McAllen, Real Conversations, McAllen Cable Network, MCN, Office of Communications, Irma Chapa, Javier Villalobos, Dr. Valeska Balderas, Abraham Ancer, Debbie Korth, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson, colonoscopy, health, community
Staff Report
McAllen TX - The City of McAllen’s Office of Communications and Mayor Javier Villalobos have launched Real Conversations, a video series featuring local leaders, professionals, educators, advocates, and residents discussing topics that impact everyday life, including health, education, civic initiatives, and personal stories of resilience and success.
“Real Conversations gives us the opportunity to hear directly from the people whose experiences, accomplishments and service help define McAllen,” Villalobos said. “By sharing these stories, we recognize the dedication of those who make a difference and remind residents of the many ways we can learn from one another.”
Director of Communications Irma Chapa said the series reflects the Office of Communications’ broader mission.
“Our responsibility extends beyond sharing announcements, we’re here to tell the stories that matter to our community,” Chapa said. “Whether it’s helping someone better understand an important health topic, highlighting a local business, celebrating student-athletes, or bringing residents inside City Hall, our goal is to provide meaningful content that informs, inspires, and strengthens the connection between residents and their city.”
Real Conversations is available on Spectrum Channel 1300 and the City of McAllen’s YouTube channel through the McAllen Cable Network, which also produces in-depth interviews with community leaders, resident spotlights, coverage of high school sporting events, live and recorded City Commission meetings and town halls, and coverage of cultural festivals and community celebrations.
Featured Episodes
Episodes released to date include:
A Candid Discussion with Professional Golfer Abraham Ancer
Texas A&M University at McAllen: Building Futures, Shaping Care
Finding Purpose After the Unthinkable with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson
From McAllen to the Stars with Debbie Korth
Lung Cancer Awareness and What You Need to Know
Breaking the Silence on Colonoscopies with Dr. Valeska Balderas
The latest episode features Mayor Villalobos sharing his personal colonoscopy experience after undergoing a routine screening at age 60, during which doctors discovered three polyps. Joining the conversation is Dr. Valeska Balderas, a McAllen native and Memorial High School alumna who completed her medical training at UTMB and UT Southwestern Medical Center and now practices in the community.
Residents are encouraged to submit story ideas for future episodes by emailing mediarelations@mcallen.net. New episodes are available on the City of McAllen’s YouTube channel, with updates on Instagram and Facebook.
Source - City of McAllen Office of Communications