Saddle Up Podcast

Bobby Pulido joins the show this week and we talk a wide range of topics. Learn what it was like growing up in Edinburg, what some of Bobby's fondest memories are, and what he has planned for people in District 15 if elected to US Congress. LFG!

This week on Saddle Up, we sit down with longtime RGV basketball coach David Keith, a program builder who has helped shape winning culture across the Valley, including stops with the Sharyland Rattlers and Edinburg-area high school basketball.Coach Keith breaks down what most fans never see: the daily standards, the accountability, and the player development that turns a roster into a team. We talk about how RGV basketball has evolved, what it takes to sustain success year after year, and why leadership matters more than plays when the season gets hard. He also shares real stories from the grind, the relationships that define a career, and what he believes the next generation of Valley athletes needs to hear.If you love Texas high school basketball, coaching, or the behind-the-scenes work that builds a real program, this episode is for you.

This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Gabriella Ebel, a Brownsville native whose journey took her from the Rio Grande Valley to the biggest stage in entertainment: the Super Bowl halftime show.

Gabriella shares what it really takes to break into elite performance, the discipline behind the scenes, and how the RGV shaped her drive. We also talk about her work in major productions, including performing alongside Bad Bunny, and what it felt like being part of one of the most watched halftime shows in history. From auditions and rehearsals to the pressure of live television, Gabriella gives an honest look at what success costs, and why it is worth it.

If you’re an artist, athlete, performer, or anyone building something bigger than your hometown, this episode is for you.

This episode with Regina Richardson, RGV criminal defense attorney, traces a gritty, real path to purpose. She reflects on working late shifts at Taco Bell and Taco Cabana in college, the turning points that led her to law school, and how those early jobs shaped her work ethic with clients today. We also have fun with a dream dinner table question. Regina picks Tupac Shakur and Dr. William Strong, then explains why their voices matter to her view of justice, culture, and second chances.

For a record third appearance, Chasse Conque returns to Saddle Up. We cover the surge of UTRGV Football, the transition into FCS and the Southland Conference, and the ripple effects across every sport on campus. Chasse breaks down how the department is stacking record GPAs, why fan, donor, and community support has accelerated the plan, and what milestones are next on the university’s roadmap.

This week’s guest is Chris Fagan, a 6-5 forward from the Bronx who made his mark at UTPA with toughness on the glass and timely scoring. After arriving by way of Trinidad State College, Fagan became a fixture in the Broncs’ frontcourt, averaging double-figure points in back-to-back seasons and delivering some of the era’s most memorable performances.

This week we’re joined by Iran “Biggie” Perez, widely known as Mr. Brownsville. Biggie has worn just about every hat in the local sports scene, from coaching to media to community organizing, all with one aim, better opportunities for Valley kids.A longtime educator and coach in Brownsville, Biggie has served across multiple programs at Rivera High School, contributing to football and basketball while also helping with school athletics media and outreach. His roles have included freshman football and JV boys basketball, plus social media manager and webmaster support for Rivera athletics. LFG!

Season 6 Episode 1!!! Our guest this week to kick off the new season is Matthew Thomas, a former UTPA Men’s Basketball player from 2008 to 2011. He joins G and Matt to revisit those seasons, the grind of Division I hoops, and the personal journey that led to his name change after college.

This week’s guest is Garry Dippell, a true UTPA Baseball legend whose story embodies grit, consistency, and excellence. Hailing from LaGrange, Texas, Garry walked on to the UTPA baseball team in 1978—and went on to etch his name into program history.During his standout career, Garry hit a program-record .443 in 1979, earning All-District VI honors, and followed it up with another stellar year in 1980, when he served as team captain and received the Jody Ramsey Award. His offensive production was unmatched: a .550 on-base percentage, .508 slugging percentage, and 55 walks in 1980, one of the highest single-season totals in program history.Garry was part of one of the winningest eras in UTPA baseball, helping lead the team to 113 victories between 1979 and 1980. His performance earned him a professional opportunity with the Gulf Coast League Cubs following his senior year.In this episode, Garry joins G and Matt to talk about:- His journey from walk-on to record holder- Lessons learned under legendary UTPA leadership- The mindset that fueled his success at the plate- Memories from the program’s golden years- His transition from college baseball to the professional ranksA must-listen for baseball purists, UTPA alumni, and fans of stories about perseverance paying off.

This week we welcome Robert and Janet Vackar of Bert Ogden Auto Group for a candid conversation about philanthropy, community building, and their deep commitment to UTRGV. We discuss why giving matters to them, how they evaluate impact, and what it takes to sustain long term support for students, athletics, and the Rio Grande Valley. The Vackars also share honest thoughts on UTRGV Football’s inaugural season, whether expectations were met, and what success should look like in year two. We close with stories behind the brand, leadership lessons, and what is next for the Valley.