🎙️Episode20: "The Battle of Santa Gertrudis: The Convoy, The Clash, and The Camargo Squadron"

🎙️ Episode 23: "Ya Estamos Alla" – The Legacy of Francisco "Panchito" Garza

Join us on this episode of El Mesteño Podcast as we dive into the history of the South Texas "pachanga" and the incredible life of legendary music promoter Francisco "Panchito" Garza. In this episode: Featured Segment: Host David Flores and resident historian Homero Vera explore the origins of the "pachanga" social tradition in South Texas—from political rallies to backyard family celebrations—and trace the fascinating career of Panchito Garza. We discuss his work as a vaquero, his role in the school district, and his legacy as the man who built Chapultepec Hall and brought the greatest conjunto musicians to the region. Dicho Segment: We reflect on the wisdom of the proverb: "El que persevera, alcanza" (He who perseveres will reach their goal), shared by Ines C. Treviño of San Diego, Texas. Recipe Segment: Bring the taste of the borderlands home with a classic recipe for homemade Tortillas de Harina (Flour Tortillas). Book Recommendation: We feature The Texas Mexican Plant-Based Cookbook: Indigenous Foodways by Chef Adán Medrano. Chef Medrano joins us to discuss how this book connects 15,000 years of history to the comida casera we love today, offering a fresh perspective on our agricultural heritage. Tune in to celebrate the culture, history, and flavors that define South Texas!

🎙️Episode22: "The Scholar, The Soldier, The Activist: José de la Luz Sáenz"

In this episode of the *El Mesteño Podcast*, titled "The Scholar, The Soldier, The Activist: José de la Luz Sáenz," host David Flores sits down with historian and publisher Homero Vera to explore the remarkable life of a pivotal figure in Mexican-American history. Here is a breakdown of the segments included in this episode: Featured Segment: A deep dive into the life of José de la Luz Sáenz (1888–1953). The conversation covers his early life in rural South Texas, his groundbreaking career as an educator, his service as a soldier during World War I, and his monumental role as a civil rights activist and co-founder of LULAC. The discussion highlights his commitment to documenting the Mexican-American experience and his use of both the classroom and the pen to fight against systemic discrimination. Dicho Segment: A traditional *dicho* (proverb) is shared: *"El hogar es donde está el corazón"* (Home is where the heart is), with context provided by Manuel Sáenz of Rancho Nuevo, Duval County. Recipe Segment: A recipe for a classic Tex-Mex Vegetarian Guisado, featuring red potatoes, onions, fresh tomatoes, and peppers. Book Recommendation Segment: The World War I Diary of José de la Luz Sáenz (edited by Emilio Zamora): An exploration of Sáenz's personal accounts from his service in France and Germany during WWI, and how these experiences fueled his later civil rights activism. https://a.co/d/0iuhjfL1 [https://a.co/d/0iuhjfL1] No Mexicans, Women, or Dogs Allowed by Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco: A critical look at the founding of LULAC in 1929, challenging common misconceptions and framing the organization as a central pillar of the early American civil rights movement. https://a.co/d/07Go4O28 [https://a.co/d/07Go4O28]

🎙️Episode21: "The Mexican Heritage of Premont, Texas"

In this episode, host David Flores and resident historian Homero Vera explore the foundational years of Premont, Texas, shifting the spotlight to the Mexican and Mexican-American pioneers who built the town’s vibrant community. Featured Segment: The History of Premont We dive into the history of Premont, tracing its roots back to 1907 when developer R. P. Haldeman purchased the Galveston Ranch. Homero details the intentional layout of the town—specifically the area east of the railroad tracks centered around Plaza Hidalgo—and highlights the local businesses, political milestones, and resilience of the Mexican-American families who established their roots there. From the legendary performances at "El Tropico" theater to the civic organization of the community in 1911, this segment captures the lasting mark these families left on South Texas. Dicho Segment This episode’s dicho is: "En casa de el herrero, azadón de palo" (He who has a trade doesn't use it at home). This selection was contributed by Letty M. Vera of Premont, TX. Recipe Segment: Pan de Campo (Camp Bread) We share a recipe for a traditional Pan de Campo, a hearty bread that yields 16 servings. This recipe involves a simple dough prepared with flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening or lard, cooked in a Dutch oven over mesquite coals. It is a perfect accompaniment when served with butter, honey, or carne guisada. Book Recommendation Segment Our book recommendation for this episode is J.T. Canales and the Texas Rangers by Richard H. Ribb, published in 2026 by Texas A&M Press.

🎙️Episode20: "The Battle of Santa Gertrudis: The Convoy, The Clash, and The Camargo Squadron"

Episode 20: The Battle of Santa Gertrudis In this episode, host David Flores is joined by historian Homero Vera to uncover the pivotal, yet often overlooked, Battle of Santa Gertrudis. Fought on June 16, 1866, during the French Intervention in Mexico, this clash was the turning point that broke the back of imperialist forces in the northeast and helped return President Benito Juárez to power. Episode Segments: * Act I: The Hero of Camargo & The Strategy at Mesa del Ebanito: We explore the military tensions leading up to the battle, including the dramatic standoff between Generals Servando Canales and Gerónimo Treviño, and how General Canales’ local knowledge proved vital to the Republican victory. * Act II: The Blood Red Creek & The War of the Convoy: A breakdown of the intense, two-hour battle that changed the supply game for the imperialists, the capture of a massive supply convoy, and the immediate geopolitical ripple effects in Matamoros. * Act III: The Unsung Heroes – Commandant Macedonio Rodríguez & The Camargo Squadron: We honor the brave men from Camargo who formed the backbone of this fight. We read the muster roll of the Camargo Squadron, highlighting the personal sacrifice of Commandant Macedonio Rodríguez Garza and his local men. * Dicho Segment: A traditional dicho to reflect on the nature of the fight. * Recipe Segment: A classic recipe for Arroz con Pollo. * Book Recommendation: A spotlight on The Kingdom of New Spain by Don Pedro Alonso O’Crowley.

🎙️Episode19: "The Legend of El Randado: 35,000 Acres of Heritage"

¡Ay, Dios mío! Get ready to step back in time, raza, because in this episode, David and Homero are taking us on a journey deep into Jim Hogg County during the 1800s. We are uncovering the legendary history of Rancho Randado—and let me tell you, this wasn't just some little ranchito. It was an absolute South Texas powerhouse! From a 50-peso land deal to a massive 35,000-acre empire famous for its Spanish ponies , El Randado wasn't just a business; it was a living, breathing community. We’re talking about a self-sustaining village with its own bakers, blacksmiths, and deep-rooted family legacy. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the free-spirited mesteño history that shaped our ancestors. In our main feature, we trace the roots of El Randado from its 1836 "denouncement" by Don Antonio García Garza to its golden era under the legendary Don Hipólito García. Discover how this massive operation grew to hold thousands of horses and cattle , survived the visits of historical figures like Robert E. Lee , and even fueled revolutionaries with rifles and horses. Plus, we look at how the formidable women of the family—Doña Andrea and her daughter Margarita—took the reins as matriarchs to keep the ranch prosperous into the 1900s. Dicho Segment: Our dicho for this episode is a classic piece of viejito wisdom. Literally translating to "The prickly pear cactus will be seen only when it bears fruit," this phrase serves as a sharp reminder about human nature. It means that some people will only come around, visit, or check in on you when you have something to offer or when you are thriving. ¡Acuérdense, raza! Know who your real ones are when the nopal is bare. ~ Jose Noe Martinez, Santo Niño, Duval County. Recipe Segment: Nothing says South Texas comfort food like a warm bowl of albóndigas (meatballs) simmering in a rich, savory vegetable broth. Perfect for gathering the family around the table, this recipe yields 6 to 8 generous servings. * For the Meatballs: Ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, rice, eggs, fresh mint, chile chipotle, salt, and pepper. * For the Soup Base: Chopped onion, 2 cans of drained tomatoes (lightly pureed), 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 quarts of beef stock or bouillon. * Vegetables: 1 ½ cups sliced carrots, 1 ½ cups cubed unpeeled zucchini. * Toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. 1. Shape & Chill: Mix your meatball ingredients thoroughly. With wet hands, shape them into walnut-sized meatballs and chill them in the fridge. (Makes about 42 meatballs!) 2. The Base: Saute your chopped onion in a large kettle until tender. Stir in your lightly pureed tomatoes and minced garlic, letting it simmer for 5 minutes before cranking up the heat with your beef stock. 3. Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, drop in your fresh vegetables and chilled meatballs. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Top with a little cheese if you like it that way, and serve warm! Book Recommendation Segment: Tejano Empire Author: Dr. Andrés Tijerina Format: Hardcover (Clayton Wheat Williams Texas Life Series) If Episode 19 left you craving more history, you need to add this to your bookshelf immediately. Dr. Andrés Tijerina—an esteemed Professor of History and a native of Ozona—presents a breathtaking, exhaustive look at the unique ranching culture that thrived in South Texas up until the 1880s. Tejano Empire explores the very identity of our ancestors: their tightly interconnected families, Catholic faith, distinct tools, and architecture beautifully adapted to the rugged wild horse desert. Complete with stunning line drawings by Ricardo M. Beasley and pen-and-ink details by Servando G. Hinojosa, this book is an absolute standard reference for Hispanic culture in the Lone Star State. Don't forget to visit mestenomedia.com [https://mestenomedia.com/] to view the historical Hipólito García family tree and the authentic cattle brands discussed in today's show!