band Geeks in a Pickup Truck

    EPISODE 7

    Episode 7: Band Geeks in a Pickup Truck

    Savannah Lay-Fawks grew up surrounded by vibrant traditions and deep-rooted cultural connections, all while navigating a world that’s often misunderstood. Savannah’s experiences—from the warmth of tight-knit friendships to the rich tapestry of Mexican culture—paint a picture that shatters stereotypes and reveals the tender, human side of border life. Her story isn’t just about bridging cultural divides; it’s about the profound ways in which these connections shape us, challenge us, and ultimately bring us closer together. Through her eyes, we see the true heart of a border town, the essence of what it means to belong and to be understood.  00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:16 Meet Savannah  02:01 Growing Up in Del Rio 04:11 Cultural Connections and Challenges 11:45 Life Beyond the Border Town 30:28 Memorable Stories and Reflections 39:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    40 min
  8. Episode 8: My Dad Called Me a Coconut

    EPISODE 8

    Episode 8: My Dad Called Me a Coconut

    Vanessa Sanchez came to Del Rio just before her sophomore year in high school, bringing with her a whirlwind of experiences from Eagle Pass, California, and North Dakota, —thanks to her father’s role as a Border Patrol agent. Born into a Mexican-American family but raised on the move, Vanessa’s journey is a fascinating blend of cultures and contradictions. She's now "Brown and Proud", but with a Spanish fluency that’s more of a work in progress, thanks to her family's complex relationship with the language. Vanessa’s story reveals the striking contrast between media portrayals and the lived reality of border life, and how her time in Del Rio reshaped her understanding of her own culture and identity. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids 01:16 Meet Vanessa  02:03 Life in Del Rio 03:23 Cultural Challenges and Language Barriers 06:30 Social Dynamics and Friendships 09:25 Nightlife and Safety Concerns 17:55 Misunderstandings and Media Portrayals 21:18 Immigration Issues and Political Views 28:34 Reflecting on Immigration Reporting 29:08 Life as a Border Patrol Agent's Child 33:12 Cultural Identity and Growth 35:49 Memorable High School Experiences 38:35 Challenging Moments and Realizations 42:37 Impact of the Uvalde Tragedy 47:54 Participating in the Project 50:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

    53 min
See All Season 1 (15)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Border Kids," the podcast where real stories from the Texas-Mexico border come to life.  Here, we go beyond the headlines and dive into personal narratives. We explore the rich culture, unique lifestyle, and complex realities of border life that are rarely seen in the media. From the struggles of immigration to the tight-knit communities that thrive in the shadow of the border wall, we’re sharing raw and unfiltered experiences. Do you want to know what’s really going on at the border? Join us as we uncover the true essence of life where a river divides two worlds in a little town called Del Rio, Texas —told by the people who live it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Cassandra Webb
  • Episodes
    16
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cassandra Webb
  • Show Website
    Border Kids

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