Tulsa Is Home

On this episode of “Tulsa Is Home,” host, Chelsea Smith, chats with Tulsa influencers Thuy Bui and Jodi Smith, who—along with four friends—run the Tulsa Supper Club Instagram account and meet monthly to dress up, try local restaurants, and document their nights out. They share how they met, their backgrounds (Thuy in nursing turned digital marketing; Jody a former first-grade teacher and stay-at-home mom), and favorite Tulsa recommendations including a Utica Square progressive dinner route, brunch at Soma, special-occasion dining at Hemingway’s, Barons on First, and Mahogany, happy hour at Courts and Commons, and date-night picks like Mr. Kim’s and Mondo’s. They also mention staycations at The Mayo Hotel, quick trips to OKC and Carlton Landing, plus rapid-fire favorites for sushi and dessert.

On the Tulsa Is Home Podcast, host Chelsea Smith interviews Tulsa artist Samantha Jezek, known for bold, cheerful paintings and the message that viewers are “not alone.” Samantha describes discovering art later, studying interior design at OSU, late-night oil painting studio work and critiques, and a formative landscape-painting study abroad in Tuscany, plus a professor who pushed her. She recommends Philbrook for inspiration and Tulsa’s art community for connection, and Ziglar’s for quality supplies. Jess explains her shift from moody, dramatic work to brighter, joyful pieces influenced by God, her healing, and her husband’s encouragement. She shares her Not Alone series, created after addiction and 16 months of recovery, portraying ten colorful women to represent private pain and shared struggle. She discusses her studio process, layered work across many pieces, commissions, and keeping collections intact.

00:00 Healing Through Joyful Art

00:31 Feeling Alone in Recovery

01:24 Tulsa Is Home Intro

02:01 Meet Samantha Jess

02:53 Finding Art Later

04:09 OSU Studio Nights

06:28 Critiques and Confidence

08:03 Italy Study Abroad

10:35 Tulsa Inspiration Spots

11:40 From Moody to Bright

12:45 Faith as the Muse

13:26 Not Alone Series Origin

17:10 Painting Shared Stories

18:05 Painting Setup Rituals

18:53 Music or Silence

19:28 Focus Mode and Studio Space

20:36 Planning the First Marks

20:58 Working in Layers and Batches

22:49 Commissions and Letting Go

24:16 Advice for Struggling Artists

24:57 Saving Kids Artwork

27:08 Tulsa Rapid Fire Picks

29:44 Wrap Up and Where to Follow

Host Chelsea Smith interviews Tulsa small-business owners Kristy Fears and Suzanne Boyd of Thanks, Mom Co., discussing how they met on a blind double date, became close friends, and had first babies five days apart. They share backgrounds in missions and pharmacy, then explain their product: a two-part stain-removal system with a patent-pending handheld silicone scrub base and a six-ingredient, tallow-based stain stick designed to avoid harmful chemicals and be safe for baby clothes. Suzanne left pharmacy in 2025 to run the business full time, and they describe extensive prototyping, family involvement, and the challenge of entrepreneurship having no finish line. 

Stay Golden with Lauryl and Aubry: From Classrooms to Closets

Join us in this episode of the Tulsa is Home Podcast featuring Aubry and Lauryl from Stay Golden Organizing. Discover their journey from teaching to becoming professional organizers, their favorite spaces to transform, and how they turned a fun summer gig into a thriving full-time business. Learn about their process, the challenges they face, and why Tulsa is a special place for them. Whether you're considering a move to Tulsa or want to enhance your home organization skills, this episode is packed with insights and stories from the organizing pros.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Preferences

01:00 Welcome to Tulsa is Home Podcast

01:31 Meet Lauryl and Aubry

01:46 Personal Backgrounds

02:50 The Bens and Organizing Beginnings

03:30 Starting the Organizing Business

05:05 Challenges and Success Stories

09:52 Favorite Spaces to Organize

11:09 The Organizing Process

17:55 Ideal Clients and Refresh Services

19:15 Why Tulsa is Home

21:32 Conclusion and Farewell

Discovering the Heart of Colonial Title with Jill Stitt

In this episode of the Tulsa Is Home Podcast, host Rod sits down with Jill Stitt of Colonial Title to explore her background and her recent involvement in the title industry. Jill shares her personal journey from Arkansas to Tulsa, her experiences as a single mother, and how she met her husband, Keith, who has owned Colonial Title for 20 years. They discuss the unique aspects of Colonial Title, including its locally owned, lawyer-operated model, and the primarily female workforce. Jill delves into the relationships she has built within the real estate community and how the business prioritizes personal connections and customer service. She highlights the company's bilingual services, the importance of creating a welcoming environment, and her passion for fostering a family-like culture in the workplace. The interview provides an intimate look at what makes Colonial Title special and why Tulsa is home for Jill and many others.

00:00 Introduction to the Tulsa Is Home Podcast
01:13 Meet Jill Stitt: Background and Journey
02:37 Colonial Title: Company Overview and Staff
03:41 Experiences and Insights in the Title Industry
12:12 The Importance of Communication in Real Estate
15:43 Hispanic Agents and Language Barriers
16:50 Office Culture and Community
19:08 Educational Seminars and Networking
21:13 The Importance of Kindness in Business
25:08 Tulsa as Home
30:03 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Tulsa's Home Podcast, Roderick Hands interviews Lauren Sivak, who shares her journey from Chicago to Tulsa along with her involvement in Tulsa's nonprofit sector, particularly the op project. Lauren discusses the immersive experience of moving to a new city, the significance of expanded learning programs for Tulsa's youth, and how after-school activities enrich lives and enhance community vitality. The conversation delves into Tulsa Remote Program insights and the economic impact of educational programs. Lauren expresses her enthusiasm for Tulsa, emphasizing community engagement, reduced living complexities, and the welcoming nature of the city. The episode highlights the critical role of education in fostering future generations and making Tulsa feel like home.

00:00 Introduction and Moving to Tulsa

00:56 Welcome to Tulsa's Home Podcast

01:05 Guest Introduction: Lauren Sivak

01:28 Lauren's Background and Move to Tulsa

02:37 First Impressions of Tulsa

03:31 Life in Tulsa vs. Chicago

08:30 Tulsa Remote Program

11:43 The Op Project: Mission and Vision

12:13 Challenges and Adaptations During the Pandemic

13:15 Expanded Learning Programs

25:12 Funding and Community Impact

28:28 The Importance of Supporting Education

29:52 Why Tulsa Feels Like Home

30:43 Conclusion and Lightning Round

Creating Summer Memories: The Journey of Josh's Snow Shack | Tulsa is Home Podcast

In this episode of the Tulsa is Home Podcast, we welcome Josh Juarez, the founder of Josh's Snow Shack. Josh shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, starting as a college student trying to make money to becoming a role model and mentor for his employees. We dive into his background, the early days of his business, overcoming milestones, and the epiphany that transformed his business model. Josh discusses the importance of creating great summer experiences for Tulsa, hiring the right people, and maintaining a positive work culture. He also talks about his family's support, the logistics of running multiple locations, and future plans for expansion and new ventures. This episode provides valuable insights into the life of a successful entrepreneur and the vibrant community of Tulsa.

00:00 Introduction and Early Beginnings

01:10 Welcome to Tulsa is Home Podcast

01:23 Meet Josh Juarez: The King of Cones

02:14 Josh's Journey: From Houston to Tulsa

02:49 Building a Business: The Early Years

03:46 Family and Business: Balancing Act

07:33 The Epiphany: Creating Summer Memories

10:36 Scaling Up: From One Shack to Many

12:57 Hiring the Right People: Culture Fit

27:14 Future Plans and New Ventures

30:29 Why Tulsa is Home

33:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

Revamping Tulsa: The Impact of the Tulsa Remote Initiative with Justin Harlan

In this episode of the 'Tulsa is Home' podcast, we explore the transformative Tulsa Remote initiative with Justin Harlan. The initiative seeks to diversify Tulsa's economy by attracting remote knowledge workers with a $10,000 incentive to work from Tulsa for a year. Justin delves into his journey with the program, the genesis of the initiative in 2018, and how it exploded in popularity, especially during the pandemic, leading to significant economic growth and an influx of new residents. Hear about the positive ripple effects on local businesses, partnerships, and how the community has flourished with these new additions. Also, learn about future goals for the program and advice for those considering relocating to Tulsa. A rich discussion on the impacts of diversity and open community welcome in shaping Tulsa’s vibrant present and future.

00:00 Introduction to Tulsa's Knowledge Worker Initiative

01:15 Welcome to the Tulsa's Home Podcast

01:50 Meet Justin Harlan: Tulsa Remote Initiative

03:16 The Birth and Growth of Tulsa Remote

04:54 Economic Impact and Success Stories

06:16 Application Process and Member Experience

07:43 Comparing Tulsa Remote to Other Programs

08:22 Pandemic's Influence and Economic Development Strategy

14:38 Community Impact and Research Insights

20:52 Why Tulsa is Home

Tulsa's Home Podcast: Daniel Parker Talks Insurance, Financial Planning, & Community Impact

Welcome to another episode of the Tulsa's Home Podcast. Today, we sit down with Daniel Parker from State Farm to discuss the intricacies of insurance, financial planning, and community involvement. Daniel shares his journey from a science enthusiast to a trusted insurance agent, and emphasizes the importance of liability protection and personalized risk management. He also highlights State Farm's unique approach to customer retention and discounts. Additionally, Daniel talks about his passion for giving back through initiatives like the Care Portal, which supports local foster children and families. Whether you're interested in moving to Tulsa or just want to learn more about your hometown, this episode offers valuable insights into insurance and community service.

00:00 Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Financial Assets

00:15 Welcome to Tulsa's Home Podcast

01:00 Meet Daniel Parker: Background and Family

03:12 Journey into Insurance

05:09 State Farm Services and Specialties

06:03 Handling Claims and Customer Care

09:48 Importance of Liability Protection

17:04 Community Involvement and Personal Motivation

22:25 Why Tulsa Feels Like Home

23:35 Ideal Clients and Final Thoughts

Exploring Tulsa's Custom Clothing Scene with Jared Conway of Tom James | Tulsa Is Home Podcast

Join us for an insightful episode of the Tulsa Is Home Podcast where we sit down with Jared Conway, a 14-year professional clothier with Tom James. Jared shares his journey into the clothing industry, the unique aspects of custom tailoring, and how he provides exceptional personalized services to his diverse clientele. From custom suits to casual wear, Jared discusses the various customization options available and the special considerations for each client. Whether you are in an executive role or looking for high-quality clothing for special events, this episode offers valuable insights into custom fashion in Tulsa. Additionally, Jared shares what makes Tulsa a special place for him and his family while providing viewers exclusive upgrade offers. Sponsored by Tulsa Daily Newsletter, don't miss out on learning what makes Tulsa a thriving community for both business and family life.

00:00 Introduction to Tulsa

00:46 Sponsor Highlight: Tulsa Daily

01:18 Meet Jared Conway from Tom James

01:59 Jared's Journey and Personal Background

02:31 Understanding the Custom Clothing Industry

04:10 Client Relationships and Ideal Customers

06:16 The Custom Clothing Process

12:15 Customization Options and Features

13:33 Why Tulsa is Home

15:08 Special Offer and Contact Information

16:12 Closing Remarks