Border Kids

Episode 9: The Black Hole

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 Kids 01:16 Meet Ashlie: A Life in Del Rio 02:09 Balancing Two Worlds: Family and Career 07:06 The Impact of Immigration on Community Safety 23:18 Navigating Cultural and Social Dynamics 28:13 Reflections on Growing Up in a Border Town 39:34 The Changing Social Scene in Del Rio 40:42 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Episode 8: My Dad Called Me a Coconut

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 Kids 01:16 Meet Vanessa  02:03 Life in Del Rio 03:23 Cultural Challenges and Language Barriers 06:30 Social Dynamics and Friendships 09:25 Nightlife and Safety Concerns 17:55 Misunderstandings and Media Portrayals 21:18 Immigration Issues and Political Views 28:34 Reflecting on Immigration Reporting 29:08 Life as a Border Patrol Agent's Child 33:12 Cultural Identity and Growth 35:49 Memorable High School Experiences 38:35 Challenging Moments and Realizations 42:37 Impact of the Uvalde Tragedy 47:54 Participating in the Project 50:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Episode 15: Humvees on Qualia Street

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 Kids 01:16 Meet Roberto  02:44 Roberto's Journey to the U.S. 04:09 Challenges of Learning English 06:46 Life in Corpus Christi 11:10 Memories of Del Rio 12:09 Crossing the Border for Fun 17:01 Reflections on Safety and Growing Up 24:26 Current Border Issues 31:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Episode 14: Miss Del Rio 1999

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 Kids 01:16 Meet Annaliz: A Border Kid's Journey 02:03 Life in Austin and Career Transitions 04:09 Balancing Cultures: Growing Up Bilingual 10:59 The Pageant Experience 15:23 Border Patrol Insights and Immigration Views 25:21 Concluding Thoughts and Call for Solutions 27:23 Closing Remarks Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Episode 13: Demerits for Speaking Spanish

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 Kids 01:15 Meet Vianka: A Unique Border Experience 02:02 Vianka's Early Life and Education 05:50 Navigating Cultural Differences 15:02 Challenges and Misunderstandings of Border Life 28:16 Reflections on Immigration 33:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].