THNX: A Feelgood Podcast

Sam Peña, born in Los Angeles, California, grew up in El Paso, Texas and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. He also completed paramedic training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Before becoming a firefighter in El Paso, Sam spent 4 years in the US Air Force. He has since served as a firefighter for about 28 years, working on special teams, leading the El Paso Fire Department for 3 years, and transferring to Houston, Texas as the fire chief of one of the largest municipal fire departments in the nation. Sam and his wife have been married for 35 years and live in Houston, Texas.

Gene Velasquez, a Houston native, graduated from the Art Institute of Houston. He began singing in cover bands at 18 years old and has since fronted two tribute bans, one dedicated to Poison and the other to The Cure, in addition to touring with a Spanish-speaking band that performed original material. As if Gene's life was not interesting enough, listen to the story behind his motto: You only live twice.

Allen Hill is a Houston-based musician and booking agent who graduated from the University of Texas and the University of Houston. He has played with numerous bands, including Banana Blender Surprise, The El Orbits, and the Allen Oldies Band, known for playing extended sets. Allen has his own booking agency, books talent for The Continental Club, records music, fronts a band, and has played with too many legendary musicians to list. Allen, a native Houstonian, lives in Houston, Texas.

Andy Yelenak earned degrees from Alberta Magnus College of Fine Arts and Paier College of Art. For over 40 years he has worked as a freelance illustrator for magazines, corporate clients, sports art, and portraits. He has been featured in numerous exhibits, created multiple official marathon posters, provided many covers for Marathon and Beyond, and illustrated the children's book Run Dad Run, just to name a few of his accomplishments. Andy and his wife live in North Haven, Connecticut.

Akilah Bacy was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Spellman College, and earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law. She was an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County for over three years. Following a stint as an adjunct college professor, she opened her own law office, then ran for the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 138 as a Democrat in 2020. Akilah now lives in her home city of Houston.

Kristina Perez earned her undergraduate degree and Masters of Education from Texas A&M University. She has taught school, been a Department Chair, worked in school administration, and has been a Director for two school districts. She was the CEO for Zenith Learning and is presently the Director of Development for Houston Community College. In 2022, she received the Women of Excellence Award. Kristina lives in Houston with her 4 children.

Colleen Cavanaugh, originally from Arizona, is the Houston Zoo's Teen Programs Supervisor. She is responsible for the education programs for 13-17 year olds, which include the Zoo Crew programs and Adventures programs. Prior to this dream position, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Arizona and a Master's Degree in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University. Colleen lives in Houston, Texas with her beloved pets.

Robert Ray was born in Marshall, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in PR and Journalism, and earned his JD from South Texas College of Law. He was a briefing attorney for the Sixth Court of Appeals in Texarkana and worked as a trial lawyer for the following 12 years. He then earned a Ph.D. and a Masters of Arts from the University of Nebraska. After graduating, he became a trial consultant and founded Veritas Research, through which he has consulted all over the United States. Robert and his wife Martha make their home in Houston, Texas.