For James Chesnut, a good day on the water was never really about the fish count. It's about the peace he gets to hand someone else, a grieving widower who just needed to breathe again, a dying grandfather's last trip with his son and grandson. East Texas Outdoors exists because James believes everyone needs a reset, and he's found his calling giving people exactly that.This week on HEY ETX Spotlight, James — owner of East Texas Outdoors and a full-time air traffic controller — joins Brandon to share how a single fishing trip during COVID turned into a full guide service on two of East Texas's best crappie lakes, the team that makes it possible, and the moments on the water that remind him why he does this work.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Hey ETX Spotlight00:53 – Meet James Chesnut & East Texas Outdoors02:11 – What East Texas Outdoors Is All About02:41 – How It Started: A COVID Fishing Trip with Marty Thomas04:01 – The Team Behind East Texas Outdoors05:34 – Gear, Sponsors & Keeping the Boat Running06:37 – Guided Trips on Lake O' the Pines & Lake Bob Sandlin07:33 – Why Hire a Fishing Guide?08:55 – Best Crappie Lake & the Forward-Facing Sonar Debate10:30 – The Moment Behind "Lost in the Pines"13:27 – The Trips That Give People Peace17:25 – Air Traffic Control, Time & Growing a Business19:44 – What's Next for East Texas Outdoors22:14 – Find & Book with East Texas Outdoors#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #EastTexasOutdoors #FishingGuide #LakeOThePines #CrappieFishing #HallsvilleTX #FishingTherapy

Sourdough roots. Brick oven pizza. A food trailer dream 12 years in the making. Curtis & Mande Brightwell of Crust & Crumb Bread Co. in White Oak are the real deal — and their story is equal parts inspiring and delicious. They bought this beloved local bakery and pizza spot because they believed in what was already there, and then put their own fingerprint on it with an expanded scratch-made bakery, a monthly pizza special, and a stunning new wood-fired food trailer out of Italy.Mande talks about imposter syndrome, juggling motherhood and ownership, and the small miracles that keep showing up. Curtis talks about the food trailer dream he finally got to chase. And both of them talk about why it's never really been about the pizza — it's about the people around the table.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #CrustandCrumb #SourdoughPizza #WhiteOakTX #BakeryLife #ETXEats #FoodTrailer #FaithFilledBusiness #LocalLove

What happens when faith meets football in East Texas? 🙌🏈This week on HEY ETX Spotlight, Anthony McElroy of Impact Events and Coach Chris Cochran of Lindale High School share how they're investing in the next generation — one event, one team, one student at a time.With speakers like Colt McCoy and Greg McElroy coming to Texas THIS SUMMER, these aren't just sporting events. They're life-changing nights.3 events. 750+ in attendance. 250+ lives changed. And they're just getting started.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #ImpactEvents #FaithAndFootball #LindaleEagles #ColtMcCoy #GregMcElroy #EastTexasAthletes #CoachesWhoLead #TXHSFootball

What happens when you mix hunting guides, legendary fishermen, family-friendly activities, and the gospel all under one roof in East Texas? You get God & The Great Outdoors — and it's coming to Longview for the very first time.In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Tom Williams, director of God & The Great Outdoors, to talk about East Texas' premier faith and outdoor expo happening June 19–21 at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, TX.Tom shares the heart and vision behind the event, what families can expect — from legendary bass fisherman Hank Parker and Realtree's Dr. Duck to live gator encounters, a free Zebco rod & reel for kids, and an ATV giveaway — and why this event is about so much more than the outdoors.🎟️ Just $10 for a full weekend pass | Kids 17 & under FREE📍 Maude Cobb Convention Center, Longview, TX📅 June 19–21 | Fri 3–8PM | Sat 9AM–7PM | Sun 12–5PM🌐 godandthegreatoutdoors.comDiscover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #GodAndTheGreatOutdoors #OutdoorExpo #FaithAndOutdoors #HankParker #LongviewTexas #EastTexasEvents #FamilyOutdoors

What do you do when grief feels like it's going to swallow you whole? For Karen Holland, the answer was purpose.In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Karen Holland, President of the Fat Boy Foundation — a nonprofit created in memory of her son Jonathan, a driven, trade-passionate young man from Henderson, Texas, who lost his life in a tragic car accident in November 2023.Jonathan started a lawn care business at just 16, earned nearly $20,000 in scholarships, dreamed of becoming a lineman, and left a mark on everyone he met — including the CEO of Scag, who flew to Henderson for his funeral.Today, the Fat Boy Foundation carries Jonathan's legacy forward by awarding scholarships to young adults pursuing skilled trades like welding, HVAC, lineman training, cosmetology, and more — right here in East Texas and across the United States.In this episode, you'll hear:✅ How Fat Boy Lawn Care got its name✅ The heartbreaking details of Jonathan's accident✅ How the community rallied together in grief✅ Year-one scholarships totaling $24,500 to 17 young adults✅ The NHRA/Scag story that'll give you chills✅ Karen's tattoo — and why it's unlike any other✅ How YOU can help or apply for a scholarshipWebsite: fatboyfoundation.orgEmail: [email protected] more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page#HEYETX #HEYETXPodcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #FatBoyFoundation #SkilledTrades #TradeScholarship #JonathanHolland #HendersonTexas #GriefToTriumph #EastTexasPodcast #ETXStories #podcast

From dairy manager to catering king — Chance Alexander's story is one you need to hear. He felt God calling him toward food, said yes, and built Chance's Kitchen from scratch in Longview, TX. Now he's feeding crowds of 850, perfecting his cast-iron jambalaya, slinging Biscoff cheesecakes at Christmas, and bringing big-hearted hospitality to every table he sets.We sat down with Chance on HEY ETX Spotlight, and we're not gonna lie — we were hungry the whole time. 😄Tap the link in bio to listen and share with your foodie friends!Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #ChancesKitchen #LongviewTexas #EastTexasCatering #CateringLife #LocalFoodLove #FoodieETX #FaithDrivenBusiness

Pastors carry so much for so many — but who takes care of them? We sat down with Gregg Zackary, Oasis Pastor at Oasis in the Pines in Longview, TX, and his story will move you. After 46 years in ministry — including his own battle with burnout and depression — Gregg helped create a one-of-a-kind retreat ministry right here in East Texas, designed specifically to restore and renew Christian leaders. Personalized retreats. Piney Woods serenity. Real healing. If you know a pastor who needs this, share this episode with them. It could change everything.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #OasisInThePines #PastorCare #PastorLife #EastTexasFaith #MinistryLife #PastorBurnout #ChristianLeaders #LongviewTX

From nurses and youth ministers to farm owners welcoming all of East Texas — Brian and Brooke Hopkins are building something truly special just outside of Hallsville. Rise and Shine Hills is a healing homestead rooted in 100 years of family history, where families can wander free-range pastures, shop farm-fresh goods, attend hands-on classes, and find a rare kind of peace that doesn't cost a dime. This one will make your heart full.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

Kelly Hall has spent 21 years building something Longview can be genuinely proud of — and she's just getting started. As CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Kelly shares how the Chamber went back to its roots to truly serve East Texas businesses, why Longview's faith-driven identity sets it apart from every other city, and what it takes to lead an organization into its next generation of impact. This one is packed with wisdom, heart, and a whole lot of local pride.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #LongviewTexas #ChamberOfCommerce #BusinessLeadership #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #LongviewChamber #EastTexasBusiness #CivicLeadership

From cheerleader at Tyler Junior College to president of East Texas Baptist University — Dr. Blair Blackburn's journey back to the Piney Woods is a story of calling, faith, and deep roots in East Texas. In this episode, we sit down with ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn to explore the rich legacy of the university, its growing programs in business, nursing, and theological education, how athletics are being used as a platform for missions, and the bold vision for ETBU's future in Marshall and beyond. If you've ever wondered what makes a small Christian university one of the most impactful institutions in East Texas, this conversation will show you.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/