How do we turn the experiences and memories that shaped us into art?
In this episode, recorded live at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival, we talk with Adolfo Guzman-Lopez about growing up between Tijuana and San Diego and how those experiences found their way into his writing.
Adolfo grew up witnessing two very different worlds: the working-class neighborhoods of 1970s Tijuana and the middle- and upper-class neighborhoods of Pacific Beach, where he accompanied his mother as she cleaned houses.
Eventually, Adolfo moved to National City and grew up in the United States. His experiences on both sides of the border led him to become a journalist, writer, and poet. In his latest work, “California Southern: Writing from the Road, 1994–2025,” Adolfo captures different stages of his life and gives voice to the people, places, and experiences that shaped him.
About Season 6
Port of Entry has a fresh new season for you, with richer stories of our border region.
This season spotlights shapers and visionaries of the borderlands — people impacting the region, and in some cases the world, with their work and research.
From urbanism and architecture to education, and politics, to art and robotics, these stories explore the region’s most innovative voices.
Listen in and join us!
Social media and contact
From KPBS, Port of Entry tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypod
Support our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.
If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.
Text or call the Port of Entry team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show, or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.
Credits
Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González
Writer/Producer: Natalie González
Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos
Editor: Chrissy Nguyen and Julio C. Ortiz-Franco
Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco
Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette
