Once A Cardinal The Podcast

Gilbert Sauceda
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Once A Cardinal is a podcast that brings Harlingen High School alumni together to share the real stories of life after HHS. Each episode is a conversation rooted in South Texas where we talk about the journeys, challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped who we became beyond the hallways, classrooms, and Friday night lights. From business owners and educators to artists, pastors, veterans, and community leaders, our guests reflect on where they started, where life has taken them, and how their Cardinal roots continue to influence the way they show up today. So grab a cafecito, get comfort

  1. Oct 3

    Episode 22 | David Blue Garcia

    In this episode of Once A Cardinal, I sit down with David, Harlingen High School Class of 2003, to talk about his South Texas upbringing, the teachers who encouraged his creativity, and how his high school Media Technology class opened the door to filmmaking. From homemade movies with friends in Harlingen to directing Texas Chainsaw Massacre, David Blue Garcia’s filmmaking journey began with curiosity, a camera, and a love for telling stories. David shares the story behind his directorial debut, Tejano, and how friends, family, and hometown connections helped bring it to life. We also discuss his path to directing Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the challenges of pursuing a creative career, and what he still hopes to create. It’s a conversation about finding your path, persevering, and carrying a piece of home into the stories you tell. Subscribe to Once A Cardinal for more conversations with HHS alumni about life beyond the halls of Harlingen High School. Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal. #OnceACardinal #DavidBlueGarcia #Harlingen #HarlingenHighSchool #Tejano #TexasChainsawMassacre #Filmmaking

    Episode 22 | David Blue Garcia

  2. Sep 25

    Episode 21 | Gerry Gonzales

    Gerry Gonzalez, Harlingen High class of 1980, spent his career behind the camera instead of in front of it. He started as a cameraman at KGBT while still in high school, then built a career in Los Angeles that took him to the Academy Awards, a decade shooting alongside John Quiñones on Primetime and What Would You Do?, and news assignments across the globe, from Cuba to Haiti to the Middle East. In this episode, Gerry talks about growing up in the Valley, the father who couldn't understand his dream, the mentors who shaped him, and the moments that stuck with him from decades in the field. He also opens up about his most personal project yet: securing U.S. citizenship for his uncle Rudy, who was killed in Vietnam days before he was due home and never received the recognition he earned. A story about chasing a dream nobody else could see, and the family history worth fighting to preserve.

    Episode 21 | Gerry Gonzales

  3. Sep 12

    Episode 20 | Lisa Campos

    Lisa Campos, Harlingen High School Class of 1990, turned her love for her hometown into Explore Harlingen, a social media community followed by more than 42,000 people. In this episode, Lisa shares why she returned to Harlingen after building a 20-year career in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, and how becoming a mother to her daughter, Lola, helped bring her home. She also reveals the story behind Explore Harlingen and how she balances being a full-time corporate professional, a devoted mom, and the voice behind one of the city’s most influential platforms. Some call her “the KRGV of Facebook.” Others call her “the TMZ of Harlingen.” Lisa simply calls herself “the accidental influencer.” Join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, community, and celebrating the people and places that make Harlingen special. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal!

    Episode 20 | Lisa Campos

  4. Sep 7

    Episode 19 | Gloria Campos

    A true Cardinal legend joins us! Gloria Campos, Harlingen High School Class of 1972, shares her journey from the Rio Grande Valley and KGBT to an incredible 40-year career in Dallas television news. This three-time Hall of Fame journalist reflects on her Cardinal roots, life behind the anchor desk, and some of the remarkable people she has interviewed along the way. You won’t want to miss this conversation! Listen to the newest episode of Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal! #GloriaCampos #OnceACardinal #HarlingenHighSchool #RGV #TexasJournalism

    Episode 19 | Gloria Campos

  5. Aug 18

    Episode 18 | Florencio "Lench" Garcia

    From drum major at Harlingen High School to serving his country in the United States Army, Florencio “Lench” Garcia, HHS Class of 1984, has taken one heck of a journey. He’s been a preacher, a financial consultant, a businessman, and what he considers one of his greatest roles, a builder of people. Now, as a grandfather, Lench looks back on the twists, turns, successes, failures, and lessons that have shaped his life. His goal today is simple: live life with zero regrets. In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, Lench opens up about the journey, the people who influenced him, the unexpected turns along the way, and what he has learned about making the most of the life we've been given.

    Episode 18 | Florencio "Lench" Garcia

  6. Aug 11

    Episode 17 | Amanda Mariño Stevenson

    From the Rio Grande Valley to leading one of Texas' premier high school band programs, 2002 graduate Amanda Stevenson's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumna Amanda Stevenson, who currently serves as the Director of Bands at Wakeland High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Amanda's career has taken her from the Valley to some of the most respected music programs in Texas. She has led award-winning concert, marching, and jazz ensembles, served in leadership roles at Churchill, Taft, and Georgetown High Schools, and worked with some of the nation's top Drum Corps International organizations. She has also broken new ground as a female band director in a traditionally male-dominated field. But this conversation isn't just about awards, performances, or accomplishments. It's about the girl who grew up in Harlingen, the teachers and mentors who helped shape her, the challenges she encountered along the way, and the passion for music that has allowed her to influence thousands of young musicians. What did Amanda dream about when she was a Cardinal? Who helped shape her path? And what lessons from Harlingen High School have stayed with her throughout her career? Join us for another great Cardinal story on Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal. 🎙️ Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us keep telling the stories of the men and women who started their journeys at Harlingen High School. #OnceACardinalAlwaysACardinal #HarlingenHigh #HarlingenCardinals #CardinalPride #WakelandHighSchool #BandDirector #MusicEducation #DrumCorps #RioGrandeValley #956

    Episode 17 | Amanda Mariño Stevenson

  7. Jul 25

    Episode 16 | Randy Bermea

    What does it mean to build a life rooted in hard work, service, and staying true to where you came from? In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumnus Randy Bermea to talk about the journey that began in the Rio Grande Valley and the experiences that shaped the man he is today. Randy reflects on his years at Harlingen High, the friendships and mentors who influenced him, the lessons learned through life's challenges, and the values that have guided him throughout his personal and professional journey. Along the way, he shares stories that are heartfelt, humorous, and unmistakably rooted in Cardinal pride. Like every episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, this conversation isn't just about accomplishments. It's about the people, moments, and decisions that shape a life after graduation, and the lasting impact of growing up in the 956. If you're a fellow Cardinal, a Valley native, or simply enjoy hearing authentic stories of perseverance and purpose, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us preserve the stories of Harlingen High School alumni for generations to come. #OnceACardinalAlwaysACar

    Episode 16 | Randy Bermea

  8. Jul 20

    Episode 15 | Debbie Cestero D'Souza

    In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumna Debbie Cestero D'Souza, whose remarkable life has taken her from Caracas, Venezuela, to the Rio Grande Valley, and ultimately onto the national stage. Debbie shares what it was like growing up in Venezuela before the country's dramatic political and economic transformation, how those experiences shaped her worldview, and why she has dedicated much of her life to civic engagement and educating others about her perspective on America's future. Drawing from her Mexican-American heritage on her mother's side and her Venezuelan roots on her father's, Debbie offers a unique personal story that spans cultures, countries, and decades. Beyond politics, Debbie's lifelong passion for music has led to an extraordinary career. From singing on Venezuelan television as a young child to performing throughout the Rio Grande Valley, recording music, leading worship, and contributing vocals to several of Dinesh D'Souza's documentary films, her journey has been anything but ordinary. She also discusses her work behind the scenes as a producer and co-writer on documentary films and as producer of The Dinesh D'Souza Podcast. Whether you know Debbie from Harlingen High, her music, or her public work, this conversation is a fascinating look at a fellow Cardinal whose life has crossed cultures, careers, and history. Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal is the podcast where Harlingen High School alumni share the real stories of life after HHS, the challenges they faced, the victories they earned, and the lessons they learned along the way. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share with fellow Cardinals and anyone who loves inspiring life stories. #OnceACardinalAlwaysACardinal #HarlingenHigh #HarlingenCardinals #RioGrandeValley #DebbieCesteroDSouza #Podcast #SouthTexas #CardinalPride

    Episode 15 | Debbie Cestero D'Souza
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About

Once A Cardinal is a podcast that brings Harlingen High School alumni together to share the real stories of life after HHS. Each episode is a conversation rooted in South Texas where we talk about the journeys, challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped who we became beyond the hallways, classrooms, and Friday night lights. From business owners and educators to artists, pastors, veterans, and community leaders, our guests reflect on where they started, where life has taken them, and how their Cardinal roots continue to influence the way they show up today. So grab a cafecito, get comfort

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