This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, academic standing, or background.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, to discuss the impact of the program, the challenges facing students in San Antonio, and the realities of retention and completion in the community college system.

They discuss:

• Why Alamo Promise provides universal access and how students qualify
• The growth of college-going rates in Bexar County and persistent completion gaps
• What wraparound supports—like transportation, childcare, and counseling—exist for students facing obstacles beyond tuition
• How the program is funded and what sustainability looks like for universal tuition
• The lessons learned from serving over 30,000 Promise scholars
• Efforts to improve graduation rates and debate over enrollment requirements
• The evolving discussion around educational attainment, local workforce needs, and the fight to reduce San Antonio’s high poverty rate

For students, parents, and community leaders tracking equity and opportunity in local higher education, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of San Antonio’s boldest experiments in college access.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #11. How To Achieve Your Higher Education Dreams through Alamo Colleges with Dr. Mike Flores – Discover how Alamo Colleges breaks down barriers to college access for all students. In this episode, Bob Rivard talks with Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores about busting higher ed myths, the power of the Alamo Promise, and how flexible pathways support student success in San Antonio.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of San Antonio’s newest and most debated cultural gatherings: the Krampus Parade in King William. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Bob Crittenden, senior Scrum Manager at USAA and founder of San Antonio’s Krampus event, which drew approximately 10,000 participants and spectators in its inaugural year.

Together, they discuss the origins of Krampus in Central European Alpine traditions, its transformation from private house visits to public festivals, and how Krampus found its place in San Antonio’s holiday calendar. The conversation also highlights the unexpectedly large turnout, the local protests that fueled wider interest, and the logistical changes for this year’s parade—now expanding its scope and moving to Beethoven Manicore.

Topics include:

• The roots of Krampus, St. Nicholas, and winter folklore across cultures
• The evolution of the Krampus parade in San Antonio—from idea to city-permitted event
• The intersection of German immigrant history and contemporary celebrations in King William
• Public response, including media coverage, protest, and “Krampus Gate”
• What to expect at this year’s parade: route changes, street closures, entertainment, and costume contests
• How Krampus is being localized—incorporating elements like the “devil in the dance hall” from Mexican American folklore
• The growth of Krampus-themed events in San Antonio, from Fiesta medals to afterparties

For plugged-in San Antonians, this episode explores how global folklore shapes hyper-local celebrations—and why new traditions can provoke both controversy and community.

Find more information on the 2025 Yuletide Parade at https://krampusportal.com/.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s cultural evolution with host Bob Rivard as he chats with Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes about the city’s preparations to host the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four. From economic impact to community festivities, this episode reveals how major events continue to shape San Antonio’s identity and future.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dyslexia across schools, healthcare, and society.

Drawing on both personal experience and current research, Jasmin Dean discusses the realities facing families navigating the education system and the urgent need for early identification and specialized intervention. Bob Rivard and Jasmin Dean address the evolving legislative landscape in Texas, the challenges of public- and private-sector solutions, and what is being done at the local level—including the opening of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, a tuition-free public charter dedicated to evidence-based support for dyslexic students.

They discuss:

• What dyslexia is—and isn’t—according to current scientific and medical evidence

• Why early intervention and teacher training are critical, and how local schools are responding to new requirements

• The intersection of dyslexia with equity, economic mobility, and juvenile justice

• Barriers to adult diagnosis, workplace accommodations, and the lack of insurance coverage

• The role of advocacy, nonprofit partnerships, and new models for curriculum access

• Ongoing efforts in San Antonio to change the narrative, build resources, and improve outcomes for children and adults with dyslexia

For parents, educators, and community leaders, this episode provides context and updates on a complex issue impacting thousands of San Antonians—highlighting both the challenges and the progress underway to support local families.

For more information on Celebrate Dyslexia, visit their website: https://celebratedyslexia.org/.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Botanical Garden at a pivotal moment—its 45th anniversary year. Known as a living museum, the Garden has grown into a statewide leader in plant conservation and environmental education, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while shaping the city’s approach to urban nature and sustainability.

Cory Ames speaks with Katherine Trumble, President and CEO of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, about the Garden’s newly unveiled ten-year master plan and its implications for San Antonio and Texas. Their conversation explores what it means for the Botanical Garden to center “access” in its mission, how conservation efforts are responding to drought, floods, and ecological stress, and why restoring native landscapes matters for future generations.

They discuss:

• How the Garden aims to make nature and education accessible for all residents

• New projects on the horizon, including a statewide seed bank and a major Orchid Pavilion 

• The Garden’s leadership role in restoring Texas ecosystems after recent floods 

• How programming connects San Antonians—from schoolchildren to adults—to the value of native plants 

For more information on the San Antonio Botanical Garden, visit https://www.sabot.org/.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #135. Planting Change in San Antonio through Community Gardens – If you enjoyed learning about the Botanical Garden’s impact on conservation and community, don’t miss this episode where Cory Ames sits down with Gardopia Gardens founder Stephen Lucke to discuss how urban gardening is driving public health, food access, and neighborhood safety in San Antonio. Discover inspiring stories and practical solutions connecting nature, education, and local empowerment.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s housing crisis and the challenges facing public housing as both federal support and affordability decline. Bob Rivard is joined by Michael Reyes, CEO and President of Opportunity Home—San Antonio’s housing authority—to discuss what’s at stake for the city’s most vulnerable residents and the future of local affordable housing.

With an annual operating budget of $250 million and 600 employees, Opportunity Home provides housing assistance to nearly 50,000 San Antonians, while managing a waiting list of over 60,000 people. Yet, as costs rise and federal investment dwindles, Michael Reyes candidly addresses deferred maintenance, government gridlock, and why public ownership remains critical.

Key topics include:

• The impact of federal funding cuts and the shift toward vouchers

• Strategies to renovate 6,000 public housing units over the next decade

• NIMBYism, economic segregation, and distribution of affordable housing across city council districts

• Collaboration with the City of San Antonio and future prospects for housing bonds

• The legacy and controversy surrounding renovations at Alazan Apache Courts

• How the current waiting list reflects growing need—and evolving city priorities

With deep ties to San Antonio and global expertise in housing policy, Michael Reyes offers a forward-looking but pragmatic take on what’s needed to address systemic poverty, support families, and ensure all San Antonians have a place to call home.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope – This episode is a compelling companion to Michael Reyes’s insights on affordable housing, as host Bob Rivard speaks with Kim Jeffries, CEO of Haven for Hope, about how San Antonio’s collaborative approach to homelessness is becoming a national model. Hear how the city’s innovative strategies, partnerships, and responses to recent crises are shaping support for its most vulnerable residents.

-- --

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of the most significant recent developments in San Antonio’s advanced manufacturing and economic landscape: the arrival of JCB Texas. British construction equipment manufacturer JCB broke ground on a new plant on the city’s south side in 2023—an investment that promises to bring 1,500 new jobs to the area and reshape the region’s industrial ecosystem.

Bob Rivard sits down with David Carver, operations director for JCB Texas, to discuss the progress on the massive 400-acre manufacturing site, JCB’s philosophy on workforce development, and why San Antonio’s south side was chosen for this major expansion. Carver, who relocated from JCB’s UK headquarters to oversee the project, provides insight into the company’s long-term commitment to the local community, hiring timelines, and what the day-to-day experience will be for the plant’s future employees.

They discuss:

• The current status and ambitions for JCB’s San Antonio facility
• Workforce needs—from welders and forklift drivers to engineers—and how locals can apply
• JCB’s approach to training, career progression, and the influence of the company’s UK-based educational academy
• The expected impact on local suppliers and the broader regional economy
• Collaboration with other major employers like Toyota, and the company’s strategy to “manufacture and sell where we build”
• The role of global trade dynamics and tariffs in JCB’s U.S. expansion

For San Antonians interested in the city’s economic development, workforce opportunities, and the future of advanced manufacturing on the south side, this episode provides in-depth perspective from the leader at the center of one of the city’s most watched projects.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s south side resurgence with host Bob Rivard and Brooks Development Authority CEO Leo Gomez. This episode unpacks the transformation of Brooks from military base to thriving community hub—highlighting the visionary leadership, strategic investments, and partnerships shaping new opportunities for local residents and businesses.

-- --

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to one of San Antonio’s most significant entrepreneurial success stories: Supergoop! and its founder, Holly Thaggard. From its origins here in Texas, Supergoop! has grown into an internationally recognized skincare company, known for its innovative approach to sun protection and public health.

Host Bob Rivard sits down with Holly Thaggard to explore her journey from third grade teacher and professional harpist to award-winning entrepreneur and member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Together, they discuss the deeply personal experience that sparked Supergoop!, the scientific rigor and product development that set it apart, and the practical business lessons learned along the way.

They discuss:

• The founding story of Supergoop!, and its mission to address skin cancer through daily sun protection
• Thaggard’s early advocacy for sun safety in schools and her efforts to de-seasonalize sunscreen
• The challenges and milestones of building a national brand from San Antonio, including funding, product development, and retail partnerships
• Insights into company growth, from niche retail launches to global expansion and acquisition by Blackstone
• The importance of local family support, community investment, and maintaining San Antonio roots during rapid growth
• Thaggard’s continued work advising new founders, her approach to entrepreneurship, and her commitment to public health innovation

This episode offers a close look at the impact one San Antonio founder has made—locally and globally—and what her example means for the next generation of Texas entrepreneurs.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #138. Alamo Angels: The Future of South Texas Startups – If Holly Thaggard’s Supergoop journey inspired you to think bigger about entrepreneurship, dive into this episode to learn how San Antonio’s startup ecosystem is taking shape. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Sebastian Garzon of Alamo Angels to discuss how early-stage investors and founders are fueling the next wave of innovation and success across South Texas.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the critical decisions facing Bexar County voters and their impact on the future of San Antonio’s east side, the Spurs, and the Stock Show & Rodeo. Bob Rivard sits down with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming countywide election, where voters will decide on two propositions affecting the Frost Bank Center, potential new development, and the future economic direction of the city.

Judge Sakai shares his perspective on the use of the tourist tax to fund county facilities, clarifies public misconceptions around Referendums A and B, and details the legal constraints that govern how these funds can—and cannot—be spent. The conversation sheds light on long-standing issues of eastside economic revitalization, the importance of keeping the Spurs in San Antonio, and the unique roles played by both the Rodeo and Spurs in the city’s civic, economic, and cultural identity.

They discuss:

• What Referendums A and B would actually fund—and what they won’t
• How the tourist tax works and why it doesn’t impact local property taxes
• The future of the Frost Bank Center and what losing the Spurs could mean for San Antonio
• Long-term visions for east side redevelopment, small business growth, and new public-private partnerships
• How state law restricts local governments’ ability to redirect venue tax funds to other priorities like housing or education
• Lessons learned from previous facility deals and how new contractual stipulations could benefit the community

Listen in for a fact-based, unvarnished look at one of the most consequential local decisions in recent years and the broader vision for Bexar County’s future.

▶️ #133. How the Spurs Arena Could Change the San Antonio Rodeo – As Judge Peter Sakai discusses the future of Bexar County venues and east side revitalization, dive deeper into how a new Spurs arena could transform the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the surrounding community. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Rodeo CEO Cody Davenport to explore potential year-round impact, cultural shifts, and what these changes mean for local youth and economic development.

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the present and future of San Antonio’s water supply—a topic at the center of new rate increase discussions and long-term regional planning. San Antonio has quietly become a national leader in water conservation, with steady water use despite decades of rapid population growth, distinguishing itself from many fast-growing Texas cities now facing water shortages.

Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to discuss how decades of planning, innovation, and strategic failures led to San Antonio’s robust and diversified water portfolio. They explore the historical context behind recent rate hikes, how SAWS manages a “wet water” supply, and the implications of upcoming infrastructure investments.

This episode addresses:

• The origins and timeline of San Antonio’s water conservation success

• Why San Antonio draws on multiple water sources—and what that means for resilience

• The rationale behind the anticipated rate increase, what it would fund, and how residents can hold SAWS accountable

• Major challenges ahead, from aging wastewater infrastructure to climate change and regional growth

• How SAWS is planning for the city’s future needs, including conservation targets and adaptation to extreme weather

Puente also discusses the unique rule changes that govern local aquifers, collaboration (and competition) with neighboring cities, and how San Antonio’s approach could serve as a model for regional water strategy.

For those invested in San Antonio’s long-term sustainability, water security, and civic planning, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the city’s most critical—and often overlooked—success stories.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #131. Too Much, Too Fast: San Antonio’s Floods and the Fight to Adapt – Dive deeper into the environmental challenges facing San Antonio with this timely episode. Host Cory Ames is joined by local experts to unpack the aftermath of record-breaking floods, explore climate change’s impact on water management, and discuss what it takes to make our city more resilient. If you’re interested in how San Antonio tackles water security, flooding, and smart growth, this conversation is a must-listen.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the role of food sustainability and local agriculture at the San Antonio Food Bank—an organization best known for feeding more than 100,000 people each week, but less recognized as one of the city’s largest farming operations.

Host Cory Ames sits down with Mitch Hagney, Director of Food Sustainability at the San Antonio Food Bank, to discuss how the Food Bank is rethinking traditional emergency food services through innovative farming practices and climate-adapted crops. With more than 70 acres under cultivation, including fields at Mission San Juan and the Food Bank’s main campus, Hagney and his team are growing millions of pounds of fresh produce while addressing long-term food security for the region.

They discuss:

• The origins and evolution of the Food Bank’s farming initiative
• The challenges and advantages of agriculture in San Antonio’s climate and soils
• Why the Food Bank invests in drought-tolerant crops like figs, cactus, and amaranth
• San Antonio’s underutilized potential for urban agriculture and perennial food forestry
• The broader implications of building a resilient regional food system in a fast-growing city
• Opportunities and limitations for organic and regenerative farming across Texas

This conversation explores what it means for a city like San Antonio to build a sustainable and secure food future—connecting health, culture, land use, and community resilience.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? – Explore how transforming our yards could reshape the city’s health and environment. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle about native plants, water-wise landscapes, and practical tips for building a more sustainable, biodiverse San Antonio—one lawn at a time.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify