Best Faces Of GRAND Prairie Podcasts (2025)

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Grand Prairie Parks and Rec Updates with Kelly Eddlemon and Emily Linares 58:47

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20d ago58:47

58:47

In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, Jenna Pecor interviews Emily Linares and Kelly Edelman from the Grand Prairie Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. They discuss their roles, the history and growth of the department, and the innovative events and programming that enhance community engagement. The conversation also covers the …

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Getting to Know GPISD Superintendent Dr. Gabe Trujilio 1:10:46

27d ago1:10:46

1:10:46

Join Jenna and co-hosts Emily Aquino and Cadence Williams from Dubiski High School as we get to know our new GPISD Superintendent! Emily and Cadence are student leaders from the Media Technology Pathway. They prepared the questions for today's episode, and it was wonderful hearing how Dr. Trujilio answered them! This episode is full of advice and w…

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From Little League to Vietnam: The Journey of a Life of Service with Ray Jean Bush 1:45:38

1M ago1:45:38

1:45:38

This conversation explores the life and experiences of Ray Jean Bush, a Vietnam veteran and active community member in Grand Prairie. Ray shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, his involvement in local sports, and the impact of his military service during the Vietnam War. He discusses the importance of community support, education, an…

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Empowering Entrepreneurs with Mary Dominguez Santini, Founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, host Jenna Pecor interviews Mary Dominguez Santini, the founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Grand Prairie. They discuss the importance of community engagement, the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, and the need for business education and access to capital for entrepreneurs. Mar…

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From the Gridiron to Leadership: The Journey from College Football Coach to GPISD Athletic Director with Coach Gary Bartel 1:34:12

2M ago1:34:12

1:34:12

In this conversation, Coach Gary Bartell shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, to becoming a successful college football coach. He discusses his early athletic experiences, the transition to college football at Texas Tech, and the challenges he faced in his personal life and career. Bartell reflects on the importance of mentor…

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Brian Bondy, President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

Discover the insights from Brian Bondy, the new President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, as he shares his vision for local business growth and community engagement.Episode Sponsors: My Jennarocity Estate Sales: https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Coffee News GP: https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/Mansfield Driving Academy: https://mansfield-d…

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Talking Dalworth History and Family Legacies with Alex Dave, Founder of Dave's Legacy 1:22:09

2M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

Join us as we sit down for a candid interview with Alex Dave, founder of Dave's Legacy nonprofit organization, to delve into the rich history and family legacies of the Dalworth community. Learn about the stories and experiences of one family that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood in Grand Prairie. Episode Sponsored by:Jenna Pecor, Bancroft Rea…

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Talking South Grand Prairie High School Football with Alumni JB Williams 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

This was a fun, albiet far too short, episode. My guest is one of the most recognizable alumni of SGPHS, JB Williams. JB tells how his passion for SGPHS football started his sophmore year and continued for years after graduation, running the famous SGPHS touchdown flag down the field for many years after. JB loves this city and loves our shared Alm…

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Grand Prairie City Council Member Tony Shotwell 2:13:19

2M ago2:13:19

2:13:19

My guest today is Tony Shotwell, Grand Prairie City Council Member, Place 5. Our episode is sponsored by Jenna Pecor with Bancroft Realty and Jennarocity Estate Sales...if you're looking to downsize for yourself or a parent, this is Jenna's specialty! 214-558-4410

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Grand Prairie City Council Member Junior Ezeonu 1:38:54

2M ago1:38:54

1:38:54

My guest today is Grand Prairie City Council Member Junior Ezeonu. Junior is the youngest council member ever elected in the history of Grand Prairie. We discuss issues all over the political spectrum, from term limits to being a partisan representative in a nonpartisan elected position. This video is sponsored and hosted by Jenna Pecor. Jenna is a…

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GPHS Alum Robin Brown, Operator of JFK Custom Tours 3:04:38

2M ago3:04:38

3:04:38

Robin Brown is a wealth of knowledge on many subjects, but today we discuss the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr and what led Robin to begin doing JFK tours in Dallas 12 years ago. We discuss the historical events leading up to the assassination and even incorporate some Grand Prairie history into the discussion. This episode is sponsored and ho…

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Breaking the Silence: Shattering the Stigma Around Mental Health 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

Thirty years ago, talking about mental health—let alone suicide—was almost unheard of. It was whispered about, avoided, or met with uncomfortable silence. If you were struggling, you were told to "toughen up, push through it," or "keep it to yourself." Resources were limited, conversations were rare, and stigma was everywhere. But things have chang…

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Big Wins for Mental Health in Alberta: A New Milestone for RCSP 13:00

3M ago13:00

13:00

In this episode of the Starting Conversations podcast, host Cara Jones explores the critical impact of donations and government grants on nonprofits like the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention (RCSP). With a significant new Community Initiatives Program Operating Grant awarded by the Government of Alberta, RCSP's North Peace location in Grimsha…

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Understanding Ambiguous Loss: Navigating Grief Without Closure 16:28

4M ago16:28

16:28

In this episode of Starting Conversations, Christopher Calliou joins host Cara Jones to delve into the complex topic of ambiguous loss, exploring how it affects individuals in varying circumstances. From losing a sense of identity due to life changes to the grief associated with cultural disruptions and estranged relationships, ambiguous loss is a …

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Building Bonds At The Grande Prairie Men's Shed: Never Underestimate The Power Of A Coffee Machine 10:49

5M ago10:49

10:49

In this episode of the Starting Conversations podcast, host Cara Jones explores the transformative impact of the Men's Shed movement on men's mental health and well-being. Richard Nasedkin joins the podcast to share his inspiring journey of bringing the Men's Shed concept to Grand Prairie, Alberta. Discover how this innovative approach, which began…

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Tough Enough To Talk About It, Mental Health In Trades, Industry & Agriculture 12:16

6M ago12:16

12:16

In this compelling episode of the Starting Conversations podcast, host Cara Jones delves into men's silent struggles in male-dominated professions such as trade, industry, and agriculture. These fields are known for their toughness and resilience, but a significant stigma around mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help. Joining Ca…

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Honouring Hannah: A Journey Through Grief and Giving 6:42

7M ago6:42

6:42

The loss of a loved one is never easy, and when that loss comes under such heartbreaking circumstances, the journey through grief can feel especially heavy. But in the sorrow, many people find solace in creating something lasting, a testament to the love and memory shared. Hi, I'm your host, Cara Jones, and this is the Starting Conversations podcas…

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Finding a Reason to Smile: Casey Szmata's Journey from Grief to Advocacy 10:13

7M ago10:13

10:13

Suicide is a difficult topic, but it's one we can't afford to shy away from. By starting these conversations, we aim to break the silence, provide support, and share resources that can save lives. Hi, I'm your host, Cara Jones, and this is the Starting Conversations podcast. Whether you're directly affected or simply want to be part of the solution…

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The Power of Language: Shaping Mental Health Conversations 7:24

7M ago7:24

7:24

This podcast is created on the unceded territory of Treaty 8 and Métis District 13, lands that have been occupied, travelled and cared for by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. As an organization, we recognize the past wrongdoings and systemic inequities faced by our Indigenous populations. We are committed to uplifting Indigenous voices, re…

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The COPE Initiative 1:01:09

4y ago1:01:09

1:01:09

On this episode, we talk about COPE, an initiative through the Grand Prairie Police Department that stands for “Community Outreach Partnership and Education.” I talk with City Councilman Jeff Copeland, Supervisor Of the Crisis Support Unit Courtney Runnels, and Officer Greg New about how this unique initiative came to be. This innovative informatio…

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Mentors Care - Dena Petty and Crystal Gaither 1:01:19

4y ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Today, my guests are Dena Petty and Crystal Gaither with Mentors Care. Mentors Care is a 501C3 organization whose mission is to connect high school students who are at risk of not graduating with mentors, tools, and resources to help lead them toward graduation and purposeful, fulfilling lives. Mentors Care works with school districts that are hist…

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Esmerelda Rodriguez, District Director of the Grand Prairie Host Lions Club 53:19

4y ago53:19

53:19

Today my guest is Esmerelda Rodriguez. Esmerelda retired recently from the Grand Prairie Independent School District as the Parent Involvement Facilitator. Today we talk about her job responsibilities within the district and how she would help parents be involved with their children's education, as well as helping them discover resources when they …

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Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member Mike Del Bosque 57:41

4y ago57:41

57:41

Today my guest is Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Mike Del Bosque. Council Member Del Bosque was elected to represent District 3 in May 2017. We talk about mentorship and how community members like Ms. Ruthe Jackson came along and encouraged him to get involved more in his local community and in politics. We also discuss the new Mi Famil…

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VanDella L. Menifee 45:35

4y ago45:35

45:35

Today my guest is Vandella Menifee. Vandella is retired from a career in the Department of Justice, first starting in the Atlanta Penitentiary System then eventually transferring to the Grand Prairie Office Complex in 2005. Vandella has become a professional volunteer in her retirement, working locally in Grand Prairie and Arlington with local elec…

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Shebra Hackett 57:24

4y ago57:24

57:24

My guest today is Shebra Hackett. Among many things she is involved in, Shebra owns an Allstate Insurance Agency in Grand Prairie and we talk today about how she got into the insurance industry and then came to own her own office. We discuss the great things that come from owning your own business and some of the challenges that come from balancing…

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CIVICS SERIES: The Declaration of Independence 20:28

4y ago20:28

20:28

In this mini-episode, Jenna reads aloud the Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

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Candidate Interviews, Grand Prairie June 5, 2021 Runoff Election District 6 29:37

4y ago29:37

29:37

Incumbent Jeff Wooldridge answers interview questions for the upcoming run-off election for District 6 in Grand Prairie's City Council Election. Challenger Kurt Johnson declined to participate in the interview. To learn more about Jeff Wooldridge: https://www.facebook.com/Jeff-Wooldridge-for-City-Council-District-6-206384646167158 To learn more abo…

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Martin Cabellero, President and CEO, Bon Air Service Co. Inc. 55:43

4y ago55:43

55:43

Today, I talk to Martin Cabellero, President and CEO of Bon Air Service Co. Inc. I caught up with Martin after he was named "Citizen of the Year" for 2020 from the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Martin took ownership of Bon Air after his mentor Cal Brundrett, retired. We talk today about mentorship and the importance of taking young people unde…

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Candidate Interviews, Grand Prairie June 5, 2021 Runoff Election District 8 37:10

4y ago37:10

37:10

Incumbent Greg Giessner and Challenger Junior Ezeono answer questions in an interview to help voters know about them prior to the June 5, 2021 City Council Election for District 8. To learn more from Greg Giessner, go to his Facebook campaign page: www.facebook.com/greggiessnerG To learn more from Junior Ezeono, go to his Facebook campaign page: ht…

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Scott Jeffries, Director of the Library, Dallas Baptist University 1:02:38

4y ago1:02:38

1:02:38

My guest today is Scott Jeffries. He’s the Director of the Library at Dallas Baptist University. Today, Scott and I talk about the job of a librarian at a university and some of the day to day help they give students. We talk about how to think critically about what you read in the news and discuss the obstacles students face in the current online …

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Why Should Local News Matter? 9:34

4y ago9:34

9:34

Why should local news and local community matter? Jenna talks about why the podcast is GP focused. If you like what I am doing and want to support more of my local interviews with interesting residents and officials click here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/facesofGP! https://youtu.be/M2AgIPXpNDc

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Julie Harding, How We Can Create Intentional Relationships with our Neighbors 1:06:56

4y ago1:06:56

1:06:56

My guest today is Julie Harding. Julie and I were friends at a very young age, when we met as across the street neighbors in Grand Prairie as young kids. We talk today about being neighborly and what we feel are some of the reasons that neighbors in communities have gotten away from getting to know one another. We discuss the negative impact it has…

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CIVICS SERIES: Duane Strawn, Director of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department of Grand Prairie 1:00:38

4y ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Today my guest is Duane Strawn, director of the Parks, Arts, and Recreation department of Grand Prairie. Duane talks to me today about his background as a landscape architect and how that fits into planning for a city. We talk about the unique vision of the grand prairie parks and recreation department compared to other cities and the city’s innova…

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What is my goal with this podcast? 9:38

4y ago9:38

9:38

You might be asking yourself, “where is she going with this podcast? What’s the goal?” They are good questions and I want to answer them. I also discuss my mission of keeping the podcast positive and uplifting and how I would love to teach others to record interviews as well.

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Monica Gonzales, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie 1:00:59

4y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Today my guest is Monica Gonzales. She’s the new executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie. Monica and I sat down at the center to discuss what this nonprofit does for our community. We discuss the center’s mission of helping women make informed decisions when facing an unplanned pregnancy. We discuss the center’s partner…

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Matthew Loh, Owner of Asia Times Square 57:59

4y ago57:59

57:59

Today my guest is Matthew Loh, owner of Asia Times Square. Asia Times Square at Pioneer and Great Southwest has been in Grand Prairie for about 13 years with Matthew leading its’ vision and mission. Matthew and I talk about his background before his family opened Asia Times Square, the value in overcoming adversity and being passionate about your p…

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CIVICS SERIES: Linda Ellis, Superintendent for Grand Prairie Independent School District 1:15:53

4y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

My guest today is Linda Ellis, superintendent of Grand Prairie Independent School District. She talks with me today about her background in business and education before becoming the superintendent for GPISD. We discuss coming into leadership during times of crisis and how the district handled unexpectedly losing its’ leader and the pandemic within…

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Jenna Answers the Question: "Why Are You Doing This Podcast?" 14:27

4y ago14:27

14:27

To find out more about the podcast, visit www.facesofgrandprairie.com!

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CIVICS SERIES: Candidate Endorsements and Why They Matter 15:57

4y ago15:57

15:57

In this mini-episode, I explain political action committees and why they matter in local candidate endorsements. I give 3 questions to consider when researching the endorsements a candidate receives before voting. I also explain why I wasn't able to interview local candidates this year but why I hope to do so moving forward in future elections. Gui…

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CIVICS SERIES: Emily Liles, GPISD Trustee Place 6 1:22:12

4y ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Today my guest is Emily Liles. Emily is a Grand Prairie School Board trustee for Place 6. Emily and I talk about a wide variety of topics today including the role of a school board trustee and how she came to run for a seat, the evolution of GPISD over the last decade and the importance of districts to keep up with the needs of the community to gra…

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CIVICS SERIES: Greg Giessner, Grand Prairie City Councilman At-Large 1:09:22

4y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

My guest today is Grand Prairie City Councilman Greg Giessner. Councilman Giessner holds one of the at-large positions which serves the entire city. Recently, he initiated the new Government 101 section on the city of Grand Prairie’s website, a space that allows citizens to learn more about the basics of their city government. We talk today about t…

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Derrick Kinney, Host of the Podcast Good Money with Derrick Kinney 46:38

4y ago46:38

46:38

My guest today is Derrick Kinney, host of the podcast Good Money with Derrick Kinney. Derrick is a financial advisor and author, and he talks with me today about his goal of changing people's mindsets about money. He is focused on helping people change their attitudes about money, by encouraging people to not only like making it but also to see it …

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CIVICS SERIES: Savannah Ware, Chief City Planner for Grand Prairie 49:09

4y ago49:09

49:09

Today I'm talking with Savannah Ware, Chief City Planner for the city of Grand Prairie. Savannah talks with me today about a variety of topics, including zoning, long term planning, and moratoriums. She does a great job of explaining what these things mean to give us a deeper understanding as citizens about how this part of our city government func…

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Monica Saldivar, Nominee for Best New Female Artist - 2020 Tejano Music Awards 1:01:15

4+ y ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Today my guest is Monica Saldivar. Monica grew up and lives in Grand Prairie and is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University. She is currently a nominee for Best New Female Artist at the Tejano Music Awards on December 19, 2020 at 7 pm. Monica is also a piano teacher and a singing coach. We talked today about how her life changed by going to a perfo…

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Terry Brooks and Charles Luckert 56:22

4+ y ago56:22

56:22

My guests today are Terry Brooks and Charles Luckert. Terry Brooks is the trustee for Place 1 of the Grand Prairie Independent School District. Charles Luckert is the founder of the Grand Prairie At a Glance Facebook groups. Terry and Charles graduated from South Grand Prairie High School in 1974 and are lifelong Grand Prairians. I talk with them t…

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CIVIS SERIES: Bryan Parra, Grand Prairie ISD School Board Trustee 1:04:53

4+ y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

My guest today is Bryan Parra. Bryan is a current Grand Prairie ISD School Board Trustee representing Place 2 and an elementary assistant principal in DISD. Bryan grew up on the East Coast but moved to Texas in 2003, graduation from South Grand Prairie in 2005. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and his masters in educational le…

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Gold Medal Olympian Jennifer McFalls, Head Softball Coach at University of Kansas 47:49

5y ago47:49

47:49

Today my guest is Jennifer McFalls. Jennifer is a South Grand Prairie High school alumni and one of it’s most accomplished athletes. She was a softball player who went on to play for Texas A&M University She then played for the USA Olympic Softball Team as an alternate in 1996, then won the gold medal in the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia. She is …

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CIVICS SERIES: Rodney Anderson, Former Texas Representative 1:34:20

5y ago1:34:20

1:34:20

Today my guest is Rodney Anderson. Rodney is a life-long Grand Prairian who graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1986, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate from UTA in 1990. In 2010, he decided to serve his city and was elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. During his time in office, he fought for the private p…

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Carson Kidd, Co-founder and Co-owner of Moravian Coffee 40:35

5y ago40:35

40:35

We are continuing our Entrepreneur Week with a discussion no entrepreneur can live without – coffee! Today, I welcome Carson Kidd, Cofounder and CoOwner of Moravian Coffee. Carson and two of his childhood friends and fellow graduates of Oklahoma University started a coffee roasting company right out of college and decided to open up shop right here…

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Sophia Whitehead, Owner of Local Bunny Farm, "Dallas Bunny Love" 26:28

5y ago26:28

26:28

Hello listeners and welcome to Entrepreneur Week! My guest today is Sophia Whitehead. Sophia has a dear place in my heart – she is my daughter Avery’s sister...I met her when she was 4 and since the day I’ve met her, she has loved animals! She’s always talked about raising animals and recently, she’s been raising and breeding rabbits. Today, we tal…