Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Erika McWilliams, Owner of The Bingham Estate. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Restoring a historic 1883 McKinney property From corporate accounting to hospitality entrepreneurship Reimagining The Bingham as a modern estate experience Building retreats, cottages, and community gathering space Women-centered vision for events, tea, and retreats Navigating city partnerships and historic preservation Leadership McKinney and civic involvement Downtown McKinney growth and neighborhood revitalization Balancing business ownership, family, and ambition Resources Mentioned: www.binghamestate.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Andrea Harvey-Rodgers, Community Relationship Officer at Commercial Bank of Texas. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Community banking versus big national banks Why trust sits at the center of every banking relationship Lessons from the 1929 crash and the 2008 financial crisis Sales roots and how early experiences shaped a banking career Moving through retail, lending, and relationship management Choosing service and community over scale and size Leadership McKinney and deep civic involvement Supporting local nonprofits and board service Serenity High and advocating for alternative education Knowing when to say yes and when to say no in community service Resources Mentioned: https://www.cbtx.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Jose Duarte, Senior Agent CCIM at Orion Commercial Realty Group. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Early life in Mexico City, migration to Los Angeles, and the journey to Texas Career beginnings with Bose Corporation and lessons in leadership Transition from retail leadership to real estate after major life changes Entering commercial real estate and building nearly a decade of specialization Reflections on McKinney’s rapid growth, from the 380 corridor to evolving neighborhoods Favorite McKinney places for families, including Downtown and historic homes How parks like Bonnie Wenk and Towne Lake shape community connection Leaving California and discovering Texas hospitality and culture Deep involvement in family ministry and its impact on local families Why Leadership McKinney matters and how it reshapes understanding of city systems Resources Mentioned: www.orioncrg.com https://www.aeyleadership.org/ https://www.familiasenmisionapostolica.org/ecn Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Jessica Thibodeaux, Co-Owner of Parcel & Paper Co. and Fresh Mex Food Truck. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing two McKinney businesses from a farmers market side project Leaving California and finding community roots in McKinney Building Fresh Mex through persistence, grit, and neighborhood support How a single yes during COVID sparked long-term momentum Transitioning from food truck life to a brick-and-mortar shipping and stationery shop Parcel & Paper Co as a resource hub for local makers and small businesses Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and family life Lessons learned from starting a business with no industry background Why authenticity, confidence, and community relationships matter The evolving future of Fresh Mex and the East Side business corridor Resources Mentioned: https://realfreshmex.com  https://parcelandpaperco.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Kellie Maynard, Chief Development Officer of The Samaritan Inn The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Kellie’s path from corporate retail to nonprofit leadership The mission and impact of The Samaritan Inn The Inn’s four-pillar housing and self-sufficiency program Family services, community living structure, and support resources Impact of community partnerships and volunteer engagement Food insecurity, the food pantry, and the effects of the recent government shutdown Youth financial literacy and breaking cycles of generational homelessness Transportation challenges and programs that support residents’ mobility The growing need for family accommodations and future expansion plans Misconceptions about homelessness and understanding the true root causes Call to action: awareness, volunteering, financial support, and taking a tour of the Inn Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Ryan and Laura O’Dowd, Owners of Wayback Barn. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From childhood classmates to creative business partners The family inspiration behind the Wayback Barn Turning a 100-year-old barn into a local destination How a photography prop became a thriving community space Creating outdoor fun for families without screens Developing a menu featuring grilled cheese and local favorites Building a relaxed, rustic atmosphere for all ages Hosting birthdays, private events, and community gatherings Balancing family life with entrepreneurship and creativity Celebrating McKinney’s small-town charm and community spirit Resources Mentioned: https://waybackbarn.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Cindy Johnston, Founder and Artistic Director of Sostenuto Choral Community of North Texas The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Founding Sostenuto after retiring from McKinney ISD Building a community choir rooted in connection and joy Transition from Choral Community of North Texas to Sostenuto The meaning behind the name “Sostenuto” and its musical symbolism Restarting after the pandemic and growing a dedicated membership Serving McKinney through Veterans Day and community performances Designing concerts around themes that inspire emotion and unity Blending trained musicians and passionate amateurs in one ensemble Upcoming Winter Solstice concert and the choir’s open invitation to join Keeping the arts alive and making music accessible to all Resources Mentioned: https://www.sostenutontx.org  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Kathleen Ketola, owner of Beachside Community Acupuncture. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why Kathleen created a “beach” vibe for her McKinney acupuncture clinic How traditional Chinese medicine approaches chronic pain and stress The science (and mystery) behind why acupuncture actually works Needles vs. acupressure mats and what’s worth your time (and pain) Building a clinic from scratch and learning business ownership on the fly Why Beachside Community Acupuncture runs on a sliding scale Common myths around ibuprofen, turmeric, and inflammation Making holistic care approachable without the woo-woo What it’s really like living in Trinity Falls and what a MUD is Why listening to your body might be the best first step to healing Resources Mentioned: Beachside Community Acupuncture Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Ramil Paredes. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up in a political family in the Philippines and immigrating to Los Angeles Experiencing culture shock and adjusting to life in an American middle school Joining the Marine Corps after high school and serving in Okinawa and 29 Palms Becoming a Catholic lay minister while active duty and leading field services Launching the Hat Show podcast and building a loyal audience across platforms Promoting responsible gambling and data-driven discipline at the casino Using winnings to travel, give back, and support community causes Leading the Collin County Marine Corps League and expanding Toys for Tots Providing direct support to Marines in crisis and building local partnerships Advocating for veterans while growing networks across civic and business life Resources Mentioned: https://www.legacypreparatory.com  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Jared Berger and Von Daniel, Co-Owners of The Comedy Arena. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why two ex-marketers traded corporate life for comedy full-time The Craigslist audition that sparked a 17-year partnership Growing from hallway rehearsals to a full-scale comedy club Creating live entertainment that’s clean, interactive, and affordable Expanding with a bar, kitchen, and third-floor training center How improv builds confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills The club’s unexpected role in boosting nearby businesses Bringing laughter to corporate events, schools, and beyond Why every night at The Comedy Arena is a little different Building community through comedy, creativity, and connection Resources Mentioned: http://thecomedyarena.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Andrea Harvey-Rodgers, Miles McCall, and Brad McGuire. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: How MEF supports scholarships, teacher grants, and college advising The real mission behind Top Model and student fundraising Fred's path from high school band to community impact James' strategy to rally national insurance support for MEF Why small banks outshine big ones in local business support Advice for students to stay true to themselves and ask why How real-world experience can be more valuable than a degree Addressing student anxiety and identity in the digital age Lessons from tough professors that shaped lasting growth Guiding young people to find purpose beyond just a paycheck Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyef.org/purses/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." This special episode was recorded live at the McKinney Chamber’s LINKS event, where James and Fred answered three big questions in front of a full room: Why McKinney? Why the Chamber? And why this podcast? With audience participation, laughs, and lots of local pride, this one captures the heart of what we’re all about. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Kicking off live from LINKS with breakfast, jokes, and a full room Fred calls an audible and introduces the real bosses, Elizabeth and Allison Why McKinney? Small-town vibes, big-hearted people, and real roots Why the Chamber? Relationships that go beyond business cards Audience love includes Portland vibes, European charm, and fast ROI Why the podcast? A passion project to spotlight McKinney’s best Celebrating everyone from mayors to teenage tech CEOs This isn’t just about business; it’s about people, stories, and pride No sponsors or pitches, just a mic, a mission, and McKinney love Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneychamber.com/links/  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Barb Delk, Business Development Director at the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Community Impact roots and the leap to Chamber leadership Lessons learned as an Air Force wife and parenting through deployments Supporting military families through career transitions and tough seasons What makes the McKinney Chamber stand out from every other chamber Behind the scenes of chamber work during COVID and economic recovery Serving local businesses with purpose, energy, and authentic connections How Leadership McKinney unlocks passion, purpose, and lifelong friends Building a legacy, mentoring, succession, and doing it the Barb way Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneychamber.com/ http://mckinneytoday.com/ https://www.mckinneyfoodpantry.org/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Rick Grady, Candidate for Collin County Judge. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From Vietnam combat to corporate boardrooms: Rick’s path to public service Why PTSD advocacy is personal and permanent Lessons learned in leadership from war zones to council chambers The human side of city governance during the COVID-19 crisis Public safety gaps in unincorporated Collin County and how to fix them Budget battles, rising costs, and the math behind local government The good, the bad, and the necessary: Building trust with other mayors A veteran’s take on humility, sacrifice, and civic responsibility Resources Mentioned: https://gradyforcollincounty.vote/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Davina Stampfel, Executive Director of McKinney Repertory Theatre (MRT). The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From childhood horse shows to Alice in Wonderland and a lifelong love of theater Finding family, belonging, and purpose through MRT and Leadership McKinney How community support brought A Christmas Carol back to life after COVID Set mishaps, ghost costumes, and why no two shows are ever the same Theater as therapy for kids, seniors, and anyone craving connection Countless ways to volunteer, from ushering to costume repair to special effects MRT’s creative pivot plans during the upcoming theater renovations Why McKinney’s local talent deserves a full house and year-round support Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyrep.org  Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is David Garcia, Founder of Boomerang Cares. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From moving company gigs to launching a marketing firm, how networking flipped David’s career path Why Boomerang Cares started with three toy donations and grew into a 100+ family nonprofit The emotional moment that re-centered David’s “why” for giving back  How childhood experiences with poverty and generosity now fuel his mission What it’s really like to be a Latino entrepreneur navigating early Chamber experiences Building businesses with a “relationship mindset,” not a sales pitch Why it took losing his father for David to find his voice, and how scholarships honor that legacy Roofing tips every homeowner should know, especially around deductibles and storm dates What’s next for Boomerang Cares: golf tourneys, family-first priorities, and more Resources Mentioned: https://www.boomerangcares.org/ Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Al DeBerry, Director of Operations at McKinney Flour Mill. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Construction update near the McKinney Flour Mill and impact on accessibility The silos and City Hall as emerging visual landmarks downtown Inside scoop on the speakeasy, Diamond Hall, and event venues at the Flour Mill Monthly tasting series spotlight: rum and gelato, vodka and spuds Longleaf pine, 100-year-old beams, and preserving living history Plans for a 35-room boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant Al DeBerry’s four-decade journey in hospitality and hotel leadership The legacy of the Lorenzo Hotel and its Tina Turner connection Growing momentum in East McKinney as a nightlife and events hub Why the Flour Mill is McKinney’s next destination for weddings, events, and more Resources Mentioned: https://mckinneyflourmill.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Rita Townsend, Senior Sales Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Childhood of archery, sports, and rock music shaped her path to the Marine Corps From avionics school to medical discharge, how injury shaped the next chapter Creating a mission-driven career with Mary Kay and redefining direct sales Embracing service, faith, and networking to rebuild life in McKinney The iconic 54 push-up moment and what it really meant Supporting women in uniform through Operation Courage Is Beautiful Speaking truth, setting boundaries, and learning from past missteps Why authentic relationships matter more than ever in 2025 Building a healing space with Beautiful Warrior Studio Leading with love, grace, and the power of showing up Resources Mentioned: www.marykay.com/ritatownsend  linktr.ee/ritatownsend Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why the podcast is ditching intro bumpers and sponsor callouts Opening the door to official paid sponsorships for McKinney businesses Introducing an annual presenting sponsor model to expand reach Behind-the-scenes on podcast production costs and sustainability Launching a monthly local restaurant review with James and Fred Criteria for featured restaurants: must be McKinney-owned, no chains Offering rotating quarterly sponsorships for the new food segment Creating a swag shop with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofits New exclusive content and short-form videos on the way Aiming to grow beyond a few hundred fans to reach all of McKinney Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Kelly Turns & Tammy Kleis, Owners of Botanic Life. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: From pharma careers to launching a CBD wellness shop Healing chronic pain and anxiety without prescriptions Partnering with pain doctors to offer natural alternatives Breaking down CBD types: isolate, broad spectrum, and delta Why they refuse to sell vapes—and what sets them apart Facing legislation that nearly closed their doors Educating customers with care, not pressure Owning a small biz without a paycheck (yet) Battling stigma while advocating safe, legal access Rooted in McKinney, driven by mission and community Resources Mentioned: https://botaniclifeusa.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.