Local Host Jay Socol • Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Join host Jay Socol for Brazos Matters, a KAMU original production featuring a variety of guests from the Bryan-College Station and Aggieland community. Discussions focus on healthcare, education, economic development, traffic management, quality of life and other topics important to residents and businesses.
Episodes
May 2025 KAMU Graduating Seniors April 27, 2025 Gracie Dolan speaks with fellow graduating KAMU seniors Alisha Patterson and Tabina Hassan about their experiences working at KAMU, at Texas A&M University in general, and post-grad plans.
Kyle & Beverly Greenwood: NoEastLoop.com April 27, 2025 Brazos County landowners Kyle & Beverly Greenwood, representing noeastloop.com, discuss the potential TxDOT inner loop east project and how they believe Brazos County officials have handled the planning, so far.
Duane Peters, Brazos County Judge April 13, 2025 Brazos County Judge Duane Peters discusses the inner east loop project, including public hearings, and determining need & alignment. He also discusses updates on the Brazos County Medical Examiners office. Finally, he discusses the new courthouse annex building, why there is a need for the building and its enclosed walkway, and which departments will be housed in this new building.
Scott Shafer, Executive Director of Campus and Community Enrichment at Texas A&M University March 30, 2025 Scott Shafer, Executive Director of Campus and Community Enrichment at Texas A&M University discusses his history with Hensel Park, the current vision for redevelopment, factors driving the studies, potential timeline, phases & cost of redevelopment, changes in the surrounding area including population density and high rises, partnership with both cities, and potential academic opportunities related to the park.
Caroline Ask & Becca Dawson (The Big Event) March 16, 2025 Becca Dawson, director of the 2025 Big Event and Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Manager with the City of College Station discuss Big Event's preparation leading up to the day of the event, how they're working to increase volunteer signups, coordination with and involvement of the cities of Bryan and College Station, other Big Events across the country and things they have learned from other schools.
Danielle Laperriere, Sustainability Manager for Texas A&M University March 2, 2025 Danielle Laperriere, Sustainability Manager for Texas A&M University discusses her background, her definition of what sustainability can be, campus examples, current students' ideas about sustainability, highlights from the STARS report and A&M's ranking, sustainable commuting options, the Aggie Green Fund, and Campus Earth Month.
John Friebele, Executive Director of Destination Bryan & Jeremiah Cook, Assistant Director of Tourism for Visit College Station February 16, 2025 John Friebele, Executive Director of Destination Bryan and Jeremiah Cook, Assistant Director of Tourism for Visit College Station discuss things to do when visitors come to town, activities that complement a student budget, tourism outreach efforts, and more.
Tom Turbiville February 2, 2025 Tom Turbiville discusses his background with Jay at WTAW, why he began featuring veterans' stories, the beginning of the Veterans of the Valley program on KAMU-TV, notable interviews, where to watch interviews, and the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial in Veterans park.
Kevin Russell, Managing Director of Economic Development for the City of Bryan January 19, 2025 Kevin Russell, Managing Director of Economic Development for the City of Bryan discusses his background at the city, Downtown Bryan's past, redevelopment of the Downtown's north end, the city's relationship with Texas A&M, Biocorridor expansion opportunities, growth on Highway 47 including the RELLIS campus and the Army Futures Command, Bryan Business Council, and the Greater Brazos Partnership.
Dr. Leonard Berry, University Distinguished Professor of Marketing at Texas A&M University December 22, 2024 Dr. Leonard Berry, University Distinguished Professor of Marketing at Texas A&M University discusses his research on Never Words and Never Phrases in healthcare environments, what they are, impacts and harm of these statements, and examples of them.
Dr. Kirby Goidel & Dr. Todd Kent from KAMU’s Inside Political Science podcast December 8, 2024 Dr. Kirby Goidel & Dr. Todd Kent from KAMU's Inside Political Science podcast discuss the origins of the podcast, their teaching styles at The Bush School of Government & Public Service, observations from the 2024 election, where younger people are getting their news and information, looking ahead to the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, Texas politics vs national politics, and predictions on future important political issues.
Aggie Bonfire Collapse: 25 Years Later November 24, 2024 November 18, 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of when 12 Aggies died when Bonfire collapsed. KAMU remembers that day in this documentary. These reflections are from John Comstock, a survivor of the collapse; Randy McGregor, a first responder who was on the scene; Neva Hand, the mother of one of the students who lost their life; and Truett Marrs, a current student born a few years after the collapse who now works tirelessly to ensure that the names and stories of the victims are remembered by every Aggie, today and in the future.
Mary Jo Prince, Project Specialist, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension November 10, 2024 Mary Jo Prince, Project Specialist with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension discusses the Watch Your BAC & Reality Education for Drivers programs, choices currently facing college students, what is involved with her classes, things parents can look out for, outcomes of the programs, next steps, and how to request more info.
Chief Dean Swartzlander, Bryan Police Department October 27, 2024 Chief Dean Swartzlander with the Bryan Police Department discusses his background and what brought him to Bryan, the K9 programs at Bryan Police Department, awards and recognitions over the years, the current state of BPD staffing, the Bryan Police Academy, recruiting challenges, connections to the community, strategic proactive policing, current crime trends in Bryan, and more.
Kelsey Heiden, Director of College Station Parks & Recreation October 13, 2024 Kelsey Heiden, Director of College Station Parks & Recreation discusses her background, thoughts on College Station parks & programs, birding at Lick Creek Park, the new budget year, facility upgrades, pickleball, the Lincoln Recreation Center, Thomas Park renovation, Texas Independence Park, and her favorite park in College Station.
Kelli Hollinger, Director of the Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center September 29, 2024 Kelli Hollinger, Director of the Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center discusses the Howdy greeting on campus, the visitor center, the Aggieland Saturday event, student tour guides, her background at the Mays Business School, visitor impact on the local economy, future hopes & plans for the visitor center, who is welcome to take a campus tour, and more.
Molly Watson, Co-chair Brazos Valley Gives September 15, 2024 Molly Watson, Co-chair Brazos Valley Gives discusses what community foundations are, how Brazos Valley Gives works, the giving nature of the Brazos Valley, requirements for non-profits to participate, and what BV Gives day looks like.
Ashley Rodriguez-Bishop with Bryan Animal Center September 1, 2024 Ashley Rodriguez-Bishop with the Bryan Animal Center discusses her background, jurisdictions of the Bryan Animal Center and other shelters, animal control services, Brazos County Regulations, what kinds of animals they see, funding, and future facility plans.
Dr. Holly Hudson and Samantha Clement with Texas A&M Global Engagement August 18, 2024 Dr. Holly Hudson and Samantha Clement with Texas A&M Global Engagement discuss who Global Engagement are, what attracts international students to A&M, immigration compliance functions, preparing for the upcoming semester, acclimating international students to A&M, promoting study abroad programs, upcoming global welcome party, how to make international students feel welcome, and more.
Dr. Jennifer Griffith with Texas A&M Public Health & Byron Prestridge with Texas A&M Transportation Services August 4, 2024 Dr. Jennifer Griffith with Texas A&M Public Health & Byron Prestridge with Texas A&M Transportation Services discuss a recent micromobility capstone project completed by students, what micromobility is, safety considerations, rules & regulations, proposed "howdy zones", congested campus corridors, and pedestrian safety.
Kelly Wellman, Director of Texas A&M’s Office of Sustainability July 21, 2024 Kelly Wellman, Director of Texas A&M's Office of Sustainability discusses the A&M Athletics sustainability plan, facility impacts of the plan, other universities starting their own plans based on the A&M blueprint, campus recycling locations, sustainable transportation, challenges facing the office, and the student internship program.
Former National Security Advisor Nancy Bearg, Singer/Songwriter Lyle Lovett, and various grandchildren of George & Barbara Bush July 7, 2024 Former National Security Advisor Nancy Bearg, Singer/Songwriter Lyle Lovett, and various grandchildren of George & Barbara Bush gathered in College Station to commemorate the 100th birthday of the former president and spoke of the legacy of public service created by the former president and Mrs. Bush.
Michael Ostrowski, Chief Development Officer, City of College Station June 23, 2024 Michael Ostrowski, Chief Development Officer, City of College Station discusses his background, College Station's economic development objectives and strategic master plan, redevelopment of city corridors, a future entrepreneurial program, getting College Station noticed, legislative impacts, and updates on new business coming to town.
Chris Lamb, Community Paramedic for the City of Bryan June 9, 2024 Chris Lamb, Community Paramedic for the City of Bryan discusses the community paramedic program, how it frees up ambulances and other resources, and how it facilitates telehealth visits and connects patients to local resources that they may need.
Mary Lynne Stratta, City Secretary for the City of Bryan May 26, 2024 Mary Lynne Stratta, City Secretary for the City of Bryan discusses the responsibilities of the City Secretary, how election administration has changed over the years, the impact of legislative sessions on Texas cities, and her favorite accomplishments over a 34 year career with the City of Bryan.
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum 4141 Pavilion May 12, 2024 Andrew Card, CEO of George & Barbara Bush Foundation, discusses space and exhibit expansion at the Bush Library & Museum. Raquel Espinoza, Union Pacific spokesperson, discusses the significance of their donated 4141 locomotive to the exhibit.
Shel Winkley, Meteorologist April 28, 2024 Shel Winkley, longtime Chief Meteorologist at KBTX-TV discusses his history with KBTX, his new position with non-profit Climate Central, what exactly Climate Central is and does, his meteorologist heroes, the future of broadcast meteorologists, and finally a dramatic reading of Twitter DMs with Jay Socol.
Texas A&M School of Education & Human Development’s 2024 Voices of Impact Series April 7, 2024 Speakers from the Texas A&M School of Education & Human Development's 2024 Voices of impact series discuss "Stress, Sleep, & Wellbeing in Principals," "Tracking Fatigue in Soldiers," E-Sports & The New Generation," and "Finding A Sense of Belonging."
Maddie Hillin, COO of The George & Barbara Bush Foundation March 24, 2024 Maddie Hillin: COO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation discusses the mission of the foundation and previews the upcoming 41 @ 100 events in June.
Barbara Moore, University & Community Relations Manager for The City of College Station February 18, 2024 Barbara Moore, University & Community Relations Manager for City of College Station discusses the A&M off campus student services office, College Station black history video projects, & the Citizens University program.
Brad Stafford, Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities for the City of Bryan February 4, 2024 Brad Stafford, Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities for the City of Bryan discusses past experience as a city manager, favorite Bryan Parks after visiting them all, upcoming updates to playgrounds, other non-park city facilities, and downtown Bryan landscaping.
Lisette Templin, Founder & Director of Texas A&M Urban Farm United (TUFU) January 21, 2024 Lisette Templin, Founder & Director of Texas A&M Urban Farm United (TUFU) discusses vertical farming, supplying the 12th Can food pantry and local restaurants with fresh produce for local consumption, food as medicine, student involvement, and roadblocks to further adoption.
Brandon Reid, Manager of Coulter Field January 7, 2024 Brandon Reid, Manager of Coulter Airfield discusses the airfield, its current amenities, and some future plans of expansion.
Mark Benden, PhD, CPE, Director of the Ergonomics Center at the Texas A&M School of Public Health December 17, 2023 Mark Benden, PhD, CPE, Director of the Ergonomics Center at the Texas A&M School of Public Health discusses ergonomic design, AI integration, and research of remote/hybrid work.
Peter Lange, Associate Vice President of Transportation Services at Texas A&M University December 3, 2023 Peter Lange, Associate Vice President of Transportation Services at Texas A&M University discusses what TAMU Transportation is responsible for, new initiatives, and how they manage parking and transit for tens of thousands of students and faculty/staff.
Jaimie Masterson, Director of Texas Target Communities at Texas A&M University November 19, 2023 Jaimie Masterson, Director of Texas Target Communities at Texas A&M University discusses what Texas Target Communities is, what they've done for cities in the past, and how interested cities can get involved.
Nancy Berry & Valdie Masco, Brazos County R U OK program October 29, 2023 Nancy Berry & Valdie Masco, Brazos County, discuss a new program called “R U OK,” which is intended to offer wellness checks for county residents who may not otherwise have family or friends to monitor their health or critical needs.
Ben Kalscheur, Sustainability Manager, Texas A&M Office Of Sustainability October 15, 2023 Ben Kalscheur, Sustainability Manager, Texas A&M Office Of Sustainability, discusses Campus Sustainability Month, Aggie Green Fund Grants, Campus Sustainability Month Events, and some history of the A&M Office of Sustainability.
Ashley Bennett, Recreation Supervisor with the City of Bryan October 1, 2023 Ashley Bennett, Recreation Supervisor with the City of Bryan discusses updates to Bryan parks as well as upcoming events.
Stephen Bjune, Texas A&M Task Force 1 September 24, 2023 Stephen Bjune, Texas A&M Task Force 1 discusses the who and what of Texas A&M Task Forces 1 & 2, TEEX Urban Search & Rescue training, & tips for families and individuals on how to keep themselves safe. September is National Preparedness Month.
Emily Fisher, Director of Public Works, City of College Station August 27, 2023 Emily Fisher, Director of Public Works, City of College Station discusses trash pick-up/accumulation, traffic (including game days) and issues with stolen street signs.
Duane Peters, Brazos County Judge August 13, 2023 Duane Peters, Brazos County Judge discusses changes to voting locations, a new medical examiner's office, and a broadband survey for rural Brazos County.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, City of College Station July 30, 2023 Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, City of College Station discusses where our water comes from, and how to conserve it.
Kristie De La Garza, Assistant Director, Counseling & Wellbeing Services, University Health Services July 12, 2023 Kristie De La Garza, Assistant Director, Counseling & Wellbeing Services, University Health Services discusses how Texas A&M mental health resources work together to provide comprehensive and varied support for our diverse student body.
Monica Martinez, Emergency Management Coordinator for Texas A&M University: Part 2 June 25, 2023 Monica Martinez, Emergency Management Coordinator for Texas A&M University discusses what reasonable steps individuals and families can take — at home, at work, at school, in their vehicles — to be prepared for the unexpected.
Monica Martinez, Emergency Management Coordinator for Texas A&M University: Part 1 June 11, 2023 Monica Martinez, Emergency Management Coordinator for Texas A&M University discusses what her job entails, what campus safety means and how A&M is prepared to mitigate and respond to anything and everything.
Barbara Moore & Cheletia Johnson with The City of College Station May 28, 2023 Barbara Moore & Cheletia Johnson with The City of College Station discuss a video project that’s documenting the history and contributions of legacy Black families who helped create and grow College Station. Their project is set for public release in time for Juneteenth.
Edward J. Spillane III, Presiding Municipal Judge, College Station Municipal Court May 13, 2023 Edward J. Spillane III, Presiding Municipal Judge, College Station Municipal Court discusses what he does as a municipal judge, what kind of cases his court hears, and initiatives he's spearheaded to help keep people out of jail.
Bea Saba, Library System Director for the Bryan/College Station Public Library System April 29, 2023 Bea Saba, Library System Director for the Bryan/College Station Public Library System discusses changes to the libraries since her arrival in 2020 and a new partnership with the Harris County libraries.
Kelly Wellman, Director of Texas A&M’s Office of Sustainability April 15, 2023 Kelly Wellman, Director of Texas A&M's Office of Sustainability discusses what A&M has done and is continuing to do to improve its overall campus sustainability.
Texas A&M School of Education & Human Development 2023 Voices of Impact Speaker Series April 1, 2023 This episode of Brazos Matters featured faculty and doctoral students from Texas A&M University who touched on cancer research, recruiting and retaining teachers, and strategies that benefit first-generation and low-income college students. These perspectives were recently shared during A&M's School of Education and Human Development's annual Voices of Impact speaker series in Downtown Bryan.
Dr. Nancy Shankle, Associate Vice Chancellor & Provost of The RELLIS Academic Alliance March 18, 2023 Dr. Nancy Shankle, Associate Vice Chancellor & Provost of The RELLIS Academic Alliance Discusses what the RELLIS Academic Alliance is and why it matters.
Dr. Brian Merrell, Executive Director of School Leadership at Bryan ISD March 4, 2023 Dr. Brian Merrell, Executive Director of School Leadership at Bryan ISD discusses Bryan ISD community events as well as employment opportunities.
Natalie Ruiz, Chief Development Officer, City of College Station February 18, 2023 Natalie Ruiz, Chief Development Officer at City of College Station discusses recent and upcoming developments in College Station.
Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager at City of Bryan February 4, 2023 Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager at City of Bryan discusses Texas Avenue Corridor beautification grants, Hensel Park, and the City of Bryan Economic Outlook.
Hugh Walker, Deputy City Manager at City of Bryan January 21, 2023 Hugh Walker, Deputy City Manager at City of Bryan discusses Midtown Bryan redevelopment, Travis Bryan Midtown Park, Big Shots Golf, & Legends Event Center.
Dr. Tim Lomax, Research Fellow at Texas Transportation Institute January 7, 2023 Dr. Tim Lomax, Research Fellow at Texas Transportation Institute discusses transportation issues in the Brazos Valley.
Kevin Ross, Director of Career & Technical Education at College Station ISD December 24, 2022 Kevin Ross, Director of Career & Technical Education at College Station ISD discusses CSISD CTE programs and opportunities for students.
