Brazos Matters

Dr. Kirby Goidel & Dr. Todd Kent from KAMU's Inside Political Science podcast discuss the origins of the podcast, their teaching styles at The Bush School of Government & Public Service, observations from the 2024 election, where younger people are getting their news and information, looking ahead to the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, Texas politics vs national politics, and predictions on future important political issues.

November 18, 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of when 12 Aggies died when Bonfire collapsed. KAMU remembers that day in this documentary. These reflections are from John Comstock, a survivor of the collapse; Randy McGregor, a first responder who was on the scene; Neva Hand, the mother of one of the students who lost their life; and Truett Marrs, a current student born a few years after the collapse who now works tirelessly to ensure that the names and stories of the victims are remembered by every Aggie, today and in the future.

Mary Jo Prince, Project Specialist with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension discusses the Watch Your BAC & Reality Education for Drivers programs, choices currently facing college students, what is involved with her classes, things parents can look out for, outcomes of the programs, next steps, and how to request more info.

Chief Dean Swartzlander with the Bryan Police Department discusses his background and what brought him to Bryan, the K9 programs at Bryan Police Department, awards and recognitions over the years, the current state of BPD staffing, the Bryan Police Academy, recruiting challenges, connections to the community, strategic proactive policing, current crime trends in Bryan, and more.

Kelsey Heiden, Director of College Station Parks & Recreation discusses her background, thoughts on College Station parks & programs, birding at Lick Creek Park, the new budget year, facility upgrades, pickleball, the Lincoln Recreation Center, Thomas Park renovation, Texas Independence Park, and her favorite park in College Station.

Kelli Hollinger, Director of the Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center discusses the Howdy greeting on campus, the visitor center, the Aggieland Saturday event, student tour guides, her background at the Mays Business School, visitor impact on the local economy, future hopes & plans for the visitor center, who is welcome to take a campus tour, and more.

Molly Watson, Co-chair Brazos Valley Gives discusses what community foundations are, how Brazos Valley Gives works, the giving nature of the Brazos Valley, requirements for non-profits to participate, and what BV Gives day looks like.

Ashley Rodriguez-Bishop with the Bryan Animal Center discusses her background, jurisdictions of the Bryan Animal Center and other shelters, animal control services, Brazos County Regulations, what kinds of animals they see, funding, and future facility plans.

Dr. Holly Hudson and Samantha Clement with Texas A&M Global Engagement discuss who Global Engagement are, what attracts international students to A&M, immigration compliance functions, preparing for the upcoming semester, acclimating international students to A&M, promoting study abroad programs, upcoming global welcome party, how to make international students feel welcome, and more.

Dr. Jennifer Griffith with Texas A&M Public Health & Byron Prestridge with Texas A&M Transportation Services discuss a recent micromobility capstone project completed by students, what micromobility is, safety considerations, rules & regulations, proposed "howdy zones", congested campus corridors, and pedestrian safety.

Kelly Wellman, Director of Texas A&M's Office of Sustainability discusses the A&M Athletics sustainability plan, facility impacts of the plan, other universities starting their own plans based on the A&M blueprint, campus recycling locations, sustainable transportation, challenges facing the office, and the student internship program.

Former National Security Advisor Nancy Bearg, Singer/Songwriter Lyle Lovett, and various grandchildren of George & Barbara Bush gathered in College Station to commemorate the 100th birthday of the former president and spoke of the legacy of public service created by the former president and Mrs. Bush.

Michael Ostrowski, Chief Development Officer, City of College Station discusses his background, College Station's economic development objectives and strategic master plan, redevelopment of city corridors, a future entrepreneurial program, getting College Station noticed, legislative impacts, and updates on new business coming to town.

Chris Lamb, Community Paramedic for the City of Bryan discusses the community paramedic program, how it frees up ambulances and other resources, and how it facilitates telehealth visits and connects patients to local resources that they may need.

Mary Lynne Stratta, City Secretary for the City of Bryan discusses the responsibilities of the City Secretary, how election administration has changed over the years, the impact of legislative sessions on Texas cities, and her favorite accomplishments over a 34 year career with the City of Bryan.

Andrew Card, CEO of George & Barbara Bush Foundation, discusses space and exhibit expansion at the Bush Library & Museum. Raquel Espinoza, Union Pacific spokesperson, discusses the significance of their donated 4141 locomotive to the exhibit.

Shel Winkley, longtime Chief Meteorologist at KBTX-TV discusses his history with KBTX, his new position with non-profit Climate Central, what exactly Climate Central is and does, his meteorologist heroes, the future of broadcast meteorologists, and finally a dramatic reading of Twitter DMs with Jay Socol.

Speakers from the Texas A&M School of Education & Human Development's 2024 Voices of impact series discuss "Stress, Sleep, & Wellbeing in Principals," "Tracking Fatigue in Soldiers," E-Sports & The New Generation," and "Finding A Sense of Belonging."

Maddie Hillin: COO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation discusses the mission of the foundation and previews the upcoming 41 @ 100 events in June.

Barbara Moore, University & Community Relations Manager for City of College Station discusses the A&M off campus student services office, College Station black history video projects, & the Citizens University program.