Voices del Valle

More Than the System: Mariah’s Story

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0700

What happens when a child spends years feeling misunderstood? In this deeply personal episode of Voices del Valle, host Angelina Echeverria shares her family’s story through conversations with her sister, Mariah, and their mother. Together, they reflect on Mariah’s childhood struggles with ADHD, the loneliness she experienced in school, and the search for belonging that eventually led her down a difficult path. From conflicts at home and school to time spent in juvenile hall, Mariah speaks candidly about the choices she made and the lessons she learned along the way.

But this episode is about more than mistakes. It’s about a family determined not to give up on one another. Mariah’s mother shares the challenges of advocating for her daughter through years of behavioral struggles, school interventions, and mental health services, while Angelina offers the perspective of a sister watching it all unfold. Their story is a powerful reminder that behind every label is a human being, and that with understanding, support, and persistence, healing and growth are possible. More Than the System is an honest conversation about family, resilience, and finding hope after some of life’s hardest moments.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 205: More Than the System: Mariah’s Story

More Than the System: Mariah’s Story

Hosted by: Angelina Escheverria

Supporting guests: Patty Pradis, Mariah Escheverria

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 Less Depressed, The Better

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0700

What if a board game could start conversations about the things teenagers often struggle to talk about? In this episode of Voices del Valle, Central Union High School senior Sarah Abigail Vera shares how her experiences with depression, anxiety, OCD, and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to create High School The Game. Designed around the idea that happiness—not money—is the ultimate goal, the game reflects the realities of high school life through relationships, academic pressure, sports, peer influence, and unexpected life events.

Through candid discussions with fellow students, a school-based mental health specialist, and school administrators, this episode examines the choices teenagers face and the impact those choices can have on their mental health and well-being. More than a story about a game, this is a conversation about resilience, empathy, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel safe discussing the challenges they face every day.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 204: The Less Depressed, The Better

Hosted by: Sarah Abigail Vera and Edison Camargo

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

You’re From Where? Featuring Eugene Edwards

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Voices del Valle, Eugene Edwards shares his journey from a quiet, guitar-obsessed kid in Yuma, Arizona to a professional musician performing on major stages. Growing up in a desert town with limited access to culture but plenty of time to focus, Eugene found inspiration through records, MTV, and an early Bruce Springsteen concert that changed everything. His story highlights how isolation can become an advantage when paired with passion and discipline.

Eugene also reflects on the realities of life as a working musician — from playing in bar bands while underage to eventually touring with Dwight Yoakam — and the importance of saying yes to opportunities along the way. Alongside humor and memorable stories, he offers thoughtful insight on identity, ambition, and how growing up near the U.S.-Mexico border shaped his worldview.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 203: You’re From Where? Featuring Eugene Edwards

Hosted by: Edison Carmago, Athena Merino, and Axel Cardenas-Felix

Edited and produced by: Ernesto Gomez Camacho and Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Eugene Edwards

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Homeschool Isn’t the Stereotype

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Athena and Arabella dive into the diverse world of alternative education with guests Manuel, Gaby, and Dominic. Living in a small town often means there are only a few paths to take, but today we’re exploring how very different academic journeys intersected. We start by breaking down the "why" behind these paths. The group gets candid about the daily reality of homeschooling. From kitchen-table chemistry to self-paced history lessons, we explore how learning styles differ when your parents are your teachers. We also tackle the "Socialization Question" head-on: How do you find a community in a small town? Our guests discuss the role of co-ops, local sports, and clubs in staying connected, and whether the fear of isolation is a myth or a reality. Finally, we look at the academic and social transitions. We compare notes on grading, parental "strictness," and the culture shock of moving between home and public school settings.

Whether you're curious about making the switch or just want to hear what goes on behind the scenes of a small-town homeschool co-op, this episode offers a 360-degree view of growing up outside the box.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 202: Homeschool Isn't the Stereotype

Hosted by: Athena Merino, Arabella Rascon

Student Guests: Gabby Guzman, Dominic Singh, and Manuel Negrete

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Ernesto Gomez and SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Teens of Slab City

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Slab City has long been portrayed as a symbol of freedom, chaos, or escape—but rarely do we hear from the young people who call it home. In this episode of Voices del Valle, our students travel into the desert to sit down with teens and young adults raised in Slab City, uncovering what daily life really looks like beyond the headlines and viral videos. From navigating stereotypes and isolation to finding community, identity, and purpose, their stories challenge the one-dimensional narratives often seen online.

Through candid conversations, this episode explores what it means to grow up in a place that the outside world struggles to understand. It highlights the realities of youth in Slab City—the freedom, the hardships, and the responsibility of shaping your own path. More than anything, this episode centers voices that are too often left out, offering a perspective that is honest, human, and long overdue.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 201: Teens of Slab City

Hosted by: Mitzel Martinez and Santiago Valdez

Supporting Students: Sophia Ayala, Margarita Guillen, Benny Lopez, and Kenyon Thomas

Slab City Teens: Kasey Pearson, Timothy Pearson, and Alizee

Edited and produced by: Isaac Garcia and Dr. Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions and Richard Vega

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Voices del Valle Season 2 Trailer

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Voices del Valle is a student-produced podcast created by students at Central Union High School in El Centro, California. Now in its second season, the podcast gives Imperial Valley teens a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and goals. Season 2 features all-new episodes, each created and produced by student teams in the SpartanSound Productions program.

BONUS - Follow Your Dreams: The Story of Lupe Rodriguez

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:00 -0700

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

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

The Military: What’s Your Why?

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:37:00 -0700

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

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0700

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

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

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

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

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

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

You’re From Where? Featuring Marco Peralta

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

For this episode of “You’re From Where?”, we visited with the California Angels Spanish Language play-by-play announcer Marco Peralta about his growing up in El Centro, and his strong connection to Central Union High School and the Imperial Valley.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 109: You’re From Where - Marco Peralta

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

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

The 3 A’s - Autism, Anxiety, & ADHD

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Modern high school students often see their worlds through a wide variety of lenses. “The 3 A’s” shares the experiences of five Imperial Valley teens that see their worlds through the lenses of autism, anxiety, or ADHD.

Valley Music Makers

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Making music in high school is something that a large percentage of the population has experience with. At Central Union High School, making music happens in more ways than just band and choirs. In “Valley Music Makers” students of CUHS will share why they are involved with the various music programs and how it is part of the overall culture of the school.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 107 - Valley Music Makers

Valley Music Makers was written by Johan Gamez Aguirre, Jorge Villa- Quevedo, and Dr. Thomas Tacke

Hosted by: Samantha Denmon and Ethan Gonzalez

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Theme by: Johan Gamez Aguirre, Jorge Villa- Quevedo, and Dr. Thomas Tacke

Music by: SpartanSound Productions, DAZE! and Johan Gamez Aguirre, and Jorge Villa- Quevedo

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

You’re From Where? Featuring Walter Beasley

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0700

For this episode of : You’re From Where?”, we visited with smooth jazz recording artist and professor Walter Beasley about his growing up in El Centro, and his strong connection to Central Union High School and the Imperial Valley

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 106: You’re From Where? Featuring Walter Beasley

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: Walter Beasley and SpartanSound Productions

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Heat and Hope: A Valley Story of Resilience

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Being a homeless family in America is difficult for any family. But if it is in the Imperial Valley, additional challenges are added with the extreme summer temperatures and a lack of affordable housing. Heat & Hope is the story of one family’s fall into the homeless ranks. It is the brutally honest story told by a sister and brother of how they became homeless for four years with their mother.

CREDITS

Episode 105 - Heat and Hope: A Valley Story of Resilience

Heat and Hope was written and hosted by: Mia Lozano Madrid and Marley Lozano Madrid

Edited and produced by: Dr. Thomas Tacke

Theme by: Mia Lozano Madrid

Music by: SpartanSound Productions

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

What Are You Doing Here?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0700

The Imperial Valley is a place that is said to be a great place to raise kids. It has a small town feel and it is common for families to have been here for several generations. But when a family moves to the Valley from places like San Diego, Los Angeles, or other places that don’t have the stifling heat of the summers here, kids meet the “new kid” with the question of “What are you doing here?” This isn’t meant in a challenging way, it is just that Valley kids see places outside the Valley as the better, more desirable places to be.

In this episode of Voices del Valle, we visit with four students that moved to the Imperial Valley and attended, or are attending, Central Union High School. In the discussions, it becomes clear that our small town feeling community is actually a special place where students create great friendships and a strong bond to this place we call home.

CREDITS

Episode 104 - What Are You Doing Here?

What Are You Doing Here was written and hosted by: Ismael Peraza, Destiny Garibaldi, and Mitzel Martinez.

Edited and produced by: Dr. Thomas Tacke

Theme by: Ismael Peraza, Destiny Garibaldi, and Mitzel Martinez.

Music by: SpartanSound Productions

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

You’re From Where? Featuring Donal Logue

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Nearly all high schools have at least one person that finds fame after graduation. For the schools in the Imperial Valley, there are many that have found it in the arts, sports, and entertainment industries. And when the individual tells people they are from El Centro, a common response is, “You’re from where?” For this episode of :You’re From Where?”, we visited with film and TV celebrity Donal Logue about his growing up in El Centro, and his strong connection to Central Union High School and the Imperial Valley.CREDITSEpisode 103: You’re From Where? Featuring Donal LogueYou’re From Where was written and hosted by: Dominick Ramos Felix, Felipe Castro, Evan Harper, and Samantha Denmon. Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas TackeTheme by: Dominick Ramos Felix, Felipe Castro, Evan Harper, and Samantha DenmonMusic by: Spartan Sound ProductionsTechnical 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.

Championships

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Small towns love their high school sport teams, and the Imperial Valley, this love is unconditional regardless of how well the teams records end. But when championships are won, there is always stories to be told of how that happened. During the 2024-25 season, two of Central Union High School’s teams took the quest for championships all the way to the CIF State final levels. The Spartan Cheer Team repeated as CIF State Champions and the Boys Soccer Team went further than any Valley team in history and won the CIF Southern Section and ended their season as Runner Up at the CIF State competition.

Credits:

Episode 102: Championships

Championships was written by Dr. Thomas Tacke, Joshua Ahumada and Lilyana Morquecho

Hosted by: Joshua Ahumada and Lilyana Morquecho

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Theme by: Dr. Thomas Tacke

Music by: SpartanSound Productions

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Embrace el Valle

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0700

The Imperial Valley is said to be a great place to raise kids. But what is there for them to do in the Valley? Embrace el Valle is a look at some of the things that are unique and that the youth of the Valley look forward to doing each year including the fairs they enjoy, going to Mexicali, and of course, off-roading at our world class off-roading sites.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The California Mid-winter Fair

Fiestas del Sol

Quinceaneras in Mexicali

Off-roading in the Imperial Valley

CREDITS

Episode 101: Embrace el Valle

Embrace el Valle was written and hosted by: Jennesia Dosal, Manuel Negrette, and Stephanie Portillo

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Theme by: Jennesia Dosal, Manuel Negrette, and Stephanie Portillo

Music is by: SpartanSound Productions

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Introducing Voices del Valle!

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0700

Voices del Valle is a youth-led podcast spotlighting powerful coming-of-age stories from California’s Imperial Valley. Told through the eyes of local teens, each episode dives into real experiences of growing up in a rural, tight-knit, and culturally rich border community. From navigating mental health and multigenerational households to chasing dreams in sports, music, and media, these stories reveal the resilience, creativity, and identity of young people forging their own paths. Whether facing homelessness or finding purpose through podcasting, Voices del Valle captures what it truly means to come of age in el Valle — with honesty, heart, and hometown pride.