Around Town: Recent Episodes
Texas Tech Public Media | Dr. Nicholas Bergfeld
Around Town is a topics-based program centered around casual conversations, where we will hear from numerous guests that call the Lubbock area home.Our host Nick Bergfeld guides the listeners on a freewheeling journey to discovery insights into places, events, topics, and issues West Texans want to know about.Contact us for questions or comments.
Lynette Wilson Executive Director at St. Benedict's Chapel.Lynette shares her personal motivations and experiences in leading organizations focused on strengthening families and providing support to individuals marginalized by society. She tells stories from her decades spanning work leading the Family Guidance and Outreach Center of Lubbock since its inception, and why she choose to then lead St. Benedict’s, a non-profit that provides hot meals everyday to anyone that comes through their doors.
Chuck Lanehart, author of the book “Tragedy and Triumph on the Texas Plains: Curious Historic Chronicles from Murders to Movies”.Chuck shares his passion for High Plains history providing insights as both a chronicler and lawyer. He discusses several stories of early Lubbock citizens and reveals how he and his wife solved the century old cold-case of Lubbock’s first homicide.
Dr. Johnson shares the origins of the internationally renowned Lubbock Lake Landmark and stories from her fifty years as its director. She discusses the attributes needed to be an interdisciplinary thinker, and why she believes offering programs designed for the general public to engage is core to the Landmark’s mission.
Ryan discusses his unique journey becoming a sports broadcaster, a goal that formed at a young age. He shares the decision making that went into creating his radio show and the sports platform, The Raiderland.Ryan also discusses the shifting patterns of fan engagement that are influencing the college athletics industry.
Our guest is Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph. D., the ninth president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.Lori shares her personal and professional journey that gained her the reputation of being a strong leader and program developer.She discusses the present and future of TTUHSC, emerging trends shaping healthcare, and what it takes to build and sustain new educational programs.
Andrew Mitchell CEO of Toot'n TotumAndrew shares the origins of the Toot’n Totum, a successful 3rd generation family-owned convenience store business in West Texas. He discusses the values that drive the organization and the effort it takes grow an established company into new markets and business lines.
Lauren D. Garduño - President/CEO at Ports-to-Plains AllianceLauren discusses his West Texas experiences and how he became a civil engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation. He describes the significant role district engineers for TXDOT have in determining a community’s connectivity and his leadership efforts on the multi-state Ports-to-Plains initiative to bring better infrastructure to the High Plains and beyond.
Our guest is Ralph DeWitt of Ralph's Records! Ralph discusses creating a sustained business over the decades in the shifting music industry product landscape. From new to used, vinyl, 8 track, cassette, CDs, and back to vinyl!He talks about how his stores have evolved and thrived by staying opportunistic. Plus you'll learn the origins of the unique logo and color palette of the stores.
Our guest is Lubbock City Manager Jarrett Atkinson.Jarret shares his experiences in West Texas and how his love for the region led him to becoming a public servant. He talks about what it’s like to manage a city’s operations and his approach to leading city staff.
Melissa shares her experiences in leading community wide initiatives. She discusses what it took to organize farmers for the successful state mandated boll-weevil eradication initiative, having the perseverance to lead the effort for allowing liquor sales in Lubbock despite threats to her life, and fundraising to create the city’s premier performance venue, the Buddy Holly Hall for the Performing Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Michelle McCord Superintendent of Frenship ISDDr. McCord discusses discovering her passion for childhood development and how that led opportunities for pursuing positions of leadership in education. She shares about the joys and challenges of managing a rapidly growing school district and the decision making that goes into building new schools.
Steve Newsom shares his journey to becoming an award-winning winemaker and vineyard owner. He discusses the challenges and rewards of growing grapes on the High Plains and how he determines a quality wine.
Lubbock Police Chief Mitchell discusses his formative experiences in the US military that led him to a career in civilian law enforcement. He talks about the experience of working in different cities, community policing, and his approach to leading a police force.
Ron Roberts is the Chief Meteorologist for KAMC.Ron is a seasoned broadcaster with a career that spans over 30 years in radio and television. He shares his broadcast journey from the early days of radio to his move into television.
Stacy Keith Director Lubbock Cultural Arts FoundationStacy provides insights into Lubbock’s music and visual arts communities. She discusses the role of the Lubbock Cultural Arts Foundation plays in fostering a welcoming environment for aspiring artists to pursue their vision in Lubbock.
Bill Miller CEO BreedloveBill shares life experiences including founding a successful logistics company and the importance of mentors. Bill discusses the history and operations of Breedlove Foods and the important role it plays in international humanitarian relief.
Taylor McAlpine – Taylor talks about his memories of growing up in Lubbock and the multi-sector career path that sparked his interest in localism. He shares what his startup, LocalLBK, is doing to promote falling in love with Lubbock.
Sparks of Joy – Local authors Kris King, Anna Jackson, and Ian Rodriguez discuss finding joy despite hardships. They describe the experiences that motivated their stories in the book "Sparks of Joy", a collection of stories from fourteen Lubbock women.
Alycyn Keeling is the Executive Director of the Wallace Theater located in Levelland.Alycyn shares her journey from West Texas to DC and back again. She discusses what it was like working in national educational policy, creating leadership programs for former US presidents, and the dream to redevelop Levelland’s Wallace Theater that brought her back to the High Plains.
Justin Weaver is the Meteorologist In Charge at the National Weather Service Lubbock office.Justin discusses his connection to West Texas and why forecasting the High Plain’s weather is a professional dream. He talks about understanding weather patterns, changes in forecasting, and how to think about severe weather season.
Coach Chuck Darden - Shallowater High School. (retired) Coach Darden coached for 44 years at Shallowater High School, 41 years as the head coach of the girls’ basketball program.He won 1,052 games during his career, which included 35 playoff appearances, 23 district championships, 18 regional tournaments, seven state tournaments and two state championships.Coach Darden will be inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame on May 20, 2023.
Robin Satterwhite is the President of South Plains College.President Satterwhite shares his journey through education and leadership. He discusses his West Texas roots, the importance of South Plains College to the region, and SPC’s numerous educational opportunities.
Jim Bertram former Lubbock Director of City Planning.In the 2nd of a two part series, Jim discusses the I-27 interstate plan to the city, the Lubbock Sign Ordinance and the Canyon Lakes no. 7 that will be named "Jim Bertram Lake" in his honor of service to Lubbock.
Jim Bertram former Lubbock Director of City Planning.Jim discusses his experiences of taking on the role in the aftermath of the 1970 tornado. Jim would oversee the transformation of an area used for landfills and industrial runoff into the Canyon Lakes system, Lubbock’s largest recreational amenity and model for sustainable water recapture.
Dirk Fowler is a professor in the Texas Tech Graphic Arts department.Dirk is an internationally recognized graphic artist and is a concert poster designer for clients such as Duran Duran, Joe Ely, Gwen Stefani, Merle Haggard and more.He shares stories about his first press machine, the creative process, and his children developing their artistic talents.
Cory Roof is the CEO of Ogallala Greens.Cory discusses growing vegetation with hydroponic systems, where plant roots are suspended in nutrient rich water instead of the soil. This can greatly reduce the amount of water needed to grow crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries and much more.
Jane and Kurt swap stories about their illustrious careers in South Plains television, radio, and theater. Their multi-decades long working relationship and humor shine throughout the interview.
Jane Prince Jones and Kurt Kizer, radio and TV personalities and Theatre actors discuss their careers and their love for acting.In the first of a two part show.
Matt is CEO in Residence, School of Business at LCUMatt shares his experiences as a fourth generation member and Co-President of the then family owned United Supermarkets. He discusses faith, leadership, and how United Supermarkets was able to stay on the leading edge of innovation to become the dominate regional grocery store chain that it is today.
Al Sacco Jr. shares his professional journey to becoming an astronaut, intentionally choosing research that would have relevance to the space program. He discusses his experiences in space, including the fateful decision that had him pulled off the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia, being Dean of the TTU’s College of Engineering, his love of teaching, and the importance of engaging alumni.
Coach Tim Siegel discusses the life lessons and experiences that prepared him for responding to a devasting family tragedy. After his son Luke suffered a golf-cart related traumatic brain injury, Tim reprioritized his life to become a care giver and champion of families across the United States who are also recovering from TBI injuries. Through his non-profit, Team Luke Hope for Minds, Tim makes meaning and positive impact from one of the most challenging situations a parent can face.
Abner Euresti. Anchor/managing editor at KCBD.TVAbner shares stories of attending Texas Tech University. His memories as a TV reporter and eventually becoming the news anchor for Channel 11.
Abner Euresti. Anchor/managing editor at KCBD.TV.In the first of a 2 part series, Abner shares his story of growing up in Lubbock, working as a migrate farm worker to becoming Lubbock’s top tv anchor.
Our guest is artist, curator, and poet Danielle Demetria East.She shares her stories as a resident at the “Charles Adams Studio Project” as well as being the owner and operator of the “East Lubbock Art House” featuring art exhibitions and art classes.
Our guest is George McMahan - an avid motorcycle enthusiast and residential land developer.He shares his early life growing up in Smithville Tx and moving to Lubbock to go to Texas Tech.George was as the longtime owner of “Honda of Lubbock” and discusses his very successful residential land developments including Papalote South and a large area of the Milwaukee avenue development.George and his wife Linda have made many contributions to Lubbock and Texas Tech.
Our guest is Mindy Brashears Professor and Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech University and Former Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety of United States.Dr. Brashears shares her story of being the former Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety of United States during the pandemic. She also discusses her many contributions to food safety.
Our guest is Coach Todd Duncan LCU men’s basketball head coach.Coach Duncan shares his burning desire as a young boy to play college basketball.He discusses his journey to play for the Red Raiders, becoming the men’s basketball head coach at LCU and his coaching philosophies.
Steve Fritzler Vice President, Production at Leprino FoodsSteve discusses Leprino Foods plans of a new, state-of-the-art 850,000 square foot dairy manufacturing facility in Lubbock, Texas.The new Lubbock site represents an $870 million capital investment and is expected to employ approximately 600 full-time personnel when it is fully operational. The facility will produce mozzarella cheese and dairy ingredients.
Adam Pirtle - Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of NorthWest TexasAdam discusses his experiences in social justice advocacy in Lubbock, and the challenges with resolving the legacy of industrial zoning in Northern and Eastern parts of the city.
Taysha Williams Managing Director of Texas Tech University’s iHub.Taysha discusses her journey to fostering business startups at Texas Tech University’s iHub at Research Park.She shares her natural pursuit of leadership opportunities, some iHub success stories and the values she wants to see her children embody.
Guest is Paul Hunton Texas Tech Public MediaPaul has been there 11 years, 7 of those years as the general manager.Paul shares the story of his journey to Lubbock. He discusses the growth of TTU Public Media and his thoughts on the future of Lubbock and Public Media!
Larry Simmons owner of Tornado Industrial Arts and the Downtown Farmers Market.Larry shares his experiences working in the heyday of Lubbock’s 70's, 80's and 90's music scene and nightlife.His character and dedication to building a better community for downtown earned him the moniker of the “Mayor of Downtown”. Larry also discusses his activities to bring public art all throughout the city.
Jaa’far Abdullah discusses his life journey to becoming the founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of GEO, a non-profit focused on creating second chances for members of society returning from prison.While studying philosophy at Texas Tech, a poor life decision on how to finance is education led to his own incarceration. Jaa’far was the first winner of the Texas Tech University iHub’s Social Innovation Competition! He now uses the grit and leadership skills he’s developed to create job opportunities for people that carry the stigma of having been incarcerated.
Our guest is Brianne van Reenen - Founder and Curator of "Wild Lark Books".Brianne discusses how a lifelong love of books led her to leave the stability of her job as a marketing director to pursue her dream to open Lubbock’s first independent bookstore and publishing house, Wild Lark Books.She describes her motivations for focusing on creating a community of book lovers and writers in West Texas. Brianne shares the deeply sentimental origins of the bookstore’s interior design and its complimentary tea cart!
Murvat Musa is the Chief Executive Officer at Reese Technology Center. Murvat discusses her family’s journey to America and Lubbock from Palestine and the professional sacrifices she chose to raise her children full-time.Also her successful reentry into the workforce as a top-tier government executive and developing the Reese Technology Center into the thriving business hub it is today.
Our guest is John Osborne · President & CEO at the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance.John discusses promoting economic development and LEDA’s vital role in Lubbock’s growth.
Our guest is Carlos Silva Jr. the sports editor at the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Carlos shares his experience as a sports journalist and discusses Texas Tech Athletics, the NIL and the upcoming Texas Tech football season.
Our guest on Around Town is Dave Marcinkowski a Partner at Madera Residential and fast-growing Lubbock startup Quext.Dave talks about faith, family, athletics, being a community leader and downtown Lubbock.
Our guest on “Around Town” is Reggie Dial. Founder/Executive Director of EL ROBI (East Lubbock Resident-Owned Business Initiative). EL ROBI provides individuals with the practical skills and technical knowledge encompassed in the Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, and Electrical industries to maximize employability.Reggie discusses growing up in Lubbock, promoting racial solidarity in Lubbock and the EL ROBI training programs.
Our guest on Around Town is Kody Bessent Chief Executive Officer of the Plains Cotton Growers. Kody talks about his experiences as a 4th generation High Plains farmer, the future of farming and the role of agriculture in Lubbock today.
Our guest is Tony Hernandez, Deputy Director of Texas Tech Athletics. Tony shares his interesting story of his journey to Lubbock and Tech Athletics. Tony discusses conference realignment, NIL as well as Tech’s $200 million football expansion and the Double T scoreboard.