Best Bob Rivard Podcasts (2025)

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139. How San Antonio is Turning Construction Waste to Community Wealth 38:59

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5h ago38:59

38:59

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s evolving approach to urban growth and resource management through the lens of the city’s deconstruction and circular economy initiatives. San Antonio stands out as the largest city in North America to adopt a deconstruction ordinance, shifting how older buildings are taken down and how buildin…

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138. Alamo Angels: The Future of South Texas Startups 36:54

5d ago36:54

36:54

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the evolving landscape of angel investing and startup growth in San Antonio and South Texas. As the city’s early-stage innovation ecosystem matures, a new generation of founders and investors are shaping the region’s entrepreneurial identity. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Sebastian Garzon, managing partner…

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137. Rediscovering San Antonio’s Forgotten Battle 42:18

12d ago42:18

42:18

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard speaks with Brandon Seale, a San Antonio-based energy entrepreneur and historian, about one of Texas’s most consequential yet least understood events: the 1813 Battle of Medina. Seale discusses his years-long efforts to locate the lost battlefield and the surprising discoveries that are reshaping the h…

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136. San Antonio’s Aerospace Past Is Powering Its Future 36:59

21d ago36:59

36:59

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we revisit a pivotal chapter in San Antonio’s history: the closure of Kelly Air Force Base and its transformation into Port San Antonio, as the city prepares for the upcoming San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame luncheon. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Christopher Mammen, executive director of the Dee Howard …

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135. Planting Change in San Antonio through Community Gardens 50:05

26d ago50:05

50:05

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the work of Gardopia Gardens, a San Antonio nonprofit at the intersection of public health, food access, and neighborhood safety. Founded by Stephen Lucke, Gardopia uses urban gardening and education as a response to longstanding challenges in San Antonio’s food system and community health landscape. Cory A…

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134. The San Antonio Nonprofit Bringing Black Youth Back to Nature 43:53

1M ago43:53

43:53

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we focus on the intersection of community, identity, and the outdoors through the work of Black Outside, Inc. Founded and led by Alex Bailey, the San Antonio-based nonprofit is dedicated to reconnecting Black youth with nature—an effort rooted in generational healing, cultural history, and a reimagining of what belong…

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133. How the Spurs Arena Could Change the San Antonio Rodeo 27:26

1M ago27:26

27:26

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s pivotal role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape and explore what may be its biggest transition yet. As plans for a new arena and significant east side redevelopment—known as Project Marvel—move forward, questions emerge about the future of the Stock Show, it…

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132. San Antonio's Youngest Councilmember on the Future of the City 55:11

2M ago55:11

55:11

This week on bigcitysmalltown, newly elected District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan joins host Cory Ames for an extended conversation about the close race that made him the youngest member of San Antonio’s City Council—and the immediate challenges facing the city as he steps into office. Galvan reflects on what motivated his campaign, how neighborhood in…

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131. Too Much, Too Fast: San Antonio’s Floods and the Fight to Adapt 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s historic summer of flooding and the urgent questions facing the city and region. In June and July 2025, San Antonio and surrounding areas experienced two of the deadliest flood events in Texas history—catastrophic disasters that overwhelmed infrastructure, claimed dozens of lives, and exposed …

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130. San Antonio Teen Bridges Global Healthcare Gaps Through Access to Specialist Knowledge — ASK 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we meet Ariana Chaudhary, a San Antonio high school student and founder of Access to Specialist Knowledge (ASK), a nonprofit connecting frontline doctors in underserved regions around the world with volunteer U.S. medical specialists. Ariana launched ASK at 14 after witnessing first-hand the challenges faced by health…

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129. Inside Launch SA — San Antonio’s One-Stop Resource for Small Business 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

This 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 …

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128. San Antonio FC Is Reaching for the World Stage 35:59

3M ago35:59

35:59

This 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 Toyot…

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127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

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, …

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126. Mayor Ron Nirenberg on 8 Years of Progress—and What Comes Next for San Antonio 48:14

4M ago48:14

48:14

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he prepares to leave office after serving eight years as mayor and a total of twelve years in San Antonio’s city government. Bob and Mayor Nirenberg review major initiatives, including the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, the $1.2 billion municipal bond dedicating unprecedented resource…

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125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

This 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 b…

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124. Runoff Edition: Rolando Pablos Makes His Case 49:52

4M ago49:52

49:52

This 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 …

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123. San Antonio’s Legal Lifeline: How SALSA Fights for Access to Justice 58:10

4M ago58:10

58:10

This 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 Antonia…

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122. The Scientist Who Transformed Texas Biomed—and San Antonio’s Scientific Standing 47:40

4M ago47:40

47:40

This 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, pres…

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121. The Case for Thinking Differently About San Antonio (with Rory Sutherland – Live at Geekdom) 1:35:37

5M ago1:35:37

1:35:37

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-p…

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120. Why San Antonio’s Future Starts with Early Childhood Education 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

This 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…

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119. The Mayor’s Race: Rolando Pablos on Economic Competitiveness, Poverty, and Cross-Border Partnerships for San Antonio 50:24

5M ago50:24

50:24

We conclude our April series of conversations with San Antonio’s leading mayoral candidates as Bob sits down with Rolando Pablos—a businessman, attorney, and former republican Texas Secretary of State—to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the city. Pablos shares his personal and professional background, shaped by his experience as an …

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118. The Mayor’s Race: Manny Pelaez on Ferocious Advocacy, Economic Growth, and the Future of San Antonio 51:03

5M ago51:03

51:03

We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor. Bob is joined by District 8 City Councilman Manny Pelaez, an attorney with deep roots in both public service and economic development, as he seeks to become the next mayor of San Antonio. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelaez shares his personal story as the son of…

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117. The Mayor’s Race: Gina Ortiz Jones on Public Service, Equity, and Leading with Data 49:22

5M ago49:22

49:22

We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor ahead of the May 3 election. Bob welcomes Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran and former Undersecretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, for a wide-ranging conversation about her bid to lead the city. Ortiz Jones discusses her personal journey from…

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116. The Mayor’s Race: Melissa Cabello Havrda on Community, Accountability, and San Antonio's Next Chapter 45:27

5M ago45:27

45:27

In this bigcitysmalltown episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila Cockrell. The conversation covers key challenges facing the city, from the crowded mayoral …

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115. The Mayor’s Race: Adriana Rocha Garcia on Housing, Opportunity, and the Future of San Antonio 46:37

6M ago46:37

46:37

In this episode, Bob continues our coverage of San Antonio’s crowded mayoral race with Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia of District 4. A professor of marketing at Our Lady of the Lake University and former president of the San Antonio Housing Trust, Rocha Garcia shares her journey from growing up on the city’s West and South Sides to her leade…

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114. The Mayor’s Race: Beto Altamirano on Infrastructure, Innovation, and San Antonio’s Identity 44:05

6M ago44:05

44:05

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into San Antonio's dynamic political landscape as our city prepares for its first mayoral race without an incumbent in sixteen years. With Mayor Ron Nirenberg's term concluding, the upcoming election on May 3 stands as a significant moment in the city's history, marking both the end of an era and the beginnin…

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113. The Last Word - Tariffs Hit Home in San Antonio 5:37

6M ago5:37

5:37

This week’s Last Word delves into the ominous impact of President Trump’s tariffs on San Antonio and Texas. As the trade war with Canada and Mexico intensifies, the city braces for economic repercussions. Politicians have transformed tariffs into weapons of political retribution, overshadowing San Antonio’s success in advanced manufacturing and glo…

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112. San Antonio's Culinary Legacy: 25 Years of Biga on the Banks 37:17

6M ago37:17

37:17

This 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 competiti…

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111. The Last Word - Leave the City Bond Elections Alone 6:37

6M ago6:37

6:37

This week's Last Word dives into the ongoing battle between local and state government in Texas, focusing on San Antonio's fight to retain control over its financial future. With Republican lawmakers seeking to tighten their grip on predominantly Democratic cities, proposals like requiring a two-thirds majority for bond approvals loom large, threat…

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110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope 48:10

6M ago48:10

48:10

This 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 nonprofi…

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109. The Last Word - The City of San Antonio Can’t Hire Everyone 4:30

6M ago4:30

4:30

This week’s Last Word addresses a pressing local decision San Antonio faces amidst national upheaval. With jobs at risk due to political chaos in Washington, city leaders are contemplating hiring displaced federal workers. While the intention is noble, the reality presents tough choices—maintain fiscal discipline or succumb to political theater by …

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108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment 38:04

6M ago38:04

38:04

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…

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107. The Last Word - A Legal and Moral Crisis: Texas Public Schools Deserve Better 6:17

7M ago6:17

6:17

This week’s Last Word examines Texas’ growing education funding crisis. Despite a record state budget surplus, public schools—especially in San Antonio—are being left behind. Lawmakers continue to prioritize political battles over solutions, and the result? Underfunded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and increasing pressure on local school district…

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106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness 44:52

7M ago44:52

44:52

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 Fo…

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105. The Last Word - Nonstop: San Antonio’s New Direct Flight to DC 2:37

7M ago2:37

2:37

San Antonio has finally secured a long-awaited nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. But will it last? In this Last Word, Bob discusses the significance of the new direct route, why it took decades to become a reality, and what it will take to keep it. Tune in for insights on how air travel shapes San Antonio’s business, civic, and military connection…

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104. Inside UTSA Honors College: A Different Kind of Higher Education 42:31

7M ago42:31

42:31

This 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…

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103. The Last Word - The Texas Lottery Controversy: Who Wins & Who Loses? 3:28

7M ago3:28

3:28

This week’s Last Word examines the Texas Lottery—where billions are wagered each year, and the promise of funding public education continues to spark debate. Bob takes a deep dive into how the lottery works, who benefits most, and whether Texas taxpayers are getting a fair deal. For decades, state officials have promoted the lottery as a way to sup…

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102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism 43:59

7M ago43:59

43:59

This 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 me…

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101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s Next 4:39

7M ago4:39

4:39

This 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 lands…

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100. The Future of UTSA with President Taylor Eighmy: Merger, Expansion, & Big Plans for San Antonio 48:43

7M ago48:43

48:43

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown explores how UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university—and what this means for San Antonio’s future. With its confirmed merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress, UTSA is making bold moves to expand its research capabilities, attract top-tier faculty, and position itself among the…

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99. The Last Word - Bexar County Seeks to Expand Mental Health Services—But Will the State Step Up? 3:37

7M ago3:37

3:37

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 law…

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98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix 36:29

7M ago36:29

36:29

This 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 Grea…

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97. The Last Word - Will Texas Be Ready for the Next Disaster? The Fight Over FEMA 3:58

8M ago3:58

3:58

This 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 s…

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96. How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists 44:04

8M ago44:04

44:04

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a look at the humor, storytelling, and resilience behind one of San Antonio’s most recognizable public artists: Gary Sweeney. We’re joined by Gary Sweeney, a visual artist known for his bold, text-based public art, wit-infused commentary, and unconventional career path. From working as a baggage handler…

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95. The Last Word - San Antonio City Council’s Failed Vote to Fund Abortion Travel 4:58

8M ago4:58

4:58

This 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…

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94. Will the Immigration Crackdown Impact San Antonio? A Legal Expert Weighs In 41:21

8M ago41:21

41:21

This 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 immi…

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93. The Last Word - The Gulf of Neighbors 4:13

8M ago4:13

4:13

This 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 li…

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92. Meet San Antonio’s New Family-Friendly Art Residency: Parts & Labor 37:33

8M ago37:33

37:33

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown spotlights something new in San Antonio’s arts community: a residency program tailored to support artists who are also caregivers. We’re joined by Liz Stehl Kleberg & Meaghan Mitts, the founders of the Parts & Labor Residency, a nonprofit organization in Southtown San Antonio that provides mid-career artists …

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91. The Last Word - Texas Legislature Opens the 89th Legislative Session 7:19

8M ago7:19

7:19

In 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…

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90. Taking Off: What’s Next for San Antonio’s International Airport 41:58

8M ago41:58

41:58

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes you behind the scenes of one of San Antonio’s most critical infrastructure hubs: the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). We’re joined by Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, to discuss the airport’s record-breaking growth, its expansion plans, and how it’s adapting …