The Front Porch

City of Melissa
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Semimonthly

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. 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

  2. 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

  3. Jun 26

    S4, E16: Darren Thompson – An Education in Legacy

    Season 4, Episode 16 of The Front Porch Podcast features Darren Thompson, who serves on the Melissa School Board and was an inaugural member of Leadership Melissa. The people who shape our lives often never realize just how far their influence will reach. From growing up in a family of educators to building a career as an IT Engineer for Toyota, Darren shares how his mother's passion for serving students inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back. What began around the family dinner table eventually led him to Melissa, where a simple question, "How can I help?", opened the door to serving both the school district and the community he now calls home. Along the way, Darren reflects on why Melissa's schools first attracted his family, what he learned through Leadership Melissa, and why understanding how a community works is one of the best ways to become part of it. This episode is a reminder that strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved, invest in others, and leave things better than they found them. Listen now for a conversation about education, leadership, service, and the ripple effect one person can have on an entire community.   Links: City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  4. Jun 11

    S4, E15: Inventing a Life of Faith, Family and Community

    What starts as an idea can sometimes grow into something much bigger. In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Roberto and Katie Hern, owners of Hern's Pest Control and Hern's Pro Products, to talk about the journey that led them from Southern California to North Texas and from a simple observation in the pest control industry to becoming inventors with a patented product. After nearly three decades in the pest control business, Roberto noticed a common problem in Texas homes that wasn't being addressed. What began as an idea developed in their kitchen eventually became a patented product designed to help homeowners protect their homes from pests. But bringing that idea to life wasn't easy. Along the way, Roberto and Katie share the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering faith that carried them through the process. They reflect on the importance of putting God first, family second, and community third, and how those values have shaped both their business and their lives. The conversation also offers a glimpse into the partnership behind the success. Roberto credits Katie as the rock of their family and the person who encouraged him to pursue the idea when it was still just a dream. Katie shares her own commitment to serving others through her involvement in the community, church, and local schools. This episode is a reminder that success isn't always measured by profits or patents. Sometimes it's measured by the people who stand beside you, the problems you're willing to solve, and the impact you're able to make along the way. Listen now and hear the story of faith, family, perseverance, and a family's journey to turning an idea into reality. Links: Hern's Pest Control: Website Hern's Pro Products: Website City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  5. May 28

    S4, E14: Anthony Obiselu (Yonx Pizza) - A Slice of Life

    Season 4, Episode 14 of The Front Porch Podcast features Anthony Obiselu, part owner of Yonx Pizza Bar & Co.   Links: Yonx Pizza Bar & Co: Website City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  6. May 15

    S4, E13: FC Cardinals - The Ultimate Goal

    Season 4, Episode 13 of The Front Porch Podcast features Cachelle and Puc Westrupp, the owners and operators of FC Cardinals Soccer Club in Melissa. What started with a single team of 4-year-olds has grown into a program serving more than 200 kids across 14 teams, all built around one mission: putting kids first. In this episode, Cachelle and Puc share why they saw opportunity in Melissa long before the growth arrived, how they’ve worked to make competitive soccer affordable for families through sponsorships and scholarships, and why creating quality young adults matters just as much as developing athletes. From partnering with Melissa ISD and supporting Special Olympics to helping young players dream of one day competing in Melissa’s world-class high school stadium, FC Cardinals is focused on more than soccer. They’re building community, friendships, and opportunities for local families. Listen as they talk about growth, family, affordability, and their ultimate goal of supporting Melissa students both on and off the field. Links: FC Cardinals: Website FC Cardinals: Facebook City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  7. Apr 23

    S4, E12: Cardinal Carriers - Delivering on Faith

    Season 4, Episode 12: Faith led Jamie and Seth Tilley to Melissa, Texas. They were traveling three days a week from their home in Richardson to attend First Melissa and spend time with Seth's dad. During those frequent visits, they started to fall in love with community, specifically the people. Then ... a seed was planted by one of Seth's friends that changed everything. That seed was watered by Jamie and Seth's entrepreneurial spirit and Cardinal Carriers Express was born, filling a huge void in the community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jamie and Seth share their story, which is highlighted by their devout faith. #frontporch Links: Cardinal Carriers Express: Website  City of Melissa: Website Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

  8. Apr 2

    S4, E11: Cardinal Nation – 'We Want to Build State Champion Winners'

    Season 4, Episode 11: Zach Stinton and Bruce Tyner love the game of football. They also love kiddos and Melissa, Texas. What do you do with all that love? You create Cardinal Nation Sports. On this episode of The Front Porch, these two passionate fathers talk about how and why they created this community's premier sports league. Cardinal Nation gives every kid in Melissa, Texas, the opportunity to play football or run track. That's all Zach and Bruce wanted to do - that has been their driving force since Day 1. But they also have a lofty shadow mission: Help Melissa High School win state championships for years to come. #frontporch Links: Cardinal Nation Sports: 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
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright City of Melissa
  • Show Website
    The Front Porch