This is Oklahoma

On this episode I chatted with Executive Director of the Community Action Agency, Jessie Thompson. Jessie may be a Mississippi State Bulldog grad, but she is all Oklahoman now. Beginning her executive director tenure in January 2020, running a nonprofit in a pandemic is all she’s ever known. Even more so, her organization has received federal funding to offer people who have been affected by COVID...

On this episode I chatted with Steven Vekony. Steven graduated from Oklahoma State and for two years had the incredible opportunity to be Pistol Pete from 2017-2019. Steven tells us all about the role as Pete, the history, the events on and off the field and ultimately what it feels like to be Pete. What it meant to him and to the people of Oklahoma State. Steven talks about the process of becomin...

On this episode I chatted with Tony founder of Amelia Creamery. Tony is a commercial pilot from Brazil. He and his wife founded Amelia Creamery in 2017 named after their first granddaughter, Amelia, setting out to create the most indulgent French Yogurt in the US. Traveling throughout Europe for many years, they fell in love with French Yogurt. This yogurt is very similar to what their European gr...

On this episode I chatted with Tricia Mitchel, Executive Director for the 4RKids Foundation. The 4RKids Foundation, Inc. was founded in Enid, OK, in 2003.   A small group of parents and educators of children and adults with special needs recognized the need for more services and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Garfield and surrounding counties of northwest Oklahoma...

On this episode I sat with Blake Shipman. Blake is a professional videographer. His company "BShipman Films" produces some of Action Sport's most entertaining and distinguished work for the world wide web. From skits to full blown documentary features, BShipman Films constantly uploads new content! After 10 years on the road with Monster energy following motocross, monster trucks and more around t...

On this episode I chatted with Brian Jackson.  Woody Candy Company is the oldest candy manufacturer in Oklahoma. The candy company was founded in 1927 by Lucille and Claude Woody Sr. in Oklahoma City. Woody Candy Company has been family-owned and operated since its inception, passing from the founding generation to Claude Woody, Jr. in 1983. Claude Jr. ran the company for more than 30 years, and p...

On this episode I chat with Lance McDaniel. Lance has just finished directing a movie called Finding Carlos which is being aired for free on deadcenterfilm.org until the end of December. Lance grew up here and has lived some life in his years. Traveled a lot, worked for some of the best in a variety of businesses and now he finds himself back home in OKC working on his movie directing dreams. Lanc...

On this episode I chatted to return guest Jabee. Jabee has a huge voice in the community and does more good things for OKC than there are words to express. But, on this episode we caught up since our previous podcast last May Episode #59 to talk about his new album, performing during covid, protesting through artistic expression. Performing during covid at Tower Theater.  Jabee likes food, his Sat...

On this episode I chatted with John and Taylor from Neighbors coffee in OKC. we talked about the history of the company, the 100+_ flavors of coffee and how coffee builds community. This episode is presented by the Made in Oklahoma Coalition. Your source for information on local food and beverage products. To learn more about Oklahoma made products and how to support MIO Coalition companies visit...

On this episode I chatted with Jason Duncan. Jason grew up in Edmond, moved to Nashville for college to study music business. While studying in Nashville he was introduced to entrepreneurship. A class came available and so he turned his attention to business building with the plans to launch an event space. That morphed into a coffee shop but Jason was challenged to learn more about coffee than he...

On this episode I chatted with Jaxton Secrest founder of Payne County Beef co. Jaxton is 19 years old studying at OSU. He's a sixth generation cattle rancher and founded his business three years ago. Jaxton saw the opportunity to provide 100% Wagyu beef and ran with the idea.  For more information go to www.paynecountybeefco.com  follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/paynecountybeef This podc...

On this episode I sat with Cary Cullins of Cullins Custom Homes based in Tuttle Oklahoma. Cullins Custom Homes was founded by Cary and Christie Cullins. For the last 25 years, they've been dedicated to building custom homes that reflect the lifestyle and unique personalities of their clients all while integrating our superior craftsmanship. They tailor our one-of-a kind custom homes to fit a wide...

On this episode I chatted with Sabah Khan. Friend, fellow podcaster and all around trailblazer. Born in Pakistan, the youngest of three siblings. At aged 4 Sabah's Dad moved the family to America so that the women in the family could have a better life. ( What a gentleman! ) They moved to West Virginia before making down to Oklahoma.  Sabah grew up in Edmond went to OU before finishing up at UCO....

On this episode I chatted with Jesse & Katy from Wells Christmas Tree Farm. They started this farm with the vision of creating a place for your family to come to and have a memorable Christmas experience, that will continue on year after year.  And are definitely on the road to helping build community memories.  This Friday 27th November they open up to purchase their Christmas trees. If real tree...

On this episode I chatted with Matthew Myers about the city of Edmond and its new interactive art pieces, installed this fall. When Edmond’s largest interactive art piece was installed at the Festival Marketplace, it not only marked our 235th public art installation, but also a new business trend. Interactive art is engaging visitors and citizens to stay downtown longer. Interactive art lures peop...

On this episode I chatted with Dmitri ( Father ) and Daria ( Daughter ) about their business Express Ice. Express Ice is the leading portable ice rink construction and managing company in Oklahoma. You know those rinks you skate on during the Christmas holidays. Thats exactly what Express Ice does. If you live in Oklahoma you've probably skated on one of their rinks during the holidays.  The story...

For this episode I drove up to Enid Oklahoma to chat with Kent and Becky about their 14 acres farm. Located on the north side of Enid the Redbird Farm is visible from the highway. You cant miss it. The gorgeous farm house next to an iconic red barn. The front of house for their business. Kent and Becky started a Christmas tree farm 6 years ago and have been adding little workshops and events to th...

On this episode I chatted with Rashawn Copeland about his new book, Start Where You Are. Rashawn is a Storyteller, Podcast host, and a friend of many. He served as an Army Medical Officer for 10 years. In 2018 he saw a need in the Philippines and he help found what is now known as I'm So Blessed Daily. Rashawn has worked alongside Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines.  Theres so much to unpack in thi...

On this episode I chatted with Lauren about her story, her business, growing up in an entrepreneurial family and everything that leads to owning a men's an women's custom suit making company here in OKC.  Lauren Warkentine founded William & Lauren in 2015 with the idea that personal style and self-confidence go hand-in-hand. With the commission to “take risks and tackle life,” W&L seeks to travel...

On this episode I chatted with Dominica Lovera about her families history. Coming to America from Italy in 1910 to now having one of the best cheese and meat markets in the country. Award winning!  "At Lovera's, our focus has always been on quality. Each of our products is crafted with thought and consideration and with the desire and passion to bring quality Italian foods to the tables of each of...

On this episode I chatted with former Oklahoma State Spirit Rider Elise Wade. Elise has such a great Oklahoma story. Growing up in Enid Oklahoma, put on the back of a horse before she could walk. She tells us how growing up riding horses, jumping horse and competing in Rodeo Queen competitions prepared her for life. The cowboy way of life.  In part 1 ( last week ) we talked about the experience of...

On this episode I chatted with Mike Osburn and Jason Duncan about the launch of Cycle 66. A Cycling tour and festival in Edmond via Route 66. Inaugural 2021 bike ride highlights historic Route 66 and downtown Edmond while benefiting multiple charitable causes. Today November 11th is Route 66 birthday so what better day to launch this incredible event here in Edmond.  For more information go to www...

On this episode I chat with Mak Monkton from Broken Arrow Oklahoma. Mak works in medical sales but has a huge passion for hunting. Growing up in BA he played high school baseball with arguably the best baseball team in the nation. With a many going D1 and a few getting drafted to the MLB straight out of high school. During his time in high school he and his team mates loved to hunt during all seas...

I had the opportunity this week to chat with Dhea Hudson owner of Okie Dough. Dhea has a great story. A lifetime educator and wife to a high school football coach. Dhea has spent her life around kids, as a teacher and now school councilor in Owasso Oklahoma. Dhea and her family would cook for the football players and   of course would bake cookies. Well you know how impatient hungry boys can be. T...

On this episode I chatted with former Oklahoma State Spirit Rider Elise Wade. Elise has such a great Oklahoma story. Growing up in Enid Oklahoma, put on the back of a horse before she could walk. She tells us how growing up riding horses, jumping horse and competing in Rodeo Queen competitions prepared her for life. The cowboy way of life. So as you can imagine, riding Bullet on the field at Boone...