D'ville Voices

On this episode of D’ville Voices, we catch up with Linda Lydia from Pink Diamonds Survivors of Cancer, Inc. to learn more about the organization’s work supporting breast cancer survivors and those currently navigating their cancer journey. We discuss several of the resources Pink Diamonds provides to the community, including Knitted Knockers, free Uber rides to and from treatment and medical appo...

In Episode 20 of D’Ville Voices, Mary Ann Taylor sits down with spoken word artist, speaker, playwright, and activist Alex Tha Great for a conversation about creativity, expression, and using your voice with purpose. Alex Tha Great (an acronym for “Given Real Encouragement Amongst Turmoil”) has performed on stages across the country since 2011. A finalist in the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam...

In this episode of D’ville Voices , Arts Commissioner Julio Avila sits down with Duncanville artist Terry Hays for a candid conversation about creativity, persistence, and what it means to build a life around making art. Hays is a Texas artist whose work draws from architecture, theater and scenic design, combining painting, sculpture and constructed environments. His work has been exhibited exten...

In this episode of D’ville Voices , Mary Ann Taylor sits down with self-taught artist Cristi Frye, winner of both Best of Show and People’s Choice at the most recent EllaFair, held during Duncanville’s 2026 BloomFest. Frye’s path to becoming a figurative sculptor began almost by accident. In 2018, while making Christmas ornaments from polymer clay, an attempt at creating a Santa face unexpectedly...

In this episode, Duncanville District 3 Councilmember Jeremy Koontz discusses the experiences and community connections that led him into public service. Koontz reflects on his musical background, including his work as a private piano instructor, composer, and performer. The conversation also explores civic engagement, local leadership, and the responsibilities that come with serving on the Duncan...

In this episode, we visit House of Spin to learn why the indoor cycling studio chose Duncanville as its home and how it is building community through fitness, music, and creative expression. The conversation explores the studio’s services, welcoming atmosphere, and approach to making exercise accessible and engaging for riders at different fitness levels. House of Spin offers more than a tradition...

In 2026, Duncanville joined communities across Texas and the nation in celebrating poetry and the literary arts by selecting the City’s first Poet Laureate. In this episode of D’Ville Voices, we sit down with Logen Cure, Duncanville’s inaugural Poet Laureate, to learn more about the poet behind the title. Logen Cure is a poet and educator. She is the author of the full-length poetry collection, We...

Executive Director Amy Jackson shares her journey to Duncanville, reflects on her time at Duncanville High School, discusses the impact of Duncanville Community Theatre, and gives us an exciting preview of what's coming in the next theatre season. Listen now and see what's taking center stage in Duncanville!

Meet James McKey, a Building Inspector for the City of Duncanville with a passion that extends beyond building codes and inspections. In this episode of D’ville Voices , James shares his love for the arts and his experience performing on stage with Duncanville Community Theatre. Get to know the man behind the inspections and how he found another way to connect with the community through theatre.

In this episode of D’ville Voices, Economic Development Director Marlon Goff talks about what’s happening across Duncanville, from Open Rewards and supporting local businesses to new developments and projects in the works. He also shares his perspective as a Duncanville resident and what he’s seeing around the community.

On the latest episode of D’ville Voices , Duncanville City Councilmember Don McBurnett sits down with Arts Commission member Mary Ann Taylor for a conversation rooted in passion, purpose, and community pride. McBurnett shares what drives his commitment to public service, offers enthusiastic support for the growing impact of the Duncanville Arts Commission, and reflects on the city’s future and the...

Abel Castro of Xela’s Bistro joins Arts Commissioner Julio Avila to talk food, art, and why they’re proud to call Duncanville home. Abel shares Xela’s origin story and Frenchie’s standout culinary creations, giving listeners a tasty glimpse into a bistro that’s become a local arts haven.

On this episode of D'ville Voices, Council Member At-Large DeMonica Gooden discusses her journey to Duncanville, her role as the City Council Liaison to the Arts Commission, and the importance of the arts in the City of Champions. She also shares her perspectives on community engagement, her favorite forms of art, and the role creativity plays in bringing people together.

This week, Mayor Greg Contreras joins the Duncanville Arts Commission for a conversation about community, leadership, and the city's future. He reflects on his journey from City employee to Mayor and how those experiences influence his decisions today. The discussion highlights the positive impact of the Arts Commission, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the opportunities that com...

The Duncanville Arts Commission sits down with City Marshal Johnson to learn more about his role as a peace officer and the responsibilities of the Duncanville Marshal’s Office. Marshal Johnson discusses the differences between the Marshal’s Office and the Duncanville Police Department, providing insight into how each serves the community. He also shares his professional background and the path th...

Candice Y. Johnson is a four-time Emmy-winning choreographer, author, editor, dancer, and filmmaker. Cedrick Johnson works in business management. Together, they are Duncanville's creative power couple. In this episode, they discuss how they met and the inspiration behind Candice's works, including her upcoming play He Who Finds a Wife ... Find Me!

The Duncanville Arts Commission sits down with local artist and Duncanville Arts Grant recipient Kalen McGuire to discuss his creative journey, the inspiration behind his work, and the impact public art can have on a community. McGuire is a Duncanville-based artist, and the City recently highlighted the completion of his mural, Beacons of Light: Where Champions Rise , at 1944 S. Main St. in Duncan...

Mary Ann Taylor sits down with Dr. Claudia MacMillan, founder and executive director of The MacMillan Institute, for a conversation about educational purpose, leadership, and transformation. Dr. MacMillan explains how the institute equips educators through training, certification, coaching, academy models, and humanities-based curriculum designed to bring rigorous, human-centered learning to all s...

Duncanville comedian Diego Morales, professionally known as Texas Chuckle, talks about his DFW roots, his connection to Duncanville, and how his local experiences have influenced his comedy. He also shares the meaning behind his stage name and discusses the many city-hosted events that help bring residents together.

In the latest episode of D’ville Voices , the hosts sit down with Tyler Agee, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Duncanville, to discuss leadership, community impact, and the future of public spaces in the city. The episode highlights how Parks and Recreation shapes Duncanville's quality of life by creating clean, well-maintained, and people-centered spaces that bring resid...

Duncanville Event Planner Devon Handley joins the D'ville Voices hosts for a lively conversation about the upcoming BloomFest Music & Arts Festival, the creativity and coordination behind standout local events, the best boba spots in Duncanville, and more. Get to know Devon and get excited for what’s ahead in Duncanville in this new episode of D'ville Voices.

In this first episode of D'ville Voices, an interview with a longtime resident, former Arts Commission Chair, and Duncanville Arts Foundation founder, Ron Thompson, where he discusses the future of arts in Duncanville, Texas.