Hey Amarillo
Hey Amarillo is a weekly, one-on-one interview podcast hosted by Skylar Gallop, and featuring the people and stories of Amarillo, Texas.
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Ricky Treon
05/12/2026
Ricky Treon
Ricky Treon is the director of publishing at Blue Handle Publishing—one of Amarillo’s own small, independent publishing houses. Ricky’s path into publishing isn’t a straight line. He came up in the newspaper world, witnessing firsthand the rapid shifts and challenges that reshaped the industry. From there, he moved into writing, explored acting, and ultimately found himself helping bring other people’s stories to life. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually takes to move a story from your head onto a bookshelf, the evolving media landscape, and what it means to commit to small business in an economy dominated by large-scale corporations. It’s also a reminder that meaningful, creative work is happening right here in Amarillo—and that there’s still space for independent voices to be heard. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, starting something of your own, or just wondered how creative industries are changing, this one’s worth your time.
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Paige Nester
05/04/2026
Paige Nester
In this episode of Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Paige Nester, the owner of Creek House Honey Farm—a place that’s so much more than its name suggests. What started as an apiary has grown into a full experience: a farm, café, event venue, shop, and home to everything from handcrafted mead to skincare products. Paige is thoughtful, sharp, and genuinely funny, and our conversation follows the path of how she built something so multifaceted—and how it continues to evolve. We talk about the story behind that long name (it means more than you’d think), the unexpected and fascinating history of the land they’re on, and what it really looks like to grow a business that’s both rooted and constantly changing. And of course, we talk about bees—their importance, the benefits they bring, and the very real challenges of working with them.
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Jamelle Conner
04/27/2026
Jamelle Conner
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Jamelle Conner, president of Amarillo College. We talk about her upbringing in Florida and the path that eventually brought her to Amarillo, along with what it’s really like to lead one of the most important institutions in our community. Jamelle is sharp, thoughtful, and deeply focused on the work that still needs to be done—both for students and for Amarillo as a whole. It’s a conversation about leadership, purpose, and showing up for a community in meaningful ways.
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Jody Holland
04/20/2026
Jody Holland
Episode Description Jody Holland has spent his career studying people—how we think, how we change, and what actually makes that change possible. As an executive coach, he works with leaders and teams to improve the way they show up and work together. But this conversation goes beyond titles and into something more practical: the patterns we all fall into, the psychology behind them, and the tools that can help us better understand ourselves and the people around us. We talk about what gets in the way of change, what makes it stick, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to something bigger over time. Jody brings both depth and humor to the conversation, making complex ideas feel accessible and immediately applicable. It’s a thoughtful, engaging conversation filled with insights you’ll likely find yourself coming back to.
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Titiana Frausto
04/13/2026
Titiana Frausto
Judge Titiana Frausto always knew she wanted to serve on the bench—she just didn’t expect it to happen so early in her career. In this episode, she shares what it looked like to move through law school and into practice, working in both criminal and family law and the realities that come with each. We talk about the weight of that work, the perspective it builds, and how those experiences prepared her for what came next. Judge Frausto was first appointed by the governor and later elected to serve as district judge for the 181st District Court, covering Potter and Randall Counties. She reflects on that transition—from practicing attorney to judge—and what it means to step into a role that carries both authority and responsibility in a very public way. We also spend time on something more personal: the moment she began to understand her role in representation. As a young Black woman serving in this position, she reflects on when that realization came into focus, and how it continues to shape the way she shows up in her work today. It’s a thoughtful conversation about ambition, timing, and stepping into a role you’ve been working toward—sometimes sooner than expected.
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Brent Epps
04/06/2026
Brent Epps
There are certain places in Amarillo that feel like more than just a restaurant—they feel like part of the fabric of growing up here. Sharky’s Burrito Company is one of those places. I this episode, we sit down with Brent Epps, the longtime owner of Sharky’s, to talk about the restaurant’s 20+ year run and the life he’s built in the food industry. Brent didn’t just land here—he came up through some of Amarillo’s most beloved spots, learning the business from the ground up and carrying those lessons with him. But what stands out most about Brent isn’t just the longevity or the success—it’s the way he shows up for people. Over the years, Sharky’s has been a first job for countless young people in Amarillo, and Brent has played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping those early work experiences. He leads with care, consistency, and a genuine investment in others. We talk about the evolution of the restaurant, what it takes to stay relevant for decades, and why creating a place people feel connected to matters. This is a conversation about food, yes—but more than that, it’s about community, mentorship, and doing things the right way for a long time.
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David Prescott
03/30/2026
David Prescott
Amarillo City Councilman David Prescott is a business owner, doctoral candidate, and someone who brings both expertise and candor to public service. David owns Talon LPE, an environmental cleanup company that operates across several states, and that real-world experience shapes how he thinks about the city’s biggest challenges. But as he shares in this conversation, serving on council has come with its share of new challenges to address. We talk honestly about what that’s looked like — the pressure, the criticism, and the reality of making decisions when there isn’t an easy answer. David doesn’t shy away from the harder parts of the job, including how certain votes have played out and what it’s like to navigate those moments publicly. Our conversation also turns to some of the biggest issues facing Amarillo right now, from long-term water concerns to the ongoing discussion around the Fermi data center, and what it will take for the city to build something sustainable and lasting. David has a way of making complex topics feel approachable without oversimplifying them. He’s thoughtful, direct, and willing to say what he actually thinks — even when it’s uncomfortable. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he’s also pretty funny. This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really takes to move a city forward.
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Chad Johnson
03/23/2026
Chad Johnson
Chad Johnson is the new reverend at Amarillo United Methodist Church. We talk about what it’s like to step into a new community and a new role at the same time. Chad shares his early impressions of Amarillo, how those first expectations compare to the reality of living here, and what has stood out to him as he gets to know the city. We also spend time talking about his path to becoming a pastor, a journey he describes with a great deal of joy, honesty, and thoughtfulness. Our conversation explores the role of the church today, the broader societal trends shaping faith communities, and the United Methodist Church split that led to the formation of his relatively new congregation. Throughout it all, Chad offers a perspective that is grounded, open, and deeply rooted in care for others. It’s a meaningful conversation about calling, community, and what it looks like to lead with both conviction and compassion.
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Clara Sneed
03/16/2026
Clara Sneed
This week on Hey Amarillo, I talk with author Clara Sneed about a wild chapter of Amarillo history that sounds almost too dramatic to be true. Clara wrote a book about a bitter feud between two Amarillo families in the early 1900s. What began with relationships and eventually spiraled into affairs, accusations, violence, and murder. Along the way, the story touches on questions of justice, the role of women at the time, and how a rapidly growing Panhandle town handled conflict when emotions — and reputations — were on the line. What makes the story even more compelling is that Clara isn’t just a historian of the feud. She’s actually related to one of the families involved, which adds another layer to how she discovered and told the story. It’s a fascinating look at a dramatic piece of Amarillo’s past — full of scandal, mystery, and the kind of family conflict that shaped local history.
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Dr. Benton Allen
03/09/2026
Dr. Benton Allen
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Sonja Clark
03/02/2026
Sonja Clark
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Sonja Clark, site leader at Bell Helicopter’s Amarillo facility. Sonja oversees a large workforce responsible for developing and building some of the military’s most critical frontline aircraft — work that requires precision, trust, and extraordinary leadership. We talk about what it means to carry that kind of responsibility, and how pride in the work translates into pride in community. Sonja shares the impact of Bell’s history in Amarillo, the weight of leading at that scale, and the importance of the mission behind the machines. We also talk candidly about her journey as a woman in leadership — the barriers, the expectations, the quiet moments of doubt, and the intentional work of paving the way for others behind her. Sonja is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest about her own growth. It’s a conversation about strength, humility, and the kind of leadership that shapes both an organization and a city. If you care about industry, community, and what it takes to lead well — this one’s for you.
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Seth Wieck
02/23/2026
Seth Wieck
What happens to a place when its stories aren’t told? This week on Hey Amarillo!, I sit down with local poet Seth Wieck, whose work captures the beauty, tension, and quiet power of life in the Texas Panhandle. Seth grew up on his family’s farm in Umbarger — land his family worked for three generations. He shares what it meant to be shaped by that place and why he ultimately chose not to continue farming as the changing economics of agriculture reshaped life on the High Plains. For Seth, poetry isn’t just art — it’s preservation. It’s a way to hold onto memory, to honor legacy, and to make sense of change. We talk about belonging, about the evolution of rural life, and about how words can keep a way of life alive long after it begins to shift. It’s a thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation about land, identity, and the stories that define us.
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Don Rhode
02/16/2026
Don Rhode
What does it really take to deliver excellence — over and over again? This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Don Rhode, a seasoned restaurant leader who has built his career around creating exceptional guest experiences. Don currently serves as General Manager at one of Amarillo’s consistently top-rated fine dining establishments, Cask & Cork, as well as the newer breakfast and brunch favorite, OVR EZE. Before Amarillo, Don honed his craft in major food cities like Chicago and Austin — places where the bar is high and the standards are relentless. In this conversation, we talk about: • What consistency actually requires behind the scenes • His philosophy on leadership and team culture • How great service is built — not improvised • And, of course, the food What surprised me most? How applicable his leadership approach is far beyond restaurants. If you care about building strong teams, delivering excellence, or simply appreciate a great meal — you’ll enjoy this one.
/episode/index/show/heyamarillo/id/40115080
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Nick Gerlich
02/09/2026
Nick Gerlich
This week on Hey Amarillo, we’re joined by Dr. Nick Gerlich — longtime marketing professor at West Texas A&M University, writer, and passionate chronicler of regional travel and Route 66. Nick shares his journey through academia, what it’s like teaching marketing in a constantly evolving digital landscape, and how he works to keep students grounded in both fundamentals and emerging trends. We also hit the open road, talking Route 66 — its beginnings, heyday, decline, and the very real possibility of a rebirth as America’s Mother Road. Smart, curious, and endlessly adventurous, Nick brings a genuine appreciation for this place and the stories that make it matter. From classrooms to highways, this conversation is all about learning, movement, and paying attention to the roads — literal and figurative — that shape us.
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Adrian Meander
02/02/2026
Adrian Meander
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Adrian Meander, a powerful example of what it looks like to grow where you’re planted. Adrian is Amarillo through and through. He grew up here, chose to stay, raised his family here, and built a career rooted in service. He started at Amarillo National Bank as a bank teller and has worked his way up to Vice President—proof that steady work, integrity, and commitment still matter. Beyond his professional path, Adrian quietly invests his time and energy into our community, with a special focus on North Amarillo and reinvesting in a part of our community that deserves continued attention, opportunity, and care. Adrian isn’t flashy. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. He just shows up, does the work, and makes Amarillo better because of it.
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Gabe Hanson
01/26/2026
Gabe Hanson
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Dr. Gabe Hanson for a conversation that truly spans two worlds. Gabe is an emergency room physician — and he was also the guitarist for the super successful Texas country band, the Josh Abbott Band. We talk about what it’s like to be part of a band just as it’s really taking off, the decision to step away at the height of momentum, and the very real, very human experience of working on the front lines of emergency medicine. Gabe is funny, deeply honest, and refreshingly self-aware about both what he loves and what challenges him. His convictions are strong, his perspective is grounded, and this conversation moves easily between music, medicine, purpose, and what it means to choose a life that aligns with who you really are.
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Bethany Fields
01/19/2026
Bethany Fields
This episode, we're joined by Bethany Fields, a local pastel artist who truly sees beauty in everything around her. Bethany shares how creativity has been a constant thread throughout her life — from photography, to scrapbooking, to pastel painting — and how she has a unique gift for turning hobbies into meaningful work. Our conversation explores what it looks like to follow curiosity, trust your instincts, and allow creativity to evolve. Bethany is incredibly talented, soft-spoken, and kind, and this episode is a quiet reminder of the value of noticing beauty, making art for the joy of it, and letting passion guide your path.
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America Adame
01/12/2026
America Adame
This week on Hey Amarillo, I’m joined by America Adame, Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center in Amarillo’s El Barrio neighborhood. The Wesley provides an incredible range of services that support families and strengthen community, and America stepped into leadership just over a year ago with clarity, confidence, and vision. In our conversation, she shares how she imagined the leader she wanted to become — and then took the steps to make that future real. America also speaks with remarkable courage about her own journey through a very difficult season of life, and how her two young daughters motivate her to model what female excellence, resilience, and leadership can look like. This is a conversation about vision, service, and choosing to lead with purpose — even when the path hasn’t been easy.
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Paul Borchardt
01/05/2026
Paul Borchardt
This week on Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Paul Borchardt, who, until very recently, ran one of Amarillo’s most beloved and historic landmarks: Wonderland Amusement Park. Paul’s story starts far from the Texas Panhandle — growing up on a farm in Iowa, serving in the Navy, falling in love, and eventually finding his way to Amarillo, where he joined his wife’s family in running an amusement park that has become part of the fabric of this community. For decades, Paul and his family poured their energy, care, and dedication into Wonderland, creating a place that generations of families return to summer after summer. In this conversation, Paul reflects with pride and genuine enjoyment on the years spent keeping Wonderland going — and on what it feels like to step away after 70 years of family stewardship. He’s sweet, funny, practical, and deeply appreciative of the people who loved the park as much as he did. This episode is about legacy, community, and what it means to take care of something that belongs to more than just one family.
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Laurie Higgins-Kerley
12/29/2025
Laurie Higgins-Kerley
This week on Hey Amarillo, we're joined by Laurie Higgins-Kerley, founder of Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses, for one of the most moving conversations I’ve ever had about grief. Laurie began this work after the loss of her husband, during a season when she herself was searching for healing. Through her horses, she experienced a kind of quiet, steady restoration—and eventually felt called to create spaces where others could experience that same healing presence. Our conversation explores grief honestly and tenderly. It doesn’t shy away from how painful loss can be, but it also reveals how beauty, connection, and even hope can exist alongside it. Laurie shares how horses help people process emotions without words, how healing doesn’t follow a straight line, and why holding space for grief is one of the most meaningful things we can do for one another. This episode is difficult in places—but it is also deeply beautiful. If you’ve experienced loss, love someone who has, or simply want to understand grief with more compassion, this conversation will stay with you.
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Lorie VanOngevalle
12/22/2025
Lorie VanOngevalle
I’m joined by Lorie VanOngevalle, Executive Director of Friends of Cross Bar, for a conversation rooted in fresh air, open spaces, and the joy of being outdoors. Lorie shares her path to a life spent outside — how she found her way into this work and why expanding access to public lands matters so deeply to her. As an outdoorsy woman working to make it easier for people to experience and enjoy the land around them, Lorie brings both passion and practicality to the conversation. This episode is fun, thoughtful, and a great reminder of why our outdoor spaces are worth cherishing, protecting, and actually using. Whether you love hiking, camping, ranch roads, or just being outside whenever you can, this conversation will make you want to step outdoors and look around a little more intentionally.
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Suzanne Bellsnyder
12/15/2025
Suzanne Bellsnyder
This week on Hey Amarillo, I’m talking with Suzanne Bellsnyder, a Spearman, Texas resident and a powerful voice for rural Texans across the state. Through her two rural newspapers, a growing online presence, and her work in Texas political circles, Suzanne is helping bring “kitchen table issues” and "serious legislation" affecting rural communities into the statewide conversation. She has a rare ability to connect policy with real life — translating what’s happening at the Capitol into what it means for families, towns, and communities just like ours. Our conversation is thoughtful, honest, and surprisingly funny. Suzanne is smart, passionate, and deeply committed to making sure rural Texans are not just heard, but taken seriously. If you care about rural communities, state policy, or how local voices shape big decisions, this episode is worth your time.
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Warren Coble
12/08/2025
Warren Coble
This week on Hey Amarillo, I’m joined by Warren Coble — Potter County Commissioner, pastor, and longtime servant to Amarillo’s North Heights community. From criminal justice to ministry to county leadership, Warren’s life has been marked by a deep love for people and a steady commitment to showing up when it matters most. In this conversation, he shares what he’s learned about leadership, faith, and walking with a community through its hardest moments.
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Gary Pitner
12/01/2025
Gary Pitner
In this episode, I sit down with Gary Pitner, a true Panhandle original and one of the most knowledgeable people you will ever meet when it comes to Amarillo and our region. Gary has spent essentially his entire life in Amarillo and more than 40 years serving as Executive Director of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission. Along the way, he has had a front-row seat to history — from watching the original Amarillo High burn downtown as a child, to helping secure the first medical helicopter for use in the Texas Panhandle. He is not just a leader and planner… he’s a storyteller and a historian with unmatched insight into the people, challenges, and progress that have shaped our community. Gary reminds us that the Panhandle as we know it isn’t very old — and that real, meaningful change takes intention, persistence, and decades of work to move a community forward. This episode is thoughtful, fascinating, and surprisingly fun — full of stories, wisdom, and a deep love for the Panhandle.
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Adam Leathers
11/24/2025
Adam Leathers
In this episode, we talk with Adam Leathers, a lifelong advocate for people and communities. Adam currently serves at the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, but his career has taken him from supporting migrant farmworkers to working alongside unhoused neighbors in Kansas City, and now to strengthening the social safety net here in the Texas Panhandle. Adam brings a sharp intellect, deep compassion, and years of hands-on expertise in understanding what communities truly need to thrive. His perspective on service, dignity, and practical problem-solving offers a powerful look at what it means to help our neighbors — and how we can all play a part.
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Caroline Ellison
11/17/2025
Caroline Ellison
This week, we’re joined by Caroline Ellison, one of the area's lead wildlife biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She’s an expert in her field, but what makes her stand out is her ability to talk about complex ecological issues in a way that’s easy to understand and deeply engaging. In this episode, we dive into the health of our wild spaces, exploring everything from the resilient bison to the iconic horned toad lizard, and beyond. Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast or just curious about the state of our natural world, this conversation is a must-listen!
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Katt Massey
11/10/2025
Katt Massey
This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Katt Massey—an Amarillo native whose journey has taken her from Dallas to Denver and right back home again. With a background in nonprofit and civic leadership and a memorable run for City Council, Katt has dedicated much of her career to serving this community, especially through the arts. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to show up for your city—even when things don’t go as planned—and how she’s continuing to support Amarillo through her current work in healthcare. Katt is energetic, funny, and refreshingly honest, with a heart that beats for this city and the people who make it home. Tune in to hear how her love for Amarillo has shaped her story—and how she hopes to inspire others to get involved, even (or especially) when it’s not easy.
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Wilson Lemieux
11/03/2025
Wilson Lemieux
This week on Hey Amarillo, we’re celebrating a decade of creativity with Wilson Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Company. From humble roots in the Texas Panhandle to producing video content for national sports franchises and cutting-edge tech companies, Wilson’s journey is one of passion, craft, and deep local love. In this episode, Wilson shares what it means to build a company that makes Amarillo proud—how supporting local businesses brings him the most joy, and why reverence for your work and your community matters. We also dive into parenting, navigating life’s seasons, and the balance of building a legacy while raising a family. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation that shines a light on the power of local creativity and connection. Tune in to hear how Wilson puts his heart into everything—his work, his hometown, and his family.
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Caroline Fairly
10/27/2025
Caroline Fairly
This week, Skylar sits down with Representative Caroline Fairly, who represents part of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in the state legislature. As the youngest woman ever elected to the Texas House, Caroline brings sharp insight, energy, and a grounded perspective to her work. They talk about her first legislative session—what contributed to her success, how her politically engaged father influences her path, and the priorities she’s carrying forward for her district and region. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about leadership, learning, and the next generation shaping Texas politics.
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Delvin Wilson
10/20/2025
Delvin Wilson
This week, Skylar sits down with Delvin Wilson, founder and grill master behind Delvin’s Barbecue—a beloved spot in Amarillo’s North Heights neighborhood. Delvin shares his story of growing up working in Houston seafood restaurants, honing his craft in country clubs across the South (including during the Midland/Odessa oil boom of the ’80s), and ultimately bringing his passion to Amarillo. Their conversation goes beyond food, exploring how cooking can be an act of love, care, and community. It’s thoughtful, touching, and, honestly—pretty mouthwatering.
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