Former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Joe Straus talks about his family's political history in Texas and his own entry into politics. He also discusses the decision he and his wife made to join a Black Lives Matters march in the Terrell Hills community of San Antonio. Speaker Straus also talks about his organization Texas Forever Forward and their work to produce better policy outcomes.

Ryan and Shawn also revel in recording their first episode together (in person) since March 2020. Bro hugs all around.

Jerry Hawkins, Executive Director of Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (DTRHT) join Ryan and Shawn on this episode. DTRHT is part of a national 14-place initiative by The W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Jerry explains the reckoning that's needed in order address the lingering effects of racism, and discusses some of the historical events that still have an impact on Dallas today. Jerry also tells listeners why a trip to Half Price Books could be a first step towards healing.

Jerry on Twitter: @jerryleads

Dallas TRHT on Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram: @dallastrhc

www.dallastrht.org

Dale Long grew up in racially turbulent and thoroughly segregated Birmingham, Alabama. He was in the 16th Street Baptist Church the day it was bombed by Ku Klux Klan members, killing Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair.

Dale recalls his memories from the moment the bomb went off and the events that followed, along with other notable memories from his childhood. Long discusses the legacy of racism and how it persists today, the epiphany he had while looking into Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s eyes, his calling to be a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and so much more.

Dale’s Email: [email protected]

Lynn McBee takes the cake as the first ever returning guest on Deconstructing Dallas. From the MZ Studios Virtual Studios in Cyberspace, Shawn and Ryan speak with Lynn McBee - CEO, Board Chair, biochemist, runner, former Dallas Mayoral candidate, philanthropic extraordinaire, among many other worn hats.

McBee talks about her role as CEO at Young Women's Preparatory Network and what it means to have a school recognized as the #2 school in the state (15th in the nation). She dives into her latest work at EarthX and the millions of viewers across the globe they're reaching weekly. She discusses For Oak Cliff and their recent move and expansion to the former YMCA. And finally, tune in to hear how McBee believes the philanthropic community has rallied, grown and come together to move Dallas forward this past year.

TWEET: @lmcbee4dallas
WRITE: [email protected]
WATCH: EarthXTV.com

From Christian ministry to recent Editorial Writer at The Dallas Morning News, Ryan Sanders shares his journey and life calling to being a writer. Sanders discusses DMN candidate questionnaires and endorsements, working with the editorial board, and the shifts in content creation during a distant and digital year. Sanders is also author of two books, Unbelievable and Now & Then.

And a question for our Dallas listeners: have you voted yet? Be like Shawn, cast a vote and a fishing line! However and wherever you decide, go vote!

Keep in touch with our guest, Ryan Sanders:
Website: theryansanders.com
Twitter: @theryansanders

... And our hosts, Shawn and Ryan:
@rtrimble15
@shawnpwilliams

Trammell S. Crow joins Shawn and Ryan to talk all things EarthX and the environment on Deconstructing Dallas. Trammell tells how he accidentally planned the largest environmental gathering in the world (because everything's bigger in Texas) and how their one-day event grew into a larger global movement. From the unintended impact of COVID extending their reach to addressing significant environmental news on EarthX TV, Trammell talks about his commitment, and personal EarthX style, to tackling environmental issues.

Tune in to EarthX events April 16-25th.

www.EarthX.org

Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble welcome Ollie Chandhok, Market President and Publisher of Dallas Business Journal (DBJ), into the virtual MZ Studios in cyberspace. Ollie dives into data, his views on how the pandemic has changed the way people view news, and that 'Dallas swagger' he's come to love during his time here. As one of the largest business newsrooms in the state of Texas, Ollie discusses his work around diversity, equity and inclusion and what that means for the DBJ.

Tune in for conversation with Shawn, Ryan and Ollie about all things Dallas (Business Journal), and some basketball banter.

Follow Ollie on Twitter @acbjollie

Subscribe and see contact info at dallasbusinessjournal.com

From the virtual MZ Studios in cyberspace, Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble visit with Luis Briones, Texas Public Policy and Government Affairs Director at Airbnb. A South Texas native, Briones is now seeing Dallas through the lens of hosts and visitors throughout the city. He speaks on the reality of ‘party homes’ in short term rentals, hotel occupancy tax, and how Airbnb is helping some hosts buy or stay in their homes.

After almost a year into the global pandemic, the nature of travel is changing, and Airbnb is prepared for what’s next and is ready to meet people where they are and where they’re yearning to go.

In other news, Shawn makes some fun and exciting life announcements. Tune in for life updates and Super Bowl talk with the guys, and to feel inspired to start planning your next COVID-safe getaway.


Twitter: @jluisbriones @airbnb


Meaningful Travel Report: airbnb.com/press



Airbnb Magazine: https://www.airbnb.com/magazine

From the virtual MZ Studios in cyberspace, Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble catch up with former State Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas). Our hosts visit with Rep. Branch on his memories from his first election and the impact of his signature higher education legislation. They also dive into Branch’s work to preserve a critical piece of American history: the site where President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on the tarmac at Dallas Love Field. As the 57th Anniversary of the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy approaches, join Shawn and Ryan for their discussion about this important piece of American history, the peaceful transition of power, even in the face of grave tragedy.

Guest social media:
Twitter: @TexansforDan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texansfordanbranch

Shawn Williams retracing the steps of Lee Harvey Oswald on the streets of Oak Cliff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77apky47Sys

Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble sit down (in the virtual MZ Studios in cyberspace, that is) with Stephanie Keller Hudiburg, Executive Director of the Deep Ellum Foundation. Tune in to hear Stephanie’s take on all things Deep Ellum - from the district’s rich historical roots in blues and jazz, to the economic powerhouse it has become today with over 400 businesses, to it’s recent recognition of a cultural district. Stephanie discusses how she envisions the district preserving its culture while undergoing large developments. She talks scooters, safety and off-duty police officers, and tells us more how Deep Ellum became a canvas for racial justice to local artists the past few months.

Join Shawn and Ryan as they get to know Stepahnie Keller Hudiburg - a recovering political staffer who found her way to Texas - and gain some cool insight into the creative, bustling Deep Ellum that Dallasites know and love.

www.DeepEllumTexas.com
@deepellum