Parkercast

Parkercast ParkerCAST is your community podcast, bringing you closer to the people who make Parker County shine.

Each week, we sit down with fascinating local leaders, neighbors, and unsung heroes for 20-30 minute interviews that celebrate our shared stories.

10/06/2025

Season 1 / Ep 32: True Texan: A Sit-Down with Jim Duncan
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/kETYDFuOipY?si=K55fmdwPF9eBHkpm
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OsBX4JZDCQGyWNsxmXEsF?si=JnQw80Y0RiSOq059LKbvfA
SUMMARY:
*In this ParkerCAST episode, Dr. Joshua Tarbay sits down with lifelong Weatherford resident, philanthropist, real estate leader, and Sheriff’s Posse member Jim Duncan. Together they journey back through Weatherford’s 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s—sharing stories of a town in transition, what’s changed, what’s endured, and why Jim still calls this little slice of Texas heaven home. With decades of experience and local insight, Jim brings a rare, first-hand perspective on Weatherford’s past and present.

10/06/2025

Season 1 / Ep 31: Back to the Backyard: A Conversation with Josh VanVranken
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/cx_Jqdip9Y0?si=3cbFh9Xd-cKk8-VI
SUMMARY:
*Join me as I catch up with childhood friend Josh VanVranken. From backyard whiffle ball games to fantasy football leagues, family life, aging, and even sports betting, this episode is a heartfelt trip through shared history and the people who made it special.

09/05/2025

Season 1 / Ep 30: From Colorado City to Weatherford: Dr. Beau Rees on Leadership, Community, and the 2025 School Bond
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/8OAr3lG7aL0?si=d6WJJAjL7rsWeu3V
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YbAqWJRePAyWtM8HMk33W?si=5tn1Cz_CRHa627p6FxAh4A

*In this episode of ParkerCAST, I sit down with Weatherford ISD Superintendent Dr. Beau Rees for an engaging conversation that blends personal stories with the future of our schools. Raised in the small West Texas town of Colorado City, Dr. Rees shares how he climbed the ranks of educational leadership at a young age, ultimately arriving in Weatherford during the challenging summer of 2020 when schools were navigating strict COVID protocols.

We chat about family connections—both of us recently sending daughters off to Texas A&M University—and his growing love for the Weatherford community. Most importantly, Dr. Rees walks us through the three propositions in the upcoming November school bond election, offering listeners first-hand insight directly from the superintendent.

Whether you’re a parent, taxpayer, or community member, this episode is a front-row seat to the vision shaping the future of Weatherford ISD.

08/21/2025

Season 1 / Ep 29: From the Ballfield to the Bench: A Conversation with Justice of the Peace Tim Mendolia.
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/CF6vtiJ6mhg?si=tLsHESsrGpGXvC5R
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GjlWQv1njGJDqgfxnp2II?si=Se5K2pimR2W1ePTfAYn3Ew

*In this episode, I sit down with local attorney and 2023 elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Mr. Tim Mendolia. Our conversation takes a fun turn right out of the gate as we dive into the world of travel baseball—what it costs, what it teaches, and Tim’s own experience coaching his son, who went on to play Division I college ball. We then shift to family life, chatting about his daughter’s passion for photography, the good ol’ days of growing up in Weatherford, and his time at Weatherford High School. Finally, Tim reflects on his role as Justice of the Peace, sharing how he finds purpose in serving families and children in our community.

08/07/2025

Season 1 / Ep 28: Parker County Brewing Company, From History to Hops with Ryan Stewart
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/D7xoPAW3bRY?si=1mLEL6ejNh1tusFN
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/65lmUOaKkL4ayj8fuT9MTS?si=E9NRqlgvRuO8V6dXzCIxwQ

*In this episode of ParkerCAST, we sit down with Ryan Stewart, the founder of Parker County Brewing Company — the first brewery in the county since 1879. Ryan shares the journey from small-batch beginnings to the exciting move into a brand-new, much larger brewpub location in Willow Park, TX. Along the way, we talk about his West Texas roots, his time as a college instructor, and reflect on the legacy of Hulk Hogan following news of his passing. It’s a fun, full-bodied conversation — much like the beer he brews.

07/24/2025

Season 1 / Ep 27: Preserving Parker County: A Conversation with Lorraine Crutcher.
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/NWDIsfVT4Pw?si=yfmqTeC0ri2izcCH
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HcypBSFL0rKpdlOHo58Xo?si=d6rxtIs6QWaWxwblT9Ns8A
*In this episode of ParkerCAST, we sit down with Lorraine Crutcher, Director of development at the Doss Heritage and Cultural Center. Lorraine shares her deep love for Parker County’s history, her passion for preserving local culture, and her experiences watching the Doss grow into a regional treasure. We also explore her roots in Stephenville, her time at Tarleton State University, and a few memorable moments singing the national anthem. It’s a heartfelt tribute to heritage, home, and the people who make our stories last.

07/22/2025

Season 1 / Ep 26: Closing Time at Fire Oak: Candice Lambdin Reflects on a Culinary Legacy
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/0IKmKjRGlGk?si=7BgdD8vYufCyBq2P
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0z8Gz2UqxGWyjlYOuI76eP?si=sBes7kcCQ3eniaKVGFA1Tw

*Just days after serving their final meal, Candice Lambdin—former owner of Weatherford’s beloved Fire Oak Grill—sits down for her first interview since closing the doors. We talk about the journey that made Fire Oak a downtown institution, the bittersweet decision to sell, and what’s next for the Lambdin family. From relaxed mornings to future catering efforts—Candice shares it all, including her passion for serving first responders in times of need. A heartfelt farewell to a restaurant that helped shape the local dining scene.

07/11/2025

Season 1 / Ep 25: Zack Smith: From Rentals to Records – A Mayor Pro-Tem with Big Ideas and Even Bigger Cobblers
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/-V2fXtbyRbY?si=a9wgzskOWC5Y80kQ
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KFpIbiOzrPKduUzSjFZOg?si=ab48a2621a274274

*In this episode, we sit down with Weatherford’s newly appointed Mayor Pro-Tem, Zack Smith. Zack shares his journey from launching his small business, Buffalo Rental, to stepping into public service roles that reflect his passion for the community he proudly calls home. We dive into his motivations for civic involvement and wrap up with a delicious deep-dive into last summer’s record-breaking Peach Cobbler event—an effort led by Zack and a dedicated local team that more than doubled the previous Guinness World Record. It's a conversation full of hometown pride, public service, and just the right amount of peachy sweetness.

07/01/2025

Season 1 / Ep 24: Noah’s Legacy: Turning Tragedy into a Mission
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/WOjjoi_ph0w?si=YiDB0YzTaCkIBQuo
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10gVfcJt6f1WYhbkq3JWz0?si=-EhIriIOR1K2iB4G9aYsXA

*When Glenn and Katy Bates lost their son Noah in an ATV accident, their world changed forever. Out of their pain came purpose—the creation of the Noah Bates Memorial Foundation. In this candid and emotional conversation, they share their story, answer the hard questions, and spread a critical message: recreational vehicle safety can save lives. Their openness is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and their advocacy could prevent the next tragic loss.

06/20/2025

Season 1 / Ep 23: Building Hudson Oaks – and a Life – with Daniel Cross
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/j4F57R4PEa4?si=7ncFUV2JR_wtjoHq
SPOTIFY:
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OMtXOpJsmUb

*In this episode, we sit down with Hudson Oaks Mayor ProTem and City Councilman Daniel Cross, a lifelong Parker County resident, craftsman, father of three daughters, and community servant. Daniel shares stories of his young family, his passion for woodworking, and his deep roots in the area. We dive into the history and recent growth of Hudson Oaks, and explore what motivated him to step into public service. It's a heartfelt and down-to-earth conversation with one of Hudson Oaks’ most committed leaders.

06/11/2025

Season 1 / Ep 22: Blues Under the Stars: Joe Lilly Brings a Legend to Willow Park
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/4uYZ6bUTruM
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KWCfLpz0MpDyyph9YGyWs?si=QncVuWGQRVWp-g0jZzcSXg

*In this special episode, I sit down with Joe Lilly—founder of the Lilly Youth Arts Foundation and a driving force in the Parker County music scene—to preview Blues Under the Stars, a one-night-only concert happening June 14 in Willow Park. With Blues legend Chris Cain headlining, the evening promises incredible music for a great cause. We also explore Joe’s journey from Rhode Island to Aledo, his deep roots in the local arts community, and why this event is so personal to him.

06/10/2025

Season 1 / Ep 21: From Kitchens to Concepts: Joe Lane’s Bold Moves
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/dseb8i-RD1E?si=oUz5g5dQ0Dx7bem3
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/03x2rtkdNJDXia5aTGj5fe?si=VMq33lxbTlWrfcVISID7Rg
*In this episode, I sit down with Joe Lane—entrepreneur, restaurateur, proud father, and creative force in the food industry. We talk about the unpredictable ride of owning restaurants, his deep bond with his daughter Maddie (his self-proclaimed CEO), and his major 2021 pivot from traditional dining to a thriving gourmet meal prep and delivery model. Joe shares what he’s building next and why flexibility, innovation, and family are at the core of it all.

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