Hey Amarillo

A conversation with Libby Lane, owner and designer of Libby Lane leather handbags and accessories, an international business based in Amarillo. Libby grew up in Bushland, attended the Art Institute of Chicago, and now assembles each of her products by hand in Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, she explains how her business began, why the Panhandle is so central to her products' story, and how she found balance and simplicity here after having lived in Chicago and New York. This episode is sponsored by Jimmy John's and Dr. Eddy Sauer.

A conversation with Lara Escobar, the executive director of Amarillo Area CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). Lara lived in El Paso, College Station and Lubbock before coming to Amarillo ten years ago. With host Jason Boyett, she shares about her career in social work and public health, what she discovered upon relocating to Amarillo, and how volunteer advocates can change the life of a child in foster care. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).

A conversation with R. Taylor Moore, a former CIA analyst and operative who now lives in Amarillo as a full-time writer of thriller novels. Taylor grew up in South Texas, traveled the world, and found his way into a decade-long career in intelligence. With host Jason Boyett, he shares how, a few years ago, he arrived in Amarillo "kicking and screaming" but saw that decision change the direction of his life. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Bivins Pointe.

A conversation with Lytton St. Stephen, a mental health case manager and relative newcomer to Amarillo. Lytton arrived less than a year ago from Albuquerque, and it gave them an opportunity to reinvent themselves—and embrace their true identity. With host Jason Boyett, Lytton shares about being gender non-binary, finding community, standing out in a conservative place, and why the city has been so pivotal to their growth. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and the Mani-Camper.

A conversation with Howard Smith, a member of the city council and longtime local Realtor. In the mid-20th century, Howard's family operated the historic Hub Clothiers and he was part owner. He also served aboard the USS Guadalcanal when the U.S. Navy ship was used to recover Apollo 9 astronauts after they landed in the Atlantic. With host Jason Boyett, Howard shares about his career, how he's seen the city change, and why he's still passionate about mountain biking in Palo Duro Canyon. This episode is sponsored by Pesttex, Jimmy Johns and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Julie Ballard, a recent graduate of the REZ program at Faith City Mission. Now a marketing consultant working on the administrative side of this organization, Julie arrived in Amarillo two years ago after decades of fighting addiction and even homelessness—and her struggles weren't over. With host Jason Boyett, she details her harrowing journey and explains how Faith City helps people like her. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty and Cara Hendricks/Edward Jones (806-358-8346).

A conversation with David Ritchie, pastor of Redeemer Christian Church. David comes from a family with deep West Texas roots, and his church community is also historic. Instead of planting a new church from scratch, he "replanted" Redeemer within a struggling, multi-generational church that dated back to the 1920s. With host Jason Boyett, he shares the Redeemer origin story and explains why it's so crucial for church members to find ways to serve the city. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

A conversation with Becca White, owner and designer of M Street Studio, a jewelry and leather goods company based in Amarillo and shipping handmade products all over the world. Becca first learned jewelry-making at Amarillo High School, started her career in Austin and Dallas, and then returned to Amarillo. With host Jason Boyett, she reveals how M Street began, why it has exploded in popularity over the past two years, and how her designs ended up being featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe.

A conversation with Alex O'Brien, a retired professional tennis player, U.S. Open winner, and the former number-one doubles player in the world (2000). Now the President and CEO of BOC Bank, Alex grew up in Amarillo and decided to bring his family back here after retiring from pro tennis. He and host Jason Boyett discuss Alex's tennis career, the unusual history of his bank, and what advantages Amarillo offers over his former home base of Los Angeles. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Eddy Sauer and SKP Creative.

A conversation with Ashley Jourdan, who provides human trafficking prevention and outreach for Family Support Services. Ashley grew up in an itinerant family—spending her first 15 years on the road—and describes Amarillo as the only "home" she's ever had. She and host Jason Boyett discuss her unique upbringing, what human trafficking looks like in the Texas Panhandle, and why it's so vital that she's discovered a powerful, loving community here. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Jimmy John's.