The Lead Live week in review: March 24-28, 2025

Episode: March 24, 2025

Dawn Colum and Susie McCalla from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) discussed the traveling exhibit “The American Revolution Experience,” currently hosted at Shriner University’s Logan Library. The exhibit, a collaboration between the National Society DAR and the Battlefield Trust, commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of America. The Texas DAR purchased a larger version that includes two additional panels detailing Texas’s contributions to the Revolution under Bernardo de Gálvez. The discussion highlighted the exhibit’s focus on ordinary people’s roles during the war, the complexities of the conflict, and the involvement of groups like the Spanish and Native Americans. Susie McCalla, the chapter historian for the Major James Kerr chapter, shared her ancestor’s connection to the Revolution and mentioned the DAR’s assistance with genealogical research. The exhibit runs until April 4th and is free.

Later in the episode, Leslie announced numerous local events happening throughout the week. These included Monday Night Fiction at the library, various art exhibits at the Hill Country Arts Foundation and the Cards and Cultural Center, a Friends of the Library book sale, nature programs at Riverside Nature Center, the “Colors of Compassion” art fundraiser for New Hope Counseling, “Not Your Granny’s Bingo,” live music at several venues, a pop-up songwriter circle, and a star party at Schreiner University. The second weekend of the play “Lost in Yonkers” at Playhouse 2000 was also mentioned.

Episode: March 25, 2025

This episode began with a discussion about preparing properties for potential short-term rentals, noting that staged rentals often receive the best offers. The hosts also mentioned breaking news of potential hail damage and briefly discussed the movie “Invictus” and Nelson Mandela’s unifying actions.

Later, Julie Davis provided updates on local events, including the “Of the Earth” exhibit, exhibits at the Curts and Cultural Center, and the American Revolution Experience at Shriner University. She also mentioned the Friends of the Library book sale, Shriner Mansion tours, nature programs, the Colors of Compassion fundraiser, Not Your Granny’s Bingo, live music, and the second weekend of “Lost in Yonkers.” The hosts reflected on the show reaching its 900th episode milestone soon and the number of guests they’ve had.

Episode: March 26, 2025

The episode began with a discussion about John Bowman, a musician performing at Arcadia Live. Andrew Gay provided an update on financial markets, noting that markets were focused on the upcoming release of the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric. He discussed the recent volatility and the ongoing uncertainty regarding economic growth and inflation. He and the hosts also touched on the disconnect between the bond and stock markets and the expectation of future interest rate cuts. They emphasized their role in helping clients navigate the current market environment.

Later, Katherine Boyette and Clay McClure from Shriner University joined the show to discuss “Metal Magic and Molten Mayhem,” a metalworking event featuring visiting artist Alex Johnson. They detailed a relief tile workshop where participants can carve designs that will be poured with aluminum. This event is part of the Summerland art visiting artist series. They discussed the unique connection between Shriner University and the community. Clay McClure also shared insights into the graphic design world, noting a resurgence in handmade and hand-rendered art. They announced that an AI town hall meeting for subscribers of The Lead had reached capacity quickly. Bill Raleigh from Shriner University briefly joined the conversation, touching on Shriner’s athletic programs and the upcoming conference change.

Episode: March 27, 2025

This busy episode included interviews with several guests. First, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice briefly joined to discuss the Rotary event and the condition of the 10 freeway after a storm.

Next, Darby Campbell and Courtney MacDonald, volunteers from the Guadalupe River Center, discussed their upcoming community celebration on Sunday, April 6th. The event will feature vendors, food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, live music from the Ty Band and Symphony of the Hills, and free food for the first 100 attendees. Participating vendors and food providers include Vasino’s, Hitchman Homestead, Coffee and Tacos, BBQ Texas, and Turtle Creek winery.

Peterson Health gastroenterologist Dr. Lindy Rachel discussed colon cancer awareness month and the importance of colonoscopies. He touched on advancements in endoscopy using AI and the changing recommendations for screenings. He also briefly mentioned irritable bowel syndrome awareness month in April.

Cecil Atkission Motors Manager Trey Atkission made his debut on the show, discussing the significant damage his dealership sustained from a recent storm. Despite the damage, they were holding a “hell of a sale” on cars.

Sarah Tacey and Rachel Lovelace from the Hill Country Arts Foundation discussed their upcoming play. The play is based on real interviews with women and is described as funny and poignant, with a focus on shoes. They also mentioned visual arts workshops and the beauty of their ceramic studio. They held a drawing for tickets to see Josh Bowman at Arcadia Live.

Linda Wilborn and Karen Maddox from New Hope Counseling briefly returned to thank businesses for their raffle prize donations for their fundraiser.

The show also featured a discussion about local street names being dedicated to veterans killed in action. The hosts also discussed the City Council addressing group homes and elder care facilities in residential areas and reflected on attending a leadership event in San Antonio.

Episode: March 28, 2025

Andrew Gay returned to provide a financial market update, focusing on the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation data for February, which came in at 2.5% year-over-year. He noted that while the monthly number was relatively high, the year-over-year figure was still above the Fed’s 2% target. He reiterated the uncertainty in the market and the difficulty for non-professionals to navigate it.

The hosts discussed the previous day’s busy show with eight guests. They brainstormed potential all-women guest host panels for future episodes, suggesting various local women. They emphasized the importance of colon cancer awareness. Jacobe Caldwell called into the show to discuss a songwriters’ contest on Sunday at Trail Head, a preliminary qualifier for the Marble Falls Jamfest. She also mentioned an upcoming women’s music festival at Shriner in the fall.

News of a cornerstone-laying ceremony for the new public safety building on April 4 was shared. The hosts discussed the significant hail damage to Cecil Atkission Motors and the community support following the storm. The hosts also briefly mentioned the Guadalupe Blanco River Trust (GBRT) rebranding and promoted the upcoming play at the Hill Country Arts Foundation. Schreiner University’s baseball and softball schedules were also mentioned.

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to criticizing Precinct 2 Commissioner Rich Paces for allegedly violating the Texas Open Meetings Act by attending a groundwater conservation meeting with other members, potentially creating a walking quorum. The host called for his resignation, citing previous similar violations and the cost incurred by the county due to his actions.

Leslie provided a final rundown of local events. The hosts briefly touched on Elon Musk’s appearance on Fox News and Trump’s comments about the Smithsonian.