Border Kids

Hope Wright grew up on a sprawling ranch in Mexico, complete with cowboys, black bears and even an ostrich named Paco. Hope’s childhood is anything but ordinary. Imagine flying into town for dance class or hosting Hollywood A-listers at your house. Hope will share her story of navigating life between Mexico and Del Rio and how this experience shaped her opinions on the current immigration crisis. 

00:00 Introduction to Border Kids
01:15 Meet Hope Wright: A Unique Childhood
02:39 Life on the Ranch: Cowboys, Bears, and Ostriches
03:59 Crossing Borders for Education
05:48 Cultural Experiences and Family Life
09:49 Challenges and Changes at the Border
15:11 Hollywood Comes to the Ranch
20:28 Balancing Heritage and Family
25:28 Life on the Ranch: Morning Routines and Homemade Cheese
26:06 Cultural Differences: Food and Grocery Shopping
26:37 Challenges of Growing Up: Corruption and Bribery
29:23 Misunderstandings and Misconceptions
31:34 Impact of Border Life on Personal Growth
35:57 Complexities of Immigration and Legal Status
43:23 Cherished Memories: Riding and Family Gatherings
47:10 Balancing Two Cultures: Privilege and Prejudice
50:18 The Importance of Sharing Border Stories
52:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections





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Clifton Castle is a blue-eyed "white boy" who defies all the boxes people try to put him in. He doesn’t just appreciate Regional Mexican music—he sings it like he was born to it, like it flows through his veins.

Hear about the time Clifton crossed the border, only to have his car taken away by authorities. How did he get it back? Well, let’s just say his smooth-talking Spanish came to the rescue—big time.

Clifton opens up about his family's history, including his grandfather’s escape from Europe during World War 2 and his father’s legacy as a respected photographer. He shares the undeniable connection he feels to his border community—where people gather to celebrate family, art, music, and food.

00:00 Introduction to Border Kids
01:16 Meet Clifton Castle: The Renaissance Man
02:04 Clifton's Journey and Family Business
03:57 Returning Home and Family Legacy
04:29 Clifton's Father's Legacy
06:14 Family History and Immigration
09:35 Learning Spanish and Cultural Immersion
14:12 The Value of Bilingualism
16:25 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded
17:05 Growing Up in a Border Town: The Best and Worst Parts
18:56 Misconceptions About Border Towns
21:59 The Immigration Situation and Leadership Issues
24:32 A Memorable Story from the Border
29:44 Celebrating Border Town Culture
33:41 Closing Thoughts and Farewell





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Joe Neal Kerr is a third-generation Texan whose family has deep roots in ranching near Del Rio, Texas. Joe Neal shares his personal experiences growing up in a predominantly Hispanic border town and discusses how the immigration crisis has impacted daily life on his family's ranch. The conversation explores themes of community, cultural dynamics, and the economic realities of ranching. Joe Neal also reflects on the urgent need for immigration reform and the humanitarian challenges faced by those crossing the border.

00:00 Introduction to Border Kids
01:15 Meet Joe Neal Kerr: A Rancher's Story
01:49 Growing Up in Del Rio: Family and Culture
03:58 Challenges and Realities of Border Life
05:19 Leaving the Ranch: Economic Realities
11:57 The Humanitarian Crisis at the Border
13:41 Industrialization of Immigration
15:23 Solutions and Perspectives on Immigration
16:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
17:10 Closing Remarks


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Roy Austin grew up in a unique blend of cultures—his family’s been in Texas since the 1820s. Roy navigated life as both Anglo and Hispanic. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Roy shares how his bilingual upbringing shaped his career and outlook on life. Today, he'll talk about his journey from Del Rio to where he is now, the challenges of growing up on the border, and the importance of cross-border relationships.

00:00 Introduction to Border Kids
01:18 Meet Roy Austin: A Blend of Cultures
02:35 Roy's Family History and Roots
05:44 Navigating Life as a Border Kid
11:01 Challenges and Opportunities on the Border
14:08 Reflections on Border Culture and Community
23:53 The Complexities of Immigration
25:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell





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Savannah Lay-Fawks grew up surrounded by vibrant traditions and deep-rooted cultural connections, all while navigating a world that’s often misunderstood. Savannah’s experiences—from the warmth of tight-knit friendships to the rich tapestry of Mexican culture—paint a picture that shatters stereotypes and reveals the tender, human side of border life. Her story isn’t just about bridging cultural divides; it’s about the profound ways in which these connections shape us, challenge us, and ultimately bring us closer together. Through her eyes, we see the true heart of a border town, the essence of what it means to belong and to be understood. 

00:00 Introduction to Border Kids
01:16 Meet Savannah 
02:01 Growing Up in Del Rio
04:11 Cultural Connections and Challenges
11:45 Life Beyond the Border Town
30:28 Memorable Stories and Reflections
39:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.

Welcome to "Border Kids," the podcast where real stories from the Texas-Mexico border come to life. 

Here, we go beyond the headlines and dive into personal narratives. We explore the rich culture, unique lifestyle, and complex realities of border life that are rarely seen in the media. From the struggles of immigration to the tight-knit communities that thrive in the shadow of the border wall, we’re sharing raw and unfiltered experiences.

Do you want to know what’s really going on at the border? Join us as we uncover the true essence of life where a river divides two worlds in a little town called Del Rio, Texas —told by the people who live it.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/border-kids--6311904/support.