Alexandra & Friends Podcast

Join Alexandra & Friends Podcast on June 27, 2026, for a special conversation with Horace Blake as he shares his journey, life experiences, and the story behind “The Man from Jamaica.” Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with culture, wisdom, and meaningful conversation you will not want to miss.  

Join us this Saturday as we welcome Gabriel Hernandez of Comic Cartel, creator and writer of Coywolf: Spirit of the Coywolf. We’ll talk about the story behind Coywolf, the creative journey of building a comic universe, and the inspiration that brought this powerful character to life. -  

Robert “Bert” Quevedo Arista is a seasoned graphic designer and illustrator whose career spans education, major sports merchandising, and independent creative ventures, including work with the Dallas Cowboys and multiple comic book projects. As co-founder of Creative Syndicate Studios, he continues to shape branding, storytelling, and youth culture across industries — don’t miss his conversation o...

Joyce E. Tapley, MHA, is the Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Family Health Centers and a nationally respected healthcare leader with over 30 years of C-suite experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. 🎙️ Tune in to hear Joyce share powerful insights on sustainable healthcare leadership and turning vision into real-world results.

Kelvin Sanchez Marin — student, worker, and future accountant From working 20+ hours a week to winning DECA competitions and planning for a master’s in accounting, Kelvin’s story is all about hustle, consistency, and growth. Tap in as we talk mindset, goals, and leveling up while still in school.

In this episode of Alexandra & Friends, Alexandra welcomes Tre Williams, joined by students from Paul Quinn College, for a conversation about education, opportunity, and community. Together, they share perspectives on the college’s mission, the student experience, and the importance of creating pathways for success for the next generation.

Stacie Martin is the founder and president of Single Parent Advocate, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping, empowering, and encouraging single-parent families across North Texas. She launched the organization in 2009 alongside her marketing agency, Free Martin Marketing and Media, inspired by both her professional background in advertising and her personal experience raising her son as a single pare...

Ross’ Rowdy Bees began as a personal hobby rooted in a lifelong passion for honeybees. After purchasing two hives in East Texas, what started as simple enjoyment grew into a deeper commitment to learning and beekeeping. The turning point came when the founder’s eight-year-old daughter drew a bee that inspired the launch of the business, with her artwork becoming the brand’s symbol. Today, Ross’ Ro...

Joyce E. Tapley, MHA is a nationally respected healthcare executive and business growth strategist with more than 30 years of C-suite leadership across community health, academic medical systems, and multi-site physician enterprises. She serves as Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Family Health Centers in Dallas, Texas, where she has driven market expansion, strengthened financial performance, a...

Michael and Rosemary Greene are the founders of Grandma and Grandpa Camp and grandparents to eight granddaughters. What began as simple family gatherings grew into a meaningful tradition centered on presence, connection, and shared memories. Through their book and speaking engagements, they encourage grandparents to embrace their unique role and build lasting family bonds through small, intentiona...

Frances, owner of The Financial Educator, LLC, is a financial educator and community leader dedicated to helping small investors and BIPOC entrepreneurs build wealth through education and access to capital. She serves as Executive Director of the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center in Dallas and is a former Co-Chair of the Comptroller’s PROJECT REACh Dallas, where she helped connect b...

Join Alexandra and Roland as they look back on the turning points, standout conversations, and unexpected lessons that shaped the year. From headline news to personal milestones, they unpack what mattered most, reflect on how perspectives shifted, and set the tone for what comes next. Honest, unfiltered, and straight from the heart—this is the year in review you won’t want to miss.

Join us as we welcome Dianne Jones, Atty, Judge of County Court at Law #4 in Dallas County, to the mic! She’ll be unpacking real-world leadership in the courtroom, navigating change in public service, and how you can apply those lessons to lead with integrity and impact. Tune in — you won’t want to miss it!

Steve Hopwood Founder & CEO, Corsair Tactical Solutions | Founding Partner, The Alliance Training Network NRA Certified Instructor | USCCA Instructor | Texas LTC Instructor | Texas Security Instructor Steve is a U.S. Navy military veteran with multi-theater experience and a battle-tested mindset that translates seamlessly into the civilian security and firearms training world. With a sharp foc...

Meet Gus Cabarcas, U.S. Army veteran and North Texas Regional Coordinator at Combined Arms. With over 20 years in the NYPD, he brings powerful lessons on leadership, service, and resilience.  Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and how he continues to serve his community today!

Maureen Jirikowic's journey is one of resilience and transformation. After being a single mom for a decade, Maureen met Peter, the love of her life. Together, they faced the challenges of his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2021, with Maureen by his side every step of the way. After his passing in 2023, Maureen found a new calling as a transformational coach for women. Through her expertise in color...

My name is Nanci DuPlant, and I’m a certified hypnotherapist. Chances are, if you’re visiting my website, you might have some habits you’d like to change or maybe you’re simply curious about what hypnosis is. Either way, you’ve landed in the right spot. My website strives to help others understand what hypnosis is and what it accomplishes, since this term can hold some misconceptions. I hope you f...

Jeff Vance Jeff Vance was introduced to the Pocket in the early 1980s when he worked on an independently produced play that performed on the late-night stage, “When You Comin Back Red Ryder.” The title role was played by Tracey Letts, who would go on to win a Tony Award for Best Actor, and the Pulitzer Prize as a playwright. In 1985, Jeff worked on his first Pocket show as propmaster for “Ebenezer...

Jonathan is a dedicated financial advisor with a deep passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Growing up in Dallas with Colombian roots, he was raised in a culturally rich and bilingual household, which has shaped his approach to client relationships. Jonathan attended the University of Arkansas, where he honed his financial knowledge and skills, preparing him f...

Kim Pollock McGrath is a lifelong Kansas resident who claims Texas as her second home. During her 29 incredible years as a first grade teacher, she took every opportunity to make her classroom fun and interactive by incorporating her own jingles, songs, and stories into her lessons. Family, friends, and her two dogs take priority, but when she has free time she loves to free her soul spending time...

Hester J. Moore is a student leader and activist dedicated to giving marginalized students a platform to be heard. As the founder of Hebron High School’s Black Student Union, she advocates for equity, representation, and safe spaces for Black students. Through open dialogue and community-building, Hester empowers her peers to speak up, stand strong, and push for meaningful change.

Rodrigo Morales is the co-founder and head baker at Croix Bakehouse in Frisco, Texas. His journey into baking began over seven years ago in his own kitchen, driven by a deep curiosity about the science of natural fermentation. After studying Culinary Arts in Peru, he completed an internship at a 3 star Michelin restaurant in Barcelona, experience that sparked his passion for bread and led him to d...

Together, Annette and Anita both have Master’s Degrees in Counseling and have over 50 years experience in the mental health, educational fields and beyond. Serving in public schools, private practice, career and college counseling, residential treatment centers, juvenile justice systems, homeless, drug and alcohol counseling, inpatient and outpatient, certified in Y12SR, 200 hr. Yoga and mindfulne...

Meet  Victor Vonico Johnson , a dynamic and award-winning speaker, youth advocate, business coach, real estate entrepreneur, and published author from the Dallas-Fort Worth area! He is a TEDx speaker, an Award-Winning Toastmasters expert, and Treasurer of the global men’s mentor group, King’s Accountability Group, Inc., along with serving on several nonprofit boards. Victor is a powerhouse of insp...

Sanjay Narayan is a dedicated attorney based in Dallas, Texas. A proud native of Plano, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Duke University. He then obtained his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he also obtained a Certificate in Business Economics and Public Policy from the Wharton School of Business. Sanjay...