In the premiere episode of Let’s Talk Local, host Sarah Zubiate Bennett sits down with newly retired Assistant Police Chief Reuben Ramirez to reflect on his 30-year career with the Dallas Police Department. Together, they dive into the challenges facing the department, including one issue many might not expect. Later, the episode celebrates fresh beginnings with a spotlight on Boxed Bites in Preston Center—a must-visit for charcuterie lovers! Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Join Sarah Zubiate Bennett as she cruises through Dallas, sharing her favorite aspects of the city and the passion that fuels her drive for change. Then, we take a quick detour to Sarah’s home for some exciting updates on the podcast that we can’t wait to reveal!

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Mark Moses, author of The Municipal Financial Crisis, to dive deep into the alarming financial mismanagement in the City of Dallas. With a $38 million deficit, millions spent on underperforming services like DART, and critical shortages in funding for vital assets such as more police officers, the conversation reveals the biggest challenges facing the city today. How can Dallas find a path to financial sustainability?

Plus, we head to Lakewood for Brunch on a Budget – discover how to enjoy one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods without breaking the bank!

In this episode, we journey to Forney’s Opportunity Central, a unique campus catering to individuals ages 3 to 103. From a preschool on one side to a comprehensive career development center on the other, this groundbreaking facility is redefining the future of education. We also sit down with Forney ISD Superintendent, Dr. Justin Terry, who shares the vision behind Opportunity Central and discusses what truly matters in education—putting students first.

In this episode, Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk joins Sarah in the studio before heading to training camp to discuss the challenges of balancing life as a dad and husband while playing in the NFL. Nick shares why he won't let his kids play tackle football—a perspective every parent should hear if their child is interested in the sport. He also opens up about what keeps him up at night during his downtime in Dallas. Plus, we take a trip to 3 Nations Brewing in Carrollton, a local hotspot known for its inventive and delicious craft beers!

In this episode, we meet female business powerhouses who refuse to take no for an answer. First, Pam Eudaric and Suzanne Palmlund, the visionaries behind Chocolate Secrets in Dallas, share their journey. Then, we visit The Gem, Dallas's first free-standing juice bar, to uncover its inspiring story. Tune in for tales of friendship, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode, we introduce Payman Pahlavan, a modern renaissance man whose journey from film education has blossomed into a remarkable career in lighting design. You may have encountered his innovative work across town. Beyond lighting, Payman is celebrated for his unique fashion and bespoke men's footwear designs. His passion extends to restoring antique cars, blending their classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Following our interview with Payman in the studio, we'll visit his workshop and car storage facility to witness his creations firsthand.

It's undeniable that AI has become an integral part of our lives, presenting us with the choice to either embrace its potential or fear its implications. Steve Kinard, President of the AI Innovation Association and a recognized expert in the field, enlightens us on how this technology can unlock possibilities we never imagined—provided we use it wisely. Following this insightful discussion, we visit Chocolate Secrets, a dream destination for chocolate lovers, as we gear up for World Chocolate Day.