Back-to-school season means new schedules, fall sports…and inevitably, a few illnesses and injuries along the way. But when your child is sick or gets hurt, how do you know when to wait it out, call the pediatrician, head to urgent care, or go straight to the ER?

In this episode of The Bubble Lounge, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Allen and Dr. Larry Pettit of Advance ER to answer the questions parents are actually asking this time of year.

We talk about the illnesses that tend to show up once kids are back in school, what symptoms parents shouldn't ignore, ER vs. urgent care, concussions and common sports injuries, heat-related illness, and the warning signs that mean it's time to seek emergency care.

It's practical, straightforward advice from two experienced emergency physicians designed to help parents feel more confident making those "Do we need to go in?" decisions.

This is one you'll want to save for the school year.

This episode is a sponsored podcast feature in partnership with Advance ER

To learn more and to contact Advance ER click here

Advance ER Park Cities: (214) 494-8222

Advance ER Preston Hollow/Galleria: (214) 247-7909

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

In honor of National Tequila Day, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations with Pablo Antinori, co-founder of Socorro Tequila, one of Dallas' most exciting success stories.

What started as an idea among friends during the pandemic has grown into an award-winning tequila brand that's now served on American Airlines flights and enjoyed across the country. But behind the bottles is an even better story about friendship, taking risks, building a business from the ground up, and giving back to the community.

We talk about how Socorro got its start, the challenges of breaking into one of the most competitive industries out there, and, of course, share plenty of laughs, tequila tips, and behind-the-scenes stories along the way.

Whether you're hearing this episode for the first time or giving it another listen, it's the perfect way to celebrate National Tequila Day. 

So pour yourself a margarita (or your favorite tequila cocktail), sit back, and enjoy. Cheers!

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

The proposed move of The Compass School of Texas to Northway Christian Church has become one of the biggest community conversations in the Park Cities.

In this episode, Boone Elementary and Northway Christian Day School parent Katelyn Clinton shares why many neighbors have concerns about the proposed zoning change, traffic, pedestrian safety, and where the process stands today.

My goal is to help our community better understand the issues by hearing directly from those involved. Representatives from The Compass School of Texas and Northway Christian Church have also been invited to share their perspectives.

Please share this episode with anyone who wants to better understand this important community conversation. 

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

After my last episode on the DART vote, some of you wanted to keep the conversation going so today I’m joined by Peter Young, who is leading the “Yes for DART” campaign and is involved with the Dallas Area Transit Alliance. He shares his perspective as we continue to break down what this vote means for both University Park and Highland Park.

As always, my goal is to make this easier to understand so you can feel informed heading into the polls.

Resources to learn more:
University Park TX Transit

DART Special Elections Page

Dallas County Elections Page

Town of Highland Park DART Transportation Information

Notice of Special Election - Town of Highland Park

Early Voting

Early Voting Dates and Times:

• Monday, April 20, 2026:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 2026: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 26: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Monday and Tuesday, April 27-28, 2026: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day 

Election Day:  Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Today we’re talking about the upcoming DART vote in the Park Cities — and this is one of those topics that a lot of us feel like we kind of understand, but maybe don’t fully.

At first glance, it sounds simple: stay in DART or leave. But as I started digging into it, it became clear that this is about so much more than a bus route.

This vote impacts both University Park and Highland Park, and it really comes down to a few key things:

•  how much each city is paying into DART 
•  what services are actually being used 
•  what happens if a city decides to withdraw 
•  and whether that 1% sales tax would immediately come back to the city (spoiler: it’s not that simple) 

I’m joined by a University Park City Council member who helps break this down in a way that actually makes sense. We talk through the financial side, what services are included beyond the bus, and who would be affected if things change.

We also get into some of the biggest misconceptions out there right now — because this is one of those issues where it’s really easy to oversimplify.

Whether you’re in UP or HP, this is something worth understanding before heading to the polls in May.

Resources to learn more:
University Park TX Transit

DART Special Elections Page

Dallas County Elections Page

Town of Highland Park DART Transportation Information

Notice of Special Election - Town of Highland Park

Early Voting

Early Voting Dates and Times:

• Monday, April 20, 2026:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 2026: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 26: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Monday and Tuesday, April 27-28, 2026: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day 

Election Day:  Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Round Top is back, and if you’ve ever heard friends talk about their annual girls’ trip there but wondered what it’s really like, this episode is for you.

The Round Top Antiques Show runs March 14–28 and has grown from a small Texas antique fair into one of the largest shopping events in the country. Thousands of vendors set up across miles of barns, tents, and fields, drawing shoppers, interior designers, and treasure hunters from all over the country.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Swail of Kate Swail Designs to talk about how to navigate Round Top, especially if it’s your first time. We cover what the experience is really like, how many days you need, where to stay, what to wear, where to eat, and how to find those special pieces everyone comes home talking about.

If Round Top has been on your bucket list — or you’re planning a trip this season — this conversation will help you go in with a plan and enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

And if you’re headed out there this spring, be sure to stop by and say hello to Kate Swail Designs. Tell her you heard about her on The Bubble Lounge.

To learn more about Round Top click here

To learn more about Kate Swail Designs click here

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

There’s something special that happens when great food, incredible wine, and a meaningful cause all come together in one room — and that’s exactly what makes Côtes du Coeur such a signature event in Dallas. In this episode, I sit down with 2026 Event Chair Chris Clark and Executive Lead Chef Richard Chamberlain to go behind the scenes of one of the most anticipated culinary and philanthropic weekends of the year. From the inspiration behind the multi-course menu to the world-class wineries pouring rare vintages, this conversation gives you a true insider look at what makes this night unforgettable.

We also talk about the bigger purpose behind the celebration — why American Heart Month is the perfect time to highlight the impact this event has far beyond the ballroom, and how a single evening of generosity helps drive life-changing research and innovation. Whether you’re already attending or just curious about the buzz, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the people, passion, and purpose behind Côtes du Coeur — and why so many in our community are excited to be part of it this year.

For more details and to purchase tickets click here 

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Personal safety looks very different today than it did even a few years ago — and it’s not just about where we go, but how we live, what we click, and how aware we are in a world that moves fast.

In this timely episode, Martha sits down with Tracy Walder, a former CIA and FBI special agent and current national security contributor for NewsNation, to talk about modern personal security, cyber scams, and the everyday habits that can help protect all of us — regardless of age.

Inspired by the headlines surrounding Nancy Guthrie, this conversation goes beyond the news cycle to explore what families really need to understand about safety today. Martha also shares a personal experience involving her own mom, making this discussion especially relatable for anyone balancing their own security while looking out for loved ones.

This episode is packed with practical, real-life takeaways, including:

• The most common cyber scams targeting people right now — and why even smart, tech-savvy individuals fall for them
• Simple digital habits that instantly make you less vulnerable
• Everyday physical safety tips that don’t require changing your lifestyle
• How oversharing on social media can unintentionally create risk
• The right way to talk about safety with family members without creating fear
• What to do immediately if you or someone you love becomes a victim of a scam or theft

This isn’t a conversation about panic — it’s about awareness, confidence, and learning small shifts that can make a big difference in real life.

To learn more about Tracy follow her @theunexpectedspy or visit www.tracywalder.com

Resources that Tracy shared:

https://www.bark.us/

https://incogni.com/

https://www.beenverified.com/

https://www.truthfinder.com/

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

In this timely and powerful episode, Martha sits down with Mr. Donavan to talk about something every parent needs to hear: parent the child you have, not the child you want.

Mr. Donavan shares his own journey—from a bullied, non-athletic kid to a trusted coach and counselor who’s spent 35 years guiding families. His message is simple but profound: when we truly listen to our kids and honor who they are, everything changes.

Together, they unpack the tricky balance between parental expectations and children’s real passions. You’ll hear practical advice on recognizing burnout, easing pressure, improving communication, and becoming a steady guide instead of a sideline critic. This episode is full of perspective shifts and take-home moments that will make you pause, nod, and maybe rethink how hard we’re all pushing.

If you’ve ever worried you’re doing “too much” or not listening enough—this one’s for you.

To learn more about Mr. Donavan and Mobile Athletic Concepts for Kids, visit https://mrdonavan.com
and follow him on Instagram @mrdonavan_

This episode is supported by: Advance ER
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.