This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a deep dive into UTSA Honors College—one of the most unique and rapidly evolving honors programs in Texas. Unlike traditional programs, UTSA Honors College is built around real-world experience, preparing students for competitive careers, top graduate programs, and leadership roles. But what makes this program different?

Bob sits down with Dr. Jill Fleuriet, Vice Provost for Honors Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), to explore the college’s transformative approach to education, how it’s expanding opportunities for high-achieving students, and why UTSA can be poised to be a national leader in experiential learning.

They discuss:

• How UTSA Honors College is redefining the college experience

• The career and graduate school advantages for UTSA Honors students

• Why experiential learning is the future of higher education

• The newest programs, partnerships, and student opportunities at UTSA

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📽 #100. The Future of UTSA with President Taylor Eighmy: Merger, Expansion & Big Plans for San Antonio – UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university, with a historic merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress. In this episode of bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of UTSA, to discuss what this transformation means for students, the local economy, and the broader San Antonio community. They explore the university’s ambitious vision, the impact of UTSA’s expansion downtown, and what’s next as the institution cements its place as a Tier One research powerhouse.

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This week’s Last Word examines the Texas Lottery—where billions are wagered each year, and the promise of funding public education continues to spark debate. Bob takes a deep dive into how the lottery works, who benefits most, and whether Texas taxpayers are getting a fair deal.

For decades, state officials have promoted the lottery as a way to support Texas schools, but the reality is more complicated. Bob explores the actual impact on education funding, the financial burden placed on lower-income communities, and the broader implications of gambling expansion in Texas.

With discussions underway about legalizing casinos and sports betting, now is the time to ask: Is the Texas Lottery a public good, or a predatory system disguised as entertainment? Tune in for a sharp commentary on money, politics, and the business of betting in Texas. 

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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a deep dive into the state of local journalism and its future in San Antonio. As traditional news models struggle nationwide, nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are working to reshape how communities stay informed. But what does it take to sustain independent journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape?

Bob sits down with San Antonio Report leadership to discuss the organization’s 13-year journey, the challenges of nonprofit news, and why local journalism remains essential to a thriving city. They explore what’s next for the newsroom, how they’re adapting to audience needs, and the role of community support in keeping quality reporting alive.

They discuss:

• Why nonprofit journalism matters—and what makes it different from traditional media.

• The biggest challenges facing local newsrooms today.

• How San Antonio Report is evolving to meet the needs of its readers.

• What the future holds for independent journalism in San Antonio and beyond.

With trust in the media at a crossroads and local outlets disappearing across the country, this episode offers a timely look at the fight to keep local news strong—and why it matters for the future of San Antonio.

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▶️  #101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s Next – This episode of bigcitysmalltown marks a major milestone: 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on the journey so far, the evolving media landscape, and what’s next for the podcast that highlights the people shaping San Antonio’s future. With local journalism under pressure, bigcitysmalltown continues to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about the city’s growth, challenges, and opportunities.

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This week’s Last Word is a special one: bigcitysmalltown has hit 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on this milestone, the journey so far, and what’s ahead for the podcast that tells the stories of the people shaping San Antonio’s future.

From decades in journalism to launching bigcitysmalltown, Bob shares his perspective on how the media landscape has evolved, why local storytelling matters more than ever, and what’s next for the show as it continues to grow.

With San Antonio at the heart of every conversation, bigcitysmalltown has brought together leaders, changemakers, and everyday voices shaping the city. So what’s next? Join us for a look back, a look forward, and a deeper dive into the mission driving bigcitysmalltown into its next 100 episodes.

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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown explores how UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university—and what this means for San Antonio’s future.

With its confirmed merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress, UTSA is making bold moves to expand its research capabilities, attract top-tier faculty, and position itself among the nation’s leading public universities. But what does this transformation mean for students, the local economy, and the broader San Antonio community?

Bob sits down with Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of the University of Texas at San Antonio, to discuss the university’s ambitious vision, its growing impact, and what’s next as UTSA cements its place as a Tier One research institution.

They discuss:

• The UTSA-UT Health merger—what it means for research, healthcare, and students
• UTSA’s rise as a major research powerhouse and its long-term vision
• The university’s role in shaping San Antonio’s workforce and economic future
• How investment in higher education strengthens Texas’ innovation economy

With San Antonio’s future tied to the success of its universities, this episode offers a timely look at higher education, economic development, and what’s next for UTSA.

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▶️  #98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio's Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix - This episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for change.

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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the growing demand for mental health services in Bexar County—and whether the state will provide the funding needed to meet it.

Bob Rivard unpacks the county’s plan to expand in-patient mental health services, why the need for more capacity has been a long-standing issue, and what it will take for Texas lawmakers to support these efforts. With statewide hospital bed shortages and increasing pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement, how will Bexar County’s move impact care for those in crisis? And will the state step up to ensure these investments aren’t made in isolation?

Join us for a thoughtful reflection on mental health policy, local leadership, and the future of state funding for critical care services.

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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for change.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Mario Barrera, a San Antonio attorney and former chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Together, they break down what’s at stake for public education in San Antonio as the Texas Legislature debates funding priorities this session.

They discuss:

• Why Texas ranks among the worst states for public school funding
• The role of the business community in pushing for increased education investment
• The ongoing battle over school vouchers and their impact on public districts
• How funding decisions today will shape San Antonio’s future workforce

With billions of dollars in state surplus funds available, will Texas lawmakers prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and local districts? Tune in for an essential discussion on the future of public education in San Antonio and beyond.

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▶️ #45: Dr. Jaime Aquino – Leading San Antonio’s Largest School District – As Superintendent of San Antonio ISD, Dr. Jaime Aquino brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for public education. In this episode, he shares his vision for improving student outcomes, the challenges of leading an urban school district, and how his own journey as an immigrant and educator shapes his leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to create meaningful change in Texas public schools.

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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the future of FEMA and what it means for Texas as disaster relief policies face increasing political scrutiny.

Bob Rivard unpacks the growing debate over federal disaster aid, how FEMA’s role could change under this next administration, and why Texas—prone to hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather—has so much at stake. With climate-driven disasters on the rise, will Texas be prepared if federal support dwindles? And what happens if states are forced to handle disaster relief on their own?

Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of politics, emergency response, and the cost of disaster preparedness in Texas.

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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a look at the humor, storytelling, and resilience behind one of San Antonio’s most recognizable public artists: Gary Sweeney.

We’re joined by Gary Sweeney, a visual artist known for his bold, text-based public art, wit-infused commentary, and unconventional career path. From working as a baggage handler at an airline to creating public art installations across San Antonio, Denver, and beyond, Sweeney’s work blends humor with sharp social observations.

With a career that spans decades—and a few rejected public art proposals along the way—Gary shares his thoughts on what makes public art work, the balance between humor and meaning, and why he kept his airline job for 35 years even while building a name as an artist.

Listen as we explore how art, place, and storytelling collide, what public art reveals about a city’s character, and why San Antonio continues to be a hub for creative voices like Sweeney’s.

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▶ #92: Meet San Antonio’s New Family-Friendly Art Residency – Parts & Labor – In this episode of bigcitysmalltown, we explore how San Antonio is rethinking support for artists with a groundbreaking new residency program designed for those who are also caregivers.

We’re joined by Liz Stehl Kleberg and Meaghan Mitts, the founders of Parts & Labor Residency, a nonprofit in Southtown San Antonio that provides mid-career artists with the time, space, and childcare support they need to balance family life and creative work.

What does it take to make the arts more inclusive and sustainable? How does caregiving shape creative careers? And why is San Antonio leading the way with this new model? Tune in to learn how this program is reshaping artist residencies and building a more supportive arts community.

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This week’s Last Word commentary examines the San Antonio City Council’s failed vote on funding abortion travel, a decision that reflects both the city’s political divide and the larger struggle between state and local governance in Texas.

Bob Rivard breaks down what happened in the council chambers, why the vote failed, and what it signals for San Antonio’s upcoming elections. With abortion access increasingly restricted statewide, this debate raises broader questions: Should cities step in where state laws limit healthcare options? And how will this issue shape the future political landscape in San Antonio?

Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the implications of this vote and the shifting dynamics of local power and state control.

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