Shows
bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard129. Inside Launch SA — San Antonio’s One-Stop Resource for Small BusinessThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the changing landscape of small business support in San Antonio through the lens of Launch SA—a city-backed resource center for entrepreneurs and business owners. Now operating under a new partnership with Geekdom and led by director Matthew Espinoza, Launch SA is navigating a critical moment of transition and growth nearly a decade after its inception.Guest host Cory Ames sits down with Espinoza to discuss how Launch SA is responding to post-pandemic challenges, the evolving needs of local founders, and what the organization’s recent relaunch means for San Antonio’s broa...2025-07-1839 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard128. San Antonio FC Is Reaching for the World StageThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we look at the evolving landscape of professional soccer in San Antonio, focusing on San Antonio FC and their role in building international connections through sport.Host Bob Rivard and Co-Host Cory Ames are joined in the studio by Marco Ferruzzi, San Antonio FC Sporting Director, and Jose Lizardo, Director of Toyota Field and Star Soccer Complex. Together, they discuss San Antonio FC’s decade-long growth, the challenges of operating within the USL Championship, and what the club’s new partnerships with teams in Darmstadt, Germany, and Las Palmas, Spain, mean for local fans...2025-06-2735 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio?This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio residents are rethinking their relationship with nature—starting in their own front yards. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle, author, naturalist, and founder of the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. Maeckle’s new book, Plants with Purpose, explores why traditional lawns may be a liability for San Antonio, and how reimagining our landscaping choices can have a measurable impact on water conservation, biodiversity, and the city’s resilience to climate extremes.In this conversation, Cory and Monika discuss:•...2025-06-2044 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the SouthsideThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the transformation underway at Brooks—formerly Brooks City Base—on San Antonio’s Southeast Side. Over the past decade, Brooks has shifted from a dormant military installation to a growing center for business, education, healthcare, and residential development. We explore the decisions and investments that brought this revitalization to life and what it means for the future of the South Side and the city as a whole.Host Bob Rivard is joined by Leo Gomez, president and CEO of the Brooks Development Authority and Brooks Gives Back. Since taking the helm in 201...2025-06-0637 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard124. Runoff Edition: Rolando Pablos Makes His CaseThis weekend on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to San Antonio’s mayoral runoff as Bob Rivard sits down with candidate Rolando Pablos for a focused conversation on city governance, economic growth, and the future of San Antonio. With early voting underway Tuesday and the race narrowed to two candidates, this episode offers a timely look at the decision facing local voters.Bob and Rolando discuss the central issues shaping this year’s mayoral race—from economic development and workforce challenges to housing policy, city budget priorities, and the city’s ties to Mexico. Rolando also addr...2025-05-2449 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard123. San Antonio’s Legal Lifeline: How SALSA Fights for Access to JusticeThis week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Sarah Dingivan, outgoing CEO of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA), and Gregory Zlotnick, board member for SALSA and faculty at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission to bridge the gap in civil legal services for San Antonians with limited means—at a time when demand has never been higher.The conversation explores SALSA’s evolution from a small volunteer initiative to an independent nonprofit, its response to the unique legal needs brought on by the pandemic, and the ongo...2025-05-2358 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard122. The Scientist Who Transformed Texas Biomed—and San Antonio’s Scientific StandingThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the role of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute—better known as Texas Biomed—in San Antonio’s scientific community, the rapidly changing landscape of research funding, and the challenges of combating misinformation in an era of political division.Host Bob Rivard is joined by Dr. Larry Schlesinger, president and CEO of Texas Biomed, for a conversation that touches on Dr. Schlesinger’s personal background as the child of Holocaust survivors, his career as an infectious disease researcher, and his reasons for coming to San Antonio eight years ago. Together, they discuss how Texa...2025-05-1647 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard121. The Case for Thinking Differently About San Antonio (with Rory Sutherland – Live at Geekdom)This week on bigcitysmalltown, we bring you a special live-recorded conversation with world-renowned behavioral economist and ad executive Rory Sutherland, hosted at the Geekdom Event Center in downtown San Antonio.Known for his provocative ideas on creativity, design, and human behavior, Rory joins host Bob Rivard for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking dialogue about how cities like San Antonio can unlock their potential—not by copying others, but by thinking differently.They discuss:• Why cities should lean into their uniqueness instead of competing on size• How human psychology shapes everything from public transi...2025-05-091h 35bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard120. Why San Antonio’s Future Starts with Early Childhood EducationThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s fourteen-year effort to build a more equitable early childhood education system—an undertaking rooted in the city’s fight against generational poverty. Host Bob Rivard traces the origins of Pre-K 4 SA, from its formation by a blue-ribbon task force under then-Mayor Julián Castro, to the launch of universal pre-K centers across the city, and its ongoing impact on young children and working families.Bob is joined by Peter J. Holt (chair of Early Matters and CEO of Holt Group and Spurs Sports & Entertainment), Mark Larson (Executive Director of Earl...2025-05-0256 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard112. San Antonio's Culinary Legacy: 25 Years of Biga on the BanksThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we explore the vibrant culinary landscape of San Antonio, with a spotlight on one of the city's longstanding culinary institutions, Biga on the Banks. Celebrating its 25th anniversary at its iconic location on the Riverwalk, Biga on the Banks stands as a testament to culinary excellence and perseverance in a competitive industry. Bob sits down with Bruce Auden, renowned chef and driving force behind Biga, alongside his business partner Perny Shea, to discuss the restaurant's journey, its impact on San Antonio's dining scene, and the challenges and triumphs of sustaining a high-caliber restaurant...2025-04-0437 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for HopeThis week on bigcitysmalltown we delve into the evolving landscape of homelessness support and services in San Antonio. As Kim Jeffries, the CEO of Haven for Hope, prepares to depart her role to take on the establishment of a comprehensive homeless shelter in Las Vegas, she joins host Bob Rivard to reflect on her journey in the San Antonio nonprofit sector. Kim's tenure at Haven for Hope offers a unique lens into how the city has grown and adapted to meet the needs of its vulnerable communities. The conversation touches on the extraordinary collaboration between various nonprofit...2025-03-2848 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard is joined by Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes from San Antonio Sports to discuss the upcoming 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four hosted in San Antonio. With the city on the brink of this prestigious event, what can residents and visitors expect? The conversation delves into the preparations for the Final Four, the events surrounding it, and its anticipated economic impact on San Antonio. As the city gears up for this major event, Bob, Jenny, and Elena offer insights into the intricacies of hosting and planning at such a large scale. 2025-03-2138 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into the unexpected legacy of Tom Slick and his enduring influence on San Antonio’s scientific community. Though known as an oil wildcatter, Slick’s curiosity and visionary investments laid the groundwork for significant advancements in neuroscience and consciousness research. Our focus is the Mind Science Foundation—a San Antonio-based institution exploring the mysteries of the human mind, largely unnoticed by the local community. Bob Rivard is joined by Meriam Musa Good, President and CEO of the Mind Science Foundation, and Ben Rein, PhD, the foundation's Chief Scientist from Stanford, to discus...2025-03-1444 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard104. Inside UTSA Honors College: A Different Kind of Higher EducationThis week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a deep dive into UTSA Honors College—one of the most unique and rapidly evolving honors programs in Texas. Unlike traditional programs, UTSA Honors College is built around real-world experience, preparing students for competitive careers, top graduate programs, and leadership roles. But what makes this program different? Bob sits down with Dr. Jill Fleuriet, Vice Provost for Honors Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), to explore the college’s transformative approach to education, how it’s expanding opportunities for high-achieving students, and why UTSA can be poised to be a...2025-03-0742 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of JournalismThis week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a deep dive into the state of local journalism and its future in San Antonio. As traditional news models struggle nationwide, nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are working to reshape how communities stay informed. But what does it take to sustain independent journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape? Bob sits down with San Antonio Report leadership to discuss the organization’s 13-year journey, the challenges of nonprofit news, and why local journalism remains essential to a thriving city. They explore what’s next for the newsroom, how they’re adapt...2025-02-2843 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s NextThis week’s Last Word is a special one: bigcitysmalltown has hit 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on this milestone, the journey so far, and what’s ahead for the podcast that tells the stories of the people shaping San Antonio’s future. From decades in journalism to launching bigcitysmalltown, Bob shares his perspective on how the media landscape has evolved, why local storytelling matters more than ever, and what’s next for the show as it continues to grow. With San Antonio at the heart of every conversation, bigcitysmalltown has brought together leaders, changemakers, and ever...2025-02-2204 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard99. The Last Word - Bexar County Seeks to Expand Mental Health Services—But Will the State Step Up?This week’s Last Word commentary examines the growing demand for mental health services in Bexar County—and whether the state will provide the funding needed to meet it. Bob Rivard unpacks the county’s plan to expand in-patient mental health services, why the need for more capacity has been a long-standing issue, and what it will take for Texas lawmakers to support these efforts. With statewide hospital bed shortages and increasing pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement, how will Bexar County’s move impact care for those in crisis? And will the state step up to ensure...2025-02-1503 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to FixThis week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for change. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Mario Barrera, a San Antonio attorney and former chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together, they break down what’s at stake for public education in San Antonio as the Texas Legislature debates funding prio...2025-02-1436 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard97. The Last Word - Will Texas Be Ready for the Next Disaster? The Fight Over FEMAThis week’s Last Word commentary examines the future of FEMA and what it means for Texas as disaster relief policies face increasing political scrutiny. Bob Rivard unpacks the growing debate over federal disaster aid, how FEMA’s role could change under this next administration, and why Texas—prone to hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather—has so much at stake. With climate-driven disasters on the rise, will Texas be prepared if federal support dwindles? And what happens if states are forced to handle disaster relief on their own? Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the inte...2025-02-0803 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard95. The Last Word - San Antonio City Council’s Failed Vote to Fund Abortion TravelThis week’s Last Word commentary examines the San Antonio City Council’s failed vote on funding abortion travel, a decision that reflects both the city’s political divide and the larger struggle between state and local governance in Texas. Bob Rivard breaks down what happened in the council chambers, why the vote failed, and what it signals for San Antonio’s upcoming elections. With abortion access increasingly restricted statewide, this debate raises broader questions: Should cities step in where state laws limit healthcare options? And how will this issue shape the future political landscape in San Antonio...2025-02-0104 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard94. Will the Immigration Crackdown Impact San Antonio? A Legal Expert Weighs InThis week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into one of the most pressing issues facing San Antonio: the future of immigration policy and how it will impact our community. We’re joined by Claudia Hernandez, an immigration attorney at San Antonio-based firm De Mott, Curtright and Armendáriz (DMCA), to discuss the real consequences of shifting immigration policies—what’s at stake for families, businesses, and the broader South Central Texas community. With new challenges emerging under the next Trump presidency, Claudia breaks down what immigrants need to know, the legal protections available, and how local organ...2025-01-3141 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard93. The Last Word - The Gulf of NeighborsThis week’s Last Word commentary reflects on the enduring connections between Texas and Mexico through the Gulf of Mexico—a shared space of culture, trade, and history. As the relationship between these neighbors faces new challenges in the next Trump presidency, Bob Rivard explores how the Gulf symbolizes both unity and division. With proposals like renaming the Gulf to the “Gulf of America” floating in political discourse, this commentary examines what’s at stake for the communities and economies shaped by this vital waterway. Join us for a thoughtful reflection on the Gulf’s significance...2025-01-2504 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard91. The Last Word - Texas Legislature Opens the 89th Legislative SessionIn this week’s Last Word, Bob Rivard explores the opening of the Texas Legislature’s 89th biennial session, unpacking the pressing issues and political dynamics shaping the state’s future. From the ongoing school voucher debate and public education funding crisis to the challenges of housing, transportation, and water conservation, Bob offers sharp insights on what’s at stake for Texans. He also reflects on the broader implications of one-party rule and its impact on transformative policymaking. Tune in for a candid analysis of where Texas is headed—and what it means for San Antonio and beyond.2025-01-1807 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard78. Live from CityFest: The Future of DowntownIn this very special episode of bigcitysmalltown, we share a panel recorded live in front of an audience at Texas Public Radio for CityFest San Antonio 2024. Host Bob Rivard moderated a panel of city leaders discussing how San Antonio's downtown has navigated the past decade and what's ahead. The panel included Veronica Salazar of UTSA, David Robinson, Jr. of Weston Urban, Trish DeBerry of Centro San Antonio, Andres Andujar of Hemisfair, and San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh. 2024-11-011h 13bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard41. A Conversation with Juan TejedaOn this episode of bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard, Bob is joined by Nicholas Frank, senior arts reporter for the San Antonio Report as they speak with Juan Tejeda, founder of the San Antonio Conjunto Festival. He has published a family memoir centered on the life of his brother Frank Tejeda, former U.S. Marine and decorated Vietnam War vet, state legislator, city councilman, Congressman, and Southside leader who died at the age of 51 in 1997.2024-01-2950 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard39. Carlos Contreras: How Goodwill San Antonio is Fighting Poverty throughout South TexasThis week on the bigcitysmalltown podcast, host Bob Rivard welcomes Carlos Contreras, CEO and President of Goodwill Industries in San Antonio. As Carlos shares insights about San Antonio’s economic challenges—with nearly half its population financially insecure—he underscores Goodwill’s mission: lifting individuals above precarious living conditions towards sustainability and self-sufficiency. Goodwill San Antonio website Visit the official bigcitysmalltown website2024-01-1553 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard36. Uvalde native Fr. Eddy Morales: honored by the US Surgeon General for his extraordinary service to community after the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.On this episode of bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard welcomes Fr. Eddy Morales. On May 24th, 2022, Uvalde was shaken by Texas' deadliest school shooting at Robb Elementary School - 19 students and two teachers perished. In grief's shadow, Father Eddy guided his community through loss with funerals for over half the victims and nurturing healing in its aftermath. Recognized nationally for his compassionate service during this dark chapter, Father Eddy Morales received the US Surgeon General’s Medallion Award for Health - a testament to love triumphing over despair. Honored at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center, Fr...2023-12-1847 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard35. Centro San Antonio Envisions Downtown Revival with Trish DeBerryIn this episode, host Bob Rivard converses with special guest Trish DeBerry, CEO and President of Centro San Antonio. They discuss the evolution and revitalization of downtown San Antonio, its challenges amid corporate departures and COVID-19 impacts, as well as the future vision for urban development. Key Points Discussed: 1. Centro San Antonio's Role in Urban Development: Centro San Antonio oversees public improvement districts including iconic areas like the Riverwalk and Alamo Plaza while advocating for downtown business-community connections. 2. Trish’s Journey: From her long-standing relationship with downtown to her political career and return to a...2023-12-1147 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard34. Shaping San Antonio's Future: UP Partnership's Dr. Ryan Lugalia-Hollon on SA Higher Education InitativeIn this episode of bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard welcomes Dr. Ryan Lugalia-Hollon - CEO of UP Partnership, a non-profit education advocacy organization in San Antonio. Lugalia-Hollon shares his journey from Chicago to San Antonio, his family background, and the innovative initiatives he's leading to enhance education and community development in the city. Key Discussions: Personal Background: Dr. Lugalia-Hollon discusses his family's Texas roots, his upbringing, and his academic and professional journey. Role in UP Partnership: Insights into Dr. Lugalia-Hollon's work in San Antonio, focusing on education advocacy and community involvement. Future Ready Bear County Initiative: Dr. L...2023-12-0450 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard32. Beto Altamirano's Journey from Life on the Border to Startup Co-Founder and the Call for Public Service In this episode with bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard welcomes Beto Altamirano, a renowned innovator and entrepreneur hailing from San Antonio, South Texas. Altamirano, widely recognized for his influential role in tech and civic engagement, shares his inspiring journey from his upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley to becoming a pivotal figure in urban technology and government. Episode Highlights: Background and Early Influences: Altamirano discusses his formative years in Mission, Texas, emphasizing his bicultural and bilingual upbringing. He reflects on the pivotal moment when his father's deportation profoundly impacted his perspective and aspirations. Career and Ac...2023-11-1351 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard31. Artful Transformations: Revitalizing San Antonio's Cultural Landscape with Emily Neff, Kelso Director at San Antonio Museum of ArtIn this episode of bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard, the conversation delves into the fascinating world of art, culture, and city revitalization with our special guest, Emily Neff, the Kelso director at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Emily's extensive experience as a museum director and curator, combined with her passion for enriching cultural assets, brings a fresh perspective to the thriving city of San Antonio. As she shares her insights and expertise, you'll uncover the secrets to successful downtown revival in San Antonio and gain valuable knowledge on how to enhance your own city's urban core. 2023-11-0649 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard30. San Antonio's Growth and Economic Prospects with Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, CEO and President of greater: SATX On this episode of bigcitysmall town with Bob Rivard, Bob welcomes Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, the leader of the Greater San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. Jenna Saucedo-Herrera is the CEO and president of greater: SATX, a private, public nonprofit organization dedicated to driving economic growth and attracting quality jobs to San Antonio and the region. With years of experience in economic development, Jenna leads a team that actively markets the San Antonio region to companies around the world. Her efforts have resulted in significant wins, such as JCB's decision to build its second and largest US advanced manufacturing plant in...2023-10-3043 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard29. Henry Cisneros’ Vision of San Antonio is One of Unprecedented Economic Growth On this epsode ofbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard, my guest Henry Cisneros shares the remarkable economic growth and transformation happening in San Antonio, driven by diverse industries and fueled by favorable factors like tax incentives and population influx. Serving as the mayor of San Antonio from 1981 to 1989 and later as the Secretary for Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, he has extensive experience in government and public service. Currently, he holds the position of chairman at American Triple I Capital Investments in New York, where he has successfully raised substantial amounts of capital for major infrastructure projects incl...2023-10-2350 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard28. Crafting Change: Creating Southside Craft Soda and Organizing Social Progress wiith Andrew Anguiano Andrew Anguiano is this week's guest on Bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard. He is the founder of Southside Craft Soda and the founding executive director of Southside First Economic Development Council. With a background in craft beer and marketing, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the beverage industry. Southside Craft Soda is a local brand that offers unique and flavorful sodas inspired by the rich culture of South Texas. Andrew's dedication to supporting local businesses and representing the Southside community has made him a respected voice in the maker community. Join us as we explore the story...2023-10-1643 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard26. Preserving the Essence of San Antonio Through Photography: A Conversation with Al Rendon This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard welcomes acclaimed San Antonio photographer Al Rendon, whose 50-year career documenting Latino life and culture is celebrated in a one-person exhibition at the Witte Museum that opened Sept. 2 and continues until Jan. 7. The exhibition is titled "Mi Cultura: Bringing Shadows into Light." A companion book of the same title is available at the Witte and area bookstores. Rendon, who began his career as a teenager with a camera winning backstage access to traveling rock and roll artists, soon became the best known documentarian of his own hometown and its leading Latino figures...2023-09-2543 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard25. Changing of the Guard at the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival with Monika Maeckle and Ashley Bird On this episode of bigcitysmalltown with host Bob Rivard, guests are Monika Maeckle and Ashley Bird. Maeckle, a writer and citizen scientist, founded the annual San Antonio Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival in 2015, which Ashley Bird, founder of Blooming with Birdie, takes over this year in advance of the Saturday, Oct. 7 festival at Brackenridge Park, which is free and open to the public. Maeckle, author of the Texas Butterfly Blog and book coming in 2024 on the monarch migration, led the effort that resulted in San Antonio being named the country’s first Monarch Champion City by the Na...2023-09-1840 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard23. Managing the Cost of Higher Education With UIW’s Cristen Alicea and UTSA’s Erika CoxIn this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, Cristen Alicea, and Erica Cox discuss the range of higher education options available, such as trade schools, two-year colleges, and private universities. They also discussed the Alamo Promise and UTSA Promise programs, Save Plan, and the importance of philanthropy to UTSA and Incarnate Word. Additionally, they review the importance of alumni giving back to their universities through employee campaigns, 5Ks, and other donations.2023-09-0456 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard22. Virtual Dreams to Real Life Achievement: Alberto Piña's Visionary Approach to Affordable HousingThis episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard dives deep into the visionary world of Alberto Piña, the dynamic founder, and CEO of Braustin Homes. Launched right out of Geekdom in 2017, Braustin Homes stands as the nation's premier virtual mobile home buying app. It’s not just about buying homes; it’s about making affordable housing a reality for many. Alberto, affectionately known as AP to close ones, not only foresaw the looming affordable housing crisis, but he also acted on it. In addition to the launch of his new fintech venture Porch Pass, Alberto is makin...2023-08-2849 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard20. From Geology to Sustainability: Sharing the Story of the Edwards Aquifer with Gregg Eckhardt Gregg Eckhardt, fondly titled the 'Nerd King' of South Texas water history, comes with an enviable track record. In a career spanning over three decades, he has dedicated himself to studying the unique Edwards Aquifer, contributing to his expert status in water management. Currently an environmental scientist with the renowned San Antonio Water System, his expertise extends beyond the science - he's a dedicated historian pushing to preserve the fascinating history of the city's intricate water systems. Gregg's passion lies in sharing this captivating knowledge through lectures and talks, which are highly sought after within academic circles and sustainability fo...2023-08-1440 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard18. Innovation in Improving Access to Women's Healthcare in San Antonio with Somer Baburek and Jennifer NewellIn this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, Bob has a conversation with a couple of female entrepreneurs with vision-oriented focus on women’s healthcare access in the San Antonio area and beyond. As a potent force in women's health, co-founder and CEO of Hera Biotech, Somer Baburek, uses cutting- edge AI technology to better diagnose and eventually treat diseases that uniquely impact women. Her focal point, endometriosis, is a prevalent yet under-diagnosed condition that she seeks to shine a light on. With a determination to disrupt the norms in hea...2023-07-311h 01bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard17. San Antonio’s new Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, the second Sikh elected official in Texas, has big plans for District 1In this episode of Big City Small Town, Bob Rivard sits down with Sukh Kaur, one month after her upset runoff victory over incumbent Mario Bravo, to talk about her priorities representing a district that includes downtown, hard hit in the pandemic, and working to redefine itself. Kaur, a Rice University graduate and a first-generation American hailing from India's northern state of Punjab, has dedicated her life to addressing disparities that exist in the arena of learning. With a background in civil rights, policy studies, law and justice, Kaur chose to serve her community by delving into th...2023-07-2445 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard14. Creating Positive Change: How Marina Alderete Gavito is Empowering District Seven On this episode of big city small town, host Bob Rivard is joined by newly elected San Antonio City Council member from District 7 Marina Alderete Gavito. An expert in community advocacy, she shares her insights and empowers us to take an active role in creating positive changes. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the environmental toll of fireworks and how it extends to public health concerns. Appreciate the pivotal role of elected representatives in championing meaningful changes. Get the bigger picture of the drainage and housing issues wi...2023-07-0335 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard8. Exploring the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center with Cristina Balli As Cristina Balli's passion for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center grew, she never could have expected the unexpected twist that would change the organization forever. What could have happened to shake the foundation of an institution she worked tirelessly to preserve? Keep reading to find out. In this episode of big city small tow with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Familiarize yourself with Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center's commitment to endorsing Latino culture and arts. Scrutinize the hurdles that culturally specific arts organizations have to overcome in San Antonio. Comprehend...2023-05-2243 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard7. Compassionate Solutions for the Unhoused: A Conversation with Gavin Rogers In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, join Bob with his guest Gavin Rogers as he shares his personal journey of living on the streets for 48 days, leading to his goal of providing compassionate care and diversified options for those experiencing homelessness, all while navigating the compelling central conflict of political divide and tragedy surrounding the immigration crisis. In this episode, you will be able to: Comprehend diverse strategies for tackling homelessness. Identify the impact of conscious language choices in discussing social issues. Absorb essential harm reduction...2023-05-1539 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard6. Food Deserts & Policy Solutions with Mitch Hagney Mitch Hagney, an environmentalist turned food advocate, strives to improve food access for impoverished communities through innovative programs and sustainable agriculture, including connecting landscapes to agriculture and promoting the consumption of locally produced meats. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Unravel the connection between sustainable urban agriculture and San Antonio's food policy landscape. Grasp the importance of equitable access to healthy, affordable food for disadvantaged communities. Realize the critical role of water conservation in sustainable agriculture efforts. Comprehend the...2023-05-0839 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard5. Cleaning Up San Antonio: Charles Blank's River Aid Revolution Have you been told to simply pick up trash around town and hope for a cleaner San Antonio? You’re not alone. But there’s a better way. Join us to discover the power of River Aid San Antonio’s community-driven trash cleanups and their impact on the local environment and find out how you can help create lasting cultural change through education and partnerships to combat environmental issues. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will: Uncover the success of River Aid San Antonio's grassroots efforts in addressing local environ...2023-05-0140 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard4. US-Mexico Relations: A Candid Conversation with Eddie Aldrete Eddie Aldrete was just living his life in a suburban part of Washington DC, but he unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of bridging the US-Mexico relations. His career has taken him on a journey of advocating for a more inclusive and economically prosperous future, earning him respect from both sides of the border. What impact will Eddie's unique perspective have on the future of US-Mexico relations? In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, we will: Delve into the complexities of US-Mexico relations, focusing on immigration, border security, and economic possibilities.2023-04-2440 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard3. Uncovering Lost Texas Histories with Brandon Seale When Brandon Seale set out to discover the truth behind the forgotten Battle of Medina, he didn't expect to uncover an entire battlefield. Yet, by collaborating with American Veterans Archaeological Recovery and scholars, he and his team have slowly but surely pieced together an incredible discovery. But will they be able to honor the battle and its legacy? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the untold stories surrounding the lost Battle of Medina and its impact on Texas history. Appreciate the indispensable contributions of citizen historians and archaeologists in revealing...2023-04-1739 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard2. The Sustainable Dining Revolution with Elizabeth Johnson Elizabeth Johnson, a single mother facing a life-altering divorce, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Latin America and India to establish sustainability, rediscover her ancestral roots, and bridge the culinary gap to make the world a better place. In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will be able to: Discover the impact of Ayurveda on wholesome, plant-based cuisine for better health Uncover the sustainability challenges that modern restaurants face and potential solutions Appreciate the significance of preserving cultural heritage through culinary traditions and education Realize the advantages of supporting local p...2023-04-1050 minbigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard0. Introduction to bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard2023-03-2700 min