Caroline Ellison

In this episode, we talk with Adam Leathers, a lifelong advocate for people and communities. Adam currently serves at the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, but his career has taken him from supporting migrant farmworkers to working alongside unhoused neighbors in Kansas City, and now to strengthening the social safety net here in the Texas Panhandle. Adam brings a sharp intellect, deep compassion, and years of hands-on expertise in understanding what communities truly need to thrive. His perspective on service, dignity, and practical problem-solving offers a powerful look at what it means to help our neighbors — and how we can all play a part.

This week, we're joined by Caroline Ellison, one of the area's lead wildlife biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She's an expert in her field, but what makes her stand out is her ability to talk about complex ecological issues in a way that's easy to understand and deeply engaging. In this episode, we dive into the health of our wild spaces, exploring everything from the resilient bison to the iconic horned toad lizard, and beyond. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast or just curious about the state of our natural world, this conversation is a must-listen!

This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Katt Massey—an Amarillo native whose journey has taken her from Dallas to Denver and right back home again. With a background in nonprofit and civic leadership and a memorable run for City Council, Katt has dedicated much of her career to serving this community, especially through the arts. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to show up for your city—even when things don't go as planned—and how she's continuing to support Amarillo through her current work in healthcare. Katt is energetic, funny, and refreshingly honest, with a heart that beats for this city and the people who make it home. Tune in to hear how her love for Amarillo has shaped her story—and how she hopes to inspire others to get involved, even (or especially) when it's not easy.

This week on Hey Amarillo, we're celebrating a decade of creativity with Wilson Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Company. From humble roots in the Texas Panhandle to producing video content for national sports franchises and cutting-edge tech companies, Wilson's journey is one of passion, craft, and deep local love. In this episode, Wilson shares what it means to build a company that makes Amarillo proud—how supporting local businesses brings him the most joy, and why reverence for your work and your community matters. We also dive into parenting, navigating life's seasons, and the balance of building a legacy while raising a family. It's an honest, heartfelt conversation that shines a light on the power of local creativity and connection. Tune in to hear how Wilson puts his heart into everything—his work, his hometown, and his family.

This week, Skylar sits down with Representative Caroline Fairly, who represents part of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in the state legislature. As the youngest woman ever elected to the Texas House, Caroline brings sharp insight, energy, and a grounded perspective to her work. They talk about her first legislative session—what contributed to her success, how her politically engaged father influences her path, and the priorities she's carrying forward for her district and region. It's a thoughtful, candid conversation about leadership, learning, and the next generation shaping Texas politics.

This week, Skylar sits down with Delvin Wilson, founder and grill master behind Delvin's Barbecue—a beloved spot in Amarillo's North Heights neighborhood. Delvin shares his story of growing up working in Houston seafood restaurants, honing his craft in country clubs across the South (including during the Midland/Odessa oil boom of the '80s), and ultimately bringing his passion to Amarillo. Their conversation goes beyond food, exploring how cooking can be an act of love, care, and community. It's thoughtful, touching, and, honestly—pretty mouthwatering.

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.