Titiana Frausto

Judge Titiana Frausto always knew she wanted to serve on the bench—she just didn't expect it to happen so early in her career. In this episode, she shares what it looked like to move through law school and into practice, working in both criminal and family law and the realities that come with each. We talk about the weight of that work, the perspective it builds, and how those experiences prepared her for what came next. Judge Frausto was first appointed by the governor and later elected to serve as district judge for the 181st District Court, covering Potter and Randall Counties. She reflects on that transition—from practicing attorney to judge—and what it means to step into a role that carries both authority and responsibility in a very public way. We also spend time on something more personal: the moment she began to understand her role in representation. As a young Black woman serving in this position, she reflects on when that realization came into focus, and how it continues to shape the way she shows up in her work today. It's a thoughtful conversation about ambition, timing, and stepping into a role you've been working toward—sometimes sooner than expected.

There are certain places in Amarillo that feel like more than just a restaurant—they feel like part of the fabric of growing up here. Sharky's Burrito Company is one of those places. I this episode, we sit down with Brent Epps, the longtime owner of Sharky's, to talk about the restaurant's 20+ year run and the life he's built in the food industry. Brent didn't just land here—he came up through some of Amarillo's most beloved spots, learning the business from the ground up and carrying those lessons with him. But what stands out most about Brent isn't just the longevity or the success—it's the way he shows up for people. Over the years, Sharky's has been a first job for countless young people in Amarillo, and Brent has played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping those early work experiences. He leads with care, consistency, and a genuine investment in others. We talk about the evolution of the restaurant, what it takes to stay relevant for decades, and why creating a place people feel connected to matters. This is a conversation about food, yes—but more than that, it's about community, mentorship, and doing things the right way for a long time.

Amarillo City Councilman David Prescott is a business owner, doctoral candidate, and someone who brings both expertise and candor to public service. David owns Talon LPE, an environmental cleanup company that operates across several states, and that real-world experience shapes how he thinks about the city's biggest challenges. But as he shares in this conversation, serving on council has come with its share of new challenges to address. We talk honestly about what that's looked like — the pressure, the criticism, and the reality of making decisions when there isn't an easy answer. David doesn't shy away from the harder parts of the job, including how certain votes have played out and what it's like to navigate those moments publicly. Our conversation also turns to some of the biggest issues facing Amarillo right now, from long-term water concerns to the ongoing discussion around the Fermi data center, and what it will take for the city to build something sustainable and lasting. David has a way of making complex topics feel approachable without oversimplifying them. He's thoughtful, direct, and willing to say what he actually thinks — even when it's uncomfortable. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he's also pretty funny. This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really takes to move a city forward.

Chad Johnson is the new reverend at Amarillo United Methodist Church. We talk about what it's like to step into a new community and a new role at the same time. Chad shares his early impressions of Amarillo, how those first expectations compare to the reality of living here, and what has stood out to him as he gets to know the city. We also spend time talking about his path to becoming a pastor, a journey he describes with a great deal of joy, honesty, and thoughtfulness. Our conversation explores the role of the church today, the broader societal trends shaping faith communities, and the United Methodist Church split that led to the formation of his relatively new congregation. Throughout it all, Chad offers a perspective that is grounded, open, and deeply rooted in care for others. It's a meaningful conversation about calling, community, and what it looks like to lead with both conviction and compassion.

This week on Hey Amarillo, I talk with author Clara Sneed about a wild chapter of Amarillo history that sounds almost too dramatic to be true. Clara wrote a book about a bitter feud between two Amarillo families in the early 1900s. What began with relationships and eventually spiraled into affairs, accusations, violence, and murder. Along the way, the story touches on questions of justice, the role of women at the time, and how a rapidly growing Panhandle town handled conflict when emotions — and reputations — were on the line. What makes the story even more compelling is that Clara isn't just a historian of the feud. She's actually related to one of the families involved, which adds another layer to how she discovered and told the story. It's a fascinating look at a dramatic piece of Amarillo's past — full of scandal, mystery, and the kind of family conflict that shaped local history.

This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Sonja Clark, site leader at Bell Helicopter's Amarillo facility. Sonja oversees a large workforce responsible for developing and building some of the military's most critical frontline aircraft — work that requires precision, trust, and extraordinary leadership. We talk about what it means to carry that kind of responsibility, and how pride in the work translates into pride in community. Sonja shares the impact of Bell's history in Amarillo, the weight of leading at that scale, and the importance of the mission behind the machines. We also talk candidly about her journey as a woman in leadership — the barriers, the expectations, the quiet moments of doubt, and the intentional work of paving the way for others behind her. Sonja is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest about her own growth. It's a conversation about strength, humility, and the kind of leadership that shapes both an organization and a city. If you care about industry, community, and what it takes to lead well — this one's for you.

What happens to a place when its stories aren't told? This week on Hey Amarillo!, I sit down with local poet Seth Wieck, whose work captures the beauty, tension, and quiet power of life in the Texas Panhandle. Seth grew up on his family's farm in Umbarger — land his family worked for three generations. He shares what it meant to be shaped by that place and why he ultimately chose not to continue farming as the changing economics of agriculture reshaped life on the High Plains. For Seth, poetry isn't just art — it's preservation. It's a way to hold onto memory, to honor legacy, and to make sense of change. We talk about belonging, about the evolution of rural life, and about how words can keep a way of life alive long after it begins to shift. It's a thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation about land, identity, and the stories that define us.

What does it really take to deliver excellence — over and over again? This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Don Rhode, a seasoned restaurant leader who has built his career around creating exceptional guest experiences. Don currently serves as General Manager at one of Amarillo's consistently top-rated fine dining establishments, Cask & Cork, as well as the newer breakfast and brunch favorite, OVR EZE. Before Amarillo, Don honed his craft in major food cities like Chicago and Austin — places where the bar is high and the standards are relentless. In this conversation, we talk about: • What consistency actually requires behind the scenes • His philosophy on leadership and team culture • How great service is built — not improvised • And, of course, the food What surprised me most? How applicable his leadership approach is far beyond restaurants. If you care about building strong teams, delivering excellence, or simply appreciate a great meal — you'll enjoy this one.

This week on Hey Amarillo, we're joined by Dr. Nick Gerlich — longtime marketing professor at West Texas A&M University, writer, and passionate chronicler of regional travel and Route 66. Nick shares his journey through academia, what it's like teaching marketing in a constantly evolving digital landscape, and how he works to keep students grounded in both fundamentals and emerging trends. We also hit the open road, talking Route 66 — its beginnings, heyday, decline, and the very real possibility of a rebirth as America's Mother Road. Smart, curious, and endlessly adventurous, Nick brings a genuine appreciation for this place and the stories that make it matter. From classrooms to highways, this conversation is all about learning, movement, and paying attention to the roads — literal and figurative — that shape us.