THNX: A Feelgood Podcast

Andrew Dansby is a writer who has worked at Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Texas Music, and Playboy to name a few. He began writing for the Houston Chronicle in 2004 and was the Entertainment Editor until his retirement in January 2025 (This career move left legions of heartbroken readers including one podcast host!). Following his departure, he released a brilliant six part series on the life of Velvet Underground guitarist Sterling Morrison. Andrew presently lives in Houston, Texas.

Jason "Flash Gordon Parks" Woods, originally from South Houston, Texas, is an ethnomusicologist who was trained in photography during high school by artist and educator Ray Carrington. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Photography at Sam Houston State University in 2001. He published The Beautiful Side of Ugly in conjunction with Eric Blaylock, released the documentary This Thing We Do, directed an homage to Archie Bell, curates vinyl shop Mo' Better Brews, and performs as a DJ. Jason still calls Houston, Texas home.

Paige Lewis is a singer/songwriter and copywriter from Katy, Texas. She has worked with numerous music labels, performed all over the United States both solo and with other noteworthy artists, was awarded an ASCAP, and even has two songs featured on the soundtrack for the film Matchstick Men. After living in Nashville, Tennessee; Los Angeles, California; and Austin, Texas, Paige now calls Houston, Texas home.

Michael Wayne Hall is a self-taught artist who uses painting, murals, and woodworking as meditative practices. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he spent 13 years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to Texas in 2012. After graduating from the University of the Arts with a focus on Film, he honed his screenprinting skills at Space 1026 in Philly. His work has been showcased in New York City, Seattle, Austin, and many other cities nationwide. He was also one half of the experimental music duo and printing project Ospreys that toured extensively from 2005-2009. Michael calls Houston, Texas home.

Kevin D'Andrea is a French chef and the owner and Executive Chef of Foliepop's, a French bakery in Austin, Texas. Originally from Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France, he trained under the guidance of some of the world's most renowned chefs and has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants internationally. He has appeared on the TV show Top Chef: Wisconsin and was a finalist on Top Chef France. Kevin makes his home in Austin, Texas.

THNX is saddened over the loss of Connie Williams, a dear friend of the pod, on December 30, 2025. He was an attorney for five decades, first at the Harris County District Attorney's Office then in the criminal defense arena. He grew up in Brenham, Texas, served his country as a tank commander earning both a silver and bronze star, and recieved his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Houston. He is survived by his wife and their sons.

Iliana de la Vega is a Chef-Owner of El Naranjo in Oaxaca, Mexico and Austin, Texas, as well as an educator, culinary consultant, and expert in Mexican gastronomy. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, she has dedicated her life to the study and dissemination of the country's foodways. She is a semifinalist and winner of numerous James Beard Awards, served as the Mexican/Latin Cuisines Specialist for The Culinary Institute of America, was granted the Ohtli Award by the Mexican government, was named Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014, and currently serves as a consultant for Stanford University. Iliana makes her home in Austin, Texas.

Jasmine Hearn is an interdisciplinary artist, director, award winning performer, choreographer, organizer, doula, and teacher. They earned a B.A. from Point Park University, has performed in many cities nationwide, and received numerous awards, fellowships, grants, and residencies. Jasmine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas.

Today - November 5, 2024 - is the last day to make your voice heard at the ballot box for this year's election. Go to usa.gov to find the polling location nearest you to cast your vote.

Caleb Hans Polashek leads a varied music career as a solo, orchestral, chamber, and collaborative performer, composer, and recording artist. He began studying violin at an early age, eventually earning a post graduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin's highly esteemed studio of Brian Lewis at The Butler School of Music. He has performed domestically and internationally, joined the violin section of the Austin Symphony Orchestra in 2012, and released an original album entitled Illumination in 2023. Caleb makes his home in Austin, Texas.