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PODCAST

Once A Cardinal The Podcast

Gilbert Sauceda

Once A Cardinal is a podcast that brings Harlingen High School alumni together to share the real stories of life after HHS. Each episode is a conversation rooted in South Texas where we talk about the journeys, challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped who we became beyond the hallways, classrooms, and Friday night lights. From business owners and educators to artists, pastors, veterans, and community leaders, our guests reflect on where they started, where life has taken them, and how their

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

01:25:25

Episode 22 | David Blue Garcia

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/10/03

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, I sit down with David, Harlingen High School Class of 2003, to talk about his South Texas upbringing, the teachers who encouraged his creativity, and how his high school Media Technology class opened the door to filmmaking.From homemade movies with friends in Harlingen to directing Texas Chainsaw Massacre, David Blue Garcia’s filmmaking journey began with curiosity, a camera, and a love for telling stories.David shares the story behind his directorial debut,

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02:04:32

Episode 21 | Gerry Gonzales

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/09/25

Gerry Gonzalez, Harlingen High class of 1980, spent his career behind the camera instead of in front of it. He started as a cameraman at KGBT while still in high school, then built a career in Los Angeles that took him to the Academy Awards, a decade shooting alongside John Quiñones on Primetime and What Would You Do?, and news assignments across the globe, from Cuba to Haiti to the Middle East.In this episode, Gerry talks about growing up in the Valley, the father who couldn't understand his

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01:10:34

Episode 20 | Lisa Campos

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/09/12

Lisa Campos, Harlingen High School Class of 1990, turned her love for her hometown into Explore Harlingen, a social media community followed by more than 42,000 people.In this episode, Lisa shares why she returned to Harlingen after building a 20-year career in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, and how becoming a mother to her daughter, Lola, helped bring her home. She also reveals the story behind Explore Harlingen and how she balances being a full-time corporate professional, a devoted mom, and the

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01:09:56

Episode 19 | Gloria Campos

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/09/07

A true Cardinal legend joins us!Gloria Campos, Harlingen High School Class of 1972, shares her journey from the Rio Grande Valley and KGBT to an incredible 40-year career in Dallas television news.This three-time Hall of Fame journalist reflects on her Cardinal roots, life behind the anchor desk, and some of the remarkable people she has interviewed along the way.You won’t want to miss this conversation!Listen to the newest episode of Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal!#GloriaCampos #OnceACardinal

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01:12:28

Episode 18 | Florencio "Lench" Garcia

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/08/18

From drum major at Harlingen High School to serving his country in the United States Army, Florencio “Lench” Garcia, HHS Class of 1984, has taken one heck of a journey.He’s been a preacher, a financial consultant, a businessman, and what he considers one of his greatest roles, a builder of people.Now, as a grandfather, Lench looks back on the twists, turns, successes, failures, and lessons that have shaped his life. His goal today is simple: live life with zero regrets.In this episode of Once A

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01:25:13

Episode 17 | Amanda Mariño Stevenson

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/08/11

From the Rio Grande Valley to leading one of Texas' premier high school band programs, 2002 graduate Amanda Stevenson's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers.In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumna Amanda Stevenson, who currently serves as the Director of Bands at Wakeland High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.Amanda's career has taken her from the Valley to some of the most respected music programs

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01:53:56

Episode 16 | Randy Bermea

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/07/25

What does it mean to build a life rooted in hard work, service, and staying true to where you came from?In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumnus Randy Bermea to talk about the journey that began in the Rio Grande Valley and the experiences that shaped the man he is today.Randy reflects on his years at Harlingen High, the friendships and mentors who influenced him, the lessons learned through life's challenges, and the values that have

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01:43:32

Episode 15 | Debbie Cestero D'Souza

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/07/20

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High School alumna Debbie Cestero D'Souza, whose remarkable life has taken her from Caracas, Venezuela, to the Rio Grande Valley, and ultimately onto the national stage.Debbie shares what it was like growing up in Venezuela before the country's dramatic political and economic transformation, how those experiences shaped her worldview, and why she has dedicated much of her life to civic engagement and educating

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01:30:03

Episode 14 | Trey Serna

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/07/11

From working behind the scenes as a producer to becoming one of the Rio Grande Valley's most recognizable morning news anchors, Trey Cerna's career is a story of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to his roots.A proud member of Harlingen High School's Class of 2002, Trey began his broadcasting career, first as a producer, then as a reporter, before earning a spot as the station's morning news anchor. His journey eventually led him to Houston, where he continued his career as a

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01:56:06

Episode 13 | John Grant

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/07/02

From Bonita Park to Texas A&I, a Cardinal's JourneyIn this episode of Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High legend John "Johnny White Shoes" Grant, one of the Valley's most memorable football standouts.John takes us back to his childhood growing up in the Bonita Park Projects, where family, friendships, and faith helped shape the man he would become. He reflects on the rich athletic tradition that runs through his family and the lessons learned on

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01:08:17

Episode 12 | Allan Brumley

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/06/23

For decades, the name Allan Brumley has been synonymous with excellence, leadership, and music education in Harlingen.In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, Allan takes us on a remarkable journey from his beginnings in San Antonio to leading the legendary Big Red Cardinal Band to national prominence. Under his direction, Harlingen High School earned top honors across Texas and the nation, culminating in recognition as one of the Top Ten Marching Bands in the United States and an

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01:37:57

Episode 11 | Mike Haynes

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/06/08

Once A Cardinal | Episode ft. Mike HaynesFrom the hardwood to heartbreak and back to inspiring greatness.Mike Haynes was once a shining star on the high school basketball court, a talent so bright it carried him all the way to the University of Texas. But life had a detour in store that no one could have predicted.In a senseless act of road rage, Mike was shot, a moment that would change his life forever. For many, that would have been the end of the story. For Mike, it was just the beginning of a

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01:42:36

Episode 10 | Coach Gus Cavazos

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/06/02

Not every coach's legacy is measured by championships.In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Gus Cavazos, a man whose influence on generations of Rio Grande Valley students extends far beyond the football field.Although Gus never played varsity football and didn't take the traditional path into coaching, he built a long and successful career mentoring young athletes throughout the Valley. Choosing to stay in the community he loved, Gus and his wife dedicated their lives to

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01:14:30

Episode 9 | Oralia Lerma Guinn

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/05/28

In this episode of Once a Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Harlingen High Class of ’84 standout athlete Oralia to talk about her journey from Harlingen to the beauty industry and beyond.From her days growing up in Harlingen and competing as a Cardinal athlete, to studying at the Art Institute of Houston and pursuing her dreams in Los Angeles, Oralia shares the experiences, friendships, and life lessons that shaped her path.This conversation is filled with memories of Harlingen High, stories about

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01:29:20

Episode 8 | Freddy Paredes

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/05/18

From Friday night lights to life-changing redemption, this episode dives deep into the remarkable story of Freddy Paredes, the original #15 quarterback for Cardinal football. Freddy opens up about growing up in Harlingen, the neighborhood football games that shaped him, and the mentors, teachers, and teammates who helped define his journey both on and off the field.He shares unforgettable memories from his high school football career, including the game that earned him the starting quarterback

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01:05:02

Episode 7 | Ron Sauceda

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/04/10

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Ron Sauceda, a proud product of the Bonita Park neighborhood whose story is rooted in music, community, and family. From his early days playing in the Coakley Junior High band to marching with the dancing tubas at Harlingen High School, Ron shares how those formative experiences shaped his character and lifelong friendships.Ron reflects on the transition to Austin during his junior year, graduating from Lanier High School in the Class of ’81, and

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01:23:32

Episode 6 | Dr. Angelita Paxton

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/04/04

Angel Paxton’s story is rooted in community, shaped by lifelong friendships, and driven by a purpose that has touched generations. Born in Corpus Christi and called to Harlingen from an early age, she found her home in the Cardinal community, a place that would define her journey both personally and professionally.From her days at Harlingen High School, where she poured herself into student life through leadership, spirit, and academics, Angel discovered a passion for learning and mentorship. That

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01:20:58

Episode 5 | Dean McCarty

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/03/09

In this episode of the Once A Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Dean McCarty to talk about a journey that started in a school band hall and led all the way to the Grammy stage.Dean shares how his early love for music and the influence of great teachers helped shape his path to becoming a Grammy-winning horn player, performing with some of the best musicians in the industry. Along the way, he learned lessons about discipline, creativity, and the power of music to change lives.Today, Dean has come

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01:27:13

Episode 4 | Gabriel Cantu

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/02/16

From the halls of Ben Milam Elementary to the rank of Master Chief in the United States Navy, Gabriel Cantu’s story is one of transformation, discipline, and enduring love.In this episode of Once A Cardinal the Podcast, Gabriel shares how a troubled youth and a series of poor choices led to a life-changing paradigm shift. Grounded by the steady support of his junior high school sweetheart — the same woman he would later marry — he chose growth over chaos and purpose over distraction.This episode is

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01:00:01

Episode 3 | A.J. Mancabelli

Once A Cardinal The Podcast ·

2026/01/27

Buckle up, put your seat and tray tables in the upright position, and enjoy an hour-long conversation with A.J. Mancabelli as he shares stories, memories, and what it truly means to be Once a Cardinal.From the high school drumline to stages around the world, A.J.’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once the wild child of the band hall, he grew into a full-blown road warrior and seeing the world from the stage touring with his band ThunderRosa and earning his stripes as a hired gun on drums and

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22 results

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