The Front Porch

City of Melissa
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Documentary
  • Biweekly

The American front porch represents the ideal of community in America. Just like on this community podcast, it’s where stories are celebrated. Welcome to The Front Porch – the official community podcast of Melissa, Texas. On every episode, we share the stories of the people who live and work in this community. We also capture the heart of Melissa, Texas. This is The Front Porch.

  1. Oct 23

    S4, E24: Norma Brito – 'Saving People Heartache'

    Season 4, Episode 24 of The Front Porch Podcast features Norma Brito, co-founder of the local Dementia Caregiving and Connection group. Links: Dementia Caregiving and Connection: Library Website City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  2. Oct 12

    S4, E23: Chauntel Busche – The Unexpected Road to Texas

    Season 4, Episode 23  Sometimes the life you planned isn't the one that leads you home. After the devastating Paradise Camp Fire in California displaced Chauntel Busche and her two sons, she found herself facing a question she never expected to ask: Where do we go from here? The answer eventually led her to Texas. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, Chauntel shares the remarkable journey that brought her from Hawaii to California and ultimately to Melissa, where she rebuilt her life, grew her business and found a community she wanted to invest in. Today, Chauntel is the owner of McCore Agency and the founder and president of Community Commerce Melissa. She shares why a persistent feeling that "something was needed" pushed her to stop thinking about an idea and start building it, creating new opportunities for local businesses and residents to connect. But this conversation is about more than business. It's about faith when the next step isn't clear, starting over when life changes without warning, learning to trust other people with your vision and choosing to invest in the place you call home. Because sometimes starting over doesn't mean going backward. It means finding where you were supposed to be all along. Makor Agency: Website Community Commerce Melissa: Website City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  3. Sep 28

    S4, E22: Kim Winarski - It Started With a Sidewalk

    Season 4, Episode 22 It all started with a sidewalk. Growing up in Florida, Kim Winarski remembers wishing she could simply walk from her neighborhood to see her friends. Years later, that childhood frustration would help spark an interest in urban planning, public service and, eventually, a career in local government. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, Kim shares the unexpected path that brought her from Florida to Texas and eventually to Melissa, where she now serves as Assistant to the City Manager. She takes us behind the scenes of a job that can touch everything from policy development and accessibility to community engagement, and explains why she hopes to become a city manager one day. The conversation also turns to Leadership Melissa, the City's Citizens Academy, and why its real impact begins after graduation. For Kim, the goal isn't simply teaching residents how local government works. It's helping people feel connected, giving them the tools to get involved and creating ripple effects that can strengthen the community for years to come. And yes, after all these years, she still has some very strong opinions about sidewalks. Links: City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  4. Sep 11

    S4, E21: Aaron Woods - Beyond the Orange Vest

    Season 4, Episode 21 You may know Aaron Woods as one of the people helping keep Melissa’s water, wastewater, and streets running. What you probably do not know is that he once helped transform an allegedly haunted bar into an elaborate, Hollywood-style haunted house. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, Aaron shares the unexpected journey that brought his family from Nevada to Melissa without ever having visited Texas before. Drawn to the small-town atmosphere, local schools, and opportunities for his three sons, Aaron quickly discovered a community that felt like home. He also takes us behind the scenes of his family’s passion for haunted houses. What began with his mother creating neighborhood haunts eventually grew into a commercial attraction built alongside his brother, whom Aaron calls the “Michael Jordan of art.” The building already came with its own unsettling history, unexplained alarms, flickering power, and former employees who insisted the place was truly haunted. Beyond the scares, Aaron reflects on his role with Melissa Public Works, his experience in the City’s leadership development program, and the culture that makes serving this community different from anywhere else he has worked. It is a conversation about taking chances, finding where you belong, investing in people, and discovering that some of the most interesting stories are hiding behind the people you see every day. Links: City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  5. Aug 28

    S4, E20: Mitzi McCabe and Leslie Chapman - Why People Stay

    Season 4, Episode 20 of The Front Porch Podcast  Great communities don't happen by accident. They're built by people who choose to invest in one another. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Human Resources Director Mitzi McCabe and HR Generalist Leslie Chapman to explore the culture behind the City of Melissa and what it takes to create a workplace where people genuinely want to stay. From hiring the right people to developing future leaders and creating opportunities for employees to connect beyond their daily responsibilities, Mitzi and Leslie share how intentional leadership has helped shape an organization that feels more like a family than a workplace. The conversation also takes a personal turn as they reflect on their own journeys, growing up in nearby communities, finding careers in public service, and watching Melissa transform over the years while still holding on to the small-town feeling that drew so many people here in the first place. Whether you're curious about what happens behind the scenes at City Hall or simply wondering what makes Melissa different, this episode offers a look at the people and culture that help make it all possible. Links: Human Resources Department: Website  City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  6. Aug 14

    S4, E19: Casey Hysell - Choosing Community by Making Melissa Home

    Season 4, Episode 19 of The Front Porch Podcast  What turns a new address into a place you truly call home? In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Casey Hysell, a member of the inaugural Leadership Melissa class, to talk about what it means to move to a new community and intentionally become part of it. After relocating to Melissa in 2021, Casey wanted more than just a place to live. She wanted to understand the city, meet the people behind it, and discover what makes Melissa different. What she found through Leadership Melissa was far more than an inside look at local government. She found friendships, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the people who work every day to serve this community. Casey also shares her family's journey from Louisiana to North Texas, why they ultimately chose Melissa over other growing communities, and how raising her daughter here has reinforced the importance of knowing your neighbors, supporting local businesses, and getting involved. Whether it's walking the Melissa Big Dill 5K, visiting the Melissa Market, or simply introducing yourself to the people around you, Casey believes strong communities aren't created by chance. They're built by people who choose to participate. If you've ever wondered how to feel more connected to the place you call home, this conversation is a reminder that community begins with taking the first step. Links: City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  7. Jul 24

    S4, E18: 100 Episodes. One Community.

    Season 4, Episode 18 of The Front Porch Podcast  100 Episodes. Countless Stories. One Community. Every community has a story, but it's the people who make it worth telling. In this special 100th episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we look back on the journey that has brought us here with three familiar voices: City Manager Jason Little, Facilities Director and former Mayor Reed Greer, and Executive Director of Administrative Services Gail Dansby. Together, they reflect on Melissa's remarkable growth over the past two decades, the culture that has made the community so special, and the people who have chosen to invest their lives in building something bigger than themselves. From a city of just a few employees to one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas, they share the intentional decisions, partnerships, and servant leadership that have helped Melissa grow without losing its heart. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jason opens up about one of the most difficult seasons of his life and how the kindness of this community changed him forever. It's a powerful reminder that Melissa isn't defined by its growth, its buildings, or its boundaries. It's defined by people who show up for one another. After 100 episodes and more than 100 stories, one thing has become clear: the heart of Melissa has always been its people. Thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next 100 stories. Links: Gail Dansby Podcast: Listen Now Jason Little Podcast: Listen Now Reed Greer Podcast: Listen Now City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  8. Jul 9

    S4, E17: Paul Anderson – Growing Without Losing Our Culture

    Some of the greatest impacts on a community happen behind the scenes. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Paul Anderson, President of the Melissa ISD School Board, to talk about his journey from moving to Melissa in 2007 to becoming one of the community's longest-serving leaders. For the past 16 years, Paul has helped guide one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, all while keeping the focus on what matters most: creating opportunities for students and preserving the culture that makes Melissa feel like home. He reflects on the tremendous growth our community has experienced, the importance of planning for future generations, and why strong partnerships between the school district, the City, and community organizations are essential to Melissa's continued success. Beyond the boardroom, Paul's passion for serving others extends to the Melissa Sports Connection, where thousands of children each year have the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through youth sports. Whether it's watching students walk across the graduation stage or seeing young athletes take the field for the first time, Paul believes every child deserves the chance to succeed. Throughout the conversation, one message rises above the rest: Melissa's greatest strength isn't just its growth. It's the people who continue to invest in one another. As Paul shares, everyone here is rowing the boat in the same direction, working together to create the best possible future for the next generation. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving community while holding on to its small-town values, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Links: Melissa ISD: Website Melissa Sports Connection: Website City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The American front porch represents the ideal of community in America. Just like on this community podcast, it’s where stories are celebrated. Welcome to The Front Porch – the official community podcast of Melissa, Texas. On every episode, we share the stories of the people who live and work in this community. We also capture the heart of Melissa, Texas. This is The Front Porch.

Information

  • Creator
    City of Melissa
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright City of Melissa
  • Show Website
    The Front Porch

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