Interviewing the city of Salinas’ most dynamic soccer player and a doctor on the front lines of immigrant healthcare in Los Angeles, Gil Basketball Academy offers two exciting new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for October.
Salinas, CA, September 28, 2020 — Interviewing the city of Salinas’ most dynamic soccer player and a doctor on the front lines of immigrant healthcare in Los Angeles, Gil Basketball Academy offers two exciting new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for October.
Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”) is recorded live from the family garage of Jose Gil and Eva Silva, co-founders of the academy that promotes the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA builds confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.
The “Ganas” podcast officially launched on Sept. 14, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com.
On Oct. 5, Episode 4 features professional soccer player David Estrada, who made his mark at Alisal High School before playing at UCLA and eventually the professional ranks of the MLS. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Estrada was raised in Salinas. Drafted in 2010 by the Seattle Sounders of the MLS, Estrada excelled both on the field and off, winning Humanitarian of the Year while playing with New Mexico United in 2019.
On Oct. 19, “Ganas” welcomes Dr. Gloria Sanchez, the daughter of a Mexican migrant laborer who now works toward breaking the cultural divide in medicine at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. A member of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, Sanchez published a study revealing that while the Latino population has increased dramatically in the United States, the number of Latino physicians in relation to that population has declined. Her goal is to help improve that ratio as a key step to improving overall care.
The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with and inspire his GBA kids during the pandemic.
“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”
While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.
“Ganas” podcasts (including video
with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such
as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.gilbasketballacademy.com/
