Sonya Letson

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Craft, a local firefighter and former Amarillo City Council member. Josh shares what it’s like balancing a life of public service—previously in local government, and still on the frontlines as a firefighter. He opens up about leadership  and how serving Amarillo in two very different roles has shaped his perspective on what community really means.

This week’s guest is Ryan Hazelwood — a friend, mentor, and longtime leader in local TV broadcasting. Ryan’s career has taken him from the classroom to the newsroom, including years as a news director and instructor in the West Texas A&M University Department of Communication, where we first met. In this conversation, Ryan reflects on the relationships that have shaped his life, the evolving world of media, and his approach to leadership. He also shares about his current fight with metastatic cancer — speaking candidly about what that journey has taught him, the importance of early screening and colonoscopies, and the perspective he’s gained through it all. Ryan is funny, sharp, and grounded — and his story reminds us what really matters: connection, courage, and showing up for the people around us.

This week’s guest is Sonya Letson, a lifelong advocate for justice and democracy. From serving three terms as Potter County Attorney to her work as a municipal court judge, assistant district attorney, and in leadership with the League of Women Voters, Sonya’s career reflects a deep commitment to fairness, civic health, and the preservation of democratic systems. In our conversation, Sonya shares her pragmatic view of the law—accepting its limits while using its flexibilities to pursue what is right. Smart, quick-witted, and deeply thoughtful, Sonya brings expertise and perspective that feel especially relevant in this moment for our democracy.

David Elizalde: Andrea’s Project and Choosing to “Give a Lot” When David Elizalde’s daughter, Andrea, was killed in a drunk driving accident, his life was forever changed. Out of that tragedy, David created Andrea’s Project, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and advocating for stronger legislation to prevent it. But David’s story is not just about loss — it’s about resilience, conviction, and love. Through multiple hardships, he shares how he found purpose in his grief. As he puts it: “You can either give in, or give a lot.” This episode is a heartbreaking yet inspiring conversation about what it means to transform tragedy into meaningful change. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses loss, grief, alcohol-related harm, and suicide.

Michael Kashuba: Parks, People, and Public Spaces Michael Kashuba grew up in Canada, but today he’s the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Amarillo. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to Amarillo, what it’s like to oversee the city’s parks system, and how he thinks about outdoor spaces as part of community life. Funny, thoughtful, and deeply invested in Amarillo, Michael brings insight (and a few laughs) about what it means to care for a city and its people through parks and recreation.

Leila Daraei grew up in Iran, moved to Amarillo in her 30s, and started her U.S. life working as a janitor at Amarillo College. Today, she’s a professor on the same campus. In this episode, Leila shares her remarkable story — from navigating cultural transitions to the mentors and instructors who believed in her along the way. It’s a conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the power of community support.

This week, Skylar sits down with Kyle Groves, a second-generation magician who grew up traveling the country with his parents’ magic show. Kyle shares what it’s really like to live life behind the curtain, from the craft and discipline it takes to become a magician, to the wonder that keeps audiences spellbound. Now preparing to open a one-of-a-kind magic venue in Amarillo, Kyle reflects on his journey, the traditions of the art form, and how magic invites us to step away from the everyday and rediscover that sense of whimsy and childlike wonder.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarena Carpenter, the new executive director of Amarillo Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside families and children experiencing foster care. Sarena’s warmth and sense of calling shine through as she shares both the mission of Amarillo Angels and her deeply personal story. At just 14 years old, Sarena became the primary caregiver for her four-year-old brother—without the support of systems or services that should have stepped in. That experience now fuels her passion and perspective as she leads work to ensure no child or family in foster care falls through the cracks. This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of community to show up where it matters most.

This week Skylar sits down with her good friend Matt Le — entrepreneur, hustler, motivational speaker, and all-around community builder. Matt’s story is rooted in a unique cultural blend—his father immigrated from Vietnam, his mother is Hispanic—and that mix inspired his food truck, Saigon Señorita. We talk about how food has the power to bring people together and share culture in the most beautiful way. We also dive into his lifestyle brand, Allergic 2 Average, and what it really means to show up in excellence and with honor. Matt’s passion for living above average is contagious, and his wisdom will leave you motivated to push beyond the ordinary. Matt isn’t just a guest—he’s someone I’ve admired and worked alongside for years in community projects. I can’t wait for you to hear his story and be inspired by his perspective.

This week, Skylar sits down with Matt Garrison — an Amarillo native, seasoned police officer, and global security expert. From serving small-town Panhandle police forces to traveling the world providing personal protection for high-profile clients, Matt’s career reads like something out of Jack Ryan. Beneath the gruff exterior is someone deeply thoughtful and committed to keeping others safe — whether it’s motorists along I-40, Department of Defense contract executives, or members of a local congregation. We also talk about practical ways to keep yourself and your family safe in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. This is a fascinating and timely conversation you won’t want to miss.