FORTitude FW Podcast

Emmet Smith tackles Fortitude. Yes, the original and 95 year old retired organist for TCU invites us into his home. From his arrival at TCU in 1950 to playing for over 2600 weddings and nearly as many funerals, Emmet has some stories you wont believe. The man even built an organ in his house, which he pulls out all the stops for us. Emmet details his years in FW and the people he influenced and music he made. If you've never heard the name, welcome to Earth. This Emmet is a Hall of Famer for sure

Markus Kypreos, founder of Blackland Distillery, tends the Fortitude bar. This former attorney, turned chef, turned sommelier, and now distiller, Markus, a local, shares how he created one of FW's fastest growing brands. Looking for a great time, Blackland Distillery reigns as one of city's coolest bars, best distillery's, and best date spots. A fantastic look into the world of alcohol from a hellava cool guy. He even lets us try the juice. Cheers!

Chann McRae, former professional road cyclist, current cop for Austin PD, and now, new Director for Roxo Racing, Fort Worth's newest professional women's cycling team. McRae raced with powerhouse pro teams Mapei, Mercury-Viatel, and US Postal, where he raced alongside the sport's giants. His successes in the sport accompany a fascinating career. As director of new pro women's team, Roxo Racing, McRae sets his sights on podiums across the US, then the world. If you're a fan of cycling, sports, amazing athletes, or inspiring people, please check out this Fortitude episode. Chann McRae does not disappoint!

Marshall Harris, artist extraordinaire, joins Fortitude for a big/little culture lesson. Harris, a former TCU football Hall of Famer turned NFL'er, discovered early on that he had a unique talent for creating art. His creativity bore the legendary Flying TCU logo and we hear the story behind it. His incredible photo-realistic graphite drawings have drawn the attention of collectors worldwide and have garnered him awards o'plenty. He earned accolades for his realistic saddle drawings, but Harris is much broader in scope. Harris details his recent artist residency/mentor project in Paris, France, which changed his life. If you are looking to be wowed, this episode deserves your attention. Let's go art!

Who's Watching The Judges? FW Weekly staff writer, Eddie Brown joins Fortitude to detail his lengthy investigation into judicial misconduct involving several of Tarrant County's top judges. Have more than 200 people been convicted of crimes and incarcerated by an ineligible judge? In this interview, Brown names names and outlines an alarming trend in the Tarrant County judicial system of utilizing retired judges or "personal friends" to preside over cases in which they are legally not qualified to do. The implications are tremendous and begs the question, Who is Watching the Judges? Your tax dollars have a right to know.

Jonathan Mak joins Fortitude, The Cliburn Series, Episode 3. At the age of 3, Jonathan wasn't like other kids. His orchestral debut the following year launching a life at the piano. A Toronto native, Mak, an avid chamber musician, has studied at CIM and Yale under some of their legendary teachers. He is headed to Rice University to begin his doctoral studies. Mak's talent has won him multiple gold medals on the international stage, soloed with several notable orchestras, and given recitals across the world. Mak details his time at the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition, his experience in Fort Worth, and music in general. We also look into his first round performance at  the Cliburn. Enjoy this incredible talent!

Linnik, 27, Belarus, began playing at age 7, launching a career that has seen him play globally, win multiple pianistic competitions, and most recently compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. (Add Cliburn tag)  The supremely talented Linnik (Denis Linnik tag) talks music, the Cliburn, Fort Worth, shows off his talent on the piano as well as the mechanical bull. Remember his name. Linnik will impact the classical music world. #Beautifulmusic

Arseniy Gusev, The Cliburn Series, composer/pianist tickles the Fortitude ivories.   Arseniy, 23, comes to us from St. Petersburg, Russia, but has been living in Cleveland for the last 4 years attending the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He was one of 30 worldwide competitors chosen to compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. Music found him at an early age and he has since dedicated his life to it. The uber talented pianist and composer shares his life, his talent, his Cliburn experience, his future, and his prospective on the Ukrainian situation. His performances and composition span the globe and he will surely be force to recon with in the classical music world. Additionally, he exhibits his talent on the piano for you to enjoy!