Border Kids

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...

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...

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...

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 m...

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 wom...

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...

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 abando...

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 S...

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...

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 di...

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-bord...

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 al...

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—b...

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. ...

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 H...

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...