These are cross-border stories that connect us. Border people often inhabit this in-between place. From KPBS and California Humanities, “Port of Entry” tells personal stories from this place — stories of love, hope, struggle, and survival from border crossers, fronterizxs, and other people whose lives are shaped around the wall. Rooted in San Diego and Tijuana, we are a transborder podcast for transborder people. We live life on la linea.
Have you checked out our podcast in Spanish? If so, Take our survey.
¿Hás escuchado nuestro podcast en Español? Participa en nuestra encuesta.
Port of Entry
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 and survival from border crossers, fronterizxs and other people whose lives are shaped by the wall. Rooted in San Diego and Tijuana, we are a transborder podcast for transborder people. We live life on la línea.
Have you checked out our podcast in Spanish? If so, take our
survey.
¿Has escuchado nuestro podcast en español? Participa en nuestra
encuesta.
Port of Entry is hosted by Alan Lilienthal and Natalie Gonzalez
Episodes
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Hey there, friends! In today's episode, we wrap up our conversation about fronterizas making waves in film and media with none other than Tijuana's own 19-time Emmy winner, Paulina Casmur. We sit down to discuss her impact on the news sector, the challenges she's faced, how she's paved the way for border issues to be recognized at the Emmys and her side project Sin Spoilers podcast. Oh, and there's also the story about being targeted by the Department of Homeland Security. You definitely don't want to miss this episode! Nos vemos pronto! *producers note: Since recording, Paulina has won two more Emmy recognitions, putting her grand total at 19. -
Que onda friends! It’s a Natalie only episode! In today’s episode, I share the impact movies have had on my life, and I have the pleasure of sitting down with filmmakers Marla Arreola, Marinthia Gutierrez and Nicolasa Ruiz whose lives have also been profoundly influenced by film. The work of these three remarkable women reached the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Together, we discuss their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and how they're carving new paths in the TV and film industry and beyond! Stay Tuned! -
Que onda friends! In today’s episode, we sit down with Pepe Mogt and Ramon Amezcua, founding members of Nortec Collective. They reflect on reaching a 25 years of professional career, how they got their sound, and the legacy they have forged in the city of Tijuana. Here is Ramon’s Port of Entry episode from some years back!! Stay Tuned! Concert Video Credits: Jose Ramirez / Osvaldo Valencia -
¡Qué onda, friends! In this special bonus edition of Port of Entry, we're bringing you the story of Charles Glaubitz and Giancarlo Ruiz—two compadres from the Tijuana-San Diego border region who recently collaborated on a graphic novel titled "The Fracture." We dive into how this decades-long bromance made this comic book happen. And... we're doing it a little differently this time. Drumroll please Introducing Port of Entry Shorts: short video capsules that bring our cross-border stories to life in a fresh new way—through video! To kick off this brand-new format, we're starting with two videos: one featuring Charles, the other starring Giancarlo. These capsules originally premiered last fall at our live event, and they're part of a special five-episode bundle that includes this bonus episode, plus a two-part release (Part 1 & Part 2) capturing our live event itself. We hope you enjoy this five-episode bonanza! ¡Nos vemos pronto! -
Que onda friends! Introducing Port of Entry shorts! Short Video capsules that tell the cross-border stories we share with you in a new way. Using video! And to kick start this new modality, we have two to share featuring our friends and guests of our live event, Charles Glaubitz and Giancarlo Ruiz. This video capsule premiered last fall during our live event and is part of a 5-episode bundle that features this capsule, a second video capsule featuring Giancarlo, a traditional podcast episode, and a two-part episode of our live event (Part 1 & Part 2) . So we hope you enjoy this 5-episode bundle bonanza! If you like this video short, share it, drop a like, and a comment! Nos vemos pronto! -
Que onda friends! Introducing Port of Entry shorts! Short Video capsules that tell the cross-border stories we share with you in a new way. Using video! And to kick start this new modality, we have two to share featuring our friends and guests of our live event, Charles Glaubitz and Giancarlo Ruiz. This video capsule premiered last fall during our live event and is part of a 5-episode bundle that features this capsule, a second video capsule featuring Giancarlo, a traditional podcast episode titled Compadres in Art, and a two-part episode of our live event (Part 1 & Part 2) . So we hope you enjoy this 5-episode bundle bonanza! If you like this video short, share it, drop a like, and a comment! Nos vemos pronto! -
Hi Friends, You might have heard—last year we hosted our first-ever live event, and we're excited to share it with you! Our Port of Entry Live event was part of the World Design Experience, linked to San Diego–Tijuana's 2024 World Design Capital initiative. The event joined a larger lineup of exhibitions, talks, art shows, installations, and workshops held throughout San Diego and Tijuana to showcase our area's creative talent. Today's episode contains part 1 of the unedited recording of that live event, presented in two parts. It’s part of a larger five-episode bundle, including our recent podcast episode "Charles and Giancarlo - Compadres in Art," and two short video capsules: Charles' Dream and Giancarlo's Dance. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy. From KPBS, this is Port of Entry LIVE. -
Hi Friends, You might have heard—last year, we hosted our first-ever live event, and we're excited to share it with you! Our Port of Entry Live event was part of the World Design Experience, linked to San Diego–Tijuana's 2024 World Design Capital initiative. The event joined a larger lineup of exhibitions, talks, art shows, installations, and workshops held throughout San Diego and Tijuana to showcase our area's creative talent. Today's episode contains part 1 of the unedited recording of that live event, presented in two parts. It’s part of a larger five-episode bundle, including our recent podcast episode "Charles and Giancarlo - Compadres in Art," and two short video capsules: Charles' Dream and Giancarlo's Dance. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy. From KPBS, this is Port of Entry LIVE. -
Qué onda, friends! It's an incredible moment to be a soccer fan in San Diego and across the border region! The arrival of San Diego FC, Major League Soccer's newest franchise, has unleashed a wave of soccer fever throughout the entire community. We tagged along with Barra 18, one of the official supporter groups of SDFC, to catch an away game and learn firsthand what's got fans buzzing with excitement. Later, we sat with KPBS's Jacob Aere, producer of the digital mini-series “Soccer a la frontera” to talk about the history and culture of soccer in the region and putting this 5-part series together. Plus, we reconnect with an old friend to hear his thoughts about this historic moment. This episode is all about soccer—make sure to tune in! Nos vemos pronto! P.S. You should check out our episode Gringo Xolos that we put together a few years ago. P.S.S. We will also be taking part in a few public events to talk about podcasting and storytelling. San Diego City College Podfest on April 23, 2025 SD City College, Room AH 306 2 pm - 4 pm Tijuana Design Week on May 2, 2025 Escuela Libre de Arquitectura , Tijuana, B.C. 2 pm - 3 pm Hope to see you there! -
Qué onda friends! Springtime is back and so is Port of Entry with a fresh batch of new episodes. To jumpstart where we left off last year the team sits down and reflects on the joys and lessons of 2024 with a few new announcements. We will also be taking part in a few public events: San Diego City College Podfest on April 23, 2025 SD City College, Room AH 306 2 pm - 4 pm Tijuana Design Week on May 2, 2025 Escuela Libre de Arquitectura , Tijuana, B.C. 2 pm - 3 pm Hope to see you there, Y nos vemos pronto! 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 corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Interim Editor: 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 -
This past summer, our host Natalie and sound designer Adrian plunged into the heart of the pop culture phenomenon known as Comic-Con, experiencing it through the eyes of its most devoted fans in Tijuana. Their journey highlighted how the event transcends the San Diego border, evolving into a cross-border celebration that has become an annual ritual for many in Tijuana. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! 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 corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa Sandoval 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 -
With a second Trump term around the corner, significant policy proposals have sparked widespread concern—from mass deportations to potential tariffs on Mexican imports. These developments, alongside Trump's cabinet selections, have particularly poignant implications for border communities. To delve into these issues and understand the expectations of border commuters, we invited Gustavo Solis, KPBS's Investigative Border Reporter, to join us for a discussion on what might lie ahead. 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 corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa Sandoval 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
Español
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En el episodio de hoy, el equipo de Port of Entry recuenta el camino que llevó a la creación del Proyecto de Ley AB 91 en California. Analizamos la importancia de esta nueva legislación y los retos a los que ahora se enfrenta. -
El equipo de Port of Entry sigue a Emilio Montiel, un cantante, actor y productor de cine de 71 años. Lo acompañamos en el set de sus últimas películas y descubrimos que hay mucho más en sus producciones directas a YouTube de lo que se ve a simple vista, recordándonos el valor de creer en tus sueños. -
Itamar “Ita” Lilienthal es un bio diseñador y arquitecto emergente que está desarrollando alternativas sustentables a materiales convencionales que contaminan. Él cree haber encontrado algo especial. -
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. -
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(Nos tomaremos una pequeña pausa con los episodios en español) -
En el episodio de hoy concluimos la historia de Chama, una exiliada venezolana que llegó a EE.UU. via Tijuana. Exploramos su camino hacia Estados Unidos, el esfuerzo titánico que hizo por hacerlo de forma legal y, a pesar de toda su persistencia, cómo el sistema terminó fallándole. -
En el episodio de hoy conversamos con Chama, una exiliada venezolana que llegó a EE.UU. via Tijuana. Chama comparte la odisea que fue salir de Venezuela y establecerse en Tijuana mientras buscaba una manera para reunir a su familia con su esposo en California. -
En el episodio de hoy seguimos a Laura Pavón, una integrante del equipo en uno de los albergues más activos de Tijuana, la Casa del Migrante. Laura comparte su trayectoria hacia Tijuana y habla sobre los momentos decisivos que la motivaron a querer ayudar a los migrantes a encontrar un nuevo hogar. -
El nuevo podcast de KPBS que fue producido por jóvenes , "Voices del Valle", retrata historias de la adolescencia procedentes del Valle Imperial. El equipo de Port of Entry desempeñó un pequeño papel en el desarrollo de este proyecto. El episodio de hoy profundiza en la naturaleza de esa colaboración y mentoría que jugó un papel en darle vida a ‘Voices del Valle’. -
Qué onda friends! En el episodio de hoy, concluimos nuestra serie de fronterizas que la están rompiendo en el cine y los medios con nada menos que con la tijuanense Paulina Casmur, ganadora de 19 premios Emmy. Nos sentamos a conversar sobre su impacto en el sector de noticias, los desafíos que ha enfrentado como mujer y fronteriza, cómo ha abierto camino para que las historias fronterizas sean reconocidos en los Emmy como categoría propia y su proyecto el Sin Spoilers podcast. Ah, y también está la historia de como fue el blanco Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los USA. ¡Definitivamente no querrás perderte este episodio! ¡Nos vemos pronto! *Nota del Productor: Desde que el episodio se publicó, Paulina recibió su decimooctavo y decimonoveno premio Emmy. Su gran total alcanza los 19 reconocimientos. -
Qué onda friends ¡Este episodio es solo conmigo, Natalie! Hoy quiero compartir contigo el impacto que el cine ha tenido en mi vida.Y además, tuve el enorme gusto de sentarme a platicar con tres cineastas increíbles: Marla Arreola, Marinthia Gutierrez y Nicolasa Ruiz, cuyas vidas también han sido profundamente transformadas por el cine. El trabajo de estas tres mujeres talentosas llegó nada menos que al prestigioso Festival de Cine de Cannes. Juntas, hablamos sobre sus trayectorias, los retos que han enfrentado y cómo están abriendo nuevos caminos en la industria del cine, la televisión… y más allá. ¡No te lo puedes perder!
Social Spotlight
Watch: Featured Shorts
What Our Listeners Are Saying
"I love the podcast. I have lived my whole life near the border. I have pride and joy in being part of the region. Being also fluent in Spanish I listen to all the episodes twice now. First in Spanish and then again in English to make sure I didn’t miss anything."
- Claire Borja, San Diego, Calif.
"Keep up the fascinating work you do."
- Sally Husch Dean, Encinitas, Calif.
"Me encanta qué hay una comunidad de transfronterizos que compartimos los mismos problemas y felicidades."
- Diana Silero
"I’m a border person (from Matamoros) now living in North Carolina. Love hearing your stories que me conectan a la vida fronteriza."
- Ada V., Asheville, N.C.
"Amo este podcast! Gracias por su esfuerzo y trabajo."
- Tori Luna, San Diego, Calif. and Tijuana
"I love hearing you talk about them places I know and love en ambos lados! Also I have had the occasions to visit some of the places you feature, parts of Tijuana I might never have considered without you."
- Rachel R., Chula Vista, Calif.
"I love it, me hace sentir conectada con mi region de origen y escuchar mi acento y las historias que están evolucionando."
- Eva A., Tijuana
"I absolutely love this podcast. As someone who work on the border, and with those living and attempting to cross the border, I love learning more about the diversity of culture and people and food!"
- Maria Kelly Horsley, San Diego, Calif.
"Gracias por contar cosas lindas de la frontera."
- Jason López, San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico and Yuma, Ariz.
Meet the Port of Entry Team
Co-host
Alan is a musician and the co-host of Port of Entry, a KPBS podcast about cross-border culture and the people who shape it. He was born in Mexico City, grew up in San Diego, learned a lot in New York and now splits his time between Tijuana, San Diego and Los Angeles. Alan is a member of tulengua, a bilingual hip-hop supergroup with members from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. His life’s mission is to melt borders and celebrate our shared humanity through art.
Co-host & Producer
Telling stories — whether through a microphone on Port of Entry or on stage as a theater actress — is what drives Natalie. It inspires her to move constantly between the two worlds that define this border region: Tijuana and San Diego. She explores the voices, experiences and creativity of this community, bringing them to life for audiences on both sides of the border and in both languages: English and Spanish.
Audio Engineer & Sound Designer
Adrian is a technical producer and sound designer for KPBS. He is the lead sound designer for Port of Entry and assists with various other KPBS productions through audio editing, recording and mixing. When he is not producing or playing shows with his band, Velvet Dinner Party, Adrian explores the culinary and cultural richness of his hometown of San Diego and the adjacent areas of Tijuana and Baja California.
Producer & Editor
Julio, a UC Berkeley philosophy graduate, is a writer, producer, filmmaker and educator from the San Diego–Tijuana border. At KPBS, he serves as the producer and lead writer of Port of Entry, focusing on border life. His past projects include “While We Wait,” “Ruta 40” and “Cocineras.” He co-owns and partners with local creators on multimedia projects and serves as media director for Transfronterizo Futures, supporting transborder students. Passionate about all things Baja, he mentors youth in Tijuana and South Bay San Diego.
Editor
Chrissy leads the KPBS Arts & Culture team, overseeing multimedia coverage across digital, audio and video platforms. She manages the KPBS podcasts Port of Entry and The Finest, as well as the weekly arts newsletter. Before joining KPBS, she served as executive editor of Entertainment and Culture at Yahoo, experience she now brings to her work supporting San Diego’s creative communities and cross-border storytelling.