Riding The Wave

Welcome to Riding The Wave!  Steve and I present our pre-election show and get into some of the expectations we have for Tuesday's big election.   Oh, and by the way, we've been honored with a request by the Tarrant County Democratic Party to host the "Watch Tarrant Turn Blue Election Night Watch Party" beginning at 6:00pm Central Time on election day.   To join us, please visit the FaceBook page of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, click on the Events tab, select the "Watch Tarrant Turn Blue" event, and then click on the "Live Video" link to join.  We'll be joined by Dr. Allison Campolo, President of Tarrant Together, a grass roots organization active in registering and getting voters to the polls.   Throughout the evening, we'll be providing election results, analysis and commentary as we Watch Tarrant Turn Blue!   Please join us.

Welcome to episode 21 of Riding The Wave!  Steve and I interview Dr. John Biggan, friend of the show and cognitive neuro-scientist.  We discuss the state of the country with Covid and the inexplicable disregard for scientific expertise that seems to be mounting.   Steve and I discuss the recent Supreme Court Decisions as well.  So, please give us a listen!  Thanks and we hope you enjoy the show.

Welcome to Episode 21.  For this episode Dennis interviews Ellen Sweets, journalist and author and very good friend of the unforgettable Molly Ivins.  Ellen and I talk about her life as a journalist, her friendship with Molly and several of their stories around food.   Ellen wrote a book called "Stirring it up with Molly Ivins, a memoir with recipes".   The book is terrific, Ellen is a wonderful writer and the stories in the book are hilarious with the bonus of some really good recipes.  Hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to episode 20 of Riding the Wave. For this show, Steve and I sit down with Kendall Scudder, political consultant and co-host of the hit podcast "Pod Bless Texas".  The group discusses campaigning and being a candidate in the age of Covid.   Kendall's perspective as a former candidate, campaign strategist and political consultant bring some keen insight into the political situation we find ourselves in today.  We had a great time and I think you'll enjoy the show!

Welcome to Episode 19 of Riding The Wave!  Steve and I discuss the current COVID situation, Mr. Bill Barr's continued interference with the Justice System, John Bolton's pending book and the current runoff races here in Texas. For the interview, we talk with Todd Allen, who is an educator who teaches AP Government and Politics at Irving High School.  We discuss the plans for opening school this fall in the midst of the pandemic and some of the plans, concerns and issues that decision brings forward.  Enjoy!

Welcome to a very special episode of Riding The Wave.   I am pleased to announce a new addition to the show with Steve Riddell joining me as a co-host.  You may remember Steve who was the inaugural guest when Riding The Wave was first released. Steve brings a wealth of expertise and good humor to the program and I'm happy to have him in the co-pilot's chair.  We are interviewing Vance Keyes for our program today.  Dr. Keyes, is a 20+year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department currently holding the rank of Captain and a leader in the FWPD SWAT organization.  Vance discusses the recent issues surrounding the killing of George Floyd and we discuss what can be done to make policing better and to restore the trust and credibility of law enforcement with the communities they serve. You won't want to miss this.  Thanks and Welcome Steve!

I'm very excited to present Episode 17 of Riding The Wave.  I sit down with Kathy Braatz, an old friend and current candidate for Tarrant County Commissioner for Precinct 3.  Kathy's an bright, energetic leader who will make a great member of the Commissioner's Court.  Please give this a listen and if you are able donate to Kathy's campaign at www.KathyBraatz.com.  Thanks!

Hey folks, I'm pleased to announce a new podcast in the Riding The Wave family.  It's called Speaking Up!  The show will be focused on working people, labor organizations and the issues and concerns that everyday Americans are facing.  I am happy to introduce my co-host Jason Compton, who will team up with me to discuss issues like healthcare and income inequality with activists, political figures, and working people who are committed to giving the 99% of the country a better life.   Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the new series.

One of the pleasures of producing this podcast is the interesting people I get to meet and talk to.  For this episode, I'm pleased to introduce Vance Keyes, Democratic candidate for Tarrant County Sheriff.  Vance is a highly accomplished public servant, veteran, and one of the brightest and most passionate people regarding helping others I've had the pleasure to meet.   He's a Marine, holds a PhD  as well as Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice, Public Administration and Applied Criminology.  He's a 20 year veteran of the Fort Worth Police department where he holds the rank of Captain.  I know you'll enjoy getting to know this interesting man.

Welcome to Season 2 of Riding The Wave!   I'm very pleased to present my interview with Richard Fleming, candidate for US Congress, Texas District 24.  TX 24 serves the North Texas area that includes large parts of The DFW Metroplex.  Richard is a long time Carrollton resident, a former 3 term member of the Carrollton - Farmers Branch School Board, a small business owner, and a mentor to many young folks in the area.  Richard and I discuss his background, what is motivating his run for Congress and what he hopes to accomplish once he gets to Washington.  You can find out more about Richard by visiting his website at :https://fleming4congress.com/ Check him out and I hope you enjoy the episode.

Jan McDowell stopped by and chatted with me about her experiences running for Congress.  Now on her 3rd attempt to become the next member of Congress representing District 24 here in Texas, Jan and I discuss her background, how she decided to get into politics, and some of the lessons she has learned as she her campaign for the 2020 election heats up.  I hope you enjoy the conversation!  Thanks.

I'm very pleased to present this interview with Dr. Lydia Bean, candidate for House District 93 here in the great state of Texas.  She's got a wonderful resume and set of life experiences that will serve her well as a state legislator.  Born in Canada, Lydia's journey to the mid-cities area of Dallas Fort Worth is a compelling and very interesting story. I really enjoyed our conversation and I know you'll find her story very interesting.  Enjoy!

For this episode, I had the distinct pleasure to interview Jeromey Sims.  Jeromey is a candidate for State Representative for House District 91 in Texas.  HD91 Serves Haltom City, Watauga, North Richland Hills, and part of Fort Worth.  Jeromey discusses his background, his entry into politics in the campaign in 2018, and what he plans to do for 2020.  Please join me in listening to this bright and passionate young man. Enjoy!

For this episode I had the pleasure of talking with Tim Brandenburg, an attorney who is vying for the Judgeship in the 96th District Court of Texas. The 96th District serves Tarrant County and deals with Civil Matters of Law.  Tim and I discuss his background growing up in Oklahoma, a stint in the IT business as a programmer, and why he decided to become an attorney. Tim's passion for "Justice for All" is driving his objective to be the next judge in the 96th District.  I hope you enjoy the episode.

Wow!  I'm so excited to have Allison Campolo and Gwenn Burud from Tarrant Together as my guests for this episode.  They are two of my favorite people and I've had the pleasure of working with them on their campaigns during the 2018 election cycle.  You're going to be impressed with their passion, their smarts, and their commitment to getting voters registered and engaged.   I had a terrific time with them and I hope you enjoy the episode.   Thanks for listening!

I first met Pam Luther in the campaign season of 2018.  She was campaigning to become the Judge of the Dallas County Criminal Court of Appeals Number 2.   She was successful in her run and in January of 2019, she took her place on the bench.  Pam sits down with me to discuss her background and her experiences during the campaign and what it is like to be a judge.  I'm sure you'll find her as fascinating as I did, and I know you'll enjoy hearing from this intelligent and compassionate jurist.  She's also quite the Renaissance Woman as well, with talents for screen writing and photography.  Enjoy!  

Welcome to a special episode of Riding the Wave.  Special Counsel Robert Mueller made a rare appearance on Wednesday to describe his report, say adieu to public service and tell Congress to do their bloody job.  Here's my take on the matter.  Enjoy!

A terrific thing about doing this podcast is that I get to interview interesting people. I had a fantastic time during my session with Deborah Peoples, who is a candidate for Mayor of Fort Worth.  Deborah's a well known force of nature in Democratic Politics in the North Texas area and has helped turn Tarrant County from a safe Republican stronghold to highly competitive area that saw Democrats win big in the 2018 mid-terms.   I sat down with Deborah to talk about her life, her entry into politics, and her vision for the City of Fort Worth and its citizens as she competes for the job of mayor.  I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did recording it.

Congressional candidate John Biggan stopped by the studio to talk about the upcoming 2020 election. We discussed John's background, which is vast and varied (hint: he's a really talented guy), how he got into politics, and why we wants to go to Washington D.C. and represent the good citizens of Congressional District 24, right here in the heart of the DFW Metroplex.   I hope you enjoy the show.

Heather and Mike stopped by the studio and we had a great conversation about their organization:  Indivisible Grapevine Area (IGA). Indivisible is a grass roots organization focused on education and activation of voters in local, state and national elections.  Bright, passionate and committed, both Heather and Mike are working hard to support progressive ideas here in the Lone Star State.  Give them a listen, get involved and let's all be Indivisible.