Hey Amarillo: Recent Episodes
Jason Boyett
Hey Amarillo is a weekly, one-on-one interview podcast hosted by Jason Boyett, and featuring the people and stories of Amarillo, Texas.
From the north side of Amarillo to leading the largest security company in the world, Elton Bradley has built an extraordinary career without ever losing sight of where he came from.
As General Manager of one of the world's biggest security companies, Elton has found remarkable professional success. But ask people in Amarillo who he is, and many will point to something else entirely: the Northside Toy Drive.
What began as a small effort to help 25 families at Christmas has grown into one of Amarillo's most impactful nonprofits. Today, the organization serves thousands of families year-round, providing everything from Christmas gifts to scholarships, utility assistance, and hope when it's needed most.
In this episode, Elton shares the story behind his career, why giving back has always mattered, and how a handful of people with a simple idea built a movement that's changing lives across Amarillo. Along the way, he proves that leadership doesn't have to be complicated—you just have to care enough to get the work done.
Funny, humble, and deeply passionate about his community, Elton Bradley is the kind of person who makes Amarillo a better place.
Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, Dr. Shanna Peeples never imagined that teaching would one day take her around the world. But after years in the classroom—and an unwavering commitment to her students—she was named the National Teacher of the Year, launching her into one of the most extraordinary years of her life.
In this episode, Shanna reflects on the moments that shaped her as an educator, the students who changed her perspective, and why the classroom remains at the heart of everything she does. She also pulls back the curtain on the whirlwind experience of becoming National Teacher of the Year—a journey that led to international travel, unforgettable encounters, and more than a few unbelievable stories.
Shanna is as funny as she is thoughtful, and she speaks about education with the kind of conviction that reminds us why great teachers matter. Whether you're an educator or simply someone who remembers the teacher who changed your life, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and a renewed appreciation for the people who dedicate themselves to helping others learn.
When Dr. Anders Leverton talks about ADHD, he does so from two perspectives: as a pediatrician who helps children and families navigate the diagnosis every day, and as someone who has lived with ADHD since childhood himself.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Dr. Leverton shares the path that led him to pediatrics and the deep sense of purpose that drives his work. Our conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, why he believes understanding the condition can be life-changing for families, and how his own experiences have helped him build remarkable connections with his patients.
Dr. Leverton also offers a refreshing perspective on ADHD, describing it not as a limitation, but as a superpower when understood and supported in the right ways. Whether you're a parent, educator, someone with ADHD, or simply curious to learn more, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and insight to a topic that affects so many families.
Janell Evans is the director of 211, the information and referral service operated by United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. Every day, her team helps connect people with the resources and support they need, whether they're facing financial hardship, housing challenges, mental health concerns, family crises, or countless other life circumstances.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Janell shares what she's learned from years spent helping people navigate some of their most difficult moments. We talk about the most common needs her team encounters, the misconceptions many of us have about who needs help and why, and the realities facing individuals and families across our community.
What I appreciated most about this conversation was how often it challenged my assumptions. Janell brings both the heart of a helper and the perspective of someone who has spent years listening closely to people's struggles and connecting them with solutions.
It's an insightful, compassionate conversation about the needs that exist all around us—and the people working every day to meet them.
If you want to understand the Texas Panhandle, spend some time talking with a rancher.
Donnie Trammell comes from a long line of them. His grandfather was a rancher. His father was a rancher. Donnie has spent his life raising cattle, and now his sons and grandchildren are carrying that tradition forward.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Donnie shares the story of a family rooted in the land and committed to feeding their community. We talk about the realities of modern ranching, the challenges facing agricultural producers today, and what popular culture gets right—and wrong—about life on the ranch.
We also discuss how the Trammell family has expanded beyond cattle through local meat production and retail, helping connect Panhandle families directly to food raised close to home. Through ventures like Tir Bluen Farms and 6 Ranchers storefronts, they're creating new ways for consumers to support local agriculture while learning more about where their food comes from.
This conversation is a tribute to a way of life that has shaped our region for generations—and to the people working to ensure it continues for generations to come.
Few people know the history of Boys Ranch quite like Mike Pacino.
After spending decades at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Mike has witnessed firsthand the impact the organization has had on generations of young people. But he also knows the stories that came long before Boys Ranch existed—the stories of Old Tascosa, the wild frontier town that once stood along the Canadian River.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Mike takes us back to a time of cowboys, Comancheros, outlaws, and shootouts, sharing the colorful history of one of the Texas Panhandle's most legendary places. We also talk about how that same land became home to Boys Ranch and the lasting influence it has had on thousands of young people from across the country.
This conversation feels less like an interview and more like sitting around a campfire listening to an old cowboy tell the stories of the land he knows by heart. And honestly, I could have listened all day.
When Deidre Parish stepped into the role of superintendent of Amarillo ISD, she inherited responsibility for one of the largest organizations in the Texas Panhandle—serving nearly 30,000 students and leading thousands of employees across the district. But for Deidre, leadership starts with listening.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Deidre shares her approach to guiding Amarillo ISD through a rapidly changing educational landscape. We talk about the opportunities and challenges that technology brings into the classroom, the realities facing today's students, and why schools need to do a better job telling the success stories that often go unnoticed.
Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to public education, Deidre offers an inside look at what it means to lead a school district and prepare students for the future.
John Marmaduke spent decades building one of America's most recognizable entertainment retailers. As President and CEO of Hastings Entertainment, he transformed a small collection of struggling stores into a nationwide chain that became a destination for books, movies, music, and more.
In this conversation, John reflects on the rise of Hastings, the dramatic changes that reshaped the music and entertainment industries, and the business principles that guided his leadership along the way. His approach to running successful companies is surprisingly straightforward, grounded in understanding people, managing finances wisely, and focusing on fundamentals.
Along the way, John shares stories from a remarkable career that brought him into contact with everyone from Sam Walton to Michael Jackson to Brooks & Dunn. Part walk down memory lane to a world of CDs, video rentals, and bookstore browsing, and part masterclass in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in how great companies are built—and how industries evolve.
Kari Bachman, Senior Services Director at the Warford Activity Center, has spent her career helping people thrive. From serving in the Peace Corps to leading camps and nonprofit organizations across the country, her work has always centered on building connections, strengthening communities, and supporting those who need it most.
Today, that mission continues through her leadership at Warford, where she and her team are creating opportunities for Amarillo's older adults to stay engaged, connected, and supported. Kari shares how Warford partners with organizations, volunteers, and neighbors across the community to ensure seniors feel valued and cared for, while honoring the dignity and wisdom that come with aging.
In this conversation, we explore what it means to age with dignity, why communities should prioritize caring for older adults, and the lessons we can learn when we take the time to listen to those who have spent decades building the world around us.
Few people get a closer look at a community than a police officer.
Over the course of his career with the Amarillo Police Department, Matt Adams has served in roles that have taken him into nearly every corner of the city—from patrol and school resource officer assignments at local campuses to the juvenile gang unit, and now moving into homicide investigations. Each position has offered a different window into the challenges, struggles, and resilience of the people who call Amarillo home.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Matt shares what he's learned from years spent meeting people on some of the best—and worst—days of their lives. We talk about how public perceptions of law enforcement have changed, the realities officers face today, the challenges confronting our community, and the lessons he's learned about grace, empathy, and human nature along the way.
It's an honest conversation about policing, but it's also a conversation about people. Matt's perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and surprisingly hopeful—and it's a reminder that understanding often begins with grace.
Daniel Rosenbach and his family are restoring Amarillo's historic helium plant and transforming it into a new community gathering place.
In this conversation, we explore the fascinating history behind Amarillo becoming the "Helium Capital of the World," including the plant's role in wartime efforts and its decades of operation before being decommissioned.
We also talk about the challenge of preserving the history and character of a place while bringing it back to life for a new generation.
Amber Asher is a neuroscientist focused on brain health and aging, but the work she's doing extends far beyond research.
Alongside her mother—a longtime nursing home nurse—Amber is helping communities have more honest, informed conversations about dementia, Alzheimer's, and the mental health challenges that often come with aging. Together, they're combining science, lived experience, and practical care to make difficult topics feel more approachable and less isolating for families.
It's a thoughtful conversation about caregiving, compassion, and the importance of understanding the people we love as they age.
Ricky Treon is the director of publishing at Blue Handle Publishing—one of Amarillo's own small, independent publishing houses.
Ricky's path into publishing isn't a straight line. He came up in the newspaper world, witnessing firsthand the rapid shifts and challenges that reshaped the industry. From there, he moved into writing, explored acting, and ultimately found himself helping bring other people's stories to life.
In this conversation, we talk about what it actually takes to move a story from your head onto a bookshelf, the evolving media landscape, and what it means to commit to small business in an economy dominated by large-scale corporations. It's also a reminder that meaningful, creative work is happening right here in Amarillo—and that there's still space for independent voices to be heard.
If you've ever thought about writing a book, starting something of your own, or just wondered how creative industries are changing, this one's worth your time.
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Paige Nester, the owner of Creek House Honey Farm—a place that's so much more than its name suggests. What started as an apiary has grown into a full experience: a farm, café, event venue, shop, and home to everything from handcrafted mead to skincare products.
Paige is thoughtful, sharp, and genuinely funny, and our conversation follows the path of how she built something so multifaceted—and how it continues to evolve. We talk about the story behind that long name (it means more than you'd think), the unexpected and fascinating history of the land they're on, and what it really looks like to grow a business that's both rooted and constantly changing.
And of course, we talk about bees—their importance, the benefits they bring, and the very real challenges of working with them.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Jamelle Conner, president of Amarillo College.
We talk about her upbringing in Florida and the path that eventually brought her to Amarillo, along with what it's really like to lead one of the most important institutions in our community. Jamelle is sharp, thoughtful, and deeply focused on the work that still needs to be done—both for students and for Amarillo as a whole.
It's a conversation about leadership, purpose, and showing up for a community in meaningful ways.
Episode Description Jody Holland has spent his career studying people—how we think, how we change, and what actually makes that change possible.
As an executive coach, he works with leaders and teams to improve the way they show up and work together. But this conversation goes beyond titles and into something more practical: the patterns we all fall into, the psychology behind them, and the tools that can help us better understand ourselves and the people around us.
We talk about what gets in the way of change, what makes it stick, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to something bigger over time. Jody brings both depth and humor to the conversation, making complex ideas feel accessible and immediately applicable.
It's a thoughtful, engaging conversation filled with insights you'll likely find yourself coming back to.
Judge Titiana Frausto always knew she wanted to serve on the bench—she just didn't expect it to happen so early in her career.
In this episode, she shares what it looked like to move through law school and into practice, working in both criminal and family law and the realities that come with each. We talk about the weight of that work, the perspective it builds, and how those experiences prepared her for what came next.
Judge Frausto was first appointed by the governor and later elected to serve as district judge for the 181st District Court, covering Potter and Randall Counties. She reflects on that transition—from practicing attorney to judge—and what it means to step into a role that carries both authority and responsibility in a very public way.
We also spend time on something more personal: the moment she began to understand her role in representation. As a young Black woman serving in this position, she reflects on when that realization came into focus, and how it continues to shape the way she shows up in her work today.
It's a thoughtful conversation about ambition, timing, and stepping into a role you've been working toward—sometimes sooner than expected.
There are certain places in Amarillo that feel like more than just a restaurant—they feel like part of the fabric of growing up here. Sharky's Burrito Company is one of those places.
I this episode, we sit down with Brent Epps, the longtime owner of Sharky's, to talk about the restaurant's 20+ year run and the life he's built in the food industry. Brent didn't just land here—he came up through some of Amarillo's most beloved spots, learning the business from the ground up and carrying those lessons with him.
But what stands out most about Brent isn't just the longevity or the success—it's the way he shows up for people. Over the years, Sharky's has been a first job for countless young people in Amarillo, and Brent has played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping those early work experiences. He leads with care, consistency, and a genuine investment in others.
We talk about the evolution of the restaurant, what it takes to stay relevant for decades, and why creating a place people feel connected to matters.
This is a conversation about food, yes—but more than that, it's about community, mentorship, and doing things the right way for a long time.
Amarillo City Councilman David Prescott is a business owner, doctoral candidate, and someone who brings both expertise and candor to public service.
David owns Talon LPE, an environmental cleanup company that operates across several states, and that real-world experience shapes how he thinks about the city's biggest challenges. But as he shares in this conversation, serving on council has come with its share of new challenges to address.
We talk honestly about what that's looked like — the pressure, the criticism, and the reality of making decisions when there isn't an easy answer. David doesn't shy away from the harder parts of the job, including how certain votes have played out and what it's like to navigate those moments publicly.
Our conversation also turns to some of the biggest issues facing Amarillo right now, from long-term water concerns to the ongoing discussion around the Fermi data center, and what it will take for the city to build something sustainable and lasting.
David has a way of making complex topics feel approachable without oversimplifying them. He's thoughtful, direct, and willing to say what he actually thinks — even when it's uncomfortable. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he's also pretty funny.
This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really takes to move a city forward.
Chad Johnson is the new reverend at Amarillo United Methodist Church. We talk about what it's like to step into a new community and a new role at the same time.
Chad shares his early impressions of Amarillo, how those first expectations compare to the reality of living here, and what has stood out to him as he gets to know the city. We also spend time talking about his path to becoming a pastor, a journey he describes with a great deal of joy, honesty, and thoughtfulness.
Our conversation explores the role of the church today, the broader societal trends shaping faith communities, and the United Methodist Church split that led to the formation of his relatively new congregation. Throughout it all, Chad offers a perspective that is grounded, open, and deeply rooted in care for others.
It's a meaningful conversation about calling, community, and what it looks like to lead with both conviction and compassion.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I talk with author Clara Sneed about a wild chapter of Amarillo history that sounds almost too dramatic to be true.
Clara wrote a book about a bitter feud between two Amarillo families in the early 1900s. What began with relationships and eventually spiraled into affairs, accusations, violence, and murder. Along the way, the story touches on questions of justice, the role of women at the time, and how a rapidly growing Panhandle town handled conflict when emotions — and reputations — were on the line.
What makes the story even more compelling is that Clara isn't just a historian of the feud. She's actually related to one of the families involved, which adds another layer to how she discovered and told the story.
It's a fascinating look at a dramatic piece of Amarillo's past — full of scandal, mystery, and the kind of family conflict that shaped local history.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Sonja Clark, site leader at Bell Helicopter's Amarillo facility. Sonja oversees a large workforce responsible for developing and building some of the military's most critical frontline aircraft — work that requires precision, trust, and extraordinary leadership.
We talk about what it means to carry that kind of responsibility, and how pride in the work translates into pride in community. Sonja shares the impact of Bell's history in Amarillo, the weight of leading at that scale, and the importance of the mission behind the machines.
We also talk candidly about her journey as a woman in leadership — the barriers, the expectations, the quiet moments of doubt, and the intentional work of paving the way for others behind her. Sonja is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest about her own growth. It's a conversation about strength, humility, and the kind of leadership that shapes both an organization and a city.
If you care about industry, community, and what it takes to lead well — this one's for you.
What happens to a place when its stories aren't told?
This week on Hey Amarillo!, I sit down with local poet Seth Wieck, whose work captures the beauty, tension, and quiet power of life in the Texas Panhandle. Seth grew up on his family's farm in Umbarger — land his family worked for three generations. He shares what it meant to be shaped by that place and why he ultimately chose not to continue farming as the changing economics of agriculture reshaped life on the High Plains.
For Seth, poetry isn't just art — it's preservation. It's a way to hold onto memory, to honor legacy, and to make sense of change. We talk about belonging, about the evolution of rural life, and about how words can keep a way of life alive long after it begins to shift. It's a thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation about land, identity, and the stories that define us.
What does it really take to deliver excellence — over and over again?
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Don Rhode, a seasoned restaurant leader who has built his career around creating exceptional guest experiences. Don currently serves as General Manager at one of Amarillo's consistently top-rated fine dining establishments, Cask & Cork, as well as the newer breakfast and brunch favorite, OVR EZE.
Before Amarillo, Don honed his craft in major food cities like Chicago and Austin — places where the bar is high and the standards are relentless.
In this conversation, we talk about: • What consistency actually requires behind the scenes • His philosophy on leadership and team culture • How great service is built — not improvised • And, of course, the food
What surprised me most? How applicable his leadership approach is far beyond restaurants.
If you care about building strong teams, delivering excellence, or simply appreciate a great meal — you'll enjoy this one.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we're joined by Dr. Nick Gerlich — longtime marketing professor at West Texas A&M University, writer, and passionate chronicler of regional travel and Route 66.
Nick shares his journey through academia, what it's like teaching marketing in a constantly evolving digital landscape, and how he works to keep students grounded in both fundamentals and emerging trends. We also hit the open road, talking Route 66 — its beginnings, heyday, decline, and the very real possibility of a rebirth as America's Mother Road.
Smart, curious, and endlessly adventurous, Nick brings a genuine appreciation for this place and the stories that make it matter. From classrooms to highways, this conversation is all about learning, movement, and paying attention to the roads — literal and figurative — that shape us.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Adrian Meander, a powerful example of what it looks like to grow where you're planted.
Adrian is Amarillo through and through. He grew up here, chose to stay, raised his family here, and built a career rooted in service. He started at Amarillo National Bank as a bank teller and has worked his way up to Vice President—proof that steady work, integrity, and commitment still matter.
Beyond his professional path, Adrian quietly invests his time and energy into our community, with a special focus on North Amarillo and reinvesting in a part of our community that deserves continued attention, opportunity, and care.
Adrian isn't flashy. He doesn't seek the spotlight. He just shows up, does the work, and makes Amarillo better because of it.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Dr. Gabe Hanson for a conversation that truly spans two worlds.
Gabe is an emergency room physician — and he was also the guitarist for the super successful Texas country band, the Josh Abbott Band. We talk about what it's like to be part of a band just as it's really taking off, the decision to step away at the height of momentum, and the very real, very human experience of working on the front lines of emergency medicine.
Gabe is funny, deeply honest, and refreshingly self-aware about both what he loves and what challenges him. His convictions are strong, his perspective is grounded, and this conversation moves easily between music, medicine, purpose, and what it means to choose a life that aligns with who you really are.
This episode, we're joined by Bethany Fields, a local pastel artist who truly sees beauty in everything around her.
Bethany shares how creativity has been a constant thread throughout her life — from photography, to scrapbooking, to pastel painting — and how she has a unique gift for turning hobbies into meaningful work. Our conversation explores what it looks like to follow curiosity, trust your instincts, and allow creativity to evolve.
Bethany is incredibly talented, soft-spoken, and kind, and this episode is a quiet reminder of the value of noticing beauty, making art for the joy of it, and letting passion guide your path.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I'm joined by America Adame, Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center in Amarillo's El Barrio neighborhood.
The Wesley provides an incredible range of services that support families and strengthen community, and America stepped into leadership just over a year ago with clarity, confidence, and vision. In our conversation, she shares how she imagined the leader she wanted to become — and then took the steps to make that future real.
America also speaks with remarkable courage about her own journey through a very difficult season of life, and how her two young daughters motivate her to model what female excellence, resilience, and leadership can look like. This is a conversation about vision, service, and choosing to lead with purpose — even when the path hasn't been easy.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Paul Borchardt, who, until very recently, ran one of Amarillo's most beloved and historic landmarks: Wonderland Amusement Park.
Paul's story starts far from the Texas Panhandle — growing up on a farm in Iowa, serving in the Navy, falling in love, and eventually finding his way to Amarillo, where he joined his wife's family in running an amusement park that has become part of the fabric of this community. For decades, Paul and his family poured their energy, care, and dedication into Wonderland, creating a place that generations of families return to summer after summer.
In this conversation, Paul reflects with pride and genuine enjoyment on the years spent keeping Wonderland going — and on what it feels like to step away after 70 years of family stewardship. He's sweet, funny, practical, and deeply appreciative of the people who loved the park as much as he did.
This episode is about legacy, community, and what it means to take care of something that belongs to more than just one family.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we're joined by Laurie Higgins-Kerley, founder of Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses, for one of the most moving conversations I've ever had about grief.
Laurie began this work after the loss of her husband, during a season when she herself was searching for healing. Through her horses, she experienced a kind of quiet, steady restoration—and eventually felt called to create spaces where others could experience that same healing presence.
Our conversation explores grief honestly and tenderly. It doesn't shy away from how painful loss can be, but it also reveals how beauty, connection, and even hope can exist alongside it. Laurie shares how horses help people process emotions without words, how healing doesn't follow a straight line, and why holding space for grief is one of the most meaningful things we can do for one another.
This episode is difficult in places—but it is also deeply beautiful. If you've experienced loss, love someone who has, or simply want to understand grief with more compassion, this conversation will stay with you.
I'm joined by Lorie VanOngevalle, Executive Director of Friends of Cross Bar, for a conversation rooted in fresh air, open spaces, and the joy of being outdoors.
Lorie shares her path to a life spent outside — how she found her way into this work and why expanding access to public lands matters so deeply to her. As an outdoorsy woman working to make it easier for people to experience and enjoy the land around them, Lorie brings both passion and practicality to the conversation.
This episode is fun, thoughtful, and a great reminder of why our outdoor spaces are worth cherishing, protecting, and actually using. Whether you love hiking, camping, ranch roads, or just being outside whenever you can, this conversation will make you want to step outdoors and look around a little more intentionally.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I'm talking with Suzanne Bellsnyder, a Spearman, Texas resident and a powerful voice for rural Texans across the state.
Through her two rural newspapers, a growing online presence, and her work in Texas political circles, Suzanne is helping bring "kitchen table issues" and "serious legislation" affecting rural communities into the statewide conversation. She has a rare ability to connect policy with real life — translating what's happening at the Capitol into what it means for families, towns, and communities just like ours.
Our conversation is thoughtful, honest, and surprisingly funny. Suzanne is smart, passionate, and deeply committed to making sure rural Texans are not just heard, but taken seriously. If you care about rural communities, state policy, or how local voices shape big decisions, this episode is worth your time.
This week on Hey Amarillo, I'm joined by Warren Coble — Potter County Commissioner, pastor, and longtime servant to Amarillo's North Heights community.
From criminal justice to ministry to county leadership, Warren's life has been marked by a deep love for people and a steady commitment to showing up when it matters most. In this conversation, he shares what he's learned about leadership, faith, and walking with a community through its hardest moments.
In this episode, I sit down with Gary Pitner, a true Panhandle original and one of the most knowledgeable people you will ever meet when it comes to Amarillo and our region.
Gary has spent essentially his entire life in Amarillo and more than 40 years serving as Executive Director of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission. Along the way, he has had a front-row seat to history — from watching the original Amarillo High burn downtown as a child, to helping secure the first medical helicopter for use in the Texas Panhandle.
He is not just a leader and planner… he's a storyteller and a historian with unmatched insight into the people, challenges, and progress that have shaped our community. Gary reminds us that the Panhandle as we know it isn't very old — and that real, meaningful change takes intention, persistence, and decades of work to move a community forward.
This episode is thoughtful, fascinating, and surprisingly fun — full of stories, wisdom, and a deep love for the Panhandle.
In this episode, we talk with Adam Leathers, a lifelong advocate for people and communities. Adam currently serves at the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, but his career has taken him from supporting migrant farmworkers to working alongside unhoused neighbors in Kansas City, and now to strengthening the social safety net here in the Texas Panhandle.
Adam brings a sharp intellect, deep compassion, and years of hands-on expertise in understanding what communities truly need to thrive. His perspective on service, dignity, and practical problem-solving offers a powerful look at what it means to help our neighbors — and how we can all play a part.
This week, we're joined by Caroline Ellison, one of the area's lead wildlife biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She's an expert in her field, but what makes her stand out is her ability to talk about complex ecological issues in a way that's easy to understand and deeply engaging.
In this episode, we dive into the health of our wild spaces, exploring everything from the resilient bison to the iconic horned toad lizard, and beyond. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast or just curious about the state of our natural world, this conversation is a must-listen!
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Katt Massey—an Amarillo native whose journey has taken her from Dallas to Denver and right back home again. With a background in nonprofit and civic leadership and a memorable run for City Council, Katt has dedicated much of her career to serving this community, especially through the arts.
In this conversation, we talk about what it means to show up for your city—even when things don't go as planned—and how she's continuing to support Amarillo through her current work in healthcare. Katt is energetic, funny, and refreshingly honest, with a heart that beats for this city and the people who make it home.
Tune in to hear how her love for Amarillo has shaped her story—and how she hopes to inspire others to get involved, even (or especially) when it's not easy.
This week on Hey Amarillo, we're celebrating a decade of creativity with Wilson Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Company. From humble roots in the Texas Panhandle to producing video content for national sports franchises and cutting-edge tech companies, Wilson's journey is one of passion, craft, and deep local love.
In this episode, Wilson shares what it means to build a company that makes Amarillo proud—how supporting local businesses brings him the most joy, and why reverence for your work and your community matters. We also dive into parenting, navigating life's seasons, and the balance of building a legacy while raising a family. It's an honest, heartfelt conversation that shines a light on the power of local creativity and connection.
Tune in to hear how Wilson puts his heart into everything—his work, his hometown, and his family.
This week, Skylar sits down with Representative Caroline Fairly, who represents part of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in the state legislature. As the youngest woman ever elected to the Texas House, Caroline brings sharp insight, energy, and a grounded perspective to her work. They talk about her first legislative session—what contributed to her success, how her politically engaged father influences her path, and the priorities she's carrying forward for her district and region. It's a thoughtful, candid conversation about leadership, learning, and the next generation shaping Texas politics.
This week, Skylar sits down with Delvin Wilson, founder and grill master behind Delvin's Barbecue—a beloved spot in Amarillo's North Heights neighborhood. Delvin shares his story of growing up working in Houston seafood restaurants, honing his craft in country clubs across the South (including during the Midland/Odessa oil boom of the '80s), and ultimately bringing his passion to Amarillo. Their conversation goes beyond food, exploring how cooking can be an act of love, care, and community. It's thoughtful, touching, and, honestly—pretty mouthwatering.
In this episode, we sit down with Josh Craft, a local firefighter and former Amarillo City Council member. Josh shares what it's like balancing a life of public service—previously in local government, and still on the frontlines as a firefighter. He opens up about leadership and how serving Amarillo in two very different roles has shaped his perspective on what community really means.
This week's guest is Ryan Hazelwood — a friend, mentor, and longtime leader in local TV broadcasting. Ryan's career has taken him from the classroom to the newsroom, including years as a news director and instructor in the West Texas A&M University Department of Communication, where we first met.
In this conversation, Ryan reflects on the relationships that have shaped his life, the evolving world of media, and his approach to leadership. He also shares about his current fight with metastatic cancer — speaking candidly about what that journey has taught him, the importance of early screening and colonoscopies, and the perspective he's gained through it all.
Ryan is funny, sharp, and grounded — and his story reminds us what really matters: connection, courage, and showing up for the people around us.
This week's guest is Sonya Letson, a lifelong advocate for justice and democracy. From serving three terms as Potter County Attorney to her work as a municipal court judge, assistant district attorney, and in leadership with the League of Women Voters, Sonya's career reflects a deep commitment to fairness, civic health, and the preservation of democratic systems.
In our conversation, Sonya shares her pragmatic view of the law—accepting its limits while using its flexibilities to pursue what is right. Smart, quick-witted, and deeply thoughtful, Sonya brings expertise and perspective that feel especially relevant in this moment for our democracy.
David Elizalde: Andrea's Project and Choosing to "Give a Lot" When David Elizalde's daughter, Andrea, was killed in a drunk driving accident, his life was forever changed. Out of that tragedy, David created Andrea's Project, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and advocating for stronger legislation to prevent it.
But David's story is not just about loss — it's about resilience, conviction, and love. Through multiple hardships, he shares how he found purpose in his grief. As he puts it: "You can either give in, or give a lot." This episode is a heartbreaking yet inspiring conversation about what it means to transform tragedy into meaningful change.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses loss, grief, alcohol-related harm, and suicide.
Michael Kashuba: Parks, People, and Public Spaces Michael Kashuba grew up in Canada, but today he's the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Amarillo. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to Amarillo, what it's like to oversee the city's parks system, and how he thinks about outdoor spaces as part of community life. Funny, thoughtful, and deeply invested in Amarillo, Michael brings insight (and a few laughs) about what it means to care for a city and its people through parks and recreation.
Leila Daraei grew up in Iran, moved to Amarillo in her 30s, and started her U.S. life working as a janitor at Amarillo College. Today, she's a professor on the same campus. In this episode, Leila shares her remarkable story — from navigating cultural transitions to the mentors and instructors who believed in her along the way. It's a conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the power of community support.
This week, Skylar sits down with Kyle Groves, a second-generation magician who grew up traveling the country with his parents' magic show. Kyle shares what it's really like to live life behind the curtain, from the craft and discipline it takes to become a magician, to the wonder that keeps audiences spellbound.
Now preparing to open a one-of-a-kind magic venue in Amarillo, Kyle reflects on his journey, the traditions of the art form, and how magic invites us to step away from the everyday and rediscover that sense of whimsy and childlike wonder.
In this episode, I sit down with Sarena Carpenter, the new executive director of Amarillo Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside families and children experiencing foster care.
Sarena's warmth and sense of calling shine through as she shares both the mission of Amarillo Angels and her deeply personal story. At just 14 years old, Sarena became the primary caregiver for her four-year-old brother—without the support of systems or services that should have stepped in. That experience now fuels her passion and perspective as she leads work to ensure no child or family in foster care falls through the cracks.
This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of community to show up where it matters most.
This week Skylar sits down with her good friend Matt Le — entrepreneur, hustler, motivational speaker, and all-around community builder.
Matt's story is rooted in a unique cultural blend—his father immigrated from Vietnam, his mother is Hispanic—and that mix inspired his food truck, Saigon Señorita. We talk about how food has the power to bring people together and share culture in the most beautiful way.
We also dive into his lifestyle brand, Allergic 2 Average, and what it really means to show up in excellence and with honor. Matt's passion for living above average is contagious, and his wisdom will leave you motivated to push beyond the ordinary.
Matt isn't just a guest—he's someone I've admired and worked alongside for years in community projects. I can't wait for you to hear his story and be inspired by his perspective.
This week, Skylar sits down with Matt Garrison — an Amarillo native, seasoned police officer, and global security expert. From serving small-town Panhandle police forces to traveling the world providing personal protection for high-profile clients, Matt's career reads like something out of Jack Ryan. Beneath the gruff exterior is someone deeply thoughtful and committed to keeping others safe — whether it's motorists along I-40, Department of Defense contract executives, or members of a local congregation. We also talk about practical ways to keep yourself and your family safe in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. This is a fascinating and timely conversation you won't want to miss.
This week, Skylar sits down with Heather Manderson—an accomplished actor with a career full of unique and meaningful experiences. Heather is currently involved in a powerful stage production, The Blind, which centers on the 1997 death of Brian Deneke, a member of Amarillo's punk community. His tragic killing shook the city and exposed deep cultural divides. In this conversation, Heather reflects on the role of theater in shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us—and how storytelling can help us process grief, challenge perceptions, and build empathy.
In this episode, Skylar sits down with Billy, a resident of Transformation Park—Amarillo's innovative housing initiative for individuals experiencing homelessness. Coming from San Angelo, Billy arrived in Amarillo with nothing but the clothes on his back, leaving behind an unsafe situation. He shares his journey of resilience: from sleeping in shelters and navigating public transportation to securing a job and building a new life. Billy's story is one of grit, faith, and determination—and a powerful reminder of what's possible when people are given a chance.
In this episode, Will Masters joins me for a powerful conversation about the natural resources that shape our region—especially water. With a legal background and current work at Ogallala Life and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, Will brings a deep and thoughtful perspective to the complex challenges we face. We talk conservation, community engagement, and the creative, grounded solutions that could help secure our future.
This week, Skylar sits down with Samuel Uwimana, a Congolese refugee who resettled in Amarillo in 2018. Drawing from his own story and those of fellow African refugees, Samuel founded United Refugee Services to support and uplift the community. Together, they talk about the challenges and triumphs of resettlement, the realities versus perceptions of "coming to America," and so much more.
This week, Skylar visits with Amanda Mathias. After working across the state in mental health provider capacities, she was given the opportunity to build programs and systems statewide, which she did successfully, before bringing that expertise back home to get to work on quality and accessible access to mental health services in the Texas Panhandle. Outside of her role as Executive Director of Meadows Institute Panhandle, Amanda is a Texan to the core, mother and wife, and servant leader, all of which she discusses in this episode.
In this episode, Skylar visits with Doug Loomis, former superintendent of Amarillo ISD, just as Loomis enters retirement from a 39-year career, not only in education - but all 39 of those years were in Amarillo ISD. They discuss what is best about the district and the challenges it faces but they also dive into what our schools need to succeed, and what it's like to be the person making some really, really tough decisions.
In this episode, Skylar visits with Sharon Miner. Sharon is the Executive Director of Martha's Home, a women and children's shelter in Amarillo. Sharon has also held some really interesting previous titles and roles, and brings all of that experience, those stories, and her relentless tenacity and pragmatism to her work and to this episode.
In this episode, Jason is back to announce Skylar Gallop will pick up the podcast and continue telling the stories of our neighbors and community. Hear her background, approach to this new-to-her project, and what you can expect as a listener moving forward.
From host Jason Boyett: After seven amazing years and more than 400 conversations, I’ve decided to bring my time on Hey Amarillo to a close. As a writer, I believe in the value of a well-timed ending. Some stories deserve to go out on a high note—before the fire fades and while the gratitude is still fresh. So this is my attempt to end the show with purpose and intention. To do so, I'm joined by my adult daughter, Ellie Boyett, who asks me a series of questions submitted by a few former guests. I also bring in long-time podcast editor Angelina Marie to talk about making Hey Amarillo. To me, Hey Amarillo has always been more than just a podcast. It’s a love letter to this city and the people who make Amarillo what it is, so thank you for listening. And while my time on the show is ending, Hey Amarillo may continue in the future. Don't unsubscribe just yet, and stay tuned for what's next.
A conversation with Holly Ridings, an Amarillo native and the Director of the Exploration Operations Office at NASA. Prior to that relatively new position, her career includes becoming the first woman to serve as NASA's Chief Flight Director in 2018. In this episode, Ridings shares with host Jason Boyett about her path from Tascosa High School to Mission Control. From leading teams supporting the International Space Station to the ongoing Artemis program—with sights set on Mars—Ridings credits the grounding of her Amarillo upbringing and education with her pursuit of the stars. This episode is supported by SKP Creative on behalf of The Amarillo Tribune.
A conversation with Marcus Snead, the executive chef at The Barfield and the three-time winner of the "Top Chef Amarillo" competition at Restaurant Roundup. Snead grew up in Canyon before leaving the area for a culinary education, which took him from New York City to the East Coast to Santa Fe to a Michelin-rated restaurant in Chicago. After returning to the Panhandle, he helped launch and operate Canyon's late, great Barrel & Pie until its closure in 2020. Snead shares with host Jason Boyett about his restaurant history, what it's like to oversee dining at Amarillo's most famous hotel, and how the local food culture has changed over the past two decades. This episode is supported by SKP Creative on behalf of The Amarillo Tribune.
A conversation with Lauren Hough, the New York Times bestselling author and essayist. Her critically acclaimed 2021 book, Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing, details her upbringing in a doomsday cult, her eventual Air Force stint and other careers, and includes several mentions of the years she spent in Amarillo as a child and then a teenager. Hough shares with host Jason Boyett about the role Amarillo played—and continues to play—in the story of her life, how she has become the Panhandle correspondent for Texas Highways, and why being from West Texas carries a lot of currency in the world. This episode is supported by Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Sheila Sims, a long-time local architect and the president of Sims + Architects. Her firm has designed many prominent local buildings, from the new Amarillo City Hall to the FirstBank Southwest Center at AC to the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation building near the Medical Center. After earning a degree from Texas A&M, Sims returned to Amarillo to work for Lavin Architects as an intern—and never looked back. She shares with host Jason Boyett about taking over leadership of Lavin right before the pandemic, why she loves being an architect in Amarillo rather than the Metroplex, and what it's like for her work product to be visible to everyone in the community. This episode is supported by Sheman Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Steve Burton, the executive director of Children's Learning Centers of Amarillo, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in April. A Colorado native, Burton arrived in Amarillo after having launched Boys & Girls Clubs in rural towns in both Colorado and Texas. He spent six years leading the Maverick Club before moving to Children's Learning Centers, which provides quality, low-cost childcare to the people of this area. Burton shares with host Jason Boyett about the history of his nonprofit, his ongoing career as an ice hockey official, and why 2025 Amarillo feels like the Colorado Springs of the 1990s. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Shilee Pearson of RuffLife K9 Training. A former horse trainer who grew up in Nebraska, Pearson pivoted to establish an award-winning dog-training business in Omaha. But two years ago, she moved to Amarillo in pursuit of a relationship. (They ended up getting married.) Pearson shares with host Jason Boyett—who happens to be a client—what it's like to uproot your business and start over in a new place, why her approach to dog training tends to stand out in the Panhandle, and why dog culture in Amarillo is different from anywhere else she's worked. This episode is supported by PestTex Pest Control and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Meaghan Collier, the communications and marketing manager for the Amarillo campus of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Collier was recently named 2025 Volunteer of the Year at the Brickly Awards. A native of Canyon, she spent several years as a local television journalist with KAMR 4 Local News. Locals recognize her from that career, but may not know that she spent a year in post-Katrina New Orleans with Teach for America. Collier shares with host Jason Boyett why journalism became her passion, why her year in New Orleans was the most transformative of her life, and why volunteering in this community is so central to her identity. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Greg Lusk, the executive director of Amarillo Botanical Gardens, a four-acre oasis near Medi-Park. Lusk is a trained horticulturalist, and right out of college he worked as the private gardener for legendary local businessman T. Boone Pickens. More recently, Lusk has spent the past decade with the Botanical Gardens, leading that organization through a period of growth thanks to seasonal attractions like Christmas in the Gardens and its position as a premier event venue for the community. Lusk shares with host Jason Boyett about the important role his organization plays in the region, and what it’s like to make a career out of cultivating beauty in a hostile environment. This episode is supported by SKP Creative and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Marcee Mangiameli, who owns and operates the new Lesson Lounge in Amarillo along with her husband Taylor. This music education co-working space allows multiple music teachers to give lessons on a variety of instruments, offering a relatively new concept in Amarillo. Most of the instructors are local performers in the live music scene. A pianist herself, Marcee shares with host Jason Boyett how she and Taylor came up with the idea, why they returned to the Panhandle after living in other big cities, and why the Lesson Lounge concept may already be heading elsewhere in the state. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental, Storybridge, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Lindsay London Baker, a registered nurse and one of the founders of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance (ARFA), a local nonprofit formed, in part, to oppose the City of Amarillo’s sanctuary city ordinance in 2024. When voters voted against Prop A last November, Amarillo became the first city in the United States to reject an abortion travel ban proposition. Lindsay shares about her nursing career, her early activism, and how she ended up the voice of ARFA in national news stories about Amarillo’s opposition to the ordinance. She also shares with host Jason Boyett what her activism has taught her about the people of the Texas Panhandle. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Chris Griffin, who owns Blue Crane Bakery with his wife, Donna. The Griffin family recently were named Entrepreneurs of the Year in the Brickly Awards, and have built a reputation at Blue Crane not just for unique Keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free baked goods, but for community involvement. In this episode, Chris tells host Jason Boyett about his transition from the Fort Worth nightclub scene to motorcycle mechanic to baker, how meeting Donna online brought him to Amarillo, and how the need for open-heart surgery transformed his mindset and career. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Keralee Clay, the Interim President and CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation. She's been part of the AAF team for years, but stepped into her new role after the passing of Clay Stribling in December 2024. Keralee has a deep background in operations and management, but her career has also been broad. She spent several years working for Amarillo Little Theatre and the Amarillo Civic Center. She lived and performed in New York City for a decade. She was a human resources consultant. Keralee shares with host Jason Boyett how those roles prepared her for this new one, what it's like to guide a large organization during a tragic leadership change, and what she learned from Stribling as a colleague. This episode is supported by SKP Creative and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Tony Ensor, the President and General Manager of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and baseball's 2023 Minor League Organization of the Year. Before Amarillo, Ensor led the front office of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and the Birmingham Barons. The first time he appeared on Hey Amarillo (via phone) was in 2019 at the height of the local controversy about the team name. Six years later, he shares with host Jason Boyett how his own career developed, how that moment of drama made the organization stronger, and why Amarillo is the key to the Sod Poodles' overwhelming success. This episode is supported by Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Stephani Serna, who lives in Amarillo but works for Porsche Financial Services. Stephani grew up in Amarillo but was born in Mexico, which means she spent most of her childhood in the High Plains without legal immigration status. A DACA recipient, Stephani grew up in extreme poverty and spent her childhood navigating the anxiety of deportation while also serving as a language interpreter for her mother and grandparents. She eventually became a U.S. citizen, graduated from high school and college, landed at Porsche, and has even given a TedX talk. She shares her story with host Jason Boyett, including the impact of local organizations like Mission 2540. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jim Dewitz, the local owner/operator (along with his wife, Candy) of Big Jim's Pizza, the iconic KN Root Beer, and the Tascosa Drive-In Theater. Originally from the Chicago area, Dewitz came to Amarillo in his late teens, then built a career in construction and apartment management before ending up an owner of the La Bella Pizza on Olsen. He rebranded it as Big Jim's—and soon added the other two businesses to his portfolio. Dewitz shares with host Jason Boyett why he stayed in Amarillo, his rocky path to entrepreneurship and what he loves about this community. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Carter Estes, the executive director (and first full-time staff member) of Elevate Amarillo, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young professionals through networking, professional development, and community service. Estes is also a City of Amarillo employee, having served in multiple positions since earning a Masters of Public Policy at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School—formerly the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Estes tells host Jason Boyett about his path from growing up in White Deer to attending Harvard, and how that journey ultimately brought him to Amarillo. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Elizabeth Pakravan, the founder and executive director of Martha Root Community Building, a nonprofit that equips children and their parents in underserved communities. Originally from Paraguay, Pakravan spent several years in Oregon before moving to Amarillo two years ago. She is a member of the Bahá'í faith, and her work reflects the promotion of unity and betterment of society that are central to this fast-growing global religion. Pakravan tells host Jason Boyett about her work, her appreciation for Amarillo as her family's new home, and how locals respond to her religious tradition—especially given the pervasive Christian beliefs of the Texas Panhandle. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, Storybridge, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Matthew Wright, an Amarillo-based Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Texas. This past summer, Wright argued a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court, United States vs. Rahimi, related to firearm possession by individuals who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders. And though the Court decided against his client, the outcome made headlines across the United States. In this episode, Wright tells host Jason Boyett why he became a public defender, how the work brought him to Amarillo, and how it ended up taking him all the way to the Supreme Court. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Ben Parks, the founder and "sound wrangler" of American Cowboy Radio and a former locomotive engineer for BNSF Railway. American Cowboy Radio streams worldwide from West Texas, with the goal of preserving and promoting what Parks calls "the authentic American cowboy way of life." Prior to this career and his locomotive career, Parks spent part of two decades managing the legendary Amarillo restaurant Char-Kel. He shares with host Jason Boyett about Char-Kel's heyday, why the business ended in the 1990s, how his cowboy radio idea developed and why Amarillo remains his home base. This episode is supported by PestTex Pest Control, Wolflin Square, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Lora Brown, a long-time Amarillo stylist and the owner/operator of The Salon by Lora Brown. Brown grew up in Amarillo, started her career at 17, and opened her first salon in 1996. With nearly four decades in the industry, she has built a reputation as one of the city's best luxury salons. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Brown shares about her early entrepreneurism, how her industry has changed over the years, and why helping educate and coach her stylists is so critical to what she does. This episode is supported by Amarillo Angels, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jeff Jarnagin, a veteran performer at Amarillo Little Theatre and the social media manager for Brick & Elm Magazine. Jarnagin grew up in Wildorado and spent 17 years on staff at ALT before moving to Los Angeles at the age of 40 to pursue an acting career. After two years in Hollywood, he began feeling "off," and returned to Amarillo to a cancer diagnosis. Since then, Jeff has endured testicular cancer, kidney failure and dialysis, and finally, a successful kidney transplant that stemmed from a local tragedy. He tells his story to host Jason Boyett, and explains how the memory of Emerson—his kidney donor—continues to shape his life. This episode is supported by Storybridge, SKP Creative, the Amarillo Tribune, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Abby Moldenhauer, a former circus performer and the founder of Flying Fitness in Amarillo, a fitness studio which teaches aerial arts. Moldenhauer grew up in Canyon before leaving to join the circus—literally—after having trained to become a performer specializing in aerial silks. She traveled for years with Ringling Bros. and other shows until injuries sustained in a carjacking forced her into a new career. She tells host Jason Boyett about her path into the aerial arts, life with a traveling circus, and why local fitness enthusiasts are drawn to her gym when they get tired of treadmill cardio. This episode is supported by The Shops at Wolflin Square, La-Z-Boy of Amarillo, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Ruthie Landelius, a local chef, culinary educator, and the proprietor of Black Fig Food. She's also a food contributor to Brick & Elm Magazine and the Flavorillo email newsletter. A self-taught chef, Ruthie is known for her visual and artistic approach to food, for using food to build community, and for the elevated menus she creates for local events—from intimate weddings to enormous fundraising banquets. She shares with host Jason Boyett how her early failures helped make her the cook she is today and what it's like to plan, schedule and execute meals for enormous groups of local people. This episode is supported by Amarillo Angels and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Andy Justus, a long-time broadcast journalist and the co-anchor of Studio 4 and KAMR Local 4 News at 5, 6, and 10. A graduate of West Texas A&M, Andy has been in local news since he first joined KAMR in 1997. In this episode, he tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in poverty, moving constantly during childhood due to evictions, and how he convinced his single mother that he needed to go to Boys Ranch. In fact, if not for the structure he found at Boys Ranch, Andy says he would either "be in prison or be dead.” Along with those harrowing details, he also shares why he has such gratitude for the Panhandle area and its people. This episode is supported by Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Naomi Vang, the owner/operator of S.E.A. Market Oriental Food in Amarillo. A refugee from Myanmar (Burma), Vang arrived in the area as a child after her family faced displacement due to political instability and oppression from the military regime that gained control over their country. Her family is part of the Chin ethnic group from the mountainous part of western Myanmar. She tells host Jason Boyett how she and her siblings made it to Texas, what it was like to grow up in an unfamiliar culture, and how the public has responded to her Asian market near 34th & Georgia. This episode is supported by Storybridge, Amarillo Angels and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jason Mays, Fire Chief of the Amarillo Fire Department. An Amarillo native, Mays grew up in the River Road community and has been with AFD since 1999. He is the 10th fire chief in the history of the fire department, which dates back to 1897. He succeeded Fire Chief Jeff Greenlee in April 2020, and prior to this position had served as Deputy Chief of Operations. Mays shares with host Jason Boyett how he found his way into his career after struggling in high school, what most residents don't understand about the department today, and how AFD prioritizes the mental health of its firefighters. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental, the Shops at Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Maile Srader, the proprietor of Purposeful Play Busy Bags, an educational supply store near 34th & Georgia in Westhaven Village. This storefront offers sensory bins, learning binders and fidgets for families, teachers, therapists and more, based on materials Srader developed and used during her teaching career and then as a homeschooling parent. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about her family's journey through foster care, how her business has introduced her to multiple communities within Amarillo, and why her customers have responded so strongly to these products. This episode is supported by SKP Creative / Amarillo Tribune, La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Tom Martin, the CEO of Milo Insulation of Texas. His company manufactures an innovative home insulation product called MILEX, made from grain sorghum grown in the Panhandle and produced at a facility in Tulia. In this episode, Martin explains to host Jason Boyett his journey from south Texas to Iowa to Amarillo, his shift from a career in education to one in farm exports, how he developed a sorghum-based packing peanut that's now used around the world, and how that product brought him to the world of insulation. This episode is supported by Amarillo Angels and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Tia Marie Hunt, a donor relations coordinator at West Texas A&M University and a singer-songwriter who'll be performing at this weekend's Hoodoo Mural Festival. Tia Marie shares with host Jason Boyett about her journey to the area after having grown up in Jasper, Texas, her transition from singing at church to performing for secular audiences, and what role Amarillo might play in the rest of her musical career. Her single, "Love," is available on these platforms. Tia Marie performs on the ANB Stage at 3pm Saturday at Hoodoo. This episode is supported by Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy John's, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Will Krause, the festival director for HOODOO Mural Festival (Sept. 28, 2024) and a long-time promoter and producer. Will was a partner in Austin's Euphoria Music Festival for several years and continues to work as a production manager for SXSW. As a promoter, he recently brought Hayden Pedigo, Kristen Key and Charley Crockett to Amarillo for shows at the Globe News Center. Krause shares with host Jason Boyett about moving back to Amarillo from Austin, how HOODOO has built an exciting national reputation, and what the musicians who come here think about this community. This episode is supported by Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jim Wilson, the legendary piano technician, award-winning recording artist and author of Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man. Wilson grew up in 1970s Amarillo before heading to Southern California to pursue a music career. He ended up becoming a "piano tuner for the stars" before helping develop the highly influential MIDI-adapter for the acoustic piano, and then composing and recording chart-topping piano works. Wilson tells host Jason Boyett about the journey into his multiple careers, his friendships with celebrities like Paul McCartney and Elton John, and how growing up in Amarillo gave birth to a lifetime in music and entertainment. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo, Wolflin Square, Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Whitney Dowd, DNP, founder of Blumologie Health, Beauty & Wellness. A long-time nurse and now a nurse practitioner, this Amarillo native has worked in a variety of local healthcare settings, including a decade at the Northwest J.O. Wyatt Clinic. Now at Blumologie, Dowd combines direct primary care with women's health and hormone services—as well as aesthetics. She tells host Jason Boyett about her medical path, the challenges she has overcome, and why her presence as a woman of color in the healthcare world fosters trust and open communication among her patients. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, Wieck Realty and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with J. Pat Hickman, the founder of Happy State Bank. In 1990, Hickman led a group of investors to purchase a very small bank in Happy, Texas, that had just $10 million in deposits. He then served for 32 years as the Chairman, President and CEO of Happy State Bank. When it sold in 2022, Happy had become one of the largest banks in the state. Hickman shares that origin story with host Jason Boyett. He also explains why he used the first years of his retirement to return to Texas Tech to finish his undergraduate degree. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, PestTex Pest Control, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Chris Jackson, neighborhood planner for the City of Amarillo. An Amarillo native who grew up in the foster care system, Jackson now works within the city's Neighborhood Planning Initiative to help older and underserved parts of town "catch up" in terms of infrastructure and services. These neighborhoods include the North Heights, the Barrio, San Jacinto and Eastridge. Jackson works directly with neighborhood resident associations guiding them to implement a variety of projects. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his background, the complicated nature of projects like the recent creative crosswalks, and why the city is working so hard to revitalize these neighborhoods in the first place. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Dr. Amy Von Lintel, a professor of art history at West Texas A&M University and the director of WT's Gender Studies Program. Von Lintel also co-owns Old Tascosa Brewing Company with her husband, Matt Welch. She is the preeminent local expert on the legendary artist Georgia O'Keeffe's time in Amarillo and Canyon and has written multiple books—including next year's Art at the Crossroads—about the influence of the Texas Panhandle in the larger art world. She shares with host Jason Boyett how she ended up in Amarillo, why this region is known for such creative output, what it's like to operate a taproom on Historic Sixth Street, and a lot more. This episode is supported by The Shops at Wolflin Square, Jimmy John's and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Laura Street, a nonprofit consultant who has spent the past 25 years intimately involved in local leadership. She is the past executive director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, and served as the founding executive director of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts—where she led a campaign to raise more than $33 million and supervised the construction of that landmark building. By her count, she has served as president on at least 18 local, regional and state boards. Laura Street shares with host Jason Boyett what originally brought her to Amarillo, her early career in nursing, and what drives her to stay involved with so many elements of this community. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Angie Duncan, who describes herself as "The Amarillo Narcan Lady." She's the founder of the nonprofit Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness. She has made it her mission to give out, as often as possible, the over-the-counter nasal spray Narcan®/naloxone, which can be used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. In fact, she says several local people have been rapidly rescued from overdoses by this life-saving drug. Duncan shares her personal story with host Jason Boyett about how a fentanyl overdose impacted her family, and why conversations about Narcan can be uncomfortable in this area. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Tim Reid, the executive director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial. The museum and memorial represent what he calls his "third career," following a stint in education at Ascension Academy and 30-plus years as an FBI agent. Reid shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up in the foster care system, his unsuccessful 2022 political campaign for Texas Senate 31, why he chose Amarillo for his "retirement," and why he believes the War Memorial to be one of the city's premier educational experiences. This episode is supported by Wieck Realty and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Brittani Sullivan, the owner/operator of Sips & Giggles Mobile Bar. Sullivan was born in Amarillo but moved to Colorado when she was 10, and lived there until returning to Amarillo in 2021. A former teacher, she used the move to become an entrepreneur, launching her mobile bartending service in Amarillo. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the reasons for her return, how she builds relationships through her business, and what it's like to be such a big part of local weddings, parties and moments of celebration. This episode is supported by Storybridge, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jeff Whelchel, M.D., of the Healthy Hormones clinic in Amarillo and a financial advisor at Wood Financial. He's also the author of The New Thyroid Handbook. A native of Claude, Whelchel served as a family doctor in Amarillo for more than 23 years before pivoting to financial services, a transition triggered by a personal health crisis. Whelchel tells host Jason Boyett about the joys and frustrations of his medical career, why he made a midlife career change, and how helping people manage their money aligns with helping people improve their health. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental, The Shops at Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Sharla Valdez, president of the Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation. As a young hospice nurse and entrepreneur, she became one of the founders of Crown of Texas Hospice, which operated in Amarillo from 1991 to 2004. Then in 2000, she launched Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy and served as its CEO and founder before exiting that business last year. Valdez shares with host Jason Boyett about her passion for hospice care, how her family's farm-and-ranch background prepared her for entrepreneurship, and why she's not yet ready to retire. This episode is supported by Blue Handle Publishing, La-Z-Boy Furniture and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Toby Giddens, the president and co-founder of Run Business Solutions (RunBiz), which provides technology services for local companies. He tells host Jason Boyett how RunBiz grew from a small team in a local accounting firm into a firm that offers IT support for small to mid-size business across the High Plains. Giddens grew up in Canyon as the son of the Canyon football coach Ted Giddens and WT's Terri Giddens, Ph.D., who introduced Toby to computer science. They also discuss the Ted Giddens Foundation, which formed after Coach Giddens' passing and assists families who have a loved one impacted by dementia. This episode is supported by Wieck Realty and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Kristin Key, a nationally headlining musical comedian who performs in sold-out shows across North America, appeared in Last Comic Standing and Bring the Funny, and got her start in Amarillo. She's bringing her Lesbian Army Tour back home to Amarillo on June 27 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. In this episode, Kristin tells host Jason Boyett about her upbringing as the daughter of a Church of Christ preacher, how she came out in high school only to "take it back," and how an open mic night at the Amarillo Comedy Club changed her life. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jamie Fleck, the travel photographer, writer and custom fine art baker behind Flecks of Love. While living in Oklahoma, Fleck spent a weekend in Amarillo, stayed in a charming Airbnb, loved the local vibe, saved the house on Zillow and then—after getting an alert that it was on the market—decided to buy it and move here. Her baked items have since become a fixture at local markets and pop-up events. She's also been researching and writing her newest book, Best Lake Hikes Texas, with a cover photo featuring Lake Meredith. She tells host Jason Boyett how her accounting career turned into a creative one, why she sees so much potential in Amarillo, and what it's like to hike all over the Lone Star State. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental, Storybridge, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Chris Israel, the executive director of Homeless Heroes, an organization serving homeless veterans in Amarillo. Chris is a formerly homeless veteran himself. He grew up in New York City and Florida before joining the U.S. Navy. After serving as a submarine sailor, he spent several years traveling across the United States for work, but never put down roots. Israel shares with host Jason Boyett how a crisis of homelessness in New Mexico brought him to Amarillo and the VA, where the support he found helped put his life back on track. Now he's guiding Homeless Heroes in renovating the 20-room Astro Motel into a place to help homeless veterans rebuild their lives. This episode is supported by Blue Handle Publishing, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Kashion Smith, the executive director of the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau. After several years in the hotel industry—including a stint as wedding specialist at the old Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo—Smith has spent the past decade with the CVB. She took over leadership of that organization in 2020. In this role, she is responsible for promoting and supporting tourism, conventions and events in Amarillo. The CVB “sells” Amarillo as a destination for people who don’t live here. Smith shares with host Jason Boyett about her former hotel career in Taos and Amarillo, how the CVB works to bring conventions to Amarillo, and what unique local characteristics are helping Amarillo compete with larger cities like San Antonio. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy Furniture Stores, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Dirk van Reenen, the founder of Merus Adventure Park in the Texas Panhandle. Born and raised in South Africa, Dirk moved to Texas during his teen years. While attending WTAMU, he became the owner/manager of the former Lifts West ski shop at Western Plaza, launched Caprock Auctions in Amarillo, and worked in real estate before moving away in 2014. He tells host Jason Boyett about his Amarillo career, his subsequent move to the Houston area—followed by a stint in Columbia, Maryland— and his return to the Texas Panhandle. At Merus, now the largest private outdoor adventure park in Texas, Dirk provides family-friendly activities and access to Palo Duro Canyon separate from the state park. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity, Wieck Realty, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Vanessa Fiaud, Ph.D., an associate professor of sports and exercise science at the WTAMU College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Fiaud was born in France, where she studied business law, and continued her education in Oklahoma and Texas. She arrived in the Texas Panhandle and at WT in 2009, and tells host Jason Boyett about her work on sports biomechanics, as well as her recent approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to serve as an official volunteer at this year's Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris. This episode is supported by The Amarillo Tribune, The Shops at Wolflin Square, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Devin Barnett, owner of Renu Painting, which recently was awarded the 2024 Torch Award for Ethics (Medium Business) by the Better Business Bureau of Amarillo. Barnett grew up in Abilene and has worked in a variety of industries, from petroleum to nursing to self-employed retailing. Despite that meandering career path, he's found success with Renu Painting. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Devin's various career stops before coming to Amarillo, why he chose not to go to college, and why he has become so passionate about creating jobs in the skilled trades. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Megan Reed, the communications and public affairs manager at Bell, and a former communications manager for Make-a-Wish North Texas. Reed, an Amarillo native who played Division II soccer for WTAMU, tells host Jason Boyett how she found her way into a career at the manufacturer's Amarillo Assembly Plant, what Bell's new U.S. Army assault aircraft contract means for the area, and how she and her employer are already looking 10 years into the future as they prepare a workforce to fulfill that contract. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A return conversation with Jason Crespin for Hey Amarillo's 350th episode. Crespin was the guest in this podcast's second episode ever (October 9, 2017) and returns to share about his role as Managing/Artistic Director at Amarillo Little Theatre and the legacy of the late Allen Shankles, who passed away March 20, 2024. Crespin also turns the tables on host Jason Boyett to ask about Boyett's upcoming ALT debut in the cast of the musical Spamalot, which opens May 2. Tickets are on sale now for Spamalot. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, Jimmy John's, Wieck Realty and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Cindi Bulla, the broker/owner behind Realty Central Services and a recent primary candidate for Texas House District 87. Bulla shares the story of how she ran away from home at age 15 and ended up in Amarillo, how she found her way into careers in banking and construction before getting into real estate, and why she decided to run for office. (Her campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.) Bulla also speaks with host Jason Boyett about the local real estate market and her decades of involvement with Amarillo Little Theatre. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, Amarillo Habitat Pickleball Bash, La-Z-Boy Furniture Stores and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Tate Atkinson, one-half of the husband-wife duo behind Free Cheese Prints, a custom screen printing shop in Amarillo. Known for their Amarillo-focused souvenir t-shirts and constant presence at local popups and community markets, Free Cheese has an intense loyal following and a compelling origin story. Atkinson shares with host Jason Boyett about his creative approach, how sobriety helped focus and grow his business, why he and his wife, Reesa, are so passionate about getting away from Amarillo to travel. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, SKP Creative and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Micha Boyett, Jason's youngest sister and the author of the new book Blessed Are the Rest of Us. Micha is a poet, writer, pastor and podcaster whose work includes advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. She's the cohost of the popular podcast The Lucky Few and will be preaching in Amarillo at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 5. She and host Jason Boyett discuss Micha's upbringing in Amarillo, her son Ace and the family's connection to the Down syndrome community, and how Amarillo continues to inform her life and writing—even though she no longer lives here. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Isaiah Flores, a 2023 Caprock graduate who is currently completing his first year as a student at Harvard University. As profiled in the July/August 2023 issue of Brick & Elm, Flores is one of two Caprock students accepted last year into Harvard’s freshman class. Home for Spring Break, Flores sat down with host Jason Boyett for a conversation about his upbringing in Amarillo public schools, what his first year had been like at Harvard, and how leaving Amarillo was helping him better understand and appreciate his hometown. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo College Creative Mind Lecture Series featuring George Saunders, Pinnacle by Rockrose, Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Gina Woodward, the Regional Director of America's SBDC at WTAMU. Gina is a Canyon resident who grew up here and has earned multiple degrees from WT. At the SBDC, she helps clients in the top 25 counties of the Texas Panhandle start and expand small businesses. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the no-cost, one-on-one consulting offered by the SBDC, as well as the low-cost training and research available to clients. Gina also details how the diverse and energetic local business community continues to inspire her. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty, Pinnacle by Rockrose and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Scott Houdashell, the inventor of the Eggmazing Egg Decorator and, with Curtis McGill, the owner of the toy and game company Hey Buddy Hey Pal. A former Farmers Insurance agent, Houdashell had always worked with his hands, and in 2015 came up with an idea for decorating Easter eggs without the messy dyes. What began with a hot glue stick, a spoon and an electric screwdriver soon turned into several makeshift prototypes before the final product took shape. The rest is history. Houdashell tells host Jason Boyett about his pre-Easter Bunny career, how he endured the product development process, getting on Shark Tank, and how his company is giving back to Make-a-Wish North Texas through MyTrueWish.org. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Stores, Pinnacle by Rockrose and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Darlene Martin, a retired Amarillo ISD first-grade teacher, reading instructor, community volunteer and the founder of Westminster Presbyterian Church's Bear PAWS program, which serves students at Austin Middle School. Martin shares with host Jason Boyett about her teaching career and more than 20 years of service as a local hospice volunteer. Born with mild hemiplegia cerebral palsy—which restricts muscle movement on one side of her body—Martin also details the many ways the Turn Center impacted her over the course of her life and why Amarillo is such a significant part of her story. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity, Blue Handle Publishing and Pinnacle by Rockrose.
A conversation with Britten Ratcliff, a Tascosa High School senior. Host Jason Boyett starts this interview by explaining that he is typically uninterested in interviewing high school students for the show, but Ratcliff changed his mind about that rule. A member of the FirstBank Southwest Banking Advisory Council and founder of The Neighborhood, a Tascosa student group, Ratcliff shares with Boyett about what it's like to be a teenager in Amarillo, what the city needs to consider related to its younger population, and why he decided to take classes at AmTech Career Academy. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, SKP Creative, and Pinnacle by Rockrose.
A conversation with Robert Altman, who is retired from two prominent local careers, first as a manager at the women's clothing store Kline's of Amarillo and then as an assistant scout executive with the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Altman, whose family owned and operated multiple Kline's locations in the city until the 1990s—including along Polk Street and at Western Plaza—reflects on how retailing changed over the years. He also shares with host Jason Boyett how his parents arrived in the area, describes the glory years of Western Plaza, and explains why Scouting remains so prominent within the Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Pest Tex Pest Control and Storybridge.
A conversation with Sonja Gross, a Public Involvement Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation and a former Public Information Officer for TXDOT. Gross arrived in Amarillo from Georgia around 20 years ago, and embarked on a communications career that took her from the local newspaper to the City of Amarillo to her current position with TXDOT. She shares with host Jason Boyett about road construction, the city's eternal Loop project, how to handle complaints from grumpy citizens and why, even as a transplant, she feels at home in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Mark D. Williams, an Amarillo educator and author who has fly fished all over the world, written a variety of fishing and travel books, been published in dozens of national magazines, and taught for nearly 30 years at North Heights Alternative School. He's also an entrepreneur, consultant and public speaker. In this episode, Williams shares with host Jason Boyett about the recent—and very public—cancer journey that forced him to retire from teaching, how he became a sports and fly fishing writer, and why Amarillo ended up being the perfect location for his diverse career. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Kori Cooper Clements, a speech pathologist with Canyon ISD and a local volleyball legend. Kori was inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame last year with her father, former WTAMU basketball coach Rick Cooper—making them the first father-daughter duo to be inducted. One of the best players to ever come from this area, Clements spent one season as the Amarillo High School volleyball coach in 2018 before resigning due to issues related to athletes' playing time and the resulting fallout. (It was a big, local controversy at the time.) More than five years later, she shares with host Jason Boyett about her volleyball career, her resignation in early 2019, and what she's been doing since. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity.
A conversation with Joseph Peterson, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor serving Amarillo, and the city's 2023 Black Man of the Year. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Peterson moved with his family to Amarillo when he was a child. He played football for WTAMU before opening his office in Amarillo. Since then, he's built a reputation for community involvement, from membership in 101 Elite Men to service on municipal boards to volunteerism for the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon and other nonprofits. Peterson shares with host Jason Boyett about his career path, why he chose to live and work in Amarillo, and why civic engagement is so important to him. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Diane Dick, a legendary model and agent who opened the Diane Dick International Modeling and Talent Agency in Amarillo more than 50 years ago. Her agency currently places local models in films, magazines and runways all over the United States and around the world. Now 80, she shares with host Jason Boyett the details of how her own career began, how the world of modeling has changed since she got her start in the 1960s, and why agencies and retailers from as far away as China are interested in models from the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Andrew Hay, Executive Director of the Cultural Foundation of the Texas Panhandle, which provides oversight for Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation. Before taking the reigns of the CFTP and PPHM, Hay served as executive director of the Amarillo Symphony and has a background in theology and seminary administration. Hay shares with host Jason Boyett about the journey that took him from growing up in the Denver area to doctorate studies at St. Andrews University in Scotland to the opportunity to lead Texas' largest history museum into its second century. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with Katharyn Wiegand, the President and CEO at the Mary E. Bivins Foundation. A product of the Texas Panhandle, Wiegand has spent the past few decades in leadership roles in the nonprofit world, including 15 years with Opportunity Plan and another 12 years with the Amarillo Area Foundation. At the Bivins Foundation since 2018, she helps lead the organization in serving older adults and helping fund the education of Christian ministers. In this episode, she shares with host Jason Boyett about her career, the Bivins family's local legacy, and her 12-plus years on the Canyon ISD Board of Trustees. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with State Representative Walter Thomas "Four" Price IV, who has decided not to run again after he completes his 7th term representing Texas House District 87, which includes Potter County. Price is from Amarillo and has been instrumental in creating significant legislation related to telemedicine, telehealth, mental health and more. A former practicing attorney and current Trust Officer with Amarillo National Bank, Price shares with host Jason Boyett about his legal career, his path into state politics, and the characteristics he hopes his eventual successor will bring to the task of representing Panhandle people. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and Amarillo Habitat for Humanity.
A conversation with Dr. Alan Keister, an internal medicine specialist and partner at Amarillo Medical Specialists. An Amarillo native, he had the opportunity to take over a large practice in Tennessee after completing his residency, but chose to return to his hometown. In addition to his work as a physician, Keister is also the founder of Heal the City, a nonprofit Amarillo clinic that provides free healthcare for thousands of uninsured and underserved patients every year. Dr. Keister shares with host Jason Boyett about why he came back to build his career, the personal and professional benefits of practicing medicine in Amarillo, and how Heal the City got started. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Becky Murphy, a social worker with Amarillo ISD who assists families in transition and students who qualify as homeless. Before finishing her education and receiving a Master of Social Work degree, Murphy spent 16 years employed at Dillard's. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about how she grew up in poverty, endured periods of homelessness as a child, and adopted and raised her nieces and nephews after a crisis situation. They also discuss the impact of her time in the retail world and how the personal challenges she has overcome continue to impact her work today. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge and Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with John Harris, the Chief Meteorologist for KAMR Local 4 News and Fox 14 News. John is an Amarillo native who almost went into a business and marketing career, and then after being captured by meteorology, figured he'd land at the National Weather Service. But he soon found himself on TV—first at KFDA Newschannel 10 and now at KAMR Local 4 News. He tells host Jason Boyett how he first became fascinated by weather, why he loves doing what he does, why wind is such a big part of the local climate, and whether the El Niño pattern will bring the Panhandle a wet and stormy winter and spring. (Short answer: looks like it). This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Matthew Rosas, the fashion designer behind the brand Momentum of Roses and the collaborative fashion show "Beauty from Afar" on December 2. A former basketball coach and teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Academy, Rosas has shifted to upcycling thrifted clothing and fabrics to create his unique streetwear style. He shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up within the Catholic school system, how designing basketball uniforms at Holy Cross introduced him to clothing aesthetics, and why he views fashion as the next frontier within Amarillo's creative scene. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and PestTex Pest Control.
A conversation with Stephanie Goins, the annual giving officer for the Amarillo Area Foundation and the city's recently named Black Woman of the Year. Goins, who grew up in Midland and spent time in the Metroplex before moving to Amarillo, shares with host Jason Boyett about how she discovered her niche in the nonprofit world, and why the generosity of local residents stands out from other communities in the state. She also discusses the impact and focus of The Panhandle Gives, the annual charitable giving campaign currently underway through November 28. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Jeff Renteria, the community organizer behind the annual Barrio Bash back-to-school event and the 2023 recent recipient of the "Heart of the Barrio" award at Amarillo's Hispanic Heritage luncheon. Renteria comes from a family that originally arrived in Amarillo as railroad workers, and tells host Jason Boyett about his upbringing in the historic Barrio neighborhood, his family's masonry business, and how the Barrio Bash grew out of a casual neighborhood horseshoe tournament into a major community celebration. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Amy Hart, which is the on-air name of Amarillo radio personality Amy Presley. A local radio mainstay, Hart is Amarillo College's Audio Media Coordinator and the Music Director for FM90 KACV-FM, the long-running radio station at AC. She's also the co-producer of a new Texas Panhandle-focused true crime podcast series about the missing persons case of Dorien Thomas. Dorien grew up in Amarillo’s North Heights neighborhood but disappeared in 1998, when he was 9 years old. The case remains unsolved. Hart shares with host Jason Boyett about her radio career, her new podcast, and what she learned digging into facts of Dorien’s disappearance. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Karen Roberts, the owner/operator of Get Fit, Amarillo's only specialty running store. A former teacher and coach, Roberts found her way into entrepreneurship after moving back to Amarillo from the Metroplex area—and after discovering her passion for distance running as an adult. Roberts is not just a 5K enthusiast or marathoner. She runs ultramarathons. In this episode, she shares with host Jason Boyett about her education career, her path into owning a successful small business, and what it takes to complete 50-mile or 100-mile endurance races. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with Dr. Eddy Sauer, a long-time Amarillo dentist at Shemen Dental and a member of the Amarillo City Council (Place 3) from 2017 to 2023. Sauer grew up in Amarillo and established his practice in the late 1980s, and says his time on the City Council completely changed how he views the city. He shares with host Jason Boyett about a devastating personal tragedy, details how his Council role introduced him to the complexities of city government, and explains why Amarillo may be on the cusp of dramatic growth. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Dora Maroney, the owner of Texas Ivy Antiques on Historic Sixth Street in Amarillo. She's also a member of the nonprofit Historic Sixth on Route 66 Association. Born and raised in Amarillo, Dora left the area for several years as a young adult before returning in the late 1990s. She's been a fixture on Sixth ever since because of her shop. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the world of antiques and collectibles, the international visitors who visit her shop on a weekly basis, and how the community came together to help her out after a fire at Texas Ivy in 2022. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with Rev. Margie McNeir, an 83-year-old minister in the United Methodist Church, the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination. McNeir moved to Amarillo after retiring from a ministry career in the Metroplex. Over the past few years, she's had a front-row seat to theological disputes within the UMC denomination related to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. When every local UMC-aligned church decided to depart from the denomination, Amarillo would have been the largest city in the nation without a UMC church. So McNeir led a group to charter the new Amarillo United Methodist Church, which now meets on the Bell Street campus of St. Luke Presbyterian. This episode is sponsored by PestTex Pest Control and Storybridge.
A conversation with Tac Buchanan, the Amarillo/Lubbock Regional Coordinator for the ministry Bridges to Life. (Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence.) Buchanan grew up in Amarillo and has lived a life scarred by personal tragedy, including a deadly car accident when he was in high school, a lengthy struggle with addiction, and eventually the murder of his wife. In fact, Buchanan's story of redemption begins after he ends up in prison. He tells host Jason Boyett how he walked through a lifetime of tragedy, learned to forgive, and found a career in which where telling his story changes lives. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, Attorney Dean Boyd, and Leslie Massey/Farmers Insurance.
A conversation with Melanie Corpstein, an Amarillo native and the founder and president of the Adorable Originals clothing company and Adorable Girls dolls. Based in Arizona over the past three decades, Corpstein designed children's clothing and dolls, selling them wholesale to stores around the world. She retired right before the pandemic and returned to Amarillo, where a new career has begun taking shape. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett how her successful career came about, and how her Amarillo upbringing shaped almost every aspect of it. This episode is sponsored by U.S. Cleaners, Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast, and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Jentry Williams, the owner and founder of Re-Form Physical Therapy Clinic and Wellness Center. Williams is a native of Spearman, and started her clinic in Amarillo after graduating from Texas Tech. Initially she only intended Re-Form to offer physical therapy and Pilates classes, with Williams as the sole employee. Today she has more than a dozen employees and offers massage therapy, personal training and even medical-grade aesthetics treatments. She tells host Jason Boyett how her clients and employees helped expand her vision as an entrepreneur, and why the loyal, pragmatic mindset of Amarillo people continues to inspire her work. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with Brady Ragland, Chief Executive Officer of the Amarillo Tri-State Exposition, Fair & Rodeo. A Lubbock native, Ragland grew up showing livestock in the 4-H program before getting into amateur stock and cattle judging at Texas Tech. The connections he made in those worlds led to ag-related work in San Antonio and Alabama before he landed at the Tri-State Expo. With the Fair opening this weekend for its 100th year, Ragland tells host Jason Boyett how his career path brought him to Amarillo, why the tangible sights and sounds of the Fair remain special in a tech-obsessed world, and how he and his team planned for this Centennial year. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Nate Green, who owns and operates Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast with his wife, Liz. This historic property, located south of Amarillo in the Village of Palisades, is a wedding venue and boutique hotel, and Nate and Liz both have hospitality backgrounds. Before coming to this area, he worked in restaurants at a ski resort in Colorado and served as a diesel mechanic and snow-maker. He explains to host Jason Boyett how his career journey led him to the Panhandle, what makes Starlight special, and why he feels a deep connection to Texas and the western mystique. This episode is sponsored by Leslie Massey/Farmer's Insurance and Attorney Dean Boyd.
A conversation with George Jackson, who has just begun his second year as music director of the Amarillo Symphony, guiding the organization during its 100th anniversary season. He's a resident of London, but travels all over Europe to work with symphony orchestras from Paris to Zurich, which has helped shape his perspective on the international reputation of both the Amarillo Symphony and its venue, the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Jackson shares with host Jason Boyett about his garage-band background as a guitarist and drummer, how he found his way into conducting, and why Amarillo is such a special place for the arts. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Chad Conner, the executive director of Acts Community. For the past few years, Chad has managed this growing Christian organization, which includes a resource center in San Jacinto and a new downtown community center. Prior to that, this Amarillo native lived in Las Vegas, where he played poker professionally. And during the pandemic, he and his wife, Joy—known together as the Connersseurs—launched an extremely popular Youtube channel dedicated to Indian food and travel. With host Jason Boyett, Chad details each of these elements of his story and explains how they continue to inform his local nonprofit work. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd, US Cleaners, and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Dr. Carolina Perez, a surgical podiatrist with the Amarillo Veterans Healthcare System. Dr. Perez is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served for several years as a combat medic—including during wartime operations in Iraq—before attending medical school and completing her residency. A native of Colombia, she immigrated to the United States as a child and lived in Florida, Kentucky, and New York City before coming to Amarillo. She tells host Jason Boyett about her intentional decision to move here, as Perez and her husband decided they wanted their children to be from somewhere—and that "somewhere" was Texas. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing, Storybridge, and Farmers agent Leslie Massey.
A conversation with Patrick Swindell, one of those guests whose identity isn't easily contained within a single career description. He's a longtime local bankruptcy attorney. He's a prominent jazz musician and the leader of the Esquire Jazz Band. He launched and owned the Esquire Jazz Club on Polk Street before closing it pre-pandemic. He was one of the founders of Ascension Academy and is still chair of that prep school's board of directors. In this episode, Swindell explains these elements of his work and interests, and why Amarillo is a place that allows so many diverse personal passions to flourish. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
Dr. Shane Harper is the surgical ICU director for Northwest Texas Healthcare System and a professor in the Surgery Department at Texas Tech Physicians. He’s also the founding editor-in-chief of the West Texas Journal of Medicine, a new publication that distributes original medical and health sciences research. In this episode, Harper shares with host Jason Boyett about the lifestyle impact of being a critical care specialist, why he decided to launch an independent medical journal, and the distinct ways his work in Amarillo differs from other places he's lived around the country. This episode is sponsored by Starlight Canyon and Reviews by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Alyssa Heck Lewis, owner of Hudson House, a senior living community in Canyon and the recent recipient of the Woman-Owned Business of the Year for the West Texas region of the national U.S. Small Business Administration Awards. Lewis bought Hudson House in 2020, during the pandemic, after stints in banking and healthcare administration. She tells host Jason Boyett about the role Hudson House plays for Canyon and surrounding communities, the challenges of serving her residents during the pandemic, and how the local business ecosystem has contributed to her success. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and US Cleaners.
A conversation with Norbert Chirase, PhD, a former scientist and nutritionist with WTAMU and the founder of GTX Organics and GTX Technologies. Based in Amarillo, Chirase is an expert on humic and fulvic acids and holds multiple patents on applications for human health, agriculture and animal nutrition. GTX manufactures multiple products here in Amarillo—including alkaline "black water"—and exports them all over the world. Chirase tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in Ghana, coming to the United States as an exchange student, and how he transitioned his career focus beyond cattle and soil health to human health. This episode is sponsored by PestTex Pest Control and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Lindsey Lane, one of Amarillo's most in-demand country singers and all-around performers. Originally from Lubbock, Lindsey arrived in this area to pursue an education degree from WTAMU, then taught 3rd-grade math for several years before pursuing music full-time. She shares with host Jason Boyett how she grew up learning the craft from her father, how she decided the time was right to go all-in on her dreams, and offers an expert perspective on the local music scene—including how she and her band keep their audience engaged. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge.
A conversation with Sherman Bass, the new film commissioner with the Amarillo Film Office and the former general manager of the Amarillo Civic Center. An Amarillo native with a background in acting, Bass worked for the Civic Center across two different stints before a brief retirement last year. In that previous job, he oversaw every detail of the Civic Center—which makes him an expert on the needs and challenges related to the current complex. Regarding his new role, Bass explains to host Jason Boyett how he has begun selling Amarillo as a prime location for film and television production. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Kathy Lopez, the entrepreneur and owner of Little Bee's Playhouse, a child-focused play and party venue in Wolflin Square. Lopez was a WT grad who went on to work in the corporate event world of the Metroplex, traveling internationally as a specialist in hospitality, marketing and event management. Then she returned to Amarillo. Lopez explains to host Jason Boyett how that move—with young children in tow—inspired her to build a career that was flexible enough to involve her kids. Little Bee's is the result, and its success has put it on the cusp of expanding beyond the city. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Matt Morgan, the interim director of Outdoor Amarillo and a longtime local volunteer, board member and nonprofit advocate. Morgan walks host Jason Boyett through his diverse career, which includes everything from marketing to human resources, personnel, grant management and more— including his current work with the International Sustainable Energy Foundation. He also shares about the goals and origin of Outdoor Amarillo, an Amarillo nonprofit dedicated to growing community and culture by improving public parks. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Andrew Brandt, a local novelist and one of the owners of Phone Medic, a smartphone and computer repair business with locations in Amarillo, Canyon and Lubbock. With host Jason Boyett, Brandt shares about these two divergent career paths. In one, he grew a computer repair hobby into a multi-location business—including a new Phone Medic site in Lubbock—by dreaming big and partnering with the right people. In the other, this author of books like Mixtape for the End of the World and Picture Unavailable drew from a childhood love of reading and a dedication to telling stories. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Amelia Balderrama, the President and CEO of iDocket, a software company specializing in products for local governments, including statewide case management software used by cities and counties within the Texas judicial system—and potentially beyond. She shares with host Jason Boyett the company's origin story in Amarillo and how it now serves local courts, sheriff's offices and public entities across the state. She also details why Amarillo is the ideal place to operate her business, and why this area may soon become a tech hub. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Route 66 Festival and Storybridge.
A conversation with Mark Zimmerman, the former Missions and Campus Development Pastor at Hillside Christian Church and the new Executive Director of Transformation Park. A unique public-private partnership designed to address homelessness in Amarillo, Transformation Park serves as a collaboration between the City of Amarillo, local churches and businesses. In this episode, Zimmerman explains the concept to host Jason Boyett, highlighting its drop-in shelter, day room, pallet-home cabin community and more. He also explains his move to Amarillo two decades ago—and why he and his wife decided to stay. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Route 66 Festival, Jimmy John's and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
In this special live show recording, host Jason Boyett takes a seat on the other side of the host microphone as he is interviewed by former Amarillo mayor Ginger Nelson at Arts in the Sunset. (Don't miss last week's episode for Jason's in-depth interview of the mayor.) In front of an audience, Nelson asks Jason about entrepreneurship, how he would describe the current moment in Amarillo, and—not a joke—to share his thoughts about the meaning of life. This concludes a two-week celebration of 300 episodes of Hey Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Route 66 Festival and SKP Creative.
A conversation with outgoing Amarillo mayor Ginger Nelson, recorded in front of a live audience at Arts in the Sunset. To celebrate the 300th episode of this podcast, Jason Boyett hosted a live show on May 5, 2023, interviewing Nelson—who'd served as the guest for the very first episode of Hey Amarillo in September 2017. In this episode, Nelson reflects on her tenure as mayor, answering questions about her nationally recognized COVID-19 response, her cancer treatment during the pandemic, the Civic Center controversies, the outcry related to her drag show letter, her personal faith and much more. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Route 66 Festival.
A conversation with Maegan Laughlin, AuD, a clinical audiologist with Amarillo Hearing Clinic. Laughlin is a Sunray native who returned to the Panhandle after a prestigious clinical residency at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. In Amarillo, she had the opportunity to take over and rebrand Ormson Hearing, a well-known local clinic with more than four decades of history. She shares with host Jason Boyett about her path to audiology, why it's so important for adults to treat hearing loss, and how the foundation associated with the clinic helps lower-income patients get the hearing aids they need. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Rosemary Robinson, who is believed to be the longest-tenured employee in the history of the City of Amarillo. Rosemary began working for the City in 1973 in a position with the Amarillo Public Library, before quickly taking on an administrative role with the Amarillo Police Department. She has spent the past 50 years working for APD—and doesn't have current plans to retire. In this episode, she shares with host Jason Boyett how she ended up in Amarillo after growing up in McLean, how her job has changed over the decades, and why she's found such fulfillment in her work. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Get tickets for the Hey Amarillo 300th Episode Live Show on May 5, 2023.
Shannon Herrick, M.D. is a long-time local pediatrician and the Regional Chair and Associate Professor for the Amarillo Pediatric Administration at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, which has just opened a new pediatrics clinic in southwest Amarillo. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Herrick shares how she ended up in Amarillo after growing up in San Antonio, how she balances a medical practice with her educational and administrative duties at TTUHSC, and the impact of the pandemic—then and now—on her work as a pediatrician. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Hearing Clinic and SKP Creative. Get tickets for the Hey Amarillo 300th Episode Live Show on May 5, 2023.
Justin Thompson is a social worker with a career spanning from full-time instruction at WTAMU to several years on staff at Boys Ranch. He recently was profiled in Brick & Elm Magazine about his vintage golf clubs collection and the founding of the Tiger Flight Golf Club at Hamlet Elementary. Thompson tells host Jason Boyett about his career, the Tiger Flight origin story, his golf club addiction, and his sister Hali and advocacy among adults with special needs. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo. Get tickets for the Hey Amarillo 300th Episode Live Show on May 5, 2023.
A conversation with Cynthia Barela Graham, a family law attorney and the current chair of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Graham spent time as a criminal defense lawyer before turning her attention to family law, and currently emphasizes an approach known as "collaborative divorce." She tells host Jason Boyett how this mediation process helps couples navigate divorce without mud-slinging or conflict, how she maintains career balance, and why Amarillo's quality of life is so attractive to her. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Hearing Clinic and Shemen Dental. Get tickets for the upcoming Hey Amarillo 300th Episode Live Show.
A conversation with Stephanie Brady, the founder and executive director of Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. A former vet tech and experienced wildlife rehabber, Brady moved to Amarillo in 2015 only to discover she was the only rehabber in the area with an official permit. Within a year, she had organized Wild West, and last year the organization cared for more than 3,000 orphaned and injured animals. In this episode, Brady tells host Jason Boyett how she first got started, how local perception is changing related to injured animals, and what's next for her thriving organization. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Aaron Mahnke of "Lore," presented by WTAMU and PPHM. Get tickets for the Hey Amarillo 300th Episode Live Show on May 5.
A conversation with Joe Garcia III, the Chief Revenue Officer for eCatholic. Garcia lives in Amarillo and works remotely for this global tech company, which gives him the time and ability to serve the local community as "JPEG Joe," a local portrait and sports photographer. He's also the managing partner of Press Pass Sports, an independent publication covering sports in the Texas Panhandle. Garcia tells host Jason Boyett how he found his way to Amarillo in the first place, the winding path into his multiple careers, and why high-quality sports coverage is in such demand in a place like the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Hearing Clinic and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Zack Wilson, executive director of High Plains Food Bank. Wilson's first experience with the Food Bank was as a communication intern when he was a WT student. More than two decades later, he's heading up this massive nonprofit, which serves the entire Texas Panhandle and distributes more than 8 million pounds of food a year. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Wilson details finding his way into his career, how the pandemic forced an important transformation at the Food Bank, and how the organization can be so efficient with each contributed dollar. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Mary Jane Johnson, the general and artistic director for Amarillo Opera. Before taking that role a few years ago, she was one of the world's great dramatic sopranos in the international opera scene. While based in Amarillo, she performed worldwide, from Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the Sydney Opera House in Australia. She's been the subject of a PBS documentary ("Mary Jane Johnson: From the Heart") and shared a stage with Luciano Pavarotti. In this interview with host Jason Boyett, Johnson shares how she found her way into opera, what it was like performing all over the world, and why she's so excited about Amarillo Opera's upcoming performance of "Rigoletto" by Verdi.
A conversation with Adrian Escobar, the Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Cross Bar Management Area. Escobar is employed by the Bureau of Land Management—a federal agency. The only BLM land in Texas is located just a few miles northwest of Amarillo, and he's working to turn that historic property into a Special Recreation Management Area that includes campsites, trails and other outdoor activities. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Escobar explains how he ended up here after growing up on a dairy farm along the Texas border, why the government manages thousands of acres in the Texas Panhandle, and what he hopes the Crossbar can be once funding is in place. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Angela Knapp Eggers, the Senior Managing Director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health in Amarillo. A former ballerina whose career has spanned both the nonprofit and for-profit spheres, Knapp Eggers worked for cattleman Paul Engler during the big Oprah trial in 1998 and guided the Lone Star Ballet through the 2007-2008 global financial crisis. Since 2010, she's worked to improve the lives of women and girls through the Institute. She shares about this journey with host Jason Boyett—including why learning to take risks has been so essential to her career. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Matt Griffith, the vice president of Rockrose Development, the company behind the development of Amarillo neighborhoods including The Colonies, Westover Park and Pinnacle. Griffith began designing houses in high school, worked in planning for the City of Amarillo, and has now spent nearly 30 years with Rockrose. He shares with host Jason Boyett about the role of developers in a city like Amarillo, how he found his way into that role, and why Amarillo is now on the radar of big national retailers. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Rachel Flores, the Executive Director of Amarillo Art Institute. This nonprofit offers art workshops and classes all year long at Sunset Center, where Flores is helping spearhead the renovation of Arts in the Sunset. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in Bushland, moving back to Amarillo as an adult, and beginning her job just a year before the passing of Ann Crouch, the artist and visionary who owned and managed the Sunset Center property. On the cusp of its reopening, Flores explains the vision behind the restored Arts in the Sunset and the eventual return of the city's beloved First Friday Art Walk. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Joshua Raef, the owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Georgia Street and Chick-fil-A Westgate Mall. Raef tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in Amarillo Catholic schools, how he got into the restaurant business and how his businesses have weathered challenges—from the pandemic to the chain's nationwide controversies related to politics and gay marriage, more than a decade ago. In 2015, Raef and his wife, Erica, also spearheaded the passage of House Bill 635, a state law that guarantees parents the right to the remains of their unborn children. Raef explains how that law got passed and why it mattered so much to his family. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Idella Jackson, who serves as the Constable Precinct 4 for Potter County. Jackson arrived in Amarillo as a young single mother—and a high school dropout—determined to provide for her children and build a career. She spent more than a decade at the William P. Clements Unit with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, then nearly eight years with the Potter County Sheriff's Office before being elected Constable in 2013. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Jackson explains what her law enforcement job entails, the hurdles she overcame in her career, and why its so valuable for young children see a Black woman in uniform. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Kelli Bullard, who is temporarily retired after careers in publishing, communications, senior living and the nonprofit world (among other workplaces). Kelli recently authored an article in Brick & Elm Magazine about her journey to recover from multiple brain surgeries to treat a brain tumor, and the frightening complications that resulted during the process. In this episode, she and host Jason Boyett discuss her Amarillo work history, her illness, and Kelli's personal questions about why she got better when others don't. This episode is sponsored by Gaut Whittenburg Emerson and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Kevin Carter, the President and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. Kevin spent his early career in Plainview before arriving in Amarillo in 2019, and quickly realized he was here to stay. With the AEDC, his job is to sell Amarillo as a destination for primary businesses, with the goal of expanding industry and manufacturing in the city. In this episode, Carter tells host Jason Boyett how he ended up in this position, why he loves promoting Amarillo to outside companies, and why he believes the city is poised for future growth. This episode is sponsored by Gaut Whittenburg Emerson and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.
A conversation with Gwen Hicks, the Executive Director of Amarillo Angels, an organization that provides community for children and families in foster care. Hicks founded the organization in 2016 after a long career in education, from teaching elementary school to serving as a junior high counselor to coordinating Head Start at Region 16. In this episode, she shares with host Jason Boyett how her education career cultivated a passion for seeing kids succeed, how the challenges of the foster care system get in the way of that success, and the unique way Amarillo Angels helps kids and their families. This episode is sponsored by Gaut Whittenburg Emerson and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with the Rev. Jared Houze, Rector at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Jared is a 7th-generation Texan who grew up in Dallas but has spent most of his adult life in West Texas. He and his family arrived in Amarillo during the summer of 2020. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his ministry calling and conversion to the Episcopal tradition, his journey from rural churches to St. Andrew's, and what he is learning about community and diversity here in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with chiropractor and voice actor Jeff S. Williams, who currently juggles two careers: He's the owner of Creek Stone Integrated Medical, which combines chiropractic work with acupuncture, a nurse practitioner, and massage and spa services. But he's also a voiceover artist in high demand, thanks to his folksy, working-man baritone and a side gig he experimented with during the pandemic. Williams shares with host Jason Boyett how each of these careers began and why, in Amarillo, no one bats an eye when their chiropractor also records a lot of radio ads. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, La-Z-Boy of Amarillo, and Leslie Massey Farmer's Insurance.
A conversation with Sister Elizabeth Ann Dockery of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and the convent known as Prayer Town Emmanuel. Located near Boys Ranch, Prayer Town is a Franciscan Charismatic Religious Community. Elizabeth Ann is an Amarillo native, former music educator and a past member of the Amarillo Symphony. She shares with host Jason Boyett about her music career, her conversion to Catholicism and the path to discovering her religious vocation. She also explains the role of Prayer Town in this community. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.
A special episode about the late Mike Boyett, the father of host Jason Boyett. Mike passed away a year ago this week, on December 16, 2021, at age of 73 after a brief journey with brain cancer. He spent most of his career as an Amarillo architect and was part of a close-knit community of friends connected to Paramount Baptist Church, where Mike volunteered in multiple capacities. In this series of interviews—both in-person and over the phone—Jason speaks to Mike Boyett's former colleagues, peers and friends about his dad's legacy. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Mary Bralley, the president of Los Barrios de Amarillo and a longtime marketing, public relations and business development professional. Bralley shares with host Jason Boyett about her early days as a single mother living in poverty, as well as the steps she took to receive help, gain stability, improve her education and become more involved in the community. In addition to her work with Los Barrios, her early struggles gave way to positions of influence, including service on the AISD school board and a variety of local nonprofits and foundations. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, Discover Amarillo, and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Andy Marshall, the President and CEO at FirstBank Southwest. Andy isn't originally from this area—he arrived here from Tulsa in 2017—and isn't original to banking, either. His first career was in the military, where he served in security forces for the U.S. Air Force and then, in the late 1980s, as an Army squadron border officer stationed in Amberg, Germany, at the height of the Cold War. Marshall tells host Jason Boyett how he ended up in banking, why he landed in Amarillo, and how lessons from the military impact his leadership today. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, PestTex Pest Control and Leslie Massey Farmers Agency.
A conversation with Crystal Solis, a hair stylist at Braxton Paul Salon and 22-year veteran of the local hair industry. Solis' first introduction to cosmetology came from vocational classes at Palo Duro High School. More than two decades later, she found herself at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, on location, styling the hair of the groom's mother right before the wedding of Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos. Solis tells host Jason Boyett how she ended up in that unique position and why Amarillo's hair industry has given her such a fulfilling career. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and La-Z-Boy Furniture.
A conversation with Pedro Limas, the owner of Sound by Design, a home entertainment installation company. Limas started the business in 1998 after earning what he calls a "6-year associate's degree." In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, he shares his story of entrepreneurship and why he's so passionate about volunteering, as well as his love of mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon. Then Limas details how a recent heart attack—which happened barely a week before this podcast recording—caught him totally off guard. This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101" and Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics.
A conversation with John Gamble, the senior principal cloud architect at Zillow. An Amarillo native, Gamble has spent the last decade living in Seattle and working in cloud infrastructure management for companies including Amazon, REI and now the Zillow Group. But last year, the reality of remote working allowed him to relocate his family back to Amarillo. He tells host Jason Boyett how his time at WT launched him into the tech world, how moving back to the Panhandle improved his quality of life, and how Amarillo can attract other skilled remote workers like him. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty the Discover Amarillo app, and Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics.
A conversation with Julie Granger, founder of the Sister-Bear Foundation, a nonprofit serving adults who've suffered spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes and other trauma. In this episode, Granger tells host Jason Boyett about the accident that paralyzed her daughter, Kathryn, and how it led to the organization. She also shares about value of therapy in dealing with her own past trauma, including her mother's long-unsolved murder and why that cold case recently found resolution. (Trigger Warnings: suicide and eating disorders.) This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101," Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics and Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Julie Granger, founder of the Sister-Bear Foundation, a nonprofit serving adults who've suffered spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes and other trauma. In this episode, Granger tells host Jason Boyett about the accident that paralyzed her daughter, Kathryn, and how it led to the organization. She also shares about value of therapy in dealing with her own past trauma, including her mother's long-unsolved murder and why that cold case recently found resolution. (Trigger Warnings: suicide and eating disorders.) This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101," Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics and Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Evan Guerrero, the WTAMU student and science educator behind the TikTok account @evanthorizon, which has more than 2.1 million followers. He is finishing up a physics degree, but this Amarillo native has already become a rising star in the astronomy world thanks to his fun, space-focused videos. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Guerrero shares how a telescope purchase set him on this unlikely path, how a gap year (or two) gave him perspective, and how he navigates an increasingly complex social media environment. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, La-Z-Boy Furniture, and Texas Tech Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology in Canyon.
A conversation with Tony Foster, executive director at Amarillo Area Mental Health Consumers, an organization most people know as the Agape Center. Foster has a lengthy history in mental health work, including authorship of articles on recovery and mental health stigma for prominent psychology journals. But he's also had his own struggles with mental health. Foster shares with host Jason Boyett about a season in which he was homeless in Amarillo, and how the Agape Center—which he now leads—ended up helping him get back on track. (Trigger Warning: Discussion of sensitive mental health topics.) This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101" course, Shemen Dental, and Texas Tech Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology in Canyon.
A conversation with Emily Hunt, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering at WTAMU and the CEO/Founder of BTG Products. Hunt's research focus is novel nanostructured materials and has included work for the U.S. Department of Defense. In the process, she's also figured out commercial uses for her antimicrobial products, which you can now find at Lowe's and Home Depot. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Hunt shares about being one of few women in her field when she started, about the nanotechnology she has developed, and what it could mean for the Panhandle's future. This episode is sponsored by Discover Amarillo and Texas Tech Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology in Canyon.
A conversation with Todd McLees, the Managing Partner at Innovation Outpost, an innovative new learning center associated with Amarillo College. McLees came specifically to Amarillo to work for this initiative after several decades as an executive in the tech world. McLees shares with host Jason Boyett about his short career as the Milwaukee Bucks mascot, why Amarillo is becoming a hub for technical skills, and how Innovation Outpost helps individuals gain credentials that make a difference in career trajectory. This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child, Wieck Realty and US Cleaners.
A conversation with Tim Oditt, Head of School at Ascension Academy. Oditt arrived in Amarillo in the summer of 2020 to guide this college-prep school, after having spent the previous decade at a private school in Ohio and a military academy in Virginia. Oditt is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne. In this episode, he shares with host Jason Boyett about his career in private schools, the role Ascension plays in the local education sphere, and why his family was so glad to return to West Texas. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, Blue Handle Publishing and KWTS “The One.”
A conversation with Skylar Gallop, a former TV news reporter and anchor who now serves as the Texas Panhandle Regional Advocacy Director for Raise Your Hand Texas. A WT graduate, Gallop spent several years in the San Angelo and Tyler media markets before returning to this area. She shares with host Jason Boyett about her TV news career—and why she stepped away from it. She also details her stint as the Communications Director for the Williams Group in Amarillo and why she now advocates for public schools across the Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by PestTex Pest Control and KWTS “The One.”
A conversation with Leslie Massey, a Farmers Insurance Agent in Amarillo and co-owner of The Shop, an event venue. After an early career selling online advertising for the newspaper, Massey changed careers after the 2008 financial crisis. She explains to host Jason Boyett how she built up her insurance business, the challenges the industry is facing today, and why she also helps manage an event venue. They also discuss her home, which was originally built by the legendary gambler Amarillo Slim. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, KWTS “The One,” and La-Z-Boy Furniture.
A conversation with Donivan Blair, an Amarillo resident who lives here but travels all over the world as the bassist for the rock band The Toadies, which he joined in 2008. Over the past couple decades he has recorded 17 albums—several with the band Hagfish, which he founded—and performed in hundreds of venues. Doni also holds a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo, is learning Jiu Jitsu, and is the author of the memoir Even If It Kills Me, a book about martial arts, rock and roll, and mortality. This episode is sponsored by Discover Amarillo, KWTS “The One,” and Purpose + Passion Boutique.
A conversation with Rickie Johnson, a motivational speaker in Amarillo who specializes in financial literacy seminars. His family moved frequently when Johnson was a kid—he grew up in Pampa, Tulia, and various stints in Amarillo. He tells host Jason Boyett how his upbringing in a low-income household convinced him most families didn't struggle with a lack of income, but a lack of knowledge about how to handle money when it was available. Johnson's work in sales and exposure to colleagues making better financial decisions inspired him to help others learn good money habits. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and US Cleaners.
A conversation with Rickie Johnson, a motivational speaker in Amarillo who specializes in financial literacy seminars. His family moved frequently when Johnson was a kid—he grew up in Pampa, Tulia, and various stints in Amarillo. He tells host Jason Boyett how his upbringing in a low-income household convinced him most families didn't struggle with a lack of income, but a lack of knowledge about how to handle money when it was available. Johnson's work in sales and exposure to colleagues making better financial decisions inspired him to help others learn good money habits. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and US Cleaners.
A conversation with Lilia Escajeda, a retired banker and long-time community leader. Born in El Paso, Escajeda arrived in Amarillo in the 1970s. Upon being hired by Amarillo National Bank, she became the first female loan officer of any bank in Amarillo. She spent decades at ANB before retiring in 2010, after which she served elected terms as the first Mexican-American woman on the Amarillo College Board of Regents as well as the Amarillo City Council. Escajeda shares with host Jason Boyett about her upbringing, why she's so involved in the community, and how she believes Amarillo needs to continue to grow. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Book Puma Online.
A conversation with Randy Ray, Director of Broadcast Engineering at West Texas A&M University and a Canyon City Commissioner. A native of Pampa, Ray graduated from WT before spending the next 15 years in Nashville, where he ended up managing the huge Sunset Studios. He returned to WT in 2002 to help design the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. Ray shares with host Jason Boyett about his stint in a prominent Christian rock band, the opportunity that brought him back to the Panhandle, and why he's excited about Canyon's future. This episode is sponsored by Purpose + Passion Boutique.
A conversation with Randy Ray, Director of Broadcast Engineering at West Texas A&M University and a Canyon City Commissioner. A native of Pampa, Ray graduated from WT before spending the next 15 years in Nashville, where he ended up managing the huge Sunset Studios. He returned to WT in 2002 to help design the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. Ray shares with host Jason Boyett about his stint in a prominent Christian rock band, the opportunity that brought him back to the Panhandle, and why he's excited about Canyon's future. This episode is sponsored by Purpose + Passion Boutique.
A conversation with Lindsay Irwin, who owns CannFusion Juice with her husband, Jarratt. After attending high school and college in the Metroplex area, Lindsay traveled for several years around the United States before landing in Amarillo. Once here, she helped found the Amarillo Community Market, taught school, and launched CannFusion, a brand of juice shots blended with hemp-derived CBD and THC. She tells host Jason Boyett about the personal value of her itinerant years and how the market for cannabinoid products is changing. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app and Reviews by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Eric Gomez, principal of the new West Plains High School in the Canyon Independent School District. Gomez is not only in the process of staffing the first new high school in the city in decades, but also helping establish its culture and personality. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, the former coach shares how he found his way into education, how a personal tragedy forged a powerful connection with the community, and how he feels with the first semester at West Plains just a few days away. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture, Wieck Realty and PestTex Pest Control.
A conversation with Kim May, the CEO/Founder at Nobox Creative, a strategic marketing firm. Kim grew up in Denver but arrived in Amarillo as a young adult after fleeing domestic violence. In Amarillo she found a place to start over and spent the next decade in the early cellular phone industry. She tells host Jason Boyett how she found her footing in telecommunications, shifted careers as the industry changed, and now applies her marketing mindset to businesses, nonprofits, and even political campaigns as an advertising strategist. This episode is sponsored by Book Puma Online, Purpose + Passion Boutique, and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Johnny Terra, an Amarillo-based CPA and partner at LPT CPAs + Advisors. Johnny grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but came to the Texas Panhandle on a full basketball scholarship to Wayland Baptist University. He remained in the area after college, and work eventually brought him to Amarillo. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Terra shares about the culture shock of his arrival in Plainview, why he and his family made Amarillo home, and how he recently merged his CPA firm with Lovelady, Christy and Associates to form LPT CPAs. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Get Hey Amarillo Beerfest tickets.
A conversation with Courtney White, assistant city attorney for the City of Amarillo. Growing up the daughter of two lawyers, White initially started her legal career in a local firm before shifting her attention to municipal law—one of the most generalist occupations within the legal community. White tells host Jason Boyett what she loves about being a "low-level bureaucrat," what legal work looks like at City Hall, and why she was nominated this spring to become president-elect of the 35,000-member Texas Young Lawyers Association. (Ultimately White lost that election but enjoyed the campaign process.) This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Jim Womack, Executive Director of Family Support Services. A native of southeast Colorado, Jim arrived in the Panhandle for college, and has since served this area in a variety of different roles from the criminal justice system to the nonprofit world. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Womack shares about leading Family Support Services through a fire that destroyed its headquarters in 2020—all while navigating his own cancer diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, La-Z-Boy Furniture and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Jackie Nammathao Maldonao, a children's ministry director at the Hillside Amarillo North Grand Campus. Jackie was born in the United States, but her parents arrived in Amarillo as refugees from Laos. She grew up navigating a distinctly multicultural space, honoring her family's traditions while also fully embracing her American identity. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, she shares about her upbringing, her struggles with identity and belonging, and how she transitioned from her Buddhist upbringing into the Christian faith. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
In a special Father's Day episode, 19 year-old Owen Boyett interviews his dad, Hey Amarillo host Jason Boyett, about parenting and fatherhood. Owen is a psychology student at Texas A&M University and, in this intimate conversation between father and son, the two discuss parenting, family proximity, growing up in Amarillo, and Jason's relationship with his own father, the late architect Mike Boyett. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Taylor Van Valkenburg, the VP of Operations at U.S. Cleaners, a local dry-cleaning business. After growing up here, Taylor didn't think she would return to Amarillo—and definitely didn't plan to lead the family business. But she found out that Amarillo is a fantastic place for entrepreneurship, and U.S. Cleaners has grown significantly in the past few years. She tells host Jason Boyett about her path back home, how the pandemic forced necessary business changes, and how U.S. Cleaners is navigating the current economy. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, the Discover Amarillo app and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Josué "Sway" Navarro, the entrepreneur and barber behind the new Renovated Esthetics brand. Sway was born in Durango, Mexico, but grew up in Amarillo. He taught himself to cut hair while attending Caprock High School, converting his tiny bedroom into a makeshift salon to help out his single mom. After graduating, Sway connected with high-profile barbers across the U.S. and moved to Denver, where he became the unofficial team barber for the Denver Nuggets. During a return trip to Amarillo from his new home in L.A., he tells host Jason Boyett how his career developed—and what's coming next. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Gloria Cabrera, a certified health and life coach who works with women who want to lose weight. Raised in Puerto Rico by Cuban parents, Cabrera moved to Amarillo in the 1990s as a young mom with three young children. She set aside her psychology career in the process, only to return to the workforce when her kids had grown—and when her own personal weight gain required some lifestyle changes. Cabrera tells host Jason Boyett about her move to Amarillo, the dangers of emotional eating, and why she's passionate about helping women navigate their 40s and beyond. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty, La-Z-Boy Furniture and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Dr. Erin Avirett, an Amarillo-based child psychologist. A specialist in school neuropsychology, Avirett performs neuropsychological assessment and therapy for children and teenagers all over the Texas Panhandle. She also one of the founders of Mind & Child, an online parenting course designed to improve child-parent relationships. In this conversation, she tells Jason Boyett how she found her way into her career, how psychological evaluations can help children, and why the pandemic so dramatically increased kids' anxiety. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Jay Barrett, a longtime academic administrator and the principal of the new AmTech Career Academy. Opened in Fall 2021 by the Amarillo Independent School District, AmTech won the nationwide "Most Innovative Learning Spaces" award from Tech & Learning Magazine and has gained attention all over the United States. Barrett, who began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and taught English before moving into administration, shares the AmTech origin story—and the potential citywide impact of its learning spaces. This episode is supported by the Discover Amarillo app and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Kristin DeRight, owner of Purpose + Passion Boutique. Many of the fashion, decór and gift products carried by this Wolflin Village shop are designed to give back to other organizations. This focus is a culmination of DeRight's unique background, which includes stints in the nonprofit world, fashion and retail merchandising, and online sales. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, DeRight shares how a string of career opportunities helped steer her to the idea that became her boutique. This episode is supported by Reviews by SKP Creative, Shemen Dental, and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Casie Stoughton, Director of Public Health for the city of Amarillo. Since COVID-19 arrived here in March of 2020, Stoughton has been the public face of the city's pandemic response. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Stoughton shares why she choose public health as a career, how the city rolled out its vaccine distribution so efficiently, and how she and her team have dealt with the mental health aspects of their work over the past two years. This episode is supported by the AC Creative Mind Lecture Series featuring Skip Hollandsworth, the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Chris McGilvery, founder and executive director of the Leaders Readers Network (LRN) and a Ph.D. student at Texas Tech University. A long-time educator who came to Amarillo after stints in central Texas, New York State, and the Caribbean island of Dominica, McGilvery started his nonprofit to help improve literacy programming in local school districts. He tells host Jason Boyett how the grassroots LRN ensures equitable education and literacy for all students. This episode is supported by the AC Creative Mind Lecture Series featuring Skip Hollandsworth, the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Kaytie Gann, the owner and creator of Hollow Dot Designs. After living in Canada and Europe, Gann eventually settled in Amarillo and launched her jewelry brand in 2016. Her delicate Welded Forever bracelets—which are permanently attached to the wrist—have gained a huge local following, turning jewelry-buying into an immersive experience. She tells host Jason Boyett how her business developed and why Amarillo has proven to be the perfect place to experiment. This episode is sponsored by TEXAS Outdoor Musical and the Discover Amarillo app.
A conversation with Dr. Priscella Correa, Assistant Professor of Nursing at West Texas A&M University. Originally from southwest Kansas, Correa entered nursing after seeing the ways her parents were treated by the medical profession. She tells host Jason Boyett how she now hopes to educate the next generation of nurses to provide care without bias. Correa is just one of 12 Texans chosen this year for the Career and Leadership Development Institute of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. This episode is sponsored by TEXAS Outdoor Musical, Blue Handle Publishing and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Eric Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Education Credit Union. Jenkins has been working in the credit union world for decades, but only came to ECU—and Amarillo—in 2019. He's originally from South Carolina and spent the last several years in Atlanta. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his decision to move to Amarillo, what impresses him about this community, and what role a credit union plays in the financial world. He also reveals details about Education Credit Union's innovative new Buff $mart program at WT. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Vicki Wilmarth, an employment law attorney and business transactions lawyer with more than 30 years in the business. With host Jason Boyett, Wilmarth details the challenges local businesses have faced over the past two years, and also helps explain the worker shortages that persist today. Vicki is also a passionate birder and photographer, and shares why the Texas Panhandle is such a great place for bald eagles and other species. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and CSAW's Nall Lecture featuring Red Steagall.
A conversation with Joe Bill Sherrod, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Amarillo College and Executive Director of the AC Foundation. What those two lengthy titles mean is that, among other duties, Sherrod serves as an institutional fundraising professional. He spent several years in a similar role for WTAMU, preceded by careers in personal insurance and youth ministry. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Sherrod details his unique resume, his decision to live in Amarillo, and why Panhandle people are so generous. This episode is sponsored by Union Hall and La-Z-Boy.
A conversation with Glenda Moore, the proprietor of Kind House Ukraine Bakery, an Amarillo nonprofit that has been raising money for Ukraine since 2014. A former elementary teacher and assistant principal, Moore fell in love with Ukraine and its people after a mission trip. She began baking to raise money for Ukrainians in need, and eventually left her education career to manage Kind House full time. Moore tells host Jason Boyett how Kind House began, what locals need to know about the invasion, and what the past three weeks have been like for her friends in Ukraine. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Discover Amarillo.
A conversation with Stephen Crandall, the newly named artistic director for the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Currently finishing up a career as Department Head and Professor of Theatre at WTAMU, Crandall will assume his new leadership position for the 56th season of the storied musical in Palo Duro Canyon. In this episode, Crandall shares with host Jason Boyett about his acting career before WT, his portrayal of protagonist Calvin Armstrong in 1999, and his thoughts about breathing fresh air into this long-running musical. This episode is sponsored by Union Hall Workspace and PestTex Pest Control.
A conversation with Gayle Callahan, the President and CEO of Plains Plumbing. After a multi-faceted career that included a stint as a corporate pilot, Gayle assumed leadership of a multi-generational family business after her husband's death from cancer. Today, the Amarillo-based Plains Plumbing serves customers from Georgia to California. In this episode, Gayle shares with Jason Boyett about her incredible career, including a promise she made—and broke—about maintaining the family business. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Katie Wieck, the broker/owner of Wieck Realty. After growing up in and around a variety of Amarillo schools, Katie got into the real estate business within a year of her high school graduation. Incredibly, she bought her first home at the age of 19. In this episode, Wieck tells host Jason Boyett how she got into the business, why she decided to become a broker, and what's happening right now in Amarillo's wild housing market. This episode is sponsored by The Union Hall Workspace.
A conversation with John Forbis, coordinator of district communications for Canyon ISD. A former teacher and administrator, Forbis arrived in Amarillo several years ago after working in the Metroplex and in Bryan/College Station. He and his family ended up falling in love with this area. Forbis shares with host Jason Boyett details about the new West Plains High School, how he uses social media to recruit teachers, and why the Canyon school district is growing so fast. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and La-Z-Boy.
A conversation with Strecia McCaig, owner of On Target Amarillo and an honorably retired sergeant with the Amarillo Police Department. After 26 years of service with APD, McCaig opened a firearms training business that specializes in teaching women how to shoot or hunt. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about being one of just a few female officers at APD, her path from patrol officer to sergeant, and why she's passionate about using her business to empower women. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Trevor Caviness, the president of Caviness Beef Packers, a multi-generational family business that processes nearly a million head of cattle per year. Despite being privately owned, Caviness is one of the largest beef-packing businesses in the United States, with products sold around the world. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Trevor discusses his decision to work for the family business, Caviness's position in the beef industry, and its progressive approaches to food safety and sustainability. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Marcie Steward, a local entrepreneur and minister who works at Park Central. Marcie grew up in Amarillo, dropped out of high school, and became homeless—as a single mother—before getting back on her feet through the assistance of Martha's Home. With host Jason Boyett, Marcie shares how she overcame those challenges through a combination of grit, faith, and the safety net Martha's Home provided. In fact, in the years since, Marcie has earned her GED and even started and sold a successful small business. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Charles D'Amico, the owner-operator of local Jimmy John's locations and the proprietor of Blue Handle Publishing and Book Puma. D'Amico grew up in Detroit but moved his family to Amarillo when he saw an opportunity to buy three existing franchise locations. He tells host Jason Boyett why he specifically chose this area to sell sandwiches, why he writes thrillers and started an indie publishing company, and how Amarillo customer complaints differ from Santa Fe complaints. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy.
A conversation with Suzanne Talley, the executive director of the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, an organization that helps the families of local firefighters and peace officers who are killed in the line of duty. Before that, she spent 17 years as the executive director of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. Suzanne tells host Jason Boyett about her two decades in the nonprofit world, how the 100 Club "fills in the gaps," and how the blood center navigated the pandemic. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Book Puma Online.
A conversation with Lance Garza, owner of Bitter Buffalo Records and one of the partners at Caliche. Lance grew up in Amarillo before departing during his high school years. But in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, he and his wife decided to move back here from Chicago. More than a year later, Lance tells host Jason Boyett about the growth and opportunity he recognized in Amarillo—especially within the local creative scene—and why that encouraged him to invest in this community. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative.
In a special year-end episode, Hey Amarillo host Jason Boyett and editor Angelina Marie answer listener-submitted questions about the podcast, including surprises during recording, Jason's vocal tics, how he chooses guests, what Angelina edits out, and a lot more. They also discuss Amarillo itself: local "hidden gems," their individual Amarillo-related worries, and what their dreams are for the city. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app, SKP Creative and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
Jason's father, Mike Boyett, passed away on December 16, 2021, after a year-long journey with cancer. As a result, there will not be a new Hey Amarillo episode this week. Instead, host Jason Boyett has recorded a quick message for listeners. Read Mike Boyett's obituary here. Contribute to the T. Mike Boyett Memorial Scholarship Fund here.
A conversation with Jim Whitton, who is officially retired but has made enormous contributions helping connect Storybridge to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Jim has had an incredibly diverse career, from international banking to talent representation in New York City to marketing at Hastings in the 1990s, followed by a lengthy tenure with The Hunger Project. He tells host Jason Boyett about the various stages of his career, how they led him to Amarillo, and why he decided to stay. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Claudia Stuart, recently named Distinguished Alumni at West Texas A&M University. Decades ago, she became WT's first full-time, African American female faculty member and authored several books, including African Americans in Amarillo, which she cowrote. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Stuart shares about growing up in Germany, being one of the first Black students at WT, and her incredibly diverse career in sociology, criminal justice and other fields. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Angela Workman, the proprietor of Aunt Eek's Books & Curiosities on historic 6th Street in Amarillo. Angela grew up in rural Amarillo, married early and left town. She eventually found her way back to Amarillo, where she spent time in the antiques world and working in temp agencies. Last year, during the pandemic, she opened the popular Aunt Eek's with a desire to create something fresh and new on 6th with a truly distinct personality. She tells host Jason Boyett that story in this episode, which is sponsored by La-Z-Boy and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Jill Goodrich, the executive director of Opportunity School. A native of Nebraska, Jill first came to Amarillo as an intern during her college years. She then spent the first decades of her career in marketing and communications—work that eventually brought her back to Amarillo. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Jill shares how she found her way into the nonprofit world and why early childhood education can be such a powerful force. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app.
A conversation with Natalie Schlabs, a Nashville singer-songwriter who grew up in Hereford and spent the first few years of her music career in Amarillo. After working in the food and catering for a few years, Schlabs eventually moved to Nashville to take her burgeoning music career more seriously. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about getting her start singing in church, the early influence of former podcast guest Ryan Culwell, and how the Amarillo area continues to inform her songwriting. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with the Honorable Judge Doug Woodburn of the 108th District Court in Potter County. A long-time family law attorney before his election in 2008, Woodburn is nearing his retirement. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, he shares why he committed so much time to family law, why he decided to run for judge several terms ago, and how the actual courtroom differs from what we see on television. Woodburn also shares about the new indigent defense plan he helped launch for Potter County. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Susan Sherali, a third-year medical student and one of nine Afghani siblings who arrived as refugees in 2000. Susan and her family fled the Taliban and happened to end up in Amarillo—and two decades later, continue to love living here. Susan tells host Jason Boyett about learning English at Lamar Elementary and First Baptist Church, practicing her Islamic faith in a predominantly Christian area, and why she's so grateful for the opportunities she's been given. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Brady Clark, the co-founder and executive director of Square Mile Community Development, an organization working to bring long-term improvements to the San Jacinto neighborhood. A former pastor and veteran nonprofit consultant, Brady spent several years working in inner-city Dallas before returning to his hometown. He tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in Amarillo's 1990s punk scene, what makes the SanJac neighborhood unique, and how Amarillo drew him back home. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Josh Gilmore, RN, a medical ICU nurse by day and a concert promoter by night. Gilmore has been in healthcare since graduating from Tascosa High a few years ago, and finished his RN degree right in the middle of the pandemic. He tells host Jason Boyett about working in a local COVID unit, as well as about his side hustle bringing headliners like Genuwine and Dru Hill to the area through Nfinity Entertainment. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app and Brick & Elm Magazine.
A conversation with Helen Burton, the small business owner behind Burton Insurance and Burton Leadership Solutions. Recipient of the 2019 Hispanic Woman of the Year award, Burton grew up in the Barrio neighborhood before attending Amarillo College as a single mom—and represented the first in her family to pursue higher education. She tells host Jason Boyett about her career path, breaking stereotypes, and why she is optimistic about the local business community. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.
A conversation with Richard Walton, a partner at NCW Risk Management. Walton spent several years working in Dallas before making the calculated decision to return to Amarillo. (His DFW friends staged an intervention.) Walton specializes in health insurance, and tells host Jason Boyett about the complexities of that world, along with what it's like working for a 95-year-old, generational business like NCW. They also speak about intentional parenting and why Amarillo is such a good place to base a business. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Andrew Hall, chair and founder of the Hoodoo Mural Festival, an organization bringing large-scale public art to downtown Amarillo. Hall grew up in Amarillo but left during his college years. He launched a financial services career before moving back home several years later, at which point he noticed his hometown still lacked the cultural elements—including murals—he'd appreciated elsewhere. Hall tells host Jason Boyett how he helped bring high-profile artists to the inaugural 2019 Hoodoo festival and is also working hard to make the 2021 event a success. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, Amarillo's WIC Nutrition Program and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Jeremy Bradford, Vice President of Development at the Hope to Opportunities Foundation, which supports Advo Companies. Bradford shares with host Jason Boyett about how Advo provides training, work opportunities and residential housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A veteran of nonprofit work in the Metroplex area before returning to Amarillo, Bradford discovered our city to be a "hidden gem" of philanthropy. This episode is sponsored by NCW, the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, and Amarillo's WIC Nutrition Program.
A conversation with Katie Blake, PhD, a social psychologist who teaches at Amarillo College and is a Masters-level yoga instructor. Though based in Amarillo, she also hosts a virtual community of women all over the world who are in the process of deconstructing their faith. Dr. Blake tells host Jason Boyett why a reevaluation of religious traditions and beliefs can be so valuable—and why relationships and support are critical during that process. This episode is sponsored by NCW, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Larry Borger, owner of Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm. A former builder and developer with a degree in finance, Borger found his way into agricultural tourism around 14 years ago. Agritourism become a big deal and Maxwell's was one of the first of these kinds of local destinations. With host Jason Boyett, Borger shares the Maxwell's origin story, how he develops new, family-friendly activities, and how the economics of a seasonal business work during the rest of the year. This episode is sponsored by NCW, Shemen Dental and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Lori Crofford, a longtime local radio personality and now the Resource Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Panhandle. Originally a Hereford native, Crofford shares with host Jason Boyett about the past two decades of change she's seen in the local radio industry, how she transitioned out of radio into the nonprofit world, and why mentorship can be so influential in the life of a child. This episode is sponsored by NCW and the WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Gus Trujillo, the former office manager of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the 2020 Democratic congressional candidate for Texas District 13. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Trujillo describes growing up in Amarillo's Barrio neighborhood, his work interning for former U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry in Washington, and what he learned about this area while running for Congress himself. This episode is sponsored by NCW, SKP Creative, and Pesttex.
A conversation with Traci Mahannah of the Acupuncture and Holistic Medicine Clinic in Amarillo. One of the first state-licensed acupuncturists in the Panhandle, Traci has been providing pain relief and alternative therapy to locals for more than 15 years. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Traci describes how she encountered Chinese medicine after relocating to Austin, and why she decided to bring the practice to Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by the WT Enterprise Center and Brick & Elm Magazine.
A conversation with Zivorad Filipovic, director of marketing and communications for High Plains Food Bank. Z first came to the U.S. as a refugee from Serbia during the Balkans crisis in the 1990s. He learned English at Sam Houston Middle School and became the first in his family to graduate from college. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Z describes his intense upbringing, the Amarillo teachers who invested in him, and how he found a home in Amarillo's nonprofit world. This episode is sponsored by Little Texas for TEXAS, Shemen Dental and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Jimmy Lackey, President and CEO of Kids, Incorporated, the nonprofit youth sports organization that celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Lackey tells how he arrived at the iconic organization in the 1990s, how he helped bring Kids Inc online in the early days of the internet, and how Cal Farley and a few friends originally founded the program in the 1940s. This episode is sponsored by the WT Enterprise Center and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Abi Rivera, owner of The Society Barbershop. The first of her family to graduate from high school, Rivera has found success with her upscale shop, which specializes in men's cuts and beard services. She only opened a year ago but is already launching a second Amarillo location. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Rivera reveals why Amarillo was the perfect place to start her business. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, SKP Creative and Jimmy John's.
RERELEASE: A conversation with R. Taylor Moore, a former CIA operative and the author of the thriller Down Range, set in the Panhandle. Taylor grew up in South Texas, traveled the world, and found his way into a decade-long career in intelligence. With host Jason Boyett, he shares how he arrived in Amarillo "kicking and screaming" but saw that decision launch his writing career—and change the direction of his life. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and the WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Julian Reese, head coach of the Amarillo Venom and a co-owner of Golden Gate Mortuary. Reese arrived in Amarillo as a football prospect hoping the Arena League would offer a path to the pros. He ended up staying, getting married, and coaching the local indoor football team. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Reese details his unconventional career paths and why he's chosen to stay in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, Shemen Dental and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Shawn Kennedy, executive director of Blank Spaces Murals & Gallery. Kennedy teaches art at Caprock High School and guides this local mural group—made up of high school students—which is responsible for 20-plus public murals in and around Amarillo. He tells host Jason Boyett about his temporarily itinerant life after high school, the deep educational value of Blank Spaces, and how art is a form of storytelling. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, the WT Enterprise Center, and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Ryan Culwell, a Texas Panhandle native and former Amarillo resident now working in Nashville as a singer-songwriter. Culwell's acclaimed album Flatlands was inspired by this area, and his recent work has won further accolades. Returning to Amarillo for a show at the Golden Light, he shares with host Jason Boyett about his career, his influences, and why he kept returning to Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like a Hole" during the pandemic. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, SKP Creative and Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Viv Salomon, the Amarillo-based host of the national podcast How to Liv with Viv. Originally from Borger, Salomon ended up in Amarillo after college and works in the world of physical therapy. But she's passionate about mental health and helping others, like her, navigate successfully through their 20s. She tells host Jason Boyett about her upbringing, her career path, and the friendships that sparked her popular inspirational podcast. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Doug Lill, a local pharmacist, nutritionist and supplements expert at Drug Emporium. A local TV fixture as "Pharmacist Doug," Lill spent his career traveling the world as a relief pharmacist before returning to Amarillo a decade ago. After having grown up in this area, his travels helped him come to terms with who he is—and gave him a more positive perspective on the city as a result. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, Shemen Dental and Wieck Realty.
In this special 200th episode of Hey Amarillo, host Jason Boyett takes a seat on the other side of the mic, interviewed by KAMR Local 4 News anchor Jackie Kingston. They discuss his early career, the books he's written, how he chooses guests for the podcast, his new print magazine Brick & Elm, and the overall media landscape in Amarillo. Plus, Jason offers his answers to the typical Eight Straight questions. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, the WT Enterprise Center, and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Hayden Baca, an IT specialist and the owner of UnSavvy Strategy, a company that provides one-on-one technology assistance for senior adults. After 10-year career providing customer support for tech corporations, including Apple and AT&T, Baca returned to Amarillo to launch her small business. She tells host Jason Boyett why Amarillo was the perfect place to introduce this unique concept. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with chef Ronnie Granger, the owner of Sunday's Kitchen, a downtown cajun and creole restaurant. Granger isn't from here and didn't always dream of opening a restaurant, but something special happened after he arrived in Amarillo. With vulnerability and gratitude, he tells host Jason Boyett how Sunday's Kitchen started, how he weathered the pandemic, and why a city far from the Gulf Coast has become his home. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, the WT Enterprise Center and TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
A conversation with Vimal "Vic" Ragha, a local hotelier who owns and operates several hotels and motels along I-40. HIs family-owned Ragha Group currently oversees four properties in the city, with three more in the planning process. Ragha shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up in a motel, his return to the family business, and why Amarillo has such a robust hospitality industry (Hint: I-40). He also reveals how he and his staff weathered the pandemic. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Karen Talley, who just retired after a long career with Christian Relief Fund, which was founded in Amarillo 50 years ago by her father, Baxter Loe. Talley was the last Loe family member still working for this humanitarian organization, helping oversee operations in more than 20 countries worldwide. She shares with host Jason Boyett the inspiring story of how CRF began and the work it continues to do while based in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and the WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Chris Podzemny, a local cyclist and trail-builder working with the Fairly Foundation and Six Pack Outdoors. Podzemny and his volunteers have carved dozens of miles of mountain-biking, running and hiking trails in the area, from Palo Duro Canyon to Dalhart. He tells host Jason Boyett about the trail-building process, why cities like Amarillo and Borger value his skills, and why he's so excited about the trails he's building at the Rick Klein Complex in east Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and Brick & Elm magazine.
A conversation with Michele McAffrey, a local magazine publisher who has partnered with host Jason Boyett to launch Brick & Elm, a new print magazine celebrating Amarillo. With the first issue releasing in May, McAffrey tells Jason how she transitioned from a cosmetics industry career into a publishing career, how she built and guided a previous magazine, and how she and Jason ended up in a position to start something new. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and the WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Michael Haning, who runs DISCO, Inc. as his day job and, on the side, is one of the founders of Amarillo Acton Academy. His unique resume gives this episode a broad set of topics, as Haning tells host Jason Boyett about bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the industrial trades and rethinking the ways we prepare kids for their career paths. Also: What was it like to launch a new private school model during a pandemic? This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Melanie Eggleston, a massage therapist for 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center and a death doula. Melanie arrived in this area more than a decade ago from Chicago. She tells host Jason Boyett about the slow process of finding her place in the Panhandle and how her ongoing work with cancer patients evolved into a new career as an end-of-life doula—a profound and unique caregiving role in which she supports individuals who have terminal illnesses. This episode is sponsored by Terra Accounting and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Aloni Ndihokubwayo, the young entrepreneur behind the Amarillo-based F8TH Industry clothing company. A recent high school graduate, his family is originally from Burundi and Aloni first arrived in the U.S. with refugee status from Tanzania. With host Jason Boyett, he shares about experiencing culture shock in Texas, why so many refugees are driven to succeed, and how the "melting pot" of Palo Duro High School propelled him to pursue big dreams today. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Jon Revett, a local artist, tenured professor and director of the art program at WTAMU. Besides being a talented artist whose art has been shown nationally, Revett is an expert on Robert Smithson's Amarillo Ramp, a world-famous work of land art that is practically unknown by locals. With host Jason Boyett, Revett shares about his career path, the unique Amarillo art scene, and his connection to the complicated legacy of Stanley Marsh. This episode is sponsored by Terra Accounting and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Deetress Peoples, the Canyon resident behind the "Black is Beautiful" book project and a member of WT's Faculty and Staff Diversity and Inclusion Council. With host Jason Boyett, Peoples shares how parenting propelled her into community activism. She shares about her upbringing, driving for Uber in Amarillo, and why uplifting the local community of Black residents in Amarillo and Canyon is so important to her. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Jami Cowart, voter registration coordinator for the Amarillo League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization. Cowart grew up in Amarillo before moving away as a college student. She spent the next two decades living in and around Nashville before returning to her hometown. With host Jason Boyett, Cowart discusses how Amarillo has changed, why she got into politics, and why the upcoming local election is so significant for Amarillo's future. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Terra Accounting & Consulting.
A conversation with Molly Dyer, an Amarillo resident and the host of the popular "Witchcraft Off the Beaten Path" podcast. Molly grew up in a very conservative faith tradition, but today describes herself as a witch and practitioner of paganism. With host Jason Boyett, she describes arriving in Amarillo a few years ago from the Texas Hill Country after a career in law enforcement. Despite an outlook that may set her at odds with most local religious beliefs, Molly says, "I absolutely LOVE Amarillo."
A conversation with Lonnie Shaw, the owner of SkyWest Assisted Living in Amarillo and Canyon. A long-time entrepreneur, Lonnie has owned and operated multiple businesses, from janitorial services to remodeling and restoration. He bought SkyWest after his father became a resident there. Several years later, he'd be enduring the biggest challenge of his career. With host Jason Boyett, Shaw shares about his unusual career path and how COVID impacted life and work in a facility like his. This episode is sponsored by Terra Accounting & Consulting and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Marcy McKay, a local, award-winning novelist and the author of the recent book, When Life Feels Like a House Fire: Transforming Your COVID-19 Stress. McKay and her family survived a house fire in their Wolflin home several years ago. She draws on that experience to share with host Jason Boyett how anxiety, insomnia, depression and other tensions all relate to trauma. She also details the ways Amarillo continues to inform her writing. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Brian Hudson, a project manager with Xcel Energy. Trained as an aerospace engineer—a literal rocket scientist—Hudson briefly pursued a defense industry career before returning to Amarillo. He recently oversaw the completion of the massive, $900 million Sagamore Wind Project, which provides clean energy to residents of the Texas Panhandle. With host Jason Boyett, Hudson shares why he came back to Amarillo, how COVID restrictions nearly derailed the wind project, and why this area is perfect for renewable energy. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Terra Accounting & Consulting.
A conversation with Ana Ramirez, a senior business consultant with the Small Business Development Center at WTAMU. The daughter of immigrants, Ramirez works almost exclusively with the local Hispanic community. She helps small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate everything from idea generation to market research. She shares with host Jason Boyett how she found her niche in our community and why the Hispanic workforce is so central to Amarillo's future. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Dr. James Avery Rush IV, MD, who goes by the nickname "Jave." A psychiatrist, he shares with host Jason Boyett about the impact of COVID on local residents' mental health, plus his work with elderly dementia patients and a vital new facility coming to Amarillo. He also gives insight into the reason he and his family—including his high-achieving younger brothers and his father—have invested so much in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and Terra Accounting & Consulting.
A conversation with Robyn Bilson, owner of the creative branding agency Hatched Studio. She found her way into her marketing business by way of the fashion world, after launching and learning to market Semblance boutique (now closed) several years ago. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about introducing some of Austin to Amarillo, the state of women's fashion, and why more and more women-owned businesses are taking shape in our city. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Clay Stribling, President/CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation. A Hereford native and former attorney with Brown and Furtunato, Stribling guides this community foundation as it serves the Texas Panhandle, from supporting nonprofits to matching donors with community needs. Clay shares with host Jason Boyett his path into this unique position and why AAF has invested so heavily in the Panhandle's future. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Terra Accounting & Consulting.
A conversation with the Rev. E. Courtney Jones of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. A former science teacher at Boys Ranch High School, Courtney took on a full-time role as, in her words, "some sort of minister" during the pandemic. She and host Jason Boyett discuss Courtney's long, winding path into the ministry from Amarillo to Austin and back to Amarillo, including how she began deconstructing her faith after a dramatic experience in college—and how she has since rebuilt it. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Scott Buchanan of Yellow City Street Food (YCSF). Half of the husband-wife team behind this high-profile restaurant, Scott combines an impressive chef's resume with a punk-rock personality and passion for food. In this episode, he shares with host Jason Boyett about his journey through the Amarillo and Austin restaurant worlds, the YCSF origin story, and why Amarillo needs to keep its talent here instead of exporting it to other cities. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Terra Accounting & Consulting.
RERELEASE: A conversation with Patrick Miller, a local educator and the newly elected president of the Amarillo chapter of the NAACP. Also a member of the Amarillo College Board of Regents, Patrick became the youngest person ever elected to the Board in 2015. In this interview, he tells host Jason Boyett why he got into local politics and discusses his work with refugees at Whittier and Travis. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and originally released February 26, 2018.
RERELEASE: A conversation with Jodi Thomas, a best-selling novelist and member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. An Amarillo native, Jodi has written more than 50 books, from historical romances to contemporary fiction—and many are set in Texas and the Texas Panhandle. With host Jason Boyett, she shares her writing process, how her career began, and why this area is so significant to her work. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and originally released September 17, 2018.
RERELEASE: A conversation with Dr. Ryan Pennington, founder and director of the Refugee Language Project. A linguist by profession, Pennington moved to Amarillo after several years working in Papua New Guinea. Here he discovered an extraordinary refugee population—and set about trying to remove the barriers that kept these residents from success. He and host Jason Boyett talk about Pennington's culture shock, how West Texans and Somalis are alike, and why relationships are key to learning a new language. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and originally released August 13, 2018.
RERELEASE: A conversation with Kristin Babbitt, the entrepreneur behind Dotsy's Boutique in Wolflin Square. Women's fashion is big business in Amarillo, and Dotsy's has carved out a large and loyal following despite tons of local competition. With host Jason Boyett, Kristin shares how she started her boutique, her plans for the future, and why social media remains so central to Dotsy's success. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and originally released October 1, 2018.
RERELEASE: A conversation with architect Mason Rogers of Playa Design Studio, the firm behind several high-profile construction projects in Amarillo—including the Six Car/Crush building on Polk and the new Ronald McDonald House. With host Jason Boyett, Mason talks about the city's architectural history, whether or not Amarillo has a particular "style," and what he thinks the future holds for development and redevelopment. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Bivins Pointe and originally released December 17, 2018.
RERELEASE: A conversation with Stevi Larson, special events coordinator at Sharing Hope Ministry. After years of addiction to heroin, Stevi found herself in the state prison system. During her incarceration, she got in touch with Sharing Hope, based in Amarillo. Stevi tells host Jason Boyett about her past mistakes, why she came to Amarillo after her release, and how Patsy's Place helped Stevi establish her life in a new community. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and originally released March 26, 2018
Due to the current COVID-19 surge in Amarillo and the increasing difficulty of safe, in-person interviews during this moment, Hey Amarillo is going on a brief hiatus. The next few weeks of episodes will feature re-releases of past interviews from the first year of the podcast. In this 5-minute announcement, host Jason Boyett explains this decision.
A conversation with Scarlett Burke, the star, co-creator, director and executive producer of Make It Up as We Go, a new scripted podcast featuring Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and others. Born in Amarillo, Scarlett lived in Canyon before leaving to pursue acting, modeling and songwriting. In this episode, she shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up in Canyon, living in L.A. during the COVID-19 shutdown, and why Amarillo plays such a large role in her popular podcast. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Tremaine Brown of Shi-Lee's Barbecue and Soul Food Cafe. During the pandemic, Tremaine prepared and gave out nearly 90,000 free lunches to local kids. Then he picked up tens of thousands of pounds of trash from north Amarillo neighborhoods. His activism and generosity aren't new, but 2020 offered him an unprecedented opportunity to serve the city he calls home. In this episode, Tremaine shares with host Jason Boyett about his career, his restaurant, and his pursuit of social justice. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
A conversation with Dallas Bell, owner and operator of Burrowing Owl Books, an independent bookstore with two locations. She and her family arrived here from North Carolina when her husband accepted a pediatrics position with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Three years ago, they opened their first bookstore on the Square in Canyon, and recently expanded to Amarillo. Dallas speaks with host Jason Boyett about local entrepreneurship, living near Palo Duro Canyon, the power of books and much more. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Jason Herrick, president of Pantera Energy Company and president of the political action committee Amarillo Matters. An Amarillo native, Jason's lived and worked in Europe before he returned to lead his family's oil and gas company. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his career and his ongoing volunteer efforts with opportunities that impact Amarillo's future, like the Texas Tech vet school and the Civic Center bond campaign. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Nikki Green of Two for the Road, the PBS travel and adventure show she created and cohosts with her husband, Dusty. Nikki tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in Claude, quitting her orthodontic career in her 30s to travel the world, and how COVID-19 has impacted production of their show, which just released its fourth season. Nikki also shares how she and Dusty split production responsibilities and navigate the stress of travel as a married couple. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.
A conversation with Jason Barrett, owner of The 806 Coffee + Lounge and an active community leader in the San Jacinto neighborhood and 6th Street Historic District. The 806 is a coffee shop and vegetarian restaurant specializing in art and live music—and has had enormous influence since it launch in 2007. With host Jason Boyett, Barrett tells the origin story of The 806, details a few of its early controversies, and explains why he is so passionate about breathing new life into a long-neglected neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Jasmine Taylor, owner and operator of the new Oh My Fro Lash Co., an online business based in Amarillo. A former 911 dispatcher and college basketball player, Taylor finally launched her business in the middle of the pandemic after years of dreaming and planning. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about the challenges of being a business owner, the state of Black-owned businesses in Amarillo, and why working for herself proved to be the best fit after years of trying to find her place. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Dr. Paul Matney, the retired past president of Amarillo College. A longtime educator, Matney spent more than three decades teaching media and communications students at WT and AC—while also serving as a weekend weatherman, a baseball umpire, and the face of AC within the larger community. He shares with host Jason Boyett about the broad scope of his career in education, and why we need to keep an eye on Amarillo's history as we look to the city's future. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Melynn Huntley, Elections Administrator for Potter County. With a little over a month before an enormously consequential presidential election, Melynn speaks with host Jason Boyett about her wide-ranging career. How did a former graphic designer end up managing elections—and how will it work during a pandemic? Most importantly, she shares what's on her mind as she coordinates local election equipment, workers, and security in preparation for November 3. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Teresa Kenedy, president of the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee and a retired social worker with Amarillo ISD. Teresa tells host Jason Boyett about growing up as a member of the only Hispanic and Catholic family in a small mountain town. Upon arriving in Amarillo for college, she found a much more robust Hispanic culture—and has since become a community organizer working on behalf of Amarillo's Barrio neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Ali Ramos, a graphic designer and Amarillo native who just graduated with a master's degree in social work from Columbia University. Ali is also a board member for NMD United, a national organization advocating for individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. She shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up with a physical disability, embracing an accidental leadership role in Amarillo, and using her unique perspective to fight injustice. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Bowden Jones Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Consumer Officer at FirstBank Southwest. Bowden is involved with a variety of community nonprofits and is one of the creators of the Northside Toy Drive. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his military-kid upbringing, coming Amarillo after having lived in Panama, how he stumbled into a successful banking career, and why he's optimistic about progress toward racial reconciliation in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Austin Sutter, executive director of the Amarillo Hockey Association. A native of Red Deer, Alberta, he tells host Jason Boyett about arriving in Amarillo 15 years ago as a professional hockey player and deciding to stay even after his playing career ended. He believes Amarillo is on the verge of becoming a thriving hockey city and explains how the Amarillo Ice Ranch—a year-round ice facility currently under construction—will transform local athletics. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Karah Gilbert, the founder of Solidarity Isn't Silent and an employee of Randall County's Youth Center of the High Plains. Karah shares with host Jason Boyett about her work with young people in the criminal justice system. They also discuss her multi-faceted organization, which began this summer as a way to stand up to the injustice faced by Black residents in Amarillo and across the country. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Devenie Graham, artistic director for the brand-new Sharpened Iron Studios, a newly launched company that is working to bring Hollywood-level film and TV production to the Texas Panhandle. An actor/model who worked in New York City and Los Angeles before returning to Amarillo, Devenie shares with host Jason Boyett why Amarillo is the perfect location for a major motion picture studio and how the city can become a cultural character of its own. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Kishore Yalamanchili, MD, a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center assistant professor and local Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care. Having spent the pandemic treating COVID-19 critical care patients—and sharing about it on Facebook—Dr. Yalamanchili shares with host Jason Boyett about his career, his unlikely social media prominence, and why he has chosen to live and practice in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Kyla Frye, Executive Director of the WT Enterprise Center. The Enterprise Center is central to Amarillo's economic ecosystem, and Kyla shares with host Jason Boyett how the WTEC is helping local people launch new businesses and improve existing ones. They also discuss the Wire Accelerator program for early-stage tech startups, including why this area is building a reputation as a great place to start a company. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Mugisha Aime, a mechanical engineer who recently graduated from Texas Tech. After Mugisha's family fled genocide in Rwanda, he grew up in a refugee camp in Tanzania. Eventually they resettled in the U.S. when Mugisha was in his early teens. He shares with host Jason Boyett about what it was like to enter American school with no English, and how one teacher at Palo Duro High School transformed his experience by giving him the confidence to succeed. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex, Shemen Dental and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Megan Eikner, a local agriculture and natural resource agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Her job is wide-ranging and complex, but it’s largely educational in nature. She helps local farmers understand the latest ag science and research, sharing with them the techniques that work best for the Texas Panhandle. A native of southeast Colorado, Megan also explains why she decided to plant herself in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Liz Rascon Alaniz, a doctoral candidate at WTAMU and executive director of the Wesley Community Center. The Wesley is located in the heart of the Hispanic Barrio and has a long history of serving that historic neighborhood. Born in the Texas Panhandle to parents who immigrated from Mexico, Liz shares about her family's search for opportunity, the unique gifts of the Barrio to Amarillo's larger community, and the multiple generations who benefit from the Wesley and its programming. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Michael Timcisko, executive director of the Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (PASO). As Pride month concludes, Michael tells host Jason Boyett about coming of age as a gay man during the height of the AIDS pandemic, and how that has informed PASO’s efforts to serve HIV-positive individuals. (It also has interesting parallels with the current moment, as our society learns to live with a deadly virus.) They also discuss how shifting local attitudes in recent years related to LGBTQ issues have given Michael a sense of hope. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Melodie Graves, Associate Director of Advising at Amarillo College and member of the executive board of the Amarillo Branch of the NAACP. A long-time community activist, she shares with host Jason Boyett about being bussed to south Amarillo from the North Heights, her experience with subtle racism in high school and explicit racism while pursuing her Masters, and what the last few weeks of pandemic and protests have taught her about Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.
“What I'll remember most is...” In mid-May, while cases were still rising in Amarillo and before the worldwide protests following the death of George Floyd, host Jason Boyett asked local listeners to call in and record the events, experiences and feelings they would remember most from the Coronavirus pandemic and shutdown. This final COVID Chronicles episode features the voices and perspectives of 24 different listeners in Amarillo, Canyon and elsewhere in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Blue Handle Publishing. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.
“Value my life as a human being. Cry when you see harm done to a person that looks like me, and do your best to stand beside me.” The murder of George Floyd has sparked national protests across the United States and an unprecedented conversation about race. Against this tragic backdrop, African-American residents of Amarillo share their experiences, their emotions, and their longing for change. Guests include Bowden Jones Jr., Jasmine Taylor, Joseph Peterson, Lia Warren, David Lovejoy and Patrick Miller.
“As a nation, we are in a pain dance.” As May ended, another crisis compounded the pandemic's disruption. Protests spurred by the pain and outrage around racism spilled onto American streets. In this episode, Mayor Ginger Nelson shares with host Jason Boyett about Amarillo’s response to both crises, and the challenge of leading in times of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jackie Kingston of KAMR Local 4 News and Patrick & Krystal Burns of Palace Coffee return to update listeners as the city re-emerges from the shutdown. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.
"It was a nightmare. I can't think of a better word." In this episode, Amarillo residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 share their personal stories. Guests include a local Tyson plant employee still in quarantine, an 82-year-old woman whose husband spent several weeks in the hospital, and a single mom who got the virus from her teenage son. All presented a variety of symptoms and levels of severity. All have recovered. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.
"It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make." Businesses are beginning to reopen around Amarillo. But taking this step is not as simple as unlocking doors or posting a sign. In this episode, local business owners and experts reveal the discussions they're having about moving forward. How do they balance the economy with public health? How do they protect their bottom line while also protecting customers and staff? Guests include Jason Harrison (Amarillo Chamber of Commerce), Kasey Tam (The NAT), Stephanie Henderson (Carpet Tech) and Brian Kelleher (575 Pizzeria). This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
"You have to take every day as a blessing." The pandemic and shutdown have devastated high school seniors, who had the final weeks of their school careers taken away from them. In this episode, a graduating senior from each Amarillo ISD high school shares what it's been like, what they regret, and what they'll remember from this moment. Guests are Shandra Ahsan (Amarillo High), Jared Arellano (Caprock), Kourtni Wilburn (Palo Duro) and Andrew Beggs (Tascosa). This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental. Record a message at 806-318-8918 and you could be on a future episode.
"When people are afraid, they'll believe lies." How are the economic shutdown and pandemic impacting Amarillo's most vulnerable residents? Ryan Pennington tells host Jason Boyett how Amarillo's immigrants and refugees are coping. Junie Wagner explains how Guyon Saunders Resource Center helps the homeless stay safe. Kristi Greenway shares what this moment looks like at Park Central, Amarillo's largest retirement community. And Brooks Boyett of Mission 2540 gives insight into the plight of children in poverty. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.
"It's an ugly death. It is NOT like the flu." Few Amarillo residents know as much about the devastating physical and emotional impact of COVID-19 than local nurses who have been serving in New York City area ICUs. These healthcare workers have seen it up close. In this episode, Monica Blucher, Chuey Hernandez and Amber Lea Edwards tell host Jason Boyett about their experiences. Hernandez just returned home. The others are still on the job in NYC. While Amarillo's cases and hospitalizations increase, these nurses worry that locals aren't taking it seriously enough. This episode is sponsored by PestTex.
"I have to do something. How can I help?" As residents feel the impact of the economic shutdown due to COVID-19, Amarillo people are finding ways to help. Alex Fairly of The Fairly Group explains the company's "Stay Home and Sing" contest, as voting begins with a generous giveaway. Kelsey Forsberg has sewn around 500 cloth masks. Tremaine Brown of Shi-Lee's Barbecue & Soul Food Cafe has given out 30,000 meals to hungry kids. Amarillo College president Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has spent a month manning the AC help desk. These interviews were recorded before April 27, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
Rachael Edwards, a prolific and deeply respected Amarillo artist, passed away on April 15, 2020. She originally appeared as a guest on this podcast in June 2019. In this new episode, host Jason Boyett interviews Amarillo residents Karen Welch, Colin Cummings and Nannette Pilcher about Rachael’s life and legacy, followed by a re-release of part of Rachael’s original interview from last year. Learn more about her career and see some of her work at rachaeledwardswithpaint.com.
"I'm just very proud to be part of Amarillo ISD right now." With Gov. Greg Abbott having announced that Texas schools won't reopen this spring, we look at how the school district has adapted to meet needs during the crisis. Julie Huntley (South Georgia Elementary) and Kisaundra Harris (Tascosa High School) share teachers' perspectives on distance learning. Director of Child Nutrition Matt Buck explains how AISD continues to feed vulnerable kids. And Director of Counseling Tracey Morman details efforts to support 32,000 students across 55 schools. These interviews were recorded April 17, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
"Everything shifted when we started staying home." First, Jason Boyett checks in with Angelina Marie. Then the show features three conversations about opportunity in the midst of trials. Homeschooling veteran Careese Wood advises parents who suddenly find themselves managing a "classroom." Crossfit 806 owner Kyle Cato shares how his gym and community have gone virtual. And WTAMU marketing professor Dr. Nick Gerlich speculates what business might look like on the other side of the pandemic. These interviews were recorded prior to April 16, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
"We've had to make adjustments to everything we do." A tale of two cities: In this episode, the city managers of Amarillo and Canyon discuss their actions in response to the pandemic. What is each city doing to minimize risk for employees and residents? What's happening behind the scenes of the public communication? Are citizens following the stay-at-home orders? Guests are Jared Miller (Amarillo) and Joe Price (Canyon). These interviews were recorded prior to April 13, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.
"Everyone is taking it seriously." Recent episodes have detailed the pandemic's impact in Amarillo, but what about Amarillo people who live elsewhere? This episode tells the stories of COVID-19 in other cities as we check in with former locals who now live across the country. Guests are Micha Boyett-Hohorst (San Francisco), Tom Patterson (New York City), Natalie Schlabs (Nashville) and Jonathan Baker (Portland, Maine). These interviews were recorded on April 8, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's.
"The local banks have been wonderful." COVID-19 cases are rising slowly in Amarillo as business seek a safety net and families deal with financial uncertainty. These interviews were recorded prior to April 6, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Vicki Wilmarth (Wright Wilmarth Byrd PLLC), Matt Morgan (Amarillo Area Foundation), Paige Jones (Fresh Paige Counseling) and Chris Seals (Still Austin). This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer (Shemen Dental).
"It's a patchwork-quilt effort." As Amarillo stays at home, the City has opened up drive-through COVID-19 testing. Local businesses continue shifting to meet needs and manage a public health crisis. These interviews were recorded on April 1, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Casie Stoughton (Amarillo Public Health), David Prescott (Talon/LPE), Dr. Kristina Drumheller (WTAMU) and Cullen Lutz (Panhandle PBS). This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
"We have to be ready to help them." Local families are feeling the impact of job losses and a transformed economy as the nation battles Coronavirus outbreaks. These interviews were recorded on or prior to March 29. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Zack Wilson (High Plains Food Bank), Dr. Kirk Coury (Amarillo Endodontics), Benton Allen & Trent Kelly (BTG Products/WTAMU), and Bobby Lee (The Big Texan). Complete the podcast demographic survey here.
"We are prepared for it." As Coronavirus infections begin to increase in Amarillo, local people discuss the impact on hospitals, grocery stores, churches and education. These interviews were recorded on or prior to March 25. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Dr. Brian Weis (Northwest Texas Hospital), Ken and Jarrett Copheranham (Fiesta Foods), Pastor Manny de los Santos (Power Church) and Anna Kay Reeves. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.
"If you can, you do." This episode features short interviews with Amarillo people about what things look like right now in the city due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Interviews were recorded the afternoon of Sunday, March 22. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Charles D'Amico (Jimmy John's), Lytton St. Stephen (Panhandle COVID-19 Home Help), Katie & Seth Wieck (Wieck Realty, Boys Ranch), and Robin Brewton (Carson Wealth). This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A new podcast format going forward: This episode features short interviews with Amarillo people about what things look like right now in the city due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Interviews were recorded the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Wes Reeves (Xcel Energy), Bekah McWhorter (Bivins Pointe), Jason Burr (NCW), Kyla Frye (WT Enterprise Center), Patrick & Krystal Burns (Palace Coffee) and Jackie Kingston (KAMR Local 4 News). This episode is sponsored by Amarillo La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
A conversation with Neal Nossaman, an Amarillo eye doctor. Neal grew up in Amarillo and, after schooling, returned here to join his father's practice. Today he's a partner at Broome Optical, which started in 1929. With host Jason Boyett, Neal shares about serving in north Amarillo early in his career, what it meant to finally marry his husband Greg, and how they found a church home at St. Andrews Episcopal. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Shilpa Shah, an Amarillo immigration attorney who serves clients around the world. Shilpa grew up in Amarillo—her father was the first Indian-born physician in the city—and speaks with host Jason Boyett about her career, her multicultural upbringing, her Hindu faith and how Amarillo's community of Indian families works to maintain its heritage and traditions in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Jim Livingston, a fine arts photographer known for his Texas Panhandle landscapes as well as his "I Am Rt 66" portrait series. Jim has spent the last decade pursuing photography but has a deep, intriguing resume. He's been a Jesuit priest, spent years as a social worker, and was once technically homeless after being forced to uproot rapidly from his life in Wichita Falls. He and host Jason Boyett discuss these things and more in this episode, sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer of Shemen Dental.
A conversation with Laci Scott, who has spent the last decade working in public health with a focus on refugee resettlement. With host Jason Boyett, she explains her early involvement with the Emergent Village movement in Evangelical Christianity, how she ended up "breaking up with church," the friendliness difference between Amarillo and Kansas City, and what it's like for refugee families when they finally make it to America. This is a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation, sponsored by SKP Creative and the Mani-Camper.
A conversation with Chandra Perkins, founder/director of Storybridge, an Amarillo nonprofit that gives free, age-appropriate books to at-risk children. A longtime educator, Chandra saw that early introduction to books at home was the #1 predictor of academic success for a child. Her kids had dozens of books. Some kids had zero books. With host Jason Boyett, she explains how she set out to rebalance that inequality for Amarillo kids. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Kaleb West, co-owner of Pondaseta Brewing Co., a brewery and taproom on 45th Street in southwest Amarillo. With his friend Trever Martin, Kaleb opened Pondaseta in 2018 after a career installing equipment in other breweries across the country. Having grown up in Canyon, Kaleb explains to host Jason Boyett why he moved back from Austin and Orlando, what makes Amarillo the perfect location for Pondaseta, and how he and Trever turned an old tire shop into a taproom. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Nicole Fleetwood, co-owner of Scratch Made Bakery. Nicole arrived in Amarillo on the heels of winning a Season 7 episode of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. She had been living in North Carolina, but moved after the show aired and found herself having to build a new life—and business—in a new place. With host Jason Boyett, she explains how she ended up on TV, her culture shock upon arriving here, and why she located her bakery downtown. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and Dr. Eddy Sauer.
A conversation with Jeff Justus, community liaison for the Amarillo Fire Department. Despite a long career as a firefighter, Justus also spent several years as a traveling stand-up comic before finally trading that life for one with more stability—a decision that brought him to Amarillo. Today he serves as the public face of AFD in a position he helped create. With host Jason Boyett, Jeff describes the difficulties of performing comedy as well as the unique challenges of firefighting on the High Plains. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Ruby Moreno, executive director of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ruby immigrated to the U.S. when she was very young, grew up in rural Kansas and Wyoming, and made her way to Amarillo by way of West Texas A&M University. In college, a stint interning for the Hispanic Chamber led to her current position. With host Jason Boyett, Ruby talks about local entrepreneurship and the importance of Hispanic- and minority-owned business in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Steve Brown, founder of ROI Online and author of the new book The Golden Toilet. With host Jason Boyett, Steve shares how a former "chicken fried steak guy" and lifelong Amarillo kid had his eyes opened while living in Japan. He finally returned to Amarillo, attended AC as a nontraditional student, found his way into the world of website design and ended up launching a local marketing agency with a national footprint. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and the ManiCamper.
A conversation with Hilary Marie, a local musician and bookkeeper who lived in Borger and New Orleans before making a home in Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Hilary shares the details of her personal story, which involve finding healing—mentally, physically and emotionally—after multiple cycles of addiction and abuse. Their discussion covers plenty of unique territory, from Hilary's American Idol auditions to her discovery of eastern spirituality in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Dr. Eddy Sauer.
A conversation with Fr. Scott Raef of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Canyon. A longtime Amarillo resident, Scott has served in a variety of positions within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Amarillo, including St. Thomas the Apostle Church and St. Mary's Cathedral. With host Jason Boyett, he shares about his career and calling, the Catholic history of Amarillo, and about time he spent during a recent sabbatical driving Lyft and Uber for local residents. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Phyllis Nickum, owner/operator of Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, a tourism company on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Phyllis literally grew up in hotels, spent decades in hotel management and operations—including the Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo—and "retired" to a second career on horseback. She talks to host Jason Boyett about her career, the Ambassador's heyday, and why riding horses in the Panhandle is on so many travelers' bucket lists. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Jennifer Gallardo, a vice president at Amarillo National Bank. Jennifer manages the ANB branch at NE 24th & Grand, where she deals with a remarkably diverse customer base, and has worked at the bank since she was 17. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about her career path, growing up in the Barrio, and her involvement on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex executive committee. In particular, they discuss its needs for the future. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Kent Harris, a working potter and the owner of Blue Sage Pottery. A Missouri native who got a fine arts degree from WTAMU, Kent is one of those unique Amarillo creatives who is making a living as an artist. His stoneware pottery sells online and has appeared in galleries across the United States. With host Jason Boyett, Kent discuses how he and his wife, Megan, built their business, why pottery is so addictive and therapeutic, and how the Texas Panhandle shapes his work. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Emmi Hilbish, an elite wheelchair athlete and graduate of River Road High School. Born with spina bifida, Emmi struggled to walk and was entirely wheelchair-bound by the age of 10. After getting her first sports wheelchair in high school, she discovered a talent for wheelchair basketball, got a full-ride scholarship to the University of Texas at Arlington, and won a national championship with the Lady Movin' Mavs. With host Jason Boyett, Emmi shares about her athletic career as well as the local impact of the organization One Chair at a Time. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Dr. Billy Graves of Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AOMS), one of the nation's largest oral surgery practices. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Graves intentionally picked Amarillo as the place to start his practice after he finished his schooling and residency. With host Jason Boyett, he reveals why Amarillo was his ideal choice, why the people here continue to surprise him, and how AOMS gains national attention through social media, its 4-Hour Smile giveaway and more. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Dajana Johnson, the owner/operator of The Slay Station, a salon at 1st and Polk near downtown Amarillo. Only 22 years old, Dajana is a young entrepreneur who is carving out a career despite the challenges of her low-income upbringing. With host Jason Boyett, Dajana reveals her career path so far, why her salon is only "Level 3" in a multi-step career, and why it's so important for young women like her to see other females and minorities in ownership positions. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).
A conversation with Chris Seals, cofounder and CEO at Still Austin Whiskey Co. An economist who spent the last 15 years in Amarillo, Chris now splits his time between here and Austin, where he runs the first whiskey distillery in the state capital since Prohibition. With host Jason Boyett, Chris reveals how his career developed, why a change in Texas law made Still Austin viable, and why this area is so important to the distillery's latest release. This episode is sponsored by the Mani Camper and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Libby Lane, owner and designer of Libby Lane leather handbags and accessories, an international business based in Amarillo. Libby grew up in Bushland, attended the Art Institute of Chicago, and now assembles each of her products by hand in Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, she explains how her business began, why the Panhandle is so central to her products' story, and how she found balance and simplicity here after having lived in Chicago and New York. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and Dr. Eddy Sauer.
A conversation with Lara Escobar, the executive director of Amarillo Area CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). Lara lived in El Paso, College Station and Lubbock before coming to Amarillo ten years ago. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about her career in social work and public health, what she discovered upon relocating to Amarillo, and how volunteer advocates can change the life of a child in foster care. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).
A conversation with R. Taylor Moore, a former CIA analyst and operative who now lives in Amarillo as a full-time writer of thriller novels. Taylor grew up in South Texas, traveled the world, and found his way into a decade-long career in intelligence. With host Jason Boyett, he shares how, a few years ago, he arrived in Amarillo "kicking and screaming" but saw that decision change the direction of his life. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Lytton St. Stephen, a mental health case manager and relative newcomer to Amarillo. Lytton arrived less than a year ago from Albuquerque, and it gave them an opportunity to reinvent themselves—and embrace their true identity. With host Jason Boyett, Lytton shares about being gender non-binary, finding community, standing out in a conservative place, and why the city has been so pivotal to their growth. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and the Mani-Camper.
A conversation with Howard Smith, a member of the city council and longtime local Realtor. In the mid-20th century, Howard's family operated the historic Hub Clothiers and he was part owner. He also served aboard the USS Guadalcanal when the U.S. Navy ship was used to recover Apollo 9 astronauts after they landed in the Atlantic. With host Jason Boyett, Howard shares about his career, how he's seen the city change, and why he's still passionate about mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex, Jimmy Johns and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Julie Ballard, a recent graduate of the REZ program at Faith City Mission. Now a marketing consultant working on the administrative side of this organization, Julie arrived in Amarillo two years ago after decades of fighting addiction and even homelessness—and her struggles weren't over. With host Jason Boyett, she details her harrowing journey and explains how Faith City helps people like her. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).
A conversation with David Ritchie, pastor of Redeemer Christian Church. David comes from a family with deep West Texas roots, and his church community is also historic. Instead of planting a new church from scratch, he "replanted" Redeemer within a struggling, multi-generational church that dated back to the 1920s. With host Jason Boyett, he shares the Redeemer origin story and explains why it's so crucial for church members to find ways to serve the city. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
A conversation with Becca White, owner and designer of M Street Studio, a jewelry and leather goods company based in Amarillo and shipping handmade products all over the world. Becca first learned jewelry-making at Amarillo High School, started her career in Austin and Dallas, and then returned to Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, she reveals how M Street began, why it has exploded in popularity over the past two years, and how her designs ended up being featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Alex O'Brien, a retired professional tennis player, U.S. Open winner, and the former number-one doubles player in the world (2000). Now the President and CEO of BOC Bank, Alex grew up in Amarillo and decided to bring his family back here after retiring from pro tennis. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Alex's tennis career, the unusual history of his bank, and what advantages Amarillo offers over his former home base of Los Angeles. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Ashley Jourdan, who provides human trafficking prevention and outreach for Family Support Services. Ashley grew up in an itinerant family—spending her first 15 years on the road—and describes Amarillo as the only "home" she's ever had. She and host Jason Boyett discuss her unique upbringing, what human trafficking looks like in the Texas Panhandle, and why it's so vital that she's discovered a powerful, loving community here. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Jimmy John's.
EPISODE 100: First, a quick interview with Hey Amarillo editor Angelina Marie, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Then host Jason Boyett interviews Dexter Cearley, firefighter and host of the Panhandle Primate Podcast, another local interview show which launched around the same time as this one. Dexter opens up about the life and schedule of a local firefighter, the unique concept behind his own podcast, and why Amarillo people are so resilient. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Reagan Hales, Vice President of Business Development at the Amarillo EDC. Reagan has worked in a variety of positions—from high-pressure bond trading to the nonprofit and university worlds—and today works to strengthen local business and attract outside companies to the city. With host Jason Boyett, Reagan explains how she ended up here, why women in leadership need a supportive community, and how Amarillo can tell its story better. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and SKP Creative.
A conversation with Cori Burns, the CEO of Estacar Companies, this podcast's very first corporate sponsor. A former marketing director and current executive coach and entrepreneur, Cori has provided coaching and consulting services to clients ranging from Bar Z Wines locally to international brands like Kate Spade. With host Jason Boyett, she talks about why she chose to live here, why she's so passionate about women in leadership, and why Amarillo remains a fantastic place for entrepreneurship. This episode is sponsored by Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).
A conversation with Wilson Lemieux, a young, Amarillo-based commercial filmmaker and director. In just a few years since graduating from West Texas A&M University, Lemieux has built a reputation for using local talent to create advertising that gets national attention. With host Jason Boyett, he talks about why Amarillo is central to his success and the value of cultivating (and retaining) the city's creative talent. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and Jimmy John's.
A conversation with Anette Carlisle, a certified poverty coach and member of the Amarillo College Board of Regents. Educated as a zoologist, Anette arrived in Amarillo more than two decades ago and immediately turned her leadership skills to public service. She founded Panhandle Twenty/20, which has been instrumental in helping address some of the area's biggest needs. Now that it's almost 2020, Anette and host Jason Boyett reflect on some of those challenges and discuss the future of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Keely Brown, one of the co-founders and directors of Colorful Closets, a nonprofit that provides mini-wardrobes to children in need. Keely tells her organization's origin story to host Jason Boyett, but also shares her personal story—and it's a surprising one. How does a young, vibrant family in a higher-income part of town suddenly end up on the skids, finding themselves with no income, no car, and utilities being turned off? And how do they get through the crisis to the other side? This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Bivins Pointe. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the president of Amarillo College. Born in Slaton and educated at WTAMU, he succeeded Dr. Paul Matney at AC in 2014—and was almost immediately met with a funding crisis. With host Jason Boyett, Lowery-Hart talks about navigating that crisis, learning hard lessons about leadership, and how AC came out stronger on the other side. The two dive deep into his upbringing and career as they discuss what makes the Amarillo area so special. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Dr. Eddy Sauer. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Jenny Inzerillo, the music director at HPPR and host of High Plains Morning, weekdays from 9am to noon on High Plains Public Radio. In 2015, Jenny arrived here from Chicago and St. Louis, which brings her a unique perspective as a former outsider who has become a passionate insider. With host Jason Boyett, she talks about public radio, the local music scene, and why the Texas Panhandle has gotten under her skin. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346). Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Koben Puckett, a local cowboy and Canyon resident who suffered a spinal cord injury while competing in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. The 2008 injury left him a quadriplegic. Now he's a paraplegic and making enormous strides in his recovery. With host Jason Boyett, Koben discusses his career, his injury, the role of stem-cell therapy, and the invitational bull-riding event bearing his name. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and Six Car. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Rachael Edwards, a longtime Amarillo artist known for a diverse body of work, including her annual Back Alley Gallery shows and the enormous mural at Six Car Pub & Brewery. With host Jason Boyett, Rachel describes her upbringing as the daughter of two local jazz musicians, how she has built an art career in a constantly shifting world, and how the idea for her next Back Alley Gallery (June 29) came about. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Support the show via Patreon and grab BeerFest tickets HERE.
A conversation with Jeff Wyrick, a production planner at Caviness Beef Packers and the founder of Shakehands Pong, a local table tennis circuit with an outsized influence and incredible story. With host Jason Boyett, Jeff discusses his wide-ranging career—which has included two stints at Hastings—as well as the Shakehands origin story and the importance of creating community among adults. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer, SKP Creative and Sidecar Photo Booth.
A conversation with Maria Garcia, program director for Uniting Parents, a nonprofit Coalition of Health Services program for parents of children with disabilities. Maria is the daughter of first-generation migrant workers and became the first member of her family to attend college. With host Jason Boyett, she discusses her upbringing, how she became an educator, and why it's so important to connect parents in the special needs community. This episode is sponsored by Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346), Jimmy John's and the Mani-Camper.
A conversation with Justin Howe, a local entrepreneur and the owner of Texas Tea in Amarillo. After the success of these iced tea concepts, Howe has turned Texas Tea into a franchise model called HTeaO, with franchise locations from Texas to Florida. With host Jason Boyett, he details his entrepreneurial journey from aviation to construction to tea, and how Amarillo's community DNA became an integral part of his business model. This episode is sponsored by the WT Enterprise Center.
A conversation with Ryan Parnell, director of the 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center. This community center offers free programs and services for adults during and after cancer treatment. The center began with the nationally recognized 24 Hours in the Canyon event, which takes place June 1-2, 2019. With host Jason Boyett, Ryan explains the origins of 24 Hours and the vital role the center plays in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty, Six Car Pub & Brewery, and Sidecar Photo Booth.
A conversation with Lisa Blake, Executive Director of Leadership Amarillo & Canyon. After a career in banking, Lisa took the helm of this nonprofit leadership development program several years ago. Then in 2016, she stepped in to spend a year as a member of Amarillo's City Council. With host Jason Boyett, Lisa digs into the challenges of city government and what her behind-the-scenes access has taught her about Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, Eddy Sauer of Shemen Dental and Sidecar Photo Booth. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Hayden Pedigo in front of a live audience at ArtsFest. Hayden is an experimental guitarist with a growing reputation who ran for City Council this most recent election cycle. He didn't get elected, but he got a generation of younger citizens interested in local politics—and gained plenty of outside attention in the process. With host Jason Boyett, Hayden details his upbringing, explains the absurdist origins of his campaign and how it quickly became serious, and reveals what's coming next for him. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's in Amarillo and Sidecar Photo Booth. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Doshon Johnson, who founded a nonprofit working to build new apartment homes in the North Heights—the first new development in that community in decades. With host Jason Boyett, Doshon talks about growing up in poverty, how his compulsion to provide for his family got him in trouble, and how a stint in prison changed his life. Today Doshon strives to bring change and growth to one of the city's most historic and neglected neighborhoods. This episode is sponsored by Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346). Get May 10th live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Katrena (Kat) Volden, head coach of the Bomb City Bombshells, Amarillo's local roller derby team. When she's not practicing or competing against skaters from all over the state, she works with kids with special needs. With host Jason Boyett, Kat talks about roller derby's history in Amarillo, dispels misconceptions about this full-contact sport, and shares how her childhood at the local skating rinks turned into a grown-up passion. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Get May 10th live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Salad Dualle, a former medical doctor in Somalia and now a medical translator and owner of a local trucking company based in Amarillo. Salad came to the United States several years ago to find opportunity and escape threats on his life from jihadist group Al-Shabaab. He speaks to host Jason Boyett about the immigrant experience in Amarillo, detailing how West Texas and Somalia are similar and why Salad chose to raise his family here. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Get live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Danny Melius of Nuke City Veg, a multi-location commercial farm operating within the Amarillo city limits. A former programmer for Hastings Entertainment, Danny transitioned from IT to urban farming after the Amarillo-based retail chain shut down its stores in 2016. Danny tells host Jason Boyett about his punk background, forced career reinvention, and unique ongoing partnership with Square Mile Community Development in San Jacinto. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's. Get live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Deanna Hurt, the creative entrepreneur behind The Ruffled Cup. Deanna moved to this area to attend WTAMU, then launched the city's first cupcake-only bakery back in 2010. With host Jason Boyett, she tells how she got started, explains how Amarillo customers are different from Lubbock customers, and introduces a new venture: Biscuits. This episode is sponsored by Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346) and SKP Creative. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo. Get live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Roman Leal, who is the owner and founder of Evocation Coffee with his wife, Amy. The couple created their business when they were teenagers and have built it into a thriving, influential enterprise—and now they're stepping away. With host Jason Boyett, Roman tells the Evocation story and reveals what's next for him personally and what's next for the business. This episode is sponsored by WT Enterprise Center. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo. Get live show tickets HERE.
A conversation with Jill Gibson, chair of the Matney Mass Media program at Amarillo College. After earning degrees from Stanford and Northwestern, Jill arrived in Amarillo as a TV broadcaster expecting to quickly move on to a larger market. That was 25 years ago. She and host Jason Boyett discuss why she's still here, what she discovered at Amarillo College, and why AC's media students are so successful. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Brooks Boyett, the founder of Mission 2540, a local ministry focused on low-income apartment complexes. Yes, Brooks is the brother of host Jason Boyett. But he’s also a professional magician, a CrossFit instructor, and a fierce advocate for children in poverty. He and Jason discuss how his career began and why it’s so important to know our neighborhoods and our neighbors. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John’s and Amarillo National Bank. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Carolyn Terrell, Head Director of the Amarillo High School Choral Department. Carolyn has taught music education to public school students of all ages, and shares about the lifelong value of teaching students to sing. With host Jason Boyett, she praises the local fine arts community and explains why learning to take risks is so vital for impressionable teenagers. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Jacomo Bairos, music director for Amarillo Symphony. Since joining the Symphony in 2013, this Florida native has co-founded the acclaimed Nu Deco Ensemble and now guest conducts for orchestras all over the world. With host Jason Boyett, Jacomo describes Amarillo's strong arts culture and talent pool and shares how his career has grown since he first arrived. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Mildred Darton, president of the North Heights Advisory Association. Mildred grew up in the North Heights and attended Carver High School in the 1960s, during segregation. With host Jason Boyett, she shares the history of this predominantly African-American neighborhood, the destructive impact desegregation had on the community, and what the North Heights still needs today. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Patrick Burns, the founder and co-owner of Palace Coffee Company. After opening the first Palace location in Canyon in 2011, Patrick has seen his business expand into Amarillo and gain notoriety in the craft coffee world. With host Jason Boyett, he shares the Palace origin story, why he's more interested in people than coffee, and why he feels every coffee shop in the city (not just his own!) plays a vital role in the culture. This episode is sponsored by the WT Enterprise Center and Wieck Realty. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Karen Welch, the senior content producer for Panhandle PBS. Before that role, Karen spent 25+ years as a reporter for the Amarillo Globe-News. She now has nearly three decades of experience reporting about Amarillo's city government, business community and more. With host Jason Boyett, she shares her most memorable assignment, explains why community newspapers are so vital, and then refuses to answer a couple of "8 Straight" questions. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Bruce Moseley, executive director of the Turn Center. Bruce didn't plan to end up in the nonprofit world—he's an attorney by trade—but found his calling at this organization that provides therapy for children with special needs. With host Jason Boyett, Bruce details his meandering career path and explains how the Turn Center's groundbreaking autism study has brought international attention to Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Dean Boyd, one of the highest-profile personal injury lawyers in Amarillo. Most locals know Dean from his advertising, but who's the attorney behind the ads? With host Jason Boyett, Dean discusses his difficult upbringing, how he got into law in the first place, and why he takes his job so seriously even if his "Strong Arm" commercials are pretty lighthearted. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Six Car Pub & Brewery. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Mercy Murguia, Potter County Commissioner representing Precinct Two, which includes much of northeast and east Amarillo. Recently elected to her second term in office, Mercy is also a healthcare software consultant who holds an MBA from West Texas A&M University. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she got into local politics, her passion for community engagement, and how she hopes to see the city continue to grow. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer of Shemen Dental. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Jack Mustard, the chiropractor behind Mustard Wellness Center. Jack is also the founder and director of Mustard Street Charities, which serves up to 500 hamburgers to homeless men and women every week, along with offering a jobs program and other outreach. With host Jason Boyett, Jack shares how he ended up in Amarillo after abandoning plans to live in Mexico, and how an encounter with homelessness sent him down an unexpected path. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Kasey Tam, owner of Nest Interiors & Construction and The Nat Antiques on Route 66, which is one of the most iconic buildings in Amarillo's history and currently home to more than a hundred small shops. With host Jason Boyett, Kasey talks about her business career, the ins and outs of working on 6th Street, and how she's planning to increase the visibility of shop owners in this historic neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Derek Weathersbee, a graphic design instructor at Amarillo College and a font creator whose typefaces are used all over the world—from Taco Bell advertising to the NFL Network. With host Jason Boyett, Derek talks about his decision to return to Amarillo from Dallas and details just how much the millennials he teaches (plus younger generations) have to offer the city. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery and SKP Creative. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Reverend Nell Newton, the pastor of Amarillo Unitarian Universality Fellowship. Nell is originally from Detroit, spent most of her adult years in Austin, and moved to Amarillo in 2017. With host Jason Boyett, she talks about the Michigan-to-Texas culture shock, the history of her religious movement, and why she has grown to love the Texas Panhandle's "terrible beauty." This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Shemen Dental Group. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with architect Mason Rogers of Playa Design Studio, the firm behind the award-winning Six Car/Crush building on Polk Street and other new, high-profile construction projects in Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Mason talks about the city's architectural history, whether or not Amarillo has a unique "style," and what he thinks the future holds for development and redevelopment. This episode is sponsored by BOC Bank. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Shauna Thornhill of Amarillo Vision Specialists—an optometry practice based in the Walmart Supercenter on Grand. Shauna was named Walmart's optometrist of the year for 2018. With host Jason Boyett, she explains the connection between Walmart and eye care, how education became her escape from poverty, and why she's one of the few healthcare providers her patients ever see. This episode is sponsored by BOC Bank, with help from The Union Hall Workspace. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Eveline Rivers-McCoy, the philanthropic powerhouse behind the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project and Eveline's Sunshine Cottage. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she ended up in Amarillo, her professional childcare career, and the sad circumstances that helped kick off her now 40-year-old Christmas project. This episode is sponsored by Betenbough Homes, with an assist from The Union Hall Workspace. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Jacob Aaron Morin, an Amarillo-born artist who shuffled around the foster-care system before ending up here full-time. Jacob abused drugs during his teenage years, and at the age of 17, nearly died after being shot through the neck. Jacob believes he survived for a reason, and has spent the years since working on his art and giving back to his community. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty, Six Car Pub & Brewery, and Amarillo Nurse-Family Partnership. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Suzanne Wheeler, a relative newcomer to Amarillo. Less than a year ago, Suzanne left Tulsa, Oklahoma—where she had raised a family—to open a branch of Mariner Wealth Advisors here in Amarillo. The decision was intentional. She first saw Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon as a weekend vacation spot. Then she saw the business opportunity here. Suzanne and host Jason Boyett talk about what attracted her to this area and what made her so excited to put down roots in a new city and state. This episode is sponsored by Lemieux Company. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Matt Darby, who saw the clothes jockeys were wearing ten years ago and thought, "We can do better than that." This year, his Speed Silks® were seen riding Triple Crown winner Justify and are being used by some of the biggest names in horse racing. A former sportscaster and radio guy, he and host Jason Boyett talk about Matt's dramatic career shift—and Amarillo's entrepreneurial environment—in this episode. The show is sponsored by Lemieux Company. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Daniel Davis, the proprietor of Sad Monkey Media and half of the country/americana band Fine & Dandy. Daniel is a designer, web developer, songwriter and musician who started both his business and the band over the past couple years. (He's been busy.) With host Jason Boyett, Daniel digs into the local music scene and why he's so invested in the growth of downtown Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Lemieux Company. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Savannah Gates, the entrepreneur behind Reinventing the Weal, a hydroponic farm and consulting business west of Amarillo. Savannah is hard to describe. She's a former engineer. She's a mixologist. She grew up on a Bushland farm and studied sustainability in Hungary. With host Jason Boyett, she shares her passion for cultivating the connection between local farmers and chefs and explains why food and drink are at the heart of human relationships. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Jason Boyett, host and creator of this podcast. Jason is a longtime designer, copywriter and author who has been working in Amarillo's marketing and advertising industry for nearly two decades. Interviewed by Dusty Green, Jason explains his longtime interest in theology, how he found his way into celebrity ghostwriting, and why two years at Amarillo College played such a huge role in his career. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Valerie Gooch, executive director of The PARC—the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, which serves members of Amarillo's homeless population by offering classes and activities that help them rediscover their identity and purpose. With host Jason Boyett, Valerie explains why Amarillo is such a generous city and why it's so important that homeless people have a safe place where they feel known. This episode is sponsored by Street Toyota. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Dr. Guy Loneragan, a former WTAMU faculty member and now a Texas Tech Animal & Food Sciences professor working to bring the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine to Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Guy explains why Amarillo is a perfect fit for this high-impact vet school and details the huge economic benefit it will bring. A native of Australia, he also compares West Texas to his home country. This episode is sponsored by Street Toyota. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Kristin Babbitt, a local entrepreneur and the owner of Dotsy's Boutique in Wolflin Square. Women's fashion is big business in Amarillo, and Dotsy's has carved out a loyal following despite tons of competition. With host Jason Boyett, Kristin shares how she started her boutique and why social media is so central to Dotsy's success. This episode is sponsored by Street Toyota. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.
Jason talks! In this 52nd episode of the podcast, host Jason Boyett gives up control of the mic and lets Wes Reeves ask him questions about the first year of the show. Together they discuss the current moment in Amarillo and what part Hey Amarillo may be playing among those who want to see the city meet its potential. Jason also introduces a new way for listeners to connect with him and help fund production of Hey Amarillo moving forward. To support the show as an individual, visit patreon.com/heyamarillo.
A conversation with Jodi Thomas, a best-selling novelist and member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Jodi lives in Amarillo and has written more than 50 books, from historical romances to contemporary women's fiction—including Mistletoe Miracles, her latest. With host Jason Boyett, Jodi shares about how her career began, her writing process, and why this area plays such a significant role in her work. This episode is sponsored by TalonLPE.
A conversation with Patrick Freeman, a professional voiceover artist who narrates audio books and voices video game characters from his home studio in Amarillo. He and host Jason Boyett talk about Patrick's career change—he used to work in financial services in Houston—and why he's chosen to live and work in Amarillo. We also discuss his upcoming work in China and the techniques he uses to perform different voices. This episode is sponsored by TalonLPE.
In another series of three shorter, "Eight Straight"-only conversations, host Jason Boyett asks the standard, Amarillo-focused questions of photographer/concert promoter Bahareh Ritter, marketing advisor Cale Hawley, and workforce specialist Sabrina Meck. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Abhishek Sonkkar, general manager of the Amarillo Club, a prestigious dining club located at the top of the city's tallest building. "Abhi" is a native of northern India who arrived in Amarillo expecting it to be a temporary stop in his hospitality career. He and host Jason Boyett talk about Abhi's background, why he chose to stay here, and how the Amarillo Club is moving forward despite its financial struggles earlier this year. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Beth Duke, executive director of Center City Amarillo, a nonprofit involved in the revitalization and historic preservation of downtown Amarillo. At its helm, Beth has been the driving force behind countless efforts to restore the vibrancy of this part of town, from the signage on Polk Street to the Amarillo Community Market. With host Jason Boyett, she explains why a strong core is so important to the city and how her journalism background prepared her for the job. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.
A conversation with Dr. Ryan Pennington, the founder and director of the Refugee Language Project (refugeelanguage.org). Pennington, a linguist by profession, moved to Amarillo after several years as a Bible translator in Papua New Guinea. Here he discovered an extraordinary refugee population—and set about trying to remove the barriers that kept these residents from success. He and host Jason Boyett talk about Pennington's culture shock, how West Texans and Somalis are alike, and why relationships are so essential to learning a new language. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Jon Mark Beilue, the recently retired columnist at the Amarillo Globe-News. Jon Mark's decades-long career in Amarillo has covered high school sports, unlikely championships, local heroes and the unique residents of the area. Just a few days after his official retirement, Jon Mark sits down with host Jason Boyett to discuss how he got into the business and why he loves telling Amarillo's stories. They also discuss the current state of journalism amid claims of "fake news."
In a series of three shorter, "Eight Straight"-only conversations, host Jason Boyett asks the usual questions of insurance agent (and food blogger) Jason Burr, artist and shop owner Stacy Lavon, and credit card manager Jennifer Callahan. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with Michael Rowley, director of the upcoming documentary feature film Hurdle. With host Jason Boyett, Michael talks about growing up in Amarillo, his background in art and theology, and how he settled upon the idea for his new film. Central to his story is how the city's creative community 10 years ago helped launch Rowley into what he's doing now. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with David Prescott, the President of Talon/LPE, a multi-state environmental services company headquartered in Amarillo. With multiple locations and Fortune 500 clients, why make Amarillo the center of Talon's operations? Host Jason Boyett asks David that question as they discuss the company's humble beginnings and the secret that makes the local workforce so valuable. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
In a series of three shorter, "Eight Straight"-only conversations, host Jason Boyett asks the usual questions of entrepreneur Andrew Brandt, photographer Angelina Medina, and author/investment advisor John Early. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with Manny De Los Santos, the pastor of Power Church and organizer of the Barrio Bash on July 14, an outdoor community event in the historic neighborhood east of downtown Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Manny discusses his path from entrepreneurship into pastoring, as well as his unexpected decision to stop trying to grow his church and focus instead on serving his neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with John Hintz, an IT professional and prominent leader and activist in Amarillo's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. For years he represented the Panhandle on the board of Equality Texas. June is LGBT Pride Month, so John and host Jason Boyett discuss the local LGBT community and John's experiences—both positive and negative—living as an openly gay man in a conservative place like Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with Stacy Sanning, a senior project manager at Golden Spread Electric Cooperative. Stacy works in a field that's typically dominated by men. For that reason, she's passionate about getting young girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. We discuss her arrival in Amarillo as an 8th grader, the differences between Golden Spread and Xcel Energy, and why Stacy recently has been thinking so much about helium. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with Steve Kersh, the chief meteorologist at ABC7. It's a big understatement to say the weather is always on the mind of locals. Panhandle people are obsessed with it. So with this being severe weather season, host Jason Boyett sits down with Steve to discuss how he got into the business, what he does on a daily basis, and how much his job reporting the weather on TV has changed during the last few decades. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Xcel Energy.
A conversation with Tony Ensor, President and General Manager of Amarillo Professional Baseball. Last week, the team's management unveiled the five finalist names (Boot Scooters, Bronc Busters, Long Haulers, Jerky and Sod Poodles) to widespread public consternation. Thousands signed a petition demanding new finalists. In this episode, he and host Jason Boyett discuss minor league naming conventions, why the team name is important, and whether the petition means anything. Jason asks him directly: Are these finalists set in stone? This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Xcel Energy.
A conversation with Matthew Garner, PhD, a scientist and entrepreneur/CEO who manages New York businesses and microbiology labs from his home base of Amarillo. Matt is also trying to build, in his words, "a microbiology company of epic proportions" to serve the ag industry in Amarillo. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Matt's background and career, why he works remotely from Amarillo, and why he believes this area could become a technology haven. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Eric Miller, the communications director for the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council. Eric is as pro-Amarillo as anyone in the city—because promoting the city is literally his job. He spends his days working with writers, travelers and other groups to promote Amarillo as a tourism destination. In other words, he's a salesman, and the product he's selling is Amarillo. He and host Jason Boyett talk about how Eric ended up here in the 1990s, what he actually does, and how his job has changed over the past 20 years. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Linda Hughes, a former Globe-News Woman of the Year and a pioneer of local children's theater. Linda was a professional ice skater who performed all over the U.S. in the 1960s before returning home to Amarillo, after which she helped launch children's theater programs at ALT and then Amarillo College. On the eve of her retirement, Linda tells host Jason Boyett about sharing the stage with Ann B. Davis ("Alice" on The Brady Bunch), teaching two generations of local performers, and why Amarillo is such a haven for the arts. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Dyron Howell, the founder of Snack Pak 4 Kids. A Clarendon native who had been living and working in the Metroplex, Dyron returned to this area in 2010. He started feeding hungry kids almost immediately. Today SP4K serves more than 10,000 children every year. Dyron tells host Jason Boyett the mostly unknown story of how his organization began, and how Dyron managed its growth while working full-time in the pharmaceutical industry. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Xcel Energy.
A conversation with Jake McWhorter, the lead arborist for Arborlogical Inc. Jake is a long-time outdoorsman and the only International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist in the region. A university-educated tree expert, Jake grew up in Amarillo—a place with very few trees. (While outsiders lament our lack of trees, locals learn to cherish every tree.) With host Jason Boyett, Jake talks about Amarillo's "urban forest" and the optimism it takes to plant, and care for, trees in this region. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Xcel Energy.
A conversation with Lanitra Barringer, the co-founder and executive director of the College Success Initiative, which grew out of an annual college bus tour for economically disadvantaged students in Amarillo. A former teacher, Lanitra talks with host Jason Boyett about reluctantly moving to Amarillo in 6th grade, about her own educational journey, and about the value of helping local students see themselves pursuing some form of education after high school. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Stephanie Tucker, the general manager and owner of two of Amarillo's professional sports franchises. She runs the Amarillo Venom—the local indoor football team—and is launching the brand-new US Arena Soccer League as owner of FC Amarillo. Stephanie and host Jason Boyett talk about the business of sports, her failures as a track athlete and farmer, and why so many pros want to play in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Ray Wilson, who dropped out of high school and worked for Domino's Pizza before building a successful local IT business (CatManDu). And then Ray stepped away from the business. Today he owns and operates High Fidelity Records on Sixth Street. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Ray's winding path from high school dropout to CEO to selling vintage vinyl—and how he found happiness in the process. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Amy Henderson, a commercial loan officer with Amarillo National Bank who specializes in small business. An Air Force veteran, Amy grew up in Wisconsin but moved here after her military service, deciding to raise her family in Amarillo. She and host Jason Boyett discuss the local climate for small businesses, her career at ANB, her prestigious position on Governor Abbott's Commission for Women, and why it's so hard to be a hockey mom in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Stevi Larson, special events coordinator at Sharing Hope Ministry. After years of addiction to heroin, Stevi found herself in the state prison system. During her incarceration, she got in touch with the Amarillo-based Sharing Hope. That connection brought Stevi to Amarillo following her release. She spent time at Patsy’s Place Transitional Home, worked two jobs, beat her addiction and turned her life around. Stevi tells her story in this episode, which is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Travis Tidmore, a local attorney and one of the co-owners of Yellow City Comic Con, the largest annual fandom convention in the Texas Panhandle. With host Jason Boyett, Travis shares about his unique officeless law practice, the robust local "nerd culture," and why the celebrity guests who attend Yellow City Comic Con always want to come back to Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Colin Cummings, one of the founders and co-owners of the new Six Car Pub & Brewery in downtown Amarillo. A U.S. Army veteran who lived in Oregon and Alaska before returning to his hometown, Colin is that rare combination of entrepreneur and free spirit. He is as passionate about composting and bike commuting as he is revitalizing downtown, and in the process has become one of the city's most thoughtful public advocates. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Julio Salazar, a local college student and a "Dreamer"—a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). He works full-time, is pursuing a degree, and wants to invest his talents in this community. But Julio is one of 700,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation because of decisions their parents made. Julio tells their story, and his story, and explains why he loves Amarillo so much. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Patrick Miller, a local educator who became, at 25, the youngest person ever elected to the Amarillo College Board of Regents. Also a board member of the Amarillo chapter of the NAACP, Patrick joins host Jason Boyett to discuss how and why he got into local politics, his work with refugees at Whittier and Travis, and the huge role Amarillo College plays in the local economy. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Amarillo National Bank.
A conversation with John Petty, who left an engineering career in the 1990s to open The Bagel Place, now an extremely popular breakfast and lunch eatery. With host Jason Boyett, John talks about his dramatic career shift, how he introduced Amarillo to bagels in the first place, and how The Bagel Place actually benefited when a national bagel chain showed up. (The chain only lasted a year in Amarillo.) This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Amarillo National Bank.
A conversation with Alex Hunt, the director of the Center for the Study of the American West at West Texas A&M University. A student of Panhandle history, Dr. Hunt is fascinated by Amarillo's connection with the West and the American frontier. We discuss everything from ranching and local hiking trails to how Amarillo's refugee population today compares to the original pioneers in the 1800s. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Amarillo National Bank.
A conversation with Amber Morgan, the creative young entrepreneur behind the Mani-Camper, an Amarillo-based mobile nail art studio that has been getting attention across the U.S. Like many young creatives, Amber moved away from Amarillo following high school. But after beginning to build a career in New York City, she came back home—and that's when things really started rolling. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Eric Barry, an opera tenor whose career has taken him all over the world. A native of Sundown, Texas, who was trained at Yale University, Eric has recently returned to Amarillo after having been based on the East Coast. He and host Jason Boyett discuss how his WTAMU professors "discovered" his natural talent, the downside of a traveling career, and Eric's recent decision to return home to Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Sheldon Chick, an Amarillo native and the co-writer and producer of Bomb City. This award-winning film opens nationwide February 9 and chronicles the life and death of Amarillo's Brian Deneke. Recorded a few days before the film's Amarillo premiere, Sheldon and host Jason Boyett discuss the filmmaking process, how Amarillo has changed since 1997, and why the events of Bomb City are still relevant today. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Jessie Story, a wildlife videographer and filmmaker based in Amarillo. While attending WTAMU, Jessie co-created the PBS program Texas Wild, and has since been working as an independent freelancer who specializes in wildlife. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she stumbled into her career, why she loves snakes and bats more than cuddlier species, and how she gets such amazing photos of skittish animals. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Reagan Wilcox, former lead graphic designer at Hillside Christian Church and now owner-operator of The Union Hall Workspace. Reagan and host Jason Boyett discuss her career as a designer, why her work for a megachurch involved more than just "making the bulletin," and about launching her new endeavor—Amarillo's only coworking space. In "Eight Straight," Reagan endorses an entire Amarillo neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Jonathan Baker, novelist, essayist, publishing veteran, HPPR personality and former standup comedian. Baker and host Jason Boyett discuss his winding career path from Amarillo through Chicago and New York and back to West Texas, why NYC and the Panhandle are more alike than you'd think, and why we "flatlanders" need to rediscover our pioneer-maverick personalities. We discuss Baker's Colloquium article, "It's Hell, and I Like It." This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Dusty Green, former Amarillo news anchor and current cohost (with his wife, Nikki) of Two for the Road, a travel and adventure show on PBS. Dusty and host Jason Boyett discuss Dusty's path into local journalism, how he and Nik quit their jobs and sold everything to pursue their travel dream, and why returning to the Panhandle always feels like coming home. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.
A conversation with Mary Emeny, the Amarillo philanthropist and activist whose resume includes everything from being an original founding board member for Habitat for Humanity to helping establish Wildcat Bluff and develop The Greenways. Mary and host Jason Boyett discuss the history of the Frying Pan Ranch, how Mary ended up chauffeuring Vietnamese Buddhist monks around Paris during the 1970s, and why the city needs more sustainable development. This episode is sponsored by Lemieux Company.
A conversation with Mike Fuller, one of the sons of L.A. Fuller & Sons Construction, a multi-generational paving and utilities contractor in Amarillo. Mike and host Jason Boyett discuss how L.A. Fuller got started in Amarillo, how a small dirt-moving business ended up having such a huge impact on the area's streets and neighborhoods, and why Amarillo is suddenly seeing so much road construction. This episode is sponsored by Lemieux Company.
A conversation with Maegan Seymour, the marketing director for Underwood Law Firm. Maegan and host Jason Boyett discuss the advertising and marketing industries in Amarillo, how her parents' Jehovah's Witness traditions influenced her upbringing, and what it's like to be agnostic while living in a highly religious culture. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Pastor Anthony B. Harris of St. John Baptist Church. Anthony and his family came to Amarillo in 2012 after having lived and ministered for decades in the Pacific Northwest. He and host Jason Boyett talk about how Amarillo's religious life differs from that region, about the realities of living in poverty, and about local issues related to race. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Bobby Lee of The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo's legendary restaurant, which is known worldwide for its free 72-ounce steak challenge. Bobby and host Jason Boyett talk about the restaurant's history, how founder R. J. “Bob” Lee developed its attention-getting western concept, and why tourists seem to be more familiar with the landmark than locals. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.
A conversation with Chriselda Reyes, a local portrait photographer. Chriselda has traveled all over the world with her clients but calls Amarillo home. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she got started in her career, why wedding photography is such a perilous occupation, and what makes Amarillo such a versatile photographic backdrop. Don't miss her surprising "Eight Straight" answer about The Big Texan. This episode is sponsored by the AEDC.
A conversation with Wes Reeves, the senior media relations representative for Xcel Energy's Southwestern Public Service Company in Texas and New Mexico. Whenever there's a power outage, Wes is the guy who appears in the local media to explain why. He and host Jason Boyett discuss how Xcel deals with extreme weather, what electrical customers don't always understand about the grid, and why walking around is the absolute best way to discover downtown Amarillo. Wes also advocates for the joys of a good diner and the "sacredness" of the GoldenLight Cafe. This episode is sponsored by the AEDC.
A conversation with Suzi McKee, the owner of Live Well Fit, a local women's fitness and wellness studio. Suzi and host Jason Boyett discuss the opportunities she discovered upon moving to Amarillo from Lubbock, as well as the unique niche she has carved out in focusing on women's health. Don't miss "Eight Straight," when Suzi shares which local restaurants have the healthiest meals. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
A conversation with Caroline Kneese, the owner of Cerulean Gallery in downtown Amarillo and director of the Derrick Event Center. Located at 814 S. Taylor, Cerulean features the work of established and emerging artists. One of the artists Caroline represents is Denver Moore, the co-author of the book Same Kind of Different as Me and the subject of the new film of the same name. In "Eight Straight," she candidly reveals what Amarillo has way, way too much of. This episode is sponsored by Estacar Companies.
A conversation with David Salas, the managing partner of Altura Engineering & Design. Along with partners Chris Lopez and Jacob Moreno, David founded Altura in 2013. It recently ranked 434th on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S. David and host Jason Boyett discuss his upbringing in Amarillo, the importance of Latino-owned local businesses, and why the WT Enterprise Center was so essential to Altura's success. Don't miss "Eight Straight," when David shares why he's not afraid to buy ground beef at his favorite local convenience store. This episode is sponsored by Estacar Companies.
A conversation with Jason Crespin, director of the award-winning Amarillo Little Theatre Academy and frequent ALT performer. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Crespin's local theater career, his opportunities representing Amarillo in New York City and Hollywood, and what it's like to be a gay man living in Amarillo. Don't miss "Eight Straight," when he confesses he only wears cowboy boots on stage. This episode is sponsored by Estacar Companies.
A conversation with Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson about her career as an attorney and entrepreneur, her decision to get into politics, and why she wants locals to embrace Amarillo as a tourism destination. Don't miss "Eight Straight," when she reveals her go-to order at Amarillo's best Tex-Mex restaurants. This episode is sponsored by Estacar Companies.