Tara in the Neighborhood

In this episode, I finally got my youngest daughter to be a guest on my show.  We discuss the concept of being “talentless”.   The backdrop is a worldwide pandemic and sequestration of ourselves, a moment to have the time and space to “Be” with our humanity.  I debate with Ana the very meaning of life and we debate the question, “Can you build a life based on fun?”.   The concept of “being” leads to “doing” and “having” is a concept I have been playing with in my own life for the past 10 years.   I love the idea of using my life as an experiment in creation.    Waking to watch the sunrise in the Gulf of Mexico on a paddleboard, surfing in a storm, questioning the existence of God, and trusting yourself to open the right door takes insight courage and grit these are qualities in Ana.  I hope one day she listens to her younger self with a little more tenderness…   What does Tenderness look like? IT is the Ocean The ocean is never ending and salty The ocean is strong and fierce but holds all life IT holds human LIFE, animal LIFE Small microbes to the largest BEINGS on the planet   Tenderness smells like flowers and fresh rain Tenderness smells like eucalyptus and sunshine   IT is the strong hold of your hand Which will only let go when you ask IT to   Tenderness sees all moments as perfect Tenderness realizes there is nothing to forgive   IT makes me smile   What does Tenderness look like?

Dr. Reddy is a Brownsville opthamologist who joins us to discuss her passion, eyes.   She takes us on her journey from India to Texas and shares her story of life in deep south Texas.   Dr. Reddy began mission work in early 2004 and found an outlet for her real passion helping her "extended family" see the world.    Her mission work takes her across the globe from Myanmar to Ecuador.   Her new project is with Stelle Middle school creating a mentoring program.    I have known Madhavi for years, we met at a Mom's group started by our mutual friend Christine Khetarpal.   I have had many conversation with Madhavi over the years but I learned new details in our conversation and hope everyone enjoys the stories......   Tara in the Neighborhood     

In this podcast, I have a conversation with a local family practice physician, Dr. Beverly Zavaleta.  We dive into her personal journey from physician to  cancer patient.   We discuss the dissection of separating ourselves from our professional personae.  We meet both Dr. Zavaleta, the Havard trained physician and we meet Beverly, the person who has wisdom to share as she helps decipher the trials of chemotherapy. Dr. Zavaleta's book and personal story helps the reader take a  practical and calm approach to chemotherapy and offers a little help throughout the journey.     Enjoy, Tara https://www.beverlyzavaletamd.com/  https://geni.us/QzjW

 Jose “Joe” Sanchez on Tara in the Neighborhood Jose is a resident on South Padre Island, he is a teacher, musician, storyteller, inn keeper and sandcastle maker.  Jose left the Valley in the mid 1970's to attend Harvard University in Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  Jose started his academic journey as anthropologist but dropped out of Harvard to experience life.  Jose finished Harvard  10 years later after "being" many things from laborer to cook to musician.  Jose shares his philosophical views and highlights his nonconformist adventures.   The beat movement of the 1950's inspired Jose and authors such as Kerouac created a blueprint for experiencing life "on your own terms".  Jose was drawn to folklore throughout his life, he taught at the the Circle School in San Antonio.  The school is based on the work of Nicholas Roerich and is used stories as part of the curriculum.   Jose learned much at the Circle school by teaching folklore to children by day and  going to underground clubs to sing his music at night.    The new chapter in his life brings Jose to South Padre Island.  He has honed his sandcastle techniques and is part of a non profit which teaches sandcastle lesson for free on South Padre Island.  Jose plans to take his sandcastle making on the on the road throughout  Rio Grande Valley schools.  Jose's partner is Lucinda  and together they are building castles and raising dogs on the Island.  

Today on Tara in the Neighborhood we have Eduardo Campirano, the director of the Port of Brownsville. He manages all 40,000 acres of the port, provides about 44,000 jobs, and oversees the operation of 13 cargo docks. Not only does the port serve as recognition to Brownsville, but it also partakes in several recreational events like the 5K1M Dock Dash Family Run and Walk, and the restoration of Bahia Grande for recreational fishing. Eddie’s vision is to bring a greater amount of jobs with a higher salary, and to be able to build wealth with the expansion of the service industry, leading to a greater economic sustainability of our families

Today we have Dr. Francisco del Castillo, he specializes on gynecology, hypnosis, and acupuncture. Joining him today is his wife, Teresa del Castillo, they run neighboring clinics together which specialize on weight loss, lipo-massage, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion in Brownsville, Texas.Together they want to change theValley’s way of approaching physical and psychological problems by integrating modern and age-old methods of practicing medicine, like hypnosis and acupuncture. It is amazing to learn about such methods and how beneficial they are to our bodies. It is time the Valley embraces new ways to help our community and provide a better life for the future.Even with the newest technology our past approaches to healing are a valid part of creating overall health and wellness.

Today we have Chad Tolar, a born musician later turned into a lawyer, who now practices law and manages an upcoming Country group the Powell Brothers. After he played one afternoon with talented individuals that Chad could synchronize with, a few years later they began the country band, Costello. He teaches us the magic behind being a professional band and how to get exposure by reaching radio shows out, and promoting venues. Because of Chad’s background in law he new how to handle all the legal and marketing aspects of music, setting him up to be a great manager. Then he came across a talented band of brothers, the Powell Brothers, and that’s when he new that he wanted to manage their band and invest in their future. From a small band of brothers playing on a couple of Houston bars, Chad managed to get the Powell Brothers to do summer tours throughout the west of the nation, and filling up stadiums full of people that they can inspire with their music.   PowellBrothersMusic.com Garcia & Villarreal, PLLC Tolar Powell Entertainment, LLC

In this podcast we discuss what and why the Angry Tias and Abuelas do what they do. Madeleine Sandefur begins by stating their philosophy, to offer dignity to human beings who have had to flee their country because of violence and circumstances too harsh to endure. This was all triggered by the family separation policy established by the Trump administration, after hearing about all the families and children on the Reynosa bridge a group of women decided to use their anger and passion to take a stand for human life. This group took action when some of us couldn’t, they did what our country has always promised to do, which is to protect from tyranny and grant the freedom which our country fought so hard for. It is time to get angry and passionate for all the separated families that are in our country, we have to put ourselves in their shoes and fight for humanity. www.angrytiasandabuelas.com Facebook: Angry Tias and Abuelas of RGVangrytiasabuelas@yahoo.com Award winners of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award in Washington, D.C.

Duane “Tink” Tinker joins us in Tara in the Neighborhood as we discussed how we have implemented podcasting into our businesses as a way to relate to the world and achieve relevancy. Tink, the CEO of Dental Compliance Specialists, found a way to resonate with his clients and the community when he began using podcasts, after discovering that voice transcends appearance. We discuss our different approaches to podcasting, and how a live podcast compares to remote, nonetheless both a medium to reach our virtual community. Podcasting has singlehandedly transformed the way business professionals can express themselves to the outside world, allowing them to share their ideas honestly and freely. It is important to build relationships to make the world smaller, because the more we talk to people the more happiness we create. After all, it is in our nature to want to connect with each other.

Marie Chang joins us in Tara in the Neighborhood as we talk about bringing a new type of flavor to the Valley. Marie talks about how she managed to fuse over five different countries together to create the unique cuisine of Bara Exotic Food. We discuss how Marie began her journey from being an exchange student in California, to moving to Harlingen with her husband and daughters. Marie was inspired by her hometown Jakarta, Indonesia and the island Bali as well as our traditional Mexican dishes, to create a style of food to share with Brownsville.  We look forward to tasting all her new creations and seeing how her culinary journey grows throughout the Valley.  Marie inspired me with her holistic approach to food creation and her desire to create community through food. Bara Exotic Food 1233 E Alton Gloor Blvd Ste. 4  Brownsville, Texas 78526 (965) 319- 5188 Info@baraexoticfood.com Www.baraexoticfood.com Instagram: @baraexoticfood Facebook: @baraextremelygoodfood

Many of us dream of turning our passion into a career, and with great determination Dustin Stair made this dream into a reality. Dustin’s journey starts when he decided to steer away from becoming a history teacher and realized his God given talent was cooking, after a 3 year culinary apprenticeship in his hometown Little Rock, Arkansas. Once he relocated to Brownsville, Texas he saw an opportunity to open up a meal prep and grocery shop at 239 W. Saint Charles St, to share his passion with the community. With the valley’s well being in mind, they implement their philosophy into their food, by making sure it’s as fresh and local as possible. Dustin inspires us all as a visionary, to actively reshape our delicious food and add a healthy twist to serve to our loved ones.   Dustin Stair’s Links  dstair@mademeals2go.com mademeals2go.com Facebook Pages Mademeals956 APGrocers

In this podcast we discuss coworking and the importance of encouraging our local entrepreneurs with Luis Urquieta, the founder of WorkPub located  at 847 E. Elizabeth St. Brownsville, Texas. Luis graduated from UTB/TSC with a Masters in Business Administration . After years of corporate and educational jobs, he decided to take a risk and pursued his passion as a social entrepreneur. He was inspired to create an inviting, comfortable setting in which local entrepreneurs could work from and at the same time feel supported by other people with a similar vision. According to the Harvard Business Review, coworking spaces have proved to be very beneficial for the prosperity of the participating individuals. Not only does it allow for more job control,  it supports a creative environment for freelancers to thrive. It’s great to see such a modern and innovative concept flourishing in Brownsville.  The Rio Grande Valley is becoming a breeding ground for innovative ideas in Texas.   Luis Urquieta’s Links WorkPub.co (956) 641-9767

  This podcast is about a nonprofit organization tasked with reducing drop out rates in our community.  Eva shares a lifetime of experiences and stories about what it takes to reduce high school dropout rates.  Many of us, take for granted graduating from high school but the reality is the "whole community" suffers when a member of the Valley does not graduate from high school.   The effect of high school dropouts has both an economic effect and a social impact.  Community in Schools takes a holistic approach involving the school administrators and teachers, the business community and parents to achieve a sustainable approach to create success in our community.    Community in Schools can be reached in Cameron County at www.ciscameroncounty.org  956-554-7954   Enjoy! Let me know what ya'll think about the poem  Tara

Micheal J. Limas is a retirement planning specialist, a financial consultant.  In our talk, Micheal talks about how he has chosen to give back to his community not only by his professional career but he is what I call a "super Citizen".  He is treasurer of the Brownsville Improvement Community Corp. (BCIC). The BCIC is our economic development corporation whose purpose is to enhance quality life projects.  Michael talks about his work as Chairman of Leadership Brownsville which is a leadership development program which in my opinion create more "superstar citizens".  The sign of a true leader are the ones who create more leaders a Michael is doing just that.  In the podcast, Micheal talks about Brownsville and how our community wants to do business with people we know, trust an can count on. This podcast reminds me there is hope for a brighter future when I see the commitment people like Michael have and  I remember the fight for our community never ends......it just keeps moving forward with our new leaders.  Micheal also shares his Saint Joseph Academy experience and how this shaped his path.  Micheal and his brother are opening their new restaurant Las Ramblas in downtown Brownsville this week with an SJA alumni mixer. Enjoy our neighborhood......Tara

This podcast is all about what Brownsville has hidden in our people.  Ruby shares not just her voice but her story.  Ruby is not just a police officer, she is a person who uses her "voice"  to remind us all ---we have a choice.  We can choose to sing our way through life or we can dance or we can use our voice to bring kindness and joy to those around us.  In the middle of the podcast, we get introduced to Isreal Segovia, a local musician who is a friend of Ruby's and rounded off our interview with his take on music in Brownsville.   Ruby and I discuss Southmost.  Southmost is an area in Brownsville, Texas where community, family and a love of the Dallas Cowboys is evident with a quick drive through Southmost Blvd.  I recently purchased a building on Southmost Blvd. and I am learning all about the strong pride and sense of community alive and well in Southmost.  Ruby is stationed at the Southmost Police Branch and we discuss some needs of our community in the area.   Brownsville, Texas is a border town with a long history and we have many gems to discover and many stories yet to be written.  I am in awe of what we will find....... Enjoy!  Tara in the Neighborhood Ruby Anne links facebook https://www.facebook.com/BarbieGirl5519 youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSHPcCPohL4gNyi4_mGYVww   Israel Segovia https://www.facebook.com/israel.segovia1      

 Trey Mendez, is a local community leader in Brownsville, Texas.  He attended UT Brownsville and graduated with a doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Texas in Austin.   UT Law school is one of the best in the United States and Trey is using his knowledge to help transform Brownsville through investing in our community both with time and money.  Trey serves as TSC Board member and is investing in downtown Brownsville with his new restaurant, Dodici Pizza.   Trey and I discussed how he loves Brownsville and the new opportunities available.    Trey reminded me how communities change when the young people decide it is time to push forward without being limited by our past.......   "Brownsville is the Underdog"   Trey can be found on facebook and instagram www.dodicipizza.com

Ana Delagarza Dunn is a local artist who owns -A Different Preceptive Art Studio in Brownsville, Texas.   We discuss how finding your voice leads to a more creative life of your own making.   Ana explains how she colors her struggles and re-images them in bright colors to help transform pain into beauty.    www.adpstudio-anamaria.com Instagram https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fadpstudio-anamaria.com%2F&e=ATOTiVB6bSE9vZqsNKDGWJtrqfPd37ONEADdxhBywRhtT3CLUjvMdp9nJNoP8nbx298bSIAqARFKGQEk facebook: Ana Delagarza Dunn quotes: " At my studio, I provide a space to explore and my mission is to be a guide of self-expression for everyone" --Ana Delagarza Dunn Between Heaven and the Ocean-Ana Delagarza Dunn Enjoy!  Tara       

Craig is a Real Estate Broker for Grove Realty Team.   He has been in the community building through social media in Brownsville, TX  since 2008.   Craig created Brownsville Living. Be part of it and now created “Brownsville Live” a new video live streaming program.   We discuss changing the broker real estate relationship.  We discussed the idea of " owning a bit of Brownsville".   Craig talks about his “soul” as a community advocate and shares his perceptive of how social media platforms can create a more authentic conversation.   https://www.facebook.com/brownsvilleliving/   https://www.realtor.com/realestateagency/grove-realty-team,-llc_brownsville_tx_1583359_609894012  

Lucinda is a local sand sculpture on South Padre Island.  She created this profession for herself over 30 years ago and is going stronger than ever.  She was one of the founders of Sand Castle Days which brings artists from around the World to create sand sculptures on South Padre Island.   She discussed her history and what is considered a "local" on the Island.   Facebook http://www.sandyfeet.com/     Enjoy Tara 

An engaging conversation about creating a vision and moving the vision in reality.  Anabelle Cordona, CEO of Valley Grande Institute is a dynamic woman from the Valley who is committed to creating opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life.  When someone tells Anabelle "we can't" she says " We can and here is how..."     Enjoy!!!!  Below links to Valley Grande Institute: http://www.vgi.edu/   Tara 

Scott Wolfe is a local artist who is a Valley native. Scott attended Saint Josphe Academy and went on to attend the Art Center College of Design- Los Angelos and Parsons School of Design in New York.  He is owner and founder of La Maquila, a new curated retail/art space in Brownsville, Texas.  He discusses his passion for art in public spaces and his inspiration to "create" here in the Valley and bring a different perspective to his world. www.LAMAQUILA-SHOP.COM/ https://instagram.com/lamaquila.shop?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1qy3mivi3ldos 

Dr. Zavaletta is a border anthropologist based in Brownsville, Texas.  His discusses Brownsville history, his personal stories with shamanic healers and his new book about medicinal plants in the border region.    Dr. Zaveletta grow up in Brownsville and is a member of one of the 13 founding families in Northern Mexico.   http://www.tsc.edu/index.php/about/board-of-trustees/board-members/dr-tony-zavaleta.html

Three Trees is a music healer.  He is currently on a trip across the country to "fill the well" and share his music healing with the country.   In our conversation, we talk about music healing, nonvisible energy and the history of sound in shamanic customs.   Information about Three Tree is found on his facebook  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001368446069

Jordan is a local South Padre Island resident who gives his preceptive as a "white guy in the Valley" navigating being single and being a professional physical therapist.  He is one of the first Podcasts in the Rio Grande Valley, his podcast is called the Wolfman.   Enjoy the listen.... Tara    Jordan's Podcast : The Wolfman Podcast  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wolfman-podcast/id1299393047

  Giselle, owner and CEO of Bold Media in the Rio Grande Valley. She shares her thoughts on business, social media and her experience working with one of the Valley's most notable businessman.    At one point, Giselle actually turns the table and interviews me on my "punched in the face" moment.    She is a dynamic speaker and her positivity is palable in this conversation.   Giselle can be found at www.beyoubold.com @giselleluspr-insta