The Military: What’s Your Why?

BONUS - Follow Your Dreams: The Story of Lupe Rodriguez

In recognition of National Nurses Month, this special episode of Voices del Valle highlights the life and legacy of Lupe Rodriguez, a pioneering Hispanic nurse whose story reflects both the history of healthcare and the strength of the Imperial Valley community. Hosted by students Keira and Delarine, the episode explores Lupe’s childhood growing up in Brawley during segregation, where Hispanic neighborhoods lacked resources and opportunities for young women were often limited. Lupe shares how strict family expectations nearly prevented her from attending college, and how Mercy College in San Diego—a Catholic residential nursing school—became the opportunity that changed her life. Throughout the episode, Lupe reflects on her decades-long nursing career, including caring for patients during the polio era, working in psychiatric hospitals, and becoming a respected leader at Pioneer Memorial Hospital. She also discusses the discrimination she faced, the determination that pushed her to succeed, and the importance of education for future generations. More than a story about nursing, this episode is a tribute to perseverance, compassion, and the trailblazing women who opened doors for others to follow. ____________________________________________________________________________ CREDITS BONUS - Follow Your Dreams: The Story of Lupe Rodriguez Hosted by: Keira Adame and Delarine Lopez Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette. This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

The Military: What’s Your Why?

What drives someone to enlist in the military? In this intense episode of Voices del Valle, five voices from the Imperial Valley open up about the real reasons behind their decisions—stories shaped by poverty, family responsibility, personal struggle, faith, and the desire for something more. From overcoming addiction and homelessness to finding structure, purpose, and identity, each story reveals that enlisting isn’t just about service—it’s about transformation. Centered on one question—why—this episode explores the deeper motivations that push young people to leave home, challenge themselves, and build a future beyond what they’ve known. The Military: What’s Your Why? Hosted by: Grace Navarro Edited and produced by: Grace Navarro, Juan Carreon Limon, and Dr.Thomas Tacke Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette. This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

BONUS - The Shuffle: Jimmie Cannon’s Living Legacy - A Black History Special

The Great Spartan Band at Central Union High School has a long history of excellence and award winning performances. Two of their traditions include The Shuffle and “I’m So Glad,” both from the band traditions of HBCU’s and other bands of the South.This episode explores what these mean to the band members of today and of the past.

Generations Under One Roof

The family dynamic in the Imperial Valley is often one where grandparents have a heightened role in raising their grandchildren. The reasons this happens are many but in this episode of Voices del Valle, you will hear from three youth whose grandparents took on the roles of primary caregivers and how that seems to differ from being raised by a parent. ____________________________________________________________________________ CREDITS Episode 111: Generations Under One Roof You’re From Where was written and hosted by: Dominick Ramos Felix, Felipe Castro, Evan Harper, and Samantha Denmon. Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke Theme by: Dominick Ramos Felix, Felipe Castro, Evan Harper, and Samantha Denmon Music by: SpartanSound Productions Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, and KPBS Producer, Julio Ortiz Franco. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations. This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Growing Up & Raising Up

Growing Up & Raising Up is the story of a teenager who became a mother during her freshman year in high school and how she managed to learn to be a mom and a successful high school student. Teen pregnancies and motherhood are things that are part of almost all schools and communities. In this episode of Voices del Valle, one teen mother will share her unfiltered discussion of becoming a mother at the age of 15. She will also share how she graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and continued her success into adulthood. ____________________________________________________________________________ CREDITS Episode 110: Growing Up & Raising Up Growing Up & Raising Up was written and hosted by: Grace Navarro and Casey Davilos Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke Theme by: Grace Navarro and Casey Davilos Music by: SpartanSound Productions Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, and KPBS Producer, Julio Ortiz Franco. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations. This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.