Plano Podcast

We introduced you to Plano resident Phil Pollacia in Episode 37 | Launch last year. On this historic 50th anniversary of the NASA Apollo 11 Mission- we give you more from that interview and more detail about his hand in the space program. This special Plano Podcast Extra goes in depth with Pollacia and shares facts about the Apollo Mission.

The story of Greg Matthews Wild Awakening is more that meets the eye. All his life, Greg J. Matthews felt the need to prove himself as a man — until a horrifying, near-death encounter with a grizzly bear put him on the path to healing. Hear this Plano resident’s amazing story, and why he wrote the book Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart.

Greg's story was featured on the Animal Planet "I Was Prey" series, Season Two Episode Six.

Money from developers, endorsements from Governor Abbott and a Midland-based PAC working behind the scenes.  Why are so many outside influences involved in Plano’s elections? Who’s pulling the strings and why? Three political consultants with experience ranging from local to statewide elections help us look for answers.

You and the New England Patriots just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next? If you’re Rex Burkhead, you’re going to Plano! Find out what brings Rex back home to Plano and how you can help him help kids with brain cancer, at Team Jack TRIFECTA.

In affluent Plano … do we really have homeless folks? We tagged along for the annual census of the homeless in Collin County to find out. Plus, we met the volunteers who serve the homeless when the weather turns cold and talked with Plano ISD’s liaison to homeless students and their families. Plus, a success story: Ron Bultongez, former resident of Plano’s shelter for homeless teens, and now a rising musical star.

LAUNCH! That’s our theme this episode, taking you on a journey into new horizons. Meet Plano resident Phil Pollacia who played a key role in the early days of NASA’s space program - and two women launching the Plano pickleball craze. Finally, we take you behind the scenes at North Texas Performing Arts - as one of us attempts to launch their community acting career in Scrooge- the Musical.

In India, Diwali is like Christmas, Thanksgiving Halloween and New Year all rolled into one big holiday. It’s kind of a big deal in Plano, too, for our 23,000 South Asian residents. We talked to five Plano residents to learn more about the Festival of Lights.

Dylan Rafaty is on a mission in Plano and across Texas to boost awareness of people with disabilities. A Plano ISD graduate, hear what he’s up to and why this millennial is so passionate about inclusivity, in this Plano Podcast Voices episode.

When it comes to school safety, how secure are Plano ISD schools? We take an in-depth look at what school and police officials are doing to keep kids safe, and meet some dads who are pitching in to help. Plus, mum’s the word for our curiosity, a look at a homecoming tradition.

To celebrate back to school- we re-introduce you to Keishon Ireland. He's the 2018 Plano ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year- and a great reason to be excited to get back to school.