bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

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

119. The Mayor’s Race: Rolando Pablos on Economic Competitiveness, Poverty, and Cross-Border Partnerships for San Antonio 04/21/2025

119. The Mayor’s Race: Rolando Pablos on Economic Competitiveness, Poverty, and Cross-Border Partnerships for San Antonio We conclude our April series of conversations with San Antonio’s leading mayoral candidates as Bob sits down with Rolando Pablos—a businessman, attorney, and former republican Texas Secretary of State—to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the city. Pablos shares his personal and professional background, shaped by his experience as an immigrant and his decades of public and private sector leadership. The conversation examines key issues facing San Antonio, including the city’s persistent poverty rates, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and the challenges of attracting new businesses. Pablos addresses concerns about partisanship, his approach to relationships with state and federal officials, and his proposals for increasing transparency and accountability at City Hall. This episode explores: Pablos’s views on San Antonio’s economic development and what’s needed to attract companies and jobs The city’s historical and systemic poverty, and the role of education and workforce training in addressing it Relationships with Mexico, free trade, and why maintaining strong binational partnerships is key for San Antonio’s future How Pablos would approach issues such as Project Marvel, affordable housing development, and infrastructure challenges The future of local government and the role of nonpartisanship and outside money in city elections It’s a substantive look at where San Antonio stands, what’s at stake in the mayoral race, and how leadership could shape the city’s next chapter. -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: 🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety. 🔗 -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/36235220

118. The Mayor’s Race: Manny Pelaez on Ferocious Advocacy, Economic Growth, and the Future of San Antonio 04/20/2025

118. The Mayor’s Race: Manny Pelaez on Ferocious Advocacy, Economic Growth, and the Future of San Antonio We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor. Bob is joined by District 8 City Councilman Manny Pelaez, an attorney with deep roots in both public service and economic development, as he seeks to become the next mayor of San Antonio. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelaez shares his personal story as the son of Colombian immigrants and his longstanding commitment to issues of domestic violence and community service. The discussion covers his role in bringing Toyota Manufacturing to San Antonio, his leadership in transforming Brooks City Base from a shuttered Air Force facility into a thriving mixed-use development, and what these projects mean for the broader future of the city. Topics discussed include: • Pelaez’s vision for San Antonio’s economic development, including the challenges and opportunities in attracting major employers and delivering high-paying jobs • The impact of the state legislature on San Antonio’s ability to govern locally, and the necessary qualities of a “wartime mayor” in today’s political climate • Reflections on the city’s approach to housing, climate action, public transit, and job training programs • His views on the upcoming Spurs stadium debate, investment in downtown, and the legacy of previous city projects • Why he believes political campaigns should focus on results and lived experience, rather than empty rhetoric or outside money With an eye toward both San Antonio’s challenges and strengths, this episode offers an in-depth look at Manny Pelaez’s priorities and approach, and what his leadership could mean for the city at a pivotal moment in its growth. -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: 🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety. 🔗 -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/36231555

117. The Mayor’s Race: Gina Ortiz Jones on Public Service, Equity, and Leading with Data 04/19/2025

117. The Mayor’s Race: Gina Ortiz Jones on Public Service, Equity, and Leading with Data We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor ahead of the May 3 election. Bob welcomes Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran and former Undersecretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, for a wide-ranging conversation about her bid to lead the city. Ortiz Jones discusses her personal journey from growing up on the Far West Side to her national security work in Washington, and how those experiences have shaped her approach to local issues. The conversation covers: • Her motivations for returning to San Antonio and seeking the mayor’s office • Reflections on her leadership in the Pentagon—including policy reforms and obstacles for women and minorities in the military • How her national service influences her perspective on public education, economic opportunity, and housing in San Antonio • Views on the city’s economic competitiveness with Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and strategies for attracting job growth • Her positions on the city’s housing bond, downtown development, airport expansion, and the need for data-driven policymaking • Concerns about outside money in local elections and how national endorsements fit into a nonpartisan mayoral race • The challenges posed by state and federal tensions with city government, and the impact on local policymaking • The importance of early childhood education, affordable housing, and comprehensive climate action for San Antonio’s future Ortiz Jones addresses questions about her connection to the city, her thoughts on critical topics like Project Marvel and Mayor Nirenberg's Ready to Work, and shares how her varied experience could inform both immediate and long-term city leadership. -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: 🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety. 🔗 -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/36226085

116. The Mayor’s Race: Melissa Cabello Havrda on Community, Accountability, and San Antonio's Next Chapter 04/18/2025

116. The Mayor’s Race: Melissa Cabello Havrda on Community, Accountability, and San Antonio's Next Chapter In this episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila Cockrell. The conversation covers key challenges facing the city, from the crowded mayoral ballot and the influx of outside campaign money, to major development projects like Project Marvel. They discuss: The need for stronger candidate vetting in city elections Balancing growth with transparency and public input on development Out-of-town PAC money and its impact on local politics Small business struggles with city bureaucracy and public works Public safety reforms, mental health initiatives, and city policing The shortage of affordable and transitional housing, and strategy beyond the next bond Climate adaptation, water conservation, and the unfinished business of the city’s climate action plan Melissa offers her perspective on the future role of the mayor as an advocate for San Antonio, both in raising the city’s national profile and ensuring equitable development across districts. The episode concludes with a candid look at the city’s most pressing issues—including housing, infrastructure, and environmental resilience—as San Antonio navigates historic growth and change. -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: 🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety. 🔗 -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/36214065

115. The Mayor’s Race: Adriana Rocha Garcia on Housing, Opportunity, and the Future of San Antonio 04/14/2025

114. The Mayor’s Race: Beto Altamirano on Infrastructure, Innovation, and San Antonio’s Identity 04/11/2025

113. The Last Word - Tariffs Hit Home in San Antonio 04/05/2025

112. San Antonio's Culinary Legacy: 25 Years of Biga on the Banks 04/04/2025

111. The Last Word - Leave the City Bond Elections Alone 03/29/2025

110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope 03/28/2025

109. The Last Word - The City of San Antonio Can’t Hire Everyone 03/22/2025

108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment 03/21/2025

107. The Last Word - A Legal and Moral Crisis: Texas Public Schools Deserve Better 03/15/2025

106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness 03/14/2025

106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into the unexpected legacy of Tom Slick and his enduring influence on San Antonio’s scientific community. Though known as an oil wildcatter, Slick’s curiosity and visionary investments laid the groundwork for significant advancements in neuroscience and consciousness research. Our focus is the Mind Science Foundation—a San Antonio-based institution exploring the mysteries of the human mind, largely unnoticed by the local community. Bob Rivard is joined by Meriam Musa Good, President and CEO of the Mind Science Foundation, and Ben Rein, PhD, the foundation's Chief Scientist from Stanford, to discuss the ongoing efforts to unlock the potential of the human mind. They explore: • Tom Slick’s transformative impact on neuroscience and San Antonio’s research landscape • The unique challenges and successes of the Mind Science Foundation in advancing consciousness research • How the Brainstorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition is driving early career scientific inquiry • The importance of bridging the gap between scientific communities and the public, enhancing trust and understanding Tune in to uncover how world-class neuroscience research is happening right here in San Antonio, reflecting Tom Slick’s unusual and visionary legacy. -- -- -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE ▶️ Discover how UTSA Honors College is transforming education with real-world experiences, setting students up for success. In this conversation, Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Jill Fleuriet to explore this innovative program's impact on career readiness and leadership development, echoing the forward-thinking spirit showcased by pioneers like Tom Slick in advancing higher education. -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/35681205

105. The Last Word - Nonstop: San Antonio’s New Direct Flight to DC 03/08/2025

104. Inside UTSA Honors College: A Different Kind of Higher Education 03/07/2025

103. The Last Word - The Texas Lottery Controversy: Who Wins & Who Loses? 03/01/2025

102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism 02/28/2025

102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a deep dive into the state of local journalism and its future in San Antonio. As traditional news models struggle nationwide, nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are working to reshape how communities stay informed. But what does it take to sustain independent journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape? Bob sits down with San Antonio Report leadership to discuss the organization’s 13-year journey, the challenges of nonprofit news, and why local journalism remains essential to a thriving city. They explore what’s next for the newsroom, how they’re adapting to audience needs, and the role of community support in keeping quality reporting alive. They discuss: • Why nonprofit journalism matters—and what makes it different from traditional media. • The biggest challenges facing local newsrooms today. • How San Antonio Report is evolving to meet the needs of its readers. • What the future holds for independent journalism in San Antonio and beyond. With trust in the media at a crossroads and local outlets disappearing across the country, this episode offers a timely look at the fight to keep local news strong—and why it matters for the future of San Antonio. -- -- -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE ▶️ t – This episode of bigcitysmalltown marks a major milestone: 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on the journey so far, the evolving media landscape, and what’s next for the podcast that highlights the people shaping San Antonio’s future. With local journalism under pressure, bigcitysmalltown continues to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about the city’s growth, challenges, and opportunities. -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/35474210

101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s Next 02/22/2025

100. The Future of UTSA with President Taylor Eighmy: Merger, Expansion, & Big Plans for San Antonio 02/21/2025

99. The Last Word - Bexar County Seeks to Expand Mental Health Services—But Will the State Step Up? 02/15/2025

98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix 02/14/2025

97. The Last Word - Will Texas Be Ready for the Next Disaster? The Fight Over FEMA 02/08/2025

96. How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists 02/07/2025

96. How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a look at the humor, storytelling, and resilience behind one of San Antonio’s most recognizable public artists: Gary Sweeney. We’re joined by Gary Sweeney, a visual artist known for his bold, text-based public art, wit-infused commentary, and unconventional career path. From working as a baggage handler at an airline to creating public art installations across San Antonio, Denver, and beyond, Sweeney’s work blends humor with sharp social observations. With a career that spans decades—and a few rejected public art proposals along the way—Gary shares his thoughts on what makes public art work, the balance between humor and meaning, and why he kept his airline job for 35 years even while building a name as an artist. Listen as we explore how art, place, and storytelling collide, what public art reveals about a city’s character, and why San Antonio continues to be a hub for creative voices like Sweeney’s. -- -- -- -- RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE ▶ – In this episode of bigcitysmalltown, we explore how San Antonio is rethinking support for artists with a groundbreaking new residency program designed for those who are also caregivers. We’re joined by Liz Stehl Kleberg and Meaghan Mitts, the founders of Parts & Labor Residency, a nonprofit in Southtown San Antonio that provides mid-career artists with the time, space, and childcare support they need to balance family life and creative work. What does it take to make the arts more inclusive and sustainable? How does caregiving shape creative careers? And why is San Antonio leading the way with this new model? Tune in to learn how this program is reshaping artist residencies and building a more supportive arts community. -- -- CONNECT 📸 🔗 🎥 SPONSORS 🙌 THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify /episode/index/show/c125aa9d-7851-4e42-9d76-79f6c6879e2a/id/35181685

95. The Last Word - San Antonio City Council’s Failed Vote to Fund Abortion Travel 02/01/2025

94. Will the Immigration Crackdown Impact San Antonio? A Legal Expert Weighs In 01/31/2025

93. The Last Word - The Gulf of Neighbors 01/25/2025

92. Meet San Antonio’s New Family-Friendly Art Residency: Parts & Labor 01/24/2025

91. The Last Word - Texas Legislature Opens the 89th Legislative Session 01/18/2025

90. Taking Off: What’s Next for San Antonio’s International Airport 01/17/2025

bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

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