‘Let’s Talk About It,’

'Expresate' get word out about programs

“Let’s Talk About It” and its sister show, “Expresate,” are weekly radio shows that are part of community outreach and engagement by Imperial County Behavioral Health Services.

Scott Dudley and Maria Wyatt have been hosts of “Let’s Talk About It” since it began. Hosts of the Spanish-language “Expresate” are Raquel Villa and Dalia Pesqueira.

The shows were launched in July 2005 through an initial partnership with Radio Bilingue: National Latino Public Radio Network affiliate, KUBO in Calexico. Since 2012 both programs have been produced and rebroadcast by local radio station KXO, which also hosts a podcast of the weekly shows in its website.

In choosing content, “Our prime directive on programming has always been community interest and need in the context of Imperial County Behavioral Health Services,” said Dudley. Many times Behavioral Health programs, services or practices are featured, inviting the public to become familiar with the department. Other times, he said, topics are chosen that are of local concern or even national interest.

Matching the Spanish show content to its English counterpart is a priority.

Today, those who make the shows happen have settled into their roles: the hosts interview, the guests provide expert information, and the listeners, whether brand new or longtime friends, listen and talk about it with their friends and family, Dudley said. They share the broadcasts through the podcast links on their social media or through texts and emails to friends. That way the information gets spread out throughout the community and because our community cares for each other, the people that need to hear it the most get invited to tune in.

Dudley added: “Together, we make ‘Let’s Talk About It’ and ‘Expresate’ an integral part of building a healthier, safer community for us all.”