In this English-language episode of our bilingual podcast Border Masters, we sit down with Daniel Chayet, CEO of CODET Vision Institute in Tijuana. For nearly four decades, CODET has been at the forefront of eye care innovation performing the first LASIK surgery in Mexico, inventing all-laser LASIK, and providing world-class treatment at a fraction of U.S. costs.

Daniel shares the story of his father, Dr. Arturo Chayet, whose pioneering work built CODET’s global reputation, and explains how Tijuana has become a strategic hub for medical tourism. We talk about family legacy, innovation, training future physicians, and why telling the beautiful stories of the border matters more than ever.

Some episodes will be in English and others in Spanish, connecting unique perspectives from both sides of the border.

Don’t miss more episodes at olasmedia.com or on your favorite audio platform.
Subscribe, like, and share! And remember you can write to us at info@bordermasterspodcast.com — we’d love to hear from you!

(Originally aired on Sept23)

Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Welcome to Border Masters and introduction of Daniel Chayet
00:02:00 - Codet’s legacy: from family roots to global recognition
00:06:00 - Daniel’s path back to Tijuana and the family institute
00:14:00 - Why Tijuana is a strategic hub for medical tourism
00:19:00 - Pioneering breakthroughs: LASIK, all-laser LASIK, and more
00:26:00 - Building Codet as a true institute and training new doctors
00:31:00 - Leadership, growth, and keeping the family legacy alive
00:36:00 - Advice for patients considering cross-border care
00:39:00 - What being a Border Master means to Daniel

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Marisa Quiroz, President and CEO of the International Community Foundation, leads one of the few philanthropic organizations dedicated to supporting communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. In this episode of Border Masters, Marisa shares how ICF mobilizes resources across countries and cultures to address urgent needs — from environmental justice to education to healthy towns and cities — while centering the voices of those most impacted.

We unpack the complexities of cross-border giving: What does it mean to fund change in communities you may not physically live in? How do you build trust across borders, languages, and systems? And how can philanthropy shift from charity to solidarity? Marisa brings both passion and clarity to a conversation about reimagining philanthropy as a force for binational equity and transformation.

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.)

Don’t miss more episodes by visiting olasmedia.com or your favorite audio platform.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and comment! And remember, you can reach us at info@bordermasterspodcast.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Here are our social media handles:

Instagram: bordermasters_

Facebook: Border Masters

Here are some notable moments from the interview:

00:52 - Introducing Marisa Quiroz and ICF

05:25 - Marisa’s Family Roots and Philanthropy Journey

08:28 - How and Why ICF Was Born

10:26 - Marisa as a Philanthropic Matchmaker

12:42 - Shifting Philanthropic Focus Areas

15:40 - Tijuana Food Relief Success Story

18:08 - Anyone Can Be a Philanthropist

21:15 - How to Start a Giving Circle

30:23 - The Future of Cross-Border Philanthropy

44:40 - What Being a Border Master Means to Marisa

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio en español de nuestro podcast bilingüe Border Masters, conversamos con Enrique Perret, director de la US-Mexico Foundation, sobre cómo transformar la relación entre México y Estados Unidos más allá de la geografía y los tratados. Desde el poder de la diplomacia pública hasta el rol estratégico de la frontera, Perret nos comparte su visión de una alianza institucional, profunda y duradera entre dos naciones que comparten mucho más que una línea divisoria.

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.

No te pierdas más episodios visitando olasmedia.com o tu plataforma favorita de audio.

¡Suscríbete, dale Like, y comenta! y Recuerda que puedes escribirnos a info@bordermasterspodcast.com ¡Nos encantaría saber de ti!

(Originalmente en vivo Junio - 2025)

Estos son los capítulos del Episodio:

00:00:00 - Bienvenida y presentación de Enrique Perret
00:02:27 - Origen y propósito de la US-Mexico Foundation
00:05:08 - Enrique Perret: de Piedras Negras a Washington D.C.
00:13:28 - Diplomacia pública: educar antes que influir
00:21:59 - Programas clave: US-MX Trust 60, North Capital Forum y Fellows
00:30:33 - Washington: el nuevo epicentro de la relación bilateral
00:37:49 - Prioridades para los próximos cinco años: soberanía, seguridad y acuerdos rápidos
00:42:18 - El valor estratégico de la frontera: percepciones vs. realidad
00:47:54 - El futuro de la Fundación: más instituciones, menos relaciones personales
00:52:31 - De la amistad a la alianza estratégica
00:57:16 - Cierre: el rol de la frontera y el poder de la narrativa

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning a trip across the border but not sure what you really need? In this episode of Border Masters, we reveal the often-overlooked essential for any Baja-bound traveler: Mexican auto insurance. Your U.S. policy won’t cover you in Mexico—and that surprise can ruin a trip fast. That’s where Baja Bound Insurance comes in. Founder Hank Morton shares how his company makes it easy to get covered in minutes and why it matters.

But that’s not all we reveal. From Baja’s hidden surf breaks and scenic wine country to common border myths and safety tips, this episode is packed with insights for anyone headed south. Hank explains how Baja Bound isn’t just about insurance—it’s about helping people enjoy Baja with confidence. Whether you’re crossing for a quick taco run or a full-on road trip, this episode has everything you didn’t know you needed to know. Tune in and get Baja-ready.

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.)

Don’t miss more episodes by visiting olasmedia.com or your favorite audio platform.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and comment! And remember, you can reach us at info@bordermasterspodcast.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Here are our social media handles:

Instagram: bordermasters_

Facebook: Border Masters

Key moments in this episode:

00:02:11 – The Insurance Everyone Forgets

00:04:12 – Falling in Love with Baja

00:08:54 – How Baja Bound Was Born

00:12:35 – Turning Insurance into a Lifestyle

00:15:11 – More Than Insurance: Helping People Cross

00:19:23 – What to Do After an Accident in Mexico

00:24:12 – Busting the Biggest Border Insurance Myth

00:28:30 – Border Myths and Real Talk

00:32:36 – Supporting Baja’s Off-Road & Surf Culture

00:34:02 – Hank’s Baja Cycling Adventures

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio en español de nuestro podcast bilingüe Border Masters, conversamos con la reconocida chef y autora Pati Jinich sobre cómo la cocina conecta culturas, rompe estereotipos y preserva identidades. Desde sus raíces migrantes hasta sus programas galardonados, Pati comparte su historia de amor con México y su compromiso con dar voz a las comunidades fronterizas. Hablamos de migración, cocina, cultura, maternidad e identidad... todo con mucha sazón.

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.

No te pierdas más episodios visitando olasmedia.com o tu plataforma favorita de audio.

¡Suscríbete, dale Like, y comenta! y Recuerda que puedes escribirnos a info@bordermasterspodcast.com ¡Nos encantaría saber de ti!

Este episodio ha sido patrocinado por Baja Bound Insurance y Cross Border Xpress (CBX). Gracias a ellos por apoyar este espacio que celebra las voces de la frontera.

(Originalmente en vivo Abril 23 - 2025)

Estos son los capítulos del Episodio:

00:00:00 - La frontera y sus estigmas: lo más bonito es la gente
00:02:20 - Bienvenida a Border Masters y presentación de Pati
00:04:25 - La docuserie La Frontera y la conexión Cali-Baja
00:07:09 - De analista política a cocinera migrante
00:10:19 - Raíces familiares, exilio y amor por México
00:14:48 - Cuando cocinar conecta más que debatir política
00:23:06 - Vivir entre culturas: identidad, familia y pertenencia
00:28:02 - La cocina como lenguaje para cambiar narrativas
00:39:16 - Lo que más impactó de grabar en la frontera
00:42:05 - ¿Qué es ser un Border Master?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Border Masters, Monique and Gustavo sit down with Maritza Diaz, CEO of ITJ, to discuss her remarkable journey in cross-border collaboration. Maritza has a strong focus on leveraging regional talent and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Take a listen to hear how iTijuana is driving digital transformation for global companies like Quidel Ortho, Dexcom, and more. This episode explains how innovation is bridging borders and shaping the future!

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.)

Don’t miss more episodes by visiting olasmedia.com or your favorite audio platform.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and comment! And remember, you can reach us at info@bordermasterspodcast.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Here are our social media handles:

Instagram: bordermasters_

Facebook: Border Masters

Key moments in this episode:

00:00:04 – Transforming Tijuana into a Tech Hub

00:05:42 – Maritza’s Unexpected Path into Tech

00:07:16 – The Decision That Changed Everything

00:08:36 – Finding Her ‘Why’

00:12:52 – Building ITJ from the Ground Up

00:16:30 – The Birth of ‘I Tijuana’

00:31:07 – Women in Tech: The Challenge and the Mission

00:34:41 – The Power of Sponsorship vs. Mentorship

00:35:59 – AI’s Role in Software Development

00:46:56 – Why Borders Shouldn’t Exist in Business

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio en español de nuestro podcast bilingüe Border Masters, conversamos con Rafael Fernández de Castro, director del Centro de Estudios México-Estados Unidos en UC San Diego. Exploramos la relación binacional, el impacto de la educación en la frontera y el papel de la diplomacia descentralizada en tiempos de cambio político. Descubre cómo el futuro de San Diego y Tijuana puede transformarse a través de la colaboración y la innovación.

Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.

No te pierdas más episodios visitando olasmedia.com o tu plataforma favorita de audio.

¡Suscríbete, dale Like, y comenta! y Recuerda que puedes escribirnos a info@bordermasterspodcast.com ¡Nos encantaría saber de ti!

Estas son nuestras redes sociales:

Instagram: bordermasters_

Facebook: Border Masters

(Originalmente en vivo Feb 12- 2025)

Estos son los capítulos del Episodio:

00:00:00 - Bienvenida a Border Masters: Conoce a Rafael Fernández de Castro

00:02:13 - San Diego y Tijuana en la encrucijada binacional

00:06:56 - Una región de inmigrantes: La apertura en la frontera

00:10:28 - Construyendo una red de líderes y aliados en la frontera

00:15:44 - El papel del Centro de Estudios México-Estados Unidos en UCSD

00:20:26 - Descentralizar la relación México-EE.UU.: ¿Es posible?

00:26:51 - La transformación de UC San Diego y su impacto binacional

00:30:43 - Trump, Sheinbaum y el futuro de la relación México-EE.UU.

00:35:39 - Fentanilo y seguridad: El reto binacional más urgente

00:40:01 - El papel clave de las ONG en la crisis migratoria

00:45:24 - Educación y diplomacia: Claves para una integración real

00:50:42 - ¿Qué significa ser un Border Master?

00:53:50 - Cierre y reflexiones finales con Rafael Fernández de Castro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this English episode, Monique and Gustavo are joined by Mai Nguyen, the Board Chair of World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 and a professor of Urban Studies and Planning at UC San Diego. Mai’s dedication to reshaping communities through human-centered design has positioned her as a leading force in addressing some of society’s most complex challenges like homelessness, mental health, and climate change. Her visionary approach focuses on fostering lasting economic, social, cultural, civic, and environmental impact, making her a pivotal figure in the world of collaborative design solutions. Together, we explore the transformative potential of World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024, the strategies for overcoming cross-border collaboration challenges, and how design can drive meaningful change. Mai’s deep expertise and passion shine through as she shares how design can address pressing social issues and create sustainable, inclusive communities. This is a conversation about the power of design to truly transform our border and the world!

(Algunos episodios serán en español y otros en inglés, conectando perspectivas únicas de la frontera.)

Don’t miss more episodes by visiting olasmedia.com or your favorite audio platform.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and comment! And remember, you can reach us at info@bordermasterspodcast.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Here are our social media handles:

Instagram: bordermasters_

Facebook: Border Masters

(Originally live on Feb 12, 2025)

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - The Power of Design Thinking
00:09:14 - Rewriting Border Narratives
00:13:30 - The Meaning of Design
00:15:38 - Uniqueness of the San Diego Tijuana Region
00:17:51 - World Design Capital Programming and Legacy
00:19:33 - Fostering Community Engagement
00:22:41 - Building Trust and Collaboration with Tijuana
00:24:42 - Reaching Global and Local Audiences
00:27:41 - Lasting Impact and Collaborative Initiatives
00:35:05 - The Design Lab at UC San Diego
00:38:08 - Embracing the Border
00:39:22 - Making the Border Seamless
00:39:56 - Evolving Relationship with the Border
00:41:17 - Power of Community

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.