Saddle Up Podcast

Did you know that UTRGV has 4X National Championship team? That's right, 4X National Championship Coach, Bartek Macieja, who is the Chess Grand Master for UTRGV joins the show this week to talk about how he got to Brownsville from Poland and his passion for the game of chess! Your move... LFG!

Kris Gardner, a professional comedian & actor joins the show this week! His history with being coached by Coach G comes up along with his NFL dreams while working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Find out what he is doing now and how you can find him on tour.

Join us as we honor Naima Williams, a distinguished forward who made significant contributions to the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Women's Basketball team from 1999 to 2003. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Naima's athleticism and dedication left an indelible mark on the program.​

In this episode, we sit down with Clay Martin, a man who seamlessly navigates between two demanding roles in the world of sports. Currently serving as the Athletic Director at Jenks Public Schools in Oklahoma, Clay also holds the esteemed position of an NFL referee, wearing uniform number 19.​Career Highlights:Educational and Coaching Background: Clay's journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Nathan Hale High School, earning All-State honors in both football and basketball. He continued his athletic career at Oklahoma Baptist University, excelling in basketball—a feat that later earned him induction into the OBU Hall of Fame. Transitioning into coaching, Clay led the Jenks High School boys' basketball team for 17 seasons, achieving a remarkable 299-136 record and securing nine state tournament appearances. ​NFL Officiating: Clay entered the NFL officiating ranks in 2015 as an umpire and was promoted to referee in 2018. His officiating career includes presiding over high-profile games, such as the NFC Wild Card matchup between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in 2017. ​Leadership at Jenks Public Schools: In June 2024, Clay was appointed as the Athletic Director for Jenks Public Schools, bringing his extensive experience and leadership skills to oversee one of Oklahoma's premier athletic programs. ​ @Personal Insights:Beyond his professional accomplishments, Clay is deeply rooted in his faith, which has been a guiding force throughout his career. He emphasizes integrity and dedication in both his coaching and officiating roles, striving to positively impact the lives of young athletes and maintain fairness on the football field. ​Join us as we explore Clay Martin's unique journey, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing leadership in high school athletics with the responsibilities of officiating at the highest level of professional football.

In this episode of The Saddle Up Podcast, we sit down with Kris Clack, an Austin, Texas native whose basketball journey has left an indelible mark on the sport. Emerging from Anderson High School, Kris became the first Austinite to be selected for the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game in 1995, sharing the court with future NBA stars like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. ​

Trust us, we aren't throwing you any 'curve-balls' with this episode, just giving you the 'heater' and 'sliding' right into your Friday! Fred Villarreal, professional baseball player and Valley native joins the show this week and talks about the struggles growing up, his time playing AAU with some current MLB players and his love for the Brownsville community. We are swinging for the fence on this one.... just be ready to catch it!

This week, Liana Cisneros a native and graduate of UTPA, shares her story of growing up in McAllen, playing sports, and how an intership changed her life forever.

In this episode, we sit down with Max Franco, a proud University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) alum and Brownsville native, renowned for his innovative 'Get Stretchy' movement. Dubbed the "body whisperer" by host Gonzalo Garza, Max has dedicated his career to promoting flexibility and holistic well-being.Max shares his journey from the Rio Grande Valley to becoming a leading figure in the wellness community. He delves into the principles behind 'Get Stretchy,' a program designed to enhance mobility and reduce pain through targeted stretching routines. Whether you're an athlete or someone seeking a healthier lifestyle, Max's insights offer valuable guidance on achieving physical harmony.

🎉 It’s a special birthday episode, but this time, Gonzalo Garza isn’t in control! Co-hosts Valentino Garza and Mathias B. Longfellow take over the show for a wild, unfiltered conversation about trade-offs in life, sports, and beyond—posing the ultimate question: What would YOU trade?

But that’s not all—G shares a mind-blowing story about how he got his name and the unexpected twist behind what his mom actually wanted to call him! 🤯 You won’t believe what almost ended up on his birth certificate!

Get ready for a mix of deep discussions, hilarious banter, and surprising revelations as the crew celebrates G’s birthday in style. Hit play, drop your “what would you trade” answers in the comments, and don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more 🔥 episodes!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza, M.Ed., a proud Rio Grande Valley native and the visionary host of the acclaimed "My EdTech Life" podcast. With over 300 episodes, Fonz has been at the forefront of educational technology discussions, interviewing educators and creators to amplify their voices and share transformative insights. 

Beyond podcasting, Fonz serves as an Instructional Technologist, leveraging his expertise to integrate innovative tech solutions in education. His dedication to advancing educational technology has earned him recognition, including the EdTech Leadership Award for "Best Edtech Author/Speaker or Podcaster" in 2024. 

In this episode, we delve into Fonz's journey from the RGV to becoming a leading voice in EdTech, his experiences as a Google Innovator (#VIA20), and his passion for fostering community engagement through technology. Discover how Fonz is making a significant impact in the education sector and inspiring others to embrace the future of learning.

myedtech.lifeedtechdigest.com