Episodes

  • Encore Presentation — 9/11: Chaos, Frustration and a Girl Filled with Hope
    Sep 11 2021

    As Americans mark 20 years since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we get a unique perspective on the tragic day from a reporter struggling to make his way to the burning World Trade Center. It's our very own podcast co-host Mike Xirinachs, who describes the chaos and frustration and, days later, how an encounter with a nine-year-old girl forever changed his life. 

    Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Encore Presentation — Enter the Boudoir
    Aug 21 2021

    Last year, our podcast drew its biggest audience ever when we ventured to the steamy side, as host David Mendel interviewed boudoir photographer Alicia Swingle. Alicia celebrates the human form with each shutter snap of her camera. She emphasizes body positivity, empowerment and self-esteem. And it turns out that Alicia is just as gifted in front of the camera as behind it. Don’t miss this special encore presentation.

    Alicia Swingle on Instagram

    Alicia Swingle Photography on Instagram

    Alicia Swingle Photography on Facebook

    Alicia Swingle Photography

    Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Rachel Keeps it Real
    Aug 9 2021

    Baylor University journalism major Rachel Royster is shaking things up again. First it was her article that challenged the school for suspending a vital service for disabled students. Now it's an opinion piece about religious alienation that sparked angry reaction. Rachel returns to the podcast to discuss her promotion to editor on the student newspaper and explain why she is critical of almost everything she reads.

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Encore Presentation — Flames on the Ocean, Standoff at City Hall
    Jul 17 2021

    It was the most logistically and emotionally challenging assignment of his broadcast news career. Veteran journalist Mike Xirinachs explains what it was like to cover the July 1996 downing of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island, New York that claimed 230 lives. On this 25th anniversary of one of the worst aviation disasters in history, we bring you a special encore presentation.

    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Blunders and Fame
    Jul 4 2021

    Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs recall on-air gaffes and listener weirdness from their days in the newsroom and they discuss the risks and rewards of media fame.

    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Miracle, Tragedy and No More Paper to Burn
    Jun 20 2021

    They covered the news in markets from Boston to Houston. Now, in this landmark 40th podcast episode, veteran journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs hold nothing back as they take a critical look at the state of the news business today and reveal their biggest pet peeves.

    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • A Bomb Shelter and Jacuzzi on the Road to Normal
    Jun 6 2021

    Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs return after a podcast break that enabled them to hang out in person for the first time since COVID-19 upended the planet. Venturing out into the post-pandemic world, David and Mike discover some unexpected destinations that are helping to restore the sense of normal we all crave. You definitely don’t want to miss the ride!

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Next Stop: Nashville
    May 2 2021

    High school senior Sawyer Pennington returns to the podcast as an aspiring entertainment industry executive. Overcoming the challenges and roadblocks thrown in her path by COVID-19, Sawyer has finally committed to a college! She talks about how she did it and shares insights to help others navigate the college application process. Sawyer is keeping all her options open as she aims for career opportunities in Nashville and beyond.

    Show more Show less
    24 mins