Episodes
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We conclude our April series of conversations with San Antonio’s leading mayoral candidates as Bob sits down with Rolando Pablos—a businessman, attorney, and former republican Texas Secretary of State—to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the city.
Pablos shares his personal and professional background, shaped by his experience as an immigrant and his decades of public and private sector leadership. The conversation examines key issues facing San Antonio, including the city’s persistent poverty rates, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and the challenges of attracting new businesses. Pablos addresses concerns about partisanship, his approach to relationships with state and federal officials, and his proposals for increasing transparency and accountability at City Hall.
This episode explores:
Pablos’s views on San Antonio’s economic development and what’s needed to attract companies and jobs
The city’s historical and systemic poverty, and the role of education and workforce training in addressing it
Relationships with Mexico, free trade, and why maintaining strong binational partnerships is key for San Antonio’s future
How Pablos would approach issues such as Project Marvel, affordable housing development, and infrastructure challenges
The future of local government and the role of nonpartisanship and outside money in city elections
It’s a substantive look at where San Antonio stands, what’s at stake in the mayoral race, and how leadership could shape the city’s next chapter.
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🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety.
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We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor. Bob is joined by District 8 City Councilman Manny Pelaez, an attorney with deep roots in both public service and economic development, as he seeks to become the next mayor of San Antonio.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelaez shares his personal story as the son of Colombian immigrants and his longstanding commitment to issues of domestic violence and community service. The discussion covers his role in bringing Toyota Manufacturing to San Antonio, his leadership in transforming Brooks City Base from a shuttered Air Force facility into a thriving mixed-use development, and what these projects mean for the broader future of the city.
Topics discussed include:
• Pelaez’s vision for San Antonio’s economic development, including the challenges and opportunities in attracting major employers and delivering high-paying jobs
• The impact of the state legislature on San Antonio’s ability to govern locally, and the necessary qualities of a “wartime mayor” in today’s political climate
• Reflections on the city’s approach to housing, climate action, public transit, and job training programs
• His views on the upcoming Spurs stadium debate, investment in downtown, and the legacy of previous city projects
• Why he believes political campaigns should focus on results and lived experience, rather than empty rhetoric or outside money
With an eye toward both San Antonio’s challenges and strengths, this episode offers an in-depth look at Manny Pelaez’s priorities and approach, and what his leadership could mean for the city at a pivotal moment in its growth.
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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:
🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety.
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Episodes manquant?
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We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor ahead of the May 3 election. Bob welcomes Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran and former Undersecretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, for a wide-ranging conversation about her bid to lead the city.
Ortiz Jones discusses her personal journey from growing up on the Far West Side to her national security work in Washington, and how those experiences have shaped her approach to local issues. The conversation covers:
• Her motivations for returning to San Antonio and seeking the mayor’s office
• Reflections on her leadership in the Pentagon—including policy reforms and obstacles for women and minorities in the military
• How her national service influences her perspective on public education, economic opportunity, and housing in San Antonio
• Views on the city’s economic competitiveness with Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and strategies for attracting job growth
• Her positions on the city’s housing bond, downtown development, airport expansion, and the need for data-driven policymaking
• Concerns about outside money in local elections and how national endorsements fit into a nonpartisan mayoral race
• The challenges posed by state and federal tensions with city government, and the impact on local policymaking
• The importance of early childhood education, affordable housing, and comprehensive climate action for San Antonio’s futureOrtiz Jones addresses questions about her connection to the city, her thoughts on critical topics like Project Marvel and Mayor Nirenberg's Ready to Work, and shares how her varied experience could inform both immediate and long-term city leadership.
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🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety.
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In this bigcitysmalltown episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila Cockrell. The conversation covers key challenges facing the city, from the crowded mayoral ballot and the influx of outside campaign money, to major development projects like Project Marvel.
They discuss:
The need for stronger candidate vetting in city elections
Balancing growth with transparency and public input on development
Out-of-town PAC money and its impact on local politics
Small business struggles with city bureaucracy and public works
Public safety reforms, mental health initiatives, and city policing
The shortage of affordable and transitional housing, and strategy beyond the next bond
Climate adaptation, water conservation, and the unfinished business of the city’s climate action plan
Melissa offers her perspective on the future role of the mayor as an advocate for San Antonio, both in raising the city’s national profile and ensuring equitable development across districts. The episode concludes with a candid look at the city’s most pressing issues—including housing, infrastructure, and environmental resilience—as San Antonio navigates historic growth and change.
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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:
🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety.
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In this episode, Bob continues our coverage of San Antonio’s crowded mayoral race with Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia of District 4.
A professor of marketing at Our Lady of the Lake University and former president of the San Antonio Housing Trust, Rocha Garcia shares her journey from growing up on the city’s West and South Sides to her leadership on the city council.
They discuss her priorities as a mayoral candidate—from continuing the city’s affordable housing push and evolving the Ready to Work program to her views on Project MARVEL, climate adaptation, and economic development. Rocha Garcia also reflects on the inequities in campaign fundraising and the need for San Antonio to remain a compassionate, connected, and forward-looking city.
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▶️ #102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism – Discover how nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are influencing the future of local journalism as Bob explores the now 13 year old organization’s mission to keep San Antonio informed amidst a rapidly changing media landscape. This episode is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities that come with sustaining independent journalism in today’s digital age.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into San Antonio's dynamic political landscape as our city prepares for its first mayoral race without an incumbent in sixteen years. With Mayor Ron Nirenberg's term concluding, the upcoming election on May 3 stands as a significant moment in the city's history, marking both the end of an era and the beginning of potential change.
Our guest, Beto Altamirano, is an entrepreneur and business owner known for creating San Antonio's 311 app, now vying for the mayoral office amidst a crowded field of 27 candidates.
This episode launches a month-long series featuring various candidates, inviting them to share their visions for San Antonio's future and the challenges they plan to tackle.
Tune in to discover why Beto Alamirano is running to be our the next Mayor of San Antonio.
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▶️ #102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism – Discover how nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are influencing the future of local journalism as Bob explores the now 13 year old organization’s mission to keep San Antonio informed amidst a rapidly changing media landscape. This episode is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities that come with sustaining independent journalism in today’s digital age.
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This week’s Last Word delves into the ominous impact of President Trump’s tariffs on San Antonio and Texas. As the trade war with Canada and Mexico intensifies, the city braces for economic repercussions. Politicians have transformed tariffs into weapons of political retribution, overshadowing San Antonio’s success in advanced manufacturing and global trade.
Bob examines the economic fallout as San Antonio faces potentially devastating tariffs, with goods and services inflating by up to 50%. The stakes are high as voters deal with the consequences of reshaped alliances and immigration missteps in Washington.
As San Antonio stands at a pivotal moment, it’s worth considering: Will the city weather this economic storm, or will Trump's tariffs usher in a new era of uncertainty and challenge?
Join us for a penetrating commentary on trade, governance, and the future of San Antonio's economy.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we explore the vibrant culinary landscape of San Antonio, with a spotlight on one of the city's longstanding culinary institutions, Biga on the Banks. Celebrating its 25th anniversary at its iconic location on the Riverwalk, Biga on the Banks stands as a testament to culinary excellence and perseverance in a competitive industry.
Bob sits down with Bruce Auden, renowned chef and driving force behind Biga, alongside his business partner Perny Shea, to discuss the restaurant's journey, its impact on San Antonio's dining scene, and the challenges and triumphs of sustaining a high-caliber restaurant over decades.
They delve into:
• The origins and evolution of Biga on the Banks and its significance in San Antonio's culinary history
• How the restaurant has influenced the careers of many notable chefs in the region
• The impact of San Antonio's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy on local culinary practices
• Insights into the upcoming anniversary celebration benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank and St Philip's Culinary and Hospitality School
Join us to uncover how Biga on the Banks has remained a beloved institution in a growing and dynamic city, shaping the palates and careers of many in the heart of Texas.
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▶️ #83. Chris Cullum and San Antonio's Culinary Legacy – Discover the roots and future of San Antonio's culinary scene. Host Bob Rivard delves into Chris Cullum's journey from food truck challenges to culinary acclaim, reflecting on the impact of his legendary father's influence and the city's evolving food landscape. Uncover how history, jazz, and cuisine blend to enrich San Antonio's dining culture in this engaging episode.
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This week's Last Word dives into the ongoing battle between local and state government in Texas, focusing on San Antonio's fight to retain control over its financial future. With Republican lawmakers seeking to tighten their grip on predominantly Democratic cities, proposals like requiring a two-thirds majority for bond approvals loom large, threatening to stall essential capital projects.
Bob unpacks the political motivations behind these legislative moves, the implications for San Antonio’s infrastructure and community needs, and how state interference stands to hinder progress on issues like poverty, education, and public transit.
In an era where local governance is under siege, it's crucial to question: Will San Antonio's leaders succeed in defending home rule, or will state politics overshadow the city’s growth and prosperity?
Tune in for a piercing commentary on governance, power dynamics, and the path forward for San Antonio.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown we delve into the evolving landscape of homelessness support and services in San Antonio. As Kim Jeffries, the CEO of Haven for Hope, prepares to depart her role to take on the establishment of a comprehensive homeless shelter in Las Vegas, she joins host Bob Rivard to reflect on her journey in the San Antonio nonprofit sector.
Kim's tenure at Haven for Hope offers a unique lens into how the city has grown and adapted to meet the needs of its vulnerable communities. The conversation touches on the extraordinary collaboration between various nonprofit organizations in addressing the city's homelessness and the profound impact of services expanded through Haven's campus.
They discuss:
• Changes in San Antonio’s approach to homelessness over the last two decades
• Collaboration among nonprofits in addressing the needs of the unhoused
• The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the innovative responses
• Moving forward: what Kim Jeffries' new role in Las Vegas signifies for both cities
Join us as we explore the pivotal role of Haven for Hope in shaping and supporting San Antonio’s unhoused population and the lessons it offers for similar efforts beyond the city.
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▶️ #61. Corazón Ministries: Downtown Nonprofit Making a Big Difference in the Lives of the Hardcore Homeless – Dive deeper into San Antonio's impactful homelessness response by exploring Corazón Ministries' dedicated work with the hardcore homeless population. In this conversation, Bob Rivard sits down with Erika Borrego and Brittney Ackerson as they discuss their transformative efforts and personal journeys toward recovery and purpose, further illuminating the collaborative spirit shared with Haven for Hope.
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This week’s Last Word addresses a pressing local decision San Antonio faces amidst national upheaval. With jobs at risk due to political chaos in Washington, city leaders are contemplating hiring displaced federal workers. While the intention is noble, the reality presents tough choices—maintain fiscal discipline or succumb to political theater by expanding the city payroll unsustainably.
Bob analyzes the balance San Antonio must strike: the importance of fiscal restraint during economic uncertainty, the role of the city council in avoiding patronage politics, and the limitations of initiatives like the Ready to Work program in aiding white-collar federal employees.
As San Antonio navigates these turbulent times, the question looms: Can the city provide relief without compromising its financial stability, or will it spiral into impractical solutions?
Tune in for a candid look at governance, economic challenges, and the path forward for San Antonio.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard is joined by Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes from San Antonio Sports to discuss the upcoming 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four hosted in San Antonio. With the city on the brink of this prestigious event, what can residents and visitors expect?
The conversation delves into the preparations for the Final Four, the events surrounding it, and its anticipated economic impact on San Antonio. As the city gears up for this major event, Bob, Jenny, and Elena offer insights into the intricacies of hosting and planning at such a large scale.
They discuss:
• The transformation San Antonio undergoes for the Final Four festivities
• Entertainment events planned, including free public concerts
• Ticketing logistics and how locals can be part of the game-day experiences
• The economic and cultural impacts of the Final Four on San Antonio
• Long-term visions for the Alamodome and what it means for future events
Join us as we explore San Antonio's role in college basketball's biggest event and get an inside look at the city's strategic initiatives to draw even greater events in the years to come.
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▶️ #24. Andrés Andujar and Hemisfair's Civic Park – In this episode, Host Bob Rivard sits down with Andrés Andujar, CEO of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, to delve into the visionary development of Hemisfair's Civic Park, reflecting a pivotal piece of San Antonio's urban revitalization.
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This week’s Last Word examines Texas’ growing education funding crisis. Despite a record state budget surplus, public schools—especially in San Antonio—are being left behind. Lawmakers continue to prioritize political battles over solutions, and the result? Underfunded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and increasing pressure on local school districts to do more with less.
Bob breaks down the legal and moral responsibility Texas has to fund its schools, the ongoing standoff in Austin, and what it means for students, parents, and educators in San Antonio.
With public education at a crossroads, now is the time to ask: Will Texas finally step up, or will politics once again leave our schools behind?
Tune in for a sharp commentary on education, leadership, and the future of Texas schools.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into the unexpected legacy of Tom Slick and his enduring influence on San Antonio’s scientific community. Though known as an oil wildcatter, Slick’s curiosity and visionary investments laid the groundwork for significant advancements in neuroscience and consciousness research. Our focus is the Mind Science Foundation—a San Antonio-based institution exploring the mysteries of the human mind, largely unnoticed by the local community.
Bob Rivard is joined by Meriam Musa Good, President and CEO of the Mind Science Foundation, and Ben Rein, PhD, the foundation's Chief Scientist from Stanford, to discuss the ongoing efforts to unlock the potential of the human mind.
They explore:
• Tom Slick’s transformative impact on neuroscience and San Antonio’s research landscape
• The unique challenges and successes of the Mind Science Foundation in advancing consciousness research
• How the Brainstorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition is driving early career scientific inquiry
• The importance of bridging the gap between scientific communities and the public, enhancing trust and understanding
Tune in to uncover how world-class neuroscience research is happening right here in San Antonio, reflecting Tom Slick’s unusual and visionary legacy.
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▶️ #104. Inside UTSA Honors College: A Different Kind of Higher Education – Discover how UTSA Honors College is transforming education with real-world experiences, setting students up for success. In this conversation, Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Jill Fleuriet to explore this innovative program's impact on career readiness and leadership development, echoing the forward-thinking spirit showcased by pioneers like Tom Slick in advancing higher education.
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San Antonio has finally secured a long-awaited nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. But will it last? In this Last Word, Bob discusses the significance of the new direct route, why it took decades to become a reality, and what it will take to keep it.
Tune in for insights on how air travel shapes San Antonio’s business, civic, and military connections.
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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a deep dive into UTSA Honors College—one of the most unique and rapidly evolving honors programs in Texas. Unlike traditional programs, UTSA Honors College is built around real-world experience, preparing students for competitive careers, top graduate programs, and leadership roles. But what makes this program different?
Bob sits down with Dr. Jill Fleuriet, Vice Provost for Honors Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), to explore the college’s transformative approach to education, how it’s expanding opportunities for high-achieving students, and why UTSA can be poised to be a national leader in experiential learning.
They discuss:
• How UTSA Honors College is redefining the college experience
• The career and graduate school advantages for UTSA Honors students
• Why experiential learning is the future of higher education
• The newest programs, partnerships, and student opportunities at UTSA
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📽 #100. The Future of UTSA with President Taylor Eighmy: Merger, Expansion & Big Plans for San Antonio – UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university, with a historic merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress. In this episode of bigcitysmalltown, Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of UTSA, to discuss what this transformation means for students, the local economy, and the broader San Antonio community. They explore the university’s ambitious vision, the impact of UTSA’s expansion downtown, and what’s next as the institution cements its place as a Tier One research powerhouse.
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This week’s Last Word examines the Texas Lottery—where billions are wagered each year, and the promise of funding public education continues to spark debate. Bob takes a deep dive into how the lottery works, who benefits most, and whether Texas taxpayers are getting a fair deal.
For decades, state officials have promoted the lottery as a way to support Texas schools, but the reality is more complicated. Bob explores the actual impact on education funding, the financial burden placed on lower-income communities, and the broader implications of gambling expansion in Texas.
With discussions underway about legalizing casinos and sports betting, now is the time to ask: Is the Texas Lottery a public good, or a predatory system disguised as entertainment? Tune in for a sharp commentary on money, politics, and the business of betting in Texas.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a deep dive into the state of local journalism and its future in San Antonio. As traditional news models struggle nationwide, nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are working to reshape how communities stay informed. But what does it take to sustain independent journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape?
Bob sits down with San Antonio Report leadership to discuss the organization’s 13-year journey, the challenges of nonprofit news, and why local journalism remains essential to a thriving city. They explore what’s next for the newsroom, how they’re adapting to audience needs, and the role of community support in keeping quality reporting alive.
They discuss:
• Why nonprofit journalism matters—and what makes it different from traditional media.
• The biggest challenges facing local newsrooms today.
• How San Antonio Report is evolving to meet the needs of its readers.
• What the future holds for independent journalism in San Antonio and beyond.
With trust in the media at a crossroads and local outlets disappearing across the country, this episode offers a timely look at the fight to keep local news strong—and why it matters for the future of San Antonio.
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▶️ #101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s Next – This episode of bigcitysmalltown marks a major milestone: 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on the journey so far, the evolving media landscape, and what’s next for the podcast that highlights the people shaping San Antonio’s future. With local journalism under pressure, bigcitysmalltown continues to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about the city’s growth, challenges, and opportunities.
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This week’s Last Word is a special one: bigcitysmalltown has hit 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on this milestone, the journey so far, and what’s ahead for the podcast that tells the stories of the people shaping San Antonio’s future.
From decades in journalism to launching bigcitysmalltown, Bob shares his perspective on how the media landscape has evolved, why local storytelling matters more than ever, and what’s next for the show as it continues to grow.
With San Antonio at the heart of every conversation, bigcitysmalltown has brought together leaders, changemakers, and everyday voices shaping the city. So what’s next? Join us for a look back, a look forward, and a deeper dive into the mission driving bigcitysmalltown into its next 100 episodes.
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This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown explores how UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university—and what this means for San Antonio’s future.
With its confirmed merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress, UTSA is making bold moves to expand its research capabilities, attract top-tier faculty, and position itself among the nation’s leading public universities. But what does this transformation mean for students, the local economy, and the broader San Antonio community?
Bob sits down with Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of the University of Texas at San Antonio, to discuss the university’s ambitious vision, its growing impact, and what’s next as UTSA cements its place as a Tier One research institution.
They discuss:
The UTSA-UT Health merger—what it means for research, healthcare, and students UTSA’s rise as a major research powerhouse and its long-term vision The university’s role in shaping San Antonio’s workforce and economic future How investment in higher education strengthens Texas’ innovation economyWith San Antonio’s future tied to the success of its universities, this episode offers a timely look at higher education, economic development, and what’s next for UTSA.
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