Looking for the perfect outdoor escape in the heart of Houston? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada sits down with Kyle Wolfe, Chief Operating Officer of Hermann Park Conservancy, to explore one of Houston's most iconic and beloved green spaces: Hermann Park.

Kyle walks us through the park's incredible journey since its founding in 1914. He shares how the park has evolved to serve the growing needs of Houstonians, from the creation of The Commons—an award-winning, multi-generational play space—to the restoration of the Reflection Pool and expanded trails and picnic areas.

Listeners will also hear about must-see attractions like the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal boats on McGovern Lake, the carousel, and the Japanese and Centennial Gardens. Kyle also talks about community involvement, volunteer opportunities, and how memberships help support the park's maintenance and programming.

Whether you're planning a peaceful walk, a family picnic, or a fun day out with kids, this episode gives you everything you need to know about enjoying all 445 acres of Hermann Park.

For more info visit: https://hermannpark.org

Key Topics Covered:

• The history and founding of Hermann Park
• How the park connects to the Texas Medical Center
• Hermann Park's master plan and conservancy partnership
• The Commons: gardens, splash features, and play spaces
• The Japanese Garden and McGovern Centennial Gardens
• The Hermann Park Railroad, carousel, and pedal boats
• Miller Outdoor Theatre and community programming
• Volunteer programs and membership perks
• Planning events, picnics, and private celebrations in the park

New episodes drop every Monday!

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Host: Blanca Quezada

Guest: Kyle Wolfe, Chief Operating Officer, Hermann Park Conservancy

Original Air Date: Monday, May 19, 2025

Episode Number: 138

What do a unicorn, a thousand trees, and an ice cream truck have in common? They're all real wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana—a nonprofit that's been bringing hope, strength, and joy to kids with critical illnesses since 1984.

In Episode 137 of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada chats with Shelley Millwee, President & CEO of the local Make-A-Wish chapter. With over 11,000 wishes granted across 47 Texas counties and 64 Louisiana parishes, this inspiring organization creates unforgettable moments for children and their families.

Shelley shares powerful stories—like Aria, who wished to plant 1,000 trees in her neighborhood after a hurricane, and a boy who took over an ice cream truck for a day. Learn how each wish brings joy, healing, and sometimes even laughter when families need it most.

You'll also hear how:

• Children are referred by doctors, hospitals, and even family members
• Volunteers and donors help make the magic happen
• Teens wish for everything from Disney trips to tech, pets, and shopping sprees
• The Young Leaders Board supports wishes through fun events like trivia nights, bingo, and crawfish boils

Want to help grant a wish? Visit https://www.wish.org/texgulf to volunteer, donate, or refer a child.

New episodes drop every Monday!

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Original Air Date: Monday, May 12, 2025

This week on Spotlight Houston, we're rolling back to the most popular episode of Season 3!

Originally released as Episode 122 on January 27, 2025, this fan-favorite features an inspiring and informative conversation with Melody Torno, Development Director for the American Heart Association Houston, and Ally Babineaux, also known as the courageous "Bionic Bride."

You'll learn about the different types of heart disease—from congenital conditions in babies to cardiac arrest and stroke in adults—and how the American Heart Association supports communities through education, research, and advocacy. Melody also shares why CPR training and knowing the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes can be life-saving.

Ally opens up about her powerful journey, including a rare heart condition that led to three heart transplants. She shares the emotional highs and lows of life with donor hearts and her deep connection to her first donor's family.

This episode remains one of our most loved—and for good reason.

• Key topics in today's episode include:
• Types of heart disease and symptoms to watch for
• How CPR and early intervention save lives
• Ally's emotional story of resilience and advocacy
• The role of community events like the Houston Heart Ball in driving change

Want to attend the Houston Heart Ball or learn more? Visit: https://www.heart.org.

New Spotlight Houston episodes drop every Monday!

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Spotlight Houston Show is produced by Story Zone Media.

The audio version of this episode was edited for time. For the extended version of this conversation, please check out this episode 122 on our YouTube channel (shared below): https://youtu.be/oKulIlw-33o?feature=shared

Get ready to fiesta, Houston! This week on Spotlight Houston, we're taking you inside the 2025 Cinco de Mayo East End Street Fest, one of Houston's biggest family-friendly celebrations! Host Blanca Quezada chats with Lupe Olivares, Festival Director, about everything this FREE event has to offer.

Experience live shows from Grammy-winning Sunny Sauceda, the rock-Latin fusion band Del Castillo, and local favorites like Sam Knight and Zenteno Spirit. Dance to ballet folklórico, groove with Aztec dancers, cheer at lucha libre matches, and marvel at a mini Cirque du Soleil-style acrobat show!

Come hungry! Sample Houston's best Mexican food at top restaurants like Ninfa's, El Tiempo, and Merida, or choose from more than 30 food trucks serving up tacos, antojitos, and more.

Find all festival details at: https://www.eastendstreetfest.com.

Start the party early with the Cinco de Mayo Parade Downtown: https://www.lulacd8.com

Key points discussed:

• What makes the East End Cinco de Mayo Festival a can't-miss Houston event
• Live music from Sunny Sauceda, Del Castillo, Sam Knight, and more
• Ballet folklórico, Aztec dancers, mariachis, lucha libre, and circus shows
• Top food from Ninfa's, Merida, El Tiempo, and 30+ food trucks
• Family-friendly activities: kids' zones, artisan vendors, and cultural exhibits
• Festival tips: parking, seating, and what to bring for 2025

New episodes drop every Monday!

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Looking for a vibrant, family-friendly event in the Houston area this spring? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada interviews Stacy Borgfeldt, co-founder of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, about the highly anticipated 2025 Sugar Land Arts and Music Fest.

Taking place April 26–27, 2025, at the Smart Financial Centre Plaza, the Sugar Land Arts and Music Fest brings together the best of visual arts, live music, local food, and cultural activities for all ages. This annual event is one of Fort Bend County's most exciting spring festivals and showcases local talent and community spirit.

Art lovers can explore over 100 juried fine art booths featuring 14 mediums including oil paintings, watercolors, pottery, woodwork, and photography. Festival-goers can also enjoy live artist demonstrations and muralists painting large-scale works themed around the love of music.

Live music plays all weekend on three stages. Headliners include Too Much to Say, a Dave Matthews Band tribute group, jazz musician Vel Lewis, and Yacht Rock USA performing crowd favorites from the '70s to '90s. The festival also features mariachi bands, student choirs, and theatrical performances from local schools.

Local restaurants Escalante's, Baker Street Pub, and Aling's Chinese Bistro will offer curated menus exclusively for the event. Guests can enjoy the wine garden, beer garden, or upgrade to the VIP experience, which includes catered meals and front-row views of the main stage.

Families will love the children's activity zone, featuring an art tent, chalk art mural walls, face painting, and science demos from the City of Sugar Land. Kids under 12 get in free, and parking is free and onsite.

Festival proceeds support youth art and music camp scholarships for underserved students in Fort Bend County. To get tickets, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation, visit: https://www.sugarlandartsfest.com.

Key points discussed:

· 100+ juried fine art booths with live artist demonstrations

· Three music stages with local talent and national tribute acts

· Festival food from locally owned restaurants, plus beer and wine gardens

· Free admission for kids 12 and under

· Children's activity zone with art, face painting, and science demos

· Proceeds fund art and music camp scholarships for local youth

· Festival dates: April 26–27, 2025 at the Smart Financial Centre Plaza

New episodes drop every Monday!

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What happens when someone finally says, "I need help"? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with Celinda Guerra from the Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) about how they help people heal from domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.

HAWC provides free, private help for women, children, and men who are facing abuse. Celinda shares how their team offers emotional support, safe housing, legal aid, and more—so survivors can feel safe and move forward.

HAWC offers 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence and sexual assault. Survivors can talk to trained advocates in English, Spanish, and 140 other languages using interpreters. For those who can't speak safely, a live chat option is available on their website. Support begins the moment someone reaches out.

Once connected, survivors have access to counseling, either one-on-one or in groups, to begin healing from trauma. Legal advocates help with protective orders and explain survivors' rights. Hospital advocates provide support during exams after an assault and even bring clean clothes when needed. HAWC also helps survivors create safety plans tailored to their unique situation.

The organization's economic empowerment program teaches job skills, helps with financial literacy, and connects survivors to resources so they can rebuild independent lives. HAWC supports the whole family—offering child care, parenting classes, and even an on-site HISD school so children stay safe and learning.

HAWC recently opened One Safe Place, a beautiful new housing center with three times more room—offering 360 beds and on-site services to help survivors heal, grow, and thrive.

Don't miss HAWC's Annual Believe Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 PM at the Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St. Registration and social hour start at 11:00 AM. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare will speak at the event. Get tickets and details at: https://hawc.org/believe2025/.

Key points discussed:

• 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence (713-528-2121) and sexual assault (713-528-7273)
• Emergency shelter and transitional housing at their new center, One Safe Place
• Onsite HISD school and childcare
• Counseling and mental health support
• Legal aid and hospital accompaniment
• Economic empowerment programs to help survivors become independent
• Services for LGBTQ+ survivors and survivors with immigration concerns
• New chat feature at https://www.hawc.org for those who can't call safely

New episodes drop every Monday!

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What really happened during the 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with David Avila, Director of Museum Operations at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association, to uncover the true story behind the battle that changed Texas forever.

They explore how General Sam Houston's Texian army surprised Santa Anna's troops, the tough conditions of the battlefield, and the myths people still believe today. David also shares how the San Jacinto Monument was built during the Great Depression and the story behind the 220-ton, 35-foot star on top.

The conversation highlights all the ways families can celebrate the 189th anniversary this year at the San Jacinto Battlefield, including:

• Two live reenactments with historical weapons and uniforms
• Interactive activities like quill-and-ink writing, cannon loading, and soldier dress-up
• A free lecture series featuring Texas history experts
• Family-friendly events like musket and cannon demos, medicine making, and flag crafting
• Guided van tours of the battlefield
• Volunteer opportunities for history lovers of all ages

The big event takes place Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org.

Call 281-479-2431 or email [email protected] for details.

New episodes drop every Monday!

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Would you know what to do if someone stopped breathing? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with Gail Gould, also known as the CPR and Safety Lady. Gail is a nationally certified CPR and first aid instructor who has spent more than 30 years teaching life-saving skills to over 10,000 people in Houston and beyond.

Gail shares how she started her career in CPR training, why she's so passionate about emergency response education, and how everyone—including kids, parents, teachers, and businesses—can benefit from learning CPR. She explains the key difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, and why acting fast with CPR is critical in saving a life.

Gail also talks about real stories from her students who used their CPR and choking relief training in real emergencies. She shares how CPR can help people of all ages, including infants and older adults, and even pets. She also discusses safety tips to help prevent emergencies from happening in the first place—like food safety for children and water safety around pools.

Other topics include how the Good Samaritan law protects people who give CPR, what to do in cases of severe bleeding using Stop the Bleed techniques, how CPR is taught in schools, and the importance of EKG screenings for young athletes.

To learn more about Gail Gould and how to take a CPR or safety training class, visit her website at https://www.cprandsafetylady.com or call 713.364.9438.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between heart attacks and cardiac arrest
• Why fast action is critical in an emergency
• CPR training for adults, teens, and children
• Choking relief for infants, kids, and adults
• Life-saving techniques for pets
• What to do in bleeding emergencies (Stop the Bleed)
• How CPR training saves lives: real student stories
• Good Samaritan law protections
• Risk factors like loneliness and safety tips to prevent emergencies
• EKG screenings and hidden heart conditions in young athletes
• How to get CPR certified in Houston

New episodes drop every Monday!

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Mission to Cure & Support

In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada sits down with Tatyana Chowbay from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to talk about how the organization is fighting to cure blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Tatyana shares the history of LLS, her personal connection to the cause, and how LLS supports both patients and caregivers from diagnosis through treatment.

They cover everything from common symptoms and subtypes of leukemia to what families should ask their doctors. Tatyana explains how LLS helps patients navigate emotional and financial stress, including help with travel, lodging, and copay assistance. She also talks about their caregiver match program, where those new to the journey are connected with people who've been there before.

The episode also dives into the life-saving role of clinical trials and the story of Evan, a young cancer survivor whose life was saved by an LLS-supported trial. You'll hear how LLS works with national partners like Be the Match to find bone marrow and cord blood donors—even internationally—when matches are hard to find.

Tatyana also talks about their Visionaries of the Year campaign, how the public can get involved in fundraising and volunteering, and how local businesses like French Cuff Boutique are stepping up to support the cause.

Visit https://lls.org to learn more about LLS programs and services or call 1-800-955-4572 during business hours.

Key Topics Covered:

• What blood cancers are and how to recognize symptoms
• Treatment options, including chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants
• The importance of clinical trials and how they save lives
• Support programs for patients and caregivers
• How to become a donor or volunteer
• Fundraising through Visionaries of the Year, Big Climb, and Light the Night

New episodes of Spotlight Houston drop every Monday!

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Did you know that Houston has a "Mother"—not just the Allen Brothers? Or that a woman was behind Houston's first fully air-conditioned office building?

In this special Women's History Month episode, historian Mister McKinney joins host Blanca Quezada to share the untold stories of 158 women who shaped Houston in business, law, medicine, arts, philanthropy, education, and more. From Charlotte Baldwin Allen, who donated land for the city's first parks and schools, to Millie Esperson, who changed Houston's skyline, these women's contributions are everywhere—you just need to know where to look!

Want to see history up close? Mister McKinney's Houston History Bus Tour brings these stories to life, taking visitors through historic sites from the 1830s to today—including stops at landmarks shaped by Houston's pioneering women. And great news: the Women's History Tour has been extended through April 2025!

Key Topics Covered:

· Women who built Houston's cultural, educational, and medical institutions

· Charlotte Baldwin Allen: The "Mother of Houston" who shaped the city's foundation

· Millie Esperson: The powerhouse behind Houston's first air-conditioned office building

· The long history of women leading Houston's parks, schools, and libraries

· Where to research more about Houston's historical women

· Behind-the-scenes of the Houston History Bus and its unique, open-air experience

Did you miss Women's History Month? Don't worry! This history is worth learning all year long!

If you would like to take the Women's Historical Tour, you still have time, the tours will be expanded through April 2025. To get more details about this tour or upcoming tours or make a reservation contact Mister McKinney directly at (713) 364-8674 or www./mistermckinney.com.

New episodes drop every Monday!

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