Épisodes

  • Advocating for Dementia Research and Care: A Conversation with Melissa Sanchez

    Advocating for Dementia Research and Care: A Conversation with Melissa Sanchez
    Oct 15 2025
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom welcomes Melissa Sanchez, the Senior Director of Public Policy at the Alzheimer's Association, about her role and key initiatives, including Proposition 14. Melissa shares insights into her professional journey, emphasizing the importance of public policy in shaping lived experiences. The discussion delves into Proposition 14, a significant initiative aiming to transfer $3 billion over ten years to support the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, mirroring the success of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Melissa highlights the Alzheimer's Association's multifaceted approach, including care and support, research advancement, and advocacy, while addressing the broader economic and social impacts of dementia. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support Proposition 14 and get involved with the Alzheimer's Association. Key Highlights · Melissa Sanchez's Professional Journey · Current Role and Proposition 14 Overview · Alzheimer's Association Mission and Impact · Challenges in Alzheimer's Advocacy · Public Health Importance of Dementia · How to Support Proposition 14 Resources · Alzheimer's Association website · “Vote YES on Proposition 14” campaign · Instagram: @alztex · X (formerly Twitter): @alztex · Facebook: Alzheimer’s Association Texas Chapter Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    23 min
  • Orchestrating Growth: Hill Country Youth Orchestras’ New Season

    Orchestrating Growth: Hill Country Youth Orchestras’ New Season
    Oct 8 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this area of Texas so unique. This week, Tom welcomes back Mark Haufler and Pat Lee from the Hill Country Youth Orchestras to discuss the upcoming 2025-2026 season. They all discuss preparations for the new academic year, including student auditions and orchestral placements. Pat highlights the various levels of orchestras at Kerrville and Boerne campuses, the music selections, and events lined up for the season. Mark discusses current and future fundraising initiatives, including the annual ‘High Tea’ event scheduled for December 6th and the efforts to expand their presence in Boerne. They also touch on the healing power of music, particularly in the aftermath of the July 4th flood. Lastly, the episode offers a glimpse into the planned fall concerts and end-of-year holiday celebrations. Key highlights: Starting the Academic Year Student Enrollment and Orchestra Levels Board Initiatives and Fundraising Music as a Healing Process Upcoming Fall Concerts Resources: Hill Country Youth Orchestras Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    22 min
  • Navigating Disaster Recovery: Insights from Kerrville’s City Manager Dalton Rice

    Navigating Disaster Recovery: Insights from Kerrville’s City Manager Dalton Rice
    Oct 1 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this area of Texas so unique. This week, Tom welcomes back Dalton Rice, City Manager of Kerrville, to discuss the city’s ongoing recovery efforts following a recent disaster. Dalton details the three key phases of recovery: search and rescue, debris removal, and long-term rebuilding. He shares insights into the challenges faced, ranging from missing persons to economic recovery, with a particular focus on small businesses and parks. Dalton highlights the contributions of various entities, including local organizations, state and federal agencies, and volunteers. He also speaks about the strategic operations within the Emergency Operations Center and how the city managed resources and coordination during and after the crisis. He emphasizes the unique collaborative spirit in Kerrville and the importance of public-private partnerships in disaster recovery. Finally, he discusses future challenges and the anticipation of the holiday season as a time for community resilience and reflection. Key highlights: Search, Recovery, and Debris Management Economic Recovery Efforts Rebuilding Parks and Recreation Public-Private Partnerships Disaster Preparedness and Response Federal and State Coordination Challenges Ahead Resources: City of Kerrville Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    22 min
  • A Symphony of Healing: A Conversation with Gene Dowdy

    A Symphony of Healing: A Conversation with Gene Dowdy
    Sep 25 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Gene Dowdy, the Director of Music at Schreiner University and conductor of the Symphony of the Hills. Gene shares his serendipitous journey to becoming a conductor and the importance of succession planning in organizations. He also discusses the profound role music plays in promoting healing and community wellness, emphasizing initiatives that involve music and health. Additionally, Gene provides an overview of the Symphony of the Hills’ upcoming 25th anniversary season, highlighting the planned concerts and their significance. The episode underscores the symphony’s commitment to community engagement and highlights the emotional power of music. Key highlights: Gene Dowdy’s Journey to Becoming a Conductor The Power of Music in Healing Symphony of the Hills: Upcoming Season Resources: Symphony of the Hills Kerrville Professor Eugene Dowdy at Schreiner University Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    22 min
  • Confronting Shame and Guilt in Recovery

    Confronting Shame and Guilt in Recovery
    Sep 17 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Abby Filyaw and Lamar Davis from the Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness. Abby Filyaw introduces Lamar Davis to discuss the complex topics of shame and guilt within the context of addiction recovery. The conversation explores definitions of shame and guilt, their impact on recovery efforts, and how different recovery processes like the 12 Steps and refuge recovery help address these feelings. The episode also touches on the significance of National Recovery Month, celebrated every September, and the role of community support and peer experiences in overcoming addiction-related stigma and promoting sustained recovery. Key highlights: Defining Shame and Guilt in Recovery National Recovery Month and Personal Experiences The 12-Step Process and Making Amends Celebrating National Recovery Month The Importance of Safe Spaces for Men in Recovery Resources: Check out the Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (HCCADA) for further information on services, programs, and resources. Other Hill Country Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    17 min
  • Kerrville Strong: How the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce is Leading the Business Recovery After the Flood

    Kerrville Strong: How the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce is Leading the Business Recovery After the Flood
    Sep 10 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom Fox welcomes Mindy Wendele, President and CEO of the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how our community came together in the aftermath of the recent flood. Mindy shares the story of the Chamber’s swift action, the creation of the Rebuilding and Recovery Fund, and the many ways neighbors have helped one another. You’ll hear about the grants awarded to local businesses, the efforts to combat fraud, and the ongoing journey to rebuild Kerrville and Kerr County. This episode is a celebration of our town’s resilience and the people who make it special. Key highlights: The Flood and Immediate Response Helping Local Businesses Keeping It Honest: Stopping Fraud Working Together for the Long Haul Supporting Each Other Local Leadership Matters How You Can Help or Get Help Resources: Visit kerrvillechamber.biz for the Rebuilding and Recovery Fund. Stop by: 1700 Sidney Baker Street, Kerrville, TX Call: (830) 896-1155 Other Award-Winning Texas Hill Country Network Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Podcast Artwork Nancy Huffman Fine Art
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    31 min
  • The Ziglar Explosion & Circle of Gumption Conference 2025

    The Ziglar Explosion & Circle of Gumption Conference 2025
    Sep 3 2025
    ⁠Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. ⁠This week, Tom welcomes back Kenneth O’Neal to discuss the highly anticipated third annual Ziglar Explosion and Circle of Gumption Conference, taking place in Kerrville, TX, on October 9-11, 2025. Kenneth shares exciting details about the conference, including the speaker lineup, special events, and the principles of Zig Ziglar that continue to influence people globally. He also introduces his book ‘The Circle of Gumption,’ his weekly podcast, and discusses themes such as integrity, leadership, and resilience. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into Kenneth’s passion for connecting with people and sharing wisdom. Key highlights: Upcoming Zig Ziglar Conference Conference Speakers and Highlights Keynote on Gumption, Grit, and Guts Balancing Work and Family Life Resources: Circle of Gumption ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Ziglar Explosion⁠ Kenneth O’Neal on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Other Award-Winning Texas Hill Country Network Podcasts ⁠Hill Country Authors Podcast⁠ ⁠Hill Country Artists Podcast⁠ ⁠Texas Hill Country Podcast Network⁠ Podcast Artwork ⁠Nancy Huffman Fine Art
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    25 min
  • Red Cross and Rotary Club’s Response to July 4th Floods with Kristy Vandenberg

    Red Cross and Rotary Club’s Response to July 4th Floods with Kristy Vandenberg
    Aug 27 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes back Kristy Vandenberg to discuss the aftermath of the July 4th floods. Kristy shares her experience and involvement with the Red Cross and Rotary Club, highlighting their immediate response, shelter operations, volunteer efforts, and community support. She details the role of the Red Cross in providing lodging, feeding first responders, and assessing damage, as well as the Rotary Club’s resource mobilization and donation initiatives. Looking ahead, Kristy emphasizes the importance of strategic rebuilding and the community’s collaborative effort to support flood victims. Listeners are provided with information on how to donate and volunteer. Key highlights: Discussing the Aftermath of July 4th Floods Role of the Red Cross in Disaster Relief Shelters and Volunteer Efforts Rotary Club’s Involvement and Support Future Recovery and Rebuilding Plans Resources Rotary Club of Kerrville Hill Country Red Cross Other Hill Country Network Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Artwork Nancy Huffman Fine Art
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    20 min