Hey Amarillo

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.

A conversation with Liz Rascon Alaniz, a doctoral candidate at WTAMU and executive director of the Wesley Community Center. The Wesley is located in the heart of the Hispanic Barrio and has a long history of serving that historic neighborhood. Liz shares about her family's search for opportunity, the unique gifts of the Barrio to Amarillo's larger community, and the multiple generations who benefit from the Wesley and its programming. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Michael Timcisko, executive director of the Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (panhandleaso.org). 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. 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 Melodie Graves, Associate Director of Advising at Amarillo College and executive board member of the Amarillo Branch of the NAACP. A long-time community activist, she shares about being bussed to south Amarillo from the North Heights, her experience with subtle racism in high school and explicit racism while pursuing her master's, and what the last few weeks of pandemic and protests have taught her about Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.

“What I'll remember most is...” In mid-May, 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.

“Value my life as a human being. Cry when you see harm done to a person that looks like me, and do your best to stand beside me.” The murder of George Floyd has sparked national protests across the United States and an unprecedented conversation about race. Against this tragic backdrop, African-American residents of Amarillo share their experiences, their emotions, and their longing for change. Guests include Bowden Jones Jr., Jasmine Taylor, Joseph Peterson, Lia Warren, David Lovejoy and Patrick Miller

“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 about Amarillo’s response to both crises, and the challenge of leading in times of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jackie Kingston of KAMR and Patrick & Krystal Burns of Palace Coffee return as the city re-emerges from the shutdown. This episode is sponsored by panhandleplains.

"It was a nightmare. I can't think of a better word." In this episode, Amarillo residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 share their personal stories. Guests include a local Tyson plant employee still in quarantine, an 82-year-old woman whose husband spent several weeks in the hospital, and a single mom who got the virus from her teenage son. All presented a variety of symptoms and levels of severity. All have recovered. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.

"It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make." Businesses are beginning to reopen around Amarillo. But taking this step is not as simple as unlocking doors or posting a sign. In this episode, local business owners reveal the discussions they're having about moving forward. Guests include Jason Harrison (Amarillo Chamber of Commerce), Kasey Tam (The NAT), Stephanie Henderson (Carpet Tech) and Brian Kelleher (575 Pizzeria). This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

"You have to take every day as a blessing." The pandemic and shutdown have devastated high school seniors, who had the final weeks of their school careers taken away from them. In this episode, a graduating senior from each Amarillo ISD high school shares what it's been like, what they regret, and what they'll remember from this moment. Guests are Shandra Ahsan (Amarillo High), Jared Arellano (Caprock), Kourtni Wilburn (Palo Duro) and Andrew Beggs (Tascosa). This episode is sponsored by shemendental.com.

"When people are afraid, they'll believe lies." How does this moment impact Amarillo's most vulnerable residents? Ryan Pennington tells host Jason Boyett how the refugee population is coping. Junie Wagner explains how Guyon Saunders Resource Center helps the homeless stay safe. Kristi Greenway shares what this moment looks like at Park Central, Amarillo's largest retirement community. And Brooks Boyett gives insight into the plight of children in poverty. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.

"It's an ugly death. It is NOT like the flu." Few Amarillo residents know as much about the devastating impact of COVID-19 than local nurses who have been serving in New York City ICUs. These healthcare workers have seen it up close. In this episode, Monica Blucher, Chuey Hernandez and Amber Lea Edwards share their experiences. While Amarillo's cases and hospitalizations increase, these nurses worry that locals aren't taking it seriously enough. This episode is sponsored by PestTex (facebook.com/pesttex).

"I have to do something. How can I help?" As residents feel the impact of the economic shutdown due to COVID-19, Amarillo people are finding ways to help. Alex Fairly explains The Fairly Group's "Stay Home and Sing" contest and generous giveaway. Kelsey Forsberg has sewn around 500 cloth masks. Tremaine Brown and Shi-Lee's have given out 30,000 meals to hungry kids. AC president Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has spent a month manning the AC help desk. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.

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.

"I'm just very proud to be part of Amarillo ISD right now." With Gov. Greg Abbott having announced that Texas schools won't reopen this spring, we look at how the school district has adapted to meet needs during the crisis. Guests include Julie Huntley (South Georgia Elementary), Kisaundra Harris (Tascosa), Matt Buck (Director of Child Nutrition) and Tracey Morman (Director of Counseling). These interviews were recorded April 17, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Sponsor: Wieck Realty.