Hey Amarillo

Rachael Edwards, a prolific and deeply respected Amarillo artist, passed away on April 15, 2020. She originally appeared as a guest on this podcast in June 2019. In this new episode, host Jason Boyett interviews Amarillo residents Karen Welch, Colin Cummings and Nannette Pilcher about Rachael's life and legacy, followed by a re-release of part of Rachael's original interview from last year. Learn more about her career and see some of her work at rachaeledwardswithpaint.com.

"I'm just very proud to be part of Amarillo ISD right now." With Gov. Greg Abbott having announced that Texas schools won't reopen this spring, we look at how the school district has adapted to meet needs during the crisis. Julie Huntley (South Georgia Elementary) and Kisaundra Harris (Tascosa High School) share teachers' perspectives on distance learning. Director of Child Nutrition Matt Buck explains how AISD continues to feed vulnerable kids. And Director of Counseling Tracey Morman details efforts to support 32,000 students across 55 schools. These interviews were recorded April 17, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.

"Everything shifted when we started staying home." First, Jason Boyett checks in with Angelina Marie. Then the show features three conversations about opportunity in the midst of trials. Homeschooling veteran Careese Wood advises parents who suddenly find themselves managing a "classroom." Crossfit 806 owner Kyle Cato shares how his gym and community have gone virtual. And WTAMU marketing professor Dr. Nick Gerlich speculates what business might look like on the other side of the pandemic. These interviews were recorded prior to April 16, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

"We've had to make adjustments to everything we do." A tale of two cities: In this episode, the city managers of Amarillo and Canyon discuss their actions in response to the pandemic. What is each city doing to minimize risk for employees and residents? What's happening behind the scenes of the public communication? Are citizens following the stay-at-home orders? Guests are Jared Miller (Amarillo) and Joe Price (Canyon). These interviews were recorded prior to April 13, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.

"Everyone is taking it seriously." Recent episodes have detailed the pandemic's impact in Amarillo, but what about Amarillo people who live elsewhere? This episode tells the stories of COVID-19 in other cities as we check in with former locals who now live across the country. Guests are Micha Boyett-Hohorst (San Francisco), Tom Patterson (New York City), Natalie Schlabs (Nashville) and Jonathan Baker (Portland, Maine). These interviews were recorded on April 8, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's.

"The local banks have been wonderful." COVID-19 cases are rising slowly in Amarillo as business seek a safety net and families deal with financial uncertainty. These interviews were recorded prior to April 6, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Vicki Wilmarth (Wright Wilmarth Byrd PLLC), Matt Morgan (Amarillo Area Foundation), Paige Jones (Fresh Paige Counseling) and Chris Seals (Still Austin). This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer (Shemen Dental).

"It's a patchwork-quilt effort." As Amarillo stays at home, the City has opened up drive-through COVID-19 testing. Local businesses continue shifting to meet needs and manage a public health crisis. These interviews were recorded on April 1, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Casie Stoughton (Amarillo Public Health), David Prescott (Talon/LPE), Dr. Kristina Drumheller (WTAMU) and Cullen Lutz (Panhandle PBS). This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.

"We have to be ready to help them." Local families are feeling the impact of job losses and a transformed economy as the nation battles Coronavirus outbreaks. These interviews were recorded on or prior to March 29. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Zack Wilson (High Plains Food Bank), Dr. Kirk Coury (Amarillo Endodontics), Benton Allen & Trent Kelly (BTG Products/WTAMU), and Bobby Lee (The Big Texan). Complete the podcast demographic survey here.

"We are prepared for it." As Coronavirus infections begin to increase in Amarillo, local people discuss the impact on hospitals, grocery stores, churches and education. These interviews were recorded on or prior to March 25. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Dr. Brian Weis (Northwest Texas Hospital), Ken and Jarrett Copheranham (Fiesta Foods), Pastor Manny de los Santos (Power Church) and Anna Kay Reeves. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.

"If you can, you do." This episode features short interviews with Amarillo people about what things look like right now in the city due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Interviews were recorded the afternoon of Sunday, March 22. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Charles D'Amico (Jimmy John's), Lytton St. Stephen (Panhandle COVID-19 Home Help), Katie & Seth Wieck (Wieck Realty, Boys Ranch), and Robin Brewton (Carson Wealth). This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.