This is the Panhandle

In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with John Wittler, Executive Director of Ogallala Commons, to explore his inspiring journey from growing up on a farm in southeast Colorado to leading a multi-state nonprofit focused on revitalizing rural communities.

John shares his unconventional path—opting out of college to pursue entrepreneurship, finding meaning through work and family, and eventually joining Ogallala Commons to empower youth and small towns across the High Plains. He discusses the value of integrating work and life, the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, and how his personal philosophy around meaning (inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning) influences his leadership.

The episode also delves into:

• The mission and multi-state reach of Ogallala Commons

• Key program areas: leadership development, natural resource stewardship, and local food systems

• What it means to build "life-giving" rural communities

• The importance of non-traditional education and youth mentorship

• And yes—why some people know him simply as "Sandals"

This is a heartfelt, insightful conversation about leadership, learning, and living with purpose—whether you're in boots or Birkenstocks.

🌐 Learn more about Ogallala Commons at ogallalacommons.org 📍 Brought to you by the Amarillo Area Foundation.

In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Don Powell to explore the person behind his prominent titles and accomplishments. While Don's résumé includes leadership roles such as President & CEO of First National Bank of Amarillo, FDIC Chairman, and federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, the conversation focuses on his personal journey, values, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region's largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo Area Foundation. Listeners will come away with inspiration on building win-win relationships, supporting local nonprofits, and sustaining a thriving Panhandle community.

Doug Loomis recently retired after 39 years with Amarillo ISD, having served at every level from teacher to superintendent. A Dalhart native, he deeply appreciates small-town roots, has a passion for public education as a leveling force, and is committed to empathy-driven leadership. Doug is joined in life by his wife, Gisele, and their children, Jordan and Braydan , all of whom feature in heartfelt anecdotes throughout this conversation.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with Ryan Pennington, Executive Director of the Refugee Language Project. Ryan shares his journey—from growing up in Washington State to studying linguistics and Bible translation at Dallas Baptist University, then serving as a missionary in remote villages of Papua New Guinea. He reflects on the challenges of first‐contact language work, the power of cultural humility, and the life-changing lessons learned on that mountain ridge. After returning to Amarillo in 2016, Ryan channeled those insights into welcoming displaced families, launching "The Place" community center, and expanding the Refugee Language Project's English classes, interpreting services, and cross-cultural trainings—all driven by the belief that language is the doorway to genuine welcome and community flourishing.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

• Refugee Language Project: https://refugeelanguage.org

• "The Place" Multicultural Community Center

• Panhandle Gives Campaign: https://panhandlegives.org

📣 Call to Action: If you believe everyone has something to offer, consider volunteering as an English tutor, interpreter, or cultural ambassador through the Refugee Language Project. Subscribe to This Is the Panhandle for more stories of community, connection, and the surprising lessons we learn when we truly welcome our neighbors.

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In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with longtime friend and community leader Anette Carlisle. Known for her extensive service in education and community development, Anette shares insights into her early life in Borger, Texas, her academic journey in zoology, and her passion for nature and birding. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, including her family life and the values that drive her commitment to public service.

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In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Raul Rodarte Suto reconnects with longtime friend and community leader Myron Sims. They delve into their shared history in Amarillo, reflecting on early educational experiences and the challenges faced during their formative years. Myron shares his journey from uncertain college beginnings to his current role as a Career Pathway Supervisor at Amarillo College. He discusses his work in guiding youth through educational and career opportunities, emphasizing the importance of support systems for students, especially those from foster care backgrounds. The conversation highlights the significance of community involvement, mentorship, and the transformative power of education in shaping individual paths.

Episode Spotlight: Glenn Backus and The Market on Tierra Blanca

Glenn Backus, director of The Market on Tierra Blanca in Canyon, Texas, shares how this innovative grocery-store-style food pantry is transforming the fight against food insecurity in Randall County. Located at 3900 South Tierra Blanca Drive, the Market offers a dignified, client-choice experience for individuals and families—98% of whom live at or below the poverty line.

Highlights:

• Empowers clients through monthly credits to shop for their own groceries

• Serves a diverse clientele including seniors, students, and families

• Builds community while upholding dignity and respect

• Partners with local organizations to expand food access

Store Hours: Tuesdays: 3–7 PM | Fridays: 9–12 PM

Get Involved:

• Donate via St. Helen's Outreach website

• Volunteer (ages 5–87 welcome)

• Advocate for local hunger relief

Guided by Mother Teresa's belief in the dignity of every person, Glenn and his team are redefining what food assistance can look like.

Kristen Moudy, Executive Director of the Wheeler Chamber and EDC, shares her journey from Dallas back to her hometown of Wheeler, Texas, to invest in rural community development. In this episode, she talks about improving quality of life through collaborative projects like downtown revitalization and the Tom Britt Memorial Park, while addressing common misconceptions about Economic Development Corporations (EDCs). Kristen also explores how small towns can attract and retain young talent, participate in regional initiatives like The Panhandle Gives, and harness community spirit to build a vibrant future. This conversation highlights the power of local leadership and the value of rural roots.

Kullen Sorrels, a third-year veterinary student at Texas Tech, shared his journey from Dalhart, Texas, to veterinary school. He highlighted the rigorous first year, which involves 22-23 hours of classes per week, and the hands-on experience that begins in the first semester. Colin emphasized the importance of grit and adaptability. He also discussed the unique community at Texas Tech, where students support each other through the challenging program. Peyton Priest, Associate Director of Development, highlighted the school's focus on rural and regional veterinary needs, its non-traditional student demographic, and the impact of the mobile veterinary unit funded by the Louise Bowers Splints Foundation. Both speakers expressed confidence in the readiness of the first graduating class for practice.

The podcast introduces three new co-hosts from the Amarillo Area Foundation - Kimberly Anderson, Kevin Friemel, and Raul Rodarte Suto - who will bring diverse perspectives to sharing stories about the Texas Panhandle. The hosts discuss the unique characteristics of their region, highlighting its pioneering spirit, philanthropic nature, innovative problem-solving, and rich community talent across various sectors including arts, agriculture, and nonprofit work. They emphasize the Panhandle's strength lies in its people's ability to come together, adapt to challenges, and support each other, while also hoping to change external perceptions about the region by showcasing its depth, creativity, and remarkable community-driven initiatives.