Episode 20: Running Towards Success–Plática with Rodolfo "Rudy" Tovar

Episode 24: The Work is Personal–Panel Discussion

In this episode of El Podcast de El Profe Palacios, community organizers from Safe Return Project, United Latino Voices and the Concord Immigrant Protections Network, and Reimagine Richmond discuss their pathways into activism and organizing. The panel explores immigrant rights, educational equity, youth mentorship, trauma healing, police accountability, and community empowerment. Through personal stories and reflections, the speakers highlight the importance of collective action, community leadership, and imagining new possibilities for social change. This panel discussion took place on April 8, 2026. Marvin Galdamez and Dro with the Safe Return Project; Raul, Community Engagement Coordinator with United Latino Voices of Contra Costa; and Natalia, a member organizer with Reimagine Richmond. Jazzaddict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-foggCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/jazzaddicts-introMusic promoted by Audio Library [https://youtu.be/hY4yspCQRaM] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agustinpalacios.substack.com [https://agustinpalacios.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 23: Staying Rooted Across Transnational Lives–Plática with Dr. Lilia Soto

How do our earliest memories and family roots shape our academic and professional lives? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Profesora Lilia Soto for a thoughtful conversation on migration, identity, memory, and the complexities of navigating academia. Lilia reflects on her early childhood growing up between Napa and Zinapécuaro, Michoacán, and how those experiences have shaped her intellectual journey. We also discuss her time in graduate school and the personal and academic challenges she faced along the way. Finally, we explore the recent revelations surrounding Cesar Chavez’s sexual misconduct and how these discussions have influenced her work and the field of Chicana/o Studies. Jazzaddict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/jazzaddicts-intro Music promoted by Audio Library [https://youtu.be/hY4yspCQRaM] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agustinpalacios.substack.com [https://agustinpalacios.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 22: Cruzar, Luchar, Lograr–Plática with Cinthya

In this episode I sit down with a former student of mine, Cinthya, who has an amazing story, we talked about her journey across the US-Mexico border, about going to school as an undocumented student. She recently receiving her Masters in Spanish from San Francisco State University. I think her story has a lot to teach us about perseverance and resilience, and I encourage you to share it specially with our undocumented students. I’m sure it will inspire them. It inspires me. Music Jazzaddict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/jazzaddicts-intro Music promoted by Audio Library [https://youtu.be/hY4yspCQRaM] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agustinpalacios.substack.com [https://agustinpalacios.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 21: Healing with Cultura–Plática with Dr. David Martinez

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Martinez — licensed psychologist, associate professor at the University of San Francisco, and Director of Mental Health at ALAS (Ayudando Latinos a Soñar). David shares his journey from growing up in East Salinas to earning a PhD in clinical psychology. We talk about growing up in Salinas and Michoacán, about losing his father at a young age and being raised by a single mother, being the first in his family to go to college, but then being placed on academic probation. We talk about coming out as a gay Latino, and ultimately finding his path in mental health and culturally-responsive care. This is a conversation about resilience, the importance of mental health, and building healing spaces for our communities. Music Jazzaddict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/jazzaddicts-intro Music promoted by Audio Library [https://youtu.be/hY4yspCQRaM] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agustinpalacios.substack.com [https://agustinpalacios.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 20: Running Towards Success–Plática with Rodolfo "Rudy" Tovar

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Rudy Tovar, someone I’ve known since our middle school days in Salinas. We talk about growing up in a working-class immigrant family and eventually becoming a business owner. We also talk about his passion for running and his role as a youth coach. We talked about fatherhood and what it means to raise boys with compassion. Finally, Rudy reflects on how his definition of success has evolved through the years. Music Jazzaddict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/jazzaddicts-intro Music promoted by Audio Library [https://youtu.be/hY4yspCQRaM] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agustinpalacios.substack.com [https://agustinpalacios.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]