This is Oklahoma

On this episode I chatted with Chef Shannon Smith. Chef Shannon Smith is a cook, teacher, and traveler based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Raised in nearby Oklahoma City, Chef Smith has traveled to more that 50 countries around the globe, meeting and cooking with folks ranging from home cooks to restaurant chefs, while documenting it all on her blog www.chefshannon.com Follow her on instagram here. www.inst...

On this episode I chatted with husband and wife team Brent and Leslie about their business Champion Plumbing. We dive into why they chose the plumbing business, how to navigate working together, how to provide a service above and beyond the average standard provided and how to grow a business using social media.  For more information to go www.callthechampsokc.com This episode is presented by the...

On this episode I chatted with base player Mat Maxwell. Mat is currently on tour with Luke Combs and just played their last gigs of this year in OKC. Mat grew up in Tishomingo Oklahoma and spent 15 years in Tulsa learning, playing and working in a music store before moving to Nashville. Bio: "Mat Maxwell is an American musician with over a decade of studio and international touring experience. Hav...

On this episode I chatted with Paige Shepherd and Angel Green from Chickasaw Country. Both have worked for the Nations travel agency for sometime and have seen so many amazing businesses start up in the country. We talk about all things to do in Chickasaw Country from food, travel, photography and more. Go to www.chickasawcountry.com  and plan your next adventure! Follow on instagram www.instagram...

On this episode I chatted with Sheamekah Williams about mental health in Oklahoma and the mobile crisis teams around the state. As administrator of behavioral health services for ODMHSAS, she oversees and coordinates all aspects of behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults, and families across the state. Ms. Williams has overseen Oklahoma’s System of Care (OKSOC) expansion from...

On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking to a genius. I'll be honest, I am way out of my depth on this podcast interview. Dr. Karl Hansen graduated from Northwest Classen High School and currently serves as a professor andJames A. Merrill Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Having developed a robust Reproductive Endocrinolog...

On this episode I chatted with OKCPS Wall of Fame Honoree Dr Kathryn Jeffery. Dr. Kathryn Jeffery is a graduate of Douglass High School and she currently serves as the Superintendent/President of Santa Monica Community College District (SMCCD). Dr. Jeffery’s four decades of diverse higher education experience has spanned leadership roles in Oklahoma, California, Minnesota, Nevada, and Texas where...

On this episode I chatted with Paige Shepherd and Angel Green from Chickasaw Country. Both have worked for the Nations travel agency for sometime and have seen so many amazing businesses start up in the country. So, they have compiled a list of their favorite 10 to tell you today.  Go to www.chickasawcountry.com  and plan your next adventure! Follow on instagram www.instagram.com/chickasawcountry...

On this episode I had a wonderful chat with Valerie about her jewelry business, Naifeh Fine Jewelry located in Nichols Hills Plaza OKC. We talked about how she grew up with two brothers and the last thing she thought about was diamonds and rubies. We dive into her lightbulb moment with jewelry in Tulsa. Valerie shares her growing passion for the designing of jewelry and love for its history in soc...

On this episode I chatted with local business owners Carl and Tracey about their OKC franchise Scout and Mollys. Tracey spent 30 years as aa delivery nurse. Carl on the other hand still works full-time, he went to business school and they've always had the dream to own their own business. After researching ideas Scout and Mollys came across the table and they decided to jump right in. They've buil...

On this episode I had a fantastic conversation with Lee Roland about his impact on our educational system. We talk about his book and consulting and how he believes Oklahoma can improve its educational systems and practices. Bio: www.leeroland.education This episode is presented by the following sponsors. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum telling Oklahoma's story through its...

On tis episode I chatted to Alan and Jennifer about their love for Oklahoma Gravel and cycling in general. Alan is from Belfast and the two met when he spent a summer in school at OCU. Playing soccer while Jennifer attended the dance school it was meant to be. We talk about how they both found cycling and how it helped them through some pretty tough times.  Now they travel most weekends cycling on...

On this episode I chatted with Sarah Sears. Sarah, founder and principal of S Design Inc., is an award-winning branding and design professional and AIGA Fellow. Sears  speaks at local and regional events effusing and evangelizing about how branding, design and marketing are catalysts for business and organizational growth. Most recently, Sarah studied with international branding expert Marty Neume...

On this episode I chatted with Tammy Fate about the growth of OKC over the last decade. Tammy has a first hand in bringing some of OKC's biggest names to come to town and open up shop. Names like REI, Chick n Pickel and more. OKC has grown tremendously in the last decade but not just in commercial businesses. But restaurants, breweries, cycle tracks, watersports and much more. Tammy talks about th...

On this episode I chatted with Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation. We talk about his early life, his hardships and the things that make him who he is today. His passion for giving back and healthcare as well as what he likes to do when he's not at work. Enjoy this great episode with the 47th Chief of the Choctaw Nation. Full Bio: www.choctawnation.com/bios/chief/   This episode is presented b...

On this episode I chatted with two ASM Global employees about the ins and outs of Tulsas two biggest venues. The BOK Center is one of the best looking buildings in the state of Oklahoma. Host to some of the worlds mega artists on their US Tours. The Cox Business Convention Center is host to the regions largest events, conferences, charity galas and this years Oklahoma Hall of Fame induction ceremo...

On this episode I chatted with former cowgirl golfer Pernilla Lindberg about her time in Stillwater and her LPGA Tour career. Pernilla has been on tour for over 10 years now and has made quite the splash. Pernilla is from Sweden, we talked about golf back home, her stella amateur career and how golf has taken her all over the world.  Full Bio. https://www.pernillalindberg.com Follow on Instagram w...

On this episode I chatted with Commissioner Carrie about her journey as a mental health professional and where she sees the state of Oklahoma's mental health in current times.  Carrie Slatton-Hodges is the Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to her current role, Carrie served 12 years as the Deputy Commissioner for ODMHSAS, overseeing treat...

On this episode I sat with former Northwestern Oklahoma State and OCU President Tom McDaniel. The McDaniel name is extremely recognizable in OKC and surrounding areas. Tom and his wife Brenda has set a fabulous example to their kids and the community for serving this city and state. Tom was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2006. Tom is currently President of the American Fidelity Foundat...

On this episode I chatted with Stan Clark owner of Eskimo Joes in Stillwater Oklahoma. We talk about the idea of Joes, how he and his roommate started the business. How the business grew and the how the brand became an icon seen all over the world. The clothing side of the business as well as the incredible cheese fries eaten by everyone who makes their pilgrimage to Joes in Stillwater.  Full Bio:...

On this episode I sat with Dr Mautra Jones current President of OCCC. We talk about her journey, her struggles and her impact. How her upbringing forged the way she sees the world and how she draws strength from her past to fuel her future. For her family, her students and this great state of Oklahoma. Dr Jones is an incredible example of what one can do when they dedicate their lives to life long...

On this episode I chatted with C4 and Scott Mabrey of Mabrey Bank. The Mabrey family’s ownership of the bank is a story that began long before it became the community bank people know today. The Mabrey family has been involved in banking since 1906, when G. W. Mabrey served on the Board of Directors for Citizens National Bank of Okmulgee. In 1909, Carlisle Mabrey Sr. became a teller and assistant...

On this episode I chatted with former cowgirl golfer and rockstar Ladies European Tour & LPGA Tour player Maja Stark. Maja is rapidly becoming one of the best golfers in Europe and the world in ladies golf. She has won 5 tournaments her rookie season. She grew up in Sweden and came to Oklahoma State where she won three times as a cowgirl. She was an All-American in her sophomore season and Big 12...

On this episode I chatted with Bruce Benbrook. Bruce grew up in Woodward Oklahoma in a banking family and surprise surprise thats what he has done his whole career too. However, Bruce took great lessons from his family and has given back to the community and state in more ways than I can describe. Bruce was Chairman of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 2020-21. Just to name a few award Benbrook has receiv...

On this episode I chatted with 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee Harvey Pratt. Listen in as we talk about his incredible career as an artist and how he found his passion as a young child. From El Reno, Harvey Pratt is a self-taught artist who works in oil, watercolor, metal, clay, and wood. His works include themes of Native American history and tradition and the Cheyenne people. A self-taught O...