Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Ramil Paredes. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up in a political family in the Philippines and immigrating to Los Angeles Experiencing culture shock and adjusting to life in an American middle school Joining the Marine Corps after high school and serving in Okinawa and 29 Palms Becoming a Catholic lay minister while active duty and leading field services Launching the Hat Show podcast and building a loyal audience across platforms Promoting responsible gambling and data-driven discipline at the casino Using winnings to travel, give back, and support community causes Leading the Collin County Marine Corps League and expanding Toys for Tots Providing direct support to Marines in crisis and building local partnerships Advocating for veterans while growing networks across civic and business life Resources Mentioned: https://www.legacypreparatory.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Jared Berger and Von Daniel, Co-Owners of The Comedy Arena. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why two ex-marketers traded corporate life for comedy full-time The Craigslist audition that sparked a 17-year partnership Growing from hallway rehearsals to a full-scale comedy club Creating live entertainment that’s clean, interactive, and affordable Expanding with a bar, kitchen, and third-floor training center How improv builds confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills The club’s unexpected role in boosting nearby businesses Bringing laughter to corporate events, schools, and beyond Why every night at The Comedy Arena is a little different Building community through comedy, creativity, and connection Resources Mentioned: http://thecomedyarena.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Andrea Harvey-Rodgers, Miles McCall, and Brad McGuire. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: How MEF supports scholarships, teacher grants, and college advising The real mission behind Top Model and student fundraising Fred's path from high school band to community impact James' strategy to rally national insurance support for MEF Why small banks outshine big ones in local business support Advice for students to stay true to themselves and ask why How real-world experience can be more valuable than a degree Addressing student anxiety and identity in the digital age Lessons from tough professors that shaped lasting growth Guiding young people to find purpose beyond just a paycheck Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyef.org/purses/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." This special episode was recorded live at the McKinney Chamber’s LINKS event, where James and Fred answered three big questions in front of a full room: Why McKinney? Why the Chamber? And why this podcast? With audience participation, laughs, and lots of local pride, this one captures the heart of what we’re all about. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Kicking off live from LINKS with breakfast, jokes, and a full room Fred calls an audible and introduces the real bosses, Elizabeth and Allison Why McKinney? Small-town vibes, big-hearted people, and real roots Why the Chamber? Relationships that go beyond business cards Audience love includes Portland vibes, European charm, and fast ROI Why the podcast? A passion project to spotlight McKinney’s best Celebrating everyone from mayors to teenage tech CEOs This isn’t just about business; it’s about people, stories, and pride No sponsors or pitches, just a mic, a mission, and McKinney love Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneychamber.com/links/  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Barb Delk, Business Development Director at the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Community Impact roots and the leap to Chamber leadership Lessons learned as an Air Force wife and parenting through deployments Supporting military families through career transitions and tough seasons What makes the McKinney Chamber stand out from every other chamber Behind the scenes of chamber work during COVID and economic recovery Serving local businesses with purpose, energy, and authentic connections How Leadership McKinney unlocks passion, purpose, and lifelong friends Building a legacy, mentoring, succession, and doing it the Barb way Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneychamber.com/ http://mckinneytoday.com/ https://www.mckinneyfoodpantry.org/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Rick Grady, Candidate for Collin County Judge. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From Vietnam combat to corporate boardrooms: Rick’s path to public service Why PTSD advocacy is personal and permanent Lessons learned in leadership from war zones to council chambers The human side of city governance during the COVID-19 crisis Public safety gaps in unincorporated Collin County and how to fix them Budget battles, rising costs, and the math behind local government The good, the bad, and the necessary: Building trust with other mayors A veteran’s take on humility, sacrifice, and civic responsibility Resources Mentioned: https://gradyforcollincounty.vote/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Davina Stampfel, Executive Director of McKinney Repertory Theatre (MRT). The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From childhood horse shows to Alice in Wonderland and a lifelong love of theater Finding family, belonging, and purpose through MRT and Leadership McKinney How community support brought A Christmas Carol back to life after COVID Set mishaps, ghost costumes, and why no two shows are ever the same Theater as therapy for kids, seniors, and anyone craving connection Countless ways to volunteer, from ushering to costume repair to special effects MRT’s creative pivot plans during the upcoming theater renovations Why McKinney’s local talent deserves a full house and year-round support Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyrep.org  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is David Garcia, Founder of Boomerang Cares. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From moving company gigs to launching a marketing firm, how networking flipped David’s career path Why Boomerang Cares started with three toy donations and grew into a 100+ family nonprofit The emotional moment that re-centered David’s “why” for giving back  How childhood experiences with poverty and generosity now fuel his mission What it’s really like to be a Latino entrepreneur navigating early Chamber experiences Building businesses with a “relationship mindset,” not a sales pitch Why it took losing his father for David to find his voice, and how scholarships honor that legacy Roofing tips every homeowner should know, especially around deductibles and storm dates What’s next for Boomerang Cares: golf tourneys, family-first priorities, and more Resources Mentioned: https://www.boomerangcares.org/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Al DeBerry, Director of Operations at McKinney Flour Mill. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Construction update near the McKinney Flour Mill and impact on accessibility The silos and City Hall as emerging visual landmarks downtown Inside scoop on the speakeasy, Diamond Hall, and event venues at the Flour Mill Monthly tasting series spotlight: rum and gelato, vodka and spuds Longleaf pine, 100-year-old beams, and preserving living history Plans for a 35-room boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant Al DeBerry’s four-decade journey in hospitality and hotel leadership The legacy of the Lorenzo Hotel and its Tina Turner connection Growing momentum in East McKinney as a nightlife and events hub Why the Flour Mill is McKinney’s next destination for weddings, events, and more Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyflourmill.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Rita Townsend, Senior Sales Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Childhood of archery, sports, and rock music shaped her path to the Marine Corps From avionics school to medical discharge, how injury shaped the next chapter Creating a mission-driven career with Mary Kay and redefining direct sales Embracing service, faith, and networking to rebuild life in McKinney The iconic 54 push-up moment and what it really meant Supporting women in uniform through Operation Courage Is Beautiful Speaking truth, setting boundaries, and learning from past missteps Why authentic relationships matter more than ever in 2025 Building a healing space with Beautiful Warrior Studio Leading with love, grace, and the power of showing up Resources Mentioned: www.marykay.com/ritatownsend  linktr.ee/ritatownsend Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why the podcast is ditching intro bumpers and sponsor callouts Opening the door to official paid sponsorships for McKinney businesses Introducing an annual presenting sponsor model to expand reach Behind-the-scenes on podcast production costs and sustainability Launching a monthly local restaurant review with James and Fred Criteria for featured restaurants: must be McKinney-owned, no chains Offering rotating quarterly sponsorships for the new food segment Creating a swag shop with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofits New exclusive content and short-form videos on the way Aiming to grow beyond a few hundred fans to reach all of McKinney Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Kelly Turns & Tammy Kleis, Owners of Botanic Life. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From pharma careers to launching a CBD wellness shop Healing chronic pain and anxiety without prescriptions Partnering with pain doctors to offer natural alternatives Breaking down CBD types: isolate, broad spectrum, and delta Why they refuse to sell vapes—and what sets them apart Facing legislation that nearly closed their doors Educating customers with care, not pressure Owning a small biz without a paycheck (yet) Battling stigma while advocating safe, legal access Rooted in McKinney, driven by mission and community Resources Mentioned: https://botaniclifeusa.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Rishab Kattimani & Ben Mesa, Co-Founders of Benevolate. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Starting a tech company in middle school and making it real Coding skills meet fundraising expertise to launch Benevolate Why nonprofit CRM systems need more than just good intentions Balancing homework and client emails at 14 and 17 years old Lessons learned leading adult teams as teen entrepreneurs Building software from scratch and why AI gives them the edge Scaling support, setting deadlines, and pushing for launch Big dreams, bigger hustle: skipping college if the million comes first Family-first business culture with their dads in the mix Resources Mentioned: https://benevolate.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Dr. Stephanie Robinson, Executive Director of Volunteer McKinney. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From Tulsa roots to UNT grad and PhD, Stephanie shares her unique journey Launching a disability services firm from scratch—and why $127 didn't stop her Why service has to be bigger than self—and how that shaped every career move Making the leap from entrepreneur to nonprofit leader with Volunteer McKinney Strategic planning meets servant leadership in a nonprofit context Bridging gaps between nonprofits through education and collaboration The surprising role of business principles in nonprofit success Why McKinney’s nonprofit density is both a blessing and a challenge A call for alignment, not duplication, in local charitable efforts Volunteer McKinney’s dual mission: engage people and strengthen nonprofits Resources Mentioned: https://volunteermckinney.org Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Bill Cox, Mayor of McKinney. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Prioritizing infrastructure without neglecting legacy neighborhoods. The value of being a commercial real estate broker, not a developer. A candid discussion on the future of McKinney National Airport. Housing policy and navigating Texas Senate Bill 840. Protecting city services from unchecked ETJ growth. Why collaboration with schools, county, and state leaders is essential. Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneytexas.org Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Rick Wells, Owner of Wells Group McKinney. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Betting the farm to launch Rick’s Chophouse and restore McKinney's Grand Hotel The evolution from restaurateur to multi-business entrepreneur and community builder How failure in his 20s shaped Rick’s leadership philosophy and hunger for growth Creating Harvest to drive a local food movement and tipping the balance in North Texas Building businesses that serve people: from preschools to donation farms Why “the Water Boy” mentality guides everything from dishwashing to philanthropy Leveraging success to make McKinney and the world a better place Resources Mentioned: https://www.wellsgroupmckinney.com/ https://www.facebook.com/wellsgroupmckinney https://www.facebook.com/harvesttx https://www.facebook.com/RicksChophouse https://www.facebook.com/theseedprojectfoundation https://www.facebook.com/mckinneroots https://www.facebook.com/grandhotelmckinneytx https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickawells/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Rod Lambert and David Rose of Fresh Start Christian Sober Living The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From real estate success to rock bottom: Rod Lambert’s journey of addiction and recovery. Growing up amid addiction: David Rose’s path from dealing drugs to prison to ministry. The impact of Celebrate Recovery and faith in rebuilding lives. Establishing faith-based sober living homes in Texas. Building trust and community support in neighborhood recovery housing. Facing and overcoming the challenges of running nonprofit recovery homes. Stories of redemption: from street life to ordained ministry and leadership. Resources Mentioned: FreshStartCSL.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Kenneth Ussery, McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Kenneth Ussery’s multi-generational McKinney heritage and lifelong community involvement Transitioning from ministry and music to real estate and life coaching The evolution of McKinney over the decades and its booming growth Behind the scenes of McKinney ISD’s bond project and stadium development Volunteering in local schools amid statewide funding challenges The importance of non-partisan leadership in school board service Celebrating local history, family legacies, and community impact Resources Mentioned: https://kennethusserymisdplace2.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is DeAnna Stone, Executive Director of Chestnut Square. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Transitioning from theater arts to preserving McKinney’s heritage The origin story and evolution of Chestnut Square Chestnut Square’s role in community memory-making and cultural education Behind the scenes of McKinney’s beloved Farmer’s Market Living history through Prairie Adventure Camps and curated collections Leadership McKinney’s personal and community-wide impact Why quiet leadership and shared stories build stronger cities Resources Mentioned: www.chestnutsquare.org Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Corey Homer, McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay Key Topics: From coaching to campus leadership: Corey's evolution in public education. Lessons learned in alternative education settings and how they shaped his career. The AVID program’s impact on students—and on Corey’s teaching philosophy. Managing McKinney ISD’s stadium launch and student-led video production. Balancing fatherhood, family, and a bold career shift to real estate. Why Corey ran for school board—and how a grassroots campaign crushed expectations. Looking ahead: school population shifts, redistricting, and the future of McKinney ISD. Resources Mentioned: http://www.homerformisd.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.