Corpus Christi Originals Podcast

In Episode 129 of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, host Jesús Hilario Hernandez sits down with Jen Allende, local general contractor, business owner, advocate, and candidate for Corpus Christi City Council District 2. Recorded on location at Moe’s Texas Style BBQ on Weber Road, this episode dives deep into what it takes to build a stronger, more accountable local government that serves every resident.

Jen shares her journey growing up in Corpus Christi, from working in her father’s neighborhood stores to starting at the ground level in general construction—working 16-hour days before building her own multi-m...

In Episode 128 of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, host Jesús Hilario Hernandez sits down with touring stand-up comedian Dustin Chafin ahead of his headlining weekend at the Mesquite Street Comedy Club in downtown Corpus Christi.

Dustin opens up about his 18-year sobriety journey, transitioning from cutting his teeth in the New York City comedy scene—sweeping floors and cleaning toilets just to get stage time—to performing on arena tours alongside Nate Bargatze and TJ Miller. They dive deep into the mechanics of comedy: how to build a versatile "comedy toolbox," the split-second art of profiling an au...

In Episode 127, Jesús dives into the harsh realities of the local creator economy, open mics, and the fine line between hometown loyalty and genuine talent. Why do so many creators expect local support without putting in the work? What does it actually take to build a brand in a mid-sized city, and why is active listening the ultimate podcasting superpower? From eating dirt on stage to calling out crab-mentality gatekeeping, this solo episode breaks down the unfiltered truth about what it takes to elevate your craft.
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"City council was never meant to be entertainment. We need people there who just want to put their head down and get the work done." On this episode of The Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, host Jesús Hernandez sits down with District 2 city council candidate Laura Flores Commons.

Laura is a lifelong Corpus Christi native and a dedicated community volunteer. In this episode, she discusses what it means to run for public office for the first time after 30 years of local civic service. She shares her perspective on District 2's unique boundary footprint (stretching from shoreline neighborhoods t...

"I'll see you when I'm looking at you!" On this episode of The Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we are coming to you live from The Artisan at 218 N. Chaparral. Host Jesús Hilario Hernandez sits down with born-and-raised local comic and storyteller Wendell Williams (aka Mr. Wendell) for an incredibly candid, laid-back conversation.

Wendell drops decades of "old school knowledge," sharing his lived experiences growing up in the historic Hillcrest neighborhood from the 1960s onward. He pulls no punches discussing the environmental impact of local refineries, the city's ongoing water crisis, and navigating the era of Jim C...

In Episode 124 of the Corpus Christi Originals podcast, host Jesús sits down with high school classmate and local business owner John Hanzalik, who is running for Corpus Christi City Council – District 5.

John strips away the political theater to discuss the pressing issues facing our community. He breaks down the realities of the Inner Harbor desalination project, clarifies how industry partners actively fund their own water infrastructure, and outlines his vision for managing the massive residential growth on the Southside. Beyond the politics, John shares his journey through Leadership Corpus Christi, his background as an industrial entrepreneur, and...

Corpus Christi Originals is back at it again! For Episode 123, we’re posting up at the Ink Plug (4701, Suite 202) to catch up with a true cultural heavyweight: Ledswards.

After stepping away from music for two years following a horrific accident where he fell four stories—breaking his back, wrist, and feet—Ledswards is back to reclaim his spot and serenade the city. We dive deep into the pain, the recovery, and the monstrous creativity behind his upcoming 10th independent studio album, Look Mom, It's Raining.

Ledswards breaks down why he refuses to write his lyrics down...

The Art Center of Corpus Christi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at 100 North Shoreline Boulevard — right next to the Whataburger by the bay — and most people have driven past it a thousand times without knowing what's inside.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, recorded on the second floor of the Art Center (same floor where Jesús had his wedding reception), he sits down with Kailey Diaz, Exhibit Coordinator, and August from the Education department to talk about what's actually going on in there. They cover the 50+ classes available, the Clay Studio membership, the Wednesday farme...

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Tony Gomez has been in the Corpus Christi metal scene since 1979, when he rode the C101 party bus to see Kiss on the Dynasty Tour and decided that was what he wanted to do with his life. Since then he's fronted or played in more bands than most people can count — Malignancy, Sintegrity, Killamora, War Cult, Annihilator, a Pantera tribute, an AC/DC tribute, and several others — and now hosts The Tony Gomez Show, a podcast dedicated to musicians making things happen.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, they talk about the early Corpus Chri...

Caitlin Shook is the co-owner of The Annex — a bar at 312 South Chaparral in downtown Corpus Christi that doubles as a comedy venue, event space, and community gathering spot — and the host of The Bad Blonde, a live radio show on 1440 KEYS turned podcast about automotive history.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, recorded at The Annex, they talk about how Caitlin went from busing tables at 16 to opening her dream bar with her mom and sister, the Porsche 912E her dad gave her at 14 to keep her out of trouble, six years hosting a ra...

In this unfiltered, adult-oriented "bull session," host Jesus Hilario Hernandez sits down with the Sports with Roland crew—Andy Gomez, Merri Garcia, and Roland Alaniz—for a raw and hilarious look at the Corpus Christi comedy scene. The group covers everything from their 200-episode podcasting journey and the "catalyst" that started it all to the gritty reality of bombing on stage at local pizza joints. Between Andy’s legendary "move" for getting out of traffic tickets and Merri’s candid insights into the challenges of being a woman in the local circuit, the conversation touches on the Corpus "Mexican OT," the...

In this special solo episode recorded on-location at The Coffee Mug, host Jesus Hilario Hernandez pulls back the curtain on the "unseen" side of the Corpus Christi Originals network. From the "unheard voices" that form the city’s backbone to the raw, personal lessons learned during his first 15 stand-up comedy open mics, Jesus shares an unscripted look at the reality of balancing life as a hazmat truck driver, classical guitarist, and father. Over a "Hedwig" white mocha and a cinnamon crumble muffin, he discusses why he chose to double down on Corpus Christi instead of moving to a bigger ci...

Magnu5 (pronounced Magnus) is a North Side Corpus Christi rapper, beat maker, and co-host of the Marauders Podcast who has been putting in work since high school — freestyling at lunch tables, selling CDs downtown for ten bucks, riding with DSR, and learning to make his own beats from a local producer who had placements with 50 Cent.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, recorded at Lucy's Snack Bar, we chop it up about coming up on the North Side, what the Corpus Christi hip-hop scene actually sounds like now, why he never wanted to be a...

Daryl Felsberg is a professional comedian, producer, and comedy club owner from Corpus Christi, Texas who's been doing standup since 2001 and full-time since 2008. He's shot four specials, toured the country, headlined the Selena Auditorium, survived a TIA stroke, and is currently putting fake antique photos of himself inside Cracker Barrel restaurants across the country.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we go deep on the craft of standup comedy — what it takes to actually be ready for the stage, why crowd work is the most misunderstood skill in the game, how social media influencers ar...

Brandon — better known as Texas Gulf Fish Hunter — moved to Corpus Christi from the mountains of Appalachia and never looked back. Now he's one of the most recognizable fishing content creators on TikTok, going live from the Texas coast and sharing the kind of knowledge most fishermen keep to themselves: where the fish are, why they're there, and how to put yourself in the best position to catch them.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we talk about how a random TikTok live turned into a massive fishing community, the science behind reading the wate...

Ben Mann is one of the most recognizable voices in the Corpus Christi comedy scene — a four-year standup veteran, all-state debater, full-time uncle, and visually impaired comedian from Port Connor who figured out early that the best way to beat a bully to the punch is to throw the first joke yourself.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we talk about what it's like to pursue standup in South Texas — the open mics, the paid shows, the crowds that laugh at the wrong part, and the ones that don't laugh at all. We get into...

Lupe Ramos is the founder of Choose Wisely — a faith-based apparel brand and design studio born in Corpus Christi, Texas. In this Corpus & Coffee edition of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we sat down at his shop inside Texas Arena Strength & Fitness (5802 Woodridge) to talk about everything that made him who he is.

Lupe went from being raised by his grandmother on the west side to serving in the U.S. Navy, hitting pop-ups across Texas with a Walmart rack, building a graphic design business, and launching the Choose Love Foundation — all while staying rooted in Corpus Chri...

Corpus & Coffee: Chef Zay (Isaiah from Houston, family in Corpus) discusses selling Five gum in middle school without paying, reinvesting into Sam's candy bars, COVID trunk candy hustle at T-Mobile, first Houston candy competition (didn't place but Yum Yum Candy judges bought $50), meeting Chingo Bling, second place win judged by SPM's son Baby Los, meeting Mexican OT at show (poncho hat boots grill 5'4), bringing ARs to music video for product placement, trunk sellouts in 3 hours at refineries, convenience business model ($20 minimum delivery), consistency recipe same 5 years, loaded pickles, and $30 to $480 in one day selling pastor tacos.

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Corpus & Coffee edition: DJ Lil King (Derrick Boston) at Ridin' High Studios discusses growing up West Oso/Molina/Crestmont, talk boy DJ Screw mixtapes, discovering PC DJ software on computer, 1998 Swisha House website with intro song, Napster mislabeled downloads, opening The Plug store in 45 minutes with $120, paying rappers cash for CDs ($5 per copy), ESG in-store signing teaching the game, Welcome to Corpus DVD release, Donnie Houston chronological interview influence, building 7-show podcast network (300+ episodes total), documenting Corpus rap history, Smoke Walk 2-year anniversary, and why partnerships sink friendships.

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Fourth Corpus & Coffee: Danny Powers, owner of Powers Tattoo and Body Piercing (30 years), discusses meeting Don Powers as a customer getting naval piercing, marrying the shop owner, husband dying in 2003 leaving her with 5-year-old son and active shop, choosing to fight and run it 30 more years, moving from McAllen to Corpus after meeting second husband Steve on Facebook, CPR and bloodborne pathogen certification, health department inspections, social media frustration, boutique dreams, selling gloves to other shops, wanting RV mobile tattoo life, and legacy lasting beyond the owner.

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Third Corpus & Coffee: Susana Salinas, owner of The Coffee Mugg (Harry Potter-inspired), discusses newly divorced with two kids on food stamps, opening upstairs with zero customers, viral post changing everything, CNN interview from Germany, Warner Brothers cease and desist ("they know you exist"), moving from Coffee Muggle to Coffee Mugg, espresso machine bursting into flames after COVID shutdown, lawyer giving her free machine for cappuccinos, meeting husband at shop and getting married there, not hearing "I'm proud of you" growing up, telling herself "you're a lot smarter than you think," and why coffee brings people together over knowledge and...

Second Corpus & Coffee: comedian Bobby Peña III (co-admin of CorpusChristyComedy.com) and daughter Elisa (Artistry by Elisa) discuss retiring from AT&T to pursue comedy full-time, raising kids who follow their dreams, winning Rock Hard Roast Battle while family's heart monitors went off, why comedians need social media, collaboration over competition in art community, sixth-generation Corpus roots, turning kids into captive audiences, no AI art policy, 100% human creativity, Museum of Science & History exhibit, Colorado River nonprofit mascot design, and why the price of community is inconvenience.

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First Corpus & Coffee edition: casual conversation over coffee with comedian Miguelito (Miguel Porfirio), 5 years into comedy, discussing why open mics are gyms not performances, the pressure of proving you're still funny, when audiences mouth your material, the night he crashed out at Mesquite Street, gratitude vs. hostility mindset, joyous communication on stage, why word choice matters, joke writers vs. joke tellers, Looney Tunes as comedy influence, embracing bombing to grow, and getting back to basics when perfectionism kills creativity.

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Luis Buentello brings 12 years of congressional experience working for Blake Farenthold and Michael Cloud to his run for Texas District 34. Born in Mexico, became a citizen after a 5-year process, cut red tape for veterans and constituents, and now wants the job for himself. Discusses why he resigned from Cheniere Energy to run, running a clean campaign despite dirt on opponents, the Farenthold settlement, desalinization expertise from Saudi Arabia and Israel, guest worker visas for construction, why he won't attack other candidates, and how character in little things (like asking before placing yard signs) reveals who someone will be...

Mayra Flores discusses her run for Texas District 34, which now includes Corpus Christi. From working cotton fields in Memphis, Texas to respiratory therapy to Congress, she addresses water crisis solutions, border security misconceptions, faith through political betrayal, her divorce as a Christian, Trump's endorsement flip, and why she believes Corpus needs $20-30/hour jobs. Unfiltered conversation on immigration, cartel influence, desalinization debate, and balancing motherhood with campaigning. Blog Post Here.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the Corpus Christi Originals podcast, sponsors, studio, or affiliated entities.

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Bull session with three Corpus Christi comedy veterans: Tina La Cochina fresh off her Kill Tony appearance at the Mothership, Javi Luna discussing comedy etiquette and roast battle boundaries, and Lito Cortez running the only clean comedy showcase in town for 9 years. Topics: surviving panic attacks on stage in front of 2.5 million viewers, why Corpus is big enough for everyone, the social media trap, and why being funny isn't the same as being a comedian. Plus: misconceptions about the local scene and planning a clean open mic. Blog Post.

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Comedian Javi Luna returns for his third appearance discussing 14 years in comedy, touring 150 shows a year with Chingo Bling, the craft evolution from writing 30 minutes daily to organic improvisation, and why being second act is the sweet spot. From Latin Comedy Jam to self-producing specials, creating Tag Your Bit to give newer comics stage time, and the "heartbroken still joking" era that defined his voice. Plus: why comedy will always humble you, the death of his best friend David Cifuentes, and allegedly moving to San Antonio. Blog Post Here. 

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Marty and Amber Flores share the story of Marty McPies, the downtown Corpus Christi pizza restaurant born from a Marine Corps veteran's journey home. Marty spent years in Iraq, the Navy, railroads, and refineries while teaching himself to make pizza with one goal: come back to Corpus Christi and build a life. Amber left 10 years of teaching to help grow the business from food truck to brick-and-mortar. They discuss the reality of maxing out credit cards, dealing with PTSD, managing employees, staying married while working together 24/7, and why skateboarding culture and pizza culture are the same. Blog Post Here. 

Marcos Leal returns for Episode 100 to discuss his country-rock project Swim the Current, the 10-year anniversary of Shattered Sun's Hope Within Hatred, and for the first time publicly, the complete story behind his departure from ill Niño. From signing a record deal off a cover song to dealing with broken promises and industry politics, Marcos shares the unfiltered truth about creative control, family loyalty, and what happens when you put your foot down about your own music. Plus, his vision for blending Texas roots with rock, upcoming tours, and why Alice, Texas will always be home. Blog Post H...

Joaquin Rangel, founder of Joaquin in2 Inclusion, discusses building a nonprofit that supports children with special needs across Texas. From starting with $10,000 of his own money to landing grants and organizing metal shows to fund inclusive learning labs, Joaquin shares the challenges of navigating the nonprofit world, working with schools, and breaking the school-to-prison pipeline. Plus, his connection to Texas football and the importance of community support. Learn how you can help at ji2.org. Check out the Blog Post Here. 

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South Texas metal band ZombieKing sits down fresh off their first full Texas tour to discuss the reality of grinding in the regional metal scene. Eddie and Juan share tour stories featuring pythons and bed-of-nails performers, get brutally honest about navigating Corpus Christi's music scene, and reveal how they rebuilt their first album in just 6 days under label pressure. Plus, big news about their Black Friday co-headlining show with Shattered Sun at Brewster Street Ice House on November 28th. Use discount code ZKALLDAY for tickets. Blog Post Here. 

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Episode 97 welcomes Ben DeLeon, creator of the Un-Shuck Yourself podcast and newest member of the Corpus Christi Originals Network. Ben opens up about battling imposter syndrome, his journey from selfish teenager to present grandfather, the philosophy that shaped his mindset (martial arts, Taoism, Eastern wisdom), and why he puts out free advice for people who need it. We discuss AI as a tool vs crutch, the power of gratitude, breaking old patterns, letting go of resentment, how words affect us, dealing with haters, body language when you're passionate, and why everyone's favorite topic is themselves. Plus: the military origin...

Rising comedian Chris Longoria shares how comedy saved his life after losing his grandfather, launching That Dude Talks podcast, and producing The Naughty List Comedy Show Dec 6, 2025 at The Annex in Corpus Christi, Texas—a free show benefiting Toys for Tots featuring Kill Tony's Davey Jackson. Topics: grief recovery, Corpus comedy growth, hosting tips, community giving, podcast production. Blog Post Here.

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Episode 95 is HUGE. Comedian Lito Cortez joins me to talk about the craft of comedy (why adjectives matter, how to not bomb on stage), UFO sightings right here in Corpus Christi (we show the footage), faith and the supernatural (are aliens and Christianity connected?), being a clean Christian comedian without being preachy, and his views on marriage, creativity, and living authentically. PLUS we announce the Corpus Christi Originals Network—Lito's launching his new podcast "Respond If You Please" under our umbrella, along with other shows serving our community. Also: November 7th comedy benefit at USS Lexington for For Her Mi...

Melanie Sandoval was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 18 weeks pregnant. Instead of giving up, she launched a nonprofit. Today, this first-generation Mexican-American doula and single mother of three is fighting for South Texas families through Kindred Hearts and Doula Things with Mel. This episode discusses the maternal health crisis (Corpus Christi is down 20+ OBGYNs), men's mental health in Hispanic culture, postpartum mood disorders nobody talks about, trauma-informed birth care for assault survivors, immigration realities under current enforcement, teen pregnancy, birth options beyond hospitals, and why community is the only way forward. Melanie has witnessed 200+ births and shares raw...

In this powerful live-streamed episode from October 5, 2025, host Jesus Hilario H. sits down with Creon Martin (Daddy Cre), rapper, entrepreneur, and host of the Man Look Talk Show on the Ridin' High Podcast Network. Creon shares his journey from growing up in North Side Manor, navigating street life and a 7-year prison sentence, to building his clothing brand Wave God Supreme. He opens up about a life-altering accident that tested his mental health and how podcasting became a platform for real talk on community issues, fatherhood, and fentanyl’s impact. Tune in for wisdom, resilience, and a call to be...

Join us on Corpus Christi Originals as we sit down with Monty Prescott & Shawna Davis of South Texas Haunts and special guest Ben DeLeon from the Recycled Corn Podcast. We dive into chilling paranormal investigations across South Texas, haunted landmarks in Corpus, folklore like La Llorona, and the overlap of ghost stories with local history and culture. From EVP evidence to personal experiences, this episode is full of mystery, storytelling, and Coastal Bend legends.
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Sponsored by Full Stack Solutions
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Episode 92 Blog Post
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For the first-ever women’s edition of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, we’re spotlighting local trailblazers in cycling and BMX: Melanie of HYPEBYKE and I Bike CC, and Laurie Lyng Corpus Christi BMX. These women share their journeys, challenges, and victories in growing bike culture in Corpus Christi. From community rides to BMX trails, hear how they’re inspiring the next generation and paving the way for more women in the cycling scene.
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Sponsored by South TX Lacrosse (Lacrosse season starts October 22, 2025)
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Episode 91 Blog Post
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In this captivating episode, guest host Isaac Sanchez interviews PharaohTrip (Marcel), a Corpus Christi poet, Emcee, and educator whose life spans Southside battles, global classrooms, and raw lyricism. Explore his hip-hop origins with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, poetry inspired by Malcolm X, and teaching math & science in China, Thailand, Russia, and Greece. PharaohTrip breaks down his album American Autopsy—a critique of American culture—and shares wisdom on resilience, community, and staying true amid hypocrisy. Perfect for hip-hop heads, travelers, and cultural thinkers.
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Sponsored by South Texas Lacrosse (event Sept 27, 2025 at Walden Field).
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Episode 90 blog post.
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