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 ..read more

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 an ..read more

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 ..read more

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 reca ..read more

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 ..read more

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 wri ..read more

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 nam ..read more

This week, Shawn and Ryan talk about the newly branded Shops at Red Bird with local developer Terrence Maiden of Russell Glen. Terrence highlights the opportunities and challenges of working in under invested communities and discusses how the rebirth of Red Bird is coming along. Terrence also informs Deconstructing Dallas about his work with the Maiden Foundation, started with his brother Tim. During the conversation, Shawn referred to an article he wrote about Red Bird 14 years prior to the recording. Saving Old Red Bird Mall by Shawn Williams - May 20, 2009 Ryan and Shawn also talk about ..read more

From Christian ministry to recent Editorial Writer at The Dallas Morning News, Ryan Sanders shares his journey and life calling to being a writer. Sanders discusses DMN candidate questionnaires and endorsements, working with the editorial board, and the shifts in content creation during a distant and digital year. Sanders is also author of two books, Unbelievable and Now & Then. And a question for our Dallas listeners: have you voted yet? Be like Shawn, cast a vote and a fishing line! However and wherever you decide, go vote! Keep in touch with our guest, Ryan Sanders: Website: theryansa ..read more

Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble welcome Ollie Chandhok, Market President and Publisher of Dallas Business Journal (DBJ), into the virtual MZ Studios in cyberspace. Ollie dives into data, his views on how the pandemic has changed the way people view news, and that 'Dallas swagger' he's come to love during his time here. As one of the largest business newsrooms in the state of Texas, Ollie discusses his work around diversity, equity and inclusion and what that means for the DBJ. Tune in for conversation with Shawn, Ryan and Ollie about all things Dallas (Business Journal), and some basketball b ..read more