Brenda on the Air

In 2016, Brenda Valdivia

founded Mocking Bird Network, a podcast network that became home to some of Houston’s best comedy podcasts.

In 2019, she joined Houston Public Media - Houston’s NPR station as a media producer and announcer.

Brenda has hosted Houston Matters and Town Square on Houston Public Media, where she has also interviewed and produced segments with A-listers such as Tom Hanks, William Shatner, and Sandra Cisneros.

Her work highlights the events and issues affecting Houstonians in the nation’s fourth-largest media market- from breaking National Weather Service alerts to in-depth conversations on economic, social, and civic issues.

In 2025, she launched the Houston Matter series, The Houston Sandwich, a fun month-long series that explores the local labor and supply chains behind Houston’s food culture.

In addition to her work behind the mic, Brenda has performed award-winning live storytelling and comedy shows, including The Moth and Grown-Up Story Time.

A lifelong fan of public media and audiobooks, Brenda is passionate about the power of dynamic storytelling and its ability to build community.

“I’ve done hundreds of interviews and no one has ever asked me that!”
-Kym Whitley, comedian

“You have a strong interview style - in tune with guests and able to handle the nuances of delicate subject matter.”
-Ernie Manouse, Hello Houston host

“You have a voice meant for broadcasting.” -David P., NPR communications

Available for projects

Voice Over, Voice Acting, and Audio Book Narration

Public Speaking Presentations, Improv, and Communication Workshops

Podcasts