East Texas UNFILTERED!

What does a lifetime of faith, service, and bringing people together look like? On this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with The Very Reverend Martin Luther “M.L.” Agnew Jr., a retired Episcopal priest and longtime community leader, for a conversation filled with interesting stories, personal experiences, and lessons about faith in action. With nearly 60 years in ministr...

What happens when the decisions being made in Washington could reshape America's future—and your everyday life? On this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with the Congressman for an in-depth District Debrief, revisiting the biggest issues facing our nation and asking the tough questions that deserve more than a 30-second soundbite. From the growing race with China to...

🏡 She traded scrubs for blueprints—but that’s not even the most surprising part of her story. And when it comes to building your dream home, what you don’t know could cost you thousands. 👀This week on East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker, Angie Reed of Angie Reed’s Construction & Design opens up about her unexpected journey from nursing to high-end home building—and what she’s learned a...

What made Tyler, Texas, the economic powerhouse of East Texas—and what surprising stories lie behind the city we know today?   On this episode of East Texas Unfiltered, J. Chad Parker sits down with Henry Bell III, longtime leader of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, for a fascinating conversation about the people, decisions, and turning points that shaped Tyler's history and continue to in...

What really goes on behind the scenes of one of East Texas’ most beloved traditions? On this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with Liz Ballard, executive director of the Texas Rose Festival, for a fascinating conversation about the history, traditions, personalities, and challenges behind the festival that has helped put Tyler on the map. Liz shares how the Texas Rose Fes...

What does a lifetime of caring for your health and caring for others look like? Grace Ram joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share a life shaped by both. Grace spent decades ahead of the curve on nutrition and natural health. She later turned that passion into Whole Health, a Tyler restaurant and health store that became a local favorite for nearly 30 years. Grace also talks about...

Every time her husband deployed, Teresa Shick knew there was a chance he might not come home. Her husband Jerry served as a Navy SEAL through years of war and repeated deployments. Teresa raised their family while carrying that uncertainty every day. She also became an ombudsman for SEAL families and stood beside other wives during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Teresa shares what lif...

East Texas has built an arts scene to be proud of. Jeff Noblitt joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to talk about the people making it happen. The Cowan Center is bringing major talent to Tyler. Tyler Civic Theatre is growing. TJC and UT Tyler are developing the next generation of artists. Jeff explains how the arts are becoming a bigger part of life in East Texas. Jeff also shares the...

Harry Leatherwood joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share the story of a life built on risk and opportunity. His path took him through the oil business and into explosives. It later led to day trading, ranching, wine and golf. Harry also explains how one opportunity turned into a decades-long business in Mexico. Harry also tells how a 1,200-acre East Texas ranch became a showplace...

Arturo Lara joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share the story of a life built on hard work and second chances. He came to the United States from Mexico City at 11 years old. He crossed the Rio Grande with his family and arrived in Tyler without speaking English. Years later, he became the executive chef at The Grove. Arturo also looks back on 23 years at Bernard’s and the people w...

 Why is Tyler known as such a giving community? Patrick Willis has spent decades working with the donors, foundations, nonprofits, and community leaders who help make that possible. Along the way, he became a walking encyclopedia of local history and philanthropy. It has earned him a fitting nickname: the “Jeopardy King of Tyler.” Patrick joins J. Chad Parker on East Texas UNFILTERED to explain ho...

Who is Bishop Joseph Strickland, and why did he become one of the most controversial Catholic bishops in America? In this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with the former Bishop of Tyler to explore the beliefs, decisions, and public stands that put him at odds with powerful figures inside the Church. Strickland explains the Catholic convictions that shaped his life and wh...

What happened to one of the most recognizable car dealers in East Texas? Jack King Jr. joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to tell the story behind King Chevrolet, Crown Motor Company, and the unforgettable commercials that made him a local celebrity. He also reveals what pushed him to step in front of the camera and create the over-the-top style people still remember. Jack takes us ba...

How did Tyler Today survive while so many other local magazines disappeared? Jennifer Moore Gaston joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share the story behind one of Tyler’s most familiar publications. She also explains why former Tyler residents across the U.S. still subscribe just to feel connected to home. Jennifer grew up in a fifth-generation Tyler family and graduated from Robe...

From a close call during the UT Tower shooting, to more than 50 years in Tyler law and politics, John Trube’s life is a remarkable story. Tyler Attorney, John Trube joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to tell the stories few people have heard. He remembers Tyler when Broadway ended near Rose Hill Cemetery and what Tyler was like when he came back home from school to build a legal caree...

Talented artist and painter A. Stine joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a conversation about creativity, ambition, and the growing East Texas art scene. A. Stine shares how she built her career as a working painter, why her large oil pieces stand out, and how her style took shape through years of hard work and study. She also talks about the challenge of making a living as an arti...

Legendary Tyler restaurant El Charro sets the table for this East Texas UNFILTERED conversation with Gus Ramirez and J. Chad Parker. Gus shares how his family built one of the most loved restaurant names in Tyler and why El Charro meant so much to generations of local families. He also talks about his parents, their journey from Mexico, and the hard work that made it all possible. Gus looks back o...

Bishop DeMarcus Pierson joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a strong conversation about faith, service, and the mission behind Love Thy City. He shares how this East Texas effort brings churches, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers together to help people in real ways. The goal is simple. Love your neighbor and make the community stronger. Bishop Pierson talks about growing up i...

Fifth-generation Tylerite Andy Bergfeld joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a conversation about family, service, and the future of Tyler. Andy talks about growing up with a well known family name in Tyler. He also talks about the pressure that came with it. He explains why he never wanted to coast on that name. He wanted to build something of his own. Andy looks back on his path f...

Rosie Bowie joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker. They talk about her life in Tyler. They also talk about the Juneteenth parade she helped build to what it is today. Rosie grew up in Flint, Texas. Her mother raised seven children alone. Rosie graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1968. It was an all-Black school. Rosie went to work at the GE plant in 1972. Later she went back to sc...

Former professional soccer player Daniel Hernandez joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a timely conversation as World Cup excitement builds across the United States. Daniel shares what it was like growing up in Tyler in a hardworking Mexican-American family. He explains how his father shaped his future and why that influence still drives him today. Daniel shares what it was like gr...

Deidra "The Color Girl" joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker. She is one of the most sought after hair color professionals in East Texas. Deidra grew up in Corpus Christi and Rockwall. She got her hair done as a teenager, and it changed everything. She knew right then that she wanted to do hair the rest of her life. Deidra found her way into the business the hard way. Her pare...

Rosie Bowie joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker. They talk about her life in Tyler. They also talk about the Juneteenth parade she helped build to what it is today. Rosie grew up in Flint, Texas. Her mother raised seven children alone. Rosie graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1968. It was an all-Black school. Rosie went to work at the GE plant in 1972. Later she went back to sc...

The Restaurant Whisperer, Scott Williams, joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a conversation about building restaurants in East Texas and growing them the hard way. Scott talks about his childhood in a military family, moving around the country, and working in restaurants at a young age. He explains how those early jobs shaped the way he thinks about the business. For Scott, taking...

Andrea Wilson-Lobaugh joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker for a look at the work PATH is doing in East Texas. She explains how the organization helps local families who are struggling with food, rent, and basic daily needs. She shares how PATH has grown into a major lifeline for people who have nowhere else to turn. This episode gets into the real numbers behind the need. Andrea shares...