The Prospector Podcast: Summer Edition, Episode 1: Picking Up on a DIY Summer Vacation!

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Nathaniel Flores, Kristian Hernandez , Ximena Cordero, Abigail Pedroza, and Iziah Moreno • July 8, 2026

The Prospector Podcast Summer Edition returns for the second year in a row! But this time, with a twist. For this year’s summer edition, every podcast will be filmed in a setting other than our traditional studio. To start, we film at Student Media and Publications’ new location, known to The Prospector as “the casita.”

Not only are we picking up at our new location, but we’re also getting up to speed on new editors and summer plans, while gauging our craftsmanship and competitive nature by learning to craft and battle in Uno!

It’s time to pick back up on the #1 intercollegiate podcast in Texas by taking a look at a very different summer vacation!

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Our Staff:

Host: Sebastian Perez-Navarro

Camera(s): Nate Flores, Kristian Hernandez

Guests: Ximena Cordero, Danny Cordero, Iziah Moreno, Abby Pedroza, Kristian Hernandez

About the Contributors

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor

Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a junior majoring in communication studies. He is a Play-By-Play broadcaster who has transmitted for ESPN+/Minervision in Softball, the El Paso Sports Network (EP Sports Net) in Basketball, and for the Texas Sports Marketing Radio in Football. He is a former 600 ESPN El Paso broadcast intern, where he also called football & basketball games. He also hosts The Postgame Pulse on EP Sports Net, and UTEP’s student-led Prospector Podcast. Sebastian is a proud member of the UTEP Speech and Debate Team. There, he competes in extemporaneous, impromptu, platform, and argumentative settings.

Nathaniel Flores, Staff Photographer

Nathaniel Flores is a freshman at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in kinesiology with a minor in communications. He is a staff photographer at the Prospector. After graduation he hopes to work in the film industry while also pursuing a career as a physical therapist.

Kristian Hernandez , Sports Editor

Kristian Hernandez is a senior media advertising major with a minor in psychology. He is the Sports Editor for The Prospector and has been a part of the EPCC student newspaper known as the Tejano Tribune. He is also part of the EPCC Dance Team helping with media and creative design.

Ximena Cordero, Editor-in-Chief

Ximena Cordero is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in political science. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Prospector, She is also the membership chair for the UTEP chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). She is a former Puente News Student Collaborative Fellow with KVIA ABC-7. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in political investigative journalism focusing on the Borderland.

Abigail Pedroza, Arts & Culture Editor

Abigail Pedroza is a freshman at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Art History. She is the arts and culture editor for The Prospector. After graduating she wishes to pursue a career in the media and arts industry as a museum curator/caretaker or as a journalist working within the arts.

Iziah Moreno, Photo Editor

Iziah Moreno is a junior media advertising student at the University of Texas at El Paso. He is the photo editor for both The Prospector and Minero Magazine and is the treasure for National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). After graduation, he hopes to work in the world of media.