Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Port of Entry
Port of Entry Cover Art

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.

One of their Own Podcast Banner

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

Language Tab for Episodes

Episodes

Episodes
  • 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
  • Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and death that invites us to remember and honor the people we love who have passed away. In this special Day of the Dead episode, The Port of Entry team shares personal stories and cherished teachings from loved ones who have passed away. Through these memories, they reflect on the impact these individuals have had on our lives and the legacy they leave behind. Tune in for a touching tribute that celebrates life, memory, and family. 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-Zapp This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
  • Like any other city, Tijuana is full of folklore and scary legends. One of those tales is the legend of La Faraona, the dancer who haunts the grounds of what used to be the old Agua Caliente Resort and Casino, now Lazaro Cardenas High School. We talk to Fernando Escobedo, a Tijuana historian who has researched the story of Esperanza Lopez Padilla, the woman behind La Faraona. We also hear from Ursula Mansur, a Tijuana actress who has dedicated much of her professional life to bringing to life La Faraona. You won't want to miss this episode where we demystify this iconic legend from the city of Tijuana Special thanks to Prof. Jose de Jesus Barajas, owner of Bungalow 21 and curator of the Museum of La Faraona. If you are interested in visiting the museum and taking a tour please contact Ursula Mansur through this link. Sources: Sor Abeja’s Leyendas de Tijuanavideo by Tijuana en el Tiempo. (Activate Subtitles) Cover art: Portrait of Ursuala Mansur as La Faraona by Carlos Varela 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-Zapp This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
  • We left our last episode wondering about the costs of building a house with earth or clay materials. Turns out it's cheap! So if it's cheap? Have more people jumped on the opportunity to build this way and why hasn't it taken hold in urban settings? To answer these questions, We follow up with Miguel Angel Perez an earthbuilder from Baja, and talk about the costs of earthbuilding and chat with Rachel Formanek, a New Yorker who moved from California to Baja to find better and affordable living conditions. Lastly, we sit down with Alex Ruiz, director of urban planning in Tecate, and ask for his take on the viability of earth building in city settings. Photo Credits: Carlos Jaime and Cuahtémoc Herrera 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 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-Zapp This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people
  • We're in the midst of an environmental crisis, and our current urban lifestyles clash with the natural systems that support our existence, especially when it comes to building our homes. An earth-building collective in Baja called Tequio is taking an age-old approach to construction that may help ease these environmental pressures. In today's episode, we sit with Alex Santander, a Tijuana-based architect to talk about building a future that's in harmony with the planet. Plus, we joined Tequio members Diego Larios and Miguel Angel Perez for a hands-on lesson in earth building. Join us as we explore what it means to build with the planet in mind, using traditional methods to tackle today's challenges. Cover art by Diego Larios 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 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-Zapp This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Watch: Featured Shorts

Port of Entry: Youtube Playlist - Episodes
Playing
Day of the Dead Special - A friend reconnects with her roots
Playing
The (True Crime) Case of Juan Soldado
The teams behind KPBS podcasts "Port of Entry" and "The Finest" are shown in this undated photo. Playing
Port of Entry: A year of community connection
Playing
Port of Entry Short - Giancarlo's Dance
Playing
Port of Entry Short - Charles’ Dream

What Our Listeners Are Saying

graphic icon of quotation marks

"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.

graphic icon of quotation marks

"Keep up the fascinating work you do."

- Sally Husch Dean, Encinitas, Calif.

graphic icon of quotation marks

"Me encanta qué hay una comunidad de transfronterizos que compartimos los mismos problemas y felicidades."

- Diana Silero

graphic icon of quotation marks

"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.

graphic icon of quotation marks

"Amo este podcast! Gracias por su esfuerzo y trabajo."

- Tori Luna, San Diego, Calif. and Tijuana

graphic icon of quotation marks

"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.

graphic icon of quotation marks

"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

graphic icon of quotation marks

"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.

graphic icon of quotation marks

"Gracias por contar cosas lindas de la frontera."

- Jason López, San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico and Yuma, Ariz.

Meet the Port of Entry Team

Alan Lilienthal, 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.

Natalie Gonzalez, co-host

Natalie Gonzalez

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.

Adrian Villalobos, audio engineer

Adrian Villalobos

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.

Julio Ortiz-Franco

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.

Chrissy Nguyen, editor
Charie Juaneza Photography for KPBS

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.

Connect With Us