Spool

In this episode of Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with entrepreneur, podcast host, and Ramax Development Managing Partner Steve Ramona. From renewable energy and smart cities to interviewing more than 100 entrepreneurs and founders, Steve shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, business, and connection. Together, they explore why the best relationships are built on trust and purpose, turning networking from something transactional into something truly transformational.

In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. Leon Ben to discuss his lifelong work with Apache communities in Arizona and the powerful connection between culture, education, and leadership. Dr. Ben shares how his own upbringing shaped his resilience and explains how community involvement helps create an education system that reflects the values, needs, and future of its students.

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In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Leesa and Gary Price to discuss the vision behind the Statue of Responsibility. Leesa, Senior Vice President of the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, and Gary, world-renowned sculptor, author, and creator of the statue’s design, share the story behind the monument inspired by Viktor Frankl’s belief that freedom must be paired with responsibility. Together, they explore the statue’s mission, its meaning, and why responsibility matters more than ever today.

In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with iconic artist and illustrator Mary Engelbreit to discuss her journey from sharing her artwork locally to building a $100 million creative brand. Mary reflects on how getting her art in front of people early helped launch her career, the power of authenticity, and what it takes to turn creativity into a lasting business.

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Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Earl Young, Olympic gold medalist, world record holder, author, and leukemia survivor. Earl shares how a childhood hero, Bobby Morrow, helped lead him to Abilene Christian University and ultimately to the Olympics, where he set a world record and won gold. In this inspiring conversation, he reflects on faith, perseverance, and his book Gold and Grace.

Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, about his 42 year journey with the organization. Starting as a counselor and rising to CEO, Curt reflects on leadership, service, and the YMCA’s vital role in strengthening communities and supporting generations of families.

Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Museum of Art in Arlington, Texas, about the museum’s spectacular new venue and how art is shaping cities. They discuss the value art museums bring to communities, their role as the heart and soul of a city, and why cultural tourism now makes up more than half of museum visitors and is a key function of a thriving community.

Dr. Nils Roemer is joined by Dr. Regina Faden, CEO of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, an institution founded by 16 women. Regina shares her journey from graduate school to museum leadership, her lifelong interest in museums, and how she works with historians to bring history into the museum’s mission.