Some guys get together to go hunting, or fishing, or to play poker, but these three guys got together to open an art gallery -- or, "art cave" as they like to call it. Meet the instigators behind the newly-opened Ten20 Gallery in downtown Plano: Jorg Fercher, Jeff Bergus, and Ken Wesley. Find out how Ten20 Gallery has become a hub that's bringing art and artists from all over North Texas into the downtown neighborhood.

Episode 1 Ten20 Gallery | Arts In Plano

The unlikeliest places can become spaces for artists to flourish. Just ask Douglas and Kiki Winters, owners of Skypony Studios. They’re directors of an artists’ village in Valley View Center, an aging mall that was virtually abandoned, until the Winters helped bring in artists’ galleries and studios.  They share their vision for bringing art to Plano and parts north of 635.

Episode 3 Skypony | Arts In Plano Extra

How do you know you’re from Plano?  Oklahoma State University student Macy Hedrick proposed “20 Signs You Grew Up in Plano” in an essay that’s gone viral.  The Plano native shares those signs, along with her observations on growing up in Plano, the transition from Plano ISD to higher education, and why she misses the Purple Cow.

Episode 4 Macy Hedrick | Plano Grown

As the owner of a Plano karate studio, Diana Reeve likes to say that she teaches courage for a living. She called on every ounce of her own courage when she learned that her longtime boyfriend had knowingly given her HIV — along with dozens of other women.  Reeve shares her incredible tale of banding together with other women, taking the boyfriend to court, and winning.

Episode 5 Diane Reeve | Standing Strong

Nobody's better equipped to talk about the future of the arts in Plano than David Downs. He's a member of Plano City Council, and an accomplished photographer.  David talks about the vision for the downtown arts district in Plano and how fostering a "creative class" within the community makes Plano a more attractive destination for employers.

Episode 2 David Downs | Arts In Plano Extra

Meet the three selected winners from our Storytellers / Writers call for entry. One student, one published author, and one blogger are featured, each reading their unique interpretation of Dog Days. A creative breath of cool air on a hot summer day, from some of the best Plano independent voices.

Plano Podcast

Episode 8 | Storytellers | Dog Days

Plano's own Lawrence Mann shares his remarkable story that led to a lifetime dedicated to giving youth the skills for success- well beyond the basketball court. Through his Top Achievers Program and Foundation, work as a Plano ISD At-Risk Specialist, and his Man-Up/Young Women Incorporated programs his impact is far-reaching and deeply felt by his students. Meet Coach Mann, two of his three sons, and hear the tale of an extraordinary leader, character and mentor who has never taken his eye off the ball.

Episode 9 Top Achievers | Lawrence Mann

Traffic. It's what's up in Plano and all of Collin County, TX.  Are we destined for California-style gridlock? Collin County Commissioner Duncan Webb shares his vision and challenges on the plan to ease gridlock as we take a journey together into the year 2040. We wrap with a special Route 380 road trip to meet with Mayor John-Mark Caldwell and City Manager Derek Borg of Princeton, TX. Our conversation is where the rubber meets the road.

Episode 10 Webb Traffic | Duncan Webb

In Plano, the holidays get hilarious with Theatre Britain's annual panto production. This episode opens the curtain to a raucous family holiday treat. The Plano theater company’s production has all the traditional elements – a fractured fairy tale that features the dame who's actually a guy, a ghostly cameo, and lots of audience participation. We go behind the scenes to hear from the director and meet some of the actors, plus, an extensive wrap-up with performing arts critic Mark Lowry of TheaterJones, who weighs in on growing diversity of theater and arts productions in Plano.

Episode 12 Plano Panto | Holidays Get Hilarious

It's the start of Spring softball and baseball season in Plano. All across our city ball fields are packed with excited parents, hopeful players and a team of umpires ready to get the games underway. In this Plano Podcast Extra, we meet umpire Bill Van Horn who has spent his life devoted to the love of the game.

Episode 19 Play Ball, Plano | Bill Van Horn

Hear from those who have dared the many sleepless nights to create a TEDxPlano experience, all for the love of "ideas worth spreading." Do you have what it takes to deliver a TEDx Talk, or organize a TEDx event? Find out, as we go behind the scenes at TEDxPlano, the annual event that draws hundreds of devotees from across North Texas.

Episode 21 Sleepless Nghts

Steve Stoler has seen Plano from both sides now - as a TV news reporter covering the Collin County beat for two decades, and now as the city's media spokesperson.  And Steve's got stories - from the breaking national news he witnessed firsthand, to his longtime friendship with Plano's own "Doctor Doolittle."  Hear his behind-the-scenes tales, as well as a cheeky nod to Ron Burgundy in this episode.

Episode 22 | Steve Stoler

Will you be home for the holidays in Plano? If so, we've got you covered with this episode. Guests share the very best Plano offers in food, festivities, faith and ways to give as the season begins. Our Curiosity takes you back to the Great Texas Snow of 1929 - and shares how your family can commemorate that historic event: at Lantern Light at the Heritage Farmstead this year. And finally, our Character is pretty special. In fact, it's a pair that you'll want to stay on the good side of this holiday season. Happy Holidays, Plano!

Episode 27 | Home for the Holidays, Plano

Plano property taxes: they've skyrocketed, taxing some Plano families out of their homes. Why are they so high? And where is the money going? We talk to three elected officials in Plano to find out. Plus, we introduce you to this episode's Character - a real sweetheart who's helping vulnerable animals in Plano. And finally, we take on a burning question about Plano's proper demonym.

Episode 29 Plano Property Taxes Unplugged

In this episode, we turn the spotlight on MEN GONE WILD in Plano. Meet a few of Plano’s hardest working, standout males … Starting with a visit to Metroflex Gym – where the workouts are old school and hard core. Next, a sneak peek at Drag Queen Bingo, an event attracting sellout crowds to downtown Plano. Finally, meet Keishon Ireland, Plano ISD’s elementary school teacher of the year for 2018 -- and learn why kids love having this guy in the classroom.

Episode 32 Men Gone Wild

When it comes to school safety, how secure are Plano ISD schools? We take an in-depth look at what school and police officials are doing to keep kids safe, and meet some dads who are pitching in to help. Plus, mum’s the word for our curiosity, a look at a homecoming tradition.

Episode 34 Plano School Safety

LAUNCH! That’s our theme this episode, taking you on a journey into new horizons.  Meet Plano resident Phil Pollacia who played a key role in the early days of NASA’s space program - and two women launching the Plano pickleball craze. Finally, we take you behind the scenes at North Texas Performing Arts -  as one of us attempts to launch their community acting career in Scrooge- the Musical.

Episode 37 | Launch

In affluent Plano … do we really have homeless folks? We tagged along for the annual census of the homeless in Collin County to find out. Plus, we met the volunteers who serve the homeless when the weather turns cold and talked with Plano ISD’s liaison to homeless students and their families. Plus, a success story: Ron Bultongez, former resident of Plano’s shelter for homeless teens, and now a rising musical star.

Episode 38 | Living in Transition

You and the New England Patriots just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next? If you’re Rex Burkhead, you’re going to Plano! Find out what brings Rex back home to Plano and how you can help him help kids with brain cancer, at Team Jack TRIFECTA.

Episode 39 | Rex Burkhead | Team Jack

Money from developers, endorsements from Governor Abbott and a Midland-based PAC working behind the scenes.  Why are so many outside influences involved in Plano’s elections? Who’s pulling the strings and why? Three political consultants with experience ranging from local to statewide elections help us look for answers.

Episode 40 Plano Politics | Who's Pulling Your Strings

The story of Greg Matthews Wild Awakening is more that meets the eye. All his life, Greg J. Matthews felt the need to prove himself as a man — until a horrifying, near-death encounter with a grizzly bear put him on the path to healing. Hear this Plano resident’s amazing story, and why he wrote the book Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart.

Greg's story was featured on the Animal Planet "I Was Prey" series, Season Two Episode Six.

Episode 41 | Greg Matthews | Wild Awakening

We introduced you to Plano resident Phil Pollacia in Episode 37 | Launch last year.  On this historic 50th anniversary of the NASA Apollo 11 Mission- we give you more from that interview and more detail about his hand in the space program.  This special Plano Podcast Extra goes in depth with Pollacia and shares facts about the Apollo Mission.

Podcast Extra | Phil Pollacia | Apollo 11 50th Anniversary

Collin Creek Mall is headed for a bright new future. But for the “mall rats” who grew up at Collin Creek Mall, the mall lives on.  We talk to the founder of a Collin Creek Mall Facebook group  - 7000 strong — that’s keeping those memories alive; we meet the security officer who’s walked the halls of Collin Creek Mall since 1992 ; and we discover an urban explorer who clues us in on the Stranger Things going on underneath the mall. So dig out your hair scrunchie and Z Cavaricci's and take a trip to the past with Plano Podcast.

Episode 42 | Collin Creek Mall

Start your credit cards and reach into your pockets — North Texas Giving Day is almost here!  We re-visit six Plano-area nonprofits that are doing great work in our community.  Hear why we call them The Giving Bunch, and why they deserve your support on September 19.

We've made it easy to give to our guests. Our Plano Podcast website has the donation pages for My Possibilities, TOPAchievers Foundation, Heritage Farmstead Museum, Hope's Door/New Beginnings Center, The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation and Grace To Change. We also included a link to North Texas Giving Day, powered by the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Episode 43 | North Texas Giving Day | The Giving Bunch

Haunted Plano. Yes, it's a thing. Do spirits of those who lived in Plano long ago still haunt the halls and streets of our city? Many who live and work in the buildings in historic downtown Plano are convinced there’s ghostly mojo afoot. We take you to three of Plano’s Most Haunted Places and hear stories from Jamey Jamison and Leesie Pool -  two residents who’ve encountered spooky shadows from the past.   The author of Haunted Plano, Texas - aka Plano Podcast producer Mary Jacobs - is our guide.

Episode 44 | Haunted Plano

Episode 45 | Plano Christmas Traditions opens the door to some great Christmas traditions both local and international. Not sure what lutefisk or a Lucia celebration is? Never heard of Las Posadas? We’ve got answers. Think all Christmas church services look and feel the same? We take you from one end of the spectrum to another- from Midnight Mass to the Broadway-style production of The Gift of Christmas. Any way you choose to celebrate, we wish you the Merriest of Holiday seasons.

Episode 45 | Plano Christmas Traditions

We can’t let Officer Parker - "OP" - retire this month, after 34 years with Plano PD, without making a splash.  He’s become a beloved Plano character and was one of our favorite podcast interviewees ever. We've pumped up our February 2017 Valentine to OP episode with previously unreleased excerpts as our tribute to this very special man. Hear for yourself why Officer Arthur G. Parker means so much to the community of Plano.

Podcast Extra | Officer Parker Retires

It's that time of year when we show some love! Allow us introduce you to our Plano Podcast Valentine, the Rev. Isiah Joshua, a beloved pastor and Plano community leader. Hear how he's helped Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church grow by leaps and bounds and why worshipers drive for hours just to hear him preach. Plus, he shares his hopes  and dreams for the city of Plano.

Episode 46 | Plano Valentine | Isiah Joshua Jr

Plano hometown hero and Super Bowl Champ Rex Burkhead is gearing up for the 4th Annual Team Jack Trifecta, a fundraiser for pediatric brain cancer that takes place in Plano in March 21, 2020. Rex checked in with us again for an update - and this time, he brought his mom, Robyn Burkhead who’s a champ in her own right. Hear their amazing story.

Episode 47 | Rex Burkhead with Robyn Burkhead | Team Jack Trifecta

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is in Plano, Texas. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has turned life upside-down in Plano and around the world. Where can we get testing? Why isn’t the city telling us where COVID-19 positive patients have worked and shopped? When will this be over? We went looking for answers at the city, county and state level, talking to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Collin County Administrator Bill Bilyeu and State Representative Jeff Leach.  Plus, we found a few silver linings — ingenious ways that area residents, businesses and nonprofits are coping during the crisis and helping others — including a platform called Get Shift Done that will help fill understaffed volunteer shifts at nonprofits with furloughed restaurant and service industry employees. Hear from Sejal Desai of the Communities Foundation of Texas about how to get involved.

Episode 48 | Coronavirus | Covid-19 Plano Texas

Education during the COVID-19 pandemic has gone virtual. It's a new frontier in education for Plano. While COVID-19  has shut down many businesses and nonprofits, the business of educating our young people in Plano and Collin County is still in full operation. We talk to Dr. Neil Matkin, president of Collin College, and Sara Bonser, superintendent of Plano ISD. They share how they're forging the path ahead. Plus, a word Jana Hancock, director of guidance and family services at Plano ISD.

Episode 49 | Education in the Time of Covid-19

Thousands turned up in downtown Plano for Hungry for Change, a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Plano, Texas. Hear from organizer Cheryl “Action” Jackson and leaders Cynt Marshall,  Ed Drain and S. Lee Merritt who spoke at the rally. Plus, we talk with a retired Plano cop who was in attendance, and has a unique story of his own. You might remember him as "OP".

Episode 50 | Plano BLM Rally | Hungry for Change

Plano Podcast is an relaxed, interview-style show focused on Plano, TX.
Our guests tell their stories in their own words. We’re inside our city, just outside of what you might expect.

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