Born In The Bend
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35 episodes
Greg Babst, Emergency Management Coordinator at Fort Bend Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, brings emergency prep to the pod and tackles the tips for hurricane safety. Hurricane season starts this May in Fort Bend, but the impacts of these natural disasters can be felt both before and after this time of heightened awareness. Greg talks through setting up a 72-hour kit, tapping into EOC’s resources, and getting prepared at the upcoming Fort Bend Ready event on April 27th.
Season 5 has officially arrived, and Emily and Aimee are so excited to catch up with listeners and look ahead for what’s to come on Born in the Bend! Aimee discusses new additions to the Jax & 7th and Blockhouse Coffee family, including LIT Bookbar and Mugz Coffee. Emily gives listeners a sneak peek of the upcoming Fort Bend Museum gala, “A Night in the Garden” taking place on April 6th. Additional talking points include summer travels, listener recommendations, and home remodels.
* Rebekah Dahl and Brad Scarborough, Founders of The Music Box Theater, bring their musical and comedic talents to the pod and talk about their unique variety show theater. This husband and wife duo work alongside the awesome Houston-based company at Music Box to delight audiences of all ages. Highlights of this episode include getting an in-depth look at upcoming Music Box Theater shows (including A Beatles Holiday Cabaret 2023) and hearing an exclusive musical performance from Rebekah and Brad. *
Rainey Webster, Executive Director of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRM), forgoes the planes and automobiles this week to talk to us about trains and the railroads that have built the Texas we know today. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum educates and engages members of the Fort Bend community of all ages about the importance and impact of railroads and train technology. Stops along our journey include field trips for local schools, the current photography exhibit, and how you can visit and volunteer.
Adam and Jamie Busch from Family Style Design Co spend the season in style with us and talk about the upcoming happenings at their beautiful home decor shop. Inspired by family and influenced by their love of gift-giving, Adam and Jamie bring beautiful things to the Fort Bend community through decor, consultations, design services, and community events. Design elements of this episode include gift-giving as a family love language, community table dinners, and Christmas concerts.
Dexter L. McCoy, Fort Bend Commissioner of Precinct 4, brings his passion for local politics to the pod this week. Inspired by his past experience as student body president in college, Dexter has forged his career in local government with a focus on helping individuals improve their close-knit community. Talking points include what a County Commissioner really does, exciting political-driven projects in Fort Bend, and how each of us can make our own community impact in our everyday lives.
Stacy Bourgeois, Founder of Sole Loved, joins the pod from Sugar Land, Texas this week to tell her journey from humble garage setups to full-fledged fundraising for charity. Inspired by her love of children and her passion for helping individuals living in poverty, Sole Loved delivers new and gently used tennis shoes to kids in need. Talking points include nurturing hope in underserved communities, spreading self-esteem to kids across Texas, and expanding her mission beyond her community.
Charlie Beyl, Freelance Author, Illustrator and Educator in University of Houston’s Digital Media program, explores the dynamic world of creativity, freelancing, and innovation on this week’s episode. Through his work, Charlie shows students and fellow professionals alike how to unlock their unique creative potential and drive innovation in their careers. Talking points include Charlie's memories growing up in the Pacific Northwest, his early days as an artist pre-internet, persistence in pursuit of becoming a published author, and creative freelancing as a superpower.
Jerry Jones Jr., Economic Development Director for Develop Richmond, sits and sips with Em and Aim this week as they talk about big things on the horizon in the small city of Richmond. With exciting developments and new projects springing up all the time, Jerry channels his expertise into building Richmond from the ground up and making people-centric places downtown. Talking points include new businesses, new buildings, and a new idea from Emily on why Richmond should be the Lantana Capital of Texas.
A new season of Born in the Bend kicks off this week with a summer wrap-up and a calendar of exciting upcoming events. Emily recaps a summer of European travel and talks about her work with the Fort Bend Museum. Aimee discusses new happenings at Blockhouse Coffee and dives into some upcoming Richmond get-togethers you won’t want to miss. Additional talking points include: updates from past guests, holiday fun in Fort Bend, and the launch of the new and improved Born in the Bend website.
Changes are coming to a property on Harlem Road in Richmond, TX. Founding Partners of Meristem Communities, a Houston-based real estate development firm that emphasizes creating places for people, Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garett sit down with Em and Aim this week to talk about Indigo, their community project that combines housing and business development in Fort Bend county. Coming to a neighborhood near you in 2024, Scott and Clayton give listeners a heads up on what to expect and why to choose Indigo!
This week we have a special episode sponsored by the Fort Bend History Association. Join us as we sip and chat about delicious upcoming events. Mark your calendars for good brews, fresh food, music, and community! Experience the holiday season through the lens of quaint downtown Richmond. - - - - For up-to-the-minute updates on all these events and more, follow @jaxand7th, @theguildtx, and @fortbendmuseum on instagram. To purchase tickets to Bites & Brews on November 10 at the Fort Bend Museum, click here. To find the route map for the Community Christmas Walk happening December 2 in Downtown Richmond, click here. For all other events mentioned in this episode, visit the Fort Bend Museum's website events page, here. - - - - Thank you to our beverage sponsor, Imperial Wines, now open in Sugar Land, TX.
We catch up with Jerry Jones Jr., Economic Development Director for the city of Richmond, and find out what’s new with his department since our last chat in Spring 2021. Initially referred to as the Development Corporation of Richmond, Jerry’s department has been going through a rebrand to refer to itself now as Develop Richmond. Along with their name change comes a renewed focus on small businesses and startups, and an exciting revamp of their upcoming Economic Development Week (May 9th - 13th).
We’re joined by Joey Lenderman, owner of Enchanted Gardens, to talk about the plants, animals, gifts, and expert advice that can be found throughout the 13 acres of his incredible nursery. With over 2 decades of experience and a strong following in the Fort Bend community, Joey is proud to offer a wide variety of Texas-grown plants to local gardeners of all skill levels and still finds time in his busy schedule to give back to local nonprofits with causes near and dear to his heart. In this episode, Joey, Aimee, and Emily discuss: __ __
We’re joined by Shannan Stavinoha, the Executive Director of Parks Youth Ranch, to discuss her extensive volunteer and development experience in the Fort Bend community. After beginning her career in finance, Shannan soon realized her calling really was to serve, and her areas of focus over the years have been on helping children and developmentally disabled adults receive the essential services and support they need to survive and thrive. In this episode, Shannan, Aimee, and Emily discuss: __ __
We’re joined by Steve Onstad, owner of Swinging Door, to talk about the almost 50 years his BBQ restaurant has been in business in Fort Bend. As a prominent member of our community, Steve has made a name for himself not only for the incredible food he makes, but for the amazing generosity he has provided for his community. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Steve cover: __ __
This week, we’re joined by Roger Adamson, CEO of the George Foundation, to discuss the philanthropic efforts and impact the George Foundation has on Fort Bend County, including numerous grants, scholarships, initiatives, and educational programs designed to provide the very best in aid and assistance. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Roger cover: __ __
This week, we’re joined by John Kennedy, Field Development Officer at TSTC and Deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church, to talk about what the Texas State Technical College does, who it serves, and how different programs and opportunities continue to be created as they expand further into Fort Bend county. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and John cover: __ __
This week, we’re joined by Jess Stuart, Community Development Executive at YMCA and descendant of the “Old Three Hundred”, to discuss his extensive family history in texas, passion for historical preservation, and the goals the YMCA has for our community moving forward. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jess cover: __ __
In anticipation of Season 3 launching February 15, we’re replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Season 2’s episode with the ladies of Vintage Hope first aired June 2021, and since then, their business has flourished. After seamlessly transitioning into The Guild’s space, Emily, Katie & Elise decided 611 Jackson Street needed to be the permanent home for their business. Starting this February, Vintage Hope will officially take over the space. We’re re-airing this fun, and heart-warming episode to acquaint (or re-acquaint) you with the newest gals on the Jax & 7th block!
In anticipation of Season 3 launching on February 15, we’re replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Since airing the Fort Bend Museum episode from season 1 in June of 2020, so much has changed! The brand-new museum building has opened, Emily has joined the board of the Fort Bend History Association, and after a two-year pause, plans for the History Association’s annual gala, the Lone Star Stomp on Saturday, April 9, are underway. Enjoyed this episode? Support the Fort Bend History Association's efforts by purchasing a ticket to the Lone Star Stomp at www.fbhistory.org.
* Aimee and Emily introduce you to the themes, motivations, and fresh faces behind the newest season of Born in The Bend. * *
Emily and Aimee meet with Ray and Sarah Smith, founders of Speakerbox Media and producers of Born in the Bend, to discuss starting their own podcasting business, finding a niche in Houston, and understanding the importance of an audio strategy. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Ray, and Sarah cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily meet Jen Plihal and Peg Turrentine, founders of Three Sisters Farm, and talk about all things farming, harvesting, and selling to the community. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Jen, and Peg cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily meet with Nilou Gibson, owner of Sweetwater Pies, on part two of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her pie business out of Sugarland, Texas. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Nilou cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily meet with Amna Khalique, owner of Sugarplum Bakery, on part one of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her small bakery business out of Sugarland, Texas. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Amna cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily meet with Katie Higgins and Elise Arango, the founders and owners of Vintage Hope, and talk about becoming friends through their children, going into business together, and supporting mental health struggles. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Katie, and Elise cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily are joined by the new Economic Development Director for Richmond, Jerry Jones. Together, they discuss Richmond’s tourist potential, historical draw, cultural importance, and economic future. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jerry cover: __ __
Aimee and Emily kick off season 2 with something they’ve never done before--interview each other! Together, they cover what brought each of them to create the Guild and Blockhouse Coffee, how 2020 changed everything, and what they’re most looking forward to in the future. In this episode, Aimee and Emily cover: __ __
