There are certain places in Amarillo that feel like more than just a restaurant—they feel like part of the fabric of growing up here. Sharky's Burrito Company is one of those places.

I this episode, we sit down with Brent Epps, the longtime owner of Sharky's, to talk about the restaurant's 20+ year run and the life he's built in the food industry. Brent didn't just land here—he came up through some of Amarillo's most beloved spots, learning the business from the ground up and carrying those lessons with him.

But what stands out most about Brent isn't just the longevity or the success—it's the way he shows up for people. Over the years, Sharky's has been a first job for countless young people in Amarillo, and Brent has played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping those early work experiences. He leads with care, consistency, and a genuine investment in others.

We talk about the evolution of the restaurant, what it takes to stay relevant for decades, and why creating a place people feel connected to matters.

This is a conversation about food, yes—but more than that, it's about community, mentorship, and doing things the right way for a long time.

Amarillo City Councilman David Prescott is a business owner, doctoral candidate, and someone who brings both expertise and candor to public service.

David owns Talon LPE, an environmental cleanup company that operates across several states, and that real-world experience shapes how he thinks about the city's biggest challenges. But as he shares in this conversation, serving on council has come with its share of new challenges to address.

We talk honestly about what that's looked like — the pressure, the criticism, and the reality of making decisions when there isn't an easy answer. David doesn't shy away from the harder parts of the job, including how certain votes have played out and what it's like to navigate those moments publicly.

Our conversation also turns to some of the biggest issues facing Amarillo right now, from long-term water concerns to the ongoing discussion around the Fermi data center, and what it will take for the city to build something sustainable and lasting.

David has a way of making complex topics feel approachable without oversimplifying them. He's thoughtful, direct, and willing to say what he actually thinks — even when it's uncomfortable. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he's also pretty funny.

This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really takes to move a city forward.

Chad Johnson is the new reverend at Amarillo United Methodist Church. We talk about what it's like to step into a new community and a new role at the same time.

Chad shares his early impressions of Amarillo, how those first expectations compare to the reality of living here, and what has stood out to him as he gets to know the city. We also spend time talking about his path to becoming a pastor, a journey he describes with a great deal of joy, honesty, and thoughtfulness.

Our conversation explores the role of the church today, the broader societal trends shaping faith communities, and the United Methodist Church split that led to the formation of his relatively new congregation. Throughout it all, Chad offers a perspective that is grounded, open, and deeply rooted in care for others.

It's a meaningful conversation about calling, community, and what it looks like to lead with both conviction and compassion.