HEY ETX

What does it take to turn someone's dream home into reality — and build a thriving business with your spouse along the way? Lucas and Lainey Mock, the husband-and-wife team behind Crossbeam Contracting in Longview, Texas, share their journey from lawn care and a church maintenance crew to running a full-scale construction company. From residential remodels to commercial projects across East Te...

What happens when a family pours everything — even living in the back of an auto shop with six kids — into building a business on honesty and faith? Tony and Josh Spraggins, two of several family members behind Spraggins Auto Repair, share 25 years of family-run service in Longview and their bold step into Tyler. From sweeping floors at 14 to navigating today's high-tech diagnostics, their sto...

Meet Jason Williams — co-owner of Fabulous Cookies in Longview, Texas — who, along with his brother John and close friend Jason Holt, took over a beloved 20-year bakery tradition from founder Jeff Steinmeyer and hasn't changed a single thing about the recipe. In this episode, Jason shares the wild story of buying the shop, the chaotic first day of extended hours that sold 200+ dozen cookies in...

Reed Livesay, President and CEO of Pine Cove, joins us to share his journey from the corporate world to camp ministry — and how Pine Cove is transforming families, students, and college staff across East Texas and beyond. From camp traditions and core values to the incredible stories of life change happening every summer, this conversation celebrates a ministry that's deeply rooted in our region a...

When Dr. Andy Mack was eight years old, he was cutting sutures for his father in a Longview emergency room, back before HIPAA made that impossible. Nearly four decades later, he's an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has cared for East Texas smiles his entire career, and a former Longview mayor who spent nine years in office, leading the city through COVID-19 and a historic ice storm. On this...

For James Chesnut, a good day on the water was never really about the fish count. It's about the peace he gets to hand someone else, a grieving widower who just needed to breathe again, a dying grandfather's last trip with his son and grandson. East Texas Outdoors exists because James believes everyone needs a reset, and he's found his calling giving people exactly that. This week on H...

Sourdough roots. Brick oven pizza. A food trailer dream 12 years in the making. Curtis & Mande Brightwell of Crust & Crumb Bread Co. in White Oak are the real deal — and their story is equal parts inspiring and delicious. They bought this beloved local bakery and pizza spot because they believed in what was already there, and then put their own fingerprint on it with an expanded scratch-ma...

What happens when faith meets football in East Texas? 🙌🏈This week on HEY ETX Spotlight, Anthony McElroy of Impact Events and Coach Chris Cochran of Lindale High School share how they're investing in the next generation — one event, one team, one student at a time. With speakers like Colt McCoy and Greg McElroy coming to Texas THIS SUMMER, these aren't just sporting events. They're li...

What happens when you mix hunting guides, legendary fishermen, family-friendly activities, and the gospel all under one roof in East Texas? You get God & The Great Outdoors — and it's coming to Longview for the very first time. In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Tom Williams, director of God & The Great Outdoors, to talk about East Texas' premier faith and...

What do you do when grief feels like it's going to swallow you whole? For Karen Holland, the answer was purpose. In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Karen Holland, President of the Fat Boy Foundation — a nonprofit created in memory of her son Jonathan, a driven, trade-passionate young man from Henderson, Texas, who lost his life in a tragic car accident in November 202...

From dairy manager to catering king — Chance Alexander's story is one you need to hear. He felt God calling him toward food, said yes, and built Chance's Kitchen from scratch in Longview, TX. Now he's feeding crowds of 850, perfecting his cast-iron jambalaya, slinging Biscoff cheesecakes at Christmas, and bringing big-hearted hospitality to every table he sets. We sat down with Chance...

Pastors carry so much for so many — but who takes care of them? We sat down with Gregg Zackary, Oasis Pastor at Oasis in the Pines in Longview, TX, and his story will move you. After 46 years in ministry — including his own battle with burnout and depression — Gregg helped create a one-of-a-kind retreat ministry right here in East Texas, designed specifically to restore and renew Christian leaders...

From nurses and youth ministers to farm owners welcoming all of East Texas — Brian and Brooke Hopkins are building something truly special just outside of Hallsville. Rise and Shine Hills is a healing homestead rooted in 100 years of family history, where families can wander free-range pastures, shop farm-fresh goods, attend hands-on classes, and find a rare kind of peace that doesn't cost a d...

Kelly Hall has spent 21 years building something Longview can be genuinely proud of — and she's just getting started. As CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Kelly shares how the Chamber went back to its roots to truly serve East Texas businesses, why Longview's faith-driven identity sets it apart from every other city, and what it takes to lead an organization into its next generation...

From cheerleader at Tyler Junior College to president of East Texas Baptist University — Dr. Blair Blackburn's journey back to the Piney Woods is a story of calling, faith, and deep roots in East Texas. In this episode, we sit down with ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn to explore the rich legacy of the university, its growing programs in business, nursing, and theological education, how athl...

LaJuan Gordon shares how Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity has served over 1,000 households since 1985, building affordable homes, making critical repairs, and empowering families across Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur Counties. From humble grassroots beginnings at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church to today's expanded mission, discover how Habitat partners with families, volunteers, and the commun...

Step inside a beloved East Texas tradition that's back and better than ever. Terrence Dixon, Vice President of Corporate Administration and Community Involvement at Brookshire Grocery Company, takes us through the newly reopened Brookshire's Wildlife Museum in Tyler—a free, family-friendly destination featuring over 150 animals from around the world, plus a nostalgic replica of a 1900s country sto...

Debbie Maxey has spent decades shaping lives in East Texas classrooms and beyond. From her years as a beloved educator and principal at Tatum ISD to co-owning the iconic Jucys Hamburgers, Debbie's commitment to service runs deep. Now, she's taking that same heart overseas through God Link—a mission providing food, clean water, education, and hope to children in Zambia. In this conversation, we exp...

From a backyard workshop to national recognition, Shaun Baker's journey with Antlerworx proves that East Texas craftsmanship can compete on the world stage. Discover how this White Oak business transforms naturally shed antlers into stunning custom chandeliers, furniture, and décor for celebrities, designers, and homes across the country—all while staying rooted in faith, family, and community...

Robbie Shoults shares the incredible 83-year journey of Bear Creek Smokehouse, a Marshall institution that started in 1943 when his grandparents raised turkeys on their East Texas farm. From humble beginnings selling turkeys out of roasting pans to becoming a beloved destination for smoked meats, a sprawling general store, and authentic Texas hospitality, this family legacy continues to bring peop...

Paula Florcyzkowski is turning a life-altering diagnosis into hope through Finn's Friends, a nonprofit supporting families facing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After her son Finn's diagnosis, Paula and her husband Dan launched a movement that's given over $250,000 to families across the country—providing wheelchair-accessible vans, home modifications, and financial relief. Hear how one...

Tyler's story is told through the people who love it most. Loni Lilley, Marketing Manager for Visit Tyler, shares how she went from teaching graphic design to promoting one of East Texas' most beloved cities—and why Tyler's heart, history, and hometown feel make it a destination worth discovering. From the Rose Festival and Azalea Trails to new events like the Brick Street Revival and...

Cace’s Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Longview history that never stopped moving forward. Brandon sits down with Cathy and Chelsea Cace to talk about preserving family recipes, rebuilding after the Highway 80 closure, and what it takes to run a multi-generation restaurant in East Texas today. Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/ #HEYETX #Podca...

Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of HEY ETX Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, Brandon Watson sits down with Dr. Stacy Martin, the newly appointed interim president of Kilgore College. Dr. Martin shares her East Texas roots, her 25-year journey at KC, and her vision for leading with stability, integrity, and student-first purpose during this transition season. You’ll also hear how Kilgore College is serv...

Discover what’s fresh and new in Longview! Today, we’re joined by Tom DeVries, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Brookshire Grocery Company, to explore the grand opening of Fresh by Brookshire’s—the latest grocery destination bringing quality, variety, and community spirit to East Texas. Hear how this innovative store is redefining the local shopping experience and why it’s such a win for...