In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Dr. Ivett Leyva, Associate Dean for Research at Texas A&M–Fort Worth and professor of aerospace engineering, to explore how Fort Worth is becoming a national leader in aerospace, aviation, and defense innovation.

Dr. Leyva shares her vision for building a new research and innovation ecosystem that connects academia, industry, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of next-generation aviation technologies. From digital twins and rapid prototyping to drones, air taxis, hypersonic aircraft, and space engineering, this conversation dives deep into what’s next for safe skies and advanced flight.

Learn why Fort Worth is uniquely positioned as the aviation and defense capital of Texas, how partnerships with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Bell, American Airlines, Southwest, and SpaceX are shaping curriculum and research, and why Texas A&M’s new urban campus represents a major shift in higher education and workforce development.

If you’re interested in aerospace innovation, aviation technology, defense research, space travel, or Fort Worth’s growing innovation ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen.

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Learn more about the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus here: https://fort-worth.tamus.edu/

Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

As 2025 comes to a close, host Cameron Cushman is joined by producer Kendall Rogers for a special year-end recap episode of Fort Worth Innovates. Together, they reflect on how the podcast began, highlight the most impactful conversations from the past year, and share a sneak peek at what’s ahead for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in Fort Worth in 2026.

From pediatric research at Cook Children’s to convergence technologies, startup success stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the podcast is made, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how Fort Worth’s innovation ecosystem is growing — and why these stories matter.

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Brett Bowden — founder of Printed Threads, co-founder of MadeLab, musician-turned-entrepreneur, community-builder, and one of the most quietly influential innovators in Fort Worth’s creative economy.

Brett shares how a small screen-printing operation he once ran out of his garage evolved into a nationally recognized branding and merchandising company. He also opens up about the launch of MadeLab — a first-of-its-kind innovation laboratory where apparel brands from across the country send fabrics, dyes, inks, and processes to be tested, refined, and stress-tested. This Fort Worth-based lab doesn’t just evaluate materials; it’s helping write the standards for an entire industry.

From the challenges of entrepreneurship and late-night printing sessions to the joy of teaching thousands of people how to screen print, Brett reflects on the power of education, collaboration, and community. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from MadeLab, explains why Fort Worth is the perfect home for creative manufacturing, and highlights the startups and local leaders inspiring him today.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about Brett Bowden at Printed Threads here: https://www.printedthreads.com/

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!

Air Force veteran and TCU alum Dylan Jones, founder and CEO of Lix Hydration for Dogs, shares how military research inspired a breakthrough in pet hydration. Dylan shares how working dogs’ struggles with drinking enough water during missions led to the creation of a powdered, coconut-water-based hydration mix designed to help pets drink more and stay healthier. He walks through his year-long customer discovery journey at Fort Worth farmers markets, the pivotal venture capital connection that reshaped the company, and the science behind Lix’s simple but powerful formula. Dylan also reflects on how his military experience shaped his resilience, offers candid advice for fellow founders, and reveals why leveraging equity is one of a startup’s strongest tools. Whether you’re a pet parent or an entrepreneur, this episode highlights innovation, grit, and the power of building in Fort Worth. Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates. Learn more about Lyx Hydration: https://www.lyxhydration.com/ Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/ Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth! Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership. Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!

In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, Dr. William Stigall, the Chief Research Officer at Cook Children's Hospital, discusses the hospital's mission, integrated healthcare system, and the significant research initiatives underway. He highlights the collaboration with Texas A&M to establish a bio repository, the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the organization, and the future of pediatric research and innovation in Fort Worth. Dr. Stigall emphasizes the unique position of Cook Children's in the healthcare landscape and the potential for groundbreaking advancements in pediatric care.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about Cook Children’s here: www.cookchildrens.org/

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: www.fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cook Children's Hospital and Dr. Stigall

02:24 Mission and Vision of Cook Children's Hospital

03:56 The Integrated Healthcare System of Cook Children's

08:34 Research at Cook Children's Hospital

14:56 Collaboration with Texas A&M and Innovation Partnership

18:14 Understanding the Biorepository and Its Importance

26:46 Diversity in Healthcare Research

28:08 Promising Research Areas at Cook Children's

32:22 Innovation and Technology Transfer

35:50 Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset

41:19 Future of Cook Research Program

46:49 Fort Worth as an Innovation Hub

In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman talks with Jay Brooks, founder and CEO of GlassView, about how neuroscience is transforming both advertising and brain health. A Fort Worth native, Jay shares how his company evolved from digital ad delivery to pioneering emotion-powered media through a partnership with Cogwear, a neuroscience startup born out of the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they’re using wearable EEG technology to measure real-time emotional responses by helping brands better connect with audiences while advancing research in Alzheimer’s detection, athletic performance, and education. From emotional engagement to innovation in brain science, Jay’s story highlights how Fort Worth’s pioneering spirit continues to shape industries and redefine what it means to connect.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about J Brooks & Glassview at https://glassview.com/

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!

In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman interviews Darryl Heath, the executive director of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership. They discuss the mission of the partnership, its collaboration with Texas A&M, and the various innovation hubs being developed in Fort Worth, including aerospace, agriculture, media, and healthcare. Darryl shares insights on the importance of industry partnerships, the role of Texas A&M in driving innovation, and the future vision for the innovation district in Fort Worth.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!

In the inaugural episode of the Fort Worth Innovates podcast, host Cameron Cushman interviews Mayor Mattie Parker about the exciting developments in Fort Worth, particularly the impact of Texas A&M's new campus downtown. They discuss the importance of innovation, public-private partnerships, and the city's growth, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for entrepreneurs. Mayor Parker emphasizes the need for community engagement and collaboration to foster a thriving environment for innovation, a key to building a thriving, inclusive community for all residents.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about Mayor Mattie Parker on her podcast Go Time with Mayor Mattie Parker: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/government/mayor/go-time

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

Be sure to subscribe & tell a friend!