In this episode of the *El Mesteño Podcast*, titled "The Scholar, The Soldier, The Activist: José de la Luz Sáenz," host David Flores sits down with historian and publisher Homero Vera to explore the remarkable life of a pivotal figure in Mexican-American history.

Here is a breakdown of the segments included in this episode:

Featured Segment:

A deep dive into the life of José de la Luz Sáenz (1888–1953). The conversation covers his early life in rural South Texas, his groundbreaking career as an educator, his service as a soldier during World War I, and his monumental role as a civil rights activist and co-founder of LULAC. The discussion highlights his commitment to documenting the Mexican-American experience and his use of both the classroom and the pen to fight against systemic discrimination.

Dicho Segment:

A traditional *dicho* (proverb) is shared: *"El hogar es donde está el corazón"* (Home is where the heart is), with context provided by Manuel Sáenz of Rancho Nuevo, Duval County.

Recipe Segment:

A recipe for a classic Tex-Mex Vegetarian Guisado, featuring red potatoes, onions, fresh tomatoes, and peppers.

Book Recommendation Segment:

The World War I Diary of José de la Luz Sáenz (edited by Emilio Zamora): An exploration of Sáenz's personal accounts from his service in France and Germany during WWI, and how these experiences fueled his later civil rights activism.

https://a.co/d/0iuhjfL1

No Mexicans, Women, or Dogs Allowed by Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco: A critical look at the founding of LULAC in 1929, challenging common misconceptions and framing the organization as a central pillar of the early American civil rights movement.

https://a.co/d/07Go4O28

In this episode, host David Flores and resident historian Homero Vera explore the foundational years of Premont, Texas, shifting the spotlight to the Mexican and Mexican-American pioneers who built the town’s vibrant community.
Featured Segment: The History of Premont
We dive into the history of Premont, tracing its roots back to 1907 when developer R. P. Haldeman purchased the Galveston Ranch. Homero details the intentional layout of the town—specifically the area east of the railroad tracks centered around Plaza Hidalgo—and highlights the local businesses, political milestones, and resilience of the Mexican-American families who established their roots there. From the legendary performances at "El Tropico" theater to the civic organization of the community in 1911, this segment captures the lasting mark these families left on South Texas.
Dicho Segment
This episode’s dicho is: "En casa de el herrero, azadón de palo" (He who has a trade doesn't use it at home). This selection was contributed by Letty M. Vera of Premont, TX.
Recipe Segment: Pan de Campo (Camp Bread)
We share a recipe for a traditional Pan de Campo, a hearty bread that yields 16 servings. This recipe involves a simple dough prepared with flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening or lard, cooked in a Dutch oven over mesquite coals. It is a perfect accompaniment when served with butter, honey, or carne guisada.
Book Recommendation Segment
Our book recommendation for this episode is J.T. Canales and the Texas Rangers by Richard H. Ribb, published in 2026 by Texas A&M Press.

Episode 20: The Battle of Santa Gertrudis
In this episode, host David Flores is joined by historian Homero Vera to uncover the pivotal, yet often overlooked, Battle of Santa Gertrudis. Fought on June 16, 1866, during the French Intervention in Mexico, this clash was the turning point that broke the back of imperialist forces in the northeast and helped return President Benito Juárez to power.
Episode Segments:

• Act I: The Hero of Camargo & The Strategy at Mesa del Ebanito: We explore the military tensions leading up to the battle, including the dramatic standoff between Generals Servando Canales and Gerónimo Treviño, and how General Canales’ local knowledge proved vital to the Republican victory.
• Act II: The Blood Red Creek & The War of the Convoy: A breakdown of the intense, two-hour battle that changed the supply game for the imperialists, the capture of a massive supply convoy, and the immediate geopolitical ripple effects in Matamoros.
• Act III: The Unsung Heroes – Commandant Macedonio Rodríguez & The Camargo Squadron: We honor the brave men from Camargo who formed the backbone of this fight. We read the muster roll of the Camargo Squadron, highlighting the personal sacrifice of Commandant Macedonio Rodríguez Garza and his local men.
• Dicho Segment: A traditional dicho to reflect on the nature of the fight.
• Recipe Segment: A classic recipe for Arroz con Pollo.
• Book Recommendation: A spotlight on The Kingdom of New Spain by Don Pedro Alonso O’Crowley.