This is the Panhandle

The top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle is filled with amazing people and places. This podcast will introduce you to those people as they share their stories of how they are making their communities better.

From Wheat Fields to Community Impact: John Wittler of Ogallala 07/06/2025

From Wheat Fields to Community Impact: John Wittler of Ogallala 📍 Brought to you by the Amarillo Area Foundation. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/37167830

Everybody Has Value: A Conversation with Don Powell 06/29/2025

Everybody Has Value: A Conversation with Don Powell In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Don Powell to explore the person behind his prominent titles and accomplishments. While Don’s résumé includes leadership roles such as President & CEO of First National Bank of Amarillo, FDIC Chairman, and federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, the conversation focuses on his personal journey, values, and lessons learned along the way. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/37045975

Rooted in the Panhandle: Doug Loomis on Leadership, Family & Education 06/22/2025

Rooted in the Panhandle: Doug Loomis on Leadership, Family & Education In this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region’s largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo Area Foundation. Listeners will come away with inspiration on building win-win relationships, supporting local nonprofits, and sustaining a thriving Panhandle community. About the Guest Doug Loomis recently retired after 39 years with Amarillo ISD, having served at every level from teacher to superintendent. A Dalhart native, he deeply appreciates small-town roots, has a passion for public education as a leveling force, and is committed to empathy-driven leadership. Doug is joined in life by his wife, Gisele, and their children, Jordan and Braydan , all of whom feature in heartfelt anecdotes throughout this conversation. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36942105

Welcoming the Foreigner: A Conversation with Ryan Pennington 06/15/2025

Welcoming the Foreigner: A Conversation with Ryan Pennington 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with Ryan Pennington, Executive Director of the Refugee Language Project. Ryan shares his journey—from growing up in Washington State to studying linguistics and Bible translation at Dallas Baptist University, then serving as a missionary in remote villages of Papua New Guinea. He reflects on the challenges of first‐contact language work, the power of cultural humility, and the life-changing lessons learned on that mountain ridge. After returning to Amarillo in 2016, Ryan channeled those insights into welcoming displaced families, launching “The Place” community center, and expanding the Refugee Language Project’s English classes, interpreting services, and cross-cultural trainings—all driven by the belief that language is the doorway to genuine welcome and community flourishing. 📌 Resources & Mentions: Refugee Language Project: “The Place” Multicultural Community Center Panhandle Gives Campaign: 📣 Call to Action: If you believe everyone has something to offer, consider volunteering as an English tutor, interpreter, or cultural ambassador through the Refugee Language Project. Subscribe to This Is the Panhandle for more stories of community, connection, and the surprising lessons we learn when we truly welcome our neighbors. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36927960

Beyond the Boardroom: A Conversation with Anette Carlisle 06/08/2025

Beyond the Boardroom: A Conversation with Anette Carlisle 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with longtime friend and community leader Anette Carlisle. Known for her extensive service in education and community development, Anette shares insights into her early life in Borger, Texas, her academic journey in zoology, and her passion for nature and birding. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, including her family life and the values that drive her commitment to public service. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36822825

Navigating Career Pathways with Myron Sims 06/01/2025

Navigating Career Pathways with Myron Sims 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Raul Rodarte Suto reconnects with longtime friend and community leader Myron Sims. They delve into their shared history in Amarillo, reflecting on early educational experiences and the challenges faced during their formative years. Myron shares his journey from uncertain college beginnings to his current role as a Career Pathway Supervisor at Amarillo College. He discusses his work in guiding youth through educational and career opportunities, emphasizing the importance of support systems for students, especially those from foster care backgrounds. The conversation highlights the significance of community involvement, mentorship, and the transformative power of education in shaping individual paths. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36754265

Sitting Down with Glenn Backus with the Market at Tierra Blanca 05/18/2025

Sitting Down with Glenn Backus with the Market at Tierra Blanca Episode Spotlight: Glenn Backus and The Market on Tierra Blanca Glenn Backus, director of The Market on Tierra Blanca in Canyon, Texas, shares how this innovative grocery-store-style food pantry is transforming the fight against food insecurity in Randall County. Located at 3900 South Tierra Blanca Drive, the Market offers a dignified, client-choice experience for individuals and families—98% of whom live at or below the poverty line. Highlights: Empowers clients through monthly credits to shop for their own groceries Serves a diverse clientele including seniors, students, and families Builds community while upholding dignity and respect Partners with local organizations to expand food access Store Hours: Tuesdays: 3–7 PM | Fridays: 9–12 PM Get Involved: Donate via St. Helen’s Outreach website Volunteer (ages 5–87 welcome) Advocate for local hunger relief Guided by Mother Teresa’s belief in the dignity of every person, Glenn and his team are redefining what food assistance can look like. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36564235

Sitting Down with Wheeler's Kristen Moudy 05/11/2025

Sitting Down with Wheeler's Kristen Moudy Kristen Moudy, Executive Director of the Wheeler Chamber and EDC, shares her journey from Dallas back to her hometown of Wheeler, Texas, to invest in rural community development. In this episode, she talks about improving quality of life through collaborative projects like downtown revitalization and the Tom Britt Memorial Park, while addressing common misconceptions about Economic Development Corporations (EDCs). Kristen also explores how small towns can attract and retain young talent, participate in regional initiatives like The Panhandle Gives, and harness community spirit to build a vibrant future. This conversation highlights the power of local leadership and the value of rural roots. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36442875

Sitting Down With Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine 05/04/2025

Sitting Down With Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine Kullen Sorrels, a third-year veterinary student at Texas Tech, shared his journey from Dalhart, Texas, to veterinary school. He highlighted the rigorous first year, which involves 22-23 hours of classes per week, and the hands-on experience that begins in the first semester. Colin emphasized the importance of grit and adaptability. He also discussed the unique community at Texas Tech, where students support each other through the challenging program. Peyton Priest, Associate Director of Development, highlighted the school's focus on rural and regional veterinary needs, its non-traditional student demographic, and the impact of the mobile veterinary unit funded by the Louise Bowers Splints Foundation. Both speakers expressed confidence in the readiness of the first graduating class for practice. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36374250

Welcome to Season 7 of This Is The Panhandle 04/27/2025

Welcome to Season 7 of This Is The Panhandle The podcast introduces three new co-hosts from the Amarillo Area Foundation - Kimberly Anderson, Kevin Friemel, and Raul Rodarte Suto - who will bring diverse perspectives to sharing stories about the Texas Panhandle. The hosts discuss the unique characteristics of their region, highlighting its pioneering spirit, philanthropic nature, innovative problem-solving, and rich community talent across various sectors including arts, agriculture, and nonprofit work. They emphasize the Panhandle's strength lies in its people's ability to come together, adapt to challenges, and support each other, while also hoping to change external perceptions about the region by showcasing its depth, creativity, and remarkable community-driven initiatives. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/36057940

Sitting Down with the Honorable Lisa Johnson 04/12/2024

Sitting Down with the Honorable Lisa Johnson Since the historic fires raged across our area, Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson has been right on the frontline of the disaster. She recently sat down with us to discuss the inside perspective. In the episode, she shares the behind-the-scenes workings of the largest fire in Texas history and how she worked to keep her community safe in a very turbulent time. To give to the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/30786443

Sitting Down with Mary Coyne 06/05/2022

Sitting Down with Mary Coyne This week we sit down with Mary Coyne with Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance. She shares what PBHA is working on, what the data is showing, and how to increase mental health access in this Texas Panhandle. Learn more about PBHA: Learn more about Panhandle Mental Health Guide: www.PanhandleMentalHealthGuide.org /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/23294879

Sitting down with Dr. Amy Stark 05/29/2022

Sitting down with Dr. Amy Stark This week, we sit down with Dr. Amy Stark, Texas Tech Physicians Psychiatrist. Dr. Stark talks about how substance abuse can be detrimental to mental health. Her goal is to break down the stereotypes regarding substance abuse. Learn more about Dr. Stark here: /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/23223989

Sitting Down with Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District 05/22/2022

Sitting Down with Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District This week, we sit down with Bobby Medford, a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District. Bobby talks about meeting the mental health needs in a rural setting. He shares how seniors have fared through the Covid 19 Pandemic and how they have settled into a new normal that can cause more problems in isolation. Learn more about DHCHD /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/23176874

Sitting down with Family Support Services 05/15/2022

Sitting down with Family Support Services This week, we continue our mental health focus by talking with Family Support Services’, Jim Womack. Jim talks about how FSS is meeting the heightened demands for mental health services since the start of the covid 19 pandemic. He shares how FSS began using telehealth services to meet the needs in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. To learn more about FSS: or call 806.342.2500 /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/23103437

Sitting Down with Region 16 05/08/2022

Sitting Down with Region 16 This week we sit down with Region 16’s Robin Terry. Since the start of the pandemic, educators and students have seen rising numbers of mental health concerns. Robin shares what Region 16 has seen and how schools are accommodating the increased demand. To learn more about Region 16 *Episode note, due to an upgrade in Region 16’s website, the Mental Health Moments Podcast is not available at this time. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/23005295

Sitting Down with Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute 05/01/2022

Sitting Down with Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute This week we start our special episodes about mental health. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a focus area for our organization, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about our partnership with Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Dr. Amanda Tinsley-Mathias sits down with us to talk about this collaborative care model of mental health resources. More about Meadows Mental Health Institute: Tune in to the entire series! /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22943735

Sitting Down with Dr. Guy Loneragan 03/20/2022

Sitting Down with Dr. Guy Loneragan This week we sit down with Dr. Guy Loneragan, Dean of the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Loneragan gives a recap about the first semester of the new school located in the Harrington Regional Medical Campus. Students interested in TTUSVM can get more information . /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22473344

Sitting Down with High Plains Food Bank 03/13/2022

Sitting Down with High Plains Food Bank This week we sit down with Zack Wilson, Executive Director of the High Plains Food Bank. Zack has been at the HPFB for 17 years and has been at the helm for 11. He shares with us what HPFB does, how they do it, and how you can help! Since the COVID 19 pandemic began, the necessity of food programs has become vital for many of our neighbors. How is HPFB keeping up with the demand? Zack shares those details and gives a glimpse into the future of food banking! Learn more about High Plains Food Bank /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22421033

Sitting Down with Lisa Schmidt 03/06/2022

Sitting Down with Lisa Schmidt This week we sit down with legendary news personality turned entrepreneur, Lisa Schmidt. She talks about her days behind the news desk and why it was time to leave. She started a new venture called All The Things for You, a box subscription service. Listen and subscribe. More about All the Things: /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22327883

Sitting Down with Wendy Taylor 02/27/2022

Sitting Down with Wendy Taylor This week we sit down with Wendy Taylor, Executive Director of Don Harrington Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Wendy talks about the merger of these two organizations and what it means for our community. The singular organization now brings the Earth sciences and STEM sciences together under one organization. For more information on Don Harrington Discovery Center, For more information on Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22247735

Sitting Down with Amarillo ISD's Jay Barrett 02/20/2022

Sitting Down with Amarillo ISD's Jay Barrett This week we sit down with AmTech Career Academy’s principal, Jay Barrett. Amarillo ISD’s new AmTech campus is connecting students to career pathways while helping them achieve industry certifications to start moving towards their dream careers. Jay has been an educator for 37 years and he now calls himself the “AmTech Cheerleader”. The campus has garnered national attention for innovation and acceleration. In the episode, you’ll learn what career paths students can choose. To learn more about AmTech Career Academy, ! /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22181075

Sitting down with City of Amarillo's CIO, Rich Gagnon 02/13/2022

Sitting down with City of Amarillo's CIO, Rich Gagnon This week we sit down with City of Amarillo’s Managing Director and CIO, Rich Gagnon. The city is working with Region 16 to provide high-speed internet access to a broader population in our community. If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the disparity that comes from lack of access. Rich shares his personal reasons for working so hard on this project, but also why it makes economic sense for the city. /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/22092443

Sitting down with TTUHSC School of Nursing 02/06/2022

Sitting down with TTUHSC School of Nursing This week we sit down with Michael Evans, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, Dean of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a spotlight on the profession of nursing. Dr. Evans shares how that has affected nursing students and enrollment in nursing programs for TTU. For more information on Texas Tech’s School of Nursing /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/21996305

Sitting Down with Chris McGilvery 01/30/2022

Sitting Down with Chris McGilvery This week we sat down with Chris McGilvery, founder of Leaders Readers Network. Chris has a passion for early childhood literacy and the organization he founded is working to increase children’s access to books and mastery of reading. In 2021, Leaders Readers Network focused on children’s books that celebrated the diversity of children and was featured in a New York Times article, read more here: To learn more about Leaders Readers Network, /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/21933251

Sitting down with Jim Whitton 01/23/2022

Sitting down with Jim Whitton This week we talk to Jim Whitton, about literacy among our youngest neighbors. His passion to see kids read was sparked by a conference regarding the first 5 years of children’s lives. His passion has turned into action by working with StoryBridge and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to put books in the hands of birth through 5 year-olds in Potter and Randall Counties. If you would like to donate to StoryBridge’s campaign, you can do that here: /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/21850475

Sitting Down with Suzanne Talley 01/12/2022

Sitting Down with Suzanne Talley The 100 Club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization fully membership/donation supported with the mission to: Provide immediate financial assistance to the families of certified peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty Provide immediate financial assistance to certified peace officers and firefighters injured in the line of duty and unable to work Purchase life-protecting and lifesaving equipment for law enforcement and firefighting agencies that cannot be secured through budgeted funds. Just as our lives have not been easy, theirs have not been either. Many of them don’t feel as safe as they once did in serving and protecting. We have seen the need for more (and better) life-protecting and lifesaving equipment thus increasing the need for more funding. Please take a few minutes to watch this quick video about the 100 Club story . Will you join me in standing behind the men and women behind the badge with an annual membership and a year-end donation to help with lifesaving and life-protecting equipment? Join online and/or make a donation to help with lifesaving equipment for our area first responders: Firefighters Equipment Fund Law Enforcement Equipment Fund /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/21745706

Sitting Down with Jackie Pearson 11/14/2021

Sitting Down with Jackie Pearson In the Season 4 premier we talk with Jackie Pearson, 2018 Chairperson of the Amarillo Area Foundation. Jackie was instrumental in advocating for #ThePanhandleGives and helping the campaign get off the ground. She rolls off the board this year, so we wanted to capture her “behind-the-scenes" view and her passion for philanthropy in the Texas Panhandle. Do not forget to give to your favorite organization beginning Monday, November 22 through November 30. Give online at ! /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/21146759

Learning more about Panhandle PBS's project: Living While Black 03/28/2021

Learning more about Panhandle PBS's project: Living While Black This week’s season 3 finale is a conversation with Panhandle PBS’s Karen Welch about the new series, Living While Black. The series is Thursday nights on Panhandle PBS and showcases interviews from some of our Black neighbors. We also talk with one of the featured interviewees, Ms. Melodie Graves. Ms. Graves, a TEDx featured speaker and Amarillo native, shares her perspective of living while Black in Amarillo and how she is hoping to create a better place for her child through activism. For more information on the project: /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/18479864

Sitting down with Cocina on the Go 03/21/2021

Sitting down with Cocina on the Go This week, we sit down with Anna Lisa Ramos, owner of Cocina on the Go! Ms. Ramos received the first loan from Communities Unlimited to purchase the food truck she currently uses. She is no stranger to our podcast; this is her second special episode, and we can’t wait for you to hear the exciting updates Anna Lisa shares. Here’s more on Anna Lisa: /episode/index/show/thisisthepanhandle/id/18392186

This is the Panhandle

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