Texarkana Talks
By Texarkana Talks
Texarkana TalksJan 24, 2022
Visiting with Dylan Hann of the AGFC about Giant Salvinia and a Giant Alligator Gar
Dylan Hann, our local AGFC Biologist visits with us about the invasive Giant Salvinia that is endangering our local waterways. We also discuss a 300 plus pound alligator garfish that they recently pulled out of the Red River. Contact Dylan at dylan.hann@agfc.ar.gov.
A Little About a Lot in Texarkana this Week
Well, we had a last-second schedule change, but the stuff was set up to record, so... Darlene woke up this morning and chose "violence"... we talk about what she saw on the YouTube that set her off. We also share a lot of what we call POSITIVES here in our hometown.
Discussing the Activated Alley Project in Downtown Texarkana
We visit with Manuel Western about the Activated Alley Project with Texarkana, Texas, and Arkansas in downtown. We also talk about the upcoming Fall Festival with Raleigh from Crossties. To be a part of Texarkana Talks, just send us an email at TexarkanaTalks@gmail.com.
Texarkana Talks: Visiting Annemarie Sullivan of Sullifarms
Annemarie Sullivan started her "Sullifarm & Kitchen" in 2013, 9 years later she shares a lot of what she has learned with us on the podcast. Such a sweet young lady, and super intelligent. Listen, and visit the farm when you can.
Getting into Festival Season in the Ark-La-Tex and More
Darlene and Jeff discuss the many upcoming festivals in our area, the Hope Watermelon Festival, the New Boston Pioneer Days, and more.
Texarkana Talks: Darlene Taylor Joins as Host of the Podcast
Darlene Taylor joins Texarkana Talks as co-host as we visit with Tiffani Decker about pool and billiards in the Texarkana area. We discuss the need for a place that will allow youngsters to play and some upcoming big money events.
Ep 27 - Tameka Grady & Douglas Arnold Promoting Texarkana
Ms. Tameka Grady and Mr. Douglas Arnold have been working together for a number of years with some of Texarkana's Favorite Public Events and of course the extremely popular "Soul Sessions". We learn about their partnership, future plans, and how they are happy to share the secrets to their success to all promoting Texarkana, U.S.A.
Ep. 26 - Meeting Steven Hollibush - Texarkana Arkansas City Director for Ward 3
Steven Hollibush is currently on our Texarkana Arkansas Board of Directors representing Ward 3, and Assistant Mayor. Steven is such an interesting guy behind the politics. He is a former combat medic having served a year in Iraq, a school teacher, and even more interesting than all of that, he is currently a single Foster Parent to two teenagers.
Ep. 25 - Shawn Vaughn our Public Information Officer for TTPD
We sit down and visit with Shawn Vaughn, our Texarkana Texas Police Department Public Information Officer in episode 25 of "Texarkana Talks". Shawn has been serving Texarkana for over 30 years now. First retiring from the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department before joining TTPD, Vaughn has the unique knowledge and relationships with many in the community, on both sides of Stateline Avenue.
To participate in Texarkana Talks, email Jesse at TexarkanaTalks@gmail.com.
Michael Perry and Alley Cats Coffee Bar in Downtown Texarkana
Ep. 24 gives us the chance to meet and get to know Michael Perry. Michael has been working hard to open the "Alley Cats Coffee Bar" in downtown Texarkana. Perry and friends have been completely remodeling the old "Flying Crow" railcar on the corner of Olive and Front Street and hope to be able to open one of downtown's newest and neatest attractions very soon. Follow them on Social Media @alleycatscoffeetxk. Join us on the podcast by emailing texarkanatalks@gmail.com.
Ep 23 - Texarkana Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman is our Guest
Bob Bruggeman has been serving as the Mayor of Texarkana Texas since 2012, and serving the community for years before that as a member of the City Council. We have the great opportunity to get to know more about Bob, his family, and his goals for the City and himself. Subscribe to the Texarkana Talks Podcast and participate at TexarkanaTalks@gmail.com.
Jonny Ross & Luis Andrade with the Growing Peak Fighting Championships
Peak Fighting Championships, based out of Texarkana, is currently one of the most respected feeder series in Professional MMA. With fighters coming from all over the world to take advantage of the opportunities that Peak Fighting offers to advance their careers, Peak Fighting is huge! We visit with Jonny Ross and Luis Andrade about the growth and what is in store for the future as the series is blowing up. PF:19 happens on May 21, get more information at peakfighting.com.
Ep. 21 - Visiting Brittney Haynes - President of Greater Texarkana Young Professionals
Brittney Haynes, the current President of our local Greater Texarkana Young Professionals visits with Jeff and Jesse. Such a great group of folks that are always active in our community. With many great events coming up, we have a lot to talk about. To be a part of the podcast, email texarkanatalks@gmail.com.
Domestic Violence Prevention Benefit on May 29 at 67 Landing
On May 29, it is a day full of great live music, food, fun, and more at 67 Landing. We talk with Trinity Gardner from Domestic Violence Prevention Inc and Renee Ford, the new manager at 67 Landing about the upcoming event.
Ep. 19 - Kevin Hancock of Sling Blades Shares His Story
Kevin Hancock, owner & operator of Sling Blades Ax Throwing Company in Texarkana, sits down with Jesse and Jeff to discuss his story. From chaos to comedy, he shares the story of his life leading up to the release of his book, "I am Proof". Get to know more about Kevin, and if you would like to be a part of the Texarkana Talks Podcast, email texarkanatalks@gmail.com.
Local E-Sports Coaches Discuss the Growing Programs at Local Schools
In this episode, we sit with Coach Rick Allen from Texas High, Coach Austin Powers from Arkansas High, and Coach Jesse with TAMU-T to discuss the growing field of E-Sports and the programs offered in our local schools.
Meeting Jay Ellington - Texarkana Arkansas City Manager
Jay Ellington has been in the position of City Manager for Texarkana, Arkansas for just under a year. We were fortunate to have him stop by and visit with us on a number of topics, from the Animal Shelter and Roads to communications between the cities and the efforts to revitalize downtown with new energy. We discuss a vision for the future of Texarkana, Arkansas.
Ep 16: Learning about Toney Livingston and the Mission of Tacos 4 Life in Texarkana
Toney Livingston has a nice visit with us. A great guy, he has got a day job, but a passion for the mission of his family business, Tacos 4 Life - Texarkana. Wanna be a guest? Know someone that should be? Contact Jesse Tillis at texarkanatalks@gmail.com.
Ep 15 - Roger Sheppard Making Texarkana Fun Again and Stuff
A nice visit with Roger Shepard on some of his "magic" secrets, and "Making Texarkana Fun Again" with his Redbone Magic Brewing on Texas Boulevard.
Darlene Taylor - Toxic Masculinity - Full Contact Oscars
Ms. Darlene took a break from her latest downtown mural to visit and discuss, "what is toxic masculinity". With the whole Will Smith and Chris Rock thing going on, we decided to talk about it and as usual, it all goes off the rails with the labeling of Jeff.
Texarkana Talks: Ms. Noah Rathburn and the Texarkana Repertory Company
We visit Ms. Noah Rathburn about the many great performances with our Texarkana Repertory Company. We discuss the Children's Camps and the big Season Reveal Party scheduled for April.
Visiting with the Ladies of Crystal Moon Metaphysical Boutique in Texarkana
Sheila Lemley has a great story, that has led to a wonderful little store in downtown Texarkana, The Crystal Moon Metaphysical Boutique. We had the opportunity to visit with Ms. Sheila and Ms. Maigen about the store, their customers, and the culture.
Texarkana Talks - Visiting with TAPD Officer Les Munn
This week we are able to sit down and learn more about Texarkana Arkansas Police Officer Les Munn. Not only about his job, but his family and personal life also. Les is a true blessing for our city and we are fortunate to be able to call him our friend.
Ep 10 - David Orr - our Texarkana Texas City Manager
Excited to have David Orr, the Texarkana Texas City Manager on our 10th episode of "Texarkana Talks". We discuss the many great things happening on his side of the line and a lot of the great things in store for our area. We talk about working with his counterparts on the other side of Stateline. We also discuss what it's like to keep the city working through the pandemic and we learn a lot more about a really good man.
Episode 9 - February 28, 2022 - Local Happenings & World Events
In our 9th episode of "Texarkana Talks", we discuss our amazing guests so far, what we hope to accomplish with this podcast going forward, some local happenings, and touch on some recent world events.
Ep. 8 - Darlene Taylor on Arts, Cosplay, and More
Darlene Taylor is one of our area's most known and respected talents, from full-size murals to one-of-a-kind fabric creations. Darlene has won many awards and honors for her works in a number of mediums. She has dresses on display now at the TRAHC building located at 4th and Texas Boulevard. We had a lot of fun visiting Ms. Darlene. To participate in Texarkana Talks, email texarkanatalks@gmail.com.
Ep. 7 - Cody Howard & Vashil Fernandez on our Homeless Community
Was great to have Cody and Vashil join us to discuss our local homeless community, local planning in the community with the City of Texarkana Texas, resources, options, ideas, and more. Thanks to these gentlemen for a great episode of "Texarkana Talks".
Texarkana Talks with Young Entrepreneurs Alex Thompson & LaKing Harris
In this episode of Texarkana Talks, Jeff & Jesse visit with Alex Thompson of "Forward Events" and LaKing Harris of "Creating a Lasting Legacy". Two young entrepreneurs in Texarkana have started their businesses during a pandemic but are also growing those businesses. They share their experiences and knowledge with others to help grow our community together.
Episode 5 - A Visit with Derrick Keener
Visiting with Texarkana Comedian/Air Personality/Influencer, and more, Derrick Keener. Taking a short break from a very busy schedule, Derrick has a great story and shares it with Jeff, Jesse, and you on this week's episode of "Texarkana Talks". To be a part of the podcast, contact Jesse at TexarkanaTalks@gmail.com.
Episode 4 - Texarkana Food Trucks
In this episode of Texarkana Talks Jeff and Jesse visit with Tyler Traut of "Underground Pizza", and Carl Callmorgen from "The Forge TXK" about building their popular businesses during a pandemic and what the future may hold for them as they keep up with demand for the food they make.
Episode 3 - Roger Sheppard Making Texarkana Fun Again
We visit with Roger Sheppard in Episode 3, Roger is the owner of Redbone Magic Brewery in Texarkana, a super guy, and we wanted to share a little more about Roger's story with you. If you have suggestions for guests or topics for Texarkana Talks, email texarkanatalks@gmail.com
Texarkana Talks - Topics & Guests
In episode 2 Jesse and Jeff discuss local guests and topics for upcoming installments of "Texarkana Talks", submit your ideas, or feedback to texarkanatalks@gmail.com!
Episode 1 - An Introduction
Jesse Darby Tillis II and Jeff Easterling will host guests to discuss many topics of local interest to our communities. Both hosts are deeply involved with the community of Texarkana, and will strive for respectful conversations on this platform. To be involved follow on Facebook and email us at TexarkanaTalks@gmail.com.