Downtown Tyler is buzzing with change! In the latest Roses & Weeds episode, host Sage Sowels and guests Amber Varona, Lindsey Froneberger, and Haleigh Franck with the Main Street team share what’s taking shape through the Downtown Improvement Project, the stories behind local favorites like Liberty Hall, and how the City is keeping Tyler’s charm while building its future.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, host Sage Sowels sits down with Craig O’Daniel, the Director of the Tyler Film Festival, and judges Shadai Perez and Becca Hale to discuss everything related to the festival. Scheduled for September 12 & 13, the event promises to be an incredible celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. 

This week's episode was recorded in a unique location: Shadai's Downtown Tyler studio, Lightbox Collective, instead of our usual podcast studio. This setting adds an extra creative spark to the conversation.

Grab your tickets now at TylerFilmFest.com! Attendees will not only enjoy an amazing lineup of films but will also receive free beer courtesy of True Vine Brewing Company, delicious catering from Heritage ETX, and free popcorn throughout the festival.

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Tyler’s premier cultural events. See you at the movies!

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Adriana Rodriguez sit down with Tyler Area Business Education Council Executive Director LaToya Young and City of Tyler Parks Director Leanne Robinette to discuss the upcoming 12th Annual #SchoolisCool event! It's a free, family-friendly back-to-school celebration happening Aug. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden and W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.

LaToya and Leanne share what makes this event a staple in the community. From free backpacks filled with school supplies to haircuts, vaccinations, and eye exams, all are at no cost to families! Parents can get vouchers on-site to pick up supplies (kids must be present), while kids can enjoy various games and booths packed with resources and fun.

Whether you're a parent, volunteer, or love seeing your community come together, this is one episode (and event) you don't want to miss!

In this episode, we talk about:
Tyler Tomorrow - Our Comprehensive Plan

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we sit down with Shonda Marsh, the newly elected City Council member representing District 3 in Tyler. Shonda shares her journey from a career in healthcare to serving her community at City Hall. She opens up about her family, the values that shaped her, and the mentors who inspired her to run for office. Join us as we get to know the person behind the title and hear her hopes for the future of District 3 and All of Tyler. 

In this episode, we talk about:
A Partnership for Mental Health

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Warren, Assistant City Manager Heather Nick, and David Jones from Freese and Nichols to discuss the City of Tyler's new Comprehensive Plan. This strategic roadmap is designed to guide Tyler’s growth over the next 20 years, updating the original Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan from 2007. Listen now to hear how we're creating a shared vision for Tyler that supports smart growth and embraces new opportunities.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this special episode, we sat down with Mayor Don Warren and City Manager Ed Broussard for a candid conversation about Mayor Warren’s time in office. They discuss the projects that will drive the continued growth in Tyler,  the partnerships that helped move the City forward, and the foundational work laid for the next mayor and all of Tyler. 

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we highlight a critical but often overlooked part of city planning and public safety: stormwater, drainage and erosion control. These systems play a vital role in protecting homes, roads and the environment — yet they often go unnoticed until problems arise.

City of Tyler Development Services Engineering Manager Darrel Kotzur and Stormwater Management and Environmental Compliance Engineer Paul Neuhaus join the conversation to explain how these systems work, why they matter and what the City is doing to address related challenges. From infrastructure protection and flood prevention to erosion management and environmental stewardship, they provide a comprehensive look at the City's ongoing efforts.

Tune in to learn how the City is managing stormwater — and why it matters to everyone in our community.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Payton Weidman and Sage Sowels sit down with Catherine Cromer, the statewide coordinator of TxDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program, and Casey Williams, the Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator. Together, they explore the Adopt-a-Highway program's rich history and how Tyler played a key role in its origins.

As the program celebrates a major anniversary, our guests share exciting upcoming events and initiatives designed to honor its legacy and encourage community participation. Plus, we dive into the story of Keep Tyler Beautiful’s founding and its ongoing mission to keep our city’s roads and green spaces clean and inviting. Tune in for the discussion on how volunteerism, sustainability, and civic pride continue to shape our community!

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses and Weeds, hosts Julie Goodgame and Adriana Rodriguez welcome Leroy Sparrow, Director of Solid Waste, and Casey Williams, Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator, to discuss the current state of recycling in Tyler following the devastating fire that destroyed the Rivers Recycling Center in Kilgore.

Leroy provides insights into the challenges faced by the city's recycling efforts in the wake of this crisis, while Casey highlights the available programs and initiatives aimed at helping Tyler residents continue their recycling practices. Together, they explore the importance of community engagement in sustainability and share tips for effective recycling. Tune in to learn how Tyler is adapting and how you can make a difference in your backyard!

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Adriana Rodriquez and Sage Sowels are joined by Todd Lestage and Joe Barboza, who oversee the City of Tyler's three historic cemeteries. Together, they uncover the rich history behind each site, share what it takes to maintain these resting places, and highlight the unique stories that make them special. Tune in for an enlightening conversation behind the scenes of the three City-owned cemeteries—it's an episode you won't want to miss!

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.