Chris talks with Benjamin Garcia, who has purchased an re-opened Alpine's landmark downtown events facility, the Granada Theatre. The Granada (https://granadatheatre.events) is hosting an ambitiously varied calendar of activities, and the Saddle Club next door has also re-opened with a new bar, restaurant and – soon – a co-working space!

Chris talks with Fort Davis NHS Superintendent David Larson about the history of Fort Davis and its impact on the surrounding region. They also discuss the changes in concepts and best practices of historic preservation between 1961, when the Fort became a National Historic Site, and today.

Chris talks with Mattie Dunshee (of the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo committee), CJ Aragon (SRSU Rodeo Coach), and Clay Miller (past participant in the Ranch Rodeo) about this year's Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, August 11-12, 2023. What's new this year? What IS a ranch rodeo, anyway? and what's coming up for the Sul Ross State University Rodeo Team at their competition in September?

Chris talks with Stewart Ramser, founder of the Viva Big Bend music festival (https://vivabigbend.com), about plans for the 2023 event, held July 26-30 in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, Terlingua and Presidio. Then Chris talks with Scrappy Jud Newcomb about his 34 years as a professional musician and his upcoming showcase at Planet Marfa on Saturday, July 29.

Chris talks with DJ Stout, the author and designer of the beautiful book, "The Amazing Tale of Mr. Herbert and the Alpine Cowboys Baseball Club". Stout's book is the definitive history of the Cowboys and Kokernot Field, with a wealth of beautifully preserved photography from the team's heyday in the 40s and 50s. In addition to being a renowned graphic designer (former art director of Texas Monthly magazine and a partner in Pentagram, a leading international design firm), DJ is also a native son of Alpine AND the Cowboys – DJ was born here during his father Doyle Stout's tenure as a player with Mr. Herbert's team!

Chris talks with Blackwell School Alliance Board member Daniel Hernandez and Fort Davis NHS Superintendent David Larson about the Blackwell School, Marfa's segregated school campus which closed in 1965. The school is an unusually well-preserved example of the sort of institution that could be found across the south, both before and after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision put an end to legal segregation in schools. The Blackwell School Alliance is a group of alumni and other community members who have acted to save the building from demolition and created a small museum to share the experiences of the students. Since Congress approved the addition of the Blackwell School as a National Historic Site, the National Park Service has begun the long process of working with the community to collect and tell its story.

Chris talks with Will Snodgrass, who has just opened Far West Guitars on 6th Street in downtown Alpine. Will shares his love and passion for music and how his mission is to welcome everyone to enjoy the art and beauty of fine musical instruments. Chris and Will also talk about the inspiration they have gotten from two guitar legends, Mark Pollock and Michael Stevens, and their contributions to the Alpine community and far beyond.

Chris and Heather recognize National Travel & Tourism Week with a talk about the best ways to enjoy a summer trip to Alpine and the Big Bend, from the surprisingly cool summer temperatures in the mountains, to a few choice spots to while away a warm afternoon in comfort, to enjoying the starry night skies on a deliciously cool – even chilly! – desert evening.

Chris and Heather talk with Heidi Wassermann about visiting Wassermann Wranch and meeting the extended family: hobnob with Donkeys, Alpacas, Kangaroos, and Carl the Camel!

Chris is joined by Big Bend rock shop impresarios Judith Brueske, Paul Graybeal and Sue Franklin to discuss to Alpine Gem & Mineral Show, April 14-16, 2023 at the Alpine Civic Center. One of the finest small gem and mineral shows in the country, the vendors and displays combine science, art and much more!