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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Elton Bradley
08/10/2026
Elton Bradley
From the north side of Amarillo to leading the largest security company in the world, Elton Bradley has built an extraordinary career without ever losing sight of where he came from. As General Manager of one of the world's biggest security companies, Elton has found remarkable professional success. But ask people in Amarillo who he is, and many will point to something else entirely: the Northside Toy Drive. What began as a small effort to help 25 families at Christmas has grown into one of Amarillo's most impactful nonprofits. Today, the organization serves thousands of families year-round, providing everything from Christmas gifts to scholarships, utility assistance, and hope when it's needed most. In this episode, Elton shares the story behind his career, why giving back has always mattered, and how a handful of people with a simple idea built a movement that's changing lives across Amarillo. Along the way, he proves that leadership doesn't have to be complicated—you just have to care enough to get the work done. Funny, humble, and deeply passionate about his community, Elton Bradley is the kind of person who makes Amarillo a better place.
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Dr. Shanna Peeples
08/03/2026
Dr. Shanna Peeples
Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, Dr. Shanna Peeples never imagined that teaching would one day take her around the world. But after years in the classroom—and an unwavering commitment to her students—she was named the National Teacher of the Year, launching her into one of the most extraordinary years of her life. In this episode, Shanna reflects on the moments that shaped her as an educator, the students who changed her perspective, and why the classroom remains at the heart of everything she does. She also pulls back the curtain on the whirlwind experience of becoming National Teacher of the Year—a journey that led to international travel, unforgettable encounters, and more than a few unbelievable stories. Shanna is as funny as she is thoughtful, and she speaks about education with the kind of conviction that reminds us why great teachers matter. Whether you're an educator or simply someone who remembers the teacher who changed your life, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and a renewed appreciation for the people who dedicate themselves to helping others learn.
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Dr. Anders Leverton
07/20/2026
Dr. Anders Leverton
When Dr. Anders Leverton talks about ADHD, he does so from two perspectives: as a pediatrician who helps children and families navigate the diagnosis every day, and as someone who has lived with ADHD since childhood himself. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Dr. Leverton shares the path that led him to pediatrics and the deep sense of purpose that drives his work. Our conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, why he believes understanding the condition can be life-changing for families, and how his own experiences have helped him build remarkable connections with his patients. Dr. Leverton also offers a refreshing perspective on ADHD, describing it not as a limitation, but as a superpower when understood and supported in the right ways. Whether you're a parent, educator, someone with ADHD, or simply curious to learn more, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and insight to a topic that affects so many families.
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Janell Evans
07/13/2026
Janell Evans
Janell Evans is the director of 211, the information and referral service operated by United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. Every day, her team helps connect people with the resources and support they need, whether they're facing financial hardship, housing challenges, mental health concerns, family crises, or countless other life circumstances. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Janell shares what she's learned from years spent helping people navigate some of their most difficult moments. We talk about the most common needs her team encounters, the misconceptions many of us have about who needs help and why, and the realities facing individuals and families across our community. What I appreciated most about this conversation was how often it challenged my assumptions. Janell brings both the heart of a helper and the perspective of someone who has spent years listening closely to people's struggles and connecting them with solutions. It's an insightful, compassionate conversation about the needs that exist all around us—and the people working every day to meet them.
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Donnie Trammell
07/06/2026
Donnie Trammell
If you want to understand the Texas Panhandle, spend some time talking with a rancher. Donnie Trammell comes from a long line of them. His grandfather was a rancher. His father was a rancher. Donnie has spent his life raising cattle, and now his sons and grandchildren are carrying that tradition forward. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Donnie shares the story of a family rooted in the land and committed to feeding their community. We talk about the realities of modern ranching, the challenges facing agricultural producers today, and what popular culture gets right—and wrong—about life on the ranch. We also discuss how the Trammell family has expanded beyond cattle through local meat production and retail, helping connect Panhandle families directly to food raised close to home. Through ventures like Tir Bluen Farms and 6 Ranchers storefronts, they're creating new ways for consumers to support local agriculture while learning more about where their food comes from. This conversation is a tribute to a way of life that has shaped our region for generations—and to the people working to ensure it continues for generations to come.
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Mike Pacino
06/29/2026
Mike Pacino
Few people know the history of Boys Ranch quite like Mike Pacino. After spending decades at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Mike has witnessed firsthand the impact the organization has had on generations of young people. But he also knows the stories that came long before Boys Ranch existed—the stories of Old Tascosa, the wild frontier town that once stood along the Canadian River. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Mike takes us back to a time of cowboys, Comancheros, outlaws, and shootouts, sharing the colorful history of one of the Texas Panhandle's most legendary places. We also talk about how that same land became home to Boys Ranch and the lasting influence it has had on thousands of young people from across the country. This conversation feels less like an interview and more like sitting around a campfire listening to an old cowboy tell the stories of the land he knows by heart. And honestly, I could have listened all day.
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Diedre Parrish
06/22/2026
Diedre Parrish
When Deidre Parish stepped into the role of superintendent of Amarillo ISD, she inherited responsibility for one of the largest organizations in the Texas Panhandle—serving nearly 30,000 students and leading thousands of employees across the district. But for Deidre, leadership starts with listening. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Deidre shares her approach to guiding Amarillo ISD through a rapidly changing educational landscape. We talk about the opportunities and challenges that technology brings into the classroom, the realities facing today's students, and why schools need to do a better job telling the success stories that often go unnoticed. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to public education, Deidre offers an inside look at what it means to lead a school district and prepare students for the future.
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John Marmaduke
06/15/2026
John Marmaduke
John Marmaduke spent decades building one of America's most recognizable entertainment retailers. As President and CEO of Hastings Entertainment, he transformed a small collection of struggling stores into a nationwide chain that became a destination for books, movies, music, and more. In this conversation, John reflects on the rise of Hastings, the dramatic changes that reshaped the music and entertainment industries, and the business principles that guided his leadership along the way. His approach to running successful companies is surprisingly straightforward, grounded in understanding people, managing finances wisely, and focusing on fundamentals. Along the way, John shares stories from a remarkable career that brought him into contact with everyone from Sam Walton to Michael Jackson to Brooks & Dunn. Part walk down memory lane to a world of CDs, video rentals, and bookstore browsing, and part masterclass in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in how great companies are built—and how industries evolve.
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Kari Bachman
06/08/2026
Kari Bachman
Kari Bachman, Senior Services Director at the Warford Activity Center, has spent her career helping people thrive. From serving in the Peace Corps to leading camps and nonprofit organizations across the country, her work has always centered on building connections, strengthening communities, and supporting those who need it most. Today, that mission continues through her leadership at Warford, where she and her team are creating opportunities for Amarillo's older adults to stay engaged, connected, and supported. Kari shares how Warford partners with organizations, volunteers, and neighbors across the community to ensure seniors feel valued and cared for, while honoring the dignity and wisdom that come with aging. In this conversation, we explore what it means to age with dignity, why communities should prioritize caring for older adults, and the lessons we can learn when we take the time to listen to those who have spent decades building the world around us.
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Matt Adams
06/01/2026
Matt Adams
Few people get a closer look at a community than a police officer. Over the course of his career with the Amarillo Police Department, Matt Adams has served in roles that have taken him into nearly every corner of the city—from patrol and school resource officer assignments at local campuses to the juvenile gang unit, and now moving into homicide investigations. Each position has offered a different window into the challenges, struggles, and resilience of the people who call Amarillo home. In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Matt shares what he's learned from years spent meeting people on some of the best—and worst—days of their lives. We talk about how public perceptions of law enforcement have changed, the realities officers face today, the challenges confronting our community, and the lessons he's learned about grace, empathy, and human nature along the way. It's an honest conversation about policing, but it's also a conversation about people. Matt's perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and surprisingly hopeful—and it's a reminder that understanding often begins with grace.
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Daniel Rosenbach
05/25/2026
Daniel Rosenbach
Daniel Rosenbach and his family are restoring Amarillo’s historic helium plant and transforming it into a new community gathering place. In this conversation, we explore the fascinating history behind Amarillo becoming the “Helium Capital of the World,” including the plant’s role in wartime efforts and its decades of operation before being decommissioned. We also talk about the challenge of preserving the history and character of a place while bringing it back to life for a new generation.
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Dr. Amber Asher
05/18/2026
Dr. Amber Asher
Amber Asher is a neuroscientist focused on brain health and aging, but the work she’s doing extends far beyond research. Alongside her mother—a longtime nursing home nurse—Amber is helping communities have more honest, informed conversations about dementia, Alzheimer’s, and the mental health challenges that often come with aging. Together, they’re combining science, lived experience, and practical care to make difficult topics feel more approachable and less isolating for families. It’s a thoughtful conversation about caregiving, compassion, and the importance of understanding the people we love as they age.
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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.
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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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