This week on Ensemble Texas, we visit Mission San Juan, where the San Antonio Food Bank is farming the future on Texas’ oldest farmland. In this episode, we dive into how the Food Bank has transformed 50 acres of historic farmland into a hub for sustainability and innovation. Led by Mitch Hagney, the Food Bank’s Director of Food Sustainability, this effort combines ancient agricultural techniques with modern solutions to combat food insecurity and climate challenges.

We explore how resilient crops like nopal cactus, figs, and amaranth are being cultivated to address hunger today and build a more sustainable future for San Antonio. Mitch also sheds light on the historical significance of Mission San Juan, the acequias that irrigate the fields, and the powerful lessons this land holds for future generations.

If you’re curious about sustainable agriculture, the power of community partnerships, and what it means to cultivate resilience in a rapidly growing city, this episode is for you.

Learn more about the San Antonio Food Bank’s initiatives at safoodbank.org.

Full Transcript and Show Notes Available Visit podcast.ensembletexas.com for more resources and information.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome to Ensemble Texas  
01:15 - San Antonio Food Bank's mission to combat food insecurity  
03:45 - Farming Texas’ oldest land at Mission San Juan  
07:30 - Resilient crops: nopal, figs, and amaranth  
10:20 - Lessons from the acequias: Historic irrigation for modern challenges  
13:10 - Building a sustainable food system for San Antonio  
16:25 - Volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank farm  
18:45 - The intersection of history, sustainability, and community  
21:05 - What it means to “eat your region”  
23:30 - Final thoughts and how to get involved  

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

This week on Ensemble Texas, we’re joined by Eric Cooper, the visionary leader and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. With over 23 years of experience transforming the landscape of food security, Eric has been instrumental in fostering holistic community support across San Antonio and beyond.

In this episode, Eric Cooper shares his inspiring journey and the San Antonio Food Bank’s mission to serve 100,000 households each week. 

We discuss the collaborative efforts between donors, volunteers, and strategic partners in addressing not only food security but broader systemic issues like housing, education, and employment. Eric sheds light on the organization's partnerships, including Alamo Colleges, showcasing how collective action can bolster community resilience and support upward mobility.

Learn more about the San Antonio Food Bank's initiatives at safoodbank.org.

Full Transcript and Show Notes Available Visit podcast.ensembletexas.com for more resources and information.

***

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Partnering with local pantries to address food insecurity.

05:57 High rent leaves families choosing bills or food.

07:33 Feed immediate needs; enable self-sufficiency simultaneously.

10:19 Improved policies increased SNAP usage, benefiting families.

15:04 Food banking trend reduces US food waste.

18:29 Equitable health access overcomes ZIP code barriers.

19:53 Serving others selflessly makes you a superhero.

23:26 San Antonio offers humanitarian aid amidst immigration challenges.

27:21 Essential employment elements requiring government or charity.

31:55 Secure San Antonio through food, housing, education, employment.

34:24 San Antonio Food Bank: hunger, equity, compassion, opportunity.

***

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of deconstruction and circular economy in San Antonio with our incredible guest, Stephanie Phillips. 🌿

San Antonio is leading the charge as the largest city in North America with a deconstruction ordinance, and it's revolutionizing how we think about waste and building materials. Instead of demolishing buildings and sending tons of valuable materials to landfills, deconstruction allows us to reclaim high-quality resources like old-growth wood, bricks, and more—turning waste into opportunities for reuse.

Stephanie shares her passion for embodied carbon, historic preservation, and how we can build communities around reuse rather than landfills. We also explore the challenges of scaling deconstruction, the environmental impact of traditional demolition, and the transformative power of rethinking waste in our city.

Together, we’ll learn how deconstruction creates more jobs, boosts the local economy, and contributes to a more sustainable future. If you're curious about how San Antonio is turning old into new, this episode is for you. Let’s explore how we can build a circular city, one deconstruction at a time.

RESOURCES:

⚫ Follow our guest, Stephanie Phillips, on LinkedIn here or check out her organization, Circular San Antonio

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

What if the heart and soul of your favorite city could vanish right before your eyes, only to be replaced by a landscape of luxury and modernity? Join me, Cory Ames, on a journey through Austin, Texas's dramatic transformation from its legendary music and countercultural roots to the rise of high-end development exemplified by Music Lane. 

This episode, "From Armadillo World Headquarters to Athleisure World Headquarters," takes a closer look at how Austin's once vibrant culture is evolving and what this means for cities like San Antonio that are on the verge of similar change.

Walking you through my personal experiences and observations, we'll peel back the layers of new developments like Music Lane, a 163,000 square foot haven for the athleisure elite, and discuss how these changes are reshaping Austin's identity. Learn about the motivations behind these shifts, as we explore perspectives from developers like Turnbridge Equities and their impact on the local community. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the intersection of heritage and progress, and what insights San Antonio can draw from Austin's ongoing evolution.

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

In this enriching episode of Ensemble Texas 🎙️, host Cory Ames sits down with Tom Corser to delve into the visionary plans for the Arboretum San Antonio.

Join us as Tom takes us through the master planning and development process of the arboretum, stressing the importance of public input and the involvement of top-tier collaborators like the Sasaki company. Discover the exciting features planned for the 188-acre site, located on the former Republic Golf Course, including a grand amphitheater, a historical oak tree, and the essential water resources running through Salado Creek.

Tom dives deep into the benefits of green infrastructure, from mitigating urban heat islands to controlling flooding, and details the phased development approach designed to balance growth with natural preservation. He also emphasizes the vital role of the community in shaping this green space, outlining the various ways to get involved.

Listen in to learn about their ambitious goals for financial sustainability, educational programming, and ensuring equitable green spaces for all. Don't miss the chance to be part of a legacy that will enhance San Antonio's environmental landscape for generations to come.

**Tune in for insights, inspiration, and ways you can contribute to building a greener, healthier San Antonio.**

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

Ever wondered how a city's natural treasure can be rejuvenated to its former glory? Join us as we sit down with Charles Blank, executive director of RiverAid San Antonio, to reveal the essential blueprints for a cleaner, swimmable, and fishable San Antonio River. We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on the vital roles of community participation, cutting-edge technical expertise, and solid infrastructure investments. Charles takes us through the river's rich history and ecological importance, illustrating its significance as a lifeline for the city's identity.

Get inspired by the heartfelt commitment of local San Antonio residents who are rolling up their sleeves to protect their beloved waterways. We explore childhood memories of fishing and outdoor adventure that fuel this passion, driving the impactful efforts of organizations like RiverAid San Antonio (RASA). Discover their hands-on initiatives like volunteer cleanups and public education campaigns aimed at reducing litter and promoting green infrastructure. You'll be moved by the emotional rewards volunteers experience as they witness tangible improvements in their local environment.

Lastly, dive deep into the strategic and collaborative actions necessary for sustainable waterway management. Charles Blank shares his vision for tackling pressing issues like E. coli contamination and sediment overloads through collective action and strategic partnerships. Learn about the logistics behind successful cleanup events and the crucial role of volunteerism in alleviating the burden on local government resources. 

Together, we'll reimagine a future where the San Antonio River Basin thrives, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come.

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...

In the words of former Mayor Henry Cisneros, Texas, and San Antonio specifically are at a moment of “unprecedented and unstoppable growth.” We’ve all become familiar with the story of cities, even within our own state, becoming victims of their own success. 

I’m creating this show, Ensemble Texas because I know San Antonio has the potential to do it differently. San Antonio can grow in a different, better way.  

Ensemble Texas is a show about how (not if) San Antonio grows differently—rebuking the old models of growth at any cost and growth for growth’s sake. By exploring the environmental, economic, and cultural past, present, and future of this city, the region, and the state, this show connects San Antonians to a vision of growth for San Antonio’s sake. 

While breaking news and divisiveness scream so loud that it can feel like all we hear—San Antonians need to hear the stories that teach, inspire, and energize but whisper of the people, places, and progress that have and will make for a more resilient, and thriving San Antonio. 

This show is a conversation about how we address the challenges of the city’s past and present to capture and enjoy the opportunity for a more resilient, abundant, and even more storied future for all of San Antonio. 

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: 

📼 - https://youtu.be/YRLeq-HogfU

EPISODE PAGE: 

💻 - https://podcast.ensembletexas.com/TRAILER/

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory lives in San Antonio with his wife and two kids. He enjoys working in the garden, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texas? Reach out via L...