Feelings are running high over Plano's upcoming May 6 election. At the center of the fury: homeowners up in arms over high-density apartments built or approved in Plano in recent years. They fear too many apartments will drag down schools, snarl traffic and affect our quality of life.  We look at the question of apartments - good or bad for Plano? And we separate fact from fiction.

Plano Podcast

Episode 20 Apartments

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

When Hurricane Harvey struck, Plano responded. We'll hear creative ways Plano residents stepped up to help, go behind the scenes at Allen, TX based Trusted World, where donations are sorted and shipped to Houston. We talk to a Plano church that's the hub for a nationwide recovery effort and ask Plano's emergency management team for tips on weathering a disaster. Plus, an exclusive tour of the Interurban's Car 360 from Motorman Jack, and a taste test of a throwback frozen confection -- available only in Plano.

Episode 24 | The Harvey Response

It's our tale of two Planos. Either Plano’s a great city on track for an even better future … or, Plano is headed to hell in a hand basket.  Two completely different narratives are leading Plano residents to choose sides. We look at how divisiveness brings out the worst in us, and offer insights on how to improve our communication across the aisle … with help from a political consultant and an expert in dispute resolution.  Plus, we introduce you to the Great Bobcat Debate … and a Plano character who unites us to care for those in need.

Episode 26 | Tale of Two Planos

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

The mass shooting September 11, 2017 sent a grim reminder: domestic violence happens in Plano. We find out how Hope’s Door / New Beginnings and Plano PD help victims and even batterers toward a new life. Meet our Plano character,  former NBA player and Plano resident Stephen Howard who’s inspiring and mentoring the next generation. Plus, we bust a Super Bowl myth and show you how shop to fight domestic violence.

Episode 28 Domestic Violence | Plano Issues and Resources

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

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 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

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

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.

Episode 37 | Launch

Plano Podcast

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