Meet Jahiara: YDP at Boys and Girls Club | Summer Program Sneak Peek

City Talk: Marley & Cat Meet Mayor Sepulveda

In this special episode, Marley and Cat sit down with the Mayor for an inspiring and insightful conversation that blends civic leadership with creative storytelling. The girls kick things off by asking about the Mayor’s own podcast—how she got started, what motivated her to launch it, and what kind of topics she enjoys exploring. From community updates to personal reflections, the Mayor shares how podcasting has become a powerful tool for connection and transparency. She offers practical advice for anyone looking to start their own show, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, consistency, and choosing themes that genuinely resonate with your audience. As the conversation deepens, Marley and Cat shift gears to learn more about the Mayor’s personal journey into public service. They ask what sparked her interest in running for office, what challenges she faced along the way, and how storytelling—through podcasting and beyond—has helped her build trust and engagement within the community. The Mayor reflects on the value of listening, staying curious, and using your voice to make a difference. Whether you're a future podcaster or a budding leader, this episode delivers a thoughtful blend of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Meet Daisy: From Headlines to Heartlines

Welcome back to the BGC podcast with your host, Jocelyn. Today, we have a special guest, Daisy Martinez from CBS 4 and KVEOMBC23. Daisy commends our foray into the podcast world, seeing it as the future of collaboration between youth and media. With over 20 years of experience in the news industry, Daisy shares her journey from starting out to returning to Valley Central in 2022, where she finds great reward in meeting and telling the stories of people in her community. Despite the glamour associated with being on camera, Daisy admits to being shy but passionate about journalism, seeking to make a meaningful impact through her work. She sheds light on the challenges of putting together a newscast daily under tight deadlines, emphasizing the constant need for accuracy and efficiency. Behind the scenes, anchors like Daisy are involved in various tasks beyond reading the news, showcasing the multifaceted nature of their roles. In a candid conversation, Daisy reveals her initial shyness and highlights the importance of listening and connecting with people in the field of journalism. Aspiring reporters are advised to focus on making a genuine impact and staying informed about current events and issues. Daisy encourages young journalists to hone their writing and communication skills, acknowledging the demanding yet rewarding nature of the profession. She emphasizes the significance of storytelling and the varied perspectives that shape the truth. Switching roles, Jocelyn, the podcast host, shares her aspirations of becoming a marine biologist while also nurturing her love for theater and storytelling. Daisy applauds Jocelyn's diverse interests, suggesting a potential blend of environmental reporting and theater performance in the future. The conversation drifts to the mysteries of the ocean and the power of storytelling in preserving history and diverse perspectives. As the episode wraps up, Daisy expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to inspire and connect with listeners, while Jocelyn reflects on the valuable insights gained from their conversation. The exchange between these two dynamic individuals underscores the importance of open dialogue, diverse interests, and the potential for collaboration across different fields. Thank you for tuning in to the BGC podcast, where each episode offers engaging discussions and meaningful takeaways. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations ahead.

Meet Jocelyn: Youth of the Year for Harlingen

Welcome back to the BGCH Club Podcast Show with your host, Brittany. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Jocelyn, also known as Jocy, a soon-to-be junior at Highland High School. Jocelyn shares her aspirations of attending UT Austin or NYU to pursue marine biology, inspired by her love for animals, particularly killer whales.   Reflecting on her experience as the Youth of the Year, Jocelyn recounts her trip filled with interaction with fellow Boys and Girls Club members from different backgrounds. She fondly recalls the camaraderie, fun activities, and the exchange of inspiring stories during the trip. Brittany commends Jocelyn for stepping out of her comfort zone and fostering connections with peers from diverse areas, highlighting the enriching experience of such competitions.   Delving further into Jocelyn's journey at the Boys and Girls Club, she credits the organization for nurturing her confidence and communication skills. From a shy newcomer to a vibrant member, Jocelyn has embraced opportunities to explore her interests, including volleyball and theater. She shares her excitement for future theater projects, as well as her involvement in speech and theater competitions, anticipating participation in UIL events.   Amidst her summer activities, Jocelyn unveils her newfound hobbies of reading plays and engaging in art and crafts, sparked by her curiosity and creativity. The conversation transitions to her aspiration to delve into baking, inspired by Brittany's baking expertise. The duo shares a light-hearted exchange on baking and exploring different flavors, echoing the joy of culinary experimentation.   As the podcast episode concludes, Brittany encourages Jocelyn's podcasting endeavors, teasing the reveal of her upcoming podcast name, "Yap Central," a fitting title for Jocelyn's penchant for engaging conversations. With a shared enthusiasm for storytelling and connecting with others, Jocelyn looks forward to embarking on her podcasting journey. The episode wraps up with warm farewells, leaving listeners eager for future episodes featuring Jocelyn's engaging interviews and vibrant personality.   Join us next time for more insightful stories and inspiring conversations on the BGCH Club Podcast Show. Thank you for tuning in!

Meet Jahiara: YDP at Boys and Girls Club | Summer Program Sneak Peek

Welcome to the Boys and Girls Club of Heart Engines BGCH Club podcast! I'm your host, Brittany, and today we have a special interview with one of our dedicated staff members. Let's welcome Shahida, a youth development professional at our Wilson unit. Jahiara shares her journey of working at various Boys and Girls Club units, including Lamar and Harry Nigro, before finding her place at Wilson. She reveals how she was drawn to the organization through the work study program at Texas State Technical College and fell in love with the staff, students, and activities.   With three years of experience under her belt, Jahiara shares her favorite activities, from coaching volleyball and kickball to arts and crafts, karaoke, and dancing. She also highlights the excitement of summer programs, including movie field trips, pool parties, and arts and crafts like canvas painting. Jahiara's passion for engaging with the kids shines through as she talks about the programs she has helped with, such as Girl Strong and Texan, and the positive impact they have on the children across different units.   As we gear up for our upcoming summer programs starting in May, Shahida offers insight into the activities planned for the Wilson unit. She looks forward to working with the eight and nine-year-old girls at the main unit, providing them with a fun and enriching Boys and Girls Club experience. Encouraging parents to register their kids for the summer program, Jahiara emphasizes the value of the activities and opportunities offered at the club.   We wrap up today's episode with a teaser for our next show, where we will introduce our Youth of the Year Club member. Stay tuned to hear about her experience competing for the prestigious title and what being a part of the Boys and Girls Club of O'Hare Engine means to her. Thank you for tuning in and supporting the BGCH Club podcast. Until next time, have a great day!

Meet Edward: 19 Years of Impact at Boys and Girls Club

Welcome to the BGCH Club podcast show, hosted by Brittany from the Harrington Boys and Girls Club. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Edward, a dedicated staff member at the Harry Nigro Unit for the past 19 years. Edward shares his passion for working hard and helping the kids for a better future, emphasizing the values instilled in him throughout his years of service.   Having worked at multiple units including Lamar, Wilson, Lemoine, and Mid-Milum, Edward's experience and commitment to the Boys and Girls Club shines through. He engages the kids in various activities such as art projects and fishing, where he imparts valuable skills and knowledge to help them explore their interests and talents. Edward's art classes focus on teaching the basics of sketching, shading, and painting, while his fishing camps provide hands-on experience in setting up rods and choosing the right lures for different waters.   Looking ahead, Edward expresses his enthusiasm for hosting a fly fishing class for teenagers, offering a unique opportunity for them to learn a new skill during the summer program. As the summer approaches, Edward plans to incorporate art activities into the program to cater to a wider range of interests among the kids. His dedication to creating enriching experiences for the children extends to all programs and events at the Boys and Girls Club, showcasing his versatility and commitment to uplifting the community.   To parents listening in, Brittany encourages them to enroll their children in the summer program to ensure they don't miss out on the exciting opportunities available at the Boys and Girls Club. With the chance to explore different units, engage in diverse activities, and enjoy fun field trips, the summer program promises a memorable experience for all participants. As the podcast comes to a close, Brittany extends her gratitude for the support and participation of the listeners, inviting them to tune in for future episodes featuring more staff members from the Boys and Girls Club. Thank you for joining us today, and until next time, have a wonderful day!