Plano Podcast

Thousands turned up in downtown Plano for Hungry for Change, a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Plano, Texas. Hear from organizer Cheryl “Action” Jackson and leaders Cynt Marshall,  Ed Drain and S. Lee Merritt who spoke at the rally. Plus, we talk with a retired Plano cop who was in attendance, and has a unique story of his own. You might remember him as "OP".

Education during the COVID-19 pandemic has gone virtual. It's a new frontier in education for Plano. While COVID-19  has shut down many businesses and nonprofits, the business of educating our young people in Plano and Collin County is still in full operation. We talk to Dr. Neil Matkin, president of Collin College, and Sara Bonser, superintendent of Plano ISD. They share how they're forging the path ahead. Plus, a word Jana Hancock, director of guidance and family services at Plano ISD.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is in Plano, Texas. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has turned life upside-down in Plano and around the world. Where can we get testing? Why isn’t the city telling us where COVID-19 positive patients have worked and shopped? When will this be over? We went looking for answers at the city, county and state level, talking to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Collin County Administrator Bill Bilyeu and State Representative Jeff Leach.  Plus, we found a few silver linings — ingenious ways that area residents, businesses and nonprofits are coping during the crisis and helping others — including a platform called Get Shift Done that will help fill understaffed volunteer shifts at nonprofits with furloughed restaurant and service industry employees. Hear from Sejal Desai of the Communities Foundation of Texas about how to get involved.

Plano hometown hero and Super Bowl Champ Rex Burkhead is gearing up for the 4th Annual Team Jack Trifecta, a fundraiser for pediatric brain cancer that takes place in Plano in March 21, 2020. Rex checked in with us again for an update - and this time, he brought his mom, Robyn Burkhead who’s a champ in her own right. Hear their amazing story.

It's that time of year when we show some love! Allow us introduce you to our Plano Podcast Valentine, the Rev. Isiah Joshua, a beloved pastor and Plano community leader. Hear how he's helped Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church grow by leaps and bounds and why worshipers drive for hours just to hear him preach. Plus, he shares his hopes  and dreams for the city of Plano.

We can’t let Officer Parker - "OP" - retire this month, after 34 years with Plano PD, without making a splash.  He’s become a beloved Plano character and was one of our favorite podcast interviewees ever. We've pumped up our February 2017 Valentine to OP episode with previously unreleased excerpts as our tribute to this very special man. Hear for yourself why Officer Arthur G. Parker means so much to the community of Plano.

Episode 45 | Plano Christmas Traditions opens the door to some great Christmas traditions both local and international. Not sure what lutefisk or a Lucia celebration is? Never heard of Las Posadas? We’ve got answers. Think all Christmas church services look and feel the same? We take you from one end of the spectrum to another- from Midnight Mass to the Broadway-style production of The Gift of Christmas. Any way you choose to celebrate, we wish you the Merriest of Holiday seasons.

Haunted Plano. Yes, it's a thing. Do spirits of those who lived in Plano long ago still haunt the halls and streets of our city? Many who live and work in the buildings in historic downtown Plano are convinced there’s ghostly mojo afoot. We take you to three of Plano’s Most Haunted Places and hear stories from Jamey Jamison and Leesie Pool -  two residents who’ve encountered spooky shadows from the past.   The author of Haunted Plano, Texas - aka Plano Podcast producer Mary Jacobs - is our guide.

Start your credit cards and reach into your pockets — North Texas Giving Day is almost here!  We re-visit six Plano-area nonprofits that are doing great work in our community.  Hear why we call them The Giving Bunch, and why they deserve your support on September 19. We've made it easy to give to our guests. Our Plano Podcast website has the donation pages for My Possibilities, TOPAchievers Foundation, Heritage Farmstead Museum, Hope's Door/New Beginnings Center, The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation and Grace To Change. We also included a link to North Texas Giving Day, powered by the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Collin Creek Mall is headed for a bright new future. But for the “mall rats” who grew up at Collin Creek Mall, the mall lives on.  We talk to the founder of a Collin Creek Mall Facebook group  - 7000 strong — that’s keeping those memories alive; we meet the security officer who’s walked the halls of Collin Creek Mall since 1992 ; and we discover an urban explorer who clues us in on the Stranger Things going on underneath the mall. So dig out your hair scrunchie and Z Cavaricci's and take a trip to the past with Plano Podcast.

We introduced you to Plano resident Phil Pollacia in Episode 37 | Launch last year. On this historic 50th anniversary of the NASA Apollo 11 Mission- we give you more from that interview and more detail about his hand in the space program. This special Plano Podcast Extra goes in depth with Pollacia and shares facts about the Apollo Mission.

The story of Greg Matthews Wild Awakening is more that meets the eye. All his life, Greg J. Matthews felt the need to prove himself as a man — until a horrifying, near-death encounter with a grizzly bear put him on the path to healing. Hear this Plano resident’s amazing story, and why he wrote the book Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart. Greg's story was featured on the Animal Planet "I Was Prey" series, Season Two Episode Six.

Money from developers, endorsements from Governor Abbott and a Midland-based PAC working behind the scenes.  Why are so many outside influences involved in Plano’s elections? Who’s pulling the strings and why? Three political consultants with experience ranging from local to statewide elections help us look for answers.

You and the New England Patriots just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next? If you’re Rex Burkhead, you’re going to Plano! Find out what brings Rex back home to Plano and how you can help him help kids with brain cancer, at Team Jack TRIFECTA.

In affluent Plano … do we really have homeless folks? We tagged along for the annual census of the homeless in Collin County to find out. Plus, we met the volunteers who serve the homeless when the weather turns cold and talked with Plano ISD’s liaison to homeless students and their families. Plus, a success story: Ron Bultongez, former resident of Plano’s shelter for homeless teens, and now a rising musical star.

LAUNCH! That’s our theme this episode, taking you on a journey into new horizons. Meet Plano resident Phil Pollacia who played a key role in the early days of NASA’s space program - and two women launching the Plano pickleball craze. Finally, we take you behind the scenes at North Texas Performing Arts - as one of us attempts to launch their community acting career in Scrooge- the Musical.

In India, Diwali is like Christmas, Thanksgiving Halloween and New Year all rolled into one big holiday. It’s kind of a big deal in Plano, too, for our 23,000 South Asian residents. We talked to five Plano residents to learn more about the Festival of Lights.

Dylan Rafaty is on a mission in Plano and across Texas to boost awareness of people with disabilities. A Plano ISD graduate, hear what he’s up to and why this millennial is so passionate about inclusivity, in this Plano Podcast Voices episode.

When it comes to school safety, how secure are Plano ISD schools? We take an in-depth look at what school and police officials are doing to keep kids safe, and meet some dads who are pitching in to help. Plus, mum’s the word for our curiosity, a look at a homecoming tradition.

To celebrate back to school- we re-introduce you to Keishon Ireland. He's the 2018 Plano ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year- and a great reason to be excited to get back to school.

We're headed to the library ... and we're not going quietly! Find out why the Plano Public Library is more than books - way more - and how the library can help you find a job, research your ancestors, meet new people, learn a language, take up a new hobby AND save you money. Plus, meet the super-sorters getting ready for the annual book sale ... and get on board the library's sweet new ride.

In this episode, we turn the spotlight on MEN GONE WILD in Plano. Meet a few of Plano’s hardest working, standout males … Starting with a visit to Metroflex Gym – where the workouts are old school and hard core. Next, a sneak peek at Drag Queen Bingo, an event attracting sellout crowds to downtown Plano. Finally, meet Keishon Ireland, Plano ISD’s elementary school teacher of the year for 2018 -- and learn why kids love having this guy in the classroom.

We take a look at Plano farm life, both past and present. Spring brought new life to the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano this year - as well as a heartbreaking reminder of the struggles that faced the area's original settlers. We take a look back at Plano's rural roots in this episode. Plus - if you've ever driven by Wells Brothers farm store and wondered what's inside - you'll find out, because we take you there to meet Richard Wells for our Plano Podcast Curiosity. Finally, meet one of Plano's historic characters: a sheep breeder, poker player and national celebrity Ammie Wilson.

We're navigating troubled waters in Plano, following a chlorine burn that led Erin Brockovich to call out our water system as unsafe. We help you sort out the fears from the facts. Plus, we visit Plano ISD's little known museum, and meet a Plano resident who shares a message of gratitude from the people of the Netherlands for their American liberators.

Plano property taxes: they've skyrocketed, taxing some Plano families out of their homes. Why are they so high? And where is the money going? We talk to three elected officials in Plano to find out. Plus, we introduce you to this episode's Character - a real sweetheart who's helping vulnerable animals in Plano. And finally, we take on a burning question about Plano's proper demonym.

The mass shooting September 11, 2017 sent a grim reminder: domestic violence happens in Plano. We find out how Hope’s Door / New Beginnings and Plano PD help victims and even batterers toward a new life. Meet our Plano character, former NBA player and Plano resident Stephen Howard who’s inspiring and mentoring the next generation. Plus, we bust a Super Bowl myth and show you how shop to fight domestic violence.

Will you be home for the holidays in Plano? If so, we've got you covered with this episode. Guests share the very best Plano offers in food, festivities, faith and ways to give as the season begins. Our Curiosity takes you back to the Great Texas Snow of 1929 - and shares how your family can commemorate that historic event: at Lantern Light at the Heritage Farmstead this year. And finally, our Character is pretty special. In fact, it's a pair that you'll want to stay on the good side of this holiday season. Happy Holidays, Plano!

It's our tale of two Planos. Either Plano’s a great city on track for an even better future … or, Plano is headed to hell in a hand basket. Two completely different narratives are leading Plano residents to choose sides. We look at how divisiveness brings out the worst in us, and offer insights on how to improve our communication across the aisle … with help from a political consultant and an expert in dispute resolution. Plus, we introduce you to the Great Bobcat Debate … and a Plano character who unites us to care for those in need.

Just in time for Halloween ... we take you on a spooky tour of Plano family plots, the pioneer cemeteries of Plano. From tiny family plots tucked in quiet corners, to Plano Mutual, the sprawling final resting place for thousands of souls we visit with the living, telling tales of the departed. Learn the dark and tragic tale from Plano's past that's the origin story of one graveyard, and uncover the hidden stories behind headstones, of the founding families' heartbreaking losses, resilience and faith. Finally, we meet a few of passionate Plano citizens who are working to preserve and restore these historic treasures -- including one who's earned the title of "the Cemetery Lady of Collin County."

When Hurricane Harvey struck, Plano responded. We'll hear creative ways Plano residents stepped up to help, go behind the scenes at Allen, TX based Trusted World, where donations are sorted and shipped to Houston. We talk to a Plano church that's the hub for a nationwide recovery effort and ask Plano's emergency management team for tips on weathering a disaster. Plus, an exclusive tour of the Interurban's Car 360 from Motorman Jack, and a taste test of a throwback frozen confection -- available only in Plano.

Plano night life - no, it's not an oxymoron! Brixton, Scruffy Duffies, Brick Road Theatre, Hyena's Comedy Club and even the Texas Pool- we catch the Friday night vibe. From 80's hair band Metal Shop; to a Patsy Cline tribute performance by Julie Johnson; as well as American Idol finalist Josh Wright - music makes the scene in this episode. Plano Firefighter Marco Banuelas is our featured character, giving us a glimpse behind the scenes, and plenty of entertainment. Chiborken, anyone?

Steve Stoler has seen Plano from both sides now - as a TV news reporter covering the Collin County beat for two decades, and now as the city's media spokesperson. And Steve's got stories - from the breaking national news he witnessed firsthand, to his longtime friendship with Plano's own "Doctor Doolittle." Hear his behind-the-scenes tales, as well as a cheeky nod to Ron Burgundy in this episode.

Hear from those who have dared the many sleepless nights to create a TEDxPlano experience, all for the love of "ideas worth spreading." Do you have what it takes to deliver a TEDx Talk, or organize a TEDx event? Find out, as we go behind the scenes at TEDxPlano, the annual event that draws hundreds of devotees from across North Texas.

Feelings are running high over Plano's upcoming May 6 election. At the center of the fury: homeowners up in arms over high-density apartments built or approved in Plano in recent years. They fear too many apartments will drag down schools, snarl traffic and affect our quality of life. We look at the question of apartments - good or bad for Plano? And we separate fact from fiction.

It's the start of Spring softball and baseball season in Plano. All across our city ball fields are packed with excited parents, hopeful players and a team of umpires ready to get the games underway. In this Plano Podcast Extra, we meet umpire Bill Van Horn who has spent his life devoted to the love of the game.

Mabrie Griffith Jackson and Marshall Jackson weren't born in Plano, but they got here as soon as they could. Mabrie and Marshall know Plano. They opened up to us about Plano politics, Plano football, the Thunderbird Roller Rink, and all that came with growing up here in the 1970's. Get the inside story on their relationship and why they're excited about the future. Spoiler alert, that future probably includes more episodes of Marshall TV.

We’re sending a Plano Podcast Valentine to one of our Plano’s most beloved characters: Officer Arthur G. Parker, Jr, widely known as "OP", around town. Parker, who has been with the Plano Police Department for 31 years, was the department’s Officer of the Year for 2015, making him the first school resource officer in department history to receive that award. He’s also the only Officer in Plano we’re aware of that has their own Facebook Fan page. If you haven’t met OP yet - or heard him play his harmonica, or watched him dance, or listened to him rap - you won’t want to miss this episode.

After Nick Bridwell of Plano Magazine interviewed us for a story, we turned the tables and interviewed him. Listen in on the conversation, in this bite-sized Plano Podcast Extra.

Does the early bird REALLY get the worm? Does "early to rise" truly make you healthy, wealthy and wise? For some answers, we dragged ourselves out of bed before the crack of dawn to talk to some Plano early risers. By the time the rest of us are awake, they've been up for hours. Find out what they've been doing and how it affects their careers, bodies and minds.

The Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walk in December. Yes, it was the coldest night Plano had seen in 2016, but there was wine, art, shopping and music. So naturally we had to go. Catch the vibe from the Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk and hear from brave crowd members (and one not-so-timid youngster) willing to answer a few questions live on our mic. It was a historic night for our city, listen to find out why.

It’s been 20 years since Plano, Texas was gripped in a heroin crisis. Go behind the headlines to hear the story from the remarkable team who worked to save lives and shut down a major drug operation in the city. The painful lessons remain relevant for the nation and local community today.

In Plano, the holidays get hilarious with Theatre Britain's annual panto production. This episode opens the curtain to a raucous family holiday treat. The Plano theater company’s production has all the traditional elements – a fractured fairy tale that features the dame who's actually a guy, a ghostly cameo, and lots of audience participation. We go behind the scenes to hear from the director and meet some of the actors, plus, an extensive wrap-up with performing arts critic Mark Lowry of TheaterJones, who weighs in on growing diversity of theater and arts productions in Plano.

Haunted Plano is a glimpse into Plano's history, full of stories with a ghostly flavor. Not for the faint of heart, hear the tales of the past including the Zodiac Rider, the Muncey Massacre and Ellen Henry- a woman from Hunter Farrell's past.

Traffic. It's what's up in Plano and all of Collin County, TX. Are we destined for California-style gridlock? Collin County Commissioner Duncan Webb shares his vision and challenges on the plan to ease gridlock as we take a journey together into the year 2040. We wrap with a special Route 380 road trip to meet with Mayor John-Mark Caldwell and City Manager Derek Borg of Princeton, TX. Our conversation is where the rubber meets the road.

Plano's own Lawrence Mann shares his remarkable story that led to a lifetime dedicated to giving youth the skills for success- well beyond the basketball court. Through his Top Achievers Program and Foundation, work as a Plano ISD At-Risk Specialist, and his Man-Up/Young Women Incorporated programs his impact is far-reaching and deeply felt by his students. Meet Coach Mann, two of his three sons, and hear the tale of an extraordinary leader, character and mentor who has never taken his eye off the ball.

Meet the three selected winners from our Storytellers / Writers call for entry. One student, one published author, and one blogger are featured, each reading their unique interpretation of Dog Days. A creative breath of cool air on a hot summer day, from some of the best Plano independent voices.

Is Plano a suburb of Dallas, or a city in its own right? Dallas Morning News columnist says that Plano remains Dallas' little brother, but Mayor Harry LaRosiliere counters with his own vision of "Plano 3.0." We look at the word "suburb," and all of its baggage, and how the question gets at the heart of how Plano defines itself going forward.

With the advent of "business casual," fewer and fewer men are wearing tailored suits in Plano. But we found a few who continue to rock the suit with style. Find out how the trend toward casual has changed the way men shop in Plano, and meet our Aces of Suits.

Nobody's better equipped to talk about the future of the arts in Plano than David Downs. He's a member of Plano City Council, and an accomplished photographer. David talks about the vision for the downtown arts district in Plano and how fostering a "creative class" within the community makes Plano a more attractive destination for employers.

As the owner of a Plano karate studio, Diana Reeve likes to say that she teaches courage for a living. She called on every ounce of her own courage when she learned that her longtime boyfriend had knowingly given her HIV — along with dozens of other women. Reeve shares her incredible tale of banding together with other women, taking the boyfriend to court, and winning.

How do you know you’re from Plano? Oklahoma State University student Macy Hedrick proposed “20 Signs You Grew Up in Plano” in an essay that’s gone viral. The Plano native shares those signs, along with her observations on growing up in Plano, the transition from Plano ISD to higher education, and why she misses the Purple Cow.