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 ...
Feb 23, 2026•47 min•Ep. 437
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 — p...
Feb 16, 2026•50 min•Ep. 436
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 possi...
Feb 09, 2026•55 min•Ep. 435
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...
Feb 02, 2026•36 min•Ep. 434
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 hones...
Jan 26, 2026•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 433
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, an...
Jan 19, 2026•57 min•Ep. 432
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 re...
Jan 12, 2026•36 min•Ep. 431
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 e...
Jan 05, 2026•55 min•Ep. 430
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 explo...
Dec 29, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 429
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 f...
Dec 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 428
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 ...
Dec 15, 2025•57 min•Ep. 427
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.
Dec 08, 2025•47 min•Ep. 426
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 f...
Dec 01, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 425
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 per...
Nov 24, 2025•59 min•Ep. 424
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...
Nov 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 423
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...
Nov 10, 2025•47 min•Ep. 422
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 you...
Nov 03, 2025•52 min•Ep. 421
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 though...
Oct 27, 2025•58 min•Ep. 420
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'...
Oct 20, 2025•49 min•Ep. 419
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.
Oct 13, 2025•35 min•Ep. 418
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 metastati...
Oct 06, 2025•59 min•Ep. 417
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 r...
Sep 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 416
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...
Sep 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 415
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 a...
Sep 17, 2025•50 min•Ep. 414
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.
Sep 08, 2025•47 min•Ep. 413
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 r...
Sep 01, 2025•35 min•Ep. 412
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 no...
Aug 25, 2025•44 min•Ep. 411
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 sho...
Aug 18, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 410
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 co...
Aug 11, 2025•48 min•Ep. 409
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 stor...
Aug 04, 2025•40 min•Ep. 408
