Episode 022: Drones in Public Service All too often these days, small unmanned aerial systems commonly referred to as drones, are getting a bad rap. Usually due to the actions of people with less than honorable intentions. My guest this week hopes to change that perception. Garret Bryl is a software engineer from Joshua, Texas, just a short drive s…

Episode 021 – Texas Things! Sayings, expressions, mottos, and other Texas things that the non-Texan might not understand or think strange! But that’s okay, because Texas is unique in a variety of ways. Listen as I tell a few tales about certain uniquely Texas things. Resources: RealTexasBlog.com TexasMonthly.com The post Episode 021 – Texas Things …

Episode 020 – Texas Wines with Jeff Cope This week, we are talking all about Texas wines. For some time, the only recognized wines in the US were California wines. In recent years, however, that has changed dramatically. Texas wines are now consistently sought after all over the world, and they are coming into their own right as a top choice of win…

Episode 019 – BBQ Snobbery with Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn Daniel Vaughn started as a Dallas architect, but began blogging about one of his favorite pastimes, barbecue. A passion soon turned into a career when in 2013 he went to work for Texas Monthly as the nation’s first and only “Barbecue Editor”. Traveling the Lone Star State, Vaughn reviews…

Episode 018 – Interview With the Martian – Sonia Van Meter This episode I welcome back Austin resident Sonia Van Meter, who was selected as one of the 100 finalists chosen for the Mars One mission – the one-way ticket to the Red Planet. Sonia talks about getting chosen, dealing with many media appearances, and responding to the naysayers. Also we t…

Episode 017 – Storytelling with Elizabeth Ellis Who tell stories better than Texans? Not very many. But imagine a Texan who tells stories for a living. Elizabeth Ellis is just that – a professional storyteller. She is an award-winning teller from Dallas and she shares with us how the art of storytelling can be a full-time career. Visit Elizabeth’s …

Episode 016 – Historic Lyric Theater with Eric Evans I start off season 2 with an interview with Eric Evans, who tells us the story of the historic Lyric Theater in Brownwood’s downtown historic district. This treasure of Texas history holds many memories and interesting stories, and you’ll find that in the short time that I had with Eric, many of …

Voices of Texas returns this fall for its second season. Be sure to subscribe now with iTunes or Stitcher and get ready for more interesting Texans! The post Season Two Kickoff appeared first on Voices of Texas.By Matthew Hinman

Episode 015 – Lela Suttee Voices of Texas welcomes author Lela Suttee (Jackson), formerly of Brownwood, to the program! Lela’s first book is “If Houses Could Talk – Oh the Stories They Would Tell!”. Join us as we talk about the book and growing up in the Lone Star State. Lela’s Website The post Episode 015 – Lela Suttee appeared first on Voices of …

Episode 014 – Brian Brushwood A special Celebrity Edition of Voices of Texas, with my guest Brian Brushwood, internet & television personality. Brian hosts several podcasts and YouTube shows like Scam School, Weird Things, and Night Attack, in addition to hosting the television series Hacking the System on the National Geographic Channel. Join us f…

Episode 009 – When You Feel Ill Sometimes we get a little under the weather and it can be hard to maintain our routine. This episode I talk about traveling, getting sick, and a little confession. The post Episode 009 – When You Feel Ill appeared first on Get Off the Couch.By Matthew Hinman

Episode 008 – Whew! I’m finally back down to 231. Let’s talk this week about eating habits related to time of day, and what times of day are best for exercise. Also my Website of the Week: National Bike Challenge Gear of the Week: Outdoor Products Iceberg Hydration Pack The post Episode 008 – Whew! appeared first on Get Off the Couch.…

Having a little weight setback? Not to worry, it may not be a bad thing – yet. Join me on this week when I talk about gaining a couple of pounds, a special interview with Steve Mitchell from the Permian Basin Bicycle Association, and a little food talk about beet root. Website of the Week: Bicycling.com App of the Week: Daily Carb The post Episode …

This week I suffered a plateau – or did I? I discuss how when the needle doesn’t move, it does not mean failure. It could mean progress! Also, a brief discussion on energy bars/gels and that calorie-to-burn ratio you need watch for when consuming them. App of the Week: Strava Website of the Week: EasyCycling.com (Rebecca Ramsay) Gear of the Week: C…

Episode 013 – Ellory Wells is a personal business coach who helps empower and equip entrepreneurs to take their offline expertise and turn it into a successful online business. In 2009 he was laid off from a job. 5 years later he was fired from another one. Through these experiences he has learned a lot about building a successful business, the val…

This week I cover rules of the road for cyclists, a little on my first MTB outing, and a couple of great websites. People For Bikes League of American Bicyclists App of the Week: Endomondo The post Episode 005 – Two hundred thirty one point two appeared first on Get Off the Couch.By Matthew Hinman

Episode 012 – Sonia Van Meter – Who doesn’t dream of space travel? Setting foot on other worlds, exploring the deepest reaches of space… My guest this week is planning to just that. Sonia Van Meter is one of the finalists for the Mars One Project, a one-way ticket to the Red Planet in an effort to colonize there. Join us as we talk about leaving th…

I’m joined this time by Permian Basin residents Josh Cranfill and Curtis Hendricks, who both mountain bike and longboard. Learn more about these sports, as well as my weekly weigh-in, and a discussion on eating fats. Gear of the Week: White Lightning Clean Ride bike lube App of the Week: MapMyRide+ Time Magazine’s article on eating fats: Click Here…

In this episode, I review the Giro Bravo gloves, the amazing Runtastic Road Bike app, and of course, my weekly weigh-in. Article: How to Train Your Brain to Love Healthy Food (Livestrong) The post Episode 003 – 235 Pounds appeared first on Get Off the Couch.By Matthew Hinman

Nikki joins me this week as we talk about hydration, curbing food cravings, and I review the Misfit Shine and the Outback Magnetic Trainer. App of the Week: MyPlate by Livestrong Product Review: Misfit Shine Product Review: Outback Magnetic Trainer The post Episode 002 – With the Wife appeared first on Get Off the Couch.…

Episode 011 – David Werst I can’t say I’ve met anyone with more knowledge about Texas than David Werst. A veteran of the newspaper business, David has been writing about Texas for decades. Enjoying time in Helotes, TX, now with his talented wife Ramona, David continues to entertain and educate about Texas on his blog, RealTexasBlog.com. Join us as …

In 2012 when I was overweight, seen here with then-Texas Governor Rick Perry. Join me as I start anew on losing weight by cycling, eating better, and healthier living. In this episode, I introduce myself to you and where this journey will take me – and you! The post Episode 001 – The Journey Begins Again appeared first on Get Off the Couch.…

Episode 010 – Tracy Pitcox has been a radio personality since his teens, working a small-town radio station. Starting a classic country music fan club in the 80’s, he came in contact with celebrities, and others, who brought him memorabilia. This “stuff” eventually made Pitcox open the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum in Brady, Texas. Join us as…

Episode 009 – Native Americans shaped both the history and the landscape of Texas. My guest this week, Elizabeth Day, is the founder of the Prickly Pear Living History Museum, a project to bring Native American history to an open air museum near San Antonio, Texas. Join us as she describes her personal journey in getting this project started. Prick…

Episode 008 – Gabriel Nila – We all hear stories of how some children in underdeveloped countries are getting a poor education, or that resources are extremely limited there. We don’t stop to think that this problem is happening right here in Texas. Join me with my guest Gabriel Nila, who is organizing parents to build better educational opportunit…

Episode 007 – Cassie Castillo is young, has her whole life ahead of her. Like most kids her age, she goes off to college. She gets an education in graphic design. Then, she makes a dramatic turn: she decides to go full-time as a volunteer assisting in disaster relief with FEMA Corps. When 43 people were killed in the Oso, WA, mudslide in March 2013…

Episode 006 – Musician Steve Doctor does more than just play smooth jazz. He makes television and film music, too! So, if you’re watching A&E, Bravo, Oprah, the Travel Channel, or a number of other television networks, chances are you’ll hear his music in the background somewhere. Join me as we talk about making all kinds of music and how he ended …

Episode 005 – We are getting our rock on with my amazing guest April Samuels. April plays drums in the band Metal Shop Dallas under the stage name Crash Gordon. Join us as we talk about playing heavy metal in church, fighting breast cancer, and starting an amazing breast cancer charity that is backed by some of the most popular rockers of the 80’s.…

Episode 004 – Joining me this week is Mike Zolkoski, one of the hosts of Come and Take It, a Texas history podcast. He tells us the story of a little-known Texan by the name of William G. Butler and how one man’s vendetta killed an entire town! Come and Take It on the web Come and Take It on Facebook The post Episode 004 – Mike Zolkoski of Come and…

Episode 003 – Kathryn Jones is a freelance journalist and author. She has covered stories from the 1995 Mayfest Hailstorm in Fort Worth to the murder of American sniper Chris Kyle. She has written for the New York Times and Texas Monthly. Meet Kathryn and hear how she landed some of the biggest stories in Texas news over the years. The post Episode…

Episode 002 – Laura McClellan – My guest this week is author/lawyer/mom Laura McClellan. Join me as we talk about productivity, juggling career and hobbies with family, and living in the Lone Star State. Laura is a real estate lawyer in the Dallas area, mother of 5, dedicated wife of 30+ years, is currently writing a novel, and hosts a weekly podca…

In episode one, I interview Rodney Blaukat, author of the book Rocket Science Made Easy. Rodney moved to Texas a few years ago, and his take on how people over-complicate things is humorous, yet spot-on. Listen in today to find out more about this must-have book and its interesting author. Official website of Rodney Blaukat The post Episode 001 – R…