Deconstructing Dallas

Interview Begins @ 10:50 mark

How do you turn a bold vision into lasting change?In this inspiring episode of Deconstructing Dallas, hosts Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble sit down with Wil McCall, President of the Dallas Leadership Foundation, for a powerful conversation on transformational leadership and grassroots impact.Before diving into the interview, Shawn and Ryan catch up on a few local highlights—from the futuristic Walmart drone delivery system to Dallas College’s exciting involvement in Dallas Fashion MonthThen, Wil McCall joins the conversation to share his incredible journey: from climbing the corporate ladder to answering a higher calling—leading faith-rooted initiatives that uplift and empower Dallas neighborhoods. Wil talks about why relational capital is the real game-changer, how to build trust in underserved communities, and how faith, mentorship and servant leadership are key to building a lasting legacy.Stick around after the interview as Shawn and Ryan reflect on the hometown Texas Rangers’ first weeks of the season a

Description:What happens when a massive pile of toxic waste shows up in your backyard—and no one seems to care? Dr. Marsha Jackson found herself at the center of an environmental justice battle when "Shingle Mountain" loomed over her southern Dallas neighborhood. Join hosts Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jackson, Founder & Executive Director of Southern Sector Rising, as she shares her journey from Corporate America to becoming a nationally recognized environmental justice advocate.In this episode, Dr. Jackson takes us inside her six-year fight to secure zoning changes for Floral Farms, the devastating impact of industrial pollution on her neighborhood and her vision for a community park and improved infrastructure. Her advocacy extends beyond Dallas—she’s taking the fight to the global stage, including an upcoming trip to Italy for the Global Climate Reparation Summit.Plus, Ryan and Shawn reflect on a recent local policy debate and share a few thoughts on how Dalla

Stepping into the frostiest stretch of the Dallas winter, Deconstructing Dallas hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams kick off the episode in style—Ryan sporting an SMU beanie from Young Kings Clothing and Shawn wrapped in a vintage Texas A&M bomber jacket. After swapping stories about surprise snow flurries and icy roads, they sit down with Jennifer Bartkowski, the dynamic CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.A lifelong Girl Scout herself, Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from selling cookies as a young girl to leading the organization into a bold new era. She highlights the innovative STEM initiatives at the state-of-the-art STEM Center and the exhilarating outdoor adventure camps that empower girls to dream big. Jennifer also delves into the transformative power of the Girl Scout Cookie program, which not only funds troop activities but cultivates entrepreneurial skills that shape confident leaders. As she outlines the organization's strategic vision to remain a premier destination for young wome

The dynamic duo of Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams are back for an electrifying 8th season of Deconstructing Dallas! After being named one of the Top 20 podcasts (#17) in the city, they’re ready to deliver another lineup of can't-miss episodes.Interview starts at 10:00In this season premiere, Ryan sits down with Monica Paul, the Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, who’s been pivotal in transforming Dallas into a premier sports destination. She delves into the Dallas Sports Commission's triple threat mission: attracting major sporting events, positioning Dallas as a global sports hub and leveraging these events to give back to the community. She also highlights some unforgettable moments, including hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the NHL Winter Classic at the iconic Cotton Bowl.The conversation then turns to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring 9 matches—the most of any host city—and an estimated $1.5-$2.1 billion economic impact to the region. She breaks down the massive

This week on Deconstructing Dallas, Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams dive into recent milestones, including a $10 million gift to the Law Enforcement Training Center, a succcessful event hosted by The Loop Dallas and exciting news about Molly Morgan stepping into her role as Texas State Director for Trust for Public Land. Our hosts are joined by Charlie Neil, President and Founder of Dallas Trinity FC, who shares his inspiring journey from athlete to entrepreneur. Discover how this new women’s professional soccer team is hitting the target by empowering women, championing youth development and conecting with the South Dallas community.The convesations turns to Dallas Trinity FC playing at the historic Cotton Bowl and how Dallas is becoming a hub for the future of women’s sports.Interview Begins at the 6:26 Follow @DallasTrinityFC for updates and join the movement!Connect with Us on Instagram:Ryan Trimble: @rtrimble15Shawn Williams: @shawnpwilliamsAllyn Media: @allynmedia

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams explore the role of immigration in the state’s economy and also discuss wildlife conservation. Ryan reflects on his recent Dallas Morning News column advocating for the reintroduction of ocelots in South Texas, emphasizing the importance of creating conservation strategies that balance wildlife protection with sustainable land use.Our hosts are then joined by Chelsie Kramer, Texas State Organizer for the American Immigration Council, who offers valuable insights into the economic contributions of immigration. Chelsie explains how immigrants make up 17% of the state’s population but 21% of its workforce, contributing billions in tax revenue and bolstering Texas’ economy. She also discusses the need for secure borders and legal pathways to support workforce demands and strengthen border communities.Chelsie further tackles the challenges of misinformation surrounding immigration, sharing her experiences and advocating for fact-based, pro-i

In this episode, Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams chat with the president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Harrison Blair, who shares insights into his family's history in Dallas, including ties to Negro League Baseball and community advocacy. Harrison discusses the chamber’s significant growth, expanding from 100 to over 900 members, and highlights key initiatives like a $25,000 micro-lending program with VISTA Bank and a $141,000 grant program launched in 2020. The conversation also covers ambitious plans for the future, such as increasing membership to 3,000, transforming MLK Boulevard into a business district, and establishing a flagship office.In addition, the episode highlights the chamber's upcoming Cowboy Couture Gala on December 12, which will provide a major opportunity for networking and community support.Shawn and Ryan also get a surprise "call" from a longtime listener who has a bone to pick with one (or both) of them. Support Alpha Merit Group:Check out the Alpha Merit Group fundraising v

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, our guest is Linda McMahon, the inaugural CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Linda shares her journey from growing up on military bases to becoming a key leader in Dallas’ economic development.Shawn and Ryan talk to their friend Linda about her work at The Real Estate Council, including her role with the Grow South Fund and the pivotal investments that are transforming Southern Dallas. Linda also sheds light on the future of commercial real estate post-pandemic, disucces the importance of in-office culture, and speaks on how Dallas can continue to thrive as interest rates begin to change. As she discusses the mission of the EDC, the conversation explores the efforts to diversify Dallas' economy by focusing on key industries and development opportunities around transit hubs and Southern Dallas. Dallas Economic Development Corp. Website

In this episode, hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams sit down with Jake Allyn, the versatile actor, producer and writer making waves in Hollywood. As the son of Allyn Media’s founder Rob Allyn, Jake offers a unique perspective on creativity, reflecting his dynamic journey from football fields to film sets. He gives us an inside look at his latest movie project, Ride, where authenticity is more than a buzzword—it's practically a character in the film. For Jake, authenticity isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the entire recipe. Looking ahead, Jake shares his ambitious plans to embrace diverse roles, push the boundaries of producing, and develop innovative projects. Tune in to find out how he’s setting the stage for his next big moves in the industry.'Ride' TrailerJake Allyn IMDbInstagram - @jakeallyn85

This week Ryan and Shawn turn their attention to the world of finance with guest Chris Gannett. Chris is an investor, executive and former CMO of American Idol, now at the helm of Gannett Partners. He shares insights into his fascinating career journey, from Wall Street banking to the music industry. Deconstructing Dallas dives into the transformative potential of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), a proposal that aims to shake up the financial landscape by providing a competitive alternative to giants like the NYSE and NASDAQ. The Olympics have recently wrapped and the guys talk about Team USA and laud our country's superior medal haul. If only there were medals for mastering the art of podcasting, our guys would probably add a few more to that tally!Connect with Chris:Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/chrisgannettWebsite: https://www.gannett.partners/Chris' Dallas Morning News Column

On January 1, 1863—known as "Freedom's Eve"—the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, marking the end of slavery in most American states. However, the news wouldn't reach Confederate-controlled Texas until June 19, 1865, a day now commemorated as "Juneteenth." In today’s episode, Ryan and Shawn are joined by Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum in Ft. Worth Texas. As a Fort Worth native, Jarred shares his vision for the museum and its impact on African American life and culture in the area. Tune in to hear about Jarred’s journey, the reasons for choosing Fort Worth, his collaboration with Dr. Opal Lee—the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"—and much more!Time Stamps:Introduction to Jarred Howard [7:00]Why Fort Worth? [10:32]Vision & History of the Juneteenth Museum [11:05]Making Juneteenth National [13:37]Inspiration [16:47]Museum architecture [20:30]Collaboration with Opal Lee [23:39]Connect and Learn More:Email: info@theNJM.orgInstagram: juneteenthmsmFacebook: juneteenthmsmTwitter: junetee

In this episode your favorite podcasters interview Rick Loessberg, author of Two Societies. Two Societies discusses how a presidential commission of eleven individuals with differing opinions studied the horrendous rioting of 1967, unanimously concluded it was not the result of radicals but was instead a response to decades of pervasive discrimination, and produced a boldly-worded 600-page report in only seven months. It also assesses whether the protests and disorder that followed George Floyd’s death in 2020 were similar to 1967’s rioting and to what extent there has been progress in eliminating the discrimination that existed in 1967.Rick  is a retired Director of Planning & Development for Dallas County where he established the County’s first housing rehab, Section 8, tax incentive, and CDBG programs.

The latest episode brings Shawn and Ryan to the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands' June meeting where your hosts were the featured speakers. They took the time to record a podcast and what do you know...they interviewed one another. The guys covered a lot of ground, including their backgrounds, life at Allyn Media, the Deconstructing Dallas podcast origin story and how they both married up.The Exchange Club of Lake Highlands is an affiliate of the National Exchange Club.  The original purpose of “Exchange,” which continues today, was to create grass roots organizations for the exchange of ideas leading to community involvement and enhancement in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, Texas.  This objective has been refined over the years to focus on the prevention of child abuse and a broad array of youth service, citizenship programs and community services, including the area schools and Family Compass.eclh.org

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, Shawn and Ryan are joined by Heather McGhee, an expert in economic policy research and the author of the book "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together." Heather discusses her journey exploring the intersection of racism and economics in America, highlighting the impact of racism on public goods, wages, and inequality.Heather reflects on her time at Demos, an organization focused on economic justice, and how her thinking on race and racism evolved during her tenure there. She also discusses the adaptation of her book into a Spotify podcast by Higher Ground, the production company of Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as the upcoming theater adaptation in Dallas.Shawn and Ryan also talk about the upcoming Banned Book Festival at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, inspired by "The Sum of Us," and Heather's thoughts on the book being used as inspiration for a play festival. They discuss the role of arts organizations like Bishop Arts Theater Cen

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, Shawn and Ryan sit down with Sam Thompson, CEO of the Circle Ten Council Boy Scouts of America. Sam shares his insights into scouting and its impact on character development and citizenship training. He discusses the transition of scouting to include girls and the importance of inclusivity in scouting programs.The conversation then shifts to the rich history of Camp Wisdom in Southern Dallas, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Sam provides a glimpse into what makes the camp special and how it has contributed to the community.Shawn and Ryan also delve into how individuals can get involved in scouting and the resources available for those interested in joining. Sam offers valuable information on scouting opportunities and how listeners can connect with their local scouting council.Guest: Sam Thompson, CEO of Circle Ten Council Boy Scouts of AmericaWebsite: circleten.orgInstagram: circletencouncil

Ryan and Shawn catch up with Nicole Brewer and Ross Mulford of Classic Whimsy, the nation's leading e-commerce provider of classic children's clothing. Nicole shares about the history of the company, and the recent rebranding and Ross dives into the growing e-commerce landscape in North Texas. To learn more about Classic Whimsy visit www.classicwhimsy.com.

Tens and tens of listeners rejoice! Deconstructing Dallas has made it to 100 episodes. From politicians to artists, activists to educators, Shawn and Ryan have interviewed a diverse slate of guests who have impacted Dallas, Texas, the U.S., and the world. This show marks the official kickoff of the podcast’s 7th season and the first recording of 2024. The guys look back at some of their most memorable episodes, including interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks attorney Fred Gray, former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, and PepsiCo business leader Rebecca Acuna. They also recall some of the lowlights, sharing a few of the outtakes that remained on the cutting room floor (so to speak). And there are two very special guests: Linda Williams and Jill Trimble aka the Deconstructing Dallas Moms Club. Shawn and Ryan’s mothers discuss their favorite guests, favorite shows, and favorite parts of their sons’ podcast. So, here’s to a prosperous 2024, an unforgettable 7th season, and 100 more episodes!