In the first episode of bigcitysmalltown of 2026, we reflect on a pivotal year for San Antonio and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2026. Bob Rivard and Cory Ames examine how shifts in media—from the podcast’s expansion into video to the growing influence of YouTube—are changing civic engagement and local news consumption. They discuss the impact of major regional elections, including the controversial mayoral race and the county’s vote on the Spurs arena proposition, and con...
Jan 16
38 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving corridor between San Antonio and Austin—a megaregion that is reshaping the future of Central Texas. Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard are joined by former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, to discuss his and Bob's new book, which examines the unprecedented growth, challenges, and opportunities along this urban corridor. The conversation moves beyond headlines about popula...
Dec 19, 2025
49 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Chef Nicola Blaque, the force behind San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack. Chef Nicola shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, navigating life in New England, and serving in the Army through three tours, to eventually reclaiming and expressing her Jamaican heritage through food in San Antonio. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola in the restaurant to discuss how her identity, family, and military ...
Dec 12, 2025
33 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, academic standing, or background. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, to discuss the impact of th...
Dec 5, 2025
39 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of San Antonio’s newest and most debated cultural gatherings: the Krampus Parade in King William. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Bob Crittenden, senior Scrum Manager at USAA and founder of San Antonio’s Krampus event, which drew approximately 10,000 participants and spectators in its inaugural year. Together, they discuss the origins of Krampus in Central European Alpine traditions, its transformation from private house visits to public festivals, a...
Nov 28, 2025
28 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dyslexia across schools, healthcare, and society. Drawing on both personal experience and current research, Jasmin Dean discusses the realities facing f...
Nov 21, 2025
43 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Botanical Garden at a pivotal moment—its 45th anniversary year. Known as a living museum, the Garden has grown into a statewide leader in plant conservation and environmental education, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while shaping the city’s approach to urban nature and sustainability. Cory Ames speaks with Katherine Trumble, President and CEO of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, about the Garden’s newly unveiled te...
Nov 14, 2025
29 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s housing crisis and the challenges facing public housing as both federal support and affordability decline. Bob Rivard is joined by Michael Reyes, CEO and President of Opportunity Home—San Antonio’s housing authority—to discuss what’s at stake for the city’s most vulnerable residents and the future of local affordable housing. With an annual operating budget of $250 million and 600 employees, Opportunity Home provides housing assistance t...
Nov 7, 2025
47 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of the most significant recent developments in San Antonio’s advanced manufacturing and economic landscape: the arrival of JCB Texas. British construction equipment manufacturer JCB broke ground on a new plant on the city’s south side in 2023—an investment that promises to bring 1,500 new jobs to the area and reshape the region’s industrial ecosystem. Bob Rivard sits down with David Carver, operations director for JCB Texas, to discuss the progres...
Oct 31, 2025
22 min
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to one of San Antonio’s most significant entrepreneurial success stories: Supergoop! and its founder, Holly Thaggard. From its origins here in Texas, Supergoop! has grown into an internationally recognized skincare company, known for its innovative approach to sun protection and public health. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Holly Thaggard to explore her journey from third grade teacher and professional harpist to award-winning entrepreneur ...
Oct 24, 2025
50 min
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