Desert Entertainment with Tod
Peabody Winner Felipe Torres Medina Talks New Immigration-Themed Book on Desert Entertainment
On this week’s Desert Entertainment, Peabody and Writers Guild of America Award winner Felipe Torres Medina joined the show to discuss his brand-new book America, Let Me In. Felipe, a writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a five-time Emmy nominee, shares his personal immigration journey from Bogotá, Colombia to the United States in a way few have — through humor.
Describing the book as a playful and interactive look at the complex U.S. immigration system, Felipe explains how he drew from his own experiences and those of other immigrants to highlight the absurdities and contradictions they face. "It’s a little bit of ‘laugh so you don’t cry’," Felipe said. "Immigration is complicated, expensive, and full of bureaucratic hoops most people don’t understand."
Felipe, who moved to the U.S. in 2013 for graduate school and later obtained his green card after years on an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” visa, hopes readers will not only laugh but also leave more informed. "If you knew a little bit more about the system," he said, "it might not change your mind — but it might change how you talk about immigration."
America, Let Me In is available now at local bookstores and online. Felipe is currently touring the country to promote the book, with stops planned in California, Miami, the Bay Area, and possibly Chicago.
In addition to the inspiring conversation, Desert Entertainment spotlighted major musical acts coming to the desert this week:
James Taylor will perform at Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical lights up the stage at McCallum Theatre Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11.
Diana Krall brings her 2025 tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m.
Chanticleer, the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble, will perform at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
Felipe Torres Medina’s heartfelt humor and these unforgettable performances are lighting up the desert with entertainment you won't want to miss.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 7, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com