This week on bigcitysmalltown, the focus shifts to homelessness in San Antonio—an issue that remains top-of-mind for both policymakers and residents, despite substantial public and private investment.

Bob welcomes Rhonda Mundhenk, who recently stepped into the role of CEO at the San Antonio shelter, Haven for Hope. They discuss the realities on the ground, the evolving demographics of homelessness, and how San Antonio’s approach compares to other major cities. The conversation explores what’s working, where resource gaps remain, and the impact of housing costs and healthcare policy on the most vulnerable.

They discuss:

• The distinction between homelessness as a condition versus a problem in San Antonio

• How Haven for Hope’s 15-year Blueprint for Hope study informs future strategies

• The city’s increasing population of unsheltered residents and the underlying economic drivers

• The challenges of coordinating services—and funding streams—across local and federal agencies

• The growing need for affordable housing, permanent supportive care, and better healthcare reimbursement

• Why sustained collaboration is key to improving outcomes for both families experiencing short-term hardship and individuals facing chronic homelessness

For listeners seeking to understand the complexities behind San Antonio’s most pressing social issue, this episode offers a grounded look at the data, policy decisions, and daily realities shaping the city’s response.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness Building on this week’s discussion of policing and homelessness, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames talk with Katie Wilson of Close to Home about San Antonio’s ongoing struggle to address housing, mental health, and chronic homelessness. Discover why collaboration and long-term planning are crucial as they unpack the local realities and policy challenges behind this persistent citywide issue.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, a San Antonio local who has served 32 years on the federal bench. Known for his distinctive, often witty legal opinions, Judge Biery offers a candid look into the realities of the Western District of Texas—one of the nation’s largest and busiest federal court districts, encompassing everything from Austin to El Paso.

Bob Rivard and Judge Biery discuss the pressures facing the federal courts, the increasing case backlog driven by immigration issues, and the long-term impact of national politics on local judicial work. Judge Biery reflects on the evolution of his judicial writing style, shares insights from his most high-profile cases, and considers the future of the federal judiciary as San Antonio and Texas continue to grow.

Topics include:

• The overwhelming caseloads and staffing challenges for San Antonio’s federal judges
• How due process and immigration reform are playing out under current political conditions
• The local significance and national profile of Judge Biery’s written opinions
• Changes Judge Biery has witnessed in federal courts over the past 30 years
• What’s ahead for the courts as San Antonio prepares for even more rapid growth

A thoughtful conversation on the state of justice, local courts, and what it means for the city and region.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next – As San Antonio navigates federal and local challenges, Police Chief Bill McManus joins Bob Rivard to discuss two decades of policing, immigration enforcement, and the complexities of leadership in a rapidly growing city. Hear firsthand how the SAPD adapts to community needs, state laws, and the future of public safety.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we visit Clementine, a family-owned restaurant in Castle Hills that has quietly become a fixture for neighborhood dining and local sourcing in San Antonio. Bob Rivard sits down with Chef John Russ to discuss the realities of operating an ambitious independent restaurant outside of the city’s trendiest areas—and how decisions around location, size, and sustainability have shaped Clementine’s identity and resilience since opening in 2018.

They discuss:

• The challenges and opportunities of opening a restaurant in a modest strip center rather than downtown or at the Pearl

• How the team navigated pandemic disruptions, staffing shortages, and ongoing economic uncertainty

• The importance of local farms, ranches, and the broader food ecosystem that supports restaurants in South and Central Texas

• The financial realities of restaurant ownership in San Antonio—and why the focus remains on community, staff, and family rather than rapid expansion

• Reflections on evolving neighborhood dining, what keeps regulars coming back, and how Clementine builds connections with guests and growers alike

Tune in for a grounded look at the work, risk, and local relationships behind one of San Antonio’s most respected neighborhood restaurants.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #150. The Rise of Jamaican Food in San Antonio (ft. The Jerk Shack) – Explore how culinary identity shapes a city with Chef Nicola Blaque, San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican chef. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola to discuss her journey from military service to launching The Jerk Shack, the evolution of San Antonio’s dining scene, and building community through food.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to local leadership and public service in San Antonio. Bob sits down with former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, now the Democratic frontrunner for Bexar County Judge, to discuss his new memoir, The Education of a Texas Public Servant, published by Trinity University Press.

The conversation delves into Nirenberg’s journey from jazz station manager to public servant, as well as the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his time in office. The episode explores how family, crisis, and San Antonio’s unique culture have influenced Nirenberg’s approach to leadership—and how those lessons may inform the city’s future as he pursues county office.

They discuss:

• The impact of personal loss, family, and upbringing on public service
• San Antonio’s pandemic response—what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change
• Persistent challenges around poverty, economic mobility, and health care in Bexar County
• The role of public-private partnerships and collaboration between city and county governments
• Why investments in downtown, infrastructure, and workforce development matter for San Antonio’s resilience

Listen in for a candid reflection on leadership, the city’s evolving identity, and the ongoing work of building a more equitable San Antonio.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #153. The Race to Lead Bexar County: Ron Nirenberg – Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard dive into Ron Nirenberg’s campaign to become Bexar County Judge. Hear candid insights into his vision for public health, justice reform, and regional leadership as San Antonio faces a pivotal moment of growth and change.

…..

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with registered dietitian Claudia Zapata to examine the challenges and opportunities facing San Antonio’s food culture and public health. A longtime advocate for healthier eating and community well-being, Claudia brings her experience as a columnist, former television host, and founder of the Diplomacy Diet to the discussion.

Bob and Claudia discuss the roots of San Antonio’s health issues, the realities of changing eating habits in a city known for its food traditions, and the small steps individuals and institutions can take to improve outcomes for residents of all ages.

They discuss:

• The limits of “everything in moderation” and the importance of daily choices
• How affordability and access shape San Antonio’s nutrition landscape
• The role of education in changing family and community health
• How policy, school cafeterias, and marketing influence what we eat
• The importance of mobility, exercise, and social connection in lifelong health
• Claudia’s personal approach to working with clients, meal planning, and teaching healthy habits

The episode also looks at the impact of federal policy, the evolution of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and why prevention—and practical, non-judgmental support—are central to Claudia’s work with Methodist Healthcare and her broader vision for San Antonio.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #140. The Food Bank is Harvesting Solutions to San Antonio’s Hunger – Food, health, and housing are deeply interconnected in San Antonio. In this conversation, host Cory Ames sits down with Mitch Hagney of the San Antonio Food Bank to explore how innovative farming, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable agriculture are transforming both emergency food services and long-term food security for the city’s most vulnerable communities.

…..

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with San Antonio Police Chief William  McManus as he approaches the end of his nearly 20-year tenure leading the San Antonio Police Department. With retirement on the horizon in September 2026, Chief McManus offers a candid reflection on two decades of service in a city that has grown and changed dramatically.

Bob Rivard guides a conversation that covers the evolving challenges facing law enforcement in San Antonio. From changes in public celebrations to the impact of state legislation on policing practices, Chief McManus discusses the complexities of running a department in one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing cities.

They discuss:

• The unique pressures of policing during major community events such as Spurs celebrations and Fiesta
• How the department responds to trends in drunk driving, road rage, and domestic violence
• The growing influence of state immigration laws, cooperation with federal authorities, and the evolving relationship with ICE
• Efforts to improve recruitment, strengthen community relations, and address officer wellness and mental health
• Policing homelessness, the expansion of mental health response units, and San Antonio’s efforts to support its most vulnerable residents
• The significance of cultural awareness and community immersion for new officers, and thoughts on leadership succession within SAPD

Through personal stories and policy details, Chief McManus reflects on the accomplishments and challenges that have defined his leadership and shares what he believes San Antonio needs as it looks to the future of public safety.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness Building on this week’s discussion of policing and homelessness, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames talk with Katie Wilson of Close to Home about San Antonio’s ongoing struggle to address housing, mental health, and chronic homelessness. Discover why collaboration and long-term planning are crucial as they unpack the local realities and policy challenges behind this persistent citywide issue.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, co-founders of SWBC, to mark the company's 50th anniversary. What began in 1976 with $1,500, a third partner in Dallas, and car trunks for offices has grown into one of San Antonio's largest and most diversified private companies, with 2,500 employees, operations in all 50 states, and a growing presence in Monterrey, Mexico.

They discuss:

• How two friends from the Gulf Coast reunited in college, learned the insurance business from the inside, and quit their jobs on the same day to start something better
• Why they chose San Antonio as their headquarters — and why a vote, a house sale, and a buyout sealed it
• How surviving 17–19% interest rates in the 1980s shaped their philosophy on diversification and financial resilience
• The decision to expand into multifamily real estate development — and what the post-COVID softening of that market looks like now
• Why they joined the group that kept the Spurs in San Antonio in 1993, and what that $85 million bet looks like at a $3.5 billion valuation
• Their operation in Monterrey — why they went, how H-E-B showed them the way, and how they're thinking about security during the World Cup
• What 6,000 intern applications revealed about SWBC's reputation — and how they're thinking about AI across their businesses
• Why San Antonio has work to do on corporate recruitment, workforce development, and staying top of mind for CEOs

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶ 161. Former Assistant City Manager Lori Houston Reflects on 23 Years at City Hall and Her Next Steps — SWBC's growth mirrors San Antonio's own civic evolution. This episode examines the infrastructure and leadership decisions that shaped the city Charlie and Gary bet on.

…..

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Ambassador Tony Garza, a Brownsville native who served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under President George W. Bush from 2002 to 2009 and now works as counsel and special advisor to the global law firm White & Case in Mexico City, to discuss the state of the U.S.-Mexico relationship at a moment of unusual tension and opportunity.

They discuss:

• Why the transactionalism defining U.S.-Mexico relations today was always present beneath the surface — and what changed when it became explicit
• How President Sheinbaum has managed the relationship with Washington, and why her approach has earned approval on both sides of the border
• The coordinated operation that took down El Mencho, and what it reveals about the level of intelligence-sharing between the two governments
• Why "cartels" is the wrong word for what Mexico is actually dealing with — and why that distinction matters for policy
• Whether the Trump administration would ever order direct military action inside Mexico
• How multinational companies navigate corruption and security risks while continuing to invest heavily in Mexican manufacturing
• Why nearshoring has proceeded more slowly than the headlines suggested — and where the real growth has actually come from
• The missed opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform in 2001, and what a more pragmatic path forward might look like today
• Why San Antonio's DNA — automotive, cyber, aeronautics, and its deep ties to northern Mexico — positions it better than Austin for what's coming next in North America

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶ 165. How Hill Country Landowners Are Challenging CPS Energy's 370-Mile Transmission Line Plan — Ambassador Garza references water and energy infrastructure as emerging areas for U.S.-Mexico cooperation. This episode examines one of the most consequential energy projects now moving through the Texas Hill Country.

…..

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Ashley Alvarado, CEO of Texas Public Radio, and Angie Mock, CEO of the San Antonio Report, to discuss a major development in San Antonio's local news landscape: the two organizations are merging. 

Effective July 1st, the San Antonio Report will donate its assets to Texas Public Radio, combining operations under one roof to strengthen independent, nonprofit journalism in San Antonio.

They discuss:

• Why two financially healthy organizations chose to merge — and how this is different from the consolidations happening elsewhere in the industry
• What the combined newsroom will look like on day one: 31 journalism positions, with all but four working as reporters in the community
• How the San Antonio Report's digital specificity and Texas Public Radio's broadcast reach complement each other — and what that means for covering the city
• Why YouTube has become unavoidable for reaching younger San Antonians, with 60 to 75 percent of county residents turning to it for news every week
• What Ashley Alvarado learned leading a similar merger at KPCC in Los Angeles — and how those lessons are shaping the approach here
• How the two newsrooms will physically unite, with the San Antonio Report moving to TPR's downtown facilities in late July
• The challenge of serving a politically diverse city — and why relevance and trust have to be built together, not assumed
• What the merger means for investigative and accountability journalism at City Hall and beyond

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶ 170. Don Graham and Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez on Journalism, Our Lady of the Lake, and Why Access to Education Changes Everything — The retired chairman of The Washington Post Company and the president of Our Lady of the Lake University on the state of journalism, democracy, and what it takes to keep independent news alive in a city like San Antonio.

…..

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with two guests at the podcast studio at Our Lady of the Lake University — a first for the show. Don Graham is the retired chairman and publisher of The Washington Post Company, whose family also owned Newsweek Magazine, where Bob worked as a war correspondent and later chief of correspondents in the 1990s. Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez is the 10th president of Our Lady of the Lake University, a position he has held since July 2022. A first-generation, first-in-family college graduate and son of immigrants, he went from Front Range Community College to a BS in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and built a career partnering with local governments and universities across the globe on community-based energy and emissions accounting.

Graham came to campus as a commencement speaker. The visit grew out of his decades-long commitment to college access — work rooted in Washington, DC, where the city's lack of a state university system means students pay out-of-state tuition everywhere they apply.

They discuss:

• How Our Lady of the Lake has served San Antonio's most economically challenged students for 130 years — and what it takes to sustain that mission today
• Dr. Chávez's path from a Denver neighborhood to a top engineering school he couldn't afford, a pivot to community college, and eventually the presidency of a university in a neighborhood that looks just like the one he grew up in
• How Don Graham's time as a beat cop in Washington, DC after Vietnam shaped his understanding of what college access actually means
• The federal scholarship program Graham helped push through a unanimous Republican Congress in 1998 to help DC students afford college
• What Graham witnessed as an early Facebook board member — and what it taught him about giving young people real responsibility
• The sale of The Washington Post to Jeff Bezos in 2013, why it happened, and what Graham thinks of the paper today
• San Antonio's deep economic and cultural ties to Mexico — and how tariffs are affecting the local auto manufacturing economy
• What it means to be an optimist about American democracy after decades at the center of Washington life

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶ 149. How AlamoPROMISE Continues Expanding College Access for San Antonians — Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, on what it takes to make college accessible to every Bexar County high school graduate — and what the program has learned from serving more than 30,000 Promise scholars.

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