Scouting Forward: A Conversation with Sam Thompson

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, Shawn and Ryan are joined by Heather McGhee, an expert in economic policy research and the author of the book "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together." Heather discusses her journey exploring the intersection of racism and economics in America, highlighting the impact of racism on public goods, wages, and inequality.

Heather reflects on her time at Demos, an organization focused on economic justice, and how her thinking on race and racism evolved during her tenure there. She also discusses the adaptation of her book into a Spotify podcast by Higher Ground, the production company of Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as the upcoming theater adaptation in Dallas.

Shawn and Ryan also talk about the upcoming Banned Book Festival at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, inspired by "The Sum of Us," and Heather's thoughts on the book being used as inspiration for a play festival. They discuss the role of arts organizations like Bishop Arts Theater Centre in addressing inequality and promoting social change.

Shawn and Ryan also reflect on the 2024 Dallas Bond Campaign and the passing of West Dallas community activist Raul Reyes Jr.

In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, Shawn and Ryan sit down with Sam Thompson, CEO of the Circle Ten Council Boy Scouts of America. Sam shares his insights into scouting and its impact on character development and citizenship training. He discusses the transition of scouting to include girls and the importance of inclusivity in scouting programs.

The conversation then shifts to the rich history of Camp Wisdom in Southern Dallas, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Sam provides a glimpse into what makes the camp special and how it has contributed to the community.

Shawn and Ryan also delve into how individuals can get involved in scouting and the resources available for those interested in joining. Sam offers valuable information on scouting opportunities and how listeners can connect with their local scouting council.

Guest: Sam Thompson, CEO of Circle Ten Council Boy Scouts of America

Website: circleten.org
Instagram: circletencouncil

Ryan and Shawn catch up with Nicole Brewer and Ross Mulford of Classic Whimsy, the nation's leading e-commerce provider of classic children's clothing. Nicole shares about the history of the company, and the recent rebranding and Ross dives into the growing e-commerce landscape in North Texas. To learn more about Classic Whimsy visit www.classicwhimsy.com.

Tens and tens of listeners rejoice! Deconstructing Dallas has made it to 100 episodes. From politicians to artists, activists to educators, Shawn and Ryan have interviewed a diverse slate of guests who have impacted Dallas, Texas, the U.S., and the world.

This show marks the official kickoff of the podcast’s 7th season and the first recording of 2024. The guys look back at some of their most memorable episodes, including interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks attorney Fred Gray, former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, and PepsiCo business leader Rebecca Acuna. They also recall some of the lowlights, sharing a few of the outtakes that remained on the cutting room floor (so to speak).

And there are two very special guests: Linda Williams and Jill Trimble aka the Deconstructing Dallas Moms Club. Shawn and Ryan’s mothers discuss their favorite guests, favorite shows, and favorite parts of their sons’ podcast.

So, here’s to a prosperous 2024, an unforgettable 7th season, and 100 more episodes!

Shawn and Ryan catch up with SMU's Director of Athletics Rick Hart. Rick shares about SMU's investment in facilities, winning seasons for SMU football and other sports, as well as the exciting news of SMU's move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

This week on Deconstructing Dallas, Shawn and Ryan are joined by Jennifer Scripps, President and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., the principal advocate, champion and steward of Downtown Dallas. DDI is a nonprofit that also manages the Public Improvement District for Downtown, providing added security, cleanup, homeless outreach, and general customer service.

Jennifer discusses some of the transformative developments on the horizon, the last of five new parks which opened recently and all of the transportation options and opportunities downtown.

Also…the TEXAS RANGERS WON THE WORLD SERIES! (Sorry, was that loud?). The guys shed a sports tear while describing their personal journeys with the local baseball team. And the Ags are looking for a new head ball coach. Imagine.

All that and more on the countdown to the 100th episode!

Web: https://downtowndallas.com/
X: @downtowndallas
IG: @downtown_dallas

As Season 6 draws to a close, and they guys prepare to celebrate a podcasting milestone, Mark Lamster joins the show.

Mark Lamster is the architecture critic for The Dallas Morning News and Loeb Fellow of the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His 2018 biography, The Man in the Glass House, about the late architect Philip Johnson, whose memorial to President Kennedy is located in downtown Dallas, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography.

He is the author of several books and has been a contributing editor to Architectural Review, Design Observer, and ID and writes often for Architect, Architectural Record, and Metropolis, among other design titles. His work has appeared frequently in national publications and magazines, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Lamster is a native of New York City and holds degrees from Johns Hopkins (BA), and Tufts (MA).


World Series talk ensues, as Shawn and Ryan don't know what we now know. (no spoilers).

@marklamster

www.marklamster.com/

Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) is kicking off their 30th Anniversary season with the world premiere performance of Franky D. Gonzalez’s new play, The Tragedy of Othello. This entertaining and thought-provoking production is a 120-minute show which will begin October 19th and run for three consecutive weekends through November 5th, 2023.

Franky Gonzalez stops by to talk about how his adaptation will retain the original plot but employ a modern aesthetic and language and set in Dallas in current times. The play centers on Imani Othello who encounters racism, sexism and ageism after being named the first Black woman head coach of a football team. The incredible Denise Lee will breathe life into the indomitable spirit of Othello.

Franky D. Gonzalez is a Latino playwright based in Dallas and L.A. His work has appeared with The Lark, Sundance Institute, the Ojai Playwrights Conference, NNPN, LTC Carnaval, Latinx Playwrights Circle, Urbanite Theatre, Great Plains Theatre Conference, Goodman Theatre, The New Harmony Project, The Workshop Theater, LAByrinth Theater Company, Ars Nova, and Dallas Theater Center among others. He is the Bishop Arts Theatre Center Playwright-in-Residence.

Also, hear a rather robust conversation between the guys about spiders and frogs and skunks. (oh my!)

The Tragedy of Othello begins October 19 – November 5, 2023, for three consecutive weekends at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center at 215 S Tyler Street, Dallas, TX 75208. Tickets for The Tragedy of Othello can be purchased online at www.bishopartstheatre.org or by calling the box office at 214.948.0716 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Chef Samir Dhurandhar, Founding Chef at Nick & Sam's and author of the book Raising the Steaks is this weeks's guest. Chef Samir talks about the inspiration he drew from eating his mom's cooking and what it was like meeting Julia Child. Chef Samir also gave details on his time at Sfuzzi and explains why Nick & Sam's has been at the top of the game for so long.

The guys also talk Cowboys/49ers (boy that didn't age well) and discuss a new way to address their work address.

Where People Can Find Samir:

IG Handle - @sam4chef
IG Handle - @NickandSams
Facebook - Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse

Nick & Sam's

Raising The Steaks

Vice President and City Leader of the All Stars Project (ASP) of Dallas, Antoine Joyce joins the show, continuing what has been a stellar 6th Season. Antoine has led the creation of cutting-edge youth and community development programs throughout Dallas and nationally. He is also a dynamic and passionate bridge-builder who has introduced Afterschool Development to a diverse array of public and private partners, fostering innovative partnerships and collaborations through ASP’s Afterschool Development Initiatives.

Ten years ago, Antoine and his colleagues brought All Stars Project and their focus on development through performance to Dallas. Shawn and Ryan talk to Antoine about the progress made by ASP in the last decade as well as look forward to the future.

Of course the guys talk SMU and TAMU football, Dallas Wings basketball and....wait for it....Texas Rangers playoff baseball. What a time to be alive!

Also, check out the ASP website and some recent media appearances by Antoine.

All Stars Project Dallas
https://allstars.org/members/antoine-joyce/

Antoine Joyce on Fox 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEDSk3Z9LGc

Avoid the hidden dangers of the ‘summer slide’ in Dallas
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2023/06/17/avoid-the-hidden-dangers-of-the-summer-slide-in-dallas/