Port of Entry

By KPBSSociety & Culture

Port of Entry episodes

February 20 Port of Entry short - 2025 Year in Review
Hey friends!
2025 was a busy year for us! We featured some truly memorable stories that we were thrilled to share with you:
From the excitement of having your own MLS soccer franchise, to the touching journey of a displaced woman trying to reunite with her family, to the innovative approaches environmentalists are developing to tackle everyday challenges.
What we didn't get to share with you was how many public engagements we participated in last year — with presentations both north and south of the border.
It was a memorable experience to meet some of you in person and hang out with great friends.
To share these experiences with you, we've put together a short video where we talk about these appearances and share some behind-the-scenes footage.
Welcome to another Port of Entry short — hope you enjoy it!
///////////////////////////////////////
Hola compitas!
2025 fue un año súper ocupado para nosotros!
Presentamos algunas historias verdaderamente memorables que nos entusiasmó compartir con ustedes: desde la emoción de tener tu propia franquicia de fútbol de la MLS hasta el conmovedor viaje de una mujer desplazada tratando de reunirse con su familia, hasta las innovaciones que unos ambientalistas están desarrollando para enfrentar los desafíos cotidianos.
Lo que no llegamos a compartir con ustedes es la cantidad de presentaciones en los que participamos este año, con presentaciones tanto al norte como al sur de la frontera.
Fue memorable conocer a algunos de ustedes en persona y al igual pasar tiempo con grandes amigos.
Para compartir estas experiencias con ustedes, hemos preparado un corto video donde hablamos sobre estas apariciones y compartimos algunos videos detrás de cámaras. Bienvenidos a otro corto de "Port of Entry" — ¡esperamos que lo disfruten!
About Season 6
Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.
This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.
From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
10 min
February 17 Port of Entry short: 2025 Year in Review
Hey friends!
2025 was a busy year for us! We featured some truly memorable stories that we were thrilled to share with you:
From the excitement of having your own MLS soccer franchise, to the touching journey of a displaced woman trying to reunite with her family, to the innovative approaches environmentalists are developing to tackle everyday challenges.
What we didn't get to share with you was how many public engagements we participated in last year — with presentations both north and south of the border.
It was a memorable experience to meet some of you in person and hang out with great friends.
To share these experiences with you, we've put together a short video where we talk about these appearances and share some behind-the-scenes footage.
Welcome to another Port of Entry short — hope you enjoy it!
///////////////////////////////////////
Hola compitas!
2025 fue un año súper ocupado para nosotros!
Presentamos algunas historias verdaderamente memorables que nos entusiasmó compartir con ustedes: desde la emoción de tener tu propia franquicia de fútbol de la MLS hasta el conmovedor viaje de una mujer desplazada tratando de reunirse con su familia, hasta las innovaciones que unos ambientalistas están desarrollando para enfrentar los desafíos cotidianos.
Lo que no llegamos a compartir con ustedes es la cantidad de presentaciones en los que participamos este año, con presentaciones tanto al norte como al sur de la frontera.
Fue memorable conocer a algunos de ustedes en persona y al igual pasar tiempo con grandes amigos.
Para compartir estas experiencias con ustedes, hemos preparado un corto video donde hablamos sobre estas apariciones y compartimos algunos videos detrás de cámaras. Bienvenidos a otro corto de "Port of Entry" — ¡esperamos que lo disfruten!
About Season 6
Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.
This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.
From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp
10 min
February 06 Trump 2.0: Inmigración y el impacto fronterizo
Nos sentamos con Gustavo Solís, reportero de frontera de KPBS, y Cassandra López, Directora de Litigación de Al Otro Lado, para reflexionar sobre los cambios más significativos en la política de inmigración y cómo han impactado en la región fronteriza.
42 min
January 30 Trump 2.0: A conversation — Immigration and the border impact
It’s no surprise that the first year of President Trump's second term offers much to reflect upon, both internationally and domestically, particularly regarding immigration policy and tactics. Many changes have taken place over the past year, which may be confusing for many people.
Some of those changes have directly impacted people in the border region.
To clarify and help us understand how everything has unfolded, we are joined by two guests: KPBS border reporter Gustavo Solis and Cassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado.
This is a Port of Entry conversation: Trump 2.0: Immigration and the border impact.
You won't want to miss this episode.
Nos vemos pronto!
Guests:
Gustavo Solis, KPBS border reporter
Cassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado
About Season 6
Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.
This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.
From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette
This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
45 min
December 30, 2025 The Planetary Scale, part 4: Slowing the flow, redux
We're in the midst of an environmental crisis, and our urban lifestyles often clash with the natural systems that support us — especially when it comes to how we manage our waste.
Stopping the flow of cross-border pollution can feel like a Sisyphean task. With every effort to tackle it, more trash seems to appear. That's why addressing the pollution crisis at the border takes a multifaceted approach. It involves many different types of interventions — from trash barriers to hillside reforestation to trash collection and repurposing efforts.
In this fourth and final installment of The Planetary Scale, we talk with four fronterizos who have been at the forefront of efforts to mitigate this issue and check back in with old friends from six years ago.
If you have checked our past installments of this series, here are links to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Steven Wright
Guests:
Waylon Matson of 4walls International
Oscar Romo of AlterTerra
Jorge Ibañez of Las Hormiguitas Nursery
Adela Bonilla of La Casa de las Botellas
You don't want to miss this episode.
Nos vemos pronto!
About Season 6
Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.
This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.
From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen & Elma González Lima Brandão
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette
This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
39 min
December 12, 2025 The Planetary Scale, part 3: Ita’s quest for the holy grail
We're in the midst of an environmental crisis, and our urban lifestyles often clash with the natural systems that support us — especially when it comes to the materials we use to build. That was the focus of the first two episodes of this “Planetary Scale” series, Part 1 and Part 2.
In this third installment, we follow Itamar “Ita” Lilienthal, an emerging biodesigner and architect who is developing sustainable material alternatives. He believes he may have found a promising biomaterial that could help reduce our environmental impact.
We’ll follow along as Ita leads a workshop where he demonstrates this material and trades insights with another like-minded inventor making waves in the world of biodegradable plastics: Dr. Stephen Mayfield of Algenesis Labs
And if Ita’s last name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s Alan’s younger brother.
You don't want to miss this episode.
Nos vemos pronto!
About Season 6
Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.
This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.
From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen & Elma González Lima Brandão
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette
This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
29 min
November 01, 2025 Bonus Episode: Day of the Dead Special - A friend reconnects with her roots
In this special Día de Muertos bonus episode, Natalie invites KPBS web producer Leslie Gonzalez to explore Tijuana’s famous Mercado Hidalgo and discover the stunning altar that’s built each year to honor the market’s founding partners who have passed away.
But there’s a twist: Leslie has never actually visited Tijuana. Her parents always warned her that it was too dangerous. Now, this trip becomes a personal journey of discovery, connection, and celebration that goes far beyond the border itself. It immerses her in the colors, flavors, and traditions of Día de Muertos.
Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp
26 min
October 30, 2025 Bonus Episode: Halloween Special - The (True Crime) Case of Juan Soldado
Like many cities, Tijuana is rich with folklore and eerie legends. One such tale is the story of Juan Castillo Morales, also known as Juan Soldado, the unofficial patron saint of migrants.
In 1938, Castillo Morales, a military private stationed in Tijuana, was convicted of the rape and murder of 8-year-old Olga Camacho, a girl who lived near the military barracks. However, many believe he was wrongfully accused.
According to local folklore, his spirit still wanders the old cemetery in downtown Tijuana, where some claim to have heard him proclaiming his innocence, among other supernatural occurrences.
We delve deep into this folktale to uncover the truth behind the legend — the historical context, the people involved and the story of how he became known as the patron saint of migrants.
To help distinguish fact from fiction, we spoke with Fernando Escobedo, a historian from Tijuana who has extensively researched the city's past. His work sheds new light on this enigmatic case through the testimony of Fausto Matus, a possible witness to the crime.
Don’t miss this episode, where we unravel the mystery surrounding this iconic legend from Tijuana.

Sources:
“Religiosidad Popular en Tijuana, el culto de Juan Soldado” by Gabriel Rivera and Jose Saldaña
“Juan Soldado: Rapist, Murderer, Martyr, Saint” by Paul J. Vanderwood

Fernando Escobedo books, articles and contributions
Caesar. La ensalada más famosa del mundo. World’s Famous Salad; 100 años.
Thirty-Something Things You didn't know about Tijuana.
About Streets: Perspectives on Urbanism, Architecture, and Placemaking

Social media and contact
From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email [email protected].
Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [email protected].
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp
1 hr 3 min
October 29, 2025 Un breve mensaje para nuestros auditorio en Español
A partir de este mensaje el equipo de Port of Entry se tomará una pausa en la producción de sus episodios en español.Peeeerooo es solo pausa temporal……Los episodios en español estarán de regreso a principios de 2026, mientras que nuestros episodios en inglés continuarán lanzándose regularmente.Recientemente, KPBS tomó la decisión de trasladar el equipo de Port of Entry del departamento de programación de audio, donde ha operado desde sus inicios, al departamento de noticias y contenido, con el objetivo de integrar el programa con otras iniciativas de KPBS.En los próximos meses, el equipo se adaptará a esta nueva estructura organizativa y participará en sesiones especiales de capacitación en podcasting. Estas sesiones están diseñadas para potenciar la creatividad y consistencia del programa, garantizando así la excelente calidad que lo caracteriza. Así, el equipo aplicará y perfeccionará estos aprendizajes inicialmente en los episodios en inglés, antes de volver a producir versiones bilingües de cada episodio. KPBS se enorgullece del trabajo realizado por el equipo de Port of Entry durante los últimos siete años y espera continuar compartiendo historias de las personas que viven en nuestra vibrante región transfronteriza.
2 min
October 29, 2025 Reportaje Especial: Ilegal por Decreto, parte 2
Que onda friends!
Tenemos una serie de reportajes especiales que se centran en los desafíos actuales que enfrenta la región fronteriza: la migración.
La migración es un tema contencioso y polarizante que a menudo los comentaristas políticos utilizan para atacar a sus oponentes, pasando por alto las historias personales de quienes están atrapados en medio de este debate.
Estas historias de esperanza y resiliencia nos recuerdan la importancia de ver más allá de los titulares: reconocer a estas personas como seres humanos. Seres humanos con sueños y aspiraciones, igual que cualquiera.
En la segunda parte de esta edición de nuestros reportajes especiales, nos sentamos a conversar con una exiliada venezolana a quien llamaremos Chama. Chama ingresó legalmente a Estados Unidos en 2022, siguiendo las políticas establecidas por la administración del entonces presidente Joe Biden.
El apodo Chama es un seudónimo. Ella accedió a ser entrevistada con la condición de que Port of Entry no revelara su identidad, ya que carece de estatus legal y teme ser deportada de EE. UU.
En la primera parte, narramos la odisea de Chama para salir de Venezuela y su determinación de reunir a su familia via Tijuana.
Esta segunda parte explora su camino hacia Estados Unidos, el esfuerzo titánico por hacerlo legalmente y cómo, a pesar de todos sus esfuerzos, el sistema terminó fallandole.
Chama se convirtió en una de los cientos de miles de migrantes venezolanos que perdieron su estatus legal debido a una orden ejecutiva del presidente Donald Trump. Como resultado, ahora vive en las sombras, indocumentada—ilegal por decreto.
No se pierdan esta increíble historia de perseverancia.
Redes sociales y contacto
De KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Puedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo.
Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a [email protected]
Nos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a [email protected] con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast.
Créditos
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Escritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz Franco
Productor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian Villalobos
Editora: Elma Gonzalez Lima Brandao y Chrissy Nguyen
Episodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Directora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette
44 min

About Port of Entry

From the publisher's feed

These are cross-border stories that connect us. Border people often inhabit this in-between place. From KPBS “Port of Entry” tells personal stories from this place — stories of love, hope, struggle,…