GO TEXAN THE Truly Significant

About John: Before he became a nationally known singer-songwriter, Martinez dreamed of playing professional tennis. A devastating knee injury ended that dream. Instead of allowing disappointment to define him, he picked up a guitar and redirected his competitive spirit into songwriting. That pivot is the essence of significance—not merely succeeding, but transforming loss into service through one'...

Von Miller is known around the world as a Super Bowl champion, but his significance extends far beyond football. Raised in DeSoto, Texas, and a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Poultry Science, Miller has combined his passion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and service to others into a life that exemplifies true significance. One of his greatest contributions is Von's Visio...

.Land Rich and Cash Poor may be one of the hottest issues amongst farmers today. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller tackles this topic with author and farmer Brian Reisinger.    Brian Reisinger is truly significant because he has chosen a mission larger than writing a successful book: he has become a voice for the millions of family farmers whose stories are rarely heard but whose work feed...

For more than four decades, Porter Garner III has been a steady hand and a trusted voice guiding the Association of Former Students. He made Aggie core values strategic. Porter is emblematic of the heroes from our book When Core Values are Strategic. Porter didn’t just lead an organization, he strengthened the Aggie Network. Clearly, it’s one of the most loyal and powerful communities anywhere in...

Truly Significant Texans honors Nolan Newsome of Newsom Vineyards.  Enjoy this informative conversation with a "Texas original," second generation grape grower and wine maker. Hear the story of pioneering grape growing in the High Plains of Texas.  Listen to the struggles of the industry and learn about the "Cinderella year" of 2017 when the weather was perfect and the output set a record with 27,...

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture had illuminating podcast conversations at the 2026 annual convention of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.  Enjoy conversations that are bullish about the future of the Texas Wine Industry:  Carol Faulkenberry- Regional Sales Representative for the Texas Department of Agriculture Annisa- Marketing specialist for Uncork Texas, division of...

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans features the "fighting" Kim Followwill, Texas A&M Class of 1979. We celebrate her journey of tenacity overcoming hurricanes, floods, drought and other acts of God.  Enjoy this conversation that goes deep into olive farming, planting methods, high density orchards, and how olives thrive when they struggle.  Kim talks of life, olives and life lessons worth your...

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture honors Dr. Olufeni Alabi, Wine Industry Scientist and professor at Texas A&M University.  Hear the good doctor's inspiring story of his lifetime pursuits in viticulture, starting in Nigeria. Appreciate Olufeni scientific contributions that help the Texas wine industry that spans 14,000 acres, 700 vineyards and employs 136,000 full time professio...

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture honors Dr. Andreea Botenzatu, Wine Industry Scientist and professor at Texas A&M University.  Hear Andreea's inspiring story of her Grandfather and her lifetime pursuits in viticulture.  Appreciate Andreea's scientific contributions that help the Texas wine industry that spans 14,000 acres, 700 vineyards and employs 136,000 full time professiona...

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture podcast honors Neal Newsom, pioneer in Texas grape growing and winemaking.  Neal's family had grown cotton around Lubbock for over a century, but concerns about water shortages and a desire to diversify led him to explore new crops- ultimately choosing wine grapes.  Neal planted three acres of Cabernet Sauvingnon on very challenging land. The first...

GO TEXAN honors Paul Bonarrigo, co leader with Karen, at Messina Hof winery, an extraordinary grape growing and winery with multiple locations in Texas. Karen is the President of the Texas Wine and Grape Growing Association that oversees an important, multi billion sector. Paul is super passionate, visionary, faith led and eyes wide open on all factors facing this rewarding journey. Visit www.mess...

GO TEXAN honors Karen Bonarrigo, co leader with husband Paul, at Messina Hof winery, an extraordinary grape growing and winery with multiple locations in Texas. Karen is the President of the Texas Wine and Grape Growing Association that oversees an important, multi billion sector. She is super passionate, visionary, faith led and eyes wide open on all factors facing this rewarding journey. Visit w...

GO TEXAN presents Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture featuring Guy Stout, veteran grape grower, wine maker and pioneer within Texas wine industry.  Enjoy hearing from Guy who has served in practically every position in restaurants and on the farm.  His expertise ranges from sommeilier to wine maker, industry leader and organizer, and importantly, a voice of history in Texas viticulture. 

Thanks to Commissioner Sid Miller, esteemed leader over the Texas Department of Agriculture, the GO TEXAN podcast featuring Truly Significant Texans debuts on March 1st.  Based on the core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service, this podcast was born from the popular book- Truly Significant: Conversations with Big Hearted People. Forty-one inspiring stor...