Greater Aledo

We start this episode with our usual entertaining chit-chat. This time we discuss the multiple new golf course communities planned for the area, local mayor's races, Costco, the Stock Show, and FACE LASERS. Mike highlights Courtney Patton's brand new album.Glenn Bates and Jen Howard give us an update on the really great things that the Noah Bates Foundation is getting to do to promote ATV/UTV safety.We also discuss how the real-world effects of the recent happenings in Washington D.C.  As a person in non-profit world, Jen gives us a unique and personal point of view.

In today's episode (Number 50!) we begin by chatting with Dee Kellner from local business The Merry Dog Holistic & Nutrition Store. Dee provides holistic pet food, engaging toys, nutritional supplements, and personalized health consultations that address your pet's unique needs. She also has raw goat milk for your pets - direct from her own herd. We also talk about stock shows, rodeo prayers, TikTok, listening rooms and naps. Not necessarily in that order.

OK, "extravaganza" may be a bit of an overstatement. Though it is a bit of a Christmas miracle that the episode got recorded at all. But there is a ton of Christmas (and Hanukkah) talk on this episode. We also talk heifers (of course) and the general chaos of the season. Mike highlights his recently departed friend and icon of Texas Music, Tommy Alverson. Talk to y'all soon.

This week we welcome Kristine Pruitt. She was gracious enough to share the story of her son Kade's ongoing battle with Leukemia. It was a great and enlightening conversation about how they even considered getting him checked out. Good to remember that ongoing health issues like Kade's affect the whole family and community. Lots of shout-outs to the amazing Cook Children's Hospital. We also have our obligatory hunting and heifer talk, plus Misty on sports (everyone is winning). Reagan gives some info on where to donate locally to the victims of Hurricane Helene. Then Mike gushes on and on about the great Kris Kristofferson.

Hi everyone. Did you miss us? It's only been 4 months or so since our last episode, but we're back on that horse.On this episode, we reintroduce ourselves. Misty came very prepared with some interesting data about when female athletes are most vulnerable to ligament injuries. (hint...it has to do with hormones and stuff). Mike goes into full self-promotion mode about his new album "The Innocence We've Lost" (listen here).We also have two very special guests, Jason and Karlyn Dickens of ReDefined Prosthetics. ReDefined Prosthetics is a 501c3 that is dedicated to transforming lives by ensuring that old prosthetics find renewed purpose as functional tools. The mission of the organization is to provide funding for children who are in need of a prosthetic. Check out their website https://www.redefined-prosthetics.org/ or visit them on Instagram at @redefined_prosthetics.Joe closes the show by making us talk about our FEELINGS, again. We discuss how to take time out of our busy schedules to take care of and stay connected to your significant other.

This episode is our first one recorded in the PM. A Friday afternoon, to be exact. Which might explain why everyone seemed extra-awake. And spicy. Misty starts us off with a heifer update. Reagan lets us know about the new sports bar in Hudson Oaks. Then we discuss the situation with the Watson family. These former Aledo residents are going through a nightmare overseas. Mike talks about the benefit for them on May 11. Then Mike goes on a bit of a rant about the new AI-assisted Randy Travis song. We finish up with a discussion about why wives are so mean.

On today's episode (the actual Episode 45), Joe brings us all down with some back-of-the napkin math about how many homes, kids, and cars are headed Aledo's way. Then, we all get happy again when we interview Gigi Howell of the Westland Restaurant Group. Her group is responsible for J.D.'s Burger's as well as the survival and revitalization of Westside Cafe, Margie's Original Italian Kitchen -- all on one stretch of Camp Bowie West in far west Fort Worth. They're also reopening a Tex-Mex favorite, and have plans for world domination...or just several more restaurants. We make plans to take Episode 50 (whenever that happens) on the road so we can get a burger! Mike's obscure music segment highlights very successful songwriter Lori McKenna.

On today's episode, we first hear about Misty's latest adventures in ranch management. We then have a great chat about foreign exchange students with Leigh Ann Gregg from Face The World. She gives great insight about the process and how hosting an exchange student makes individuals and families lives more interesting and enriching! Mike highlights the great John Hiatt in his still temporarily-named music segment. Then Reagan spotlights local business JD's Hamburgers and their associated restaurants. Sounds like we get samples on the next episode!

On Episode 43 (and yes it is 43 no matter what we claim in the podcast), we have a fantastic conversation with Aledo ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn. We discuss her history and background and the challenges she found when she arrived at AISD. We also get into all of the things that make Aledo schools special and exceptional, plus the current challenges facing the district. We also get to know her a little better - what she does in her (minimal) free time and how she deals with the stress of the job. Thanks Dr. Bohn for the chat!

Episode 42 starts as all fine podcasts should, with a heifer update from Misty. Then Joe asks a reasonable question about guns that sets Mike off on a rant. Thankfully, we're rescued by Pastor Matt Weaver of Grace Church Aledo. Matt tells the story of how his church came to be, discusses the challenges he faces as a pastor, then talks about what the future vision is for Grace Church. We then move into an Aledo Zoning Committee update and Mike's Obscure Music segment featuring Patty Griffin.We close with Joe leading us in a discussion of Only Fans and how to keep our kids from ending up on there.

Episode 41 is our first guest-free, conflict-free, free-form, freewheeling episode in a while. Joe has found his favorite crossfit group and recommends flouder gigging for the youngsters. We also find out Joe's price for becoming a drug mule. Mike gives an update on the elementary and middle school rezoning then Reagan spotlights local business Joe Lane Catering. We take a musical trip to Canada with Corb Lund, then discuss the tragic Panhandle wildfires.

We start Episode 40 with Robert Rushing, the owner of Aledo Overhead Door. He recounts his battles with some shady individuals or companies that managed to get him unlisted (de-listed?) from Google local results before using his business name to generate leads for themselves. Scary stuff for any small business owner. Check out the story in the Community News https://www.community-news.com/stories/the-invisible-company,72312?.Then, we welcome back three-time guest Jeff Streetman. Jeff is running for Republican Party Precinct Chair in the precinct that contains the city of Aledo. We discuss why he's running (hint...schools) and what the heck is going on in local politics. Consider this an open invite for equal time to anyone who disagrees with any of us on these issues. We want to hear from you! greateraledo@gmail.com

Episode 39 features a great conversation with Jeremy Pruett, who is running for Aledo School Board Place 3. He's a busy, busy man who - in addition to his fancy-pants day job - volunteers his time on the Aledo Education Foundation, the Cowtown Marathon, and as a volleyball PA announcer. We talk schools, horses, volleyball, running, and Diana Ross. Later we reveal our lifetime listenership numbers (thank y'all) and talk Super Bowl, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt, and laugh at Joe for being weaker than a teenage girl.

Episode 38 begins with a discussion about the Episode 38 that never was. ("Sorry, I'm an idiot -- Mike) It ends with a very scary and heartbreaking story from Joe. In between we talk Stock Show, try to figure out when youth golf season is, spotlight the Aledo Barbershop and share out thoughts about the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop. We all recommend watching.

Episode 37 is a BIG one. We welcome Mayor Nick Stanley. We discuss city issues ranging from new development, taxes, streets, and city planning. We also talk about the unfortunate parts of public service in the social media age. Home Energy Solutions is our business spotlight and we go behind the scenes on the process of recording an album (which Mike just did).

More serious talk by unserious people on this episode. First, Joe is really lobbying for that Dad of the Year award so we get a play-by-play recap of Joe's trip to an anime convention - in costume. We discuss unhappy husbands and the wives that make them that way as well as the saddest, most Ft. Worth Christmas song of them all.Then, we're joined by Aledo mom, former AISD teacher, and current Community Outreach Coordinator for Hope is Alive Ministries - Kim McCluer. She tells about her family's very personal journey through addiction + recovery and explains how Hope is Alive helped them and continues to help others.

Spotify has Mike in a snarky mood. Misty's heifer has a date. Joe wants a new truck. But most importantly, Janet Coble from Your Personal Chef is here to tell everyone about their fantastic food, business, and story. 

Heavy stuff this time around. We have a really important discussion about off-road vehicle safety with Glen Bates and Jen Howard of the Noah Bates Memorial Foundation.  Their mission is unfortunately very personal - Glen's 11 year old son and Aledo student, Noah Bates,  was killed in a UTV accident last year. They started the foundation to promote awareness and educate parents and kids about the dangers of ATVs, UTVs and other off-road vehicles. They also give support to other parents who go through the same kind of tragedy. Please check out their website, donate, and spread the word. NBMF32.org

In another very special episode of Greater Aledo, we start by chatting about our favorite WORLD CHAMPION Texas Rangers memories. We have a great discussion with Bo Parker about navigating the minefield of college athletic recruiting. His family has just gone through this process and it sounds exhausting. He presents a ton of helpful information.  Thanks for listening!

Possibly our best episode yet. A low bar, to be sure but lots of information in this show. First, Jeff Streetman returns to discuss the Texas Constitutional amendment propositions on this year's ballot. We also have a mostly one-sided discussion about school choice. Then, we finally snagged our dream guest - Lacey Montes of the now-closed Montes Burritos. She gives the reasons why they SADLY decided to close. We discuss work-life balance, the state of the service industry, and people who are jerks. You know who you are.

Episode 32 features a grab-bag of topics even more random than usual. Beyoncé, volleyball hecklers, the Great Downtown Aledo Conspiracy™, business closings and takeovers, songwriter trivia, and Misty quits (or does she?). We close it out by doubting our own parenting strategies.

Our random recording schedule has brought forth another episode! We discuss some great charitable events coming up in Aledo, Mike highlights someone you probably know but didn't know they wrote tons of songs that you know. Reagan brought a guest for the local business spotlight. Local resident Whitney Stone with Wholesale Payments can help with your business payment processing headaches!Then we get into local political conspiracies and Joe trys to get the other hosts to admit they have anger issues like he does (or did).

...and we're back from another long break with Episode 30. We had a lot to catch up on, so mostly we just talked nonsense. But that's kind of what we do around here. Thanks for sticking with us.

While Reagan is away getting her kiddo Aggie-fied, we welcome a special guest co-host - Joe's long-time buddy Brian Madden. Misty took over the business spotlight to highlight one of everyone's favorite local restaurants. Mike tells the story of Blaze Foley. Then, things got a little weird when the talk turned to bathroom stalls and certain bodily functions. Sorry folks. The sun has cooked our brains.

Blood, more blood, sweat, and tears. Such is the life of a dad. On our very special Father's Day episode, Misty is more prepared than on any episode to date and gives us info on the history of Father's Day. We also talk about ambulance rides with our kids - some more necessary than others. Reagan shouts out JD's Hamburgers and Mike shouts out his favorite songwriter.

We're back from an early summer hiatus. Unfortunately we're not any more interesting than we were before. Misty and Joe have snake stories and Mike's family has a new pet toad. Joe discusses awkward hugs and yoga pants. Then we get all weepy with some of our favorite sad songs.

Todays episode features an interview with local resident Munatsi Manyande, the Executive Director of DASH Network. DASH Network helps asylum seekers in the DFW area with housing, living expenses, legal advice, and much more while they await decisions from the US immigration system. He has an amazing personal story as well. Learn more and help out at dashnetwork.net.Before that we cover all of our usual bases: general small talk, Reagan's business spotlight of Emmacate boutique, the songs of Brent Cobb, and Mother's Day.

In the BIG 25th episode, Joe recounts his less than perfect experience giving blood. We recap the Aledo 1882 Live concert, learn about our mowing habits and mishaps, as well as what brand of mower Misty owns (with live updates from the hubby). Reagan highlights local business Merry Dog Treats and Mike talks about music documentaries. Mostly we fill an hour avoiding talk about the upcoming bond election.

On today's exciting episode, your hosts are joined by Mr. Captain Aledo, Jeff Streetman. We talk music (surprise), new restaurants, fake meat, music again (yep) before we hear about the recent trials of the Streetman family. We then get a lesson on Texas school finance laws and school bonds. Specifically, one particular upcoming school bond election. It's more interesting than it sounds. Fast forward to 25:00 if you just want to hear Jeff. We don't blame you.

This time around, we're all in a mood. Except Reagan. She's her usual cheery self. Misty gets baited into a small rant about teachers, Reagan talks beekeepers, Mike gives a local calendar update and spins some Radney Foster. Somewhere in there, Joe goes missing. But then he comes back and asks uncomfortable questions of his co-hosts. Again.

On this episode we discuss Misty's interesting trip to the gas station and we answer our user-submitted No Dumb Question.Our special guest this time is Rob Joslin, co-founder of the Remedy Room concert series in downtown Aledo. We discuss the history and future of those events AND talk about an exciting live music event series starting on April 22 wth Max & Heather Stalling (plus one of the Greater Aledo hosts). The event benefits local charity Gathering Hope.Buy tickets here.Event Info & Sponsorship opportunities.

This week we have our first returning guest, new AISD Trustee Zach Tarrant. We talk all things school board, including the 2023 Bond Package. Also heifers and tan lines (or lack thereof).Misty and Reagan introduce our new feature "No Dumb Questions". So send em our way at greateraledo@gmail.com.

The Greater Aledo is three-quarters back after our winter hibernation. We don't know which episode number we're on. (It's 20)We recap the Fort Worth Stock Show and dive into some very controversial (not really) Aledo rumors. Joe and Mike both make exciting announcements about future projects. We listen to some Jed Zimmerman and wait for Reagan to find the time to hang out with us again.

This week we're joined by John Zwetzig of Aledo's own American Energy Coffee. It's everything you didn't know you wanted to know about coffee. Get some at AmericanEnergyCoffee.comWe also get the recap of Misty and Reagan's trip to NYC and learn that Joe is The Grinch when it comes to Christmas lights.

Probably the MOST important episode we've ever done. Your hosts (minus two) interview the co-chairs of the Aledo Growth Committee about the plans to handle the rapid growth in AISD. If you pay taxes in Aledo, you'll want to listen.

Insurance, rockets, purses, West Texas stadium design, half-hairy legs, spatchcock, YouTube handymen, Jay Novacek, Dean Dillon. Just a few of the topics we ramble through on this episode. Also, more audio static. Apologies. We'll get it right by episode 50 or so.

Featuring an acapella rendition of "Delta Dawn" by two of your hosts. Plus we discuss the Aledo Thanksgiving Trot event and Shop for the Trot with Blair Cantrell. Mike uses the podcast's massive reach to promote one of his own shows.

This week, we talk about getting ourselves in trouble. Joe ponders which of his kids' events he can miss without scarring them for life. Misty educates us on the dangers of browsing travel sites while having margaritas. Reagan tells us about that time she and Misty hid from TCU police. Mike highlights the music of Keith Sykes and goes to jail.

This week Reagan talks about falling down and her new business venture that everyone needs to use when returning the goat shoes that they didn't order. We discuss one of the most successful songwriters that you've probably never heard of, but most importantly, we chat with the sweet and lovely Ann Grace. Ann is a lifelong Aledo resident and longtime employee of AISD. She gives us lots of detail about how things have changed in Aledo since the 1950s.

Joe relays some scary but important information he recently learned about the dangers of social media and sex trafficking. It's not always children being abducted. It often starts in the privacy of the home.

Plus the ghosts of Ronnie Milsap and Darth Vader. 

In this fun-filled episode we discuss the water supply, SPORTS (including the Aledo field hockey team), and Robert Earl Keen. Then we're joined by Aledo local Andrew Clogg of Sundance Recycling to hear about their services and the waste management business.

Possibly the oddest episode in our long 11 show history. But in a good way.The important part is Laura Anderson explains how the Aledo AdvoCats help our local families in need.We also discuss methods for getting more tips, Conjunto music, plus 40-something males' WWII documentary obsessions.  

We hit a minor milestone with our 10th episode. It's Misty's birthday, so we ask her difficult questions like "What does your husband do?". We also chit-chat about dances, Aledo's place in American history, streaming music, vacation planning and whatnot.Reagan has an excused absence, but really wants your feedback and show ideas at greateraledo@gmail.com.

The guys and gals go unscripted and discuss naming one's car, bar fights, how musicians make money (or don't), the Aledo AdvoCats and some exciting, super-topical hot button issues from this week.

This week we discuss the new prison drone meth delivery service, and the vandalism of a senior parking spot. Misty mourns her bedroom rug. Mike highlights new music from Courtney Patton and the crew tells the sad, sad stories of their first broken hearts.Also, Misty thinks it's stupid that fish don't have lungs.

...and we're back. After our unplanned summer hiatus, we reconvene to discuss some local news and history, unreasonable expectations about back-to-school, the things we would change about ourselves, and a music legend.Sorry about the crackling noise. We're doing the best we can.

Joe starts us off with a though exercise about jockeys and money. Then we try to get serious. Our guest, Anna Maizzei's son Davis was born in liver failure and required a transplant. Anna describes their tough but inspiring journey and reminds us all about the importance of organ donation and children's water safety.LinksDonate Life America - https://www.donatelife.net/Ronald McDonald House - https://rmhc.org/

Misty recaps her very rural-sounding week. Mike highlights a beautiful new Drew Kennedy song. The team discusses a certain super fun preventative medical procedure (sorry, Seth), the dang 'ol grocery bill, and our collective parenting fails. Reagan gives her local business shout-out to Ida Mae Home.

Misty doesn't show sheep but she has to leave early anyway. Reagan learns us up on the origin of MacAnally Intermediate. Mike plays some Adam Hood music.  Joe is a little unhappy with the city of Aledo, and we talk to former educator and current youth mentor Zach Tarrant about the care and feeding of kiddos.

Reagan is back from her one-week hiatus and gives us the lowdown on how Aledo got its name. We discuss the bad, weird, or interesting jobs we've had. Misty educates us on show bunnies and we have an oddly civil discussion about gun violence.