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For Raul Melendez and his family, August 3, 2019, began as an ordinary Saturday. His daughter Kaitlyn was shopping with her grandparents at Walmart during Tax-Free Weekend. Then, a phone call changed everything: "My dad, he was shot."

What followed was a nightmare of chaos, confusion, and eventually, devastating loss. Raul's father-in-law David was among the 23 people killed in the El Paso Walmart shooting, dying heroically as he shielded his granddaughter and wife from the gunman. Under a court-mandated gag order for nearly six years, this is Raul's first opportunity to share his family's story publicly.

The conversation reveals the profound, lasting trauma experienced by shooting survivors and their families. Kaitlyn, now approaching 15, still attends therapy weekly and struggles with loud noises and the smell of gunpowder. Raul's military PTSD has taken on new purpose as he helps his daughter navigate her own trauma. Meanwhile, his wife Stephanie has become the family's rock, caring for her mother who lost her provider and their daughter who lost her sense of safety.

Perhaps most frustrating for the families has been the protracted legal process. While the federal case moved relatively quickly, the state case has dragged on for years despite promises from prosecutors. "This is a win, this is a no-lose case," Raul explains, questioning why justice has been so elusive. The recent decision to forgo the death penalty feels like another letdown after years of waiting.

Through their pain, the Melendez family has found unexpected sources of support, including a biker group called Guardians of the Children who "adopted" Kaitlyn and attend her events. Their story is a powerful reminder of how violence tears through communities long after the shooting stops and headlines fade. Despite everything, they're determined to rebuild their lives and honor David's memory by moving forward.

Have you checked on someone who's experienced trauma lately? Reach out, listen, and simply be there. Sometimes healing starts with breaking the silence.

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Grief comes in layers, especially when tragedy strikes a community. Following the August 3rd Walmart shooting in El Paso, countless stories of loss emerged—but what happens to the families once the news cameras leave?

I'm preparing to bring you something deeply personal in our upcoming episode: an exclusive conversation with Raul, whose father-in-law was among those killed in the Walmart shooting. What makes Raul's story particularly poignant is the multiple dimensions of grief he navigates daily. Beyond processing his own loss, he's supporting his wife and daughter through the devastating reality of losing her father in such violent, public circumstances.

The weight of this responsibility is immense, yet Raul demonstrates remarkable strength. Our conversation will take listeners into territory many have fortunately never experienced—the aftermath of mass violence and the quiet, ongoing work of healing that families undertake together. We'll explore questions about grief that rarely make headlines but affect countless families touched by tragedy.

Whether you've experienced profound loss or simply want to better understand how communities recover from collective trauma, this upcoming interview offers rare insight into the human experience behind the statistics. Listen as we examine what it means to support loved ones while managing your own grief, and the complicated journey of healing when private loss intersects with public tragedy. Subscribe now so you don't miss this powerful conversation that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the true impact of violence on families and communities.

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Prepare to be inspired! In this episode, I sit down with the vivacious Giselle Lopez, the reigning Miss El Paso 2024, who is on the brink of passing her crown to the next deserving queen. As she navigates the bittersweet journey of her reign, Giselle doesn't hold back in sharing her heartfelt reflections and the lessons she's learned along the way. This insightful conversation reveals what it truly means to represent a city, the beauty of embracing one’s legacy, and empowering future titleholders.

But that’s not all! Giselle dives into her exciting new venture, “Desert Diva Fashion,” a clothing line set to launch this March. Filled with artistic flair and ambition, she speaks candidly about her vision and how this journey started from a need for self-expression through fashion. Tune in to hear her incredible stories from her music career, the evolution of her identity, and the challenges faced while starting anew in the entrepreneurial space.

This episode is a beautiful blend of personal anecdotes, motivational insights, and a celebration of community spirit! Giselle’s journey is a testament to the fact that growth comes with overcoming challenges, faith, and support from those around us. Join us as we celebrate her past and future and explore the importance of being bold, authentic, and unapologetically yourself. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us as we continue celebrating stories that matter!

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Nate Valenzuela's karaoke journey reveals the complexities of trust, ambition, and community in a competitive industry. From setbacks and betrayals to building supportive networks, his story is a compelling exploration of resilience and growth.

• The origins of Nate's karaoke journey
• The competitive atmosphere of karaoke wars
• Navigating friendships in a business context
• The importance of knowing your worth
• Shared experiences and community support
• Building a sustainable karaoke business
• Experiences of betrayal and its impact
• Future plans for the karaoke industry

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Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Evelyne Perez, the inspiring advocate for autism awareness and author of "Autism: A New Friend." Evelyne takes us on a journey through her experiences at Eastlake High School, sharing her mission to foster understanding and support for autism. We tap into the soothing power of our podcast voice, a comforting companion on Evelyne's morning commute. With shout-outs to amazing past guests like Megan Harris and Joe Loya, we celebrate the transformative power of faith and personal growth that has become the hallmark of our podcast.

Chico's Tacos lovers unite! We dish out on the beloved El Paso staple, exploring our favorite ways to enjoy this iconic treat—from single to double orders and creative condiment combinations. Our chat takes a reflective turn, offering practical strategies to conquer the fear of public speaking, with tried-and-true tips such as breathing exercises and visualization. Gratitude emerges as a powerful ally, not just in easing anxiety but in elevating our daily lives, inspiring a positivity that resonates with everyone we meet.

Adventure awaits as we cruise through Disneyland on convenience vehicles, reveling in the freedom they bring to our park experience, along with the perks like a Lightning Pass. We reminisce about the charm of local businesses, wrapping up with a toast to El Paso's culinary gems and personal businesses like Fatboy Gloves. With laughs, stories, and a touch of magic, our episode promises to leave you with a smile, a dose of inspiration, and perhaps a craving for Chico's Tacos.

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First disclosure: Please forgive me because there is a dog barking in the background. Thank you for that grace.

Nate thinks that a DJ is more than what he does. Nate considers himself a MC or Host. There is a lot of fun involved in a Karaoke show.

Nate is hosting a show at The District on Piedras at 8:30 to lunch.

This is for the folks getting off at that hour. The late night nurses, first responders and such. El Paso’s party is going to start when it’s going to start. Along with that show, Nate is busy all over the city except for Saturday. It wasn’t always like that.

We talk about our trip to Disneyland and the Karaoke experience in Los Angeles. It was not good. El Paso blows it away. LA was so impersonal. Not taken serious. We are totally spoiled as Karaoke singers here in El Paso.

There are other great shows in El Paso and there are folks that have done the work for decades. Most sing along with their shows. Sometimes Nate will go along with his friends to another Karaoke show. The Karaoke DJ hosting will feel intimidated when he walks in when his intentions are innocent. It was very cut throat in the beginning. He does however notice things that could better the bar or show. Free show coming up at The Reagan.

Nate humbles everyone at the show. They are only jabs. Bring your expectations down.

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First of all, let me say, Gisselle had me dying, laughing. You’ll hear why. Time stamp 8:29

My apologies folks beforehand. I was suffering from allergies. Please excuse the coughs.

Gisselle talks about her journey being the current Miss El Paso. It’s a real job. She has a heart to make everybody’s life better in El Paso. So much more than just the prettiest girl in the room. This included short term preparation. 2 weeks to be exact. There were times she felt she was not enough. Gisselle went from knowing almost nothing about pagentry, to winning the title. I died laughing at time stamp 8:29 because of a comment Gisselle made.

Gisselle on her new journey with Special Education. You may be the only person that the special person has in their life. It takes a special heart and if you love what you do, the rewards will come. In the Future, Gisselle want to become an Entertainment Lawyer. Omar, Gisselle’s boyfriend is such a great supporter of everything that she’s about.

Gisselle’s upbringing came from humble beginnings, like a lot of El Paso. Dad was the first of his family to graduate from High School, and has done it with a strong work ethic. Gisselle says she gets her strong ambitions from seeing her father and what’s he’s been through.

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Evelyne’s an author an a special education teacher.

When children would stare at other children that are different, it would

offend me. I am going to make a difference. Just watch.

With this passion, Evelyne was able to pour out her desire onto the pages. Soon enough you will see who the author is and what she’s about.

Evelyne is all about support of other authors and is now an advocate

Of getting the word out. It may start with local library tours and readings. People are being touched, both by parents and children.

The books can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or anywhere else you may buy books, as well as Evelyne’s website, evelynetheauthor.com

When did Autism become a thing because I didn’t see it.

Let’s include all the children to know about what Autism is.

Evelyne has been dedicated her life since right after High School.

We speak again about how amazing our church is. I wish people would attend and realize how great our church is for our community. People will hate you because they ain’t you. We all have had a need for some guidance. Life gets busy for us. Evelyne knew that Abundant Church was a safe place. I’ve been at Abundant Church and have never left. Now Evelyne is going to start volunteering there. Now Evelyne is going to start volunteering there.

If you want to write me a message, you can do it right on the show and I’ll see it as fan mail.

The impact is important to all of us. If we can impact anyone for the better, then we have made an impact in our lives.

Autism, A New Friend, Autismo, Un Nuevo Amigo, and Trick Roar Treat are the titles of Evelyne's books.

The subjects that are covered in this book are what gives these kids

Sensory overload.

Evelyne is her own publisher. She loves the hustle, creative control.

She may be collaborating with Miguel Briones, publisher at No Culture, to get more of the author across, in her books, but by her own admission, she is an introvert. Evelyne also admits that she struggles with the Networking part of her journey. Evelyne is taking a public speaking class to come out of her shell.

What are the next goals? To keep going with the series and it’s going to start with bullying. I was bullied as a child because of my race and Evelyne would get bullied because of her Mexican accent.

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