The Rio Grande Podcast

It was his Grande Finale! The “most-traveled man in America” has spent years exploring the United States to get a taste of life and work in every corner of the country. He had seen and experienced it all - except for one last piece of the map: the great South Texas. Now that he’s finally conquered his “final frontier” in the RGV, he’s sat down with @TheRioGrandePodcast to talk about his experience...

In this episode, we head to the amazing Alpaquita Ranch in Monte Alto to meet owner Giovanni Cardenas and learn all about the alpaca farm that has taken the Rio Grande Valley by storm. We talk the farm’s origin story, Alpaca fun facts, and discuss all the things that make @AlpaquitaRanch a must-visit attraction in the RGV. Can you name the two types of alpacas in the world? Do you know what hospit...

Have you seen the “Big Bird”?? Did they ever find Pancho Villa? Where did ‘fajitas’ and all those famous fajita tacos come from?  And are all local-market commercials as witty as Valley commercials, or is that just an RGV thing?  Listen in as the podcast peeps talk about local history and culture. Don’t forget to follow the show on social media and on your favorite podcast platform!  Text us! Supp...

Does your toothbrush look like it’s having a bad hair day? Do you still brush in circles?? And what’s with the whole “coated tongue” phenomenon? Listen in as local Registered Dental Hygienst Arianna Cazares fills us in on all the need-to-know basics on oral health and shares her vision of making the RGV a better place one smile at a time. Thank you Ms. Arianna, also known as @TheRGVRDH, for  helpi...

Join us as we get to know Corine Garcia Maldonado, founder of Starr Music Academy, as she reflects on the deeper impact music has on her students and the world around us. A professional musician and dedicated music teacher, her work is helping future generations grow to become true “Starrs” of the Rio Grande Valley. Text us! Support the show

Tune in this week as locals Terry Drefke and Lebby Salinas share their passion for empowering the community to lead safer, healthier lives through the power of food. Learn how they work to make the valley a better place, one bite at a time.  Text us! Support the show

What do you call those “bolis” pops in English? Were you a victim of Hispanic fear-mongering as a kid? Hang out with us as we sit down and talk life in the 956 and also highlight our love for local restaurants.  Text us! Support the show

Oh, honey! Join us this week for a lesson on bees and honey-harvesting as local beekeeper Glenn Simpson teaches us what we should know about the buzzing world of bees and his experience with his growing honey business, BayBees.  Text us! Support the show

On this episode, Zach Myers and Isaac Herrera of Pharr Out Records reflect on their business journey that took them from pop-up shop market success to opening the doors to their first storefront in Pharr, Texas! Through hard work and dedication, this 4-member team has brought the 956 a record shop to be proud of and an experience worth discovering.  Text us! Support the show

Have you been to the South Texas International Film Festival?? Every year hundreds of filmmakers from different parts of the world submit their works to be showcased for free right here in Edinburg, Texas for a chance to win awards and recognition from professionals in the film industry. Grab your popcorn and tacos as we talk to Magdiel Castle, Director of Operations for STXIFF, to learn more abou...

Are you an animal lover? It may surprise you that the Rio Grande Valley has some of the nation’s highest rates of strays and homelessness of our “furry friends”. To help combat the issue, shelters and organizations like Yaqui Animal Rescue have been working hard to give the Valley’s animals a new start and a better tomorrow. Join us as we meet Alyssa Cerroni and learn all about the amazing no-kill...

Thomas Ray Garcia is the founder of the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP) and a dedicated educator and author. The drive for his mission to provide college access for all was sparked by his “unlikely” journey from Pharr, TX to Princeton University where his made-it-out experience became the very catalyst for his homecoming and the inception of CSLAP. Join us as we get to know a...

Pageants are just about looking pretty on stage, right? Well, you’ll most likely have a change of opinion after Bryceidee Leos explains what goes on behind the scenes and what it truly takes to hit the runway. Listen to her story and find out what pageantry has taught her and where it's led her today. Text us! Support the show

It's time! Welcome home! Text us! Support the show

In this episode, Sam sits down and explores his reasons for loving the place he calls home. What do you love about the RGV? Text us! Support the show

Listen in as local flower farm owner Jennifer Wilson gives us a glimpse into the wonderful life of a school teacher-turned-business owner. Beloved in her community, Mrs. Wilson has witnessed her enjoyable side hustle blossom into a full-fledged triple-threat thriving business (and counting!).  Text us! Support the show

Have you ever gone bird watching in the RGV? Did you know it's one of the Valley's greatest tourist attractions? Join us for a chat with Mr. Javier De Leon, Park Superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco as we delve into the wonderful world of birding in South Texas.  Text us! Support the show

Welcome to the Rio Grande Podcast! Let's do this! Text us! Support the show