bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard - podcast cover

bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

The bigcitysmalltown podcast, hosted by Bob Rivard, is dedicated to telling the stories of San Antonians working to make the city a more sustainable, better educated, equitable and prosperous city. We want San Antonio to become a destination city for talented and creative people, and a city where young people born or raised here want to build their futures here. We embrace diversity, multiculturalism, and every individual’s right to realize their full potential without fear of oppression.Each Friday, bigcitysmalltown will offer listeners a new podcast release, a timely, focused look in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States that serves as the economic, cultural and regional capital of South Texas.
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Episodes

18. Innovation in Improving Access to Women's Healthcare in San Antonio with Somer Baburek and Jennifer Newell

In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, Bob has a conversation with a couple of female entrepreneurs with vision-oriented focus on women’s healthcare access in the San Antonio area and beyond. As a potent force in women's health, co-founder and CEO of Hera Biotech , Somer Baburek, uses cutting- edge AI technology to better diagnose and eventually treat diseases that uniquely impact women. Her focal point, endometriosis, is a prevalent yet under-diagnosed condition that she seeks ...

Jul 31, 20231 hr 2 min

17. San Antonio’s new Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, the second Sikh elected official in Texas, has big plans for District 1

In this episode of Big City Small Town, Bob Rivard sits down with Sukh Kaur, one month after her upset runoff victory over incumbent Mario Bravo, to talk about her priorities representing a district that includes downtown, hard hit in the pandemic, and working to redefine itself. Kaur, a Rice University graduate and a first-generation American hailing from India's northern state of Punjab, has dedicated her life to addressing disparities that exist in the arena of learning. With a background in ...

Jul 24, 202345 min

16. Preserving History, Engaging Communities: Marise McDermott's Impact at the Witte Museum

Do you want to successfully transform your museum into a modern and engaging space? Discover the solution to achieving this desired outcome as our guest, Marise McDermott, shares her insights on how to create a dynamic and innovative cultural institution that captivates audiences. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the Witte Museum's modern makeover and why it's resonating with current generations. Find out how digital technologies have redefined interactive exhibits at the Witte Muse...

Jul 17, 202338 min

15. Enhancing Municipal Services: Emily Royall's Insights on San Antonio's Smart Cities Roadmap

In a race against time, Emily Royall and the Smart Cities team in San Antonio are determined to transform the city into a smart city. But as they navigate the challenges of community engagement, grant funding, and department buy-in, a shocking revelation threatens to derail their progress. Will they be able to overcome this unexpected obstacle and achieve their vision of a smarter future? Find out in this gripping episode of Big City Small Town. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand t...

Jul 10, 202351 min

14. Creating Positive Change: How Marina Alderete Gavito is Empowering District Seven

On this episode of big city small town, host Bob Rivard is joined by newly elected San Antonio City Council member from District 7 Marina Alderete Gavito. An expert in community advocacy, she shares her insights and empowers us to take an active role in creating positive changes. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the environmental toll of fireworks and how it extends to public health concerns. Appreciate the pivotal role of elected representatives in championing meaningful change...

Jul 03, 202336 min

13. The Cost of Irresponsible Pet Ownership: Nadia De la Garza Explains

Have you heard these myths about responsible pet ownership? Myth #1: pets don't require much attention Myth #2: it's okay to skip annual vet check-ups Myth #3: pets can live off human food As current and potential pet owners, it's important to recognize that these myths can harm our furry friends. That's why our guest, Nadia De la Garza, will share the truth about responsible pet ownership. By debunking these myths and educating ourselves, we can improve pet care and reduce pet abandonment and m...

Jun 26, 202339 min

12. Beyond Gaming: Jim Perschbach on Investing in Young Talent for Future Innovation

Do you want to tap into a hotbed of innovation and create high-value jobs for your business? Look no further than Port San Antonio, a growing technology and innovation hub. As a guest on this podcast, Jim Perschbach will share the solution to unlocking the potential for innovation and job creation in this thriving city. With a focus on attracting and retaining top talent, cultivating a collaborative ecosystem, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Port San Antonio offers unparalleled opportuni...

Jun 19, 202355 min

11. How To Achieve Your Higher Education Dreams through Alamo Colleges with Dr. Mike Flores

Have you heard that college is only for the wealthy or that you have to choose between work and education? These are common myths that prevent many students from pursuing higher education. Another myth is that students from diverse backgrounds do not receive enough support. Alamo Colleges offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy working parents and provide resources for diverse student populations. Join us as Dr. Mike Flores shares the truth about how Alamo Colleges caters to studen...

Jun 12, 202359 minEp. 11

10. Shaping The Future of Texas: AJ Rodriguez on Policy and Progress

Despite facing contention and bipartisan challenges, AJ Rodriguez leads Texas 2036 in achieving record-breaking funding for education, healthcare, natural resources, and infrastructure during the state's regular legislative session. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the power of data in shaping policy solutions with Texas 2036 as a case study. Understand the role of regionalism in overcoming housing and transportation issues. Examine the need for constitutional reform in addressing ...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 2 min

9. Henry Cisneros & Tom Corser: Celebrating Heritage Through San Antonio's Trees

From a beautiful vision to a stunning reality, the Arboretum San Antonio project was poised to become a beloved treasure for the city. But what happened next left everyone shocked and questioning the future of this once-promising endeavor. What was the unexpected twist that threatened to derail Henry Cisneros' dream? Keep listening to find out. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the captivating Arboretum San Antonio project connecting city heritage with trees. Acknowledge the crucial ...

May 29, 202352 min

8. Exploring the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center with Cristina Balli

As Cristina Balli's passion for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center grew, she never could have expected the unexpected twist that would change the organization forever. What could have happened to shake the foundation of an institution she worked tirelessly to preserve? Keep reading to find out. In this episode of big city small tow with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Familiarize yourself with Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center's commitment to endorsing Latino culture and arts. Scrutinize the hurdl...

May 22, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 8

7. Compassionate Solutions for the Unhoused: A Conversation with Gavin Rogers

In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, join Bob with his guest Gavin Rogers as he shares his personal journey of living on the streets for 48 days, leading to his goal of providing compassionate care and diversified options for those experiencing homelessness, all while navigating the compelling central conflict of political divide and tragedy surrounding the immigration crisis. In this episode, you will be able to: Comprehend diverse strategies for tackling homelessness. Identi...

May 15, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 7

6. Food Deserts & Policy Solutions with Mitch Hagney

Mitch Hagney, an environmentalist turned food advocate, strives to improve food access for impoverished communities through innovative programs and sustainable agriculture, including connecting landscapes to agriculture and promoting the consumption of locally produced meats. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Unravel the connection between sustainable urban agriculture and San Antonio's food policy landscape. Grasp the importance of equitable access to ...

May 08, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 6

5. Cleaning Up San Antonio: Charles Blank's River Aid Revolution

Have you been told to simply pick up trash around town and hope for a cleaner San Antonio? You’re not alone. But there’s a better way. Join us to discover the power of River Aid San Antonio’s community-driven trash cleanups and their impact on the local environment and find out how you can help create lasting cultural change through education and partnerships to combat environmental issues. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will: Uncover the success of River Aid San Ant...

May 01, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 5

4. US-Mexico Relations: A Candid Conversation with Eddie Aldrete

Eddie Aldrete was just living his life in a suburban part of Washington DC, but he unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of bridging the US-Mexico relations. His career has taken him on a journey of advocating for a more inclusive and economically prosperous future, earning him respect from both sides of the border. What impact will Eddie's unique perspective have on the future of US-Mexico relations? In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, we will: Delve into the complexit...

Apr 24, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 4

3. Uncovering Lost Texas Histories with Brandon Seale

When Brandon Seale set out to discover the truth behind the forgotten Battle of Medina, he didn't expect to uncover an entire battlefield. Yet, by collaborating with American Veterans Archaeological Recovery and scholars, he and his team have slowly but surely pieced together an incredible discovery. But will they be able to honor the battle and its legacy? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the untold stories surrounding the lost Battle of Medina and its impact on Texas history. App...

Apr 17, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 3

2. The Sustainable Dining Revolution with Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth Johnson, a single mother facing a life-altering divorce, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Latin America and India to establish sustainability, rediscover her ancestral roots, and bridge the culinary gap to make the world a better place. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Discover the impact of Ayurveda on wholesome, plant-based cuisine for better health Uncover the sustainability challenges that modern restaurants face and potential so...

Apr 10, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 2

1. Live from the Geekdom Event Centre: Reviving Downtown San Antonio with Randy Smith

Randy Smith, a downtown pioneer, faces the irony of his own success as he navigates a complex web of corporate citizens, real estate developers, and student housing needs to fulfill his ambitious goal of transforming downtown San Antonio into a thriving urban hub. In this episode, you will: Discover how a public-private partnership transformed downtown San Antonio through innovative mixed-use development. Uncover the unique approach of Weston Urban's rental-focused residential strategy for long-...

Apr 03, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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