Go Time in Fort Worth with Mayor Mattie Parker

In this special episode of Go Time with Mayor Mattie Parker, recorded at the 5th annual Where Achievement Begins celebration at the Fort Worth Zoo, Mayor Parker sits down with Captain Chris Cassidy—former Navy SEAL, NASA astronaut, and President and CEO of the Medal of Honor Museum. This year’s event celebrates nearly 600 workforce-ready students as they take the next step toward their futures. Tu...

In this special episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman live from the announcer’s booth at Dickies Arena as he reflects on his final season behind the FWSSR mic. Tallman shares stories about his lifelong love for Fort Worth, the deep connection he feels to the rodeo community, and the journey that shaped his iconic career. From treasured memories in th...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with key leaders of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to explore what makes this 23-day event truly legendary. From its deep roots in Fort Worth history to its lasting impact on youth, agriculture, and the local economy, the FWSSR has remained a pilar in our community since 1896. Together, they discuss the behind-the-scenes work that brings the St...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down on the Texas Wesleyan University campus with Dr. Emily W. Messer, the University’s 21st president and its first female leader. A first-generation college graduate with more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Messer brings a powerful vision centered on student success, innovation, and community impact. Together, they...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Eddie Garcia, the 28th Police Chief for the City of Fort Worth. With more than three decades of experience in public safety and a career defined by strengthening community trust and implementing impactful reforms, Chief Garcia has guided some of the nation’s largest police departments through meaningful change. Together they discuss his journ...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Dr. Stuart Flynn, founding Dean of the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU, and Cameron Combs, Senior Director at the Child Poverty Action Lab, to discuss how North Texas is uniting to lead the nation in maternal and infant health care. Listeners will hear how this work began in 2022, when Mayor Parker convened the Tarrant County Ma...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Congressman Craig Goldman to discuss his journey from the Texas House of Representatives to the U.S. House, where he now represents Texas’ 12th Congressional District. A fifth-generation Texan and fourth-generation Fort Worth native, Congressman Goldman takes pride in his deep Texas roots and lifelong commitment to public service. Tune in to...

In this special episode of Go Time, recorded at the Fort Worth Chamber’s State of the City event presented by Simmons Bank, Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with WFAA’s Mark Istook and 101 Studios CEO David Glasser for an engaging conversation about the rapidly growing film industry in Fort Worth and across Texas. Together, they explore how film and entertainment are fueling local growth - creating m...

In this special episode of Go Time, recorded at the Fort Worth Chamber’s State of the City event presented by Simmons Bank, Mayor Mattie Parker delivers her fifth State of the City address, “Stories Come to Life in Fort Worth.” Mayor Parker highlights the city’s progress, challenges, and the shared responsibility we all have in building Fort Worth’s future. And with a population now exceeding one...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership. A fifth-generation Texan with deep experience leading economic development at the state level, Robert now helps position Fort Worth as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic business hubs in the nation. Together, they discuss Robert’s journey from the Gov...

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Abby McCloskey, founder and principal of McCloskey Policy LLC, columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and nonresident fellow at the Brookings Institution. With a career spanning presidential campaigns, think tanks, and bipartisan coalitions, Abby brings a wealth of experience in shaping family and economic policy. Together, they discuss Abby'...

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with Chad Gundersen, Chris Juen, and Eric Nelsen to discuss the booming film industry right here in Fort Worth. We dive into their personal journeys, from acting and producing to building Out of Order Studios, and explore how their work on the groundbreaking series The Chosen is putting Fort Worth on the map. We also talk about the city’s growing film infrastructure,...

In this special episode of Go Time with Mayor Mattie Parker , recorded at the 4th annual Where Achievement Begins celebration honoring over 300 workforce-ready high school graduates, Mayor Parker sits down with Monessa "Siren" Balzhiser, Lockheed Martin’s first female F-35 test pilot and current Senior Manager of Aeronautics Operations. Tune in as they talk about Monessa’s incredible journey to th...

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with newly retired District 5 Councilwoman Gyna Bivens for a candid and heartfelt conversation about her time in public office. From her unexpected journey to the council dais to becoming a fierce advocate for her community, Gyna reflects on the challenges, victories, and lessons that defined her 12-year tenure. Unfiltered and full of wisdom, she shares what it means...

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with retiring Police Chief Neil Noakes to reflect on his decades-long journey with the Fort Worth Police Department, from his early days on patrol to leading the department through a time of growth and change. Chief Noakes opens up about balancing the demands of law enforcement with family life, the lessons he's learned through years of public service, and his deep lo...

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur Susan Maddox, the matriarch behind American Hat Company and The Best Hat Store, to explore her remarkable journey from small-town roots to becoming a powerhouse in Fort Worth’s iconic western scene. Susan shares stories of building the businesses with her late husband Keith Maddox, his lasting legacy, and how their two daughters are now...

Mayor Mattie Parker welcomes to the podcast Jason Whitely, Senior Political Reporter at WFAA and host of Inside Texas Politics and Y’all-itics . They dive into the latest developments at the Texas State Capitol, with Jason offering insights on the key issues of the current legislative session. From polarization and consensus-building to fascinating stories as a career journalist, we cover a lot in...

Mayor Mattie Parker welcomes Fort Worth’s new City Manager, Jay Chapa, to the podcast for a candid conversation as he steps into his new leadership role. In this episode, Jay shares his journey to City Hall, his vision for Fort Worth’s future, and how he plans to collaborate with Mayor Parker to lead the 11th largest city in the nation. Tune in to get to know the man helping shape the future of Fo...

As Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker launches season two of her podcast, Go Time, she share a little bit about what's been keeping her busy this year and dives into some of her top priorities for 2025. Mayor Parker discusses the following topics in this solo episode.  2026 Bond Update Learn more about the process and view an early and evolving list of proposed projects for the 2026 bond program here....

On April 25, at Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker’s 3rd annual “Where Achievement Begins: Mayor’s Celebration for Workforce-Ready Graduates,” more than 160 local graduating seniors were honored with the Mayor’s Achievement Award in recognition of their work to achieve workforce readiness skills, professional certificates, and internship experience in addition to high school diplomas. To discuss how t...

On Monday, May 13 Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who chairs the U.S Conference of Mayors (USCM) Mayors and Police Chiefs Task Force, along with Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes welcomed Mayors and Police Chiefs from across the United States to Fort Worth for the USCM Meeting of Mayors and Police Chiefs. Over the course of the day-long meeting, the mayors and police chiefs heard from foremost e...

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker discusses five highlights from 2023: redistricting and an expanded City Council, new tax exemptions and the FY2023-2024 budget , explosive economic development growth , the launch of the Good Natured Fort Worth Greenspace Initiative , and innovative new investments in affordable housing efforts . Plus, a few items to look to in 2024: the Park, Recreation, and Open Sp...

Mayor Parker talks with Toby Owen, CEO of Presbyterian Night Shelter, and Kirsten Ham, VP of Career and Workforce Development of Presbyterian Night Shelter, about the success of the UpSpire program which provides steady employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, and larger efforts happening citywide to address shelter, workforce, and affordable housing needs. Learn more about U...

Mayor Mattie Parker discusses her top budget priorities for the upcoming City of Fort Worth FY2024 budget discussions, which include public safety, exceptional city services, and green space, while ensuring the City reduces the property tax rate. The Fort Worth City Manager is set to present the proposed budget to the Fort Worth City Council on Aug. 8. In the weeks that follow, there will be a ser...

Mayor Parker discusses the City Council's unanimous vote to approve a $20K increase in the Over 65 and Disability Residential Homestead Exemptions at the Fort Worth City Council on June 27, 2023 as well as several violent crime reduction initiatives ongoing this summer, including the One Second Collaborative and Fort Worth Safe. Learn more : Council increases Over 65, Disability exemptions, easing...