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: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
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: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
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: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
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: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
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: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This episode brings together three of those stories — stories of adversity, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life doesn’t go as planned.

In Grit & Grace: Three Conversations I’ll Never Forget, you’ll hear from three individuals whose journeys are deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. Their experiences remind us that courage can be found in unexpected places and that even in the hardest moments, there is hope, purpose, and the power of community.

To listen to the full episodes visit the links below:

The Unexpected Spy: Tracy Walder's Trailblazing Journey in the CIA & FBI

Highland Park Lacrosse with Head Coach Mike Pressler

Finding Comfort After Losing a Child with Marissa Mullens

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

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The 2026 Highland Park baseball season is officially here, and we’re kicking it off the best way we know how — by putting faces, personalities, and stories behind the jerseys with Catpains, Trip Mattison, Adam Richey and Martin True.

Be sure to join us for BASEBALL MEET THE SCOTS
Saturday, January 30 | 5:30–7:30 PM (NEW DATE!)
Scotland Yard

Goff’s burgers, games, giveaways, fan merch, and raffles

Tickets: MTS2026.cheddarup.com 

This episode is your invitation — listen in, then come out and cheer on the Scots.

Share this with all of your friends, we can’t wait to see you there!

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Thinking bigger sometimes means learning differently—and that’s exactly what this episode captures. I sat down with MAPS students from Highland Park High School, Natalie Denton, Ryan Moore and Rohan Portteus, to talk about what really happens inside the program. Collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and learning skills that actually translate beyond the classroom. Hearing students describe MAPS in their own words is a powerful reminder that when kids are given ownership of their learning, incredible things happen.

They had also just returned from hearing a guest speaker, which sparked a great conversation about the value of real-world voices, taking risks, and imagining what’s possible after high school. If you’re a parent of a current or future HPHS student—or a student curious about doing school a little differently—this episode is a must-listen.

MAPS applications are due January 19, so now is the perfect time to learn more and hear directly from the students living the experience.

To learn more about the MAPS program and to apply click here 

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

A new year is a chance to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention.

Life coach Jen Maroulis joins us to share practical tools for setting meaningful goals, staying focused, and creating momentum—especially for moms navigating the teen years. This conversation is encouraging, actionable, and the perfect way to start the year.

To learn more about Jen and JCM Life Coaching click here

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

New Year’s Eve at The Bubble Lounge was anything but quiet—a full house, plenty of laughs, and our most honest recap yet. From a surprise “Citizen of the Year” phone call to a Yankees hat that crashed a Rangers Zoom, we looked back on a year packed with small, unforgettable moments that made life in the Bubble so special.

We relive it all—rain-drenched parades, the volleyball team’s electric state run, late-night band bus takeovers, and the parents, students, and neighbors who keep this community buzzing. It’s a love letter to the Park Cities—real, funny, opinionated, and full of heart.

Yes, we go there… the Snider Plaza fountain debate. Some call it elegant, others say Vegas—either way, it’s proof that we care deeply about what makes this place home. And we raise a glass to the local sponsors, shop owners, and friends who answered late-night calls, turned ads into friendships, and proved that community truly fuels everything we do.

We also faced the hard stuff together. After the Camp Mystic tragedy, we saw how faith, grief, and love can unite a town. The green ribbons, lit hearts, and countless messages reminded us why these conversations matter.

Seven years in, we’re still growing—new music, new voices, and a community contest to help us pick our next intro (calling all drummers and composers!). Have a story idea or guest suggestion? Head to BubbleLounge.net or DM us on Instagram.

If this episode made you laugh, cry, or just feel grateful to live here—follow, share, and leave a review so more neighbors can join the conversation. Here’s to 2026: fresh stories, real connection, and that unmistakable Park Cities sparkle.

A big thank you to my sweet friends, Lisa Bedford, Toni Bowen and Kim Gregorie for joining me on this episode!

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.