OK, "extravaganza" may be a bit of an overstatement. Though it is a bit of a Christmas miracle that the episode got recorded at all. But there is a ton of Christmas (and Hanukkah) talk on this episode. We also talk heifers (of course) and the general chaos of the season. Mike highlights his recently departed friend and icon of Texas Music, Tommy Alverson. Talk to y'all soon.

This week we welcome Kristine Pruitt. She was gracious enough to share the story of her son Kade's ongoing battle with Leukemia. It was a great and enlightening conversation about how they even considered getting him checked out. Good to remember that ongoing health issues like Kade's affect the whole family and community. Lots of shout-outs to the amazing Cook Children's Hospital.

We also have our obligatory hunting and heifer talk, plus Misty on sports (everyone is winning). Reagan gives some info on where to donate locally to the victims of Hurricane Helene. Then Mike gushes on and on about the great Kris Kristofferson.

Hi everyone. Did you miss us? It's only been 4 months or so since our last episode, but we're back on that horse.

On this episode, we reintroduce ourselves. Misty came very prepared with some interesting data about when female athletes are most vulnerable to ligament injuries. (hint...it has to do with hormones and stuff). Mike goes into full self-promotion mode about his new album "The Innocence We've Lost" (listen here).

We also have two very special guests, Jason and Karlyn Dickens of ReDefined Prosthetics. ReDefined Prosthetics is a 501c3 that is dedicated to transforming lives by ensuring that old prosthetics find renewed purpose as functional tools.

The mission of the organization is to provide funding for children who are in need of a prosthetic. Check out their website https://www.redefined-prosthetics.org/ or visit them on Instagram at @redefined_prosthetics.

Joe closes the show by making us talk about our FEELINGS, again. We discuss how to take time out of our busy schedules to take care of and stay connected to your significant other.

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.