Best of Midland

Best of Midland
  • 4.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture
  • Weekly

Best of Midland covers the people, places and stories that make Midland, Texas home. On the podcast, Ryan Shewchuk sits down with local business owners, leaders and organizations to hear how they got here and what they love about this town.

  1. 2d ago

    Becoming a Hyperlocal Content Creator in Midland-Odessa

    MJ Reviews WTX makes content for one audience: Midland and Odessa. When people tell him his FYP is too local, his answer is simple: "I am hyper local."Martin "MJ" Amaya is a full-time barber who posted a TikTok asking for new clients, got booked out, and ended up reviewing restaurants across Midland and Odessa. In this episode he walks through how he keeps his videos in front of local viewers (say your city in the first five seconds, hashtag it, tag it, and hide it on the screen), why engagement matters more than follower count, and what being a hyperlocal creator actually pays: 38,000 followers and $90 from TikTok views last month.He also gets honest about paid promotions ("my promotions are paid, my opinions are not for sale"), what he charges and why, the $250 video that brought a local business 21 new clients, and the time he went back to a restaurant on his own dime because he knew his first video wouldn't perform. If you want to become a creator in your own town, or you're a business owner thinking about hiring one, this one's for you.Plus: MJ's My Best of Midland picks, five in Midland and five in Odessa.MJ'S PICKSMidland: Pi Social, Cork & Pig Tavern, Cilantro's Burritos and Bowls, Doña Anita's Restaurant, Cowboy PrimeOdessa: Limon con Chile, Sushi Brothers, The Cowboy Palace, Casa de Barro, Red Oak KitchenAll ten are linked on the episode recap at https://bestofmidlandtx.com/FIND MJTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mj.reviews.wtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mj.reviews.wtx/Facebook: MJ Reviews WTXBEST OF MIDLANDGet the Tuesday newsletter: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/newsletter/Add your business to the directory for free: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/biz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtx/Hosted by Ryan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchuk/CHAPTERS0:00 Cold open0:34 Is everybody an influencer now?1:37 How it started9:24 What counts as a review14:05 Getting paid23:17 Advice for new creators26:25 How a spotlight works31:40 For business owners38:30 What he charges42:27 What comes next50:08 My Best of Midland: MJ's picks53:54 Where to find MJABOUT BEST OF MIDLANDBest of Midland covers the people, places and stories that make Midland, Texas home. On the podcast, Ryan Shewchuk sits down with local business owners, leaders and organizations to hear how they got here and what they love about this town.GET THE NEWSLETTERMidland's best events and local stories, free every Tuesday: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/newsletter/LISTEN TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-midland/id1641005638Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13lSgXBMwuqmsgUk4dTPlKCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://bestofmidlandtx.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukWant to be on the show? https://bestofmidlandtx.com/be-a-guest/Produced and edited by Forty Wolves: https://www.fortywolves.com

  2. Oct 6

    Vik Gupta: Leaving Oil and Gas to Buy Orangetheory Fitness Midland

    Vik Gupta spent seven years as a petroleum engineer in the oil field. Then he turned down a move to Houston, sent a LinkedIn message to the owner of the Orangetheory he worked out at, and bought it. In the first episode of the new Best of Midland podcast, Vik walks through how he actually bought an existing franchise: the cold message that started it, making the numbers work, what he changed on day one, what he refused to touch, and who should not buy a franchise at all. Plus his five picks for My Best of Midland. Hosted by Ryan Shewchuk. Find Vik and Orangetheory Fitness Midland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangetheorymidland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTFMidland Vik's picks, with where to find each one: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/vik-gupta-orangetheory-fitness-midland/ Midland's best in your inbox every Tuesday: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/newsletter/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2sl--UwpOsc Want to be on the show? https://bestofmidlandtx.com/be-a-guest/ Chapters 0:00 Why can't that be us? 0:44 From Sugar Land to Midland 2:48 Why he turned down Houston 4:21 A member before he was an owner 5:22 The LinkedIn message that started it 5:47 What Orangetheory actually is 10:16 Some members are worth losing 11:37 Buying a business while still at Exxon 14:26 Family, mentors and confidence 17:30 Making the numbers work 20:20 Riding a wave, or building a business? 22:38 Other buyers and protecting the deal 25:28 The first morning as the owner 27:59 Leading a staff that knew more than him 29:03 What he changed first, and what he didn't touch 31:58 Growing the membership 32:58 Competition and fitness trends 35:34 Who's walking through the door 39:57 Is a franchise a good deal? 42:45 Who shouldn't buy a franchise 44:40 Keeping longtime members engaged 48:40 GLP-1s and weight loss 50:22 Why the group workout works 52:06 Marketing a small business 56:48 Money he spent that didn't work 58:53 Pricing and memberships 59:39 Why Midland works for business 1:01:20 My Best of Midland 1:01:51 Downtown Farmers Market 1:02:30 Café de Luna 1:03:44 Kafeology 1:05:08 Midland International Airport 1:06:26 432 Run Crew 1:08:05 If you can't make the numbers work 1:11:46 What's next 1:13:45 Would he do it again? 1:16:40 Where to find Vik

  3. 10/14/2025

    Spectrum of Solutions Is Changing Lives Across Midland TX

    Spectrum of Solutions serves hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the Permian Basin. In this episode, Eddie James and Krystian Chacon join host Ryan Shewchuk to share how the organization is enriching lives — and how the community can get involved through their upcoming Cruise for a Cause weekend.From their Children’s Therapy Center to Adult Vocational Services and Host Homes, Spectrum of Solutions provides critical support for individuals of all ages. Plus, hear about their Mad Men–themed gala, car cruise, car show, and the incredible Porsche giveaway — all happening October 23–25 at the Horseshoe Arena.Learn more, volunteer, or register your vehicle: https://spectrumofsolutions.orgTimestamps:0:00 – Intro0:47 – What Spectrum of Solutions Does2:25 – What is IDD and Who They Serve3:10 – Programs for Children (Speech & Music Therapy)5:00 – Early Signs for Parents to Watch6:15 – Adult Housing & Vocational Programs8:30 – Building a New Vocational Center9:50 – Community Support & Volunteer Opportunities13:00 – How Anyone Can Get Involved14:20 – The Mad Men Gala & Cruise for a Cause16:10 – Car Show Details & Registration Info18:30 – Porsche Raffle Announcement20:00 – Auctions, Prizes & Weekend Schedule22:00 – Final Thoughts & Volunteer InvitationCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com

  4. 10/13/2025

    Uniting Nonprofits and Volunteers in Midland Texas with Every Neighbor

    In this episode, host Ryan Shewchuk sits down with Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp, the passionate leaders behind Every Neighbor, a platform that connects volunteers with local organizations and opportunities to serve.Cindy and Leslie share how their work is bridging gaps across Midland, why community involvement is so vital, and the impact they’ve already seen through Every Neighbor. Their stories highlight the power of people coming together to meet needs, big and small, right here in our city.Be sure to check out  @EveryNeighbor 's own podcast, Good Work West Texas, where they continue the conversation by showcasing inspiring people and organizations making a difference across the Permian Basin.Learn more: https://everyneighbor.comCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com

  5. 04/15/2025

    How Midland Texas is Powering the Space Economy

    In this episode of Best of Midland, we sit down with Eric McManus, Director of the Texas Chapter of the Space Force Association, to explore how Texas—and specifically Midland—is becoming a key player in the future of space and national security.From space defense and energy partnerships to hypersonic tech, in-space refueling, and even lunar base development, Eric breaks down the critical missions shaping the future of the space economy. We also touch on how local businesses and educational institutions in West Texas can play a role in supporting space innovation.Whether you’re fascinated by defense, aerospace, or the future of STEM in Texas, this episode is packed with insight into how the Space Force Association is helping secure America’s leadership in the space frontier.https://ussfa.org👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from Midland and beyond.#SpaceForce #EricMcManus #SpaceEconomy #MidlandTexas #SpaceDefense #NationalSecurity #SpaceExploration #Hypersonics #InSpaceRefueling #LunarBase #SpaceTechnology #STEMEducation #SpacePort #TexasInnovation #SpaceForceAssociationCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://instagram.com/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com

  6. 04/01/2025

    The Truth About TRT and Men’s Health from Game Day Midland

    If you're feeling drained, foggy, or not quite yourself, it might be time to look at your testosterone levels. In this episode of Best of Midland, hosts Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery sit down with Mike and Kristin Moyer, founders of Game Day Men's Health in Midland, to talk about the signs of low testosterone and how modern men are reclaiming their health.Mike shares how his background in the military and his own health challenges led to opening Game Day—a clinic designed to make men feel comfortable, informed, and empowered. From testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to vitamin injections, weight loss programs, and erectile dysfunction treatments, Game Day offers personalized solutions in a space built just for guys.Whether you're in your 30s dealing with burnout or in your 50s trying to stay sharp, this episode offers practical advice on how to feel better and live stronger.Visit https://gamedaymenshealth.com/midland-tx to book your free consultation. Opening special: 20% off for the first 100 patients.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the people shaping Midland, Texas.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Meet Mike and Kristin from Game Day Men's Health01:12 – What is Game Day and why it was started in Midland03:46 – Mike’s background in the military and his personal health journey06:22 – Common signs and symptoms of low testosterone08:40 – Why men are often hesitant to seek help11:15 – Breaking the stigma around TRT and men’s health13:35 – What to expect during your first visit at Game Day15:50 – The importance of personalized care and lab work18:05 – Additional services: Vitamin injections, ED treatment, and weight loss21:10 – How age and stress impact hormone levels23:45 – Creating a “man cave” clinic experience26:20 – Advice for men unsure if they should get checked28:30 – Opening special: 20% off for the first 100 patients30:05 – Final thoughts and how to book a consultationBest of Midland was created focusing on small, local businesses and has been designed to help you find only the best locally owned companies and live events here in Midland.CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com

  7. 03/18/2025

    Investing in Midland’s Future: Inside the Midland College Bond

    Midland College is at a crossroads. With workforce demands in the Permian Basin growing, the college is proposing a $450 million bond to expand career and technical education programs, upgrade campus facilities, and increase student capacity.In this episode of Best of Midland, hosts Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery sit down with Kelsie Rasure, Chair of the Midland Works PAC, to break down what this bond means for Midland.We discuss:✅ Why Midland College is struggling to meet workforce demands✅ The biggest projects in the bond, including a new Applied Technology Complex✅ How the bond will impact students, local businesses, and taxpayers✅ Addressing concerns over cost and tax increases✅ The upcoming vote on May 3 and how you can get involvedEarly voting begins April 22.Learn more at https://MidlandWorks2025.comFollow Midland Works on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlandcollegeworksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidlandCollegeWorksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midland-college-worksX: https://x.com/midlandworks🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about Midland, Texas!#MidlandTexas #MidlandCollege #Education #WorkforceDevelopment #MidlandPodcast #BestofMidlandCHAPTERS:00:00 - Why Midland College Needs This Bond01:00 - Meet Kelsie Rasure: Her Midland College Story06:00 - What the Midland College Bond Covers09:15 - The Breakdown: $450 Million Investment11:30 - Career & Technical Education: Filling Workforce Gaps13:50 - The Real Need for Workforce Training in Midland18:00 - Touring Midland College: Hands-On Learning22:00 - Addressing Taxpayer Concerns23:45 - The Cost Breakdown: What It Means for Homeowners26:00 - The Future Impact on Students and Businesses29:30 - A Potential Drilling Site on Campus?35:00 - How to Get Involved in the Campaign37:50 - Early Voting & Election Day Details38:30 - Final Thoughts: Investing in Midland’s FutureCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com

  8. 01/17/2025

    The Must-Have App for Realtors in 2025!

    In this episode of the Best of Midland Texas Podcast, hosts Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery sit down with Reannah Glover, the creator of Real Time, the revolutionary "Must-Have App for Realtors in 2025." Packed with insights, this episode dives into how Real Time is transforming the real estate industry by simplifying transaction management for realtors and enhancing the client experience through innovative technology. Reannah Glover shares her journey from starting in real estate at just 19 years old to identifying gaps in the market and developing an app that allows realtors to manage their entire business seamlessly. From tracking home anniversaries to helping clients stay organized with reminders for key tasks like scheduling utilities or hiring movers, Real Time is designed to make realtors stand out while fostering long-term client relationships. Reannah also discusses the challenges of building an app, her dedication to listening to user feedback, and her vision for the future of real estate technology.This conversation is a perfect blend of inspiration and practical advice for realtors, brokers, and even tech enthusiasts curious about innovation in the real estate industry. Reannah's passion for supporting local communities, including her heartfelt appreciation for Midland Texas, shines throughout the episode. Thank you to our guest, Reannah Glover, for sharing her story and expertise. To learn more about Real Time, visit their website or follow her on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Best of Midland Texas Podcast for more episodes featuring inspiring guests and local businesses making a difference in our community. Connect with us on social media, and if you’re interested in being a guest, we’d love to hear from you! https://www.therealtimeapp.com Best of Midland Texas was created focusing on small, local businesses and has been designed to help you find only the best locally owned companies and live events here in Midland. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.com Ryan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchuk Terra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypants TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtx Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx —----------------------- LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunes Spotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify —----------------------- PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOS https://www.fortywolves.com

See All (67)

4
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Best of Midland covers the people, places and stories that make Midland, Texas home. On the podcast, Ryan Shewchuk sits down with local business owners, leaders and organizations to hear how they got here and what they love about this town.

Information

  • Creator
    Best of Midland
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Best of Midland
  • Show Website
    Best of Midland

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