Mike Landess Connects

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform the written word into a piece of published art? Dr. Tara Proper is not just an esteemed assistant professor of English at UT Tyler, but she's also a seasoned poet. Listen as Dr. Propper pulls back the curtain on the often hidden and intricate process of getting published. She brings both personal experience and practical advice for writers and...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of progress and tradition? Dr. Kirk Calhoun, the retiring president of UT Tyler, recently announced his decision to step down comes at a time of unprecedented growth for the university. Grasp the intricate yet decisive moments that led to his choice, as new construction and soaring enrollment numbers paint the backdrop of a legacy. Dr. Calhoun opens up about t...

Discover the transformative power of spring and explore its impact on health and wellness with Kim Bush, director of the UT Tyler Center for Community and Rural Health Education. Learn about the "Spring Into Good Health" health fair, which brings to light the remarkable efforts to educate on managing blood pressure, fostering cancer awareness, and providing affordable vaccinations. Bush...

Prepare to uncover the truths about America's religious shifts as Dr. Michael Gossett, Senior Pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church, joins us for a discussion on the rise of the "nones" - those who claim no religious affiliation - and the essence of faith in our modern world. Dr. Gossett shares his concerns on the challenges faced by churches striving to maintain spiritual integrity...

Prepare to navigate the politically charged terrain of Texas with Dr. Ken Wink from UT Tyler, as we dissect the seismic shifts from the March 2024  primary elections. Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton played a high-stakes political chess game that has set a new precedent. But how will this power play shape the Lone Star State's electoral future. From the fall of school vouc...

Step onto the orchestral playing field as Dr. Kyle Gullings, music professor at UT Tyler unveils his "Gridiron Symphony," a piece that captures the essence of Texas high school football in a way never before seen in the concert hall. Commissioned by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, this composition plays homage to the gritty Friday night lights, blending the adrenaline of the sport wit...

From a philosophy student to the forefront of collegiate sports, Dr. Howard Patterson's journey is nothing short of remarkable. As UT Tyler's Assistant Vice President for Athletics, he's seen the inside curve of the track, guiding UT Tyler Athletics' ambitious shift from Division III to II. Dr. Patterson recounts the strategic play-by-play of building an athletic program from t...

Dr. Kerri Camp says the much-anticipated "Totality Tyler" Solar Eclipse could lead to an "astronomical" economic impact that will ripple through Smith County . Can this celestial marvel really inject a hundred million dollars into the local economy? Explore the potential for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses eager to turn this four-day spectacle into a revenue extravaga...

Prepare to be captivated as Dr. Joe Provencher, the genius behind UT Tyler's debate team resurgence, recounts how he steered a floundering program to national victory. After his transition from Texas Tech to the triumphs of debaters like Mason Romaley and Ayush Kumar, Dr. Provencher's story isn't just about debate, it's a testament to the power of strategic communication and th...

Veteran broadcaster Neal Barton enjoyed a storied 45-year career. He shares a wealth of anecdotes and insights from his tenure at KETK News in Tyler, peeling back the curtain on the inner workings of the broadcasting world, from the adrenaline-fueled reality of live ad-libbing to the precision required in weather forecasting. Barton recounts the changes he's witnessed—both in the newsroom and...

When Pamelia Adams steps up to the microphone, history doesn't just speak—it sings with the voices of those who've walked before her. This episode features a heart-to-heart with Pamelia, a UT Tyler graduate student with a profound connection to Black History Month. She shares her personal journey interwoven with the legacy of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her acad...

Unlock the secrets of digital banking's cutting-edge convenience and its hidden hazards with banking expert Bill Tandy. Amid tales of the transformative 1980s banking crises and reflections on the "too big to fail" doctrine, Tandy delves deep into the digital trenches where your money moves at the speed of light. He brings to light the twin marvels and menaces of this brave new fina...

Navigate the labyrinth of the federal income tax updates with Jennifer Reynolds, a senior lecturer in taxation and accounting at UT Tyler. Gain the critical knowledge to tackle this tax season head-on, including how to immediately apply credits for that new electric vehicle and maximize home energy improvements for both financial and planetary gain. Reynolds explains the IRS's Free File progr...

Embark on an archaeological adventure as Dr. Thomas Guderjan takes us beneath the surface of East Texas to reveal a history rich with the legacies of the Caddo Indians, French explorers, and Spanish conquistadors. In our latest episode, we uncover the secrets of the Gallant Farm in West Nacogdoches County, an enigmatic site that whispers tales of colonial coexistence and cultural entanglement. Our...

Step into the world of poetry with Dr. Ann Beebe, UT Tyler English professor and host of the podcast "A Verse Reaction." Each episode shines a contemporary light on the timeless works of literary giants. The conversation explores the rich terrains of Emily Dickinson's musings and Langston Hughes' jazz-infused rhythms, as Dr. Beebe unveils the intimate connections between their...

Have you ever opened your pantry to find it bare, not by choice but because of circumstances beyond your control? Tim Butler of the East Texas Food Bank invites us to confront this reality, sharing insights into the lives of 250,000 East Texans facing food insecurity. We explore the heart-wrenching decisions that families endure daily, from children missing school lunches to seniors rationing thei...

When the cleats come off and the stadium lights dim, what's next for a former NFL star? Gary Baxter, once a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, joins us to share his journey from professional football to financial wisdom and real estate ventures. In a rare moment of reflection, Gary discusses the emotional complexities of witnessing another East Texan quarterback rise to victory against his...

Discover the transformative power of leadership with Wendy Frizzell, executive director of Leadership Tyler. Wendy joins us to discuss the immense influence of this organization's leadership development programs on individuals and the local community. If you're longing to elevate your leadership skills and fuel your desire for community involvement, this episode is your treasure map. Wen...

Mike Landess explains that, when his grandmother's journey was nearing its twilight, Hospice of East Texas provided a sanctuary for her final days, enveloping his family in a comfort that words can scarcely describe. Today's guest, Marleen Elkins, volunteer coordinator for the treasured institution, shares the profound impact hospice care has on families like Mike's, navigating the...

Discover the heartwarming story of growth and dedication as Whitney Patterson, executive director of the Literacy Council of Tyler, takes us through the remarkable evolution of an organization that's reshaping adult education. From its inception in 1990 with a single GED prep class to now serving an astonishing array of languages and multiple locations, Patterson's journey from a volunte...

Hear the compelling analysis of Dr. David Scott, as this seasoned social sciences professor and veteran law enforcement officer brings a critical eye to the DOJ's findings on the Uvalde school shooting. Our discussion uncovers the harrowing lack of command and control that led to a chaotic law enforcement response during one of the most critical times. With Dr. Scott's expertise, we exam...

Witness the heat of the political forge as the battle lines for the 2024 elections are being drawn with precision. Dr. Ken Wink from UT Tyler dissects the pulsating heart of American politics during this electrifying election season. We navigate the treacherous landscape that could see former President Trump and President Biden head-to-head once more, examining Trump's grip on the GOP and Bid...

Imagine a city skyline transformed by vision and tenacity. That's the story Steve Fitzpatrick, managing partner of Fitzpatrick Architects, brings to life in our heartening chat. Join us as we track the firm's ascent from a single bedroom operation to an architectural keystone in East Texas. Steve's tales weave through the creation of the UT Tyler Medical School, the rebirth of Smith...

Embark on an educational adventure with Dr. Pamella Ochoa, the visionary at the helm of experiential education at UT Tyler's Fisch College of Pharmacy. This episode examines the innovative world of pharmacy education where theory meets practice, and students evolve into confident healthcare professionals under the tutelage of esteemed preceptors. Our conversation with Dr. Ochoa illuminates th...

Discover the unexpected allure of East Texas as a burgeoning sanctuary for retirees and how its evolving demographics are redefining local economies. We've invited Dr.  Krist Swimberghe, dean of the Soules College of Business, to share his expert insights into the region's transition and the resultant economic opportunities that it presents. Our conversation navigates the complexities of...