Saddle Up Podcast

Matt Palmquist

Our podcast will explore the many experiences and vast history of the University of Rio Grande Valley (U.T. Pan American) athletic programs! Join us for the countless memories the guests will share reflecting on their time at the University. We can't wait for you to join!

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21 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

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Friday · 25 min
Victoria Cantu - Miss Mississippi & Miss Rio Grande Valley
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Victoria Cantu, one of the Rio Grande Valley’s rising media personalities and a familiar face both on television and on the pageant stage. Victoria recently joined ValleyCentral, CBS 4 and NBC 23, as a weekend news anchor, bringing her career back home to the Rio Grande Valley. An Edinburg native and UTRGV graduate, she has built experience across news, weather, traffic, and live television while continuing to expand her education in meteorology. At the same time, Victoria has built an equally impressive path in pageantry. After earning the title of Miss Rio Grande Valley USA 2026, she was selected as Miss Mississippi USA 2026, giving her the opportunity to represent Mississippi on the Miss USA stage. In this episode, Victoria talks about balancing two highly competitive worlds, broadcast journalism and pageantry, while staying connected to the community that helped shape her. We get into the pressure of working in live television, the discipline required to compete at the highest level of pageantry, and what it means to represent the Rio Grande Valley while pursuing opportunities that extend far beyond South Texas. Victoria also shares the personal side of the journey, including confidence, preparation, handling public scrutiny, building a career in media, and learning how to stay grounded while more doors continue to open. It is a conversation about ambition, hometown pride, and what can happen when someone is willing to bet on themselves. Welcome to The Saddle Up Podcast, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride meet at the same table. Hosted by G Garza and Matt Palmquist, Saddle Up features conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, journalists, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley. Subscribe to The Saddle Up Podcast for more honest conversations with the people helping shape the Valley’s past, present, and future. Find The Saddle Up Podcast on: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.
S7 · E8
August 28 · 36 min
Eddie Lee Marburger
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Eddie Lee Marburger for a conversation about football, identity, competition, and what life feels like when the eligibility clock finally runs out.Eddie talks about being on the other side of the lines now, no longer preparing for the next snap, the next opponent, or the next season. For a player who has spent years living inside the structure and pressure of college football, that transition creates a completely different perspective on the game.We also get into what it really takes to be a Division I quarterback. Eddie breaks down the mental side of the position, preparation, leadership, confidence, decision-making, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for an offense when everyone in the stadium is watching.Of course, this is Saddle Up, so the conversation does not stay serious for long.Eddie gives us his thoughts on Uncle Gee-Co, shares some of the craziest trash talk he has heard during a game, and lets us know whether his golf game is actually as good as he thinks it is.It is a fun, honest conversation about football, life after playing, and the stories you only hear when the helmet finally comes off.
S7 · E7
August 21 · 33 min
Kris Nava
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Kris Nava, a UTRGV professor and medical trainer at St. Joseph’s Academy, for a conversation about sports medicine, education, athlete care, and preparing the next generation for careers in health and athletics.Kris brings together two worlds that rarely get discussed in the same conversation: the classroom and the sideline. At UTRGV, athletic training and kinesiology education focus on the prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries, while also preparing students for careers in athletic training and sports medicine.At St. Joseph’s Academy, athletic training plays an important role in student-athlete wellness, including injury evaluation and treatment, game coverage, rehabilitation, emergency procedures, nutrition, anatomy, and sports psychology education.In this episode, Kris discusses what it really takes to care for athletes beyond game day, the importance of injury prevention and recovery, the responsibility that comes with helping young athletes return to competition safely, and how teaching can shape the future of sports medicine in the Rio Grande Valley.The conversation also explores the relationship between coaches, trainers, athletes, parents, and medical professionals, along with the growing opportunities available for students interested in athletic training, kinesiology, rehabilitation, and other healthcare careers.More than anything, this episode gives viewers a look at the people behind the scenes who help keep athletes healthy, prepared, and able to compete.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: www.instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https:// open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride
S7 · E6
August 14 · 23 min
Yaw Sam - RGV's Social Guru & Brand Geniuz
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Yaw Sam, CEO and co-founder of Brand Geniuz, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, social media, branding, the creator economy, and building something meaningful right here in the Rio Grande Valley.Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Yaw moved to the United States and made the RGV home. He earned both his undergraduate degree and MBA from UTRGV, then turned his passion for marketing and content creation into Brand Geniuz, a Mission-based content marketing agency he co-founded in 2020. Today, the company works with businesses across Texas through social media strategy, content creation, video production, digital advertising, and branding.Yaw has also taken his experience back into the classroom as a UTRGV lecturer in Social Media and E-Marketing, helping the next generation understand how modern brands are built. In 2024, he delivered a TEDx talk titled “Small Actions Build Brands,” centered on how everyday interactions and consistent value can shape powerful personal and business brands.The conversation also explores Yaw’s growing vision for the creator economy in South Texas. As a co-founder of SocialFest, he is helping create a platform where creators, entrepreneurs, marketers, students, and businesses can learn how to turn attention, content, and community into real opportunities. SocialFest drew more than 1,000 attendees in its first year and continues to grow as Yaw and his team work to position the Rio Grande Valley as a destination for creators and brands.From arriving in the Valley from Ghana to becoming a UTRGV graduate, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the RGV’s emerging voices in digital marketing, Yaw’s story is ultimately about recognizing opportunity and then creating more of it for the people around him.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride
S7 · E5
August 7 · 25 min
Shareese Woods-Hicks - UTRGV Track & Field Head Coach
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Shareese Hicks, Head Coach of the UTRGV Track & Field and Cross-Country programs, for a conversation about leadership, competition, student-athlete development, and building a championship culture in the Rio Grande Valley.Coach Hicks brings an accomplished background to UTRGV as both a coach and former professional athlete. Before arriving in the Valley, she served as an assistant coach at Memphis, where she worked with the Tigers’ sprinters and hurdlers. She previously spent five seasons as the head track and field coach at Neosho County Community College, producing 20 NJCAA national qualifiers and three All-Americans.Her own career on the track was equally impressive. Hicks was a four-time All-American at Charlotte, won nine individual conference championships, contributed to five conference relay titles, and recorded 17 all-conference performances. She later competed professionally, becoming a 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials finalist in the 400-meter dash and earning medals at the USA Indoor Championships, World Indoor Championships, NACAC Championships, and Pan American Games.In this episode, Coach Hicks discusses the mindset required to compete at an elite level, the transition from athlete to coach, and the responsibility of developing young men and women academically, athletically, and personally. The conversation also explores recruiting, building trust across multiple event groups, creating accountability within a large program, and what it takes to establish UTRGV as a consistent championship contender.Beyond times, distances, and finishes, Coach Hicks shares why character, academics, community involvement, and preparation remain central to the culture she is building at UTRGV.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride
S7 · E4
July 31 · 39 min
Travis Bush - UTRGV Football Head Coach
This week on, The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome UTRGV Football Head Coach Travis Bush back to the show for a conversation about the program’s historic first season, the upcoming training camp, and the work required to build lasting success in the Rio Grande Valley.Coach Bush reflects on UTRGV’s introduction to FCS college football and what made that inaugural team so special. That first group of players and coaches did more than compete. They established the culture, traditions, expectations, and foundation that future generations of Vaqueros will inherit.With another season approaching, Coach Bush offers a look inside the preparation for training camp, the competition taking place throughout the roster, and the standards the program must continue raising. He also discusses how the experience gained during that historic first season will shape the Vaqueros moving forward.The conversation highlights the tremendous support surrounding UTRGV Football, including the leadership of UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey, Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque, the football coaching staff, athletic department employees, donors, fans, and community members who helped turn the vision of Vaquero Football into a reality.Of course, no appearance from Coach Bush would be complete without G creating a little chaos. The episode also includes an update on "Uncle Gee-Co” entering the transfer portal, whether any programs have shown interest, and whether Coach Bush believes there is still a place on the roster for a 49-year-old walk-on with unlimited confidence.This episode is about more than football. It is a behind-the-scenes look at building a program from the ground up, honoring the people who made the first season possible, and preparing UTRGV Football for the next chapter of its history.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride
S7 · E3
July 24 · 27 min
Elisa Mares
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Elisa Mares, UTRGV’s Director of External Relations, for a conversation about alumni engagement, university pride, and building lifelong connections between graduates and the institution they helped shape.UTRGV represents a growing global network of more than 100,000 alumni, including graduates of UTRGV and its legacy institutions, UTPA and UT Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. The university’s alumni mission focuses on strengthening relationships with graduates, students, families, and friends while encouraging involvement, loyalty, philanthropy, and continued support for student success.Elisa joins the show to discuss the importance of keeping alumni connected long after graduation, celebrating the history shared by UTPA, UTB, and UTRGV, and creating opportunities for former students to reconnect with the university. She also shares how alumni can become more involved, support future generations of Vaqueros, and help strengthen the university’s impact throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.The conversation gives viewers a closer look at the people and relationships behind UTRGV’s continued growth, along with the responsibility of honoring the university’s legacy while helping build its future.Find The Saddle Up Podcast on:YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride
S7 · E2
July 17 · 26 min
Javier Villalobos, City of McAllen Mayor
This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Javier Villalobos, Mayor of the City of McAllen, for a conversation about leadership, public service, community growth, and the future of one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most influential cities. Before being elected mayor in 2021, Villalobos served as McAllen’s District 1 city commissioner. An attorney by profession, he brings experience in government, law, and community service to his role leading the city. Mayor Villalobos joins the show to discuss McAllen’s continued growth, the responsibility that comes with leading a rapidly evolving city, and the projects and priorities shaping its next chapter. The conversation also explores economic development, infrastructure, public safety, quality of life, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection between city leadership and the people it serves. We also discuss catching possums and the craziest requests he has received while being in office. As always, the conversation goes beyond titles and politics, giving viewers a closer look at the person behind the position, the experiences that shaped his leadership style, and what he believes makes McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. ------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride #JavierVillalobos #MayorofMcAllen
S7 · E1
July 10 · 34 min
Staarz Music
Staarz, is a name in the music industry circles that is turning ears. Being only 25 years old and achieving the success she has recently achieved is a testament to her hard work and talent. Explore this Los Fresnos icon and up and coming superstar!
June 26 · 32 min
REVISIT: Dr. William Yancey
Revisiting our conversation with Dr. William Yancey is one of the kindest and most intriguing gentlemen you might ever get to meet. Join us as we talk about his childhood shaping him to the surreal moment of walking onto the Alex Trabec stage to winning Jeopardy.
S6 · E26
June 19 · 24 min
Season 6 Finale
G and Matt are at it again. Tune if for the finale for Season 6.
S6 · E25
June 12 · 28 min
Ingridy Foltran
Ingridy Foltran is one of the most unique guests we have had on the show. She is not only a 4yr letter winner, but her fascinating story to get to UTRGV will amaze you... and not only that, but how she is helping bring water to those in drought in the Corpus Christi area will astonish you!
S6 · E24
June 5 · 33 min
Eddie Lee Marburger
UTRGV Football Legend and Valley native, Eddie Lee Marburger, joins the show week. Here about his favorite play and him call it out as if we were in the huddle. Eddie Lee is a wonderful man, grounded in faith and guided by solid people surrounding him. LFG!!!
May 29 · 41 min
Roy Rivas - DITV Sports
Roy Rivas is creating something special with DITV Sports. Learn his story and his amazing ability to network with people and why he has dug himself in with the Valley Sports niche coming from Oceanside California.
S6 · E22
May 22 · 46 min
Brandon Chambers
UTRGV Head Men's Basketball Coach, Brandon Chambers, joins the show this week to introduce himself to Vaquero Nation. Listen to him talk about how he feels like the luckiest man alive and being undefeated in the Field House. We are excited to have him... on the show AND on the sidelines! LFG.
S6 · E21
May 15 · 39 min
Dr. Jose A Ramos
This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Dr. Jose A. Ramos, Jr., the newly named Texas Region 7 Athletic Trainer of the Year at McAllen High School. Dr. Ramos has spent years on the front line of high school sports, protecting athletes, managing injuries, and helping students get back on the field the right way. In this conversation, he breaks down what people do not see behind Friday night lights: the preparation, the prevention work, the pressure moments, and the responsibility of caring for hundreds of student-athletes across multiple sports. We also talk about leadership, building trust with coaches and parents, and what it means to raise the standard for sports medicine in the Rio Grande Valley. What you’ll hear in this episode What the Region 7 honor represents, and why it matters The daily reality of being an athletic trainer at a major high school Injury prevention, rehab principles, and return-to-play decisions Advice for young athletes and parents navigating injuries How the RGV can keep developing safer, stronger sports programs
S6 · E19
May 8 · 14 min
Jett Garza - Country Musician
This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Jett Garza, an up-and-coming country music standout from Brownsville, Texas, making serious noise with his debut album, Rearview, now available on all streaming platforms and YouTube.Jett sits down with G and Matt to talk about the stories behind the record, what he pulled from growing up in the Valley, and the grind it takes to build momentum as an independent artist. If you love real songwriting, Texas roots, and artists on the come-up, this episode will be your lane.If you’re in the RGV, you can catch Jett live at his album release party on May 23 at Barn Yard Burger in Brownsville, Texas. Come support, bring friends, and get there early.Listen to the debut album here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5VIPk3R6LZuAOdltelRIgZ?si=zvl7Qb-ZTWuH8ulUid785wIn this episodeThe meaning behind Rearview and the songs that hit closest to homeHow Brownsville shaped his sound and work ethicWhat’s next for Jett, and where he wants to take this runLive show plans and how fans can support the movement
S6 · E17
May 1 · 31 min
Houston Moore
This week on Saddle Up, we welcome Houston Moore, the Director of Golf at UTRGV, leading both the men’s and women’s programs. It’s a timely conversation because both Vaquero teams are bringing hardware back to the Valley. The UTRGV women’s team won the Southland Conference Championship on April 15, 2026, earning the league title and an automatic postseason bid. One week later, the UTRGV men’s team captured its first-ever Southland Conference Championship on April 22, 2026, marking a major milestone for the program. Coach Moore breaks down what it takes to build championship culture across two squads, how the team prepares in-season versus postseason, and what these titles mean for recruiting, expectations, and the future of Vaquero golf.
S6 · E17
April 24 · 32 min
Rene Flores
This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Rene Flores, a former UTPA baseball player whose story reflects the work, pride, and resilience that define baseball in the Rio Grande Valley.Rene takes us back to his playing days at UTPA, the teammates and coaches who shaped him, and what it really took to compete at the college level. We also talk about life after the diamond, how baseball lessons translate into leadership and family, and why the Valley continues to produce tough, hungry athletes.If you’re a UTPA alum, a baseball lifer, or someone who appreciates a real journey built on discipline and grit, you’ll enjoy this one.
S6 · E16
April 18 · 28 min
Roland Gonzalez
This week on Saddle Up, we sit down with Roland Gonzalez to talk about leadership, community, and building something meaningful. Roland shares how his background shaped the way he leads, why people and culture come first, and what it looks like to give back while still holding high standards. We also talk about mentorship, opportunity, and why the Rio Grande Valley produces more talent than it gets credit for.

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