Podcasts about connect connect

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we look at how UT San Antonio's Klesse College of Engineering is driving new ambition among San Antonio students—and earning global attention in the process. As UT San Antonio continues its evolution into a Tier 1 research institution, the experience of freshman-led Team 210 Robotics provides a window into both the campus culture and the resources shaping today's engineering talent.Host Bob Rivard is joined by Israel Elizondo and Dyshana Torres, two undergraduates whose team won the 2026 Siemens Immersive Design Competition, an international challenge with 1,900 entries from 350 universities worldwide. Their winning project—RoboRowdy—automates 3D print farms, showcasing both technical skill and initiative.They discuss:• How a student-driven idea grew inside a UT San Antonio dorm and became a winning global engineering project• The processes, faculty support, and university investment behind Team 210's success• What it means for San Antonio—and for UT San Antonio—to compete on a world stage alongside Princeton, Georgia Tech, and international universities• What's changing for local students as programs, internships, and research expand at UTSA• Personal stories from Israel and Dyshana about college access, scholarships, and navigating first-generation experiences• The role of immersive engineering, virtual reality, and AI in shaping education and careers for San Antonio's next generationTune in for a candid conversation about opportunity, preparation, and change at one of the city's fastest-evolving institutions.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a close look at the evolution of solar energy in San Antonio, a city that now leads Texas and ranks among the top five in the nation for solar capacity. As CPS Energy's long-running rebate programs wind down and the policy landscape shifts, what does the future hold for local solar initiatives—and for the residents and businesses looking to take part?In conversation with Robert Miggins, CEO and co-founder of Big Sun Solar, the discussion explores how commercial solar has changed over the past decade, examines San Antonio's municipal solar project—the largest in Texas, and the second largest in the U.S.—and unpacks how regulatory and economic factors have shaped the city's unique position in the energy sector.Topics include:• The impact of policy changes and waning rebates on San Antonio's solar growth• How cost, regulation, and the utility landscape affect solar adoption across the state• Details and outcomes of the City of San Antonio's major municipal solar project• The new community solar initiative making solar accessible to renters and apartment dwellers• The evolving role of solar, wind, and battery storage in Texas' energy futureTune in for an in-depth conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing solar energy in San Antonio, and what it means for the city's future.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio is preparing for—and managing—the increasing threat of extreme heat. As another sweltering summer grips the city, heat is no longer just an annual inconvenience but a growing risk to public health, infrastructure, and the local economy.Cory Ames speaks with Laura Patiño, Director of the Department of Resilience and Sustainability for the City of San Antonio. The conversation focuses on the city's new Heat Resiliency Playbook, what makes San Antonio's climate challenges distinct, and how neighborhoods most affected by heat are shaping the response.They discuss:What the data reveals about the rise in extreme heat days in San AntonioHow heat impacts everything from electricity bills and public health to transportation and tourismStrategies in the Heat Resiliency Playbook: from cool pavements and tree planting to resilience hubsTracking the effectiveness of solutions—and the challenges of funding and coordination across departmentsWhy keeping heat resilience a priority is critical for San Antonio's futureFor a closer look at a city adapting to new climate realities, listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit bigcitysmalltown.com.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

For years, we have been told that providing value means teaching something. More tips, more how-tos, more educational content. But education is only one way your content can be valuable. In this episode, I'm breaking down six different types of value your content can provide, from practical education and perspective shifts to storytelling, and more. We'll also talk about why relying too heavily on educational content can make your personal brand feel replaceable, and how creating a wider range of value gives people more reasons to follow you, engage with you, and care about your perspective. If you want to build a personal brand where people don't just follow you for what you can teach them, but because they genuinely want your take, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn The 6 different ways your content can provide value Why valuable content doesn't always have to teach something The difference between perspective shifts, breakthroughs, and problem awareness How storytelling and identity-driven content build stronger connection Why mixing different types of value can turn views into actual audience growth   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the latest ALICE data and the stark realities of financial hardship facing working families in San Antonio and Bexar County. According to a new report from UnitedforALICE and United Way, 44% of local households are struggling to afford basic needs—even when earning more than twice the federal poverty line.Host Cory Ames is joined by Stephanie Smith of United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, and Jonathan Gurwitz, United Way board member and partner at K. Harvey Brand Partners, to break down what the ALICE numbers reveal and what they mean for the city's present and future.They discuss:What ALICE means, how this data set is developed, and how it differs from federal poverty measurementsThe specific challenges impacting working families, including childcare, housing, and stagnant wagesHow local factors—from citywide childcare initiatives to workforce training programs—are addressing, or failing to address, the needs of nearly half the countyThe complex causes and cascading effects of financial strain on mental health, physical well-being, and the broader communityWhat policymakers, business leaders, and citizens should take away from this data as San Antonio considers budget priorities, new legislation, and future investmentsFor a clear-eyed look at how economic realities are shaping San Antonio—and the responses underway to meet those challenges—listen wherever you get your podcasts, or visit bigcitysmalltown.com.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

If you've ever felt like your niche is too limiting, you're constantly running out of content ideas, or there are parts of your life you want to share but don't know how they fit your brand, this episode is for you. Rather than abandoning your niche or trying to reinvent your brand, you'll learn how to build a more flexible and creative content strategy by refining your niche through four different filters. We'll break down why niches often leave personal brands feeling boxed in, how an alternative method can give you permission to expand your ideas without confusing your audience, and why two personal brands can share the exact same niche while building completely different personal brands. What you'll learn from this episode: How to make your niche more marketable and social media friendly How to use your identity, ideas, format, and experiences as creative filters. Why profiles in the same niche can build completely different personal brands. How to make everyday experiences like travel, relationships, or life updates relevant to your audience without feeling off-brand.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to Knight Aerospace—an innovative San Antonio company with a global footprint, yet little name recognition. Based at Port San Antonio, Knight Aerospace specializes in creating advanced modular systems for military and government aircraft, enabling rapid transformation for missions ranging from medical evacuations to VIP transport.Bob sits down with Bianca Rhodes, CEO and president of Knight Aerospace, to examine her journey from the Rio Grande Valley to the helm of a company at the intersection of manufacturing, medicine, and aviation. The discussion traces the company's evolution, how the region's educational and business infrastructure shapes its workforce, and where San Antonio fits in the broader aerospace and biomedical landscape.They discuss:• The origins and unique business model of Knight Aerospace• How the company pivoted during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises• The realities—and opportunities—facing women in aerospace and manufacturing in San Antonio• San Antonio's economic and educational challenges, and what's needed for the city to reach its potential• Rhodes' faith and commitment to educational outreach, workforce development, and her work with local nonprofitsFor those interested in how local industry, education, and civic leadership intersect in San Antonio's growth story, this conversation provides a grounded look at both the possibilities and the obstacles ahead.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio's Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix – Host Bob Rivard sits down with top business leaders Mario Barrera and Luis Rodriguez to tackle the urgent crisis facing public education funding in San Antonio. If you care about the city's economic future and the challenges local schools face, this episode delivers an essential look at how funding decisions today will shape tomorrow's workforce.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

If you've been showing up consistently on Instagram but feel like you're posting on autopilot, this episode is your invitation to hit reset. Rather than chasing more content or trying to "beat the algorithm," I'm sharing the strategic shifts I'm making for the rest of the year to build a stronger personal brand, create more memorable content, and use Instagram as part of a larger marketing ecosystem instead of expecting it to do everything on its own. Whether you've been feeling stuck, uninspired, or simply know your current strategy isn't producing the results you want anymore, this episode will help you rethink how you're approaching Instagram so you can finish the year with more intention, creativity, and momentum. What you'll learn from this episode: Why optimizing individual posts is less important than building a memorable account. How to identify what you actually want to become known for. The difference between teaching information and creating original thinking. Why content series outperform disconnected posts. How to turn your everyday work and experiences into a sustainable content engine. The mindset shift from trying to sound smart to becoming recognizable. Why Instagram should support your broader marketing ecosystem instead of carrying your entire business. The identity shifts that will help you stay consistent long after motivation wears off. How to stop posting on autopilot and intentionally reset your strategy for the rest of the year.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we explore the unlikely journey of Tio Pelon's Salsita, a San Antonio-made salsa brand found across Texas grocery shelves—and the story of the entrepreneur behind it. Bob sits down with Oscar Perez, architect-turned-founder of Tio Pelon, to examine how a borderlands upbringing, a family recipe, and a series of calculated risks transformed a backyard experiment into a recognizable name in local stores.Bob and Oscar discuss:• The personal, cultural, and economic factors that shaped Tio Pelon's origins• Navigating the legal, regulatory, and logistical hurdles of building a food business in Texas• The realities behind scaling from farmers markets to H-E-B and beyond• What automation, capital, and community support look like for a small-batch producer• The broader impact of San Antonio's food entrepreneurs on the city's identityThe conversation provides a window into the challenges, pivots, and opportunities facing San Antonio's small business community, and offers perspective on what it means to build something authentic—and sustainable—in one of the nation's most vibrant culinary cities.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #129. Inside Launch SA — San Antonio's One-Stop Resource for Small Business – For anyone inspired by the entrepreneurial journey of Tío Pelón's Salsita, this episode dives into Launch SA, the city's resource hub for small businesses. Guest host Cory Ames and director Matthew Espinoza unpack the support systems, challenges, and evolving landscape facing San Antonio's founders and makers.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

For years, we believed that if we wanted more sales, the answer was simple: post more. But today's content doesn't work that way. In this episode, I'm breaking down why wanting immediate sales from your content can actually hold your business backand why sales are the result of trust, positioning, consistency, and strategy rather than a single post (or multiple). We'll talk about the unrealistic expectations many entrepreneurs place on their content, why consistency alone isn't enough, how entitlement can quietly keep you stuck, and what you should focus on instead if your goal is to generate more clients and revenue. If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I just need my content to start making sales," this episode will help you understand what your content is actually responsible for and how to build a marketing system that creates sustainable sales instead of chasing quick wins. What you'll learn from this episode: Why posting more no longer guarantees more sales. The biggest misconception entrepreneurs have about "sales content." The difference between activities that generate sales today and activities that build future sales. How entitlement can quietly keep you from improving your content. The importance of implementing feedback instead of defending your current strategy. What to do if you genuinely need sales right now while your content strategy catches up. How to stop expecting your content to be an instant sales machine and start using it as a long-term business asset.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation turns to the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) at a pivotal moment in its history. As YOSA prepares for its 50th anniversary and the opening of its first permanent home, the discussion examines the organization's impact on music education, city culture, and the future of classical music in San Antonio.Bob is joined in the studio by YOSA Music Director Troy Peters, who reflects on his long tenure, the challenges faced by young musicians, and the broader arts ecosystem in the region. With Peters soon joining his wife, Anne, in South Carolina after her appointment as vice president of marketing at USC, he offers a candid look at transitions—both personal and institutional.Topics include:• The role of music education in shaping San Antonio's youth• How YOSA mirrors the city's diversity and expands access for underserved communities• The future of classical music in San Antonio and the challenges faced by local orchestras• YOSA's upcoming permanent home and what it means for the city's performing arts scene• The realities of nonprofit funding, city support, and the sustainability of arts organizations in uncertain timesIt's a look at the people and ideas that keep San Antonio's cultural life evolving, even as the city navigates change.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #156. Sustaining the Arts: The Orchestra San Antonio's Plan to Merge Performance and Education – With professional orchestras in flux, this episode explores whether San Antonio can truly sustain a world-class symphony. Host Cory Ames sits down with Orchestra San Antonio's Paul Montalvo to dig into funding, education, and bold new models for the city's musical future.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

In this episode, I explore why simply sharing expertise isn't enough in today's content landscape. While knowledge is widely accessible, what truly resonates with people is the interpretation and application of that knowledge through your personal experiences and insights. Discover how perspective, storytelling, and personal experience can elevate your content strategy and boost genuine engagement and sales. What you'll learn from this episode: The shifting role of expertise versus perspective in content marketing Why knowledge alone no longer creates scarcity or trust The importance of sharing personal experiences and stories How perspective builds stronger communities and authority The difference between sharing life and using life as evidence How to turn experiences into marketable, engaging content   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

The shock worked. The rhythm converted. And then V-fib came right back. Now what?Part two of this series explores the physiology and pharmacology driving recurrent V-fib so you can respond confidently when shocks aren't enough.You'll learn how the body's sympathetic nervous system response keeps the heart unstable, why epinephrine can both help and hurt, when to reach for lidocaine over amiodarone, and what the research says about the emerging role of esmolol to target the storm itself (not just the arrhythmia).Topics discussed in this episode:The sympathetic nervous system and cardiac arrestWhy epinephrine both helps and hurtsAmiodarone vs. lidocaine: which is better?Key findings from the ROC-ALPS trialWhy antiarrhythmics don't replace defibrillationThe evidence behind esmolol in refractory V-fib3 lessons for codes when ACLS isn't enoughMentioned in this episode:CONNECT

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the focus shifts to homelessness in San Antonio—an issue that remains top-of-mind for both policymakers and residents, despite substantial public and private investment.Bob welcomes Rhonda Mundhenk, who recently stepped into the role of CEO at the San Antonio shelter, Haven for Hope. They discuss the realities on the ground, the evolving demographics of homelessness, and how San Antonio's approach compares to other major cities. The conversation explores what's working, where resource gaps remain, and the impact of housing costs and healthcare policy on the most vulnerable.They discuss:• The distinction between homelessness as a condition versus a problem in San Antonio• How Haven for Hope's 15-year Blueprint for Hope study informs future strategies• The city's increasing population of unsheltered residents and the underlying economic drivers• The challenges of coordinating services—and funding streams—across local and federal agencies• The growing need for affordable housing, permanent supportive care, and better healthcare reimbursement• Why sustained collaboration is key to improving outcomes for both families experiencing short-term hardship and individuals facing chronic homelessnessFor listeners seeking to understand the complexities behind San Antonio's most pressing social issue, this episode offers a grounded look at the data, policy decisions, and daily realities shaping the city's response.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness Building on this week's discussion of policing and homelessness, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames talk with Katie Wilson of Close to Home about San Antonio's ongoing struggle to address housing, mental health, and chronic homelessness. Discover why collaboration and long-term planning are crucial as they unpack the local realities and policy challenges behind this persistent citywide issue.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER

Are you feeling isolated in your niche or overwhelmed by the idea that there's no one to inspire you? Do you feel overly reliant on content to create your own ideas and feel like it's hindering your ability to get ahead? This episode dives into how you can unlock your creativity by leveraging your unique experiences, observations, and perspectives to create compelling content that stands out. Discover how to build a personalized content formula that transforms your limitations into your greatest strength. What you'll learn from this episode How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own content path The four levels of inspiration: content, format, brand, and principles How to collect inspiration from multiple sources rather than mimicking one account How to turn personal experience and daily observation into original content ideas Why being first in your space can become a creative advantage   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

In Part 4 of our series "The Kingdom of God", Bill & Roger teach that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, calling you to repent, recognize the kingdom of God within you, and live with authority to win the lost, heal the sick, and minister with power. They challenge religious unbelief and the idea that "you never know what God will do," saying God has already revealed His will to prosper, heal, deliver, save, and give peace, joy, and the Holy Ghost, including an empowering baptism for ministry. They connect seeking first the kingdom with God's way of meeting everyday needs, reject an "us four and no more" mindset, and emphasize using prosperity as a pipeline to finance the gospel. Quoting Matthew 24, Roger explains how the end comes AFTER the gospel of the kingdom is preached worldwide, urging you to endure, speak faith, and be a victorious, truthful, loving witness in work, family, and business.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:   00:00 Gods Promises Recap 00:12 Show Intro and Testimony 01:17 Kingdom Gospel Authority 01:43 Mark Teaching Kingdom Within 02:46 Kicking Sacred Cows 06:17 Second Work Holy Spirit 07:33 Power for Everyday Ministry 09:22 Seek First Kingdom Provision 11:52 Prosperity as Gospel Pipeline 14:15 End Times and Kingdom Witness 16:02 Truth Love and Lawlessness 20:26 Healing Proof Kingdom Gospel 22:19 Prosperity Mindset Testimony 24:20 Money as Tool and Tithing 26:46 Outro and How to Connect   Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064668460680

Episode 176 Ayahuasca, Trauma & the Path Back to Yourself with Ranko Meraya What if the anxiety, fear, emotional patterns, or relationship struggles you've carried for decades are rooted in trauma you don't even remember? In this powerful conversation, traditional shamanic practitioner Ranko Meraya (Shaun) shares how sacred plant medicine, indigenous wisdom, and intentional ceremony can help uncover hidden trauma, restore authentic connection, and support profound healing. Whether you're curious about ayahuasca or already walking a spiritual path, this episode offers a grounded and deeply insightful perspective on what true transformation can look like. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Episode Preview 00:45 – Meet Ranko Meraya (Shaun) & His Journey into Shamanism 06:00 – How Ayahuasca Revealed Hidden Childhood Trauma 14:45 – Common Misconceptions About Ayahuasca & Plant Medicine 18:35 – Purging, Trauma & Healing on Every Level 24:55 – Entities, Icaros & Sacred Ceremony Explained 33:45 – How Plant Medicine Helps Heal PTSD, Grief & Addiction 37:10 – The Future of Conscious Healing & Collective Transformation 41:30 – Retreats, Final Wisdom & Where to Connect Connect with Ranko Meraya (Shaun)

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, a San Antonio local who has served 32 years on the federal bench. Known for his distinctive, often witty legal opinions, Judge Biery offers a candid look into the realities of the Western District of Texas—one of the nation's largest and busiest federal court districts, encompassing everything from Austin to El Paso.Bob Rivard and Judge Biery discuss the pressures facing the federal courts, the increasing case backlog driven by immigration issues, and the long-term impact of national politics on local judicial work. Judge Biery reflects on the evolution of his judicial writing style, shares insights from his most high-profile cases, and considers the future of the federal judiciary as San Antonio and Texas continue to grow.Topics include:The overwhelming caseloads and staffing challenges for San Antonio's federal judgesHow due process and immigration reform are playing out under current political conditionsThe local significance and national profile of Judge Biery's written opinionsChanges Judge Biery has witnessed in federal courts over the past 30 yearsWhat's ahead for the courts as San Antonio prepares for even more rapid growthA thoughtful conversation on the state of justice, local courts, and what it means for the city and region.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next – As San Antonio navigates federal and local challenges, Police Chief Bill McManus joins Bob Rivard to discuss two decades of policing, immigration enforcement, and the complexities of leadership in a rapidly growing city. Hear firsthand how the SAPD adapts to community needs, state laws, and the future of public safety.-- -- GET THE NEWSLETTER

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we visit Clementine, a family-owned restaurant in Castle Hills that has quietly become a fixture for neighborhood dining and local sourcing in San Antonio. Bob Rivard sits down with Chef John Russ to discuss the realities of operating an ambitious independent restaurant outside of the city's trendiest areas—and how decisions around location, size, and sustainability have shaped Clementine's identity and resilience since opening in 2018.They discuss:• The challenges and opportunities of opening a restaurant in a modest strip center rather than downtown or at the Pearl• How the team navigated pandemic disruptions, staffing shortages, and ongoing economic uncertainty• The importance of local farms, ranches, and the broader food ecosystem that supports restaurants in South and Central Texas• The financial realities of restaurant ownership in San Antonio—and why the focus remains on community, staff, and family rather than rapid expansion• Reflections on evolving neighborhood dining, what keeps regulars coming back, and how Clementine builds connections with guests and growers alikeTune in for a grounded look at the work, risk, and local relationships behind one of San Antonio's most respected neighborhood restaurants.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #150. The Rise of Jamaican Food in San Antonio (ft. The Jerk Shack) – Explore how culinary identity shapes a city with Chef Nicola Blaque, San Antonio's only Michelin-recognized Jamaican chef. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola to discuss her journey from military service to launching The Jerk Shack, the evolution of San Antonio's dining scene, and building community through food.-- -- GET THE NEWSLETTER

If you've ever told yourself "I'll do content once I have a team," this episode is for you. Most people think their content problem is a delegation problem, but today we're getting honest about what's really going on. The lie sounds like this: once I hire, content gets easier. But execution getting easier doesn't mean content leaves your job. You can outsource editing, design, even posting, but never the face, the strategist, and the thought leader behind your brand. We're breaking down why even multi-billion dollar founders are still the ones recording and leading their content, no matter how big their team gets. The founders making millions aren't creating less content, they're creating more, because they built the skill first. This episode shows you why content is leadership, not admin work, and what it actually takes to become a content leader instead of just a content creator. In today's episode, we're chatting about: Your content problem isn't a hiring problem, it's a leadership problem Execution gets easier with a team, but responsibility never leaves your plate Content creator vs. content leader "I'll have more time later" is a trap, growth adds responsibility, not free time Storytelling and perspective can't be outsourced, only practiced   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Sometimes V-fib doesn't respond to the shock at all. Sometimes it converts and comes right back. Those are two completely different problems.In this episode, Sarah breaks down the science behind why defibrillation fails, how to recognize the difference between refractory and recurrent V-fib, and respond when shocks aren't working. You'll learn how to start approaching the electrical storm at the bedside — that means understanding transthoracic impedance, optimizing your pad placement, and knowing when to reach for double sequential defibrillation.Topics discussed in this episode:Refractory vs. recurrent V-fibThe physiology of ventricular fibrillation and re-entry tachycardiasMisconceptions about defibrillationTransthoracic impedance and how to reduce itAnterior-lateral vs. anterior-posterior pad placementDouble sequential defibrillation: evidence and objectionsKey findings from the DOSE VF trialAmerican Heart Association. (2025). 2025 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation.Cheskes, S., Dorian, P., Feldman, M., McLeod, S., Scales, D. C., Pinto, R., Turner, L., Morrison, L. J., Drennan, I. R., & Verbeek, P. R. (2020). Double sequential external defibrillation for refractory ventricular fibrillation: The DOSE VF pilot randomized controlled trial. Resuscitation, 150, 178–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2020.02.010D. Hasegawa, A. Sharma, Y. I. Lee, & R. Sato. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of esmolol for refractory ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Chest, 164(4 Suppl.), A1568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2023.07.1077International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. (2025). 2025 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR).Mentioned in this episode:CONNECT

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to local leadership and public service in San Antonio. Bob sits down with former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, now the Democratic frontrunner for Bexar County Judge, to discuss his new memoir, The Education of a Texas Public Servant, published by Trinity University Press.The conversation delves into Nirenberg's journey from jazz station manager to public servant, as well as the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his time in office. The episode explores how family, crisis, and San Antonio's unique culture have influenced Nirenberg's approach to leadership—and how those lessons may inform the city's future as he pursues county office.They discuss:The impact of personal loss, family, and upbringing on public serviceSan Antonio's pandemic response—what worked, what didn't, and what needs to changePersistent challenges around poverty, economic mobility, and health care in Bexar CountyThe role of public-private partnerships and collaboration between city and county governmentsWhy investments in downtown, infrastructure, and workforce development matter for San Antonio's resilienceListen in for a candid reflection on leadership, the city's evolving identity, and the ongoing work of building a more equitable San Antonio.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #153. The Race to Lead Bexar County: Ron Nirenberg – Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard dive into Ron Nirenberg's campaign to become Bexar County Judge. Hear candid insights into his vision for public health, justice reform, and regional leadership as San Antonio faces a pivotal moment of growth and change.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with registered dietitian Claudia Zapata to examine the challenges and opportunities facing San Antonio's food culture and public health. A longtime advocate for healthier eating and community well-being, Claudia brings her experience as a columnist, television host, and founder of the Diplomacy Diet to the discussion.Bob and Claudia discuss the roots of San Antonio's health issues, the realities of changing eating habits in a city known for its food traditions, and the small steps individuals and institutions can take to improve outcomes for residents of all ages.They discuss:The limits of “everything in moderation” and the importance of daily choicesHow affordability and access shape San Antonio's nutrition landscapeThe role of education in changing family and community healthHow policy, school cafeterias, and marketing influence what we eatThe importance of mobility, exercise, and social connection in lifelong healthClaudia's personal approach to working with clients, meal planning, and teaching healthy habitsThe episode also looks at the impact of federal policy, the evolution of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and why prevention—and practical, non-judgmental support—are central to Claudia's work with Methodist Healthcare and her broader vision for San Antonio.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #140. The Food Bank is Harvesting Solutions to San Antonio's Hunger – Food, health, and housing are deeply interconnected in San Antonio. In this conversation, host Cory Ames sits down with Mitch Hagney of the San Antonio Food Bank to explore how innovative farming, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable agriculture are transforming both emergency food services and long-term food security for the city's most vulnerable communities.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

I recently coached over 10 clients in just a couple of weeks, and I kept hearing the same thought patterns come up again and again. So I wanted to share them with you because if any of these have been creeping into your head, they might be exactly what's holding you back. Content success is way more psychological than most people think. The 5 Thoughts I See Sabotaging Clients (And How to Flip Them) 1. "I've Already Tried That" I hear this one all the time. "I tried reels, I tried carousels, I tried being vulnerable." But here's the truth: most of us have sampled a strategy, not actually tried it. Posting twice doesn't count. Have you posted 50 reels? Have you done 30 storytelling posts? Have you been consistent for three full months? Instead of "I've tried that," ask yourself: "Have I actually mastered this yet? Have I found my signature style in this format?" 2. "That Doesn't Work" This one is dangerous because the second you decide something doesn't work, you stop being curious about it and curiosity is what drives creativity. What you usually mean is, "that hasn't worked for me yet." Huge difference. While you're writing off talking videos, someone else is making a million dollars in a week with simple yapping-style content. The question I want you to ask instead: "What would need to happen for this to work?"  3. "I Can't Because ..." I don't have enough followers. My niche is too saturated. I have kids. I have a full-time job. I get it. But the moment you create a condition for your success, you create a reason to delay it. The goalpost just keeps moving. Instead, ask yourself: "How can I make this work despite my circumstances?" Because people are doing it with the same limitations you have. 4. The Frustration Loop Frustration narrows your thinking. Creativity expands it. When you're frustrated, you want immediate answers. When you're in a creative headspace, you want to explore, discover, and try again. Same flopped video, two totally different responses: "I'm done with this" vs. "Okay, interesting. Here's what I'm trying next."  5. Not Giving Content Enough Time Content doesn't have an end date. Even MrBeast, with hundreds of millions of subscribers, is still sitting down analyzing metrics trying to figure out how to grow. You're going to figure out your first 5K, then your 100K, then your first million, and there will always be a next level. So stop thinking of content as something you're going to "figure out and be done with." It's a forever practice, just like selling is in your business.  CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with San Antonio Police Chief William  McManus as he approaches the end of his nearly 20-year tenure leading the San Antonio Police Department. With retirement on the horizon in September 2026, Chief McManus offers a candid reflection on two decades of service in a city that has grown and changed dramatically.Bob Rivard guides a conversation that covers the evolving challenges facing law enforcement in San Antonio. From changes in public celebrations to the impact of state legislation on policing practices, Chief McManus discusses the complexities of running a department in one of the country's largest and fastest-growing cities.They discuss:The unique pressures of policing during major community events such as Spurs celebrations and FiestaHow the department responds to trends in drunk driving, road rage, and domestic violenceThe growing influence of state immigration laws, cooperation with federal authorities, and the evolving relationship with ICEEfforts to improve recruitment, strengthen community relations, and address officer wellness and mental healthPolicing homelessness, the expansion of mental health response units, and San Antonio's efforts to support its most vulnerable residentsThe significance of cultural awareness and community immersion for new officers, and thoughts on leadership succession within SAPDThrough personal stories and policy details, Chief McManus reflects on the accomplishments and challenges that have defined his leadership and shares what he believes San Antonio needs as it looks to the future of public safety.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness Building on this week's discussion of policing and homelessness, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames talk with Katie Wilson of Close to Home about San Antonio's ongoing struggle to address housing, mental health, and chronic homelessness. Discover why collaboration and long-term planning are crucial as they unpack the local realities and policy challenges behind this persistent citywide issue.-- --CONNECT

I've been wanting to record this episode for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. In this episode, I'm sharing a framework I came up with while coaching a client and it completely changed the way she thought about her content. I'm calling it "first-date-friendly content," and if you've been posting consistently but still not seeing the results you want, this one's for you. I start by breaking down why so much content just isn't landing. The honest answer is that most of us are talking to our audience like we're already three years into a relationship, when they haven't even been on a first date with us yet. I talk about the difference between posting for your hottest followers versus the majority of your audience, and why thinking about that broader group is actually what unlocks real reach and performance. From there, I walk you through my 4-part Hook Scorecard. The 4 things I look for in every hook: is it relatable? Is it surprising? Is it specific? And can a complete stranger understand it without any prior context? I also share 4 hook structures that actually work and how you can mix and match them depending on what you're trying to say. I also get into why being more specific, not broader, is what gets the right people to stop scrolling. And I break down the difference between a statement and a hook because if your first line feels complete and "finished," it's not doing its job. A hook is an invitation, not a conclusion. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes. BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Imagine being able to cut your hospital's code blue events outside of critical care in HALF in just six months. That's exactly what happened when Sarah built her hospital's rapid response team from the ground up.Nurse Gwenny takes over the show to find out how she did it, from the pitch that got the program started to the skills that actually matter on rapid response teams. She also shares what disqualifies a candidate even when the resume is perfect, why so few resources exist for rapid response training, and how she's filling that gap herself.Whether you're hoping to start a rapid response program at your hospital or just want to feel more confident the next time you call one, this episode is for you.Topics discussed in this episode:How Sarah became a rapid response nurseThe backstory behind the Rapid Response RN PodcastThe impact of having a rapid response teamHow you can start a rapid response programRapid response education and (lack of) resourcesHiring red flags that override a strong resumeSoft skills nursing school never teachesTrusting nursing intuition when vitals look fineJoin the Nurse Gwenny Library to earn CE credits for listening to the show! Use code: rapidresponsernto get a discount on your membership:https://library.nursegwenny.com/bundles/nurse-gwenny-library-membershipMentioned in this episode:CONNECT

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, co-founders of SWBC, to mark the company's 50th anniversary. What began in 1976 with $1,500, a third partner in Dallas, and car trunks for offices has grown into one of San Antonio's largest and most diversified private companies, with 2,500 employees, operations in all 50 states, and a growing presence in Monterrey, Mexico.They discuss:How two friends from the Gulf Coast reunited in college, learned the insurance business from the inside, and quit their jobs on the same day to start something betterWhy they chose San Antonio as their headquarters — and why a vote, a house sale, and a buyout sealed itHow surviving 17–19% interest rates in the 1980s shaped their philosophy on diversification and financial resilienceThe decision to expand into multifamily real estate development — and what the post-COVID softening of that market looks like nowWhy they joined the group that kept the Spurs in San Antonio in 1993, and what that $85 million bet looks like at a $3.5 billion valuationTheir operation in Monterrey — why they went, how H-E-B showed them the way, and how they're thinking about security during the World CupWhat 6,000 intern applications revealed about SWBC's reputation — and how they're thinking about AI across their businessesWhy San Antonio has work to do on corporate recruitment, workforce development, and staying top of mind for CEOsRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 161. Former Assistant City Manager Lori Houston Reflects on 23 Years at City Hall and Her Next Steps — SWBC's growth mirrors San Antonio's own civic evolution. This episode examines the infrastructure and leadership decisions that shaped the city Charlie and Gary bet on.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

If you've ever deleted a draft, spiraled after a post flopped, or found yourself checking your analytics like you're waiting on a text back, this episode is for you. Most people think their content problem is strategy, but today we're getting honest about what's really going on. A toxic relationship with content looks like emotional dependency on metrics, disappearing after bad posts, and constantly shape-shifting your ideas for approval. We're breaking down the 3 self-trust creator profiles: low, medium, and high, so you can identify exactly where you are right now and understand how content may be having too much emotional control over your confidence and identity. The fastest-growing creators trust themselves before they get the validation, and this episode shows you how to do the same. You'll walk away with a 4-stage plan to rebuild self-trust: detaching your nervous system from performance, creating original ideas without seeking approval, building evidence that you can handle visibility, and developing a sustainable creative rhythm that you can actually repeat. This episode is your reminder that you're not going to stop posting. So it's time to decide, commit, and stop giving your brain the option to bail. Building a personal brand requires you to show up, and that starts with learning to trust yourself in the process first. In today's episode, we're chatting about: Your content problem isn't strategy — it's your relationship with content Checking analytics obsessively is the content version of waiting on a text back Low self-trust creators copy others, panic over metrics, and need validation to keep going High self-trust creators post before they feel ready and recover quickly from bad posts Stop giving your brain the escape route — no more "I'll just start a new account" Posting practice is the skill; self-trust is what makes it sustainable You're not going to quit, so decide and commit CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes. BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.    

The Purpose You're Already Living What if purpose isn't something you find... it's something you're already living? In this episode ✔ Why your daily life is already full of purpose, even when it doesn't feel that way ✔ How to stop waiting for a "big" purpose and start finding meaning in the moments you're already in ✔ Why the journey IS the point and how that shift can change everything ✔ How external validation (awards, achievements, praise) relates to but doesn't define your sense of purpose ✔ How to stay present with the season of life you're actually in, instead of counting down to the next one This Episode Is Especially Helpful If… You've been feeling like what you're doing every day isn't "enough" You're a mom, caregiver, or someone whose work often goes unseen You've tied your sense of purpose to your business, career, or a big goal and it's left you feeling empty or stuck You're craving permission to just enjoy your life as it is right now _____________________________________________________ Click HERE for the Show Notes. _____________________________________________________________________ Ways to Work Together: Within a 21-day self-guided journey to more peace and calm in your nervous system and life. HERE 2 Week Mini Coaching and Lift Library for 3 Months Details HERE Peace & Prosperity Coaching HERE

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Ambassador Tony Garza, a Brownsville native who served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under President George W. Bush from 2002 to 2009 and now works as counsel and special advisor to the global law firm White & Case in Mexico City, to discuss the state of the U.S.-Mexico relationship at a moment of unusual tension and opportunity.They discuss:Why the transactionalism defining U.S.-Mexico relations today was always present beneath the surface — and what changed when it became explicitHow President Sheinbaum has managed the relationship with Washington, and why her approach has earned approval on both sides of the borderThe coordinated operation that took down El Mencho, and what it reveals about the level of intelligence-sharing between the two governmentsWhy "cartels" is the wrong word for what Mexico is actually dealing with — and why that distinction matters for policyWhether the Trump administration would ever order direct military action inside MexicoHow multinational companies navigate corruption and security risks while continuing to invest heavily in Mexican manufacturingWhy nearshoring has proceeded more slowly than the headlines suggested — and where the real growth has actually come fromThe missed opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform in 2001, and what a more pragmatic path forward might look like todayWhy San Antonio's DNA — automotive, cyber, aeronautics, and its deep ties to northern Mexico — positions it better than Austin for what's coming next in North AmericaRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 165. How Hill Country Landowners Are Challenging CPS Energy's 370-Mile Transmission Line Plan — Ambassador Garza references water and energy infrastructure as emerging areas for U.S.-Mexico cooperation. This episode examines one of the most consequential energy projects now moving through the Texas Hill Country.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

Free course: Improve your metabolic healthGet our free email course on how glucose, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and measurement can help you build habits that support better energy and long-term health: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠Most athletes are told the same basic rule: the harder you train, the more carbs you need. But Dr. Andrew Koutnik argues the science is more complicated.In this episode, Mike Haney talks with Dr. Koutnik about how the body fuels exercise, why muscle glycogen may not explain “hitting the wall” as neatly as many people think, and why blood glucose, brain energy, insulin, and metabolic flexibility may matter more than conventional sports nutrition advice suggests.They discuss whether athletes really need 60, 90, or even 120 grams of carbs per hour, why some athletes may perform well on far less, and how to think about fueling as an individual experiment rather than a universal rule. Because apparently even “eat sugar while running” was too simple for human physiology to leave alone.

This episode came from something I've been coaching my clients on pretty consistently lately. We'll do the work on their positioning, their messaging, their content pillars, all the things, and then I'll notice this pattern where they're still not posting. But it's not because they don't know what to say. It's because they've convinced themselves they need something else first. A better script. A better camera. Better hooks. A better setup. Something. And I had to give this a name, so I'm calling it posting practice. Because here's the thing nobody really talks about: the skills you're waiting to magically have? The natural confidence, the charisma, the ability to speak smoothly on camera, the creative ideas on demand? Those are built by posting. That's it. That's the whole secret. You cannot think your way into them, journal your way into them, or course your way into them. In this episode, I'm getting into: Why the polished creators you admire didn't start polished, you're just not seeing the awkward videos and the hooks that flopped. The difference between treating posting like a performance vs. treating it like practice (and why this shift changes everything). What's actually underneath "I need a better script", because it's usually not about the script. The six skills that literally only get built through posting practice: speaking and communication, creative idea generation, audience awareness, on-camera presence, emotional resilience, and speed of execution. Why posting practice is its own form of fitness, like, you're building endurance, stamina, and tolerance for visibility. How I balance strategy and posting practice with my 1:1 clients so they're moving fast without posting into a void.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Work with me 1:1 inside private coaching to master your marketing and content and become your audience's favorite person to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today!  

Release the Control: Trusting Life to Fall Into Place What if the thing standing between you and everything you desire… is your grip on how it has to happen? In this mini episode, Dorothy shares a real-life story about scheduling chaos, manifestation, and why releasing control might be the most powerful thing you can do. In This Episode You'll Learn ✔ Why focusing on how you want to feel is more powerful than controlling every detail ✔ The Abraham Hicks mantra that will shift your energy instantly: "Universe, show me how good it gets to be" ✔ How to tell if you truly believe you deserve good things, and what to do if you don't ✔ Why slowing down helps you hear your intuition more clearly ✔ How self-love and "negative" emotions like anger or sadness can coexist, and why that's actually healthy This Episode Is Especially Helpful If… You're in a season of waiting and struggling to trust the outcome You tend to over-plan or white-knuckle your way through uncertainty You want to manifest more but feel like you might not fully believe you deserve it You're moving fast and feeling disconnected from your intuition You're ready to enjoy your life while working toward what you desire _____________________________________________________ Click HERE for the Show Notes. _____________________________________________________________________ Ways to Work Together: Within a 21-day self-guided journey to more peace and calm in your nervous system and life. HERE 2 Week Mini Coaching and Lift Library for 3 Months Details HERE Peace & Prosperity Coaching HERE

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Ashley Alvarado, CEO of Texas Public Radio, and Angie Mock, CEO of the San Antonio Report, to discuss a major development in San Antonio's local news landscape: the two organizations are merging. Effective July 1st, the San Antonio Report will donate its assets to Texas Public Radio, combining operations under one roof to strengthen independent, nonprofit journalism in San Antonio.They discuss:Why two financially healthy organizations chose to merge — and how this is different from the consolidations happening elsewhere in the industryWhat the combined newsroom will look like on day one: 31 journalism positions, with all but four working as reporters in the communityHow the San Antonio Report's digital specificity and Texas Public Radio's broadcast reach complement each other — and what that means for covering the cityWhy YouTube has become unavoidable for reaching younger San Antonians, with 60 to 75 percent of county residents turning to it for news every weekWhat Ashley Alvarado learned leading a similar merger at KPCC in Los Angeles — and how those lessons are shaping the approach hereHow the two newsrooms will physically unite, with the San Antonio Report moving to TPR's downtown facilities in late JulyThe challenge of serving a politically diverse city — and why relevance and trust have to be built together, not assumedWhat the merger means for investigative and accountability journalism at City Hall and beyondRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 170. Don Graham and Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez on Journalism, Our Lady of the Lake, and Why Access to Education Changes Everything — The retired chairman of The Washington Post Company and the president of Our Lady of the Lake University on the state of journalism, democracy, and what it takes to keep independent news alive in a city like San Antonio.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

If you've ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to post on Instagram, this episode is for you. I promise, it's not what you think. This topic actually came from a recent coaching call where so many of my clients had the exact same question: What do I even post right now? And what I've realized is that when people think they have a content ideas problem, they actually have a decision-making problem. A confidence problem, at it's core.  So in this episode, I'm breaking down the real reasons you don't know what to post and what to actually do about it. Here's what we cover: Why you need to know your goal with every post. You know what to post, but you fear the outcome.  You have too many ideas and no priorities. You're consuming more than you're deciding.  What to do instead: Ask yourself: what is this post supposed to do? Attract, connect, or convert? Get clear on what you want to be known for and what conversations you want to own. Think about what feels honest and strategic right now. Break it down to the smallest version of the idea. Reverse engineer from your CTA and pull one teaching from it. Whether you're in a visibility season, a trust-building season, or a conversion season, the content you need looks different for each, and I walk you through all of it. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with two guests at the podcast studio at Our Lady of the Lake University — a first for the show. Don Graham is the retired chairman and publisher of The Washington Post Company, whose family also owned Newsweek Magazine, where Bob worked as a war correspondent and later chief of correspondents in the 1990s. Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez is the 10th president of Our Lady of the Lake University, a position he has held since July 2022. A first-generation, first-in-family college graduate and son of immigrants, he went from Front Range Community College to a BS in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and built a career partnering with local governments and universities across the globe on community-based energy and emissions accounting.Graham came to campus as a commencement speaker. The visit grew out of his decades-long commitment to college access — work rooted in Washington, DC, where the city's lack of a state university system means students pay out-of-state tuition everywhere they apply.They discuss:How Our Lady of the Lake has served San Antonio's most economically challenged students for 130 years — and what it takes to sustain that mission todayDr. Chávez's path from a Denver neighborhood to a top engineering school he couldn't afford, a pivot to community college, and eventually the presidency of a university in a neighborhood that looks just like the one he grew up inHow Don Graham's time as a beat cop in Washington, DC after Vietnam shaped his understanding of what college access actually meansThe federal scholarship program Graham helped push through a unanimous Republican Congress in 1998 to help DC students afford collegeWhat Graham witnessed as an early Facebook board member — and what it taught him about giving young people real responsibilityThe sale of The Washington Post to Jeff Bezos in 2013, why it happened, and what Graham thinks of the paper todaySan Antonio's deep economic and cultural ties to Mexico — and how tariffs are affecting the local auto manufacturing economyWhat it means to be an optimist about American democracy after decades at the center of Washington lifeRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 149. How AlamoPROMISE Continues Expanding College Access for San Antonians — Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, on what it takes to make college accessible to every Bexar County high school graduate — and what the program has learned from serving more than 30,000 Promise scholars.GET THE NEWSLETTER

More Fun, Less Pressure: 3 Shifts to Trust Yourself This Week In this week's episode of Trusting Dorothy, we're leaning into spring energy, the feeling of moving toward summer, and choosing how you want this season of life to feel. This episode walks you through three simple but powerful shifts to help you trust yourself more, have more fun, and create more flow in your everyday life. We talk about what it looks like to stop making things harder than they need to be and instead bring more presence, joy, and lightness into your days, even when things aren't perfect. Dorothy shares reflections from teaching her rebound class, motherhood moments (including a very honest Mother's Day note), and how learning to hold two things at once, growth and self-acceptance, can completely change your experience. You'll also hear how your thoughts shape your beliefs, your energy, and ultimately what you experience in your life. When you shift how you see yourself, you begin to create more of what you actually want. And finally, a reminder that you don't have to be realistic with your dreams—but you also don't have to do more to be worthy. You're allowed to want big things and still feel deeply satisfied in the life you have right now. This episode is your invitation to: Have more fun and stop overcomplicating things Be present in your life as it is right now Shift the way you think about yourself and what's possible Let go of pressure while still moving toward what you want Trust that things are always working out for you If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're putting too much pressure on yourself, this is your reset for the week. As always, check the show notes for ways to work with Dorothy or leave a review if you loved this episode. _____________________________________________________ Click HERE for the Show Notes. _____________________________________________________________________ Ways to Work Together: Within a 21-day self-guided journey to more peace and calm in your nervous system and life. HERE 2 Week Mini Coaching and Lift Library for 3 Months Details HERE Peace & Prosperity Coaching HERE

We all know the many challenges facing the Nursing profession today. Nursing takes so much from us… but it also has so much to offer.Recorded live at NurseCon at Sea, Sarah sits down with two nurses who hit their breaking point and found a way to keep showing up. This episode goes deep into the messy reality of nursing burnout, from the struggle to put yourself first to the boundaries, mindset shifts, and support systems that keep nurses in the game.You don't have to manage burnout alone, so don't miss this one.Topics discussed in this episode:Self-care and resilience as a disciplineThe nursing choice: fracture or adaptBuilding a life that isn't fully defined by the institutionImportant things we don't say to each otherWhat patients actually need from their nursesTherapy, medication, and sleep as nursing toolsAn exercise to audit your cup-fillers vs. cup-drainersWhy it's so important to share your experienceHow leaders should respond when a nurse is nearing burnoutLearn more about NurseCon at Sea:https://nurseconatsea.com/Mentioned in this episode:CONNECT

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Cory Ames tells the story of the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge at Phil Hardberger Park — in a new format for the show. Rather than a traditional guest conversation, this episode is a narrated oral history, recorded in the field at the park itself, weaving together tape from a morning walk Cory took with former Mayor Phil Hardberger and natural resources manager Wendy Leonard.Just a week or so before this episode was released, a bronze statue of Phil Hardberger was unveiled at the park that bears his name. He is 91 years old and still walks the trails.The episode covers:How Phil Hardberger promised San Antonio a new park while running for mayor — and spent two years looking for the right landThe phone call that led him to a former dairy farm on the north side, never fully clear-cut, 330 acres still largely as nature left itHow Wurzbach Parkway split the property in two — and why that became the genesis of one of the most celebrated wildlife bridges in the countryThe $23 million fight to fund the land bridge, the jury of architects Phil assembled, and the moment he committed to raising $12 million himselfHow the bridge was engineered — steel girders, three feet of soil, Corten steel walls designed to block sight and sound from 60,000 cars passing underneath dailyWhy animals began crossing before construction was even finished — and how within one year, all 31 mammal species known to inhabit the park had been documented using itWhat Wendy Leonard has learned managing the bridge's natural systems, and why the vegetation hasn't always cooperatedHow the land bridge reconnected a wildlife corridor stretching to the Salado Creek Greenway — and brought painted buntings back to the parkRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 168. More Than Parks: How San Antonio Is Building Trails, Gardens, and Green Space Into a Growing City — A Creative Futures panel on green equity, urban nature, and the push to integrate green spaces into every corner of a fast-growing city. Essential context for this conversation.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

I'm literally recording this right before heading to my rebrand photo shoot, and I'm still in the thick of the in-between. Here's the thing though: I don't see that as a problem because I know how to coach myself through it! Whether you're rebranding, shifting your offers, leaving a job, or just feeling that something needs to change but not quite knowing what that looks like yet, today's episode is your field guide. What we're getting into: What "identity vertigo" actually is  The grief that nobody warns you about when you're letting go of something that used to work Why staying busy feels like progress but often isn't Why the way you talk to yourself during reinvention actually matters more than you think The 3 questions I've been asking myself (and my clients): Who am I becoming and am I okay with that?  What am I actually afraid of, specifically?  What am I no longer willing to pretend?  The biggest things I want you to take away: You don't have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Action gives you the next clue. Most decisions feel permanent, but they're not. Treat the reversible ones like experiments. That person you admire who "reinvented overnight"? They spent years in the in-between. You just didn't see it. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

We're fully back, from Japan, from a few weeks of coaching, and stepping into a new era. I'm someone who loves a plan. I like to know what I'm doing and have it on the schedule. But I've also been sitting in the question: Can I be in the unknown and feel good there too? In this episode, I'm sharing four things you need to know this week. A balance of structure and freedom, doing hard things, and trusting where you are right now. We talk about: Finding peace and calm within yourself Letting yourself see how good life is right now Moving through resistance and doing hard things Trusting that you are in the perfect place at the perfect time If you've been wondering what's next, or feeling a little in-between, this one will meet you right where you are. Press play and take what you need for your week

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Cory Ames moderates a live panel from Creative Futures, a two-day summit in San Antonio bringing together creators, builders, entrepreneurs, and civic thinkers. This conversation focuses on green spaces in San Antonio — how we grow them, how we protect them, and how we creatively integrate nature into a city that is expanding fast.Joining Cory are Brandon Ross, capital programs manager for San Antonio Parks and Recreation, where he has spent two decades overseeing the Howard Peak Greenway Trail System, now over 100 miles of connected trail and growing; Bob Webster, co-owner of Shades of Green Nursery, a San Antonio institution he and his business partner Roberta Church built over 45 years, now being transformed into a public legacy garden; Stephen Lucke, founder and CEO of Gardopia Gardens, a nonprofit stewarding more than 20 acres across 75 schools and 10 school districts, reaching over 25,000 people annually; and Adriana Quiñones, President and CEO of Arboretum San Antonio, a 230-plus-acre former golf course on the southeast side being converted into one of the city's most significant public green spaces.They discuss:How the Howard Peak Greenway Trail System grew to over 100 miles — and why connecting green spaces multiplies their ecological valueThe physical barriers — rail lines, major roadways, lack of safe crossings — that limit access to parks and trails across the cityWhy Bob Webster turned down $3.5 million for Shades of Green, and what he's building in its placeThe difference between a park and a garden, and why San Antonio needs bothHow Gardopia Gardens uses school yards, churches, and public land to integrate food growing into everyday lifeWhy native and edible trees — pecans, Mexican plums, mulberries — should replace the default landscaping choices across the cityHow Arboretum San Antonio is using community input from over 18,000 San Antonians to shape a 20-year development planWhat green equity means in practice, and why access to green space shouldn't require traveling farRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 160. How a Polluted Lake Became a Wildlife Haven in San Antonio — A closer look at how one of San Antonio's most degraded natural spaces was reclaimed — and what it says about the city's relationship with its environment.…..GET THE NEWSLETTER

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Cory Ames moderates a live panel from Creative Futures, a two-day summit in San Antonio bringing together creators, builders, entrepreneurs, and civic thinkers. The conversation centers on what it looks like to build a creative life and creative career in San Antonio — and what the city still needs to get there.Joining Cory are Lionel Sosa, founder of what became the largest Hispanic advertising agency in the United States, a consultant on multiple national presidential campaigns, and a portrait artist whose work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and presidential libraries; Kathy Sosa, co-founder of one of the Southwest's largest independent Hispanic ad agencies, a veteran of national political campaigns, and a mixed media artist whose work exploring the Texas-Mexico borderland has earned national recognition; and Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Placemaking at Centro San Antonio, whose Art Everywhere project has placed hundreds of commissioned works by local artists throughout downtown since 2020.They discuss:How San Antonio's arts infrastructure has grown — from grant programs to the 1.5% public art provision in city building projectsWhy strong mayoral leadership has historically driven the city's creative identity, and what a leadership vacuum means for the arts communityWhat the Art Everywhere project has taught Andi about building a supply chain for public art in the private sectorWhat Lionel and Kathy have observed in Querétaro, Mexico — including a program that lets artists pay income taxes with their workThe mindset differences between artists who thrive and those who don't — and why shameless self-promotion is a survival skillHow the discovery of a Querétaro church's role in building San Antonio's missions led to a documentary, a binational art show, and a student cultural exchangeRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 64. Kathy Sosa and Antonio Arelle Barquet: The Other Side of the Mirror — Kathy Sosa and Antonio Arelle Barquet, director of the Museum of Art in Querétaro, discuss the binational art project that grew out of the historic connection between Querétaro and San Antonio's missions — the same story Kathy and Lionel recount in this episode... ..GET THE NEWSLETTER

Okay, so last week I talked about marketing to your client's problems and how that requires a unique POV. But I kept coming back to the vulnerability piece because I feel like it deserves its own conversation. Here's the thing:"just be vulnerable" has never really worked for me. And I don't think it works for a lot of us, especially if you're a service provider whose story doesn't obviously connect to your niche. Especially if you're an immigrant or a Women of Color who has spent years showing the cleaned-up, polished version because you thought the messy parts were a disadvantage. That was me. For a long time, I was tapping into an alter ego to feel safe in entrepreneurship. It helped me cross 7 figures, But it wasn't the full picture. In this episode I'm sharing the actual framework I personally use and share with my private coaching clients. What We Get Into: The reason vulnerability feels cringe or performative (it's not you, it's the framework you're using). Circumstance / Identity — You've been where they are. Maybe not exactly, but close enough that they trust you get it more than anyone else would. Feeling — Even if they haven't lived your experience, they've felt what you felt. Loneliness, people-pleasing, boxing yourself in, not wanting to do the thing you were supposed to do. Aspiration — You want what they want. You know what it actually costs. Not the highlight reel version — the real cost. You don't have to share everything. You don't have to be vulnerable 24/7. And if you can't find the through line right now, don't force it. But most of the time, the block isn't that the through line doesn't exist, it's your thoughts about whether you're allowed to use it.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

You packed a samurai sword, wrestled a sumo wrestler, and still made it to the airport with time for a Seven Eleven snack run. This is Tokyo, two half days, one full day, and everything we loved. In This Episode You'll Learn ✔ How we used Hyatt points plus a suite upgrade award at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo — and why the location in Shinjuku is underrated ✔ What Takeshita Street is actually like (the food, the toy capsule stores, the crowds) and what we'd go back to try ✔ Where to find the Pokémon Center and Nintendo Store in Shibuya and why Google Maps might make you feel like you're lost when you're actually right there ✔ Why I'd skip Momo Paradise for our family and what I'd book instead ✔ The free view of Shibuya Crossing you probably don't know about ✔ Where to buy cheap luggage in Tokyo if you over-souvenir'd (Shibuya Baggage Outlet vs. Donki) ✔ Why we chose TeamLab Borderless over Planets, and the honest breakdown of the difference between the two ✔ Our absolute favorite meal of the trip: conveyor belt sushi at Sushiro ✔ What to do in Shinjuku at night, the 3D cat, godzilla, light projection show, the eight-level arcade, photo booths, and Loft (go before 7pm!) ✔ The Senso-ji Temple morning, the fortune ritual, and the tea utensil shop that was worth every minute ✔ How I ended up in an inflatable sumo suit wrestling a retired sumo wrestler (my daughter owes me) ✔ What we bought at drugstores, Uniqlo, and Loft, and what I wish I'd grabbed more of ✔ How we got to the airport stress-free with four people and a samurai sword This Episode Is Especially Helpful If… You're planning a Tokyo trip and trying to figure out how much you can actually fit into two nights You're traveling with kids and want honest recs on what's worth it and what's skippable You're trying to decide between TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets You bought too many souvenirs and need a luggage solution (been there) You love shopping, Uniqlo, Loft, drugstores, capsule machines, and want to know where to go, and what recommendations are over hyped Resources & Mentions Hyatt Regency Tokyo, points + suite upgrade award + club access add-on Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine Takeshita Street, Mochi Mochi Japan (boba), candied fruit, toy capsule stores Pokémon Center Shibuya & Nintendo Store Momo Paradise (hot pot, skippable for picky eaters) Shibuya Crossing free view above the capsule store Shibuya Baggage Outlet affordable luggage Donki (Don Quijote) Kit Kats, browsing, but pricier on luggage TeamLab Borderless Tokyo SushiRo, conveyor belt sushi, highly recommend Uniqlo Shinjuku Loft Shinjuku closes early, don't miss it Goccha Goccha (capsule store underground in Shinjuku) Taito Station Shinjuku Game World 8-level arcade Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa Kakimuna Tea Utensil Shop near Senso-ji Sumo entertainment lunch show Ueno Park Tokyo Banana & Tokyo Banana Kit Kats airport find! Seven Eleven Japan creme brulee ice cream, chocolate covered grapes, sandwiches, high chew and more American Airlines flight home Loved This Episode? If this inspired you to take the trip, do the thing, and stop waiting for the perfect moment, I would be so grateful if you'd leave a review! It helps more women find this podcast and get the inspiration and tools they need to live fully. Thank you so much, love.

Getting ROSC is not always the win we sometimes think it is. It's what we're looking for the entire resuscitation, but the real challenge begins once we get it… and what we do in the next few hours has a major impact on patient outcomes.In this episode, Sarah shares a real rapid response case to walk through the physiology, decision-making, and advocacy of post-arrest care. The 2025 AHA post resuscitation guidelines have brought important shifts to post-ROSC management, from how aggressively to oxygenate to when it's safe to prognosticate. Don't miss the full breakdown!Topics discussed in this episode:Oxygenation and ventilation: how to avoid hyperoxia and hypoxiaPerfusion, pressors, and the limits of MAPTemperature management guidelinesSedation, analgesia, and the paralyzed-but-awake patientDiagnostics: timing, priorities, and what to rule outHow to use neuroprognostication the right wayHow to talk to families without giving false hopeNursing priorities and how to advocate for your patientsCheck out the new Post Resuscitation Guidelines:https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001375Listen to episode 73 — Resuscitate Before You Intubate: How to NOT KILL YOUR PATIENT When You Intubate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/73-resuscitate-before-you-intubate-how-to-not-kill/id1535997752?i=1000630431016Mentioned in this episode:AND If you are planning to sit for your CCRN and would like to take the Critical Care Academy CCRN prep course you can visit https://www.ccrnacademy.com and use coupon code RAPID10 to get 10% off the cost of the course!CONNECT

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Michelangelo Sabatino, director of UT San Antonio's School of Architecture and Planning and the Roland K. Bloomberg Endowed Professor in Architecture. Six months into his role, Sabatino is making the rounds — meeting architects, developers, civic leaders, and students — and bringing a historian's eye and a pedestrian's sensibility to one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.They discuss:What drew Sabatino from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago to San Antonio, and why the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites and River Walk made it an easy callHow the school's move to One Riverwalk Place is transforming not just where students learn, but how — using the downtown core as a living laboratoryWhy adaptive reuse, not new construction, is where the most creative architectural thinking happens — and how San Antonio has long led the wayThe challenge of knitting together UTSA's expanding downtown campus across four compass points of the urban core, and what 6,000 students downtown by end of 2026 could mean for the cityHow San Antonio's growth into a megaregion with Austin raises urgent questions about equity, infrastructure, and who benefitsThe "bird's eye view" problem: why seeing cities only from above — or from a car — leads to dangerous planning mistakesWhy first-generation students from San Antonio's working-class neighborhoods may be the city's most important agents of changeRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ #151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050 — Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion — Essential context for this conversation. Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard examine the demographic forces reshaping the San Antonio-Austin corridor and what it means for how both cities plan, build, and grow... ..GET THE NEWSLETTER

What happens when your child seems sick, but everything keeps coming back normal? For a lot of parents, the scariest part isn't the diagnosis. It's the not knowing. It's being told everything looks fine when your gut is telling you something is off. This week, Katie sits down with Kayleigh, a medical assistant and mom of three, to share the story of her daughter Kanessa. Almost a year after a freak eye injury that seemed to heal, Kanessa suddenly got sick. At first, it looked like a simple virus. But within days, things escalated fast. Kaylee shares what it was like trying to make sense of symptoms that didn't quite add up. Normal test results. A child who seemed okay one minute and not the next. And that moment when everything changed with one scan. From there, their world shifted quickly. A brain bleed. A diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Emergency surgery. A 40-day hospital stay. Kaylee talks about what it took to keep going through all of it, while also caring for a newborn and being away from her other child. She also shares how she supported Kanessa through it all. Being honest about what was happening. Preparing her for procedures. Letting her ask questions. And leaning on Child Life in a way that made a huge difference for both of them. If you've ever wondered if you're overreacting or if you should push for more answers, this episode will stay with you. Kaylee's story is a reminder to trust yourself and keep advocating. This episode is sponsored by Gebauer PainEase®. We're so grateful for their support. To learn more about this product, visit their website. This is our 300th episode, which feels pretty surreal. We're so grateful you're here. Special Giveaway ☕️Your support means so much to us, and we're truly grateful for this community. As a small thank you, we're offering a $10 Starbucks gift card to the first 20 listeners who leave a review. If the podcast has made an impact on you, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Simply screenshot your review and email it to podcast@childlifeoncall.com to claim your gift. Thank you for being part of this journey with us

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the fight over the Howard Solstice Transmission Line — a proposed 370-mile, 765kV power line that would connect CPS Energy's Howard Road Station in Bexar County to a new substation in Pecos County, cutting through some of the most ecologically sensitive terrain in Texas.Host Bob Rivard welcomes Ted Flato, founding principal of Lake|Flato Architects and founder of the Headwaters Alliance, and Jada Jo Smith, owner of Orange Blossom Realty in Utopia and an elected official on the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District. Both are longtime Hill Country ranchers and leading voices in the opposition coalition, which has grown to nearly 48,000 members.They discuss:How CPS Energy and AEP Texas proposed the line — and why the compressed timeline caught landowners off guardWhy the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone makes certain routes especially dangerousHow the Hill Country Preservation Coalition built a broad, bipartisan opposition movement in a matter of monthsWhat "the least harmful route" means — and how much of it CPS Energy appears to have embracedWhat landowners can expect if the line crosses their property, and why eminent domain is the worst outcomeWhere the case stands now as the Public Utility Commission of Texas prepares to make a final decisionRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ #159. The Cost of Powering San Antonio: CPS Energy  - CEO Rudy Garza on Potential Increasing Rates, Sustainable Growth, and Grid Demand — Bob Rivard sat down with CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza to explore the pressures facing San Antonio's municipally owned utility, including surging demand, grid reliability, and the infrastructure investments driving the Howard Solstice project. Essential context for this conversation... ..GET THE NEWSLETTER