The People of Pearland Podcast

"Both of them were very service-oriented. Don’t turn people away. Help everybody you can." That’s the legacy Johnny Spires was born into. Raised by young parents-- a father often overseas on Navy duty and a mother raising three young kids and helping her community til her last day-- Johnny was living a life of service long before he wore a Pearland Police badge. And now after 36 years of...

This month's guest is Assistant Director of Utilities Julian Kelly! Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a music producer and you can even find some of his songs online. Now, you can find him leading breakthrough projects behind the scenes for the City of Pearland. Tune in to hear more about Julian's journey and why helping others realize how amazing they are brings him the most joy. www.p...

In this episode, we sit down with Malcome Kennedy, Engineering & Public Works Superintendent, Texas A&M alum, former New Orleans Saint, and lifelong public servant. If you need motivation, this episode is it.  Malcome opens up about showing up for others, owning your journey, lifting your team, and never leaving your gifts on the table. His perspective is a light in the workplace and in ou...

In this episode, we sit down with Raquel Garza, Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Outreach & Recruitment Supervisor, and Police Officer David Alvarenga from our Community Outreach Division. Tune in to hear about jiu-jitsu, a runaway tortoise, and more! 

Meet Sasha Buchheit! Our Stormwater & Floodplain Supervisor who has worked for the City of Pearland for 23 years! Hear about her time here, her travels, and the 26 half-marathons she's ran. 

Tune in to hear our first ever duo interview! Meet Mario Tellez, Traffic Superintendent, and Yolci Ramirez, Traffic Engineer. If you see one, the other is probably nearby. Together with the help of their team, they keep Pearland moving safely and efficiently. Listen to their story, their bond, and how they help us everyday! 

From bees and snakes to getting stuck in a jail cell—Building Maintenance Technician Manuel Sanchez has seen it all in 12 years with the City. As a founding member of our Facilities Department, he keeps Freedom Drive buildings running smoothly, from the animal shelter to police and fire. 🎙️ Tune in to hear his wildest work orders and what it’s like behind the scenes of City facilities!

It’s good to be back and what better way to get back in the groove than with Battalion Chief Michelle Braswell of the Pearland Fire Department! From sunrise beach workouts to hiking the Grand Canyon, Chief Braswell brings the same energy and determination to life that she brings to the firehouse. Hear how she balances it all — and what fuels her passion for service.

From New York to Texas, and newspapers to local government, meet Application Specialist Joan Connelly. Learn more about Joan and her love for IT on this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast!

Did you know our Assistant City Manager Victor Brownlees is from the United Kingdom? Learn more about his rock band days and when he was Chief Executive Officer of an island 7 miles off the coast of France!

On this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast, we learn that there is more than meets the eye for Animal Services Manager Joshua Craft. If you like to watch anime, fish in salt water, go to car shows, listen to blues, smoke cigars and WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE, then this episode is for you!

Backflow Compliance Program Coordinator Nathaniel Smith follows all of his dreams...even to a completely different state. After spending two weeks in Texas visiting family, Nate decided to make it permanent and never left. Hear more about his journey in episode 9 of season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

Wanna know why Communications Specialist Kathleen paid quit her job only to return seven days later? Find out this and more on the latest episode of the People of Pearland Podcast! 

Code Enforcement Officer James Polanco is the life of the party...literally. He has been a DJ outside of work for 11 years and already has gigs booked for 2025. Over the years he has met popular Houston rappers, traveled the U.S. for softball, and played music in front of a crowd of 2,000 people. But, his biggest accomplishment are his twin girls. Listen to learn more! 

Victoria Kirk is the Accounts Payable Supervisor in our Finance Department with a love for crafts, theater, and fashion outside of work. Hear about her past on stage, take note where she likes to buy her clothes, and learn about her volunteering efforts! All of this, and more, on Episode 6 of Season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

When curiosity piques his interest, Steven isn't afraid to take a leap into the unknown. Join us on our latest episode with CCTV Technician, Steven Ibarra, where he tells us about his time living on a ship, how he gets to drive a remote control car for work, and more! 

Join us as we host our first guest from outside our City of Pearland organization! Not only does Pearland ISD Proud Superintendent Larry Berger have his own podcast, but now he's guest starring in ours! Listen in to hear Berger words to live by as he drops little bites of wisdom throughout the episode. 

Human Resources Training & Development Coordinator Melinda Thomas joins us in the studio for episode 3 of the People of Pearland Podcast. Join us to learn about her time in higher education, the hobbies she's picked up along the way, and vacation stories. 

Did you know Officer Ehlinger used to be a Back Country Ranger before joining the Pearland Police Department? Join us as we learn more about Pearland Police Officer CJ Ehlinger, her career path that lead her here, and more. 

Join us as we learn more about Community Development Administrative Assistant Shelby Lowe, what she does for the City of Pearland, and why she loves this community.

Join us as Josh Lee and Joe Calderon talk about how the People of Pearland Podcast came to be, why it exists, and how it will grow in the future.

Join us as we learn more about Grants/Special Projects Administrator Joel Hardy and the work he does for the City of Pearland.

Join us as we talk with Executive Director Tracy Rohrbacher from the Pearland Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 

Listen to our conversation with Jacob Johnson, how he became a fire fighter, and what gets him going every day.