WE ARE NORTH TEXAS

From Grammy winners like Don Henley, Norah Jones and Maren Morris, to the One O'Clock Jazz Band playing for Wynton Marsalis in New York City, the University of North Texas College of Music is one of the most distinguished in the nation. As Dean, Dr. John Richmond is the leader of the band for the College of Music. Dean Richmond joins Paul Corliss in this episode, discussing the rich history of UNT’s multifaceted music program, the challenges of coronavirus, a new music MBA program, the future of his college and much more.

In this episode Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who earned his Master’s in Public Administration from UNT, joins Paul Corliss for a candid conversation about his role in leading one of the nation’s largest cities. Broadnax shared challenges he and his staff have faced during the coronavirus pandemic and also discussed challenges with policing and race relations. The City Manager remains grateful for his time spent at UNT and enjoys giving back to his alma mater when asked.

UNT alumna Crystal Vasquez joined Paul Corliss to discuss her new documentary “Not in This Town: The Improbable Rise of the Old Grey Wolf,” that covers the career of Dallas radio legend Mike Rhyner. Vasquez, who started her career in TV news upon graduating from UNT, will debut the film on Sept. 16 and 17 at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Rhyner is a Texas radio Hall of Famer and co-founder of KTCK, “The Ticket.”

Texas Radio Hall of Famer Mike Rhyner, creator of KTCK "The Ticket," is the subject of a new documentary – Not in This Town: The Improbable Rise of the Old Grey Wolf – that was produced by University of North Texas alumna Crystal Vasquez. In this episode Rhyner discussed the documentary, his retirement from the Ticket and his new podcast, Square One, with Mike Rhyner. The Dallas native also shared his love for his home town, shared anecdotes about former UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson and talked about the challenges of playing in a band during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, Paul Corliss is joined by college basketball television analyst Stephen Howard, a Dallas-Fort Worth native who played in the NBA. Howard spoke about his passion for education and supporting the urban community, which included time spent as a speaker and mentor for UNT Dallas. Howard also provided perspective on COVID-19 and race relations in DFW and beyond.

Former State of Texas Education Commissioner and Distinguished Leader in Residence at UNT Dallas Michael Williams joins Paul Corliss to discuss his career in law and politics prior to coming to UNT Dallas and how UNTD plans to begin the Fall semester in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, Mark Followill – television play-by-play voice for the Dallas Mavericks – joined Paul Corliss to discuss his return to UNT as a student during the coronavirus pandemic. Followill is on track to earn his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree from UNT in December and shared why he wanted to finish his degree roughly 30 years after starting college. Followill told stories from his early days at UNT (1989-92) as a music major, as well as highlights from an incredible career in sports as one of Dallas-Fort Worth's most recognizable sports personalities who has covered everything from soccer's World Cup, to the Olympics to the Mavs' NBA championship in 2011.

UNT Health Science Center’s Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Diana Cervantes – a.k.a. Dr. Microbe – has become a media sensation for all the right reasons. She's providing accurate, science-based information on coronavirus to the general public through dozens of local and national media appearances, conducted in both English and Spanish. Following up on her May appearance on the podcast, Dr. Microbe joined Paul Corliss to update North Texas on where we are in our fight against COVID-19 and discussed what led to DFW’s recent spike in cases. She also shared what activities are high risk vs. low risk and how to best protect yourself from infection.

In this episode, Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, joins Paul Corliss to talk about how the chamber has had to pivot during the coronavirus pandemic. Petroskey said the chamber has focused on communicating with its membership during these challenge times. The Chamber has also created a new employment campaign and job board in partnership with the Dallas Citizens Council and Downtown Dallas, Inc. to help laid off or furloughed workforce get back to work.

Ron Kirk, the first African American Mayor of Dallas, former U.S. Ambassador and member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet, visits with Paul Corliss to discuss race relations in American in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death. Ambassador Kirk passionately shares his experiences and perspectives as a black man and what it will take for America to truly change.