Voice of San Antonio Podcast

What if preparing children for the future begins with giving them more freedom to play? At The DoSeum, art, science, and imagination come together to help young learners build curiosity, confidence, and a sense of possibility.

In this episode of the Voice of San Antonio Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Ellie Morrison sits down with Dan Menelly, CEO of The DoSeum, for a conversation about the power of experiential learning—and why a great children’s museum matters to a great city. From immersive exhibits that invite children to discover their own solutions, to community outreach that reaches beyond the museum’s walls, Dan shares how The DoSeum is expanding access to joyful learning while bringing San Antonio’s creativity into a global conversation.

Together, they explore what it means to keep children at the center of education in a changing world—and how wonder, collaboration, and creative thinking can help them face that world with optimism.

Watch or listen now and discover how a place built for play is helping shape San Antonio’s future.

Topics in this episode:

• Why play, curiosity, and wonder are essential to lifelong learning• How art, science, and design come together in The DoSeum’s exhibits• Expanding access through assisted admission and community outreach• Bringing San Antonio’s exhibit design and creativity to museums around the world• The DoSeum’s next chapter, from a new campus plan to early-learning research

Learn more about The DoSeum: thedoseum.org

Follow Voice of San Antonio:Instagram: @voiceofsanantonioWebsite: voiceofsanantonio.com

San Antonio’s creative economy is thriving, with public art, performing arts, film, and cultural programming contributing billions annually to the city’s identity and future. But how does this growth happen, and who ensures that art remains accessible to every resident?In this episode of the Voice of San Antonio Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Ellie Morrison sits down with Krystal Jones, Executive Director of the City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture, for a powerful conversation about the role of creativity in civic life. From grant programs that support local artists and nonprofits, to expanding public art across neighborhoods, to major opportunities in film and performance, Krystal shares how the city is championing sustainable opportunity for artists—and why it matters for every community member.If you believe creativity is the heartbeat of San Antonio, this episode will show you how to keep it strong for generations to come.Watch now and help carry San Antonio’s creative legacy forward.Topics in this episode:• How the Public Art Program places art throughout the city• Grants that directly support artists and arts organizations• Growth in the film and media sector• The future of performing arts in San Antonio• Why creative investment shapes economic strength and community belongingLearn more about the Department of Arts and Culture:sa.gov/arts@getcreativesaFollow Voice of San Antonio:Instagram: @voiceofsanantonioWebsite: voiceofsanantonio.com

From “threshold anxiety” to “local roots, global impact,” McNay Director & CEO Matthew McLendon shares how a pioneering San Antonio spirit—and a punk-rock dose of courage—shapes a museum where everyone can belong.

Editor-in-Chief Ellie Morrison sits down inside Marian Koogler McNay’s former home with Matthew McLendon, Director & CEO of the McNay Art Museum, to explore how a century-old gateway to the city still leads the way. McLendon traces his path from the performing arts to curatorial work in London and UVA, to finding a perfect professional home at the McNay—where the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, modernist foundations, and contemporary practice unite his “three lives under one roof.” He unpacks the museum’s guiding idea of “local roots, global impact,” explaining why curating for San Antonians (while welcoming voices from around the world) elevates local and regional artists alongside internationally recognized names.The conversation dives into museums as trusted civic spaces, how design and programming reduce “threshold anxiety,” and why fun, joy, and discovery are serious business for cultural institutions. McLendon previews exhibitions (including immersive installations by Sandy Skoglund and a 20-year survey of collecting under retiring Curatorial lead René Paul Barilleaux), and makes a simple ask to the city he now calls home: become a member—and bring a friend. Whether you’re an artist, a cultural connector, or just museum-curious, this episode reveals how San Antonio’s authentic kindness powers a museum that belongs to everyone.

Join Voice of San Antonio founders Lorenzo Gomez @lorenzogomez123 , Ellie Morrison @eleanoramorrison and @happy.notsatisfied Dan Morrison as they unveil the mission behind their new content platform dedicated to amplifying the city's creative pulse and cultural voice. In this inaugural episode, they discuss their deep love for San Antonio, the inspiration behind launching this community-driven platform, and their vision to position the city as a nationally recognized hub of creativity, innovation, and impact. ​ In This Episode:The story of how a conversation at Sternewirth in Hotel Emma sparked the idea for Voice of San AntonioInsights into the founders' backgrounds and their connection to San AntonioThe goals and aspirations for the platform in celebrating local arts, culture, and changemakers​About Voice of San Antonio: Launched on March 5, 2025, Voice of San Antonio is an independently owned online content platform created by local entrepreneurs and creators Lorenzo Gomez III, Dan Morrison and Ellie Morrison. The platform aims to amplify local voices, celebrate the arts, and showcase the city's many changemakers. ​Subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to share the stories that make San Antonio unique.