This episode is our first one recorded in the PM. A Friday afternoon, to be exact. Which might explain why everyone seemed extra-awake. And spicy.

Misty starts us off with a heifer update. Reagan lets us know about the new sports bar in Hudson Oaks. Then we discuss the situation with the Watson family. These former Aledo residents are going through a nightmare overseas. Mike talks about the benefit for them on May 11. Then Mike goes on a bit of a rant about the new AI-assisted Randy Travis song. We finish up with a discussion about why wives are so mean.

On today's episode (the actual Episode 45), Joe brings us all down with some back-of-the napkin math about how many homes, kids, and cars are headed Aledo's way. Then, we all get happy again when we interview Gigi Howell of the Westland Restaurant Group. Her group is responsible for J.D.'s Burger's as well as the survival and revitalization of Westside Cafe, Margie's Original Italian Kitchen -- all on one stretch of Camp Bowie West in far west Fort Worth. They're also reopening a Tex-Mex favorite, and have plans for world domination...or just several more restaurants. We make plans to take Episode 50 (whenever that happens) on the road so we can get a burger! Mike's obscure music segment highlights very successful songwriter Lori McKenna.

On today's episode, we first hear about Misty's latest adventures in ranch management. We then have a great chat about foreign exchange students with Leigh Ann Gregg from Face The World. She gives great insight about the process and how hosting an exchange student makes individuals and families lives more interesting and enriching! Mike highlights the great John Hiatt in his still temporarily-named music segment. Then Reagan spotlights local business JD's Hamburgers and their associated restaurants. Sounds like we get samples on the next episode!

On Episode 43 (and yes it is 43 no matter what we claim in the podcast), we have a fantastic conversation with Aledo ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn. We discuss her history and background and the challenges she found when she arrived at AISD. We also get into all of the things that make Aledo schools special and exceptional, plus the current challenges facing the district. We also get to know her a little better - what she does in her (minimal) free time and how she deals with the stress of the job. Thanks Dr. Bohn for the chat!

Episode 42 starts as all fine podcasts should, with a heifer update from Misty. Then Joe asks a reasonable question about guns that sets Mike off on a rant. Thankfully, we're rescued by Pastor Matt Weaver of Grace Church Aledo. Matt tells the story of how his church came to be, discusses the challenges he faces as a pastor, then talks about what the future vision is for Grace Church. We then move into an Aledo Zoning Committee update and Mike's Obscure Music segment featuring Patty Griffin.

We close with Joe leading us in a discussion of Only Fans and how to keep our kids from ending up on there.

Episode 41 is our first guest-free, conflict-free, free-form, freewheeling episode in a while. Joe has found his favorite crossfit group and recommends flouder gigging for the youngsters. We also find out Joe's price for becoming a drug mule. Mike gives an update on the elementary and middle school rezoning then Reagan spotlights local business Joe Lane Catering. We take a musical trip to Canada with Corb Lund, then discuss the tragic Panhandle wildfires.

We start Episode 40 with Robert Rushing, the owner of Aledo Overhead Door. He recounts his battles with some shady individuals or companies that managed to get him unlisted (de-listed?) from Google local results before using his business name to generate leads for themselves. Scary stuff for any small business owner. Check out the story in the Community News https://www.community-news.com/stories/the-invisible-company,72312?.

Then, we welcome back three-time guest Jeff Streetman. Jeff is running for Republican Party Precinct Chair in the precinct that contains the city of Aledo. We discuss why he's running (hint...schools) and what the heck is going on in local politics. Consider this an open invite for equal time to anyone who disagrees with any of us on these issues. We want to hear from you! greateraledo@gmail.com

Episode 39 features a great conversation with Jeremy Pruett, who is running for Aledo School Board Place 3. He's a busy, busy man who - in addition to his fancy-pants day job - volunteers his time on the Aledo Education Foundation, the Cowtown Marathon, and as a volleyball PA announcer. We talk schools, horses, volleyball, running, and Diana Ross.

Later we reveal our lifetime listenership numbers (thank y'all) and talk Super Bowl, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt, and laugh at Joe for being weaker than a teenage girl.