Hey Amarillo (Jason Boyett)

A conversation with Sharla Valdez, president of the Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation. As a young hospice nurse and entrepreneur, she became one of the founders of Crown of Texas Hospice, which operated in Amarillo from 1991 to 2004. Then in 2000, she launched Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy and served as its CEO and founder before exiting that business last year. Valdez shares with host Jason Boyett about her passion for hospice care, how her family's farm-and-ranch background prepared her for entrepreneurship, and why she's not yet ready to retire. This episode is supported by Blue Handle Publishing, La-Z-Boy Furniture and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Stevi Larson, special events coordinator at Sharing Hope Ministry. After years of addiction to heroin, Stevi found herself in the state prison system. During her incarceration, she got in touch with the Amarillo-based Sharing Hope. That connection brought Stevi to Amarillo following her release. She spent time at Patsy’s Place Transitional Home, worked two jobs, beat her addiction and turned her life around. Stevi tells her story in this episode, which is sponsored by ROI Online.

"The local banks have been wonderful." COVID-19 cases are rising slowly in Amarillo as business seek a safety net and families deal with financial uncertainty. These interviews were recorded prior to April 6, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Vicki Wilmarth (Wright Wilmarth Byrd PLLC), Matt Morgan (Amarillo Area Foundation), Paige Jones (Fresh Paige Counseling) and Chris Seals (Still Austin). This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer (Shemen Dental).

A conversation with Megan Eikner, a local agriculture and natural resource agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Her job is wide-ranging and complex, but it’s largely educational in nature. She helps local farmers understand the latest ag science and research, sharing with them the techniques that work best for the Texas Panhandle. A native of southeast Colorado, Megan also explains why she decided to plant herself in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Bivins Pointe.

RERELEASE: A conversation with Kristin Babbitt, the entrepreneur behind Dotsy's Boutique in Wolflin Square. Women's fashion is big business in Amarillo, and Dotsy's has carved out a large and loyal following despite tons of local competition. With host Jason Boyett, Kristin shares how she started her boutique, her plans for the future, and why social media remains so central to Dotsy's success. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and originally released October 1, 2018.

A conversation with Phyllis Nickum, owner/operator of Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, a tourism company on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Phyllis literally grew up in hotels, spent decades in hotel management and operations—including the Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo—and "retired" to a second career on horseback. She talks to host Jason Boyett about her career, the Ambassador's heyday, and why riding horses in the Panhandle is on so many travelers' bucket lists. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Koben Puckett, a local cowboy and Canyon resident who suffered a spinal cord injury while competing in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. The 2008 injury left him a quadriplegic. Now he's a paraplegic and making enormous strides in his recovery. With host Jason Boyett, Koben discusses his career, his injury, the role of stem-cell therapy, and the invitational bull-riding event bearing his name. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and Six Car. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.

A conversation with Glenda Moore, the proprietor of Kind House Ukraine Bakery, an Amarillo nonprofit that has been raising money for Ukraine since 2014. A former elementary teacher and assistant principal, Moore fell in love with Ukraine and its people after a mission trip. She began baking to raise money for Ukrainians in need, and eventually left her education career to manage Kind House full time. Moore tells host Jason Boyett how Kind House began, what locals need to know about the invasion, and what the past three weeks have been like for her friends in Ukraine. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and Discover Amarillo.

A conversation with Dusty Green, former Amarillo news anchor and current cohost (with his wife, Nikki) of Two for the Road, a travel and adventure show on PBS. Dusty and host Jason Boyett discuss Dusty's path into local journalism, how he and Nik quit their jobs and sold everything to pursue their travel dream, and why returning to the Panhandle always feels like coming home. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Kathy Lopez, the entrepreneur and owner of Little Bee's Playhouse, a child-focused play and party venue in Wolflin Square. Lopez was a WT grad who went on to work in the corporate event world of the Metroplex, traveling internationally as a specialist in hospitality, marketing and event management. Then she returned to Amarillo. Lopez explains to host Jason Boyett how that move—with young children in tow—inspired her to build a career that was flexible enough to involve her kids. Little Bee's is the result, and its success has put it on the cusp of expanding beyond the city. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.

A conversation with Robert Altman, who is retired from two prominent local careers, first as a manager at the women's clothing store Kline's of Amarillo and then as an assistant scout executive with the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Altman, whose family owned and operated multiple Kline's locations in the city until the 1990s—including along Polk Street and at Western Plaza—reflects on how retailing changed over the years. He also shares with host Jason Boyett how his parents arrived in the area, describes the glory years of Western Plaza, and explains why Scouting remains so prominent within the Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Pest Tex Pest Control and Storybridge.

A conversation with Lytton St. Stephen, a mental health case manager and relative newcomer to Amarillo. Lytton arrived less than a year ago from Albuquerque, and it gave them an opportunity to reinvent themselves—and embrace their true identity. With host Jason Boyett, Lytton shares about being gender non-binary, finding community, standing out in a conservative place, and why the city has been so pivotal to their growth. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and the Mani-Camper.

A conversation with Jenny Inzerillo, the music director at HPPR and host of High Plains Morning, weekdays from 9am to noon on High Plains Public Radio. In 2015, Jenny arrived here from Chicago and St. Louis, which brings her a unique perspective as a former outsider who has become a passionate insider. With host Jason Boyett, she talks about public radio, the local music scene, and why the Texas Panhandle has gotten under her skin. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346). Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.

A conversation with Ali Ramos, a graphic designer and Amarillo native who just graduated with a master's degree in social work from Columbia University. Ali is also a board member for NMD United, a national organization advocating for individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. She shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up with a physical disability, embracing an accidental leadership role in Amarillo, and using her unique perspective to fight injustice. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.

A conversation with Savannah Gates, the entrepreneur behind Reinventing the Weal, a hydroponic farm and consulting business west of Amarillo. Savannah is hard to describe. She's a former engineer. She's a mixologist. She grew up on a Bushland farm and studied sustainability in Hungary. With host Jason Boyett, she shares her passion for cultivating the connection between local farmers and chefs and explains why food and drink are at the heart of human relationships. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Eveline Rivers-McCoy, the philanthropic powerhouse behind the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project and Eveline's Sunshine Cottage. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she ended up in Amarillo, her professional childcare career, and the sad circumstances that helped kick off her now 40-year-old Christmas project. This episode is sponsored by Betenbough Homes, with an assist from The Union Hall Workspace. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Micha Boyett, Jason's youngest sister and the author of the new book Blessed Are the Rest of Us. Micha is a poet, writer, pastor and podcaster whose work includes advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. She's the cohost of the popular podcast The Lucky Few and will be preaching in Amarillo at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 5. She and host Jason Boyett discuss Micha's upbringing in Amarillo, her son Ace and the family's connection to the Down syndrome community, and how Amarillo continues to inform her life and writing—even though she no longer lives here. This episode is sponsored by Pinnacle by Rockrose, Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Kent Harris, a working potter and the owner of Blue Sage Pottery. A Missouri native who got a fine arts degree from WTAMU, Kent is one of those unique Amarillo creatives who is making a living as an artist. His stoneware pottery sells online and has appeared in galleries across the United States. With host Jason Boyett, Kent discuses how he and his wife, Megan, built their business, why pottery is so addictive and therapeutic, and how the Texas Panhandle shapes his work. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's.

A conversation with Jim Livingston, a fine arts photographer known for his Texas Panhandle landscapes as well as his "I Am Rt 66" portrait series. Jim has spent the last decade pursuing photography but has a deep, intriguing resume. He's been a Jesuit priest, spent years as a social worker, and was once technically homeless after being forced to uproot rapidly from his life in Wichita Falls. He and host Jason Boyett discuss these things and more in this episode, sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer of Shemen Dental.

A conversation with Tia Marie Hunt, a donor relations coordinator at West Texas A&M University and a singer-songwriter who'll be performing at this weekend's Hoodoo Mural Festival. Tia Marie shares with host Jason Boyett about her journey to the area after having grown up in Jasper, Texas, her transition from singing at church to performing for secular audiences, and what role Amarillo might play in the rest of her musical career. Her single, "Love," is available on these platforms. Tia Marie performs on the ANB Stage at 3pm Saturday at Hoodoo. This episode is supported by Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy John's, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with outgoing Amarillo mayor Ginger Nelson, recorded in front of a live audience at Arts in the Sunset. To celebrate the 300th episode of this podcast, Jason Boyett hosted a live show on May 5, 2023, interviewing Nelson—who'd served as the guest for the very first episode of Hey Amarillo in September 2017. In this episode, Nelson reflects on her tenure as mayor, answering questions about her nationally recognized COVID-19 response, her cancer treatment during the pandemic, the Civic Center controversies, the outcry related to her drag show letter, her personal faith and much more. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Route 66 Festival. 

RERELEASE: A conversation with Patrick Miller, a local educator and the newly elected president of the Amarillo chapter of the NAACP. Also a member of the Amarillo College Board of Regents, Patrick became the youngest person ever elected to the Board in 2015. In this interview, he tells host Jason Boyett why he got into local politics and discusses his work with refugees at Whittier and Travis. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and originally released February 26, 2018.

A conversation with Becca White, owner and designer of M Street Studio, a jewelry and leather goods company based in Amarillo and shipping handmade products all over the world. Becca first learned jewelry-making at Amarillo High School, started her career in Austin and Dallas, and then returned to Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, she reveals how M Street began, why it has exploded in popularity over the past two years, and how her designs ended up being featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.

A conversation with Taylor Van Valkenburg, the VP of Operations at U.S. Cleaners, a local dry-cleaning business. After growing up here, Taylor didn't think she would return to Amarillo—and definitely didn't plan to lead the family business. But she found out that Amarillo is a fantastic place for entrepreneurship, and U.S. Cleaners has grown significantly in the past few years. She tells host Jason Boyett about her path back home, how the pandemic forced necessary business changes, and how U.S. Cleaners is navigating the current economy. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, the Discover Amarillo app and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.

A new podcast format going forward: This episode features short interviews with Amarillo people about what things look like right now in the city due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Interviews were recorded the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Wes Reeves (Xcel Energy), Bekah McWhorter (Bivins Pointe), Jason Burr (NCW), Kyla Frye (WT Enterprise Center), Patrick & Krystal Burns (Palace Coffee) and Jackie Kingston (KAMR Local 4 News). This episode is sponsored by Amarillo La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

A conversation with Katrena (Kat) Volden, head coach of the Bomb City Bombshells, Amarillo's local roller derby team. When she's not practicing or competing against skaters from all over the state, she works with kids with special needs. With host Jason Boyett, Kat talks about roller derby's history in Amarillo, dispels misconceptions about this full-contact sport, and shares how her childhood at the local skating rinks turned into a grown-up passion. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery. Get May 10th live show tickets HERE.

In a series of three shorter, "Eight Straight"-only conversations, host Jason Boyett asks the usual questions of entrepreneur Andrew Brandt, photographer Angelina Medina, and author/investment advisor John Early. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.

A conversation with Jason Boyett, host and creator of this podcast. Jason is a longtime designer, copywriter and author who has been working in Amarillo's marketing and advertising industry for nearly two decades. Interviewed by Dusty Green, Jason explains his longtime interest in theology, how he found his way into celebrity ghostwriting, and why two years at Amarillo College played such a huge role in his career. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Matthew Garner, PhD, a scientist and entrepreneur/CEO who manages New York businesses and microbiology labs from his home base of Amarillo. Matt is also trying to build, in his words, "a microbiology company of epic proportions" to serve the ag industry in Amarillo. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Matt's background and career, why he works remotely from Amarillo, and why he believes this area could become a technology haven. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Britten Ratcliff, a Tascosa High School senior. Host Jason Boyett starts this interview by explaining that he is typically uninterested in interviewing high school students for the show, but Ratcliff changed his mind about that rule. A member of the FirstBank Southwest Banking Advisory Council and founder of The Neighborhood, a Tascosa student group, Ratcliff shares with Boyett about what it's like to be a teenager in Amarillo, what the city needs to consider related to its younger population, and why he decided to take classes at AmTech Career Academy. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental, SKP Creative, and Pinnacle by Rockrose.

A conversation with Derek Weathersbee, a graphic design instructor at Amarillo College and a font creator whose typefaces are used all over the world—from Taco Bell advertising to the NFL Network. With host Jason Boyett, Derek talks about his decision to return to Amarillo from Dallas and details just how much the millennials he teaches (plus younger generations) have to offer the city. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery and SKP Creative. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Sonja Gross, a Public Involvement Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation and a former Public Information Officer for TXDOT. Gross arrived in Amarillo from Georgia around 20 years ago, and embarked on a communications career that took her from the local newspaper to the City of Amarillo to her current position with TXDOT. She shares with host Jason Boyett about road construction, the city's eternal Loop project, how to handle complaints from grumpy citizens and why, even as a transplant, she feels at home in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.

A conversation with Eric Gomez, principal of the new West Plains High School in the Canyon Independent School District. Gomez is not only in the process of staffing the first new high school in the city in decades, but also helping establish its culture and personality. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, the former coach shares how he found his way into education, how a personal tragedy forged a powerful connection with the community, and how he feels with the first semester at West Plains just a few days away. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture, Wieck Realty and PestTex Pest Control.

A conversation with Karen Talley, who just retired after a long career with Christian Relief Fund, which was founded in Amarillo 50 years ago by her father, Baxter Loe. Talley was the last Loe family member still working for this humanitarian organization, helping oversee operations in more than 20 countries worldwide. She shares with host Jason Boyett the inspiring story of how CRF began and the work it continues to do while based in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and the WT Enterprise Center.

A conversation with Meaghan Collier, the communications and marketing manager for the Amarillo campus of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Collier was recently named 2025 Volunteer of the Year at the Brickly Awards. A native of Canyon, she spent several years as a local television journalist with KAMR 4 Local News. Locals recognize her from that career, but may not know that she spent a year in post-Katrina New Orleans with Teach for America. Collier shares with host Jason Boyett why journalism became her passion, why her year in New Orleans was the most transformative of her life, and why volunteering in this community is so central to her identity. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy of Amarillo and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Lindsey Lane, one of Amarillo's most in-demand country singers and all-around performers. Originally from Lubbock, Lindsey arrived in this area to pursue an education degree from WTAMU, then taught 3rd-grade math for several years before pursuing music full-time. She shares with host Jason Boyett how she grew up learning the craft from her father, how she decided the time was right to go all-in on her dreams, and offers an expert perspective on the local music scene—including how she and her band keep their audience engaged. This episode is sponsored by Storybridge.

A conversation with Chriselda Reyes, a local portrait photographer. Chriselda has traveled all over the world with her clients but calls Amarillo home. She and host Jason Boyett discuss how she got started in her career, why wedding photography is such a perilous occupation, and what makes Amarillo such a versatile photographic backdrop. Don't miss her surprising "Eight Straight" answer about The Big Texan. This episode is sponsored by the AEDC.

A conversation with Jim Whitton, who is officially retired but has made enormous contributions helping connect Storybridge to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Jim has had an incredibly diverse career, from international banking to talent representation in New York City to marketing at Hastings in the 1990s, followed by a lengthy tenure with The Hunger Project. He tells host Jason Boyett about the various stages of his career, how they led him to Amarillo, and why he decided to stay. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Andy Justus, a long-time broadcast journalist and the co-anchor of Studio 4 and KAMR Local 4 News at 5, 6, and 10. A graduate of West Texas A&M, Andy has been in local news since he first joined KAMR in 1997. In this episode, he tells host Jason Boyett about growing up in poverty, moving constantly during childhood due to evictions, and how he convinced his single mother that he needed to go to Boys Ranch. In fact, if not for the structure he found at Boys Ranch, Andy says he would either "be in prison or be dead.” Along with those harrowing details, he also shares why he has such gratitude for the Panhandle area and its people. This episode is supported by Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Lara Escobar, the executive director of Amarillo Area CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). Lara lived in El Paso, College Station and Lubbock before coming to Amarillo ten years ago. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about her career in social work and public health, what she discovered upon relocating to Amarillo, and how volunteer advocates can change the life of a child in foster care. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).

A conversation with Leslie Massey, a Farmers Insurance Agent in Amarillo and co-owner of The Shop, an event venue. After an early career selling online advertising for the newspaper, Massey changed careers after the 2008 financial crisis. She explains to host Jason Boyett how she built up her insurance business, the challenges the industry is facing today, and why she also helps manage an event venue. They also discuss her home, which was originally built by the legendary gambler Amarillo Slim. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, KWTS “The One,” and La-Z-Boy Furniture.

A conversation with Matthew Rosas, the fashion designer behind the brand Momentum of Roses and the collaborative fashion show "Beauty from Afar" on December 2. A former basketball coach and teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Academy, Rosas has shifted to upcycling thrifted clothing and fabrics to create his unique streetwear style. He shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up within the Catholic school system, how designing basketball uniforms at Holy Cross introduced him to clothing aesthetics, and why he views fashion as the next frontier within Amarillo's creative scene. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and PestTex Pest Control.

A conversation with Michael Rowley, director of the upcoming documentary feature film Hurdle. With host Jason Boyett, Michael talks about growing up in Amarillo, his background in art and theology, and how he settled upon the idea for his new film. Central to his story is how the city's creative community 10 years ago helped launch Rowley into what he's doing now. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. 

A conversation with Cori Burns, the CEO of Estacar Companies, this podcast's very first corporate sponsor. A former marketing director and current executive coach and entrepreneur, Cori has provided coaching and consulting services to clients ranging from Bar Z Wines locally to international brands like Kate Spade. With host Jason Boyett, she talks about why she chose to live here, why she's so passionate about women in leadership, and why Amarillo remains a fantastic place for entrepreneurship. This episode is sponsored by Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).

A conversation with Randy Ray, Director of Broadcast Engineering at West Texas A&M University and a Canyon City Commissioner. A native of Pampa, Ray graduated from WT before spending the next 15 years in Nashville, where he ended up managing the huge Sunset Studios. He returned to WT in 2002 to help design the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. Ray shares with host Jason Boyett about his stint in a prominent Christian rock band, the opportunity that brought him back to the Panhandle, and why he's excited about Canyon's future. This episode is sponsored by Purpose + Passion Boutique.

A conversation with Teresa Kenedy, president of the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee and a retired social worker with Amarillo ISD. Teresa tells host Jason Boyett about growing up as a member of the only Hispanic and Catholic family in a small mountain town. Upon arriving in Amarillo for college, she found a much more robust Hispanic culture—and has since become a community organizer working on behalf of Amarillo's Barrio neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

A conversation with Kevin Carter, the President and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. Kevin spent his early career in Plainview before arriving in Amarillo in 2019, and quickly realized he was here to stay. With the AEDC, his job is to sell Amarillo as a destination for primary businesses, with the goal of expanding industry and manufacturing in the city. In this episode, Carter tells host Jason Boyett how he ended up in this position, why he loves promoting Amarillo to outside companies, and why he believes the city is poised for future growth. This episode is sponsored by Gaut Whittenburg Emerson and La-Z-Boy of Amarillo.

A conversation with Hilary Marie, a local musician and bookkeeper who lived in Borger and New Orleans before making a home in Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Hilary shares the details of her personal story, which involve finding healing—mentally, physically and emotionally—after multiple cycles of addiction and abuse. Their discussion covers plenty of unique territory, from Hilary's American Idol auditions to her discovery of eastern spirituality in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Dr. Eddy Sauer.

A conversation with Dr. Guy Loneragan, a former WTAMU faculty member and now a Texas Tech Animal & Food Sciences professor working to bring the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine to Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, Guy explains why Amarillo is a perfect fit for this high-impact vet school and details the huge economic benefit it will bring. A native of Australia, he also compares West Texas to his home country. This episode is sponsored by Street Toyota. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

“As a nation, we are in a pain dance.” As May ended, another crisis compounded the pandemic's disruption. Protests spurred by the pain and outrage around racism spilled onto American streets. In this episode, Mayor Ginger Nelson shares with host Jason Boyett about Amarillo’s response to both crises, and the challenge of leading in times of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jackie Kingston of KAMR Local 4 News and Patrick & Krystal Burns of Palace Coffee return to update listeners as the city re-emerges from the shutdown. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.

A conversation with Rachael Edwards, a longtime Amarillo artist known for a diverse body of work, including her annual Back Alley Gallery shows and the enormous mural at Six Car Pub & Brewery. With host Jason Boyett, Rachel describes her upbringing as the daughter of two local jazz musicians, how she has built an art career in a constantly shifting world, and how the idea for her next Back Alley Gallery (June 29) came about. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Support the show via Patreon and grab BeerFest tickets HERE.

A conversation with Ruthie Landelius, a local chef, culinary educator, and the proprietor of Black Fig Food. She's also a food contributor to Brick & Elm Magazine and the Flavorillo email newsletter. A self-taught chef, Ruthie is known for her visual and artistic approach to food, for using food to build community, and for the elevated menus she creates for local events—from intimate weddings to enormous fundraising banquets. She shares with host Jason Boyett how her early failures helped make her the cook she is today and what it's like to plan, schedule and execute meals for enormous groups of local people. This episode is supported by Amarillo Angels and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Tom Martin, the CEO of Milo Insulation of Texas. His company manufactures an innovative home insulation product called MILEX, made from grain sorghum grown in the Panhandle and produced at a facility in Tulia. In this episode, Martin explains to host Jason Boyett his journey from south Texas to Iowa to Amarillo, his shift from a career in education to one in farm exports, how he developed a sorghum-based packing peanut that's now used around the world, and how that product brought him to the world of insulation. This episode is supported by Amarillo Angels and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Stephani Serna, who lives in Amarillo but works for Porsche Financial Services. Stephani grew up in Amarillo but was born in Mexico, which means she spent most of her childhood in the High Plains without legal immigration status. A DACA recipient, Stephani grew up in extreme poverty and spent her childhood navigating the anxiety of deportation while also serving as a language interpreter for her mother and grandparents. She eventually became a U.S. citizen, graduated from high school and college, landed at Porsche, and has even given a TedX talk. She shares her story with host Jason Boyett, including the impact of local organizations like Mission 2540. This episode is supported by Shemen Dental and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Alex Hunt, the director of the Center for the Study of the American West at West Texas A&M University. A student of Panhandle history, Dr. Hunt is fascinated by Amarillo's connection with the West and the American frontier. We discuss everything from ranching and local hiking trails to how Amarillo's refugee population today compares to the original pioneers in the 1800s. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online and Amarillo National Bank.

A conversation with Claudia Stuart, recently named Distinguished Alumni at West Texas A&M University. Decades ago, she became WT's first full-time, African American female faculty member and authored several books, including African Americans in Amarillo, which she cowrote. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Stuart shares about growing up in Germany, being one of the first Black students at WT, and her incredibly diverse career in sociology, criminal justice and other fields. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Chris Podzemny, a local cyclist and trail-builder working with the Fairly Foundation and Six Pack Outdoors. Podzemny and his volunteers have carved dozens of miles of mountain-biking, running and hiking trails in the area, from Palo Duro Canyon to Dalhart. He tells host Jason Boyett about the trail-building process, why cities like Amarillo and Borger value his skills, and why he's so excited about the trails he's building at the Rick Klein Complex in east Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and Brick & Elm magazine.

A conversation with Jeff Renteria, the community organizer behind the annual Barrio Bash back-to-school event and the 2023 recent recipient of the "Heart of the Barrio" award at Amarillo's Hispanic Heritage luncheon. Renteria comes from a family that originally arrived in Amarillo as railroad workers, and tells host Jason Boyett about his upbringing in the historic Barrio neighborhood, his family's masonry business, and how the Barrio Bash grew out of a casual neighborhood horseshoe tournament into a major community celebration. This episode is sponsored by Attorney Dean Boyd and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Dallas Bell, owner and operator of Burrowing Owl Books, an independent bookstore with two locations. She and her family arrived here from North Carolina when her husband accepted a pediatrics position with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Three years ago, they opened their first bookstore on the Square in Canyon, and recently expanded to Amarillo. Dallas speaks with host Jason Boyett about local entrepreneurship, living near Palo Duro Canyon, the power of books and much more. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex and Bivins Pointe.

A conversation with Kashion Smith, the executive director of the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau. After several years in the hotel industry—including a stint as wedding specialist at the old Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo—Smith has spent the past decade with the CVB. She took over leadership of that organization in 2020. In this role, she is responsible for promoting and supporting tourism, conventions and events in Amarillo. The CVB “sells” Amarillo as a destination for people who don’t live here. Smith shares with host Jason Boyett about her former hotel career in Taos and Amarillo, how the CVB works to bring conventions to Amarillo, and what unique local characteristics are helping Amarillo compete with larger cities like San Antonio. This episode is supported by La-Z-Boy Furniture Stores, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Kishore Yalamanchili, MD, a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center assistant professor and local Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care. Having spent the pandemic treating COVID-19 critical care patients—and sharing about it on Facebook—Dr. Yalamanchili shares with host Jason Boyett about his career, his unlikely social media prominence, and why he has chosen to live and practice in Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Dr. Billy Graves of Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AOMS), one of the nation's largest oral surgery practices. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Graves intentionally picked Amarillo as the place to start his practice after he finished his schooling and residency. With host Jason Boyett, he reveals why Amarillo was his ideal choice, why the people here continue to surprise him, and how AOMS gains national attention through social media, its 4-Hour Smile giveaway and more. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Wieck Realty.

"We are prepared for it." As Coronavirus infections begin to increase in Amarillo, local people discuss the impact on hospitals, grocery stores, churches and education. These interviews were recorded on or prior to March 25. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Dr. Brian Weis (Northwest Texas Hospital), Ken and Jarrett Copheranham (Fiesta Foods), Pastor Manny de los Santos (Power Church) and Anna Kay Reeves. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.

A conversation with Doug Lill, a local pharmacist, nutritionist and supplements expert at Drug Emporium. A local TV fixture as "Pharmacist Doug," Lill spent his career traveling the world as a relief pharmacist before returning to Amarillo a decade ago. After having grown up in this area, his travels helped him come to terms with who he is—and gave him a more positive perspective on the city as a result. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, Shemen Dental and Wieck Realty.

In a special year-end episode, Hey Amarillo host Jason Boyett and editor Angelina Marie answer listener-submitted questions about the podcast, including surprises during recording, Jason's vocal tics, how he chooses guests, what Angelina edits out, and a lot more. They also discuss Amarillo itself: local "hidden gems," their individual Amarillo-related worries, and what their dreams are for the city. This episode is sponsored by the Discover Amarillo app, SKP Creative and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Wes Reeves, the senior media relations representative for Xcel Energy's Southwestern Public Service Company in Texas and New Mexico. Whenever there's a power outage, Wes is the guy who appears in the local media to explain why. He and host Jason Boyett discuss how Xcel deals with extreme weather, what electrical customers don't always understand about the grid, and why walking around is the absolute best way to discover downtown Amarillo. Wes also advocates for the joys of a good diner and the "sacredness" of the GoldenLight Cafe. This episode is sponsored by the AEDC.

"It's an ugly death. It is NOT like the flu." Few Amarillo residents know as much about the devastating physical and emotional impact of COVID-19 than local nurses who have been serving in New York City area ICUs. These healthcare workers have seen it up close. In this episode, Monica Blucher, Chuey Hernandez and Amber Lea Edwards tell host Jason Boyett about their experiences. Hernandez just returned home. The others are still on the job in NYC. While Amarillo's cases and hospitalizations increase, these nurses worry that locals aren't taking it seriously enough. This episode is sponsored by PestTex.

A conversation with Jack Mustard, the chiropractor behind Mustard Wellness Center. Jack is also the founder and director of Mustard Street Charities, which serves up to 500 hamburgers to homeless men and women every week, along with offering a jobs program and other outreach. With host Jason Boyett, Jack shares how he ended up in Amarillo after abandoning plans to live in Mexico, and how an encounter with homelessness sent him down an unexpected path. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty. Support the podcast via Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Keely Brown, one of the co-founders and directors of Colorful Closets, a nonprofit that provides mini-wardrobes to children in need. Keely tells her organization's origin story to host Jason Boyett, but also shares her personal story—and it's a surprising one. How does a young, vibrant family in a higher-income part of town suddenly end up on the skids, finding themselves with no income, no car, and utilities being turned off? And how do they get through the crisis to the other side? This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Bivins Pointe. Grab BeerFest tickets HERE.

A conversation with Brian Hudson, a project manager with Xcel Energy. Trained as an aerospace engineer—a literal rocket scientist—Hudson briefly pursued a defense industry career before returning to Amarillo. He recently oversaw the completion of the massive, $900 million Sagamore Wind Project, which provides clean energy to residents of the Texas Panhandle. With host Jason Boyett, Hudson shares why he came back to Amarillo, how COVID restrictions nearly derailed the wind project, and why this area is perfect for renewable energy. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and Terra Accounting & Consulting.

A conversation with J. Pat Hickman, the founder of Happy State Bank. In 1990, Hickman led a group of investors to purchase a very small bank in Happy, Texas, that had just $10 million in deposits. He then served for 32 years as the Chairman, President and CEO of Happy State Bank. When it sold in 2022, Happy had become one of the largest banks in the state. Hickman shares that origin story with host Jason Boyett. He also explains why he used the first years of his retirement to return to Texas Tech to finish his undergraduate degree. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, PestTex Pest Control, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Dr. Alan Keister, an internal medicine specialist and partner at Amarillo Medical Specialists. An Amarillo native, he had the opportunity to take over a large practice in Tennessee after completing his residency, but chose to return to his hometown. In addition to his work as a physician, Keister is also the founder of Heal the City, a nonprofit Amarillo clinic that provides free healthcare for thousands of uninsured and underserved patients every year. Dr. Keister shares with host Jason Boyett about why he came back to build his career, the personal and professional benefits of practicing medicine in Amarillo, and how Heal the City got started. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.

A conversation with Isaiah Flores, a 2023 Caprock graduate who is currently completing his first year as a student at Harvard University. As profiled in the July/August 2023 issue of Brick & Elm, Flores is one of two Caprock students accepted last year into Harvard’s freshman class. Home for Spring Break, Flores sat down with host Jason Boyett for a conversation about his upbringing in Amarillo public schools, what his first year had been like at Harvard, and how leaving Amarillo was helping him better understand and appreciate his hometown. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo College Creative Mind Lecture Series featuring George Saunders, Pinnacle by Rockrose, Storybridge and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Sister Elizabeth Ann Dockery of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and the convent known as Prayer Town Emmanuel. Located near Boys Ranch, Prayer Town is a Franciscan Charismatic Religious Community. Elizabeth Ann is an Amarillo native, former music educator and a past member of the Amarillo Symphony. She shares with host Jason Boyett about her music career, her conversion to Catholicism and the path to discovering her religious vocation. She also explains the role of Prayer Town in this community. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Shemen Dental.

A conversation with Natalie Schlabs, a Nashville singer-songwriter who grew up in Hereford and spent the first few years of her music career in Amarillo. After working in the food and catering for a few years, Schlabs eventually moved to Nashville to take her burgeoning music career more seriously. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett about getting her start singing in church, the early influence of former podcast guest Ryan Culwell, and how the Amarillo area continues to inform her songwriting. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.

Rachael Edwards, a prolific and deeply respected Amarillo artist, passed away on April 15, 2020. She originally appeared as a guest on this podcast in June 2019. In this new episode, host Jason Boyett interviews Amarillo residents Karen Welch, Colin Cummings and Nannette Pilcher about Rachael’s life and legacy, followed by a re-release of part of Rachael’s original interview from last year. Learn more about her career and see some of her work at rachaeledwardswithpaint.com.

A conversation with Brittani Sullivan, the owner/operator of Sips & Giggles Mobile Bar. Sullivan was born in Amarillo but moved to Colorado when she was 10, and lived there until returning to Amarillo in 2021. A former teacher, she used the move to become an entrepreneur, launching her mobile bartending service in Amarillo. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the reasons for her return, how she builds relationships through her business, and what it's like to be such a big part of local weddings, parties and moments of celebration. This episode is supported by Storybridge, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Nate Green, who owns and operates Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast with his wife, Liz. This historic property, located south of Amarillo in the Village of Palisades, is a wedding venue and boutique hotel, and Nate and Liz both have hospitality backgrounds. Before coming to this area, he worked in restaurants at a ski resort in Colorado and served as a diesel mechanic and snow-maker. He explains to host Jason Boyett how his career journey led him to the Panhandle, what makes Starlight special, and why he feels a deep connection to Texas and the western mystique. This episode is sponsored by Leslie Massey/Farmer's Insurance and Attorney Dean Boyd.

A conversation with Joe Garcia III, the Chief Revenue Officer for eCatholic. Garcia lives in Amarillo and works remotely for this global tech company, which gives him the time and ability to serve the local community as "JPEG Joe," a local portrait and sports photographer. He's also the managing partner of Press Pass Sports, an independent publication covering sports in the Texas Panhandle. Garcia tells host Jason Boyett how he found his way to Amarillo in the first place, the winding path into his multiple careers, and why high-quality sports coverage is in such demand in a place like the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Amarillo Hearing Clinic and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Melanie Corpstein, an Amarillo native and the founder and president of the Adorable Originals clothing company and Adorable Girls dolls. Based in Arizona over the past three decades, Corpstein designed children's clothing and dolls, selling them wholesale to stores around the world. She retired right before the pandemic and returned to Amarillo, where a new career has begun taking shape. In this episode, she tells host Jason Boyett how her successful career came about, and how her Amarillo upbringing shaped almost every aspect of it. This episode is sponsored by U.S. Cleaners, Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast, and Wieck Realty.

A conversation with Reagan Wilcox, former lead graphic designer at Hillside Christian Church and now owner-operator of The Union Hall Workspace. Reagan and host Jason Boyett discuss her career as a designer, why her work for a megachurch involved more than just "making the bulletin," and about launching her new endeavor—Amarillo's only coworking space. In "Eight Straight," Reagan endorses an entire Amarillo neighborhood. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Eric Barry, an opera tenor whose career has taken him all over the world. A native of Sundown, Texas, who was trained at Yale University, Eric has recently returned to Amarillo after having been based on the East Coast. He and host Jason Boyett discuss how his WTAMU professors "discovered" his natural talent, the downside of a traveling career, and Eric's recent decision to return home to Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Whitney Dowd, DNP, founder of Blumologie Health, Beauty & Wellness. A long-time nurse and now a nurse practitioner, this Amarillo native has worked in a variety of local healthcare settings, including a decade at the Northwest J.O. Wyatt Clinic. Now at Blumologie, Dowd combines direct primary care with women's health and hormone services—as well as aesthetics. She tells host Jason Boyett about her medical path, the challenges she has overcome, and why her presence as a woman of color in the healthcare world fosters trust and open communication among her patients. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, Wieck Realty and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Mike Fuller, one of the sons of L.A. Fuller & Sons Construction, a multi-generational paving and utilities contractor in Amarillo. Mike and host Jason Boyett discuss how L.A. Fuller got started in Amarillo, how a small dirt-moving business ended up having such a huge impact on the area's streets and neighborhoods, and why Amarillo is suddenly seeing so much road construction. This episode is sponsored by Lemieux Company.

A conversation with Deetress Peoples, the Canyon resident behind the "Black is Beautiful" book project and a member of WT's Faculty and Staff Diversity and Inclusion Council. With host Jason Boyett, Peoples shares how parenting propelled her into community activism. She shares about her upbringing, driving for Uber in Amarillo, and why uplifting the local community of Black residents in Amarillo and Canyon is so important to her. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Jimmy John's.

A conversation with Caroline Kneese, the owner of Cerulean Gallery in downtown Amarillo and director of the Derrick Event Center. Located at 814 S. Taylor, Cerulean features the work of established and emerging artists. One of the artists Caroline represents is Denver Moore, the co-author of the book Same Kind of Different as Me and the subject of the new film of the same name. In "Eight Straight," she candidly reveals what Amarillo has way, way too much of. This episode is sponsored by Estacar Companies.

A conversation with Linda Hughes, a former Globe-News Woman of the Year and a pioneer of local children's theater. Linda was a professional ice skater who performed all over the U.S. in the 1960s before returning home to Amarillo, after which she helped launch children's theater programs at ALT and then Amarillo College. On the eve of her retirement, Linda tells host Jason Boyett about sharing the stage with Ann B. Davis ("Alice" on The Brady Bunch), teaching two generations of local performers, and why Amarillo is such a haven for the arts. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Viv Salomon, the Amarillo-based host of the national podcast How to Liv with Viv. Originally from Borger, Salomon ended up in Amarillo after college and works in the world of physical therapy. But she's passionate about mental health and helping others, like her, navigate successfully through their 20s. She tells host Jason Boyett about her upbringing, her career path, and the friendships that sparked her popular inspirational podcast. This episode is sponsored by the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and WT Enterprise Center.

A conversation with Ray Wilson, who dropped out of high school and worked for Domino's Pizza before building a successful local IT business (CatManDu). And then Ray stepped away from the business. Today he owns and operates High Fidelity Records on Sixth Street. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Ray's winding path from high school dropout to CEO to selling vintage vinyl—and how he found happiness in the process. This episode is sponsored by ROI Online.

A conversation with Chris Israel, the executive director of Homeless Heroes, an organization serving homeless veterans in Amarillo. Chris is a formerly homeless veteran himself. He grew up in New York City and Florida before joining the U.S. Navy. After serving as a submarine sailor, he spent several years traveling across the United States for work, but never put down roots. Israel shares with host Jason Boyett how a crisis of homelessness in New Mexico brought him to Amarillo and the VA, where the support he found helped put his life back on track. Now he's guiding Homeless Heroes in renovating the 20-room Astro Motel into a place to help homeless veterans rebuild their lives. This episode is supported by Blue Handle Publishing, Wolflin Square and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Clay Stribling, President/CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation. A Hereford native and former attorney with Brown and Furtunato, Stribling guides this community foundation as it serves the Texas Panhandle, from supporting nonprofits to matching donors with community needs. Clay shares with host Jason Boyett his path into this unique position and why AAF has invested so heavily in the Panhandle's future. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Terra Accounting & Consulting.

A conversation with Johnny Terra, an Amarillo-based CPA and partner at LPT CPAs + Advisors. Johnny grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but came to the Texas Panhandle on a full basketball scholarship to Wayland Baptist University. He remained in the area after college, and work eventually brought him to Amarillo. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Terra shares about the culture shock of his arrival in Plainview, why he and his family made Amarillo home, and how he recently merged his CPA firm with Lovelady, Christy and Associates to form LPT CPAs. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Get Hey Amarillo Beerfest tickets.

A conversation with Valerie Gooch, executive director of The PARC—the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, which serves members of Amarillo's homeless population by offering classes and activities that help them rediscover their identity and purpose. With host Jason Boyett, Valerie explains why Amarillo is such a generous city and why it's so important that homeless people have a safe place where they feel known. This episode is sponsored by Street Toyota. Help support the show at Patreon.com/heyamarillo.

A conversation with Michael Timcisko, executive director of the Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (PASO). As Pride month concludes, Michael tells host Jason Boyett about coming of age as a gay man during the height of the AIDS pandemic, and how that has informed PASO’s efforts to serve HIV-positive individuals. (It also has interesting parallels with the current moment, as our society learns to live with a deadly virus.) They also discuss how shifting local attitudes in recent years related to LGBTQ issues have given Michael a sense of hope. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Lance Garza, owner of Bitter Buffalo Records and one of the partners at Caliche. Lance grew up in Amarillo before departing during his high school years. But in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, he and his wife decided to move back here from Chicago. More than a year later, Lance tells host Jason Boyett about the growth and opportunity he recognized in Amarillo—especially within the local creative scene—and why that encouraged him to invest in this community. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Pedro Limas, the owner of Sound by Design, a home entertainment installation company. Limas started the business in 1998 after earning what he calls a "6-year associate's degree." In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, he shares his story of entrepreneurship and why he's so passionate about volunteering, as well as his love of mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon. Then Limas details how a recent heart attack—which happened barely a week before this podcast recording—caught him totally off guard. This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101" and Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics.

“What I'll remember most is...” In mid-May, while cases were still rising in Amarillo and before the worldwide protests following the death of George Floyd, host Jason Boyett asked local listeners to call in and record the events, experiences and feelings they would remember most from the Coronavirus pandemic and shutdown. This final COVID Chronicles episode features the voices and perspectives of 24 different listeners in Amarillo, Canyon and elsewhere in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Blue Handle Publishing. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.

A conversation with Jami Cowart, voter registration coordinator for the Amarillo League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization. Cowart grew up in Amarillo before moving away as a college student. She spent the next two decades living in and around Nashville before returning to her hometown. With host Jason Boyett, Cowart discusses how Amarillo has changed, why she got into politics, and why the upcoming local election is so significant for Amarillo's future. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Terra Accounting & Consulting. 

A conversation with David Prescott, the President of Talon/LPE, a multi-state environmental services company headquartered in Amarillo. With multiple locations and Fortune 500 clients, why make Amarillo the center of Talon's operations? Host Jason Boyett asks David that question as they discuss the company's humble beginnings and the secret that makes the local workforce so valuable. This episode is sponsored by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. 

A conversation with Julie Granger, founder of the Sister-Bear Foundation, a nonprofit serving adults who've suffered spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes and other trauma. In this episode, Granger tells host Jason Boyett about the accident that paralyzed her daughter, Kathryn, and how it led to the organization. She also shares about value of therapy in dealing with her own past trauma, including her mother's long-unsolved murder and why that cold case recently found resolution. (Trigger Warnings: suicide and eating disorders.) This episode is sponsored by Mind & Child's "Parenting 101," Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics and Blue Handle Publishing.