The Jesse Garcia Show

Texas Barbecue Queen Alma Vera mixes backyard grilling with local politics to get people invested in their community. We’ll discuss how South Texas is overperforming in voting and how Democrats are poised to recapture the Rio Grande Valley!

Longtime Trans Advocate Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen joins The Trevor Project to combat the anti-LGBTQ legislative surge and restore vital mental health lifelines for youth. We’ll discuss the outreach being done, upcoming research studies and that multimillion dollar gift received days ago! Listen to his story now on JesseGarciaShow.com, available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Is local news the secret to saving democracy? Opinion Editor David Plazas thinks so. In this episode, we track David’s path from budding reporter to a leading voice in public discourse, preview 2026’s biggest stories, and discuss why investing in local journalism is the most important move that you can make for your community.

From Nuclear Engineering to Global Activism: Colombian immigrant Diego Garcia Blum is convening the greatest minds of the LGBTQIA+ community at Harvard University. Their mission: to forge the policy, research, and advocacy needed to improve global safety and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially in high-risk regions. Listen to his story now on JesseGarciaShow.com, available on Audible, A...

It started with a 9-year-old and a cooking lesson. It grew into a Thanksgiving tradition—creating a welcoming feast for Queer and Immigrant friends who needed a place to call home for the holiday. That devotion led to a career in food safety. I’ll share some tips to prepare you for America’s biggest food holiday. Listen to my story on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spoti...

We are not broken! Samuel Nieves dedicates his life to undoing the trauma caused by Conversion Therapy and combating its spread across the U.S. On social media, the advocate shares insights with the community, holds practitioners accountable and openly discusses his own experiences with conversion therapy. Listen to his story on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & S...

Rosy Mota enjoys connecting her community to health care. As policy director for the Latino Commission on AIDS, she navigates a new era where science is questioned, federal programs are cut, and government scientists are being fired. Hear how Rosy soldiers on at JesseGarciaShow.com

Episode 138 Texas Legislator and Combat Veteran Josey Garcia Still Fighting for Democracy by Jesse Garcia

Emily Randall wanted to be a changemaker. Her work in social justice took her from political activism to Congress, blazing trails along the way. Little did she know, she'd make history as the first Latina Lesbian elected to Congress.

Professional Coach Xavier Cano offers tips for preparing resumes and succeeding at job interviews. Learn how to tell your personal story and make a good first impression. Listen today on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & Soundcloud

Capital Pride Alliance’s Anthony Musa talks about this summer’s World Pride that promises to bring the largest crowd ever to Washington DC. Get ready for two weeks of celebrations, conferences and social justice events.

The “Prada Enchilada,” Comedian Jade Esteban Estrada, talks about his adventures on stage, how to break into the comedy, and the legends who helped shape his comic genius.

On the podcast today we have Juan Flores, Public Health Advisor from the U.S. State Department’s U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. We’ll talk about the latest efforts on the global fight against HIV. And hey, we got some great news for you: HIV transmission rates are further down compared to prior years.

On today’s show we have the new Executive Director of GLAD Law Ricardo Martinez. GLAD Law, which has been around since 1978, has been instrumental in the LGBTQ+ rights movement through advocacy work and bold litigation. Martinez shares options with the community on what to do now to prepare for what’s to come after the 2024 elections.

Advocates for Trans Equality’s Josie Caballero serves as the Director of Voting and Elections at the nation’s leading Trans organization. She builds coalitions, develops policy, and advocates to enhance the visibility and understanding of transgender issues.

Latino Victory’s National Political Director Winter Snitz-Meza talks about his organization’s focus on voter turnout in swing states and how the organization is preparing the next generation of Latino elected officials.

We chat with Q Street President Yesenia Alvarado Henninger. She’s the first person of color to lead the professional association dedicated to LGBTQ lobbyists and public policy advocates. We’ll discuss her work to ensure your queer rights are protected on Capitol Hill and how to become an effective lobbyist.

On today’s show we have Dr. Joshua DeSilva a Queer, Latinx Psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at George Washington University. We’ll talk about the importance about mental health and how to seek help.

Longtime Democratic Party Activist Diego Miguel Sanchez will walk us through his role at the Democratic National Convention, his thoughts and feelings about this election, and how a Harris Presidential Administration will benefit LGBTQ people.

Longtime community organizer Robert Salcido Jr has worked hard to bring equality to the Alamo City and now is taking his fight statewide by bringing resources to queer communities both large and small throughout Texas. Learn about Texas Pride Impact Funds on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & Soundcloud

Community Leader Dr. Wilfred Labiosa offers a comprehensive chronology of the LGBT rights movement in Cuba, highlighting the significant milestones, setbacks and tribulations in his new book. Learn about this book and his personal journey on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & Soundcloud

Helping the next LGBTQ generation thrive in post-secondary education is the focus of Point Foundation and its CEO Jorge Valencia. Hear about the work that goes into America’s largest queer scholarship on JesseGarciaShow.com available on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & Soundcloud

Longtime Queer Activist Orlando Gonzales talks about his new role at the Human Rights Campaign, his past activism in Florida, and how his experience with Spanish language media made him a stronger communicator for the movement. Listen today on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Spotify and Soundcloud.

MALDEF Lawyer Ernest Herrera talks to the JesseGarciaShow.com about protecting the Latino vote and representation in elected offices. Anti-Latino rhetoric motivated him to get into law. Listen to him slay in the courts! Hear our conversation on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & Soundcloud

On the Podcast today: Latino Community Foundation's Eduardo Garcia talks about supporting the Queer community and harnessing Latino Power in California. Listen to our conversation on Audible, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and Soundcloud!