Hey Amarillo

A conversation with R. Taylor Moore, a former CIA analyst and operative who now lives in Amarillo as a full-time writer of thriller novels. Taylor grew up in South Texas, traveled the world, and found his way into a decade-long career in intelligence. With host Jason Boyett, he shares how, a few years ago, he arrived in Amarillo "kicking and screaming" but saw that decision change the direction of his life. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty (wieckrealty.com) and Bivins Pointe (bivinspointe.org).

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, 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 (shemendental.com) and the Mani-Camper (themanicamper.com

A conversation with Howard Smith, a city council member and longtime local Realtor. Howard's family operated the historic Hub Clothiers and he was part owner. He also served aboard the USS Guadalcanal when the U.S. Navy ship was used to recover Apollo 9 astronauts. With host Jason Boyett, Howard shares about his career, how he's seen the city change, and why he's still passionate about mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex, Jimmy Johns and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Julie Ballard, a recent graduate of the REZ program at Faith City Mission (faithcity.org). Now working on the administrative side of this organization, Julie arrived in Amarillo two years ago after decades of fighting addiction and even homelessness—and her struggles weren't over. With host Jason Boyett, she details her harrowing journey and explains how Faith City helps people like her. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).

A conversation with David Ritchie, pastor of Redeemer Christian Church. David comes from a family with deep West Texas roots. His church community is also historic. Instead of planting a new church from scratch, he "replanted" Redeemer within a struggling church that dated back to the 1920s. With host Jason Boyett, he shares the Redeemer origin story and explains why church members need to find ways to serve the city. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum (panhandleplains.org). 

A conversation with Becca White of M Street Studio (mstreetstudio.com), a jewelry and leather goods company shipping 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. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe (bivinspointe.org).

A conversation with Alex O'Brien, a retired professional tennis player, U.S. Open winner, and the number-one doubles player in the world in 2000. Now the President and CEO of BOC Bank, Alex grew up in Amarillo and decided to bring his family back here after retiring from pro tennis. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Alex's tennis career, the unusual history of his bank, and what advantages Amarillo offers over his former home in Los Angeles. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Ashley Jourdan, who provides human trafficking prevention and outreach for Family Support Services (fss-ama.org). Ashley grew up in an itinerant family—spending her first 15 years on the road—and describes Amarillo as the only "home" she's ever had. She and host Jason Boyett discuss her upbringing, what human trafficking looks like in the area, and why it's so vital that she's discovered a powerful, loving community here. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Jimmy John's.

EPISODE 100: First, a quick interview with Hey Amarillo editor Angelina Marie (shorteareddog.com), who offers a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Then host Jason Boyett interviews Dexter Cearley, firefighter and host of the Panhandle Primate Podcast, which launched around the same time as this one. Dexter opens up about the life and schedule of a local firefighter, the concept behind his own podcast, and why Amarillo people are so resilient. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty (wieckrealty.com). 

A conversation with Reagan Hales, Vice President of Business Development at the Amarillo EDC (amarilloedc.com). Reagan has worked everywhere from bond trading to nonprofit and university settings. Today she works to strengthen local business and attract outside companies to the city. With host Jason Boyett, Reagan explains why women in leadership need a supportive community and how Amarillo can tell its story better. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe (bivinspointe.org) and SKPCreative.com. 

A conversation with Cori Burns, the CEO of Estacar Companies. A former marketing director and current executive coach, 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 Wilson Lemieux (lemieux.company), a young, Amarillo-based commercial filmmaker and director. In just a few years since graduating from West Texas A&M University, Lemieux has built a reputation for using local talent to create advertising that gets national attention. With host Jason Boyett, he talks about why Amarillo is central to his success and the value of cultivating (and retaining) our creative talent. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer (shemendental.com) and Jimmy John's.

A conversation with Anette Carlisle of the AC Board of Regents. Educated as a zoologist, Anette arrived in Amarillo more than two decades ago and turned her leadership skills to public service. She founded Panhandle Twenty/20 (panhandle2020.org), which has been instrumental in addressing some of the area's biggest needs. Anette and host Jason Boyett reflect on some of those challenges and discuss the future of Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Six Car Pub & Brewery (sixcarpub.com).

A conversation with Keely Brown, one of the co-founders of Colorful Closets (colorfulclosetsama.org), a nonprofit that provides mini-wardrobes to children in need. Keely tells her organization's origin story to Jason Boyett, but also shares a surprising personal story. How does a young family suddenly end up on the skids, finding themselves with no car and utilities being turned off? And how do they get through to the other side? This episode is sponsored by wieckrealty.com and bivinspointe.org.

A conversation with Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the president of Amarillo College. Born in Slaton and educated at WTAMU, he took over at AC in 2014—and was almost immediately met with a funding crisis. With host Jason Boyett, he talks about his upbringing, learning hard lessons about leadership, and how AC came out stronger on the other side of the crisis. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper (themanicamper.com) and Dr. Eddy Sauer (shemendental. Grab BeerFest tickets at bit.ly/amarillobeerfest.