If You Denton Know... Now You Know!

Brad Andrus

If You Denton Know is a weekly podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, and stories that make Denton unique. Hosted by Brad Andrus, each episode shares local insights, community voices, and Denton pride. 

  1. #22 - Pat Smith

    May 30

    #22 - Pat Smith

    If You Denton Know Pat Smith, now you do. Pat Smith is the founder and CEO of Serve Denton, a nonprofit hub that houses 25 partner organizations under one roof and was built entirely without government funding. A Denton native, retired Air Force colonel, and son of two of Denton's most beloved small business owners, Pat brings decades of leadership experience to a mission rooted in his hometown. His story is a window into how one community came together to create something rare in the nonprofit world. In this episode, listeners will hear how Serve Denton went from a vacant church sanctuary to a 10 million dollar campus, why Pat partnered with Toyota to bring world class operations to a nonprofit, and how a difficult Pentagon assignment shaped his approach to servant leadership. It is a conversation about hope, hometown roots, and what it looks like when private investment, faith, and good leadership build something that lasts. Guest Bio Pat Smith is the founder and CEO of Serve Denton, the nonprofit center that partners with 25 organizations to better serve people in need across Denton County. A Denton native and retired Air Force colonel, Pat spent 28 years in the military managing large scale construction and housing projects before returning home to launch Serve Denton in 2012. He is the son of Jim Smith of the legendary Jim's Diner and Rose Smith of Rose Costumes. Key Topics Covered Growing up in Denton and the legacy of Jim's Diner and Rose CostumesPat's 28 year Air Force career, from the Academy to the PentagonThe leadership lessons that shaped his philosophy of servant leadershipHow losing his father became the catalyst for Serve DentonTurning a vacant church sanctuary into a 10 million dollar nonprofit hubPartnering with Toyota to bring the Toyota Production System to nonprofitsWhy Serve Denton operates without government fundingExpanding the model to other Texas cities and beyondTimestamps 00:00 — Guest introduction  01:00 — The original 1976 vision for a human services center  01:45 — Jim's Diner, Rose Costumes, and growing up in Denton  04:35 — From the Air Force Academy to building air bases overseas  07:03 — The Pentagon assignment that defined his leadership philosophy  12:07 — Losing his dad and finding a new calling  15:34 — Launching Serve Denton with Tommy Nelson's blessing  17:21 — Buying the building and the new market tax credit breakthrough  19:38 — Bringing Toyota Production System to the nonprofit world  22:30 — The mission, the model, and staying in their lane  30:24 — Teaching servant leadership to the next generation  37:05 — Denton favorites and upcoming events Denton Highlights Jim's Diner on Fry StreetRose CostumesMetzler's BarbecueDan's SilverleafFine Arts TheaterCartwright's Ranch HouseGuest Links and Resources Serve Denton website: servedenton.orgEmail: psmith@servedenton.orgUpcoming event: Dragon Boat Races on Lake Lewisville, June 27Upcoming event: Christmas concert with David Pierce at the Fine Arts Theater, December 21

    40 min
  2. #21 - Tommy Mainord

    May 15

    #21 - Tommy Mainord

    If You Denton Know Tommy Mainord, now you do. Coach Tommy Mainord returns to the University of North Texas in a brand new role, stepping off the football field and into one of the most talked about positions in college athletics. After more than a decade in Denton and a career that took him from Tarleton State to Texas Tech, Kentucky, and back to UNT, Tommy now serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy. In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal. He explains how UNT is building its strategy in real time, why local businesses and alumni play such a vital role, and how the success of Mean Green athletics ripples out to lift restaurants, hotels, and the entire Denton community. It is a candid look at where college football is headed and how Denton fits into the bigger picture. Guest Bio Tommy Mainord is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy at the University of North Texas. A Texas native who grew up around the game as the son of a longtime football coach, Tommy spent seven years as an assistant coach at UNT, helping develop standout players like All American Jaylen Darden. He has coached at Tarleton State, Sam Houston State, Lamar, Texas Tech, and Kentucky throughout his career. Key Topics Covered Tommy's journey from coaches' kid to college coachCoaching stops across Texas, Kentucky, and the Big 12Returning to UNT in a new front office roleThe difference between NIL and revenue sharing explainedThe 21.4 million dollar national rev share capHow technology and AI have transformed recruiting and game prepWhat the next five years could look like for college athleticsHow Denton businesses of any size can get involved with UNT athleticsTimestamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction  01:06 Navigating the new world of NIL  02:08 Growing up as a coach's son  03:07 Choosing baseball, then football at Tarleton State  05:08 Career stops from Lamar to Texas Tech to Kentucky  07:14 Coaching Jaylen Darden at UNT  10:22 The new role and the longest title in college sports  11:26 NIL versus revenue sharing  16:02 How technology changed recruiting and game planning  22:33 How local businesses can get involved  25:22 Favorite spots around Denton Denton Highlights The Denton SquareLocal Mexican food spots around the squareDenton barbecue restaurantsGuest Links and Resources Email Tommy directly at tommy.mainord@unt.eduUniversity of North Texas Athletics: meangreensports.com

    27 min
  3. #20 - If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, Now You Do

    Apr 28

    #20 - If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, Now You Do

    If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, now you do. Episode Description Election time is here, and this one is huge. Denton voters are filling four council seats and the mayor position, with early voting ending April 28 and election day on May 2. To help the community make informed choices at the ballot box, every candidate was invited onto the show to answer two simple questions: What do you love most about Denton, and what is your vision for the city if elected? This special episode brings together the candidates for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6 in one place. Each conversation is short, focused, and designed to let the candidates speak for themselves. Use this episode as a tool to learn what each candidate values, where they want to take Denton, and how their priorities line up with yours. Then get out and vote. Key Topics Covered What each candidate loves most about the city of DentonEach candidate's vision for Denton if electedThe values and priorities shaping the 2026 city racesPerspectives from candidates running for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6Why local elections matter for Denton's futureA reminder to participate in early voting and election dayTimestamps 02:22 Mayor 02:37 Chris Watts 15:02 Brian Beck 27:15 Angela Brewer 36:17 District 1 36:33 Michael Herron 42:57 Jordan Villarreal 50:47 Kris Cox 57:59 District 2 58:13 Nick Stevens 1:05:52 Robert J Archer III 1:11:47 Place 5 1:12:07 George Michael Ferrie 1:20:57 Erica Garland 1:28:35 Place 6 1:28:52 Jill Jester Voting Information Early voting ends April 28Election day is May 2Seats on the ballot: Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, Place 6For more information, visit https://www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election-information/

    1h 40m
  4. #19 - Peter Salisbury

    Apr 10

    #19 - Peter Salisbury

    If You Denton Know Peter Salisbury, now you do.  From launching a tiny AM station in his living room to building KUZU 92.9 FM into a 24/7 community-powered radio station, Peter shares how passion, persistence, and local music shaped one of Denton’s most grassroots success stories. In this episode, Peter talks about growing up in Texas, falling in love with Denton’s music scene, and the long road to securing an FM license. He explains how KUZU operates entirely with volunteers, how anyone in the community can host a show, and why local voices still matter in a world dominated by corporate media. If you’ve ever wondered how community radio works, how KUZU got started, or how you could become part of Denton’s creative scene, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Key Timestamps 00:00 — Meet Peter Salisbury & the Story of KUZU Radio Peter shares his background in photography and how he found his creative home in Denton. 04:15 — Growing Up in Texas & Finding Denton From Houston to Garland to UNT, Peter talks about why Denton became home. 08:40 — The Birth of KUZU: A Radio Station in a Living Room How an empty bedroom and a small AM transmitter sparked the KUZU idea. 14:20 — From Backyard Radio to FM Licensing The multi-year journey to securing a Low Power FM license. 20:45 — Building KUZU with Volunteers & Community Support How friends, board members, and community members helped bring KUZU to life. 26:10 — How KUZU Programming Works Anyone can apply to host a show and contribute to the station. 31:30 — The Volunteer Model & Funding the Station Why KUZU runs entirely on volunteers and membership donations. 36:50 — Lessons Learned from Building a Radio Station Peter reflects on fear, persistence, and learning as he went. 41:10 — KUZU’s Future & Vision for Growth Plans for expanding programming and eventually owning a dedicated studio. 44:10 — Denton Favorites Peter shares his favorite local spots to relax and recharge. 🎧 Episode Highlights How KUZU started as a tiny AM station in a spare bedroomWhat it takes to secure an FCC radio licenseWhy community radio still matters todayHow KUZU operates entirely on volunteersHow local musicians and creators benefit from the platformWhy anyone in Denton can host their own radio showThe story behind KUZU’s first broadcastLessons learned from building something from scratch📻 About KUZU Radio KUZU 92.9 FM is Denton’s volunteer-powered community radio station. Broadcasting 24/7, KUZU features freeform programming, local voices, independent music, talk shows, interviews, and creative content from over 50 volunteer producers. The station exists to amplify local culture, support independent artists, and give everyday community members a voice on the air. Learn more or apply to host a show: 🌐 kuzu.fm 🍳 Denton Favorites (From Peter)Cartwright’s Ranch House — A go-to spot for breakfast and coffeeJupiter House — Favorite order: smoked salmon bagel with a mochaNorman Roscoe — A favorite stop on the Square🔑 Key TakeawaysBig ideas often start small, sometimes in spare bedrooms.Community-driven projects can thrive without corporate backing.Fear of failure is often the biggest obstacle to starting something meaningful.Local media still plays a powerful role in shaping culture.Denton’s creative community continues to fuel innovation and collaboration.

    36 min
  5. #18 - Jason Reimer

    Mar 20

    #18 - Jason Reimer

    If You Denton Know Jason Reimer, now you do. On this episode of If You Denton Know, we sit down with musician, filmmaker, and creative director Jason Reimer to talk about one of the most anticipated projects in Denton… the revival of the historic Fine Arts Theatre. Jason has spent years shaping unique cinematic and live experiences through his work at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, as well as through film, music, and multimedia production. Now, he’s bringing that same vision to Denton in a way that’s deeply rooted in the culture and creativity of the community. Brad and Jason dive into what it’s been like working together behind the scenes on this project, why this theatre matters so much to Denton, and what people can expect when the doors finally open. From independent films and live performances to 70MM, 35MM, and DCP projection, the Fine Arts Theatre is set to become a one-of-a-kind destination for cinephiles, creatives, and anyone who loves the arts. This isn’t just a movie theatre… it’s a cultural hub in the making. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Jason’s journey from music to filmmaking to theatre ownershipThe story behind the Texas Theatre and how it was brought back to lifeHow those lessons are shaping the Fine Arts Theatre in DentonWhat makes this theatre different from anything else in the areaThe vision for programming: films, concerts, events, and moreWhy 70MM film projection is such a big dealHow the theatre will serve Denton’s creative communityWhat the renovation process has looked like behind the scenesWhen the community can expect the theatre to openWhy This Matters for Denton The Fine Arts Theatre has been a missing piece of Denton’s cultural landscape for years. Its revival represents more than just reopening a building, it’s about creating a space where film, music, and community come together. With Jason’s experience and vision, paired with a deep commitment to making it feel authentic to Denton, this project has the potential to become one of the most meaningful creative hubs in the city. About Jason Reimer Jason Reimer is a musician, filmmaker, and producer whose work spans music, film, and live performance. He has composed film scores, directed music videos, and worked with major brands like Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s. He is co-founder of the Oak Cliff Film Festival and a partner in Aviation Cinemas, serving as Creative Director of the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas. His work continues to push the boundaries of how film and live experiences intersect. Connect & Stay Updated Follow along for updates on the Fine Arts Theatre opening, upcoming programming, and special events as Denton prepares to welcome this iconic space back to life. @fineartsdenton Texas Fine Arts Theatre

    53 min
  6. #17 - Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D

    Mar 6

    #17 - Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D

    If You Denton Know Dr. Carine Feyten, now you do. Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University, Carine M. Feyten, PhD joins Brad in The Den for a wide-ranging conversation on TWU’s 125-year legacy, her journey from Belgium to Denton, and what it looks like to lead a “campus with a heart.” They dive into TWU’s woman-focused mission, whole-person development, major campus growth, the new Health Sciences Center, and why athletics has become a powerful front door to the university. Key Topics Covered TWU’s 125-year history and the university’s mission todayBelgium upbringing, bilingual roots, and what brought her to the U.S.Language as “windows on the world” and why it shapes leadership“Campus with a heart” and whole-person development (mind, money, health, purpose)New Health Sciences Center and interprofessional education modelAviation program launch and finding unmet needsTWU athletics growth, national rankings, and academic excellenceBuilding visibility, partnerships with Denton, and lessons from leadershipAdvice to young women on leadership, courage, and failing fastDenton favorites and places she lovesTimestamps 00:00 Intro: Belgium to Denton, institution-builder, and TWU’s defining chapter02:17 TWU at 125 years and why the mission still matters04:44 What it means to be a university system and the women-focused distinction07:15 Growing up bilingual in Belgium and switching languages in school09:11 Why she came to the U.S. and choosing to stay12:33 “Languages are windows on the world”19:07 First impressions of Denton and what sealed TWU for her20:04 “Campus with a heart” and why it took off21:45 Whole-person development, wellbeing, and why TWU “walks the talk”26:14 The new Health Sciences Center, interprofessional education, and rural clinics30:27 Aviation program, women in pilots, and building programs fast35:33 Athletics, campus spirit, and why sports are the front door39:05 Big decisions, identity, and focusing on TWU’s “gift to the table”41:16 Missteps, listening, and building relationships with the city48:07 Advice: leadership without titles, bravery over perfection51:55 Where to follow her and learn more about TWUMemorable Moments and Takeaways A women-focused environment changes who steps up. With fewer men on campus, women lead more naturally and consistently, building confidence and voice.Education is bigger than academics. TWU’s wellbeing focus is designed to help graduates thrive in health, finances, relationships, and purpose.The Health Sciences Center is about teamwork. Interprofessional education mirrors real patient care and strengthens outcomes, especially for rural communities.Find the niche, fill the gap. Aviation and women’s wrestling are examples of identifying needs others have not addressed.Leadership is built, not granted. Titles do not make leaders. Curiosity, courage, and contribution do.Guest Bio Dr. Carine Feyten is the Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University. A native of Belgium and fluent in five languages, she is a published scholar and higher education leader who has guided TWU through major growth, new programs, and an expanded statewide footprint while strengthening the university’s distinctive woman-focused mission and culture of care. Follow Dr. Feyten on social media! @twupres

    53 min
  7. #16 - Joshua Butler

    Feb 20

    #16 - Joshua Butler

    If You Denton Know Joshua Butler, now you do. Joshua Butler, founder of Thin Line Fest, joins Brad to talk about what it takes to build a lasting creative institution in Denton. They unpack Joshua’s path from Houston to UNT, the early days of Texas Filmmakers, and why Thin Line has stayed rooted in documentary storytelling for nearly two decades. Joshua also previews what’s coming March 18–22, including films, music, photography exhibits, and new late night dance parties, plus the behind the scenes challenges of funding, venues, and competing for premieres in a crowded festival landscape. Key Takeaways How Texas Filmmakers started as a student organization and became a lasting nonprofitWhy Thin Line focuses on documentaries, and what “truth” really means in filmWhat makes Thin Line Fest unique: downtown, walkable, volunteer driven, and freeA preview of Thin Line Fest March 18–22 (film, music, photo, and new additions)The real logistics: venues, budgets, staffing, premieres, and competing with bigger marketsJoshua’s career path from local media to major event production, then the pivot during COVIDDenton community culture, darts, favorite hangs, and a documentary recommendationLearn more about Thin Line Fest: March 18–22 in downtown Denton. Film, music, photography, and late night events, all walkable and volunteer driven. Find the full schedule and details at Thin Line Fest online. https://www.thinline.us/

    52 min
  8. #15 - David J Anzaldúa Pierce

    Feb 6

    #15 - David J Anzaldúa Pierce

    If You Denton Know David Pierce, now you do. In this episode, we sit down with David Pierce, composer, educator, and the creative force behind Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival. David shares his journey from growing up in South Texas to becoming one of the key figures shaping Denton’s music and cultural scene. We talk about creativity, community, risk-taking, and how one Halloween show evolved into one of Denton’s most beloved annual traditions. Episode Highlights Growing up in Corpus Christi and being immersed in Mexican and Tex-Mex cultureDiscovering music early, from piano to trombone, and finding jazz as a teenagerComing to Denton in 1994 to attend University of North Texas and falling in love with the cityTeaching band and building an award-winning jazz program in Southlake Carroll ISDMaking the leap from teaching to full-time composing and arrangingCreating Cirque du Horror and why it became a turning point creativelyHow a grassroots block party grew into Denton’s Day of the Dead FestivalThe origins of the coffin races and why they put the festival on the mapWhat goes into running a 30,000 to 40,000 person community festivalPartnering with local businesses, artists, and breweries to keep the festival truly DentonGiving back through donations to Serve Denton, Cumberland Youth and Family Services, and other local charitiesBehind the Festival David walks through the behind-the-scenes reality of planning a major outdoor festival. From grant writing and fundraising to weather risks and year-round preparation, he shares why the emotional investment is worth it when he sees the joy the festival brings to the community. What started as a $5,500 event has grown into a six-figure production that continues to give back more each year. Upcoming Event Cirque du Horror Presents: A Moonlit Monster Ball Saturday, February 21, 20266:00 PM to 10:00 PMPatterson Appleton Arts CenterA gothic Valentine’s season fundraiser benefiting Denton’s Day of the Dead FestivalFeaturing haunting cocktails, a chef-curated dinner, a raffle, dancing, and a special performance by Cirque du Horror’s Orchestra of the UndeadSuggested attire: elegant, spooky, monstrous Halloween gala vibes🎟️ Tickets and info available at: DentonDayOfTheDeadFestival.com

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

If You Denton Know is a weekly podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, and stories that make Denton unique. Hosted by Brad Andrus, each episode shares local insights, community voices, and Denton pride. 

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