The Lead Live Podcast: April 21, 2025 epsiode

Today’s episode of The Lead Live, broadcast April 21, 2025, featured a wide range of topics, from local school initiatives to global news and financial market analysis. The program aired live from the Peterson Health Digital Studio.

The show began with lighthearted banter, including a discussion about mariachi music and the messy nature of cascarones around Easter. Hosts also mentioned the recent Easter break and how people spent their time, including playing golf.

A significant news item dominated the opening segment: the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Described as the first Latin American Pope and an inspirational figure, he was also called a “trailblazer” who fought for the underdog and a “man of the people.” The show briefly mentioned the process for the College of Cardinals to convene and select a new Pope.

Representatives from Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School (OLH) then joined the program. Head of School Bridget Collins, Public Information and Marketing Director Courtney Small, and Athletic Director Nathan Villarreal, an OLH graduate, discussed several topics. They covered the recent passage of legislation concerning school vouchers or education savings accounts, which could provide up to $10,000 per year for eligible students attending private schools. The OLH representatives expressed hope this would make their school an option for more students.

The OLH team also highlighted the school’s academic strengths, noting an average senior SAT score of 1221, significantly higher than the state and local average of 1000. They emphasized the small, close-knit environment, dedicated teachers, and the fact that almost 40 percent of their students are non-Catholic. The school aims to increase enrollment to around 75 to 100 students. An open house for the community is scheduled for April 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Next, members of Tivy High School’s Golden Girls dance and drill team and alumnae joined the show. Guests included Lulu Stebbins, Sterling Stark, Kristen Davis, Holly Lehmann, and Libby Horton. They discussed their fundraising efforts, as they operate under fine arts rather than the athletic program. The Golden Girls emphasized the dedication and hard work involved in their year-round practices and performances. They also highlighted the personal growth and sense of community the team provides. The Golden Girls will host a spring show, organized by Libby Horton, at Arcadia Live on May 3, with two shows scheduled.

Lulu Stebbins also spoke about Project Period, a feminine hygiene drive she started to collect and distribute period products to students in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Tivy High School front office, and more information is available on the Project Period Instagram.

The final segment featured Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz from Texas Hill Country Advisors, who provided an overview of the current state of the financial markets. They noted significant market downturns across major indexes and concerns about trade tariffs and overall economic uncertainty. They also discussed the potential negative impact of comments about firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and the disconnect between positive economic data and negative market sentiment. They advised long-term investors to stay put and avoid making rash decisions during the volatility and recommended taking care of other financial matters like paying down debt and estate planning.