This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Gabriella Ebel, a Brownsville native whose journey took her from the Rio Grande Valley to the biggest stage in entertainment: the Super Bowl halftime show.

Gabriella shares what it really takes to break into elite performance, the discipline behind the scenes, and how the RGV shaped her drive. We also talk about her work in major productions, including performing alongside Bad Bunny, and what it felt like being part of one of the most watched halftime shows in history. From auditions and rehearsals to the pressure of live television, Gabriella gives an honest look at what success costs, and why it is worth it.

If you’re an artist, athlete, performer, or anyone building something bigger than your hometown, this episode is for you.

This episode with Regina Richardson, RGV criminal defense attorney, traces a gritty, real path to purpose. She reflects on working late shifts at Taco Bell and Taco Cabana in college, the turning points that led her to law school, and how those early jobs shaped her work ethic with clients today. We also have fun with a dream dinner table question. Regina picks Tupac Shakur and Dr. William Strong, then explains why their voices matter to her view of justice, culture, and second chances.

For a record third appearance, Chasse Conque returns to Saddle Up. We cover the surge of UTRGV Football, the transition into FCS and the Southland Conference, and the ripple effects across every sport on campus. Chasse breaks down how the department is stacking record GPAs, why fan, donor, and community support has accelerated the plan, and what milestones are next on the university’s roadmap.