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. Sep 25

    #28 - David J Anzaldúa Pierce & Marcus Watson

    If You Denton Know David J. Anzaldua Pierce and Marcus Watson, now you do. David J. Anzaldúa Pierce and Marcus Watson are the co-founders of Denton's Day of the Dead Festival, the event that helped turn Denton into the Halloween capital of Texas. What began in 2011 as a block party on Industrial Street has grown into a month of programming that brings visitors from across the country and beyond to downtown Denton. In this episode, David and Marcus share how they each landed in Denton by way of UNT, the story behind Cirque du Horror, and the surprising origin of Little Guys Movers. They talk about the decision to buy the Big Top tent, keeping the festival rooted downtown, and the role the festival plays for local businesses during their busiest month of the year. Listeners will also hear about this year's coffin races, the new DCTA shuttle, the Denton ISD student art exhibit, and how volunteers and sponsors can get involved. Guest Bio David J. Anzaldua Pierce is a Corpus Christi native and UNT music education graduate who taught band for a decade before writing Cirque du Horror in 2009. Marcus Watson came to Denton from Abilene to attend UNT and co-founded Little Guys Movers in 1992, which now has 14 locations. Together they launched Denton's Day of the Dead Festival in 2011 and continue to lead it today. Key Topics Covered Recapping the first Moonlight Monster Ball and plans for its returnHow David's original musical, Cirque du Horror, sparked the festivalThe Industrial Street Bash and early efforts to bring life to that side of the squareThe founding story of Little Guys MoversWhy the festival stays in downtown Denton and what it means for local businessesPurchasing the Big Top tent and programming it for the 31 Days of HalloweenThe board, volunteers, and grassroots sponsors that keep the festival freeDavid's family connection to Día de los Muertos and the Denton ISD student art exhibitTimestamps 00:00 - Welcome and the Moonlight Monster Ball recap  03:05 - How David and Marcus found their way to Denton  07:03 - The origin story of Little Guys Movers  10:37 - Keeping the festival downtown and its impact on local businesses  16:35 - The Big Top tent and the 31 Days of Halloween  20:02 - The board, volunteers, and sponsorship opportunities  24:16 - Coffin races and the Cirque du Horror show  27:22 - New DCTA shuttle and festival parking  29:27 - Denton ISD student exhibit and the meaning of Día de los Muertos  32:07 - Denton favorites and closing thoughts Guest Links / Resources Denton's Day of the Dead Festival: dentondayofthedeadfestival.comVolunteer sign up: dentondayofthedeadfestival.comCirque du Horror tickets: available through PrekindleLittle Guys Movers

    #28 - David J Anzaldúa Pierce & Marcus Watson

  2. Aug 28

    #27 - Terin Andrus, Becca Hobby, & Samantha Sims

    If You Denton Know Terin Andrus, Becca Hobby, and Samantha Sims, now you do. Episode Description North Texas Giving Day brings three guests into the studio at once. Terin Andrus is the vice president of Meg Matters, a Krum-based nonprofit funding mental health resources in schools. Becca Hobby is the community engagement director at Veterans Point, a Denton County organization that supports veterans, service members, and their families through peer connection. Samantha Sims is the chief development officer at Giving Grace, the largest human service provider for homeless families in Denton County. Listeners will hear how each organization started, including the loss that led to Meg Matters and the merger of two small nonprofits that created Giving Grace. The conversation covers what a crisis call actually looks like, why Giving Grace refuses to simply place families in housing without addressing the root cause, and the new Love First campus taking shape near Ryan High School. The group also talks candidly about isolation, screens, and the loneliness epidemic, and about why unrestricted giving is often the most useful dollar a nonprofit receives. Guest Bio Terin Andrus is vice president of Meg Matters, a volunteer-run nonprofit founded in 2021 that funds mental health staff and peer support programs in Krum ISD. Becca Hobby serves as community engagement director for Veterans Point in Denton County, a peer support organization based on an equine therapy ranch in the southern part of the county. Samantha Sims is chief development officer at Giving Grace, a Denton County nonprofit providing shelter, case management, and wraparound services for families experiencing homelessness. All three are active connectors in the county's nonprofit network. Key Topics Covered How Veterans Point uses peer support, hiking, golf, and equine programs instead of clinical-first outreachWhy Giving Grace addresses the causes of homelessness before placing a family in housingThe story behind Meg Matters and getting a Communities In Schools social worker into Krum ISDWhat a real day looks like when a crisis call comes inA Giving Grace family's path from sleeping in a car to nursing classes and a homeThe Love First campus on 15 acres near Ryan High School, including an 80-bed family shelterScreens, isolation, algorithms, and the loneliness epidemicWhy unrestricted funds matter more than most donors realizeConcrete ways to help: referrals, serve teams, monthly giving, and sponsorshipsTimestamps 00:00 - Three nonprofits, one table, and why  01:28 - Becca Hobby on Veterans Point and peer support  04:34 - Samantha Sims on Giving Grace and family homelessness  08:07 - The two nonprofits that merged to form Giving Grace  08:59 - Terin Andrus on Meg Matters and the loss behind it  13:01 - Funding Communities In Schools in Krum ISD  14:54 - A day in the life at Veterans Point  19:12 - From a car in a driveway to a town home and a career path  25:05 - Screens, loneliness, 988, and the Hope Squad  33:10 - Inside the Love First campus project  37:54 - How the community can actually help Guest Links / Resources Veterans Point: veteranspoint.orgGiving Grace: givinggrace.orgMeg Matters: Instagram - @megmatterstxNorth Texas Giving DayGiving Grace gala, Saturday, October 3, Royal Affairs Ballroom, Old Town LewisvilleMeg Matters community walk, late AprilVeterans Point "We've Got Your Six" monthly giving campaign988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, with a dedicated option for veterans

    #27 - Terin Andrus, Becca Hobby, & Samantha Sims

  3. Aug 14

    #26 - Glenn Carlton

    If You Denton Know Glenn Carlton, now you do. Glenn Carlton has been part of the North Texas Fair and Rodeo since 1985, first as a volunteer on the rodeo committee and, since 2005, as executive director. He grew up in Eugene, Oregon with deep family roots in southeastern Oklahoma, rode bulls, and landed in Denton through a beer sales territory that introduced him to the fairgrounds. Nearly four decades later, he leads one of the largest annual events in the county. In this conversation, Glenn walks through the history of the fair, the 800 volunteers and 40 committees who make it run, and the tough years that shaped it, including seven days of rain in 2016 and a pandemic-era move to October. He shares the story of a $500 bonus that kept a young Cody Johnson from quitting music, explains the fair's roughly $22 million impact on Denton County, and gives a preview of the 98th annual event running August 21 through 30, plus what is ahead for the new Expo Center north of town. Key Topics Covered Growing up in Oregon with family roots in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern OklahomaRiding bulls, selling beer, and the path that led Glenn to DentonLearning the ropes under longtime rodeo chairman Weldon BurgoonHow 800 volunteers and 40 committees put on a ten day eventThe Cody Johnson story and the $500 bonus he never forgotSurviving a rained out 2016 and pulling off the fair during COVIDScholarships, youth agriculture, and roughly $1 million a year back into the communityThe economic impact of the fair and the vision for the new Denton County Expo CenterTimestamps 00:00 Meet Glenn Carlton, executive director of the North Texas Fair and Rodeo  01:42 Oregon roots, Oklahoma summers, and a fourth generation cattleman  03:04 Riding bulls, a beer sponsorship, and the sales route that led to Denton  04:56 Volunteering under Weldon Burgoon and what the early fair looked like  09:07 From volunteer to executive director in 2005  09:47 The Cody Johnson story and a $500 bonus  12:57 Eight hundred volunteers, forty committees, and a generational tradition  16:27 Hard lessons: seven days of rain in 2016 and running the fair during COVID  19:15 Giving back through scholarships, youth agriculture, and community programs  21:35 Economic impact on Denton and the county  25:46 What is new for the 98th annual fair, August 21 through 30  29:53 The land north of town and the future Expo Center Denton Highlights North Texas FairgroundsFrilly's Seafood Bayou KitchenWeldon Burgoon's saddle shop on East HickoryUniversity of North Texas Business CollegeDenton County Youth FairDenton County Livestock AssociationBlue Ribbon ClubGuest Links / Resources North Texas Fair and Rodeo: ntfair.comVolunteer sign up: ntfair.com, under the Get Involved tab98th Annual North Texas Fair and Rodeo: August 21 through 30, gates at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. weekendsAdvance tickets available online at ntfair.com

    #26 - Glenn Carlton

  4. Aug 7

    #25 - Nate Hamilton

    If You Denton Know Nate Hamilton, now you do. Nate Hamilton is the founder and owner of 144 Print House and Race Studio in Denton, Texas. A former Formula Drift professional driver, he competed at the sport's highest level through 2017 before shifting his focus to design, screen printing, and embroidery. His shop serves motorsports brands, YouTubers, and local Denton businesses alike.  Key Topics Covered What drifting is, how it is scored, and why it is closer to skateboarding than racingNate's path from skate parks in Rowlett to the Formula Drift pro circuitThe real cost of competing, from tire budgets to six figure season fundingWhy he walked away from the pro class in 2017 to build a businessHow the "Endless Search for Tires" tour turned a sponsorship gap into an opportunityThe origin of the number 144 and the friend it honorsLessons on scaling a shop through unpredictable demandBuilding a team culture where the right person is in the right seat⸻ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Nate Hamilton and 144 Print House and Race Studio  02:26 Skateboards, screen printing, and the road to drifting  03:11 What drifting is and how it gets judged  07:06 Inside a Formula Drift race weekend  10:35 Why he stepped away from the pro class  12:15 The Endless Search for Tires campaign  14:19 The story behind the number 144  16:31 A chance meeting on the courthouse lawn  21:15 Apex Fest and what to expect  26:54 Every day is Friday and building the right team Guest Links / Resources Website: 144racing.comShop: 1700 Shady Oaks, Denton, TXEvent: Apex Fest, September 5, free to attend. Schedule details at 144racing.comSocial: @144racing Denton Highlights Hannah's Off the SquareQueenie's SteakhouseHarvest HouseEast Side Social ClubThe Denton Square and Courthouse LawnDenton Day of the Dead FestivalTexas Motor Speedway (nearby)

    #25 - Nate Hamilton

  5. Jul 17

    #24 - John Williams, Desmond Moore, & Patrick Blancas

    If You Denton Know John Williams, Desmond Moore, and Patrick Blancas, now you do. For more than a decade, John Williams, Desmond Moore, and Patrick Blancas have quietly shaped where Denton goes to unwind. What started as a single house bar just off the square grew into a family of four sister spots known today as EastOak DanGeline's: Oak Street Drafthouse, East Side, Miss Angeline's, and Dan's Silverleaf. All three are UNT grads, and all three came up through the Denton service industry before building something of their own. In this conversation, they share how a Fry Street era bar scene shifted east of the square, why they chose to compete with themselves rather than let outsiders move in next door, and how a pawn shop full of lawnmowers helped them keep nearly their entire staff employed through COVID. They also talk about stepping in to keep Dan's Silverleaf alive, what makes Denton's culture different from a suburban market like Lewisville, and what they hope downtown looks like ten years from now. Guest Bio John Williams, Desmond Moore, and Patrick Blancas are the team behind East Oak Dangelines, the Denton hospitality group that operates Oak Street Drafthouse, East Side, Miss Angeline's, and Dan's Silverleaf. John grew up between Ponder, Krum, and Denton and studied entrepreneurship at UNT before opening his first bar in 2012. Desmond serves as general manager of Miss Angeline's after starting on the door at Oak Street, and Patrick, an El Paso native and UNT marketing grad, came up alongside John behind the bar at Lucky Lou's. Key Topics Covered How each of them landed in Denton and found their way into the bar businessThe Lucky Lou's years and the mentorship that shaped their approachOpening Oak Street Drafthouse and the Austin house bar idea behind itWhy they opened a second bar 500 feet from their firstBuilding a team by giving key employees a piece of the businessKeeping staff paid through COVID with a lawn mowing operation and community supportTaking over Dan's Silverleaf and the decision not to change itThe story behind the Miss Angeline's nameHow Denton's nightlife shifted from Fry Street to east of the squareWhat a Lewisville location taught them about Denton's cultureTimestamps 00:00 - Meet the group behind East Oak Dangelines  01:45 - Denton roots, Ponder, Krum, and UNT  04:06 - How John got his start in the bar business  06:52 - Dan's move to Industrial and the shift east  07:49 - Opening Oak Street Drafthouse  08:25 - Desmond and Patrick talk their way in  11:39 - Why East Side opened just down the street  13:02 - Building a team and sharing the pie  20:10 - The house that became Miss Angeline's  24:29 - Surviving COVID and keeping the staff together  31:00 - Taking over Dan's Silverleaf  35:01 - Lewisville versus Denton  37:30 - The next ten years downtown  39:01 - Denton favorites and shout outs

    #24 - John Williams, Desmond Moore, & Patrick Blancas

  6. Jun 26

    #23 - Andrew and Isaac Lewis

    If You Denton Know Andrew and Isaac Lewis, now you do. Andrew and Isaac Lewis are twin brothers, born and raised in Denton, who turned a childhood hobby into a career producing and directing feature films. Through their company Denton Film, their work has reached screens across the country, all while they choose to build their careers and raise their families right here in Denton. In this conversation, the brothers share how they went from making movies on a VHS camcorder to producing feature films, what it took to leap into the industry full time, and the story behind their directorial debut, Bethesda. They also talk about their new release Man of War, out July 3rd, and why they believe Denton can become a real home for filmmakers. It is a story about passion, risk, and staying loyal to the place that shaped them. Key Topics Covered Growing up as twin brothers in Denton and falling in love with filmmaking as kidsMaking early movies on a VHS camcorder and editing with two VCRsTaking the leap from blue collar and tech jobs into the film industryHow their first feature, Daylight's End, launched a long relationship with director William KaufmanThe founding and evolution of Denton FilmTheir new release Man of War and their directorial debut BethesdaThe growth of the Texas film industry and new state incentivesThe push for a Denton film commission and what would help filmmakers thrive locallyTimestamps 00:00 — Meet Andrew and Isaac Lewis of Denton Film  01:43 — Growing up in Denton and graduating in 1997  03:52 — Making movies as kids with a VHS camcorder  07:25 — Their first feature film opportunity  10:36 — Daylight's End and catching the filmmaking bug  13:51 — The story behind launching Denton Film  19:52 — Man of War arrives July 3rd  21:24 — Directing their debut feature, Bethesda  25:46 — Texas as a growing film destination  36:04 — Favorite Denton spots and closing thoughts Denton Highlights Mi CasitaDan's SilverleafAngeline'sKomodo LocoOaktopia music festivalLittle Guys Movers building near the Downtown SquareGuest Links / Resources Denton Film (production company)Man of War, available July 3rd on VOD, iTunes, and Amazon

    #23 - Andrew and Isaac Lewis

  7. 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

    #22 - Pat Smith

  8. 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

    #21 - Tommy Mainord
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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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