At lunchtime, most high school campuses are filled with the sounds of conversations, laughter, and students rushing to spend a few minutes with friends before the next class. But at Central Union High School, another sound often rises above the crowd: music. In this episode of Voices del Valle, student hosts Gerardo and Angel introduce listeners to classmates who bring guitars, accordions, and their voices to campus, transforming ordinary lunch periods into impromptu jam sessions.

Through conversations with fellow students, listeners hear how music connects generations, strengthens friendships, and provides a creative outlet during the school day. Some students learned from family members, while others discovered music through classes, online videos, or simply a desire to try something new. Whether they are beginners learning their first chords or experienced performers playing community events and weddings, each student shares a unique story about what music means to them.

More than just a hobby, music becomes a way for these young people to express themselves, celebrate their culture, and build confidence. Lunchtime Music Makers highlights the power of music to bring people together and reminds us that some of the most meaningful moments happen not on a stage, but in the everyday spaces where students gather, play, and find their voice.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 207: Lunchtime Music Makers

Hosted by: Gerardo Olivo and Angel Quintero Tiznado

Edited and produced by: Gerardo Olivo and Dr. Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Fernando Avendano. Angel Pereira, Angel Quintero Tiznado, Mia Vallela, and SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

In this episode of Voices del Valle: You’re From Where?, former NFL player and Calipatria High School graduate Cedric Thompson reflects on the journey that took him from Los Angeles to Bombay Beach—one of the most remote and overlooked communities along the Salton Sea—and eventually to the professional football stage. After his parents’ divorce, Cedric faced a major turning point as he adjusted to a completely different environment marked by isolation, limited opportunities, and tough choices.

Through discipline, resilience, and a relentless work ethic, he transformed that experience into a foundation for success, earning a Division I scholarship to the University of Minnesota and reaching the NFL. More than a sports story, this episode explores how the Imperial Valley shaped his mindset, teaching him the value of routine, community, and personal responsibility—and how those lessons continue to define his life today.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 206: You’re From Where? Featuring Cedric Thompson

Hosted by: Aaron Jacobo and Malaki Rodriguez

Edited and produced by: Dr. Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Richard Vega and SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

What happens when a child spends years feeling misunderstood? In this deeply personal episode of Voices del Valle, host Angelina Echeverria shares her family’s story through conversations with her sister, Mariah, and their mother. Together, they reflect on Mariah’s childhood struggles with ADHD, the loneliness she experienced in school, and the search for belonging that eventually led her down a difficult path. From conflicts at home and school to time spent in juvenile hall, Mariah speaks candidly about the choices she made and the lessons she learned along the way.

But this episode is about more than mistakes. It’s about a family determined not to give up on one another. Mariah’s mother shares the challenges of advocating for her daughter through years of behavioral struggles, school interventions, and mental health services, while Angelina offers the perspective of a sister watching it all unfold. Their story is a powerful reminder that behind every label is a human being, and that with understanding, support, and persistence, healing and growth are possible. More Than the System is an honest conversation about family, resilience, and finding hope after some of life’s hardest moments.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 205: More Than the System: Mariah’s Story

More Than the System: Mariah’s Story

Hosted by: Angelina Escheverria

Supporting guests: Patty Pradis, Mariah Escheverria

Edited and produced by: Dr. Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

What if a board game could start conversations about the things teenagers often struggle to talk about? In this episode of Voices del Valle, Central Union High School senior Sarah Abigail Vera shares how her experiences with depression, anxiety, OCD, and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to create High School The Game. Designed around the idea that happiness—not money—is the ultimate goal, the game reflects the realities of high school life through relationships, academic pressure, sports, peer influence, and unexpected life events.

Through candid discussions with fellow students, a school-based mental health specialist, and school administrators, this episode examines the choices teenagers face and the impact those choices can have on their mental health and well-being. More than a story about a game, this is a conversation about resilience, empathy, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel safe discussing the challenges they face every day.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 204: The Less Depressed, The Better

Hosted by: Sarah Abigail Vera and Edison Camargo

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

In this episode of Voices del Valle, Eugene Edwards shares his journey from a quiet, guitar-obsessed kid in Yuma, Arizona to a professional musician performing on major stages. Growing up in a desert town with limited access to culture but plenty of time to focus, Eugene found inspiration through records, MTV, and an early Bruce Springsteen concert that changed everything. His story highlights how isolation can become an advantage when paired with passion and discipline.

Eugene also reflects on the realities of life as a working musician — from playing in bar bands while underage to eventually touring with Dwight Yoakam — and the importance of saying yes to opportunities along the way. Alongside humor and memorable stories, he offers thoughtful insight on identity, ambition, and how growing up near the U.S.-Mexico border shaped his worldview.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 203: You’re From Where? Featuring Eugene Edwards

Hosted by: Edison Carmago, Athena Merino, and Axel Cardenas-Felix

Edited and produced by: Ernesto Gomez Camacho and Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Eugene Edwards

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Athena and Arabella dive into the diverse world of alternative education with guests Manuel, Gaby, and Dominic. Living in a small town often means there are only a few paths to take, but today we’re exploring how very different academic journeys intersected. We start by breaking down the "why" behind these paths. The group gets candid about the daily reality of homeschooling. From kitchen-table chemistry to self-paced history lessons, we explore how learning styles differ when your parents are your teachers. We also tackle the "Socialization Question" head-on: How do you find a community in a small town? Our guests discuss the role of co-ops, local sports, and clubs in staying connected, and whether the fear of isolation is a myth or a reality. Finally, we look at the academic and social transitions. We compare notes on grading, parental "strictness," and the culture shock of moving between home and public school settings.

Whether you're curious about making the switch or just want to hear what goes on behind the scenes of a small-town homeschool co-op, this episode offers a 360-degree view of growing up outside the box.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 202: Homeschool Isn't the Stereotype

Hosted by: Athena Merino, Arabella Rascon

Student Guests: Gabby Guzman, Dominic Singh, and Manuel Negrete

Edited and produced by: Dr.Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: Ernesto Gomez and SpartanSound Productions

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Slab City has long been portrayed as a symbol of freedom, chaos, or escape—but rarely do we hear from the young people who call it home. In this episode of Voices del Valle, our students travel into the desert to sit down with teens and young adults raised in Slab City, uncovering what daily life really looks like beyond the headlines and viral videos. From navigating stereotypes and isolation to finding community, identity, and purpose, their stories challenge the one-dimensional narratives often seen online.

Through candid conversations, this episode explores what it means to grow up in a place that the outside world struggles to understand. It highlights the realities of youth in Slab City—the freedom, the hardships, and the responsibility of shaping your own path. More than anything, this episode centers voices that are too often left out, offering a perspective that is honest, human, and long overdue.

____________________________________________________________________________

CREDITS

Episode 201: Teens of Slab City

Hosted by: Mitzel Martinez and Santiago Valdez

Supporting Students: Sophia Ayala, Margarita Guillen, Benny Lopez, and Kenyon Thomas

Slab City Teens: Kasey Pearson, Timothy Pearson, and Alizee

Edited and produced by: Isaac Garcia and Dr. Thomas Tacke

Episode Music by: SpartanSound Productions and Richard Vega

Credits Music by: Emmanuel Twilley

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos, KPBS Audio Operations Assistant Rebecca Chacon, and KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations Lisa Jane Morrisette.

This programming is partially made possible in part by the KPBS Explore Content Fund.

Voices del Valle is a student-produced podcast created by students at Central Union High School in El Centro, California. Now in its second season, the podcast gives Imperial Valley teens a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and goals. Season 2 features all-new episodes, each created and produced by student teams in the SpartanSound Productions program.