In this episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast, we sit down with Conner Gray, owner of All Stitched Up Puppets. From humble beginnings in 2019 to building a business rooted in quality craftsmanship, Conner shares his journey of creating custom, handcrafted puppets designed for comfort, durability, and creativity.

We talk about the challenges of starting out, lessons learned along the way, and the moments that made it all worth it. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a creative passion into something real, this episode is for you.

Tune in!!

Website: allstitcheduppuppets.com

Today on Hitting the Streets, I sit down with Amy Hoffman-Shehan to talk about the upcoming Texoma Earth Day Festival happening April 18th!

This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” shines a light on simple, practical ways we can all reduce our environmental impact and take better care of our planet.

The Texoma Earth Day Festival is a fun, family-friendly community event where everyday people can learn, connect, and walk away with real tools to make a difference.

🌎 Free to attend and open to the public.

Tune in to hear what you can expect, how to get involved, and why this event continues to make an impact right here in our community.

Website: https://www.earthdaytexoma.org/

Welcome to another episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast.

My guest today is MJ Sumrall, a U.S. Army Veteran, recovery coach, author, and founder of triumphantlythriving.com . MJ works with service members, veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors to help them move out of survival mode and into the lives that are resilient, regulated, and intentionally thriving.

Her story is one of resilience, healing, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. MJ openly shares about her own recovery journey, the challenges of living with Functional Neurological Disorder, and how trauma doesn't have to define the rest of your life.

Please tune in to hear her story!

Big thank you to Kim Byler for being a fantastic guest host!

Today on the show, I sit down with Rayce Guess, Vice President of the NAACP Grayson County chapter. We talk about the founding of the NAACP in 1909, the purpose behind its mission, and why its work continues to matter today.

We also bring the conversation local, exploring the history of the Grayson County NAACP and the role it plays in our community. A meaningful discussion about history, justice, and the power of staying informed.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Taylor Marquez, a licensed aesthetician with over a decade of experience in the skincare and beauty industry.

From working on film sets, red carpets, and special effects makeup in Los Angeles to providing personalized, results-driven treatments today, Taylor brings artistry, expertise, and genuine care to every client she serves. For her, skincare is more than a service, it’s about helping people recognize their natural beauty and feel confident, radiant, and cared for.

She’s also a passionate dog rescuer (and proudly known as the “crazy dog lady”), helping pups find their furever homes.

Tune in to hear her story, her journey, and her heart behind the work she does.

Learn more or book with Taylor: https://spaagape.glossgenius.com/

Today on the show, I sit down with Kaneesha Worthington and Leo Ransom, two successful Black artists, to talk about the stories, experiences, and inspiration that shaped their work. From creative process to cultural expression, this discussion goes beyond the artwork and into the heart of what it truly means to create with purpose. Real voices. Real perspectives. Real conversations. Tune in!

In this episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast, we focus on the George Hughes Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship created to honor the life of George Hughes and to acknowledge a painful chapter in Sherman and Grayson County history that many are only now learning about.

This conversation explores how the scholarship was established, why remembering local history matters, and how education can be a tool for healing, awareness, and change. We also discuss the role of Grace United Methodist Church in supporting this effort and the importance of investing in future generations through truth, reflection, and opportunity.

This episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and engage, because understanding our past helps shape a more informed and equitable future.

Tune in!

Welcome to Season 9!

A birthday audio blog to kick off the year. In this first entry, I’m sharing the book that reshaped how I view my art career, giving updates on new services coming to Hitting the Streets, previewing February’s Culture on Canvas project, and celebrating a month full of wins, clients, art sales, and community support. A simple, honest look at what’s happening behind the scenes.