🎙️☕️ In Part 2 of The Local podcast with Pete Leonard, the founder of I Have a Bean, we dive headfirst into the full (and delicious) world of coffee! :) Discover Pete's journey from home roasting enthusiast to creator of a unique coffee roasting business that not only produces top-tier coffee, but also provides employment opportunities for individu…

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 r…

From roasting his dorm room to roasting beans, listen how this Jack Of All Trades curiosity and willingness to embrace new experiences allowed him to venture into the world of coffee roasting. Pete's journey serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we least expect. M…

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 …

On this episode of The Local, Marc Horner & co-host Vickie Austin are joined by Dr. Brian Madvig of Arbor Clinical Associates to discuss wealth management beyond stocks and bonds. From the therapeutic benefits of golf, to navigating retirement challenges, this episode explores the importance of family, career, community, and finding fulfillment in …

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 o…

A PSA podcast if ever there was one! Did you know that hearing loss can be linked to dementia and how Medicare doesn’t cover the cost! Learn more about this important connection and the importance of getting a hearing baseline at age 50. Worried how they’ll look? Don’t - these are not your grandma’s hearing aids – you’ll “hear” how the new hearing …

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 …

Dr. Paul Callaway, Director of Golf Fitness at Cantigny Golf Academy, regales with stories from Pat Riley of the Lakers to learning at the hand of the golf legend Jack Nicklaus. On how Jack's meticulous visualization of his shots and outcomes highlighted the crucial role the mind plays in performance, not just in golf but in all aspects of life. In…

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 consu…

Changing from coordinating rock & roll bands to helping families navigate senior living options is less of a leap than it might sound. Join us for a heartwarming discussion as Melinda Smith shares her experience and reveals unexpected similarities between luxury hospitality and senior care where the details matter. For both. Her story is an insight…

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 g…

As the DuPage County Historical Museum's annual Casino Night draws near, we wanted to revisit the fantastic time we had at last year's event! Casino Night is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Wheaton Park District that benefits the DuPage County Historical Museum. Join us for an intimate, behind the scenes experience as we visit with the people th…

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 hos…

He’s back! Join us for our annual talk with the Honorable Mayor of Wheaton, Phil Suess. Discover more behind-the-scenes of Wheaton's community development and financial strategies. Mayor Phil Suess spills the tea on city projects and how refinancing moves saved millions. Plus find out why folks visiting Wheaton say, “they had no idea Wheaton was so…

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 …

Marc and Mark co-host this fun and lighthearted interview with The Barber of Wheaton. Topics range from raving about the recent barbershop remodel to the joys of a straight razor shave to warnings about abusing the Barbershop Bat phone. Tune in to discover the secret behind perfect fades, the woes of stubborn cowlicks and the business of barbering.…

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—…

Throughout the episode, Jimmy’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, leaving you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own dreams. Whether you're a boxing fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

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 wit…

Calling all music enthusiasts! Join us as we dive into the world of farting bed posts to who’s the circus act in the band. This enchanting podcast delves into the history and the affects music has on our souls. You won’t be able to deny Amber’s passion for the DuPage Symphony and the significance of the wide range of instruments. This episode will …

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, Wil…

Curious about the life of a firefighter? Join us on The Local podcast as we dive into the world of firefighting with Chief Robert Brill. From the adrenaline-pumping moments to the impact of the pandemic to the unexpected overlap between firefighting and dodgeball, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these “local” heroes. Do…

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, Cle…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner with co-host Vickie Austin sit down with Lisa Weier of First Trust Cares Foundation. Join this wide-ranging discussion touching on the world of charitable partnerships, competitive water basketball and how Wheaton, Illinois may be second only to Wall Street as a powerhouse of the financial services ind…

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 involve…

Redefining the definition of “Local”, our podcast went international when Will Fraser jetted across the pond to visit us from merry old England. As a professional rugby player, Will and his teams won the equivalent of five Super Bowls. Post-rugby, he now shares his insights on high performance and how to create a successful team dynamic as the foun…

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 …

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Allison Orr of the Downtown Wheaton Association with special guest Adam Pratt of Chaos to Memories. Before making the jump to entrepreneurship, Adam was a technology industry veteran (and superstar). A strong believer in sharing knowledge and experience, you will hear great tips for taking…

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 a…

In this inspirational episode, hosts Marc Horner and Allison Orr learn from Shannon about her hyper-focus on delivering a unique client experience. A big believer in testing, learning and changing, join her story starting as a home-based business growing to pop-up and on to brick and mortar…two locations…during the pandemic! An impressive story dem…

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 h…

In this episode Marc Horner and co-host Allison Orr speak with Dan Facchini of Innovation DuPage and their business incubation and acceleration program. Dan shares the importance of collaboration and mentorship in jump-starting the entrepreneurial experience. From start-ups led by college students to more experienced businesspeople who took the lea…

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.…

Dr. Jorgensen discusses his unexpected journey that took him from surgeon to coroner. He shares historical perspective on the creation of the coroner's office going all the way back to medieval times. He also provides perspective on the Fentanyl crisis and how his office is leading the fight against it. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach…

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 …

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner and his distinguished guest, former Mayor of Wheaton Jim Carr, dive into the intersection of religion, ethics, and business. The podcast delves into Carr's experiences growing up in Missouri, studying at Yale University and then teaching business ethics at Wheaton College. Join him as they explore the …

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 …

Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent of District 200, talks about the role of schools as assets in the community, and shares his experience transitioning from being a teacher to an administrator. They also discuss the importance of positive interactions between adults and students in the school system. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out …

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…

In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Vickie Austin from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, as well as Meg Goodman and Mark Long from Flint Rock LLC. They teach us how the sausage is made when it comes to creating and producing a podcast! Listen to this fun, lighthearted and informative session where Meg & Mark…

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 …

In this episode of The Local, we visited with Don Westlake, a Wheatonite who retired in his mid-fifties! Born during the Great Depression and lived through multiple world wars, Don shares his wisdom and insights on investing, finding the right fit, and staying mentally and physically active in retirement. Join us as we delve into Don's incredible s…

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 generosit…

It’s not every day you get to sit down with a former Chicago Cub and pro baseball player who shares the same town as you.On this episode of The Local,Marc & Vickie hear fun-filled stories from Dave Otto about what it was like to be drafted to the major leagues alongside notable names like Bo Jackson and Barry Larkin, and how opting for college inst…

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 upbringin…

John Monino, a supervisor with Milton Township, joins Marc Horner and co-host Vickie Austin to explain the relationship between Milton Township and the surrounding municipalities, including Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. John also shares his personal journey of getting involved in local government and discusses the experience and emotional intelligence th…

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 mi…

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…

In this final part of the series, Bob Jacobson discusses the origins of golf in Wheaton, Illinois. He explains how Charles Blair MacDonald, who was educated in Scotland, brought the idea of golf back to the suburbs of Chicago in the late 1800s. MacDonald's passion for the sport and his association with Tom Morris at St. Andrews (yes, that Tom Morri…