Austin Eras

What does it really take to help define the voice of a city? In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Marcum, CEO of ECPR Texas, whose 25-year journey in public relations mirrors Austin’s evolution from a quirky college town to a 21st-century boomtown. From organizing Lady Bird Johnson’s funeral coverage to playing a pivotal role in launching Austin FC and shaping the narrative around major civic milestones, Kristin’s work has quietly influenced how the city sees itself - and how the world sees Austin.

We trace her story from humble beginnings clipping press articles in a converted bathroom office to leading a 25-person firm at the forefront of media strategy, civic advocacy, and community storytelling. Along the way, you’ll hear wild behind-the-scenes stories - like wrangling elephants on Congress Avenue - and thoughtful reflections on mentorship, leadership, and the city’s growing pains.

This episode is a masterclass in quiet influence, strategic storytelling, and what it means to build something meaningful in the city you love. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🐘 Pulling off an elephant parade—and what it taught about city logistics

🏟️ Bringing Austin its first major league stadium and sports team

📰 How public relations evolved from scissors and fax machines to digital strategy

🌱 Why mentorship, adaptability, and service shape sustainable leadership

About Kristin Marcum: 

Kristin Marcum is the CEO of ECPR Texas, one of the state’s top public relations firms (and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025). She joined the company in 1999 and went on to acquire it in 2022, expanding it into a full-service brand management partner offering strategic communications, digital marketing, video production, event planning and crisis response. Kristin is known for her calm, clear-headed leadership—she’s the person organizations call on their best day and in their darkest hour. She’s guided clients through mass casualty events, natural disasters, high-stakes litigation and major corporate milestones. 

Her leadership has earned recognition from the Austin Business Journal, Women in Communications and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Kristin also serves on several nonprofit and civic boards, including United Way for Greater Austin, where she is Chair. She holds a degree in mass communication and political science from Texas State and completed crisis communications training at Harvard.

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-marcum-3036604/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinmarcum/

ECPR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecprtexas

ECPR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECPRTX

ECPR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecprtexas/

ECPR website: https://ecprtexas.com/

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode, Adam sits down with SaulPaul, Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and changemaker, to explore a life that’s combined resilience, vision and community impact. His story is as powerful as his performances on stage. ​From ​growing ​up ​in ​foster ​care ​and ​spending ​time ​incarcerated ​to ​graduating ​from ​the ​University ​of ​Texas ​with ​a ​4.0 ​GPA ​and ​building ​a ​nationally ​recognized ​brand ​that ​blends ​music, ​mentorship ​and ​mission, ​he's ​lived ​every ​lyric ​he ​writes.

Today, SaulPaul shares his incredible journey: losing his parents, being raised in poverty, facing incarceration, graduating from the University of Texas, and ultimately building a nationally recognized brand rooted in music, mentorship, and mission. We’ll discuss his social ventures and the impact he’s trying to make along with why creating generational wealth—not just personal success—is central to his work. 

Join us as we explore the life of a true change-maker in the Austin community and beyond. His story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, with the right mindset and determination, you can achieve greatness and inspire others along the way.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎸 How SaulPaul turned hardship into art, entrepreneurship, and advocacy

💡 Launching Change Water and Skill Builders Career Academy

🏆 Winning Austinite of the Year and inspiring thousands through music and message

🌎 Building generational wealth and empowering underserved communities

🎯 Why vision, resilience, and service are the real keys to success

About our Guest:

SaulPaul is a GRAMMY Nominated Artist and Award-Winning Entrepreneur. 

SaulPaul has also presented 3 TEDx Talks, performed at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and been featured on America’s Got Talent.

As winner of University of Texas at Austin Young Alumnus Award, Austinite of the Year and having received 2 Keys to the City from 2 Different Mayors, SaulPaul has mastered the science of success and continually unlocks his greatness. Now as Founder and CEO of Skill Builders Career Academy, he has dedicated his life to empowering others to do the same. 

Whether via art, entrepreneurship or community service, SaulPaul is committed to #BeTheChange.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulpaul 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saulpaul 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/saulpaul 

Website: www.saulpaul.com 

Company Website: www.SkillBuildersCareerAcademy.com 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Today’s guest is a powerhouse in the Austin nonprofit scene and someone whose personal story makes her leadership more powerful. Erica ​Blue ​is ​the ​CEO ​of ​Austin ​Sunshine ​Camps (ASC), ​a ​100-year-old ​organization ​that ​provides ​free ​overnight ​camp ​experiences ​to ​Central ​Texas ​youth ​who ​wouldn't ​otherwise ​have ​access. ​Under ​her ​leadership, ​ASC ​has ​not ​only ​deepened ​its ​impact, ​but ​also ​earned ​major ​recognition, ​including ​the ​2024 ​Ethics ​and ​Business ​Award. 

But ​Erica's ​path ​to ​this ​kind ​of ​work ​didn't ​start ​in ​a ​boardroom. ​It ​started ​with ​lived ​experience. ​Raised ​in ​Alief, ​a neighborhood ​in ​Houston, ​she ​knows ​what ​it ​means ​to ​navigate ​financial ​hardship ​firsthand. ​That ​background ​fuels ​her ​passion ​for ​youth ​development, ​equity, ​and ​building ​real ​pathways ​to ​opportunity. 

In this inspiring episode, Adam sits down with Erica to explore how a century-old organization is changing lives—one camper at a time. The conversation dives into the nonprofit’s impact, Austin’s evolving social fabric, and the importance of mentorship, equity, and shared leadership in a growing city. Erica also offers a look at the future: expanding access, breaking down silos, and inviting more Austinites into the story. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

☀️ The legacy and evolution of Austin Sunshine Camps

🌲 How camp unlocks resilience, confidence, and curiosity in youth

💡 Erica’s journey from financial hardship to nonprofit leadership

🔁 Building a camper-to-counselor pipeline and workforce equity

🌉 Bridging opportunity gaps for 40,000+ kids in Central Texas

Resources for this episode:

About our guest: Erica Blue is the CEO of Austin Sunshine Camps.  After a six-year stint in the for-profit industry, she joined the non-profit world in 2008.  Erica is passionate about supporting missions that positively affected the trajectory of her own life.  When she's not at work, Erica can be found running on the trails around Central Texas or in South Austin, where she lives with her husband, Ray, and their two daughters, Ruby and Zoey.  

Personal LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-blue-566b695/  

Company LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunshinecamps/  

Company Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/austinsunshinecamps/  

Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/austinsunshinecamps  

Company Website: www.sunshinecamps.org 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

How does one person’s journey through vision loss transform into a mission to provide eye care for thousands? Today’s guest turned a life-changing diagnosis into a nonprofit organization that’s changing lives in underserved communities. Join us for a conversation with Chelsea Elliott, Founder and Executive Director of half Helen, who shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and creating an organization dedicated to making vision care accessible for underserved communities.

Chelsea discusses her personal experience with vision loss, the moment she realized how many children go without proper eye care, and how she turned that into a movement that has helped over 68,000 people. From launching a mobile optometry clinic to opening a full-service vision center, half Helen is changing lives every day.

She also shared her hopes for the future of Austin, advocating for a more inclusive city that welcomes families and individuals of all backgrounds. She envisions a community where clear eyesight is recognized as a basic human right, and she is determined to make that a reality.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about Chelsea's journey, the impact of half Helen, and how we can all contribute to making healthcare accessible for everyone in our communities.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🦸 Overcoming Vision Loss – How Chelsea’s personal journey shaped her mission

👓 The Hidden Crisis in Eye Care – Why so many children & seniors go untreated

🚑 Taking Healthcare to the People – How mobile clinics bridge the access gap

📜 Advocating for Change – Working with policymakers to improve vision care

🔍 Building the Next Generation of Eye Doctors – Training future professionals in optometry

About our guest: Chelsea Elliott is the founder and executive director of half Helen (hH), a groundbreaking organization dedicated to helping people see the world clearly. With over a decade of leadership experience, Chelsea has successfully guided hH through remarkable growth, including surpassing the $1M fundraising milestone in 2023 and achieving unprecedented operational successes. Under her leadership, half Helen expanded to a permanent location, exceeded patient encounter goals, and solidified Chelsea as a passionate advocate for women in leadership and entrepreneurship.

As a social entrepreneur, Chelsea exemplifies the grit, resilience, and vision needed to lead with purpose through challenges and triumphs alike. Her unwavering commitment to half Helen’s mission is matched by her dedication to empowering those who join her in the journey. Chelsea's work has been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the CNN Heroes program, the Texas State Board of Education, Texas Women in Business, Lions Clubs of Texas, the Austin and Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Austin Woman, and Austin Under 40. In 2024, she was named the KXAN Austin Remarkable Woman by Nextstar Media Group, further highlighting her impact as a transformative leader in the community.

Connect with Chelsea and half Helen:

Personal LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-elliott/ 

Company LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/half-helen-foundation  

Company Instagram Handle: @halfhelen

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the transformation of Austin's financial landscape with Kendall Garrison, the President and CEO of Amplify Credit Union. With over four decades of experience in the banking industry, Kendall brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on how financial services can be more accessible and community driven.

Kendall's journey is anything but conventional. Before leading Amplify, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Waco's first craft brewery, Bosque Brewing. This experience taught him invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and the importance of cash flow—insights that he now applies to his role at Amplify. Under his leadership, Amplify has pioneered a fee-free banking model that challenges traditional banking norms. This innovative approach not only removes the burden of fees from customers but also fosters financial inclusivity, especially for those in underserved communities.

Here are some of the key topics we discuss: 

🔹 Banking Evolution: How Amplify Credit Union went from a small IBM credit union to a fee-free banking pioneer

🍺 Craft Brewing & Business Lessons: Kendall’s journey from banker to brewery founder & back

🏡 Affordable Housing Crisis: The biggest financial challenge in Austin & how credit unions can help

💰 The Future of Banking: Real-time payments, fintech disruption & why traditional banks are lagging

🏛️ Community Impact: Kendall’s work with St. Louis House to help women & children transition from homelessness

🏎️ Serial Hobbyist: From fast cars to speakeasies, Kendall shares his favorite pastimes in Austin

📢 Career Advice: The #1 tip for young professionals looking to grow in the financial industry

About our guest: 

Kendall Garrison is President and Chief Executive Officer of Amplify Credit Union. He has been instrumental in driving growth for the credit union over his 12-year tenure, which has tripled in size over that time to more than $3B in assets under management supported by 200+ employees.

Before Amplify, Garrison held senior management positions with various mortgage and commercial banking institutions over a 40+-year career. These organizations included privately held and publicly traded institutions in Texas, including Franklin Bank, Synergy Mortgage, and Extraco Bank. He also worked as a consultant for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, overseeing entities in conservatorship around the country.

Beyond Amplify, Garrison is active in the Austin community. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of Saint Louise House, a nonprofit that provides housing and support for women-led families seeking to break the cycle of homelessness.

Learn more about Amplify Credit Union: https://www.goamplify.com/ 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Today we’re excited to introduce you to a longtime friend, Matt Glazer. Matt and I first met about a decade ago while networking in the Austin community, and his career has been nothing short of fascinating. He’s the former Executive Director of Progress Texas, former Executive Director at the Austin Young Chamber, and served as Community Director for WeWork. Over the years, Matt has focused on launching new ventures and executive and change management, and today, he’s the CEO of Blue Sky Partners, where he leads strategic social impact initiatives for clients like the City of Austin and the Aspen Institute.

What makes Matt truly unique is his ability to surprise me every time we talk. He’s helped launch projects like the Weird Homes Tour and Capitol Intelligence and even served as interim Executive Director for several nonprofits in Austin. Outside of his busy schedule, Matt is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Trinity University, a die-hard Astros fan, and a vinyl collector who knows everything about Austin’s culinary scene.

He joins us for this show to discuss leadership, social infrastructure, and the importance of preserving Austin's essence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Why he describes himself as a nomadic Texan and what drove him to pursue a political science degree at Trinity University. 
• Stories from the campaign trail like the time he was thanked on national tv under the wrong name.
• The shift from politics to a nonprofit career beginning with leading the Austin Young Chamber. 
• Why it’s vital for Austin to invest in ​the ​social ​infrastructure, ​physical ​infrastructure, ​and capital ​improvements we need.
• How BlueSky Partners was formed to be a social impact consulting company.
• Why he thinks students today are more cynical about the world around them.
• What’s it going to take to keep him in Austin for the next 15 years?

Matthew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewglazer/  

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueskypartners/  

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueskypartners  

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueskyprtnrs/   

Company Website: https://blueskypartners.co/ 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

In the latest episode of Austin Eras, we are thrilled to welcome Alyssia Palacios-Woods, Executive Director at the Austin-based nonprofit Capital IDEA. Alyssia ​has ​been ​on ​an ​inspirational ​path ​that ​other ​young ​professionals ​should ​take ​note ​of ​as ​she's ​worked ​her ​way ​up ​the ​ranks ​while ​being ​a ​skilled ​communicator, ​a ​fundraiser ​and ​leader ​in ​the ​Austin ​area. ​

What ​really ​strikes ​us ​about ​Alyssia and one of the reasons we wanted to have her on, ​is ​that she ​really ​typifies ​what ​we ​think ​someone ​moving ​to ​Austin ​might ​do. Where ​they've ​lived, ​what ​they've ​done, ​how ​they've ​gone ​about ​it, ​she’s ​just ​taken ​it ​to ​a ​whole ​other ​level.

We’ll get into all of that on the show. Plus, we will take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Austin today. This is a chance to hear from someone who has strong roots in this community and a passion for helping build people up.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Her earliest memories of Austin involve the UT campus and Turtle pond.
• What drew her to the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce.
• The eye-opening statistics about poverty in Travis County.
• How Capital IDEA helps move people into high-demand careers.
• The opportunities she’s sees for the Austin in the future.
• What’s the future of workforce development going to look like?
• She shares wonderful insight into the regional connectivity between San Antonio and Austin.

Connect with Alyssia:
 
Personal LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssia/ 

Personal Facebook Profile URL: https://www.facebook.com/alyssia.woods/ 

Personal Instagram Handle:  https://www.instagram.com/alyssiawoods/ 

Company LinkedIn Profile URL: https://linkedin.com/company/capital-idea_2/ 

Company Facebook Profile URL: https://www.facebook.com/capitalidea.austin 

Company Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/capital_idea_atx/ 

Company Website: capitalidea.org   

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

This show is all about the transformation we’ve seen in Austin over the years, and there are few people would could lend more insight on this city that Deep Nasta. He’s a local real estate investor and entrepreneur, who grew up in Austin and remembers the days when it was a sleepy little town. 

 From his early days in Austin to his involvement in numerous community organizations, Deep shares his experiences and insights into the city's growth and challenges. Discover the stories behind the Young Men's Business League, the Austin under 40 awards, and the creation of a documentary on Austin's electoral system. Plus, hear about the future of real estate in Austin and the impact of community engagement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The challenges Deep faced when he first came to the United States. 
• Deep’s experience with the Young Men’s Business League. 
• The first Austin Under 40 real estate award winner. 
• An old Austin tradition it would be fun to bring back. 
• A little behind the scenes on Austin politics. 
• Finding 10,000 dollars in a dumpster. 
• An update on the Austin real estate market. 

Connect with Deep -

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepnasta/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-nasta-b53261/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepnasta 

Website: www.deepintheheartoftexas.com

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Austin has always been blessed with great community leaders and they’re often the driving force behind this vibrant city. One of the people who have been integral in helping foster this leadership is Jonny Rodgers, a Partner Agent with DEN Property Group and Franchisee of Small Sliders. We’re excited to welcome Jonny to show to learn more about his passion for the community and why he devotes much of his time to growing the networking in Austin.   

From his championship-winning days at Westlake High School to co-founding the Austin Young Chamber, Jonny's journey is a testament to how much he cares about the city. Discover how his upbringing in a football family influenced his path and learn about his ventures into real estate, broadcasting, and even the food industry with the exciting launch of Small Sliders in Austin. 

This show is filled with stories about Austin's evolution, community engagement, and the future of this dynamic city.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Getting to know Jonny and his background. 
• The creation of the Austin Young Chamber. 
• How working in community leadership can give a sense of perspective. 
• How tiny homes have helped alleviate homelessness. 
• Former Texas running back Bijan Robinson’s contributions to charity. 
• What has Jonny optimistic about Austin?

About our guest: https://denpg.com/agents/ 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

One of the main reasons people are drawn to Austin is the emergence of the technology sector and the evolution of this city as a tech hub. From its humble beginnings to becoming a major player on the global tech stage, Austin's journey is one of strategic growth, community involvement, and a little bit of serendipity. That’s why we’ve invited Thom Singer, the CEO of the Austin Technology Council, to join us on episode two to share his insights into the city’s transformation. 

For those who don’t know Thom, he has been the CEO of ATC since 2022 and has more than three decades of experience in the Austin tech community. He’s known as a renowned expert on networking, human connection, and the history of Austin’s tech industry. We’ve known him for more than 15 years now and appreciate him for being an elite mentor, business coach, successful podcaster, father and husband. He’s an incredible person who has played a part in this thriving tech scene and we want to explore that more with him today. 

Discover the pivotal moments that shaped Austin's tech landscape, from the rise of Dell to the impact of South by Southwest. Learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing Austin's tech scene, the importance of community involvement, and Tom's personal experiences with stand-up comedy and mentorship.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Background on Thom and his journey from running a photography studio to becoming deeply entrenched in Austin’s tech scene. 
• The ‘Dell effect’ and the other leaders who laid the groundwork. 
• The significance of South by Southwest (SXSW) and it’s role in attracting innovators and entrepreneurs. 
• The founding of Austin Technology Council and its role today. 
• How does Austin stay Austin?

Learn more about ATC: https://www.austintechnologycouncil.org/
Connect with Thom: https://thomsinger.com/ 

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1