Woodburn Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Vasquez - community leader, former wrestling coach, and current Vice-Chair of the Woodburn School Board (the views shared are his own, not the school board's).Michael shares powerful stories from his days coaching wrestling, the lessons the sport teaches beyond the mat, and what it means to be proud of where you come from. We also have a real conversation about what Woodburn is facing right now - the fear in our community, how schools are protecting students, and why the light will come."We have bigger dreams."🎙️ The Woodburn PodcastHosted by Gilbert Lopez📸 Sonia Granados | IG: @soniagranadosphotographyFOLLOW US:Instagram: @woodburnpodcastYouTube: @woodburnpodcastLISTEN:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/77Iyl9MbJDRaJypSwJWlGkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/woodburn-podcast/id1850318151#WoodburnPodcast #Woodburn #MichaelVasquez #BiggerDreams #Wrestling #Community #Oregon 

In this episode, Jesus Arellano shares how growing up in South Central LA pushed him to seek a better life. Moving from apartment to apartment, he eventually found a new beginning in Oregon—where wrestling changed everything. The sport taught him discipline, respect, and perseverance, lessons that now drive his career in real estate. Today, Jesus helps others create stability and opportunity through homeownership. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms. 

In Episode 02 of the Woodburn Podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Brenda Valentin-Bravo, a talented local artist whose work celebrates her Purépecha indigenous heritage from San Jerónimo, Michoacán. Brenda shares her journey from growing up on Park Avenue in Woodburn to becoming the featured artist at the city's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. We discuss the deep cultural symbolism in her Day of the Dead artwork—from cantaritos and monarch butterflies to anatomical hearts blooming with calla lilies. In this heartfelt conversation, Brenda opens up about: Her family's Purépecha roots and connection to San Jerónimo, MichoacánThe challenge of preserving Mexican heritage while pursuing the American DreamThe meaning behind the butterflies, roses, and cantaritos in her paintingsHow her art honors everyday objects and traditionsHer upcoming exhibition at the Bungalow Theater (through October 4th)An inspiring message about not giving up on your giftsThis is a celebration of hometown pride, cultural identity, and the power of art to bridge two worlds. Follow Brenda: Instagram & Facebook @BrendaLaChingona  

In the very first episode of the Woodburn Podcast, host Gilbert Lopez sits down with Brandon Singleterry — a U.S. veteran and the owner of Anytime Fitness in Woodburn, Oregon.They talk about Brandon’s military background, his journey to becoming a gym owner, and what it means to be part of the Woodburn community. 🎙 Hosted by Gilbert Lopez 👉 Follow us on Instagram and YouTube: @WoodburnPodcast