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.

12/04/2025

Season 1 / Ep 35: From Coast to Coast to Country-Living: A Conversation with Amme O’Grady

SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z3OmaKpwVbnBg3eRJscXb?si=9X5wplmTQHCdzZ217wkwuQ
SUMMARY:
*This week’s ParkerCAST features Amme O’Grady, Director of Communications for the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. We trace her journey from coastal life in Washington and Maryland to building a new chapter in North Texas, shaped by a career opportunity that brought her family to DFW. Amme and I talk about parenting, hard work, and the bright future of the Weatherford Chamber, including the stunning new facility and event space that will help local businesses connect, collaborate, and grow.

10/31/2025

Season 1 / Ep 34: Building Dreams the Weatherford Way with Jon Jones
YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/roFYcMOvDj4?si=m99pWtSwlaR-QWW_
SPOTIFY:
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/weqcErwYTXb
SUMMARY:
*In this Halloween-themed episode, I sit down with Jon Jones, co-founder of Weatherford’s own Imperial Construction. From his roots at Weatherford High to Weatherford College, Jon shares how hard work, hometown pride, and a few close friends led to one of the region’s most respected construction companies. We talk Aggie football, Facebook shirt finds, and the upcoming Weatherford ISD bond—all surrounded by pumpkins and Parker County pride.

10/28/2025

Season 1 / Ep 33: Sharena Gilliland: From Panhandle Roots to Parker County Leadership

YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/V8vIZUSpVmI?si=ke4THVwzm5XnOKHq
SPOTIFY:
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LgUcJhZUOXb
SUMMARY:
*This week’s ParkerCAST features District Clerk Sharena Gilliland, whose journey from rural Texas beginnings to elected office is both inspiring and down-to-earth. Hear how her courtroom story turned into a family legacy and why she’s urging voters to support the upcoming Parker County bond—calling it a critical investment in our community’s safety, infrastructure, and future.

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.

Address

Weatherford, TX

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Parkercast posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Parkercast:

Shortcuts

Share

Category