In Episode 2 of The Upside, we’re talking about something everyone is experiencing right now Back to School! 🎒📚

In this short mini episode, Jeff talks about why back-to-school season feels a little different here in Stephenville than it does in most communities.

Sure, some things stay the same more traffic, new beginnings, changing routines, and everyone getting settled back in. But here in Stephenville, back to school also means welcoming thousands of college students back as Tarleton State University comes to life for another semester. 💜

That might mean even more traffic, longer lines, and a little more chaos around town… but there’s always an upside.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 2 of The Upside now to hear Jeff’s take on Back to School and why this time of year is so important for Stephenville.

Todd Whitten: Building Tarleton Football | Connecting the Dots Ep. 16

On Episode 16 of Connecting the Dots, we sit down with Tarleton State Football Head Coach Todd Whitten to talk about his coaching journey, the growth of Tarleton Football, and what it takes to build a winning culture.

Coach Whitten shares stories from throughout his career, his connection to Stephenville and Tarleton State, the evolution of the Texans’ football program, and the people and experiences that have helped shape his approach to leadership.

We also dive into the transition and growth of Tarleton Athletics, memorable moments from his time on the sidelines, and what continues to motivate him as the Texans look toward the future.

If you’re a Tarleton fan, college football fan, or someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind successful programs and leaders, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more episodes of Connecting the Dots.

Episode 15 of Connecting the Dots features Stephenville ISD Superintendent Eric Cederstrom.

In this conversation, Eric shares his path into education, what led him to Stephenville, and what it takes to lead a growing school district. We talk about the challenges facing public education, the importance of supporting teachers and students, the future of Stephenville ISD, and what makes this community such a unique place to live, learn, and lead.

Eric also gives us a look at leadership from the superintendent’s seat and the responsibility that comes with helping shape the future of thousands of students.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or just someone who cares about the future of Stephenville, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Connecting the Dots for more conversations with the people helping shape Stephenville and the surrounding community.

#connectingthedots #EricCederstrom #StephenvilleISD #Stephenville #education #leadership #podcast

What started as an idea to share meaningful conversations has grown into something bigger than we ever expected.

To every guest who has sat down with us, every person who has watched, shared, commented, or supported Connecting the Dots.

And hitting 254,000 feels especially fitting for a podcast built right here in the 254.

We’re grateful for how far this has come, and we’re excited for what’s next.

Thank you for 254,000 views. 🎙️

#ConnectingTheDotsPodcast #254 #stephenvilletx #podcast #thankyou

In Episode 14 of Connecting the Dots, Jeff Sandford sits down with accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, and visionary Cathy Bonner.

Cathy’s career has included serving in Governor Ann Richards’ cabinet as Director of the Texas Department of Commerce, leading major organizations in both the public and private sectors, and helping create programs that have developed generations of women leaders. Fortune Magazine even recognized her as one of America’s most influential women entrepreneurs.

Today, Cathy is helping write a new chapter in Stephenville through the redevelopment of the Interstate Inn and The Seeker. In this conversation, Cathy shares lessons from her remarkable career, the importance of bold leadership, and what inspired her family to invest in preserving and reimagining a special piece of Stephenville.

This episode is about entrepreneurship, community, leadership, and seeing potential where others may not.

Subscribe to Connecting the Dots for more conversations with the people and ideas shaping Stephenville.

#ConnectingTheDots #CathyBonner #StephenvilleTX #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #EconomicDevelopment #InterstateInn

Introducing The Upside, a new series from Naylor House Productions focused on finding the encouraging side of today’s biggest stories.

In a world where the news can often feel negative or overwhelming, The Upside looks for the progress, people, and possibilities that deserve more attention. Each episode takes a current topic and offers a fresh perspective without ignoring the challenges, but choosing to highlight what gives us hope.

Welcome to The Upside.

Coach Sterling Doty joins us on this episode of Connecting the Dots to share his journey through football, leadership, and his return home to Stephenville.

From playing college football at the University of Houston to becoming a head coach and rebuilding the program at Magnolia High School, Coach Doty has experienced the game from several different perspectives. He discusses what brought him back to Stephenville, the responsibility of leading the Yellow Jackets, and the culture and expectations that come with representing the City of Champions.

Coach Doty also shares stories from his playing and coaching career, his approach to developing young athletes, and the importance of building relationships that go beyond the football field.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Connecting the Dots for more conversations with the people who make an impact on Stephenville.

#ConnectingTheDots #Stephenville #CityOfChampions #YellowJacketFootball #TexasHighSchoolFootball #CoachSterlingDoty

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we sit down with Eric Haut, the new Tarleton Men’s Basketball Head Coach.

Coach Haut shares more about his journey in coaching, stepping into a new program, and the importance of building the right culture from the start. He talks about two of the biggest priorities when taking over a program scheduling and recruiting while also giving insight into what fans can expect as Tarleton prepares to begin play in early November.

Coach Haut also shares stories from his playing days, including a great story about his former teammate Antonio Gates, and reflects on the support and sacrifice of his wife throughout his coaching journey.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people helping shape Stephenville and Tarleton State.

New segment. New perspective.
Welcome to The Upside
Where we take the headlines, the culture, and the conversations happening across the country and look for the good.
In our first mini episode, we’re talking American pride, ranch dressing, and the little things that bring people together.
Because sometimes, the upside is closer than we think.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we sit down with Kasey Mock to hear more about his journey, how he got started, and what eventually brought him to Stephenville.

Kasey shares stories about business, family, hunting, and the values that have shaped him along the way. From building a life in Stephenville to raising a family in a community focused on quality and culture, this conversation gives a great look into who Kasey is and why he calls Stephenville home.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people who help make Stephenville special.