Beyond the Bite

In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," political consultant Kelton Morgan delves into the rationale behind the split among San Antonio City Councilmembers over the job performance of City Attorney Andy Segovia. The actions by the "block of five" council members led by Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, exposed a rift between the elected body and city staff. Morgan suggests the frustration at City Hall could have been avoided with better communications and he also warns city council is becoming more politically charged now that several council members seek to be the next mayor of San Antonio.Additionally, the episode explores the dynamics of early campaign announcements and the effects of a crowded field on fundraising efforts. Morgan emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership for the city's future, highlighting the contributions of past leaders and the potential in current council members. This sets the stage for the kind of leadership San Antonio needs—a mayor who can transcend daily politics and bring about lasting, positive change. The episode concludes with reflections on the disconnection between the business community and local politics, underscoring the need for higher political standards and inspiring candidates.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete delves into the transformative developments at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas. Guests Andrés Andújar and Anne Krause share insights about this burgeoning urban oasis, highlighting its role as a central hub in the city’s park system, drawing 600,000 to 700,000 visitors annually. They compare Hemisfair to other major city parks, discussing its economic and social impact on the local community, and the significance of its tree program, which features an innovative augmented reality recognition system allowing donors to leave personalized messages.The discussion also covers the broader implications of new developments surrounding Hemisfair, including the proposed downtown entertainment district which aims to integrate various venues and enhance local nightlife and safety. Andújar and Krause touch on the park’s capacity to serve diverse community needs from children's activities to veteran's memorials, and environmental conservation. The recently inaugurated Civic Park, with its lush landscapes and modern amenities, has hosted multiple large-scale events, demonstrating the park's pivotal role in fostering community engagement and celebration.Both guests emphasize the essential role of philanthropy in elevating the park’s offerings, with ongoing efforts to preserve historical sites and support sustainable growth. The episode encapsulates the vibrant evolution of Hemisfair as a cornerstone of community and culture in San Antonio, reflective of the city’s dynamic future.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with friend and colleague, Mark McKinnon to delve into an array of pivotal issues impacting the current political landscape. They kick off by addressing the wider challenges posed by political polarization within society. Their dialogue includes McKinnon's insightful observations from his address at Trinity University's Policymaker Speaker Series, and he shares his musings on the unpredictability shrouding the upcoming elections. The duo particularly laments the erosion of bipartisan cooperation and trust in institutions, citing historical instances of cross-party collaboration that seem a distant memory amidst today's toxic stew of partisanship. This shift has engendered stark ideological divides, further hindering legislative progress in Congress, and both Aldrete and McKinnon express concern over how this atmosphere is poisoning civic culture and governance, potentially paving the way for autocratic tendencies.They explore the profound effects of local journalism's decline and the rise of algorithm-driven platforms on public access to information, alongside a pitch by McKinnon for a new documentary that would uncover the influence of Gen Z on electoral politics, addressing their political tendencies and the cultural divides that may result in electoral apathy.The episode also doesn't shy away from tackling the contentious issue of immigration, highlighting former President George W. Bush's pro-immigrant policies juxtaposed against the current administration's struggles and the tactical maneuvers involving immigrants by state leaders.To wrap up the episode, McKinnon reflects on his acclaimed Showtime series "The Circus" and discusses the imperative of civic engagement and political involvement, while also giving listeners a rare glimpse into his personal life and upcoming projects in Hollywood and beyond.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Councilman John Courage, who brings experience and insights into the pressing issues facing our city. Courage unveils his ambitious plan to bolster education by bringing 10,000 volunteers into elementary schools to aid students in critical areas such as reading, writing, and math. Addressing the city’s workforce development program, he identifies key hurdles like childcare and transportation that impede parents' participation in training programs, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration from businesses that have partnered with the workforce initiative.The conversation takes a critical look at the city's governance and infrastructure, with Courage proposing an extension of the council service term to four years and considering the pros and cons of expanding the council body. He stresses the importance of seasoned experience for mayoral candidates and delves into long-term strategies to combat poverty. Discussing Haven for Hope's financial challenges following NuStar's acquisition by Sunoco, Courage calls on the community to support this crucial facility and underscores the significance of improving mental health services to effectively tackle homelessness.As the episode unfolds, John Courage and Eddie touch upon the impact of the pandemic on local businesses. They highlight the need to boost the city's appeal to corporations, partly by enhancing transportation options, such as through upgrades to the local airport. Plans for an entertainment district elicit excitement as well as caution over potential costs. Courage closes on the topic of city management, advocating for a reevaluation of city departments and programs to promote efficiency and accountability, demonstrating his vision for a city that not only thrives but also cares for all its residents.https://www.courageforsa.com/Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

Join us on this journey through the multifaceted challenges and profound transformations taking place in Brownsville, Texas, with Mayor John Cowen. Against the backdrop of water scarcity that impacts regional activities, Mayor Cowen outlines groundbreaking initiatives aimed at sustaining the city's economic growth and technological renaissance. He delves deep into the measures the city is taking to navigate the pressing issue of water shortages, from optimizing a desalination plant that already supplies 30% of the city's water to advocating for the construction of a weir dam under the 1944 Water Treaty with Mexico. The SpaceX phenomenon breathes new life, excitement, and opportunities into the community and is one of the reasons behind Brownsville's rise as one of Texas's fastest-growing job markets. Mayor Cowen speaks candidly about the city's focused efforts to retain and attract skilled workers, thereby fostering intergenerational equity and regional pride.Finally, we explore the complex dynamism of border politics with insights from both Mayor Cowen and a soundbite from San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. They discuss the significance of “The Brownsville Model” in handling migrant flows and border security, alongside the importance of federal support and regional alliances in addressing such challenges. Highlighting Brownsville's strategic partnership role, Mayor Cowen underlines the importance of collaboration and bipartisan cooperation in a region poised for accelerated development. Don't miss this episode of Beyond the Bite for an in-depth exploration of civic leadership, infrastructure innovation, and the vibrant future shaping South Texas.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia focuses on the critical issues facing her district and the city of San Antonio. Councilwoman Rocha Garcia candidly shares her experiences and the challenges she faced during her tenure, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Not shying away from personal anecdotes, she recounts the heartbreaking loss of six family members to the virus and how she had to navigate public service during such a trying time.The conversion reveals the Councilwoman's deep commitment to bettering her community and strengthening city infrastructure—illustrated through her work on broadband development for telehealth and education, her focus on transportation funding, and her advocacy for a diverse housing strategy to address the shortages affecting San Antonio. Garcia's insights on the need for contingency planning and emergency preparedness resonate with recent events, bringing to light the importance of proactive leadership. She also emphasizes the potential for positive change through initiatives like the astronomy event in partnership with organizations like NASA, which aims to inspire student interest in STEM and create educational opportunities in her district.As the conversation unfolds, Councilwoman Rocha Garcia does not shy away from the future, sharing her considerations of a mayoral run in 2025, despite managing personal challenges like her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Her passion for giving back to her community is palpable as she talks about her life and her desire to be a visionary leader who can usher in a new era of growth, education, and investment for San Antonio. Eddie Aldrete and the Councilwoman's dialogue, rich with authenticity and purpose, leaves listeners enlightened about the critical issues at the local government level and the profound dedication of one of their own to public service.Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

This episode of Beyond the Bite features real estate experts Bryan Glasshagel, Senior Vice President of Zonda Metrostudy, and Paul Basaldua, CEO of Versatera Development. They navigate through the complex dynamics of the residential housing market in San Antonio and Bexar County, deliberating on the influences of fluctuating interest rates and evolving demographic trends. Glasshagel offers insights on the building industry's outlook as price adjustments loom amidst affordability challenges. Basaldua shares his experience with Versatera's ventures, underscoring San Antonio’s southward expansion and the ongoing investments in and around San Antonio. The conversation delves into pressing issues such as housing affordability across income levels and the considerations developers make in creating mixed-income communities. Glasshagel highlights the substantial portion of new homes valued under $350,000, painting a picture of a market striving to maintain diversity and accessibility amid economic shifts. Additionally, the two guests discuss the trend of families returning to the south side for its proximity to the city center, with higher-end housing developments marking a notable shift in the local landscape. The episode concludes with a perspective on the escalating impact of material costs, labor shortages, and the inflow of out-of-state buyers, underscoring Texas' burgeoning role in mitigating the nationwide housing quandary.Links and Resources: https://zondahome.com/person/bryan-glasshagel/https://vtdevco.com/about/Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this compelling episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete welcomes Precinct 3 Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody, who recently completed his first year in office. Moody reflects on his tenure, discussing his successful advocacy for a 20% homestead tax exemption for the University Health System in Bexar County, and he shares insights on the array of challenges faced, from addressing the county jail's maintenance and understaffing issues to his proposal for combining public and mental health services under the University Health System, emphasizing the importance of finding a capable replacement for the retiring CEO of the $3 billion hospital system.Throughout the episode, Moody weaves through the nonpartisan nature of his role, where he underscores the importance of building relationships with colleagues across the aisle without compromising on morals, principles, or beliefs. They explore Moody’s multifaceted approach to local governance, from his views on pet-owner accountability to the proposal of a transparent county checkbook. The conversation also touches on Moody's background as a Marine officer and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on issues like the financial ramifications of COVID relief funds and public health funding.The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on Moody's recent trip to Israel, a journey that noticeably impacts his worldview. Moody addresses the local and international complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, lamenting the lack of global outcry for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and expressing concerns over the general misunderstandings about the conflict. Together, Aldrete and Moody discuss the importance of technological ingenuity demonstrated by Israel and the collaboration between the U.S. and Israel, highlighting the need for awareness and education on these critical international relations issues.https://www.bexar.org/954/Precinct-3-Commissioner-Grant-Moody https://grantmoody.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmoody/ https://www.universityhealth.com/news/homestead-tax-exemptionPodcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this groundbreaking episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes the visionary Jim Perschbach, President and CEO of Port San Antonio. Together, they explore the transformative journey of a former air force base into a booming tech innovation hub that is reshaping San Antonio's economic landscape. Perschbach shares the port's strategy of fostering a vibrant ecosystem brimming with talent and employers, thus resulting in a surge of job opportunities and enhancement of the city's stature in the tech and aviation sectors.The episode delves into the profound influence of San Antonio as a pioneering city in electronic wizardry and cybersecurity, owing much to its synergistic collaborations with institutions like UTSA, Texas A&M San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University, The Alamo Colleges and more. Jim Perschbach highlights Knight Aerospace's innovative flying hospital room, encapsulating how San Antonio's integration of medical, cyber, and aircraft capabilities is leading to cutting-edge advancements. The port's unique business approach, which prioritizes community betterment over profit, has created a diverse pool of resources that bolsters national security and supports student-driven technological innovation.Wrapping up the episode, the conversation pivots to the theme of aspiration within the workplace. Perschbach shares insights from urban rejuvenation he has seen around the world, advocating for work environments that inspire and enhance human performance.From the historic achievements in aviation to fostering a new generation of tech-savvy thinkers, this episode of Beyond the Bite not only provides a look at San Antonio's past contributions but also paints an optimistic portrait of its future, ready to inspire listeners to engage with the world through an optimistic lens of innovation and progress.Links and Resources:https://www.portsanantonio.us/https://www.portsanantonio.us/leadership-teamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mwilsonanaglia/https://knightaerospace.com/https://www.boeingcentertechport.com/https://www.samsat.org/https://nscc.utsa.edu/https://www.tamusa.edu/https://www.sahcc.org/core4-stemhttps://wacofsa.org/https://wacofsa.org/about/https://www.linkedin.com/company/spurs-sports-&-entertainment/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-sherry-dowlatshahi-a8a74634/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paco-felici-62354217b/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaflores/Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

As a legislator, mayor and county judge, Nelson Wolff learned a lot along his journey and shares his successes as well as his failures and mistakes.From the creation of The Alamo Promise and the successful courtship of Toyota, he continues to emphasize how fostering job creation is paramount to a robust economy.Amidst a shifting demographic landscape, we explore the implications of declining population growth in the U.S. and Japan and talk about why Nelson believes in the power of immigration to infuse talent and hard work into our communities.A jewel in our episode is our mutual admiration and respect for the late-Roddy Stinson, a columnist with the San Antonio Express-News. Wolff applauds a particularly moving sentence, prompting a shared appreciation of linguistic artistry that made Stinson such a legendary figure. We then take a turn into the nuanced arena of political longevity and the importance of leaving office with grace, and discuss an incident with the late-State Senator Frank Madla.We address the changing faces of power in the business community and the implications for regional advocacy and local governance. And finally, Wolff sends a strong message on why we must all champion candidates who value civility and bipartisan collaboration.https://www.elmgrovepublishing.com/order-95-power-principleshttps://www.alamedatheaterconservancy.org/https://www.universityhealth.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-hernandez-9431a547/https://www.milb.com/san-antoniohttps://www.nba.com/spurs/https://riograndeguardian.com/compact-signed-to-set-up-south-texas-alliance-of-cities/https://bexarbibliotech.org/https://home.bexar.org/hidalgo/chrestoration.htmlhttps://www.sachamber.org/https://www.northsachamber.com/https://www.sahcc.org/https://southtexaspartnership.org/https://satechbloc.com/Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media