If You Denton Know... Now You Know!

Brad Andrus
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

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. #14 - Morgan Kennedy

    JAN 23

    #14 - Morgan Kennedy

    If You Denton Know Morgan Kennedy, now you do. Every building tells a story, and Architect Morgan Kennedy helps shape how those stories get built. Morgan shares how she went from growing up in Plano to studying architecture at Oklahoma State, earning a traveling fellowship, and practicing in places like Seattle, Oklahoma City, and beyond. We talk about what architects really do, why adaptive reuse matters, how codes and city review shape projects in Denton, and what changes could make downtown even more walkable and connected. Plus, Morgan shares her favorite Denton spots and what she’s most excited about in 2026. Short Summary Award-winning Architect Morgan Kennedy talks Denton’s design future, adaptive reuse, and what architects actually do. Key Topics Covered Morgan’s upbringing in Plano and early interest in designArchitecture school, the Caudill traveling fellowship, and what it taught herWorking in Seattle and Oklahoma City and how those places shaped her thinkingWhy she chose Denton and why she prioritizes local projectsWhat a comprehensive design architect does beyond “drawing buildings”O-A-C: owner, architect, contractor and why it matters earlyHow AI fits into architecture and where it helpsDenton’s walkability, downtown growth, and what she would improveMixed-use, “third places,” and why downtown needs more options (including grocery)Projects and concepts she’s excited about heading into 2026Morgan M. Kennedy, AIA, NCARB Founding Principal Architect and Director of Design, MKOA Studio mkoastudio.com

    46 min
  2. #13 - Seth Morgan

    JAN 7

    #13 - Seth Morgan

    If You Denton Know Seth Morgan, now you do. In this episode, Brad sits down with Seth Morgan, founder of Denton County Brewing Company, to talk about purpose, perseverance, community, and what it really took to open Denton’s first downtown brewery. From a 25 year career in financial services to global missionary work and nonprofit leadership, Seth’s story is about far more than beer. Episode Overview Seth shares how a life changing year as an exchange student in England shaped his view of beer as a community builder, not just a beverage. That idea stayed with him through decades in the corporate world, eventually becoming the foundation for Denton County Brewing Company. The conversation explores the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including navigating changing Texas brewery laws, surviving 84 inspections, being scammed by a faulty brew equipment supplier, and pushing through the uncertainty of the pandemic. Key Topics Discussed Growing up in Texas and finding home in DentonStudying abroad in England and discovering pub culture as a community spaceA 28 year career in financial services and brewing on the sideVisiting hundreds of breweries across the country while traveling for workThe moment Seth’s wife challenged him to stop talking and start buildingHow a 2015 Texas law change opened the door for downtown breweriesRenovating the McKinney Street building and surviving 84 inspectionsBeing scammed on brewing equipment and working with the FBILeading with a “burn the ships” mindset through early setbacksNavigating COVID with a people first philosophyPivoting into distribution, canning, and new revenue streamsDenton stepping up during crises including COVID and the ice stormFounding Orant Charities and two decades of humanitarian workWhy Malawi became the focus of their nonprofit missionBuilding sustainable systems around water, food, medicine, education, and microfinanceBrewing philosophy and why simple beers are the hardest to get rightAbout the Guest Seth Morgan is the founder of Denton County Brewing Company and former Chair of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. He is also the co founder of Orant Charities, a nonprofit focused on long term poverty alleviation through clean water, healthcare, education, and economic development in Africa and beyond. Closing Thought This episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and keeping people at the center of everything you build. Whether you are an entrepreneur, community leader, or someone searching for purpose, Seth’s story offers powerful lessons on choosing integrity and perseverance when the path forward is unclear.

    46 min
  3. #12 - Hank Dickenson

    12/12/2025

    #12 - Hank Dickenson

    If You Denton Know Hank Dickenson, now you do. In this episode, Brad sits down with one of the most recognizable voices and relationship builders in town. Hank Dickenson spent more than two decades inside UNT Athletics as a deputy athletic director and broadcaster, then pivoted into his role as Director of Membership for the Denton Chamber of Commerce, all while serving on some of the most impactful nonprofit boards in the community. You will hear Hank talk about: Growing up in Overland Park, Kansas, why his dad always told him to “get to Texas,” and how KU and campus radio pulled him into the world of sports.Falling in love with radio play by play, what makes good broadcasting, and the difference between calling a game on radio versus TV.Lessons learned from working alongside legends like George Dunham and Dave Barnett, and why preparation is the secret ingredient listeners never see.His long run inside UNT Athletics, working on the “external side” of the house with corporate partners, fundraising, and supporting multiple sports.How Mean Green Sports Properties and the Apogee (now DATCU) Stadium naming rights deal came together, and why that stadium became a true community gathering place.Honest thoughts on how college athletics has changed with NIL, private equity, and the growing resource gap between schools, plus where he sees UNT football and basketball heading from here.Why he chose to retire from athletic administration, keep broadcasting and teaching, and move into a full time role with the Denton Chamber of Commerce.What makes Denton a “scratch your back” town, how the Chamber really works for local businesses, and simple advice for anyone who wants to get better connected.The work of Serve Denton, the Salvation Army, and other local nonprofits, and how board service can be both deeply meaningful and a powerful way to meet great people.You will also hear Hank shout out some of his favorite Denton spots to eat, drink coffee, and catch up with friends, plus a few stories from the road that only a longtime broadcaster can tell. If you enjoy this episode, share it with a Mean Green fan, a Chamber member, or someone who wants to plug into the Denton community.

    37 min
  4. #11 - Mayor Gerard Hudspeth

    12/05/2025

    #11 - Mayor Gerard Hudspeth

    If You Denton Know Gerard Hudspeth, now you do. Mayor Hudspeth has been serving this city long before he ever wore the mayor’s pin. In this episode, Brad sits down with Denton’s head honcho to talk about growing up here, leading through crisis, loving small business, and what comes next as Gerard runs for Denton County Commissioner. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Growing up a Denton kid, taking the “scenic route” through NCTC and UNT, and why he never really leftHow a nudge from others led him from Planning and Zoning to City Council to the mayor’s seatWhat it was like to become mayor in 2020 during a pandemic, protests, and a historic winter stormHow faith, community, and strong city staff helped him lead through chaosHis core priorities as mayor: keeping families safe, responsible growth, protecting quality of life, and supporting small businessWhy Landmark and the west side growth matter for Denton’s future, from entry level homes to executive housingHis full time role with Freeit Data Solutions and what it takes to balance a sales career with a “volunteer job” as mayorBeing Denton’s first Black mayor, lessons on respect, and how his family’s story fits into Denton’s historyWhy good people should still run for local office, even when it looks messy from the outsideHis next chapter, running for Denton County Commissioner, and how city experience can help shape the whole countyConnect with Mayor Gerard Hudspeth: Website: gerardfordenton.comSocial: Facebook @Gerard For Denton and Instagram @hudspethgerard

    46 min
  5. #10 - Gary Weiland

    11/28/2025

    #10 - Gary Weiland

    If You Denton Know Gary Weiland, now you do. After a freak knee injury at a Thanksgiving turkey bowl in 2018, Denton firefighter Gary Weiland woke up to the news that his leg would be amputated. In this episode, Gary shares how that moment turned his world upside down and how choosing to “Adapt and Overcome” led him back to full duty firefighting, onto the American Ninja Warrior course, into Team USA para athletics, and into classrooms and stages around the country as a speaker and author. From family, faith, and the Denton fire community rallying around him to the mindset shift from “Why did this happen to me?” to “Why did this happen for me?”, Gary’s story is a masterclass in resilience and purpose. In this episode Growing up in Illinois and how he ended up in DentonWhy he walked away from retail to serve his community as a firefighterThe 2018 turkey bowl injury that led to emergency surgery and amputationProcessing shock, fear, and identity when life changes overnightHow the Denton Fire Department, leadership, and crew rallied around himLearning to walk, run, gear up, climb ladders, pull dummies, and fight fire on a prosthetic legDiscovering para sports, the Endeavor Games, and bobsled in Lake Placid and NorwayGetting hooked on ninja competitions and eventually competing on American Ninja WarriorWhat it felt like to clear obstacles on national TV and inspire people around the worldSpeaking to thousands of students and adults about overcoming adversityWriting Fischer’s Accident and using children’s books to normalize amputees and differencesThe heart behind his A&O brand and the “Adapt and Overcome” mindsetHow faith, his wife, and his kids anchor him on the hard daysSeeing his amputation as a blessing that opened unexpected doorsConnect with Gary Website: garyweiland.comSocial: Facebook @Gary Weiland and Instagram @gary_weilandA&O merch and partnerships: aye-n-o.comIf Gary’s story resonates, consider bringing him in to speak to your school, business, team, or community group, or partnering with his Adapt and Overcome brand to share the message that you can do hard things.

    34 min
  6. #9 - Ryan Polly

    11/21/2025

    #9 - Ryan Polly

    If You Denton Know Ryan Polly, now you do. Ryan Polly has been chasing stories that make people laugh, scream, and feel something real. A writer, director, and co-founder of Weekend Video, Ryan’s work spans from creative ad campaigns for Nintendo, Pizza Hut, and ESPN to his debut feature film MONITOR. In this episode, Ryan shares how a kid from Denton found his voice in filmmaking, built a creative career from scratch, and learned to balance the worlds of commercials and cinema. He opens up about the projects that shaped him, the lessons that stuck, and how Denton’s creative energy still fuels his work today. Check out his work! ryan-polly.com weekend.video

    38 min
  7. #8 - Gary Henderson

    11/14/2025

    #8 - Gary Henderson

    If You Denton Know Gary Henderson, now you do. Gary Henderson is the President and CEO of United Way of Denton County, but he did not start in the nonprofit world. In this episode, Gary shares how he went from a successful career in finance at Price Waterhouse and Bank of America to a life focused on helping Denton County families, what United Way actually does locally, who in our community needs the most help, and how small gifts and volunteer efforts add up to big impact.  Find out how you can get involved at unitedwaydenton.org. In this episode 00:00 – Gary’s path from finance to nonprofit leadership How a demanding travel schedule, a moment with his daughter, and years of mission work led him to pursue significance over success. 05:30 – Taking the leap into Communities In Schools The unexpected signs that pointed him toward CIS and the early days of nonprofit leadership. 09:45 – What United Way of Denton County really does The history, the model, and why every local United Way looks different based on community needs. 14:40 – Denton County’s biggest challenges today A breakdown of ALICE households, who is most vulnerable, and why single moms and seniors face increasing pressure in our growing county. 21:20 – The power of collaboration How nonprofits, cities, schools, businesses, and elected officials work together through collective impact. 28:10 – How you can help and get involved Small donations, workplace campaigns, volunteer opportunities, the annual gala, VITA tax help, and the Point in Time homelessness count.

    38 min
  8. #7 - Andrew Pieper and Kimberly Cole

    11/07/2025

    #7 - Andrew Pieper and Kimberly Cole

    If You Denton Know Landmark, now you do.  I sat down with Kim Cole and Andrew Pieper from Hillwood to discuss Landmark, a 3,200-acre master-planned community on Denton’s southwest side that blends preserved nature, new neighborhoods, and a commercial district anchored by H-E-B.

    50 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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