Fronteras
609 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratings"Fronteras" is a Texas Public Radio program exploring the changing culture and demographics of the American Southwest. From Texas to New Mexico and California, "Fronteras" provides insight into life along the U.S.- Mexico border. Our stories examine unique regional issues affecting lifestyle, politics, economics and the environment.
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Episodes
‘Singing from a deeper place’ — Singer Lisa Morales talks life, inspirations ahead of TPR concert
April 05, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBMusician Lisa Morales has released six albums as part of the duo Sisters Morales and three as a solo artist. She discusses her introduction to music growing up in Tucson, Arizona, the death of her sister Roberta in 2021, and more about her influences ahead of her April 13th Creekside Sessions Concert at TPR.
Fronteras: ‘Thirty Talks Weird Love’ fuses time travel with poetry in a love letter to Juárez, femicide victims, and the author’s younger self
March 28, 2024 20:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBThirty Talks Weird Love confronts mental health issues, the growing pains of young adulthood, and the ongoing violence against women in Cuidad Juárez. Author Alessandra Narváez Varela discusses her inspiration behind the book and what she hopes readers take away.
‘Agua es vida’ — Todos Agua festival celebrates the significance of water through poetry, art and music
March 22, 2024 10:59 - 30 minutes - 13.7 MBTodos Agua is a three-day celebration at San Antonio's Esperanza Peace & Justice Center that honors the community's spiritual and cultural connections to water. Three of its featured artists include poet Carmen Tafolla, musician Azul Barrientos, and activist María Berriozábal.
‘There aren’t simple answers’ — Examining the cause of ongoing violence in the Mexican border city of Juárez
March 14, 2024 16:52 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBHoward Campbell spent over three decades in Cuidad Juárez speaking to victims and perpetrators of ongoing violence in the city. He includes their stories and an analysis of the violence in the book, "Downtown Juárez: Underworlds of Violence & Abuse."
Fronteras: ‘Downtown Juárez’ argues against one-dimensional view of violence, abuse and exploitation in the Mexican border city
March 08, 2024 12:00 - 23 minutes - 10.6 MBCuidad Juárez — a sister city to El Paso, Texas — had once been dubbed the "murder capital of the world." Anthropologist Howard Campbell breaks down the complex causes of the violence in the book "Downtown Juárez: Underworlds of Violence & Abuse."
Fronteras: Local activists, historians, and writers say San Antonio’s historic West Side goes far beyond its outlaw history
March 01, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 9.85 MBThe Jan. 24 panel discussion used the reissue of the book "West of the Creek: Murder, Mayhem and Vice in Old San Antonio" as a launching point for a broader conversation about the importance — and misconceptions — of San Antonio's historic West Side.
Fronteras: A different perspective to tales of murder, mayhem and vice on San Antonio’s historic West Side
February 23, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBTexas Public Radio and Trinity University Press hosted a book club discussion on the reissue of "West of the Creek: Murder, Mayhem and Vice in Old San Antonio." Local activists, historians, and writers used the book as a launching point to a broader conversation about the significance of San Antonio's West Side.
Fronteras: ‘Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness’ blends art, music, and spoken word to explore the complexities of existence
February 16, 2024 12:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBThe massive multidisciplinary project stemmed from a large-scale painting of the same name by New Mexico-based artist, James Drake. The performance features themes of conflict, suffering, and healing.
Fronteras: Migration Policy Institute says Biden’s presidency mired by border crisis narratives despite 535 immigration actions
February 09, 2024 12:01 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBA recent analysis from the MPI examines Biden's presidency at its three-year mark. Two of its co-writers discuss how despite accusations of inaction at the border, legal immigration numbers have gone back to Pre-Trump and pre-COVID normal.
‘Segundo de Febrero’ exhibit embraces duality of Chicano culture and life
February 02, 2024 12:00 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBSan Antonio's Centro Cultural Aztlan presents the 47th annual "Segundo de Febrero" exhibit to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This year's exhibition, "Seguimos" or "we go on," explores themes of migration, adaptation, and the duality of the Mexican American identity.
Local San Antonio students gain new perspective on U.S.-Mexico relations through Mexico City trip
January 26, 2024 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBSeventeen students and 10 teachers under the CAST Schools network in San Antonio visited Mexico City last month as part of a diplomacy program that aims to strengthen the cultural and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. Some of those students joined Fronteras to talk about their experiences.
Drug wars, militarization of Mexico and the border, and the future of the Mexican presidency
January 19, 2024 12:01 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBThe drug war in Mexico has claimed thousands of lives in the country over the span of three presidents. Alexander Aviña — an expert on immigration and state violence in Mexico — discusses the drug war, the 2024 Mexican presidency, and the ongoing militarization of both Mexico and the Texas-Mexico border.
‘It’s a binational issue’ — The myths and realities of drug smuggling on the U.S.-Mexico border
January 12, 2024 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.85 MBAlexander Aviña, associate professor of history at Arizona State University, discusses the historical precedent of drug violence in Mexico, the United State's role, and possible solutions moving forward.
Fronteras: ‘This is U.S. History’ — Exhibit 'Life & Death on the Border' sheds light on state-sanctioned violence against Mexicans in Texas
January 05, 2024 12:00 - 25 minutes - 11.4 MBOur Lady of the Lake University associate professors Christopher Carmona and Valerie Martínez take Fronteras on a tour of the panel exhibit "Life & Death on the Border: 1910-1920." The exhibit explores topics ranging from the militarization of the border, to Juan Crow laws, to artistic and literary contributions to the Latino civil rights movement.
Fronteras: ‘Life and Death on the Border’ exhibit highlights the buried history of anti-Mexican violence in Texas
December 29, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBThe exhibit is on display at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio through March 31 and was arranged by Refusing to Forget, a group of historians who work to bring awareness to the period of state-sanctioned violence against Mexicans in Texas.
San Antonians mentored by journalist María Martin say her legacy will ‘live beyond’
December 22, 2023 12:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBPioneer María Martin helped train participants at San Antonio's Esperanza Peace & Justice Center before her death. Some of those students reflect on what they learned and how Martin's legacy in journalism will live on.
Remembering María Martin — a pioneer in uplifting the voices of Latinos in journalism
December 15, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBJournalist María Martin died Dec. 2 at the age of 72. Fronteras takes a look back at past interviews with Martin that discuss her life and pioneering work to tell underrepresented stories in the U.S. and Central America.
Fronteras: ‘Recognizing the sacredness of the food’ — Taking a deep dive into the impact of indigenous food and ingredients
December 08, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBFour San Antonio chefs, advocates, and community members came together as part of the Great SA: Native American Influence on South Texas Cuisine panel, hosted by Texas Public Radio. In part two of the conversation, panelists take questions and discuss how Native foods continue to impact culture and traditions today.
Fronteras: ‘Indigenous food is not disconnected’ — A conversation about the Native American influence on South Texas cuisine
December 01, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBTexas Public Radio took a deep dive into the importance of traditional indigenous foods during a Great SA panel discussion moderated by TPR's Norma Martinez. The four-person panel discusses native ingredients and how they connect to our food today.
‘Latinx art is American Art’ — A walkthrough of Latino artworks on display at the McNay Art Museum
November 24, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.85 MBThe McNay's first curator of Latinx art takes Fronteras on a tour of works by Latino artists on display across multiple galleries. Artworks range from photo-realistic representations of Mexican conchas to an installation that pays tribute to the migrant lives lost in the journey to the U.S. Fronteras also gets a sneak peak of an artwork not yet on display.
The McNay Art Museum’s first curator of Latinx art talks ‘renaissance’ of Latino artists and art
November 17, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBCurator Mia Lopez is fine-tuning the Latino art collection at San Antonio's McNay Art Museum. Lopez talks about what led her to the position, why it's important for Latino artworks to get long-overdue recognition, and begins to introduce the works of Latino artists on display.
Fronteras: 'I belong to this history' — Rio Grande Valley scholars showcase civil rights history in public space
November 10, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBNosotrxs Por El Valle, a group of historians and activists from the Rio Grande Valley, have launched a traveling exhibit to share the community's history with residents. Co-founder Juan Carmona and three of the group's members discuss the experience.
‘Becoming Texas’ podcast revisits the Texas epic from its pre-colonial past to its emerging cultura
November 03, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 10.3 MBThe new podcast explores diverse stories of Texas, from how corridos served as historical storytelling devices, to the anti-Mexican violence by the Texas Rangers in the early 20th century. Host John Phillips Santos discusses more about the project.
New podcast explores undertold narratives that challenge the Texas myth
October 27, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBThe "Becoming Texas" podcast aims to bring to light a broader perspective of Texas history — one outside the stories of the Alamo and Texas independence. Host John Phillip Santos discusses the effort to preserve and popularize the complete story of Texas and how its history continues to evolve.
‘Daughters of Latin America’ breaks barriers to showcase the words of women over five centuries
October 20, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBThe anthology collects voices and writings of 140 women that span time, styles, and traditions into one volume. Editor Sandra Guzmán and contributors Norma Elia Cantú and Natalia Trigo discuss the anthology's 13 sections, its use of Latine in the subtitle, and more.
Fronteras: New anthology highlights the 'exquisite and brilliant' works of Latine women across genres and generations
October 13, 2023 10:07 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBThe works of 140 writers, leaders, scholars, and activists are compiled in the anthology "Daughters of Latin America: An International Anthology of Writing by Latine Women." Editor Sandra Guzmán and contributors Norma Cantú and Natalia Trigo speak about their works and the importance of the anthology.
Fronteras: 'Mexico was a safe haven’ — The hidden history of enslaved people who found freedom across the border
October 06, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBThe flight of enslaved people to Mexico is an often untold part of history — and San Antonio played an important role. Professors Mekala Audain and María Esther Hammack were two key speakers at the recent "San Antonio in the Fight & Flight for Freedom" symposium hosted by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum.
Fronteras: ‘Immigration is not charity; it’s necessity’ — CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service talks advocacy & compassion
September 29, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 11.1 MBPresident and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, discusses immigration policy and how the organization works to assist migrants and refugees.
‘Tacos of Texas’ podcast serves up its third season on the roots of Texas-Mexican foodways
September 22, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBSeason three of the Tacos of Texas podcast takes listeners across the state to meet the people behind Taco culture. Host and producer Mando Rayo discusses how the newest season explores topics from culturally relevant foods in schools to a San Antonio bean and cheese showdown.
The words of Chicana poets sing in the Chicana Art Song Project
September 15, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 10.5 MBThe Chicana Art Song Project takes the texts of Chicana writers and sets them to original music. Founder Noël Archambeault and South Texas composer Edna Alejandra Longoria discuss the significance of the project in classical music.
Fronteras: Oral histories highlight the untold struggles for social justice in Black and Brown communities across Texas
September 08, 2023 09:54 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MBResearchers with the Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Program traveled across Texas to gather oral histories of communities of color in civil rights movements. Their stories are complied in the book, "Civil Rights in Black and Brown: Histories of Resistance and Struggle in Texas."
‘It goes beyond food’—Third-generation pitmaster continues family’s legacy through barbecue
September 01, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MBAdrian Davila is carrying barbecue traditions started by his grandfather as owner and president of operations at Davila's BBQ in Seguin and the newest Davila's on Wheels food truck in San Antonio. He discusses the history of food and barbecue in his family, and learning about the centuries-old roots of the cuisine.
Unique dialect of Caló‘ reflects hard-fought human experiences of Chicano borderland barrios
August 25, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBThe radio program "Caló: A Borderlands Dialect" features words and phrases from the dialect of Caló, which originated in Europe and made its way to the Southwest. Host Oscar Rodriguez discusses the history and meaning of the words, and why it's important to recognize their heritage.
Do you translate for a non-English speaking member of your family at the doctor's office or at a restaurant? You're probably a language broker.
August 18, 2023 11:17 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBUT Austin assistant professor Belem López discusses the importance — and the implications — of the day-to-day informal language process known as language brokering.
Texas State professor to study 'beautiful and brilliant' ways bilingual children use language in math class
August 11, 2023 09:23 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBJosé Martínez Hinestroza received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how bilingual students in bilingual classrooms learn math. He discusses how elementary students have used their language to learn mathematical concepts and what he hopes future teachers take from his research.
‘Fearless, bold, audacious’ — Teatro Audaz highlights the experiences and cultures of underserved communities
August 04, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 14.1 MBSan Antonio-based Teatro Audaz aims to bring diverse and inclusive productions to the stage. The theater's executive and managing directors discuss past and future productions, and how the unique plays help young audiences see themselves represented in theater and beyond.
Exploring the little-known history of the first school system in Texas organized ‘top to bottom’ by Mexican Americans
July 28, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBThe Mexican American barrio of San Felipe in Del Rio, Texas took steps to educate their children in their own way. Jesús Esparza is the author of "Raza Schools," a forthcoming book that explores the rise and fall of San Felipe ISD.
'It's a different kind of workshop': Writers with conciencia gather at this month's Macondo Writers Workshop
July 21, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBSan Antonio is home to the Macondo Writers Workshop, a five-day annual event that gathers like-minded writers from across the country. Writers learn and share their work to foster creativity and serve the community. Trinity University will host this year's workshop July 25-29.
South Texas Latino comedians talk representation and inspiration at TPR-hosted panel
July 14, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.86 MBComedians Vanessa Gonzalez, Raul Sanchez, and Tori Pool took center stage June 6 in celebration of Latino comedy as part of TPR's Creekside Sessions series. They participated in an hour-long set before sitting down for a conversation moderated by Fronteras producer, Marian Navarro.
Journalist María Martin discusses 'cyclical' news coverage of Central America and an ongoing pattern of violence
July 07, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.82 MBSeveral countries across Central America have seen freedom of the press slowly chip away, including in Guatemala. Veteran journalist María Martin discusses the the cycle of violence in the country, the limited news coverage coming out of the region, and the future of democracy.
‘A crisis of democracy’— Journalist María Martin explores the attack on journalism in Guatemala
June 30, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBMaría Martin hosted and produced SOS Central America, an in-depth podcast that follows the ongoing deterioration of democracy and rule of law in many Central American countries. The pilot episode explores renowned Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora, who was imprisoned and sentenced on charges of money laundering and corruption.
‘The Chicana Lois Lane’ — Anthology collects works inspired by the life of activist and journalist Jovita Idár
June 23, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBJovita Idár was a teacher, nurse, journalist, and feminist who played an important role in Texas history during the 19th and early 20th century. A forthcoming anthology is collecting poetry, photographs, and other works that honor her life and contributions.
San Antonio-based Tinta Books uplifts stories on Mexico and Mexican American life
June 16, 2023 10:40 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBTrinity University Press established Tinta Books imprint to focus on Mexican American culture, history, and foreign affairs. Publisher Tom Payton and editor-at-large Yvette Benavides discuss the idea behind the impress, its first release of books, and its efforts to diversity the publishing industry.
‘Nuestra gente, nuestra comida’ — Encuentro event celebrates the indigenous roots and impacts of Texas Mexican food
June 09, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBScholars and chefs who attended the one-of-a-kind event "Encuentro: The Native American Roots of Texas Mexican Food" reflect on their experiences talking and learning about indigenous cuisine.
Undocumented and formerly undocumented migrants document themselves in ‘Somewhere We Are Human’
June 02, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBThe anthology is a collection of poems, essays, and illustrations by 41 migrants, refugees, and Dreamers. Co-editors Reyna Grande and Sonia Guiñansaca discuss how the book highlights the unique and complex experiences of what it's like to live undocumented today.
'These are human beings' — The effort to exhume, identify, and repatriate migrant remains
May 26, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBA forensic anthropology professor and her two graduate students spent a week in Eagle Pass, Texas, to help exhume and identify those who died crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. They reflect on their experience working with Operation Identification, an effort that uses community outreach and scientific analysis to ID migrant remains.
'It's a lifestyle" — San Antonio's new poet laureate embraces Chicano culture in his works
May 19, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBChicano writer Nephtalí De León was named the sixth San Antonio Poet Laureate in March. His poetry, children's stories, and paintings take on a social justice bent and aim to capture the essence of Chicano culture.
New San Antonio Poet Laureate Nephtalí De León discusses life, inspirations in the ‘Mecca of Chicano Arts’
May 12, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBNephtalí DeLeón is a Chicano writer and artist known for his poetry, children's stories, essays, and painting. The self-described "Chicano gypsy poet" will serve as San Antonio's Poet Laureate from 2023-2026.
Is Tex-Mex ‘real’ Mexican food? — A deep dive into the history & criticisms of the iconic cuisine
May 05, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBFour Tex-Mex experts came together as part of the Great SA panel hosted by Texas Public Radio. In part two of the conversation, panelists take questions from audience members about the merits of Tex-Mex, its regionality, and how people have experienced it over time.
‘It’s the cuisine of the Americas’ — A conversation about the history and importance of Tex-Mex food
April 28, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 9.81 MBTexas Public Radio took a deep dive into iconic Tex-Mex cuisine during a Great SA panel discussion moderated by TPR's Norma Martinez. The four-person panel of Tex-Mex experts discussed the history of Tex-Mex food and the false narrative many people have surrounding it. Listen to part one of a two-part conversation.