Hey Amarillo

This week on Hey Amarillo , I'm joined by America Adame , Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center in Amarillo's El Barrio neighborhood. The Wesley provides an incredible range of services that support families and strengthen community, and America stepped into leadership just over a year ago with clarity, confidence, and vision. In our conversation, she shares how she imagined the leader...

This week on Hey Amarillo , we sit down with Paul Borchardt , who, until very recently, ran one of Amarillo's most beloved and historic landmarks: Wonderland Amusement Park. Paul's story starts far from the Texas Panhandle — growing up on a farm in Iowa, serving in the Navy, falling in love, and eventually finding his way to Amarillo, where he joined his wife's family in running an amusement park...

This week on Hey Amarillo , we're joined by Laurie Higgins-Kerley , founder of Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses , for one of the most moving conversations I've ever had about grief. Laurie began this work after the loss of her husband, during a season when she herself was searching for healing. Through her horses, she experienced a kind of quiet, steady restoration—and eventually felt ca...

I'm joined by Lorie VanOngevalle, Executive Director of Friends of Cross Bar, for a conversation rooted in fresh air, open spaces, and the joy of being outdoors. Lorie shares her path to a life spent outside — how she found her way into this work and why expanding access to public lands matters so deeply to her. As an outdoorsy woman working to make it easier for people to experience and enjoy the...

This week on Hey Amarillo , I'm talking with Suzanne Bellsnyder , a Spearman, Texas resident and a powerful voice for rural Texans across the state. Through her two rural newspapers, a growing online presence, and her work in Texas political circles, Suzanne is helping bring "kitchen table issues" and "serious legislation" affecting rural communities into the statewide conversation. She has a rare...

This week on Hey Amarillo , I'm joined by Warren Coble — Potter County Commissioner, pastor, and longtime servant to Amarillo's North Heights community. From criminal justice to ministry to county leadership, Warren's life has been marked by a deep love for people and a steady commitment to showing up when it matters most. In this conversation, he shares what he's learned about leadership, faith,...

In this episode, I sit down with Gary Pitner, a true Panhandle original and one of the most knowledgeable people you will ever meet when it comes to Amarillo and our region. Gary has spent essentially his entire life in Amarillo and more than 40 years serving as Executive Director of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission. Along the way, he has had a front-row seat to history — from watching t...

In this episode, we talk with Adam Leathers, a lifelong advocate for people and communities. Adam currently serves at the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, but his career has taken him from supporting migrant farmworkers to working alongside unhoused neighbors in Kansas City, and now to strengthening the social safety net here in the Texas Panhandle. Adam brings a sharp intellect , deep compassion,...

This week, we're joined by Caroline Ellison, one of the area's lead wildlife biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She's an expert in her field, but what makes her stand out is her ability to talk about complex ecological issues in a way that's easy to understand and deeply engaging. In this episode, we dive into the health of our wild spaces, exploring everything from the resilie...

This week on Hey Amarillo , I sit down with Katt Massey—an Amarillo native whose journey has taken her from Dallas to Denver and right back home again. With a background in nonprofit and civic leadership and a memorable run for City Council, Katt has dedicated much of her career to serving this community, especially through the arts. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to show up for...

This week on Hey Amarillo , we're celebrating a decade of creativity with Wilson Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Company. From humble roots in the Texas Panhandle to producing video content for national sports franchises and cutting-edge tech companies, Wilson's journey is one of passion, craft, and deep local love. In this episode, Wilson shares what it means to build a company that makes Amarillo pr...

This week, Skylar sits down with Representative Caroline Fairly, who represents part of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in the state legislature. As the youngest woman ever elected to the Texas House, Caroline brings sharp insight, energy, and a grounded perspective to her work. They talk about her first legislative session—what contributed to her success, how her politically engaged father influ...

This week, Skylar sits down with Delvin Wilson, founder and grill master behind Delvin's Barbecue —a beloved spot in Amarillo's North Heights neighborhood. Delvin shares his story of growing up working in Houston seafood restaurants, honing his craft in country clubs across the South (including during the Midland/Odessa oil boom of the '80s), and ultimately bringing his passion to Amarillo. Their...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Craft, a local firefighter and former Amarillo City Council member. Josh shares what it's like balancing a life of public service—previously in local government, and still on the frontlines as a firefighter. He opens up about leadership  and how serving Amarillo in two very different roles has shaped his perspective on what community really means.

This week's guest is Ryan Hazelwood — a friend, mentor, and longtime leader in local TV broadcasting. Ryan's career has taken him from the classroom to the newsroom, including years as a news director and instructor in the West Texas A&M University Department of Communication, where we first met. In this conversation, Ryan reflects on the relationships that have shaped his life, the evolving world...

This week's guest is Sonya Letson , a lifelong advocate for justice and democracy. From serving three terms as Potter County Attorney to her work as a municipal court judge, assistant district attorney, and in leadership with the League of Women Voters, Sonya's career reflects a deep commitment to fairness, civic health, and the preservation of democratic systems. In our conversation, Sonya shares...

David Elizalde: Andrea's Project and Choosing to "Give a Lot" When David Elizalde's daughter, Andrea, was killed in a drunk driving accident, his life was forever changed. Out of that tragedy, David created Andrea's Project, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and advocating for stronger legislation to prevent it. But David's story is not just about lo...

Michael Kashuba: Parks, People, and Public Spaces Michael Kashuba grew up in Canada, but today he's the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Amarillo. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to Amarillo, what it's like to oversee the city's parks system, and how he thinks about outdoor spaces as part of community life. Funny, thoughtful, and deeply invested in Amarillo, Michael bri...

Leila Daraei grew up in Iran, moved to Amarillo in her 30s, and started her U.S. life working as a janitor at Amarillo College. Today, she's a professor on the same campus. In this episode, Leila shares her remarkable story — from navigating cultural transitions to the mentors and instructors who believed in her along the way. It's a conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the power of com...

This week, Skylar sits down with Kyle Groves, a second-generation magician who grew up traveling the country with his parents' magic show. Kyle shares what it's really like to live life behind the curtain, from the craft and discipline it takes to become a magician, to the wonder that keeps audiences spellbound. Now preparing to open a one-of-a-kind magic venue in Amarillo, Kyle reflects on his jo...

In this episode, I sit down with Sarena Carpenter, the new executive director of Amarillo Angels , a nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside families and children experiencing foster care. Sarena's warmth and sense of calling shine through as she shares both the mission of Amarillo Angels and her deeply personal story. At just 14 years old, Sarena became the primary caregiver for her four-year-ol...

This week Skylar sits down with her good friend Matt Le — entrepreneur, hustler, motivational speaker, and all-around community builder. Matt's story is rooted in a unique cultural blend—his father immigrated from Vietnam, his mother is Hispanic—and that mix inspired his food truck, Saigon Señorita . We talk about how food has the power to bring people together and share culture in the most beauti...

This week, Skylar sits down with Matt Garrison — an Amarillo native, seasoned police officer, and global security expert. From serving small-town Panhandle police forces to traveling the world providing personal protection for high-profile clients, Matt's career reads like something out of Jack Ryan . Beneath the gruff exterior is someone deeply thoughtful and committed to keeping others safe — wh...

This week, Skylar sits down with Heather Manderson—an accomplished actor with a career full of unique and meaningful experiences. Heather is currently involved in a powerful stage production, The Blind , which centers on the 1997 death of Brian Deneke, a member of Amarillo's punk community. His tragic killing shook the city and exposed deep cultural divides. In this conversation, Heather reflects...

In this episode, Skylar sits down with Billy, a resident of Transformation Park—Amarillo's innovative housing initiative for individuals experiencing homelessness. Coming from San Angelo, Billy arrived in Amarillo with nothing but the clothes on his back, leaving behind an unsafe situation. He shares his journey of resilience: from sleeping in shelters and navigating public transportation to secur...