Border Kids

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 Kids01:15 Meet Sarah: A True Border Life Story02:19 Sarah's Family History in Del Rio04:36 Returning to Del Rio: A Family Decision10:26 Building a Community Hub: Mesquite Creek14:26 Navigating the Pandemic and Expanding Business20:38 The Importance of Bilingualism27:45 Growing Up on the Border: The Good and the Bad30:33 Appreciation for Security and Opportunities in the U.S.31:21 Misconceptions About Safety and Culture in Del Rio33:23 Community Pride and Frustrations35:41 Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement36:15 Memorable Anecdotes from Del Rio45:07 Challenges and Realities of Immigration55:54 Emotional Impact of the Uvalde Shooting59:14 Final Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:16 Meet Vanessa 02:03 Life in Del Rio03:23 Cultural Challenges and Language Barriers06:30 Social Dynamics and Friendships09:25 Nightlife and Safety Concerns17:55 Misunderstandings and Media Portrayals21:18 Immigration Issues and Political Views28:34 Reflecting on Immigration Reporting29:08 Life as a Border Patrol Agent's Child33:12 Cultural Identity and Growth35:49 Memorable High School Experiences38:35 Challenging Moments and Realizations42:37 Impact of the Uvalde Tragedy47:54 Participating in the Project50:22 Final Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Ashlie Nebel has spent most of her life in Del Rio. Her story shows us growing up in a border town isn’t just about geography—it’s about straddling two worlds, two cultures, and two identities. She speaks candidly about the bonds between Del Rio and Acuña, and the harsh realities that have shaken this tight-knit town, including how she learned more than 100 people were seeking shelter in an abandoned building, resorting to splicing a neighbor’s electricity to survive. This episode will shed light on some of the invisible struggles playing out in this community. Listen as Ashlie opens up about what it truly means to be a 'Border Kid' and why this place, with all its complexities, will always be home. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:16 Meet Ashlie: A Life in Del Rio02:09 Balancing Two Worlds: Family and Career07:06 The Impact of Immigration on Community Safety23:18 Navigating Cultural and Social Dynamics28:13 Reflections on Growing Up in a Border Town39:34 The Changing Social Scene in Del Rio40:42 Closing Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Jake Bostick's family moved to Del Rio as part of his dad’s job as a federal border agent. What started as a fresh start, turned to chaos. Jake was arrested during baseball tryouts for a reason that would disgrace his family. Hear his recollection of seeing his classmates openly use drugs in the classroom and how he lost a dear friend to drug-running and crime. The border’s dark underbelly nearly swallowed Jake whole. He left Del Rio to escape the downward spiral, but the border town never left him. Listen as he shares his journey from addiction to rebuilding his life, and the shocking realities of exactly what 40 bucks could get you just over the river. Listener discretion is advised. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:18 Meet Jake: A Border Kid's Story02:04 Jake's Early Life and Family Background04:10 Challenges and Realities of Border Life07:21 Jake's Troubled Youth and Turning Point17:45 Confronting the Consequences20:42 A Lighthearted Shift: Language and Culture22:11 First Day Cafeteria Confusion23:15 Language Barriers and Lessons24:30 Experiences of Discrimination26:08 Community Support in a Border Town27:55 Challenges and Dangers of Border Life30:56 Misunderstandings About Border Life34:08 Personal Reflections and Immigration Views40:58 Memorable Anecdotes and Closing ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Christina Yawn is a woman of mixed Mexican and American heritage and doesn’t hold back on the stark realities of growing up in a border town, where blending two cultures shaped her identity and her struggles. She’s also the spouse of an officer stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base, and she, too, has served our country, as a medic in the Navy. She shares a gut-wrenching encounter with a migrant woman that cuts through the political noise to expose the raw humanity of life at the border. Hear how her own church played a frontline role.00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:16 Meet Christina: A Border Kid's Journey01:57 Life in the Navy and Beyond04:31 Cultural Identity and Growing Up Mixed16:27 Returning to Del Rio: Challenges and Opportunities20:40 Perspectives on Immigration22:23 Personal Encounters with Immigrants22:49 The Val Verde Humanitarian Coalition26:01 Stories of Struggle and Survival29:51 Challenges and Realities of Immigration35:37 Growing Up in Del Rio: The Best and Worst Parts39:17 Reflections on Immigration and Media Portrayal41:37 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Josue Gonzalez is a talented musician turned educator. He left Del Rio to see the world, only to return home, driven by a fierce devotion to his family. His story is one of striking contrasts: from his parent’s selfless act of aiding a migrant in distress to the chilling moment when the Los Zetas cartel brutally assaulted a family member. Josue’s heart was shattered by the Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Uvalde. The event made him confront the terrifying reality of violence in our schools and question the very system meant to protect both students and educators. Josue is a passionate voice for cultural heritage, urging schools to embrace the roots of their students' identities so they can achieve success in areas which they’re more naturally inclined, like music, art and drama. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:18 Meet Josue: Musician Turned Educator02:13 Josue's Journey: From Del Rio to the World and Back03:53 The Impact of Music and Arts in Border Towns08:11 Growing Up Bilingual and Cultural Identity12:28 Challenges and Triumphs of Border Life15:57 The Role of Arts in Hispanic Communities20:42 Childhood Memories and Family Encounters22:03 Life Lessons from the Border23:03 Growing Up in Del Rio26:09 Challenges and Dangers at the Border29:47 Immigration and Media Perception35:33 Reflections on School Safety38:34 Final Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Vianka Heary is a real estate powerhouse now thriving in England as part of her husband’s service in the United States Air Force. Vianka grew up in Mexico but crossed the international bridge daily to attend an American elementary school. But when high school rolled around, she made the remarkable decision to live apart from her parents in a different country—find out why. Her experiences offer a fascinating glimpse into the duality of growing up on the border. And let's not forget the time her grandfather offered her very American future husband tequila in the morning - an example of the cultural differences she navigated with grace and humor. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:15 Meet Vianka: A Unique Border Experience02:02 Vianka's Early Life and Education05:50 Navigating Cultural Differences15:02 Challenges and Misunderstandings of Border Life28:16 Reflections on Immigration33:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Annaliz Bosquez is a businesswoman, mother and former beauty queen. She also happens to be the daughter of a border patrol agent and she’s married to one, as well. Imagine crossing the international bridge every day just to attend school, balancing the traditions of Mexico with the pressures of American life. She didnt blend in. She stood out, becoming a beacon of inspiration for young girls while representing her hometown in the spotlight. Having lived in Del Rio, San Antonio, and Austin, she’s witnessed the border's evolution firsthand—and she’s not afraid to speak up. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:16 Meet Annaliz: A Border Kid's Journey02:03 Life in Austin and Career Transitions04:09 Balancing Cultures: Growing Up Bilingual10:59 The Pageant Experience15:23 Border Patrol Insights and Immigration Views25:21 Concluding Thoughts and Call for Solutions27:23 Closing RemarksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Roberto Perez's roots stretch across the border to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. Imagine moving to a new country in sixth grade, mocked for not knowing the language—and then turning that ridicule into fuel to master English in less than a year - with nothing but grit and a dictionary in hand. Roberto worked as a shoe salesman in Del Rio, scraping by on an unlivable wage, but hear how his brother's Nissan 300 ZX showed him that there was a whole world beyond the border. And then there’s the wild teenage years: driving friends across the border in his 'taxi' to party in Mexico, and fooling out-of-town girls into thinking he was older than he was. But life on the border wasn’t all parties and fast cars. When Haitian migrants sought asylum under Del Rio’s international bridge, his parents’ neighborhood was overtaken by law enforcement, a reminder of the complex, raw realities faced by border towns. 00:00 Introduction to Border Kids01:16 Meet Roberto 02:44 Roberto's Journey to the U.S.04:09 Challenges of Learning English06:46 Life in Corpus Christi11:10 Memories of Del Rio12:09 Crossing the Border for Fun17:01 Reflections on Safety and Growing Up24:26 Current Border Issues31:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:15 Meet Bruno Lozano: From Mayor to Advocate02:11 Bruno's Current Endeavors and PTSD Awareness04:06 The Hidden Trauma of Border Life08:39 Bruno's Arrest and Path to Recovery16:15 The Journey to Becoming Mayor21:26 Challenging Machismo Culture23:35 Cultural Influences and Personal Interests24:13 Challenges of Growing Up Gay26:00 Navigating Identity and Community26:59 Bilingualism and Cultural Intelligence28:17 Love for Del Rio and Tejano Culture31:58 Misunderstandings About the Border34:28 Migration and Political Challenges43:08 Importance of Sharing Border Stories45:30 Closing Remarks and Personal ReflectionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:15 Meet Hope Wright: A Unique Childhood02:39 Life on the Ranch: Cowboys, Bears, and Ostriches03:59 Crossing Borders for Education05:48 Cultural Experiences and Family Life09:49 Challenges and Changes at the Border15:11 Hollywood Comes to the Ranch20:28 Balancing Heritage and Family25:28 Life on the Ranch: Morning Routines and Homemade Cheese26:06 Cultural Differences: Food and Grocery Shopping26:37 Challenges of Growing Up: Corruption and Bribery29:23 Misunderstandings and Misconceptions31:34 Impact of Border Life on Personal Growth35:57 Complexities of Immigration and Legal Status43:23 Cherished Memories: Riding and Family Gatherings47:10 Balancing Two Cultures: Privilege and Prejudice50:18 The Importance of Sharing Border Stories52:46 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:16 Meet Clifton Castle: The Renaissance Man02:04 Clifton's Journey and Family Business03:57 Returning Home and Family Legacy04:29 Clifton's Father's Legacy06:14 Family History and Immigration09:35 Learning Spanish and Cultural Immersion14:12 The Value of Bilingualism16:25 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded17:05 Growing Up in a Border Town: The Best and Worst Parts18:56 Misconceptions About Border Towns21:59 The Immigration Situation and Leadership Issues24:32 A Memorable Story from the Border29:44 Celebrating Border Town Culture33:41 Closing Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:15 Meet Joe Neal Kerr: A Rancher's Story01:49 Growing Up in Del Rio: Family and Culture03:58 Challenges and Realities of Border Life05:19 Leaving the Ranch: Economic Realities11:57 The Humanitarian Crisis at the Border13:41 Industrialization of Immigration15:23 Solutions and Perspectives on Immigration16:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts17:10 Closing RemarksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:18 Meet Roy Austin: A Blend of Cultures02:35 Roy's Family History and Roots05:44 Navigating Life as a Border Kid11:01 Challenges and Opportunities on the Border14:08 Reflections on Border Culture and Community23:53 The Complexities of Immigration25:40 Final Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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 Kids01:16 Meet Savannah 02:01 Growing Up in Del Rio04:11 Cultural Connections and Challenges11:45 Life Beyond the Border Town30:28 Memorable Stories and Reflections39:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

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.