HEY ETX

Meet Shane and Courtney Goswick — the husband-and-wife team behind Local Lights, a family-owned Christmas light company bringing holiday magic to homes across East Texas. They share the story of building (and selling) their first lighting business, what 20 years of marriage and entrepreneurship taught them about identity, and how hanging lights became a way to love their neighbors well. Shane also opens up about co-hosting The Uncomfortable Truth, a faith-centered podcast that started with a few friends at Cracker Barrel and grew into a five-year ministry reaching people across East Texas and beyond.Find out more about Local Lights here: https://yourlocallights.com/Watch The Uncomfortable Truth podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@uncomfortabletruthDiscover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Sponsors01:12 - Meet Shane & Courtney Goswick03:09 - How They Met & Marriage Story06:15 - From Lawn Care to Christmas Lights09:42 - Small Business Lessons & Working Together16:31 - Selling the Business & Starting Over24:09 - Finding Identity Beyond Business28:02 - The Local Lights Customer Experience32:44 - Spreading Joy Through Lights33:50 - The Uncomfortable Truth Podcast46:25 - The Big Seven Questions61:23 - Closing Prayer & Thanks#HeyETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #LocalLights #ChristmasLights #SmallBusinessOwners #FamilyBusiness #HallsvilleTX #TheUncomfortableTruth #FaithAndBusiness #HolidayLighting

What happens when a Longview native with a deep family legacy of military service sees her combat-veteran friend struggle to get a single counseling appointment? She builds something that changes lives. Grace Henderson, co-founder and executive director of Operation True North, joins us to share how a friendship forged after deployment grew into a nonprofit that has delivered over 11,000 hours of counseling and 390+ peer support groups for veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and their families right here in East Texas. This is a story about serving those who serve — and why mental health care, community, and connection matter more than ever.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/To learn more about Operation True North: https://operationtruenorth.com/Chapters00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Spotlight01:25 – Meet Grace Henderson02:40 – A Family Legacy of Military Service04:50 – Co-Founding Operation True North07:30 – Who OTN Serves: Veterans to First Responders09:50 – Peer Support Groups & Counseling11:50 – Marriage & Family Counseling That Heals14:05 – Milestones: 11,000 Hours & 390+ Groups15:45 – Patriot Day Golf Classic & Will Summers' Story20:00 – Breaking the Mental Health Stigma23:30 – How to Get Involved: 5K, Resource Hub & More27:30 – The Big Seven with Grace#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #OperationTrueNorth #VeteransSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #FirstResponders #LongviewTX #MilitaryFamilies #Nonprofit

What happens when two East Texas families decide to bring a beloved 1981 mini golf venue back from the dead? Robert Parkison, co-owner of Tap Shot in Longview, shares the sweat-equity story behind renovating 36 holes, adding pickleball, laser shooting simulators, an arcade, a 10-tap beer wall, and a full food menu — all while saving the iconic animal statues the community refused to let go. From a Fourth of July lake conversation to a marriage proposal in front of the elephant, this is what happens when East Texans rally around a local treasure.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Chapters:00:00 - Show Intro & Sponsors01:11 - Meet Robert Parkison of Tap Shot02:28 - Growing Up in Marshall, Texas03:36 - How the Tap Shot Idea Was Born05:00 - The Renovation Journey06:47 - Saving the Beloved Animal Statues09:14 - Beyond Mini Golf: Pickleball & More11:31 - The Story Behind the Name Tap Shot13:06 - Community Reaction & Memorable Events15:59 - Challenges, Timeline & What's Next18:48 - The Big Seven Questions25:14 - Prayer for Robert's Father, Rex#HeyETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #TapShot #LongviewTX #MiniGolf #FamilyFun #SmallBusiness #Pickleball #MarshallTX #LocalEntertainment

What does it take to turn someone's dream home into reality — and build a thriving business with your spouse along the way? Lucas and Lainey Mock, the husband-and-wife team behind Crossbeam Contracting in Longview, Texas, share their journey from lawn care and a church maintenance crew to running a full-scale construction company. From residential remodels to commercial projects across East Texas, they talk about why quality, communication, and relationships matter more than just getting the job done — and how faith and family keep it all grounded.Check them out here: www.crossbeamcontracting.comDiscover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Hey East Texas01:31 Meet Lucas & Lainey Mock of Crossbeam Contracting02:56 From Lawn Care to Construction: The Origin Story04:20 Blue Carpet, a Flood, and a Chimney Fire07:20 Growing the Business Since 201309:20 Why Quality and Trust Matter With Your Home12:10 Dividing Responsibilities as a Husband-and-Wife Team16:10 Communication, Timelines, and the Heart of the Home22:00 Favorite Projects and Building Lifelong Relationships28:00 The Big 7: Lessons, Faith, and Skydiving37:30 Closing Prayer and Wrap-Up#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #CrossbeamContracting #LucasAndLaineyMock #HomeRemodeling #LongviewTX #HusbandAndWifeBusiness #ConstructionEastTexas #FaithAndFamily #MobberlyBaptistChurch

What happens when a family pours everything — even living in the back of an auto shop with six kids — into building a business on honesty and faith? Tony and Josh Spraggins, two of several family members behind Spraggins Auto Repair, share 25 years of family-run service in Longview and their bold step into Tyler. From sweeping floors at 14 to navigating today's high-tech diagnostics, their story is a testament to doing things the right way and treating every customer with respect and honesty.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Find out more about Spraggins Auto Repair here: https://www.spragginsautorepairtx.com/Chapters00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Shoutouts02:30 - Meet Tony & Josh Spraggins04:15 - From Sweeping Floors to Owning a Shop05:50 - Living at the Shop with Six Kids08:15 - Family at the Heart of the Business08:55 - Why Honesty Matters in Auto Repair10:15 - The Complexity of Modern Vehicles13:30 - Building Trust with Every Customer16:35 - Preventative Maintenance Tips from a Pro20:00 - Opening the Tyler Location22:55 - The Big Seven Rapid-Fire Questions36:15 - Prayer & Closing#HeyETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #SpragginsAutoRepair #LongviewTX #TylerTX #AutoRepair #FamilyBusiness #FaithAndWork #AutomotiveTechnician #CarMaintenance #EastTexasAutoRepair

Meet Jason Williams — co-owner of Fabulous Cookies in Longview, Texas — who, along with his brother John and close friend Jason Holt, took over a beloved 20-year bakery tradition from founder Jeff Steinmeyer and hasn't changed a single thing about the recipe. In this episode, Jason shares the wild story of buying the shop, the chaotic first day of extended hours that sold 200+ dozen cookies in seven hours, and some big first-time announcements about nationwide shipping, a mobile app, a building expansion, and new flavors on the way. It's a celebration of local entrepreneurship, family, faith, and the community that makes East Texas sweet.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/Find out more about Fabulous Cookies here: https://fabulouscookies.com/Chapters00:00 - Intro & Sponsors02:30 - Meet Jason Williams04:00 - The Story Behind Fabulous Cookies05:10 - Buying the Bakery: Jason's Journey07:20 - Keeping the 20-Year Tradition Alive09:00 - The Cookie Rush & 400% Growth13:00 - Shipping, Delivery & Online Ordering14:30 - The Four Fabulous Cookie Flavors18:30 - Saturday Hours & Building Expansion22:00 - Challenges, Family & What's Next30:50 - The Big Seven Questions38:30 - Prayer & Closing#HeyETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #FabulousCookies #LongviewTX #JasonWilliams #BakeryBusiness #SmallBusiness #LocalBakery #EastTexasFood #CookieShop #MobberlyBaptistChurch

Reed Livesay, President and CEO of Pine Cove, joins us to share his journey from the corporate world to camp ministry — and how Pine Cove is transforming families, students, and college staff across East Texas and beyond. From camp traditions and core values to the incredible stories of life change happening every summer, this conversation celebrates a ministry that's deeply rooted in our region and growing across the nation.Learn more about Pine Cove here: https://www.pinecove.com/Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts01:33 - Meet Reed Livesay: From Auditor to Camp CEO04:52 - Pine Cove's Core Values06:42 - Camps & Locations Across Texas and Beyond10:38 - Growth, Legacy, and Stewardship11:57 - The Pine Cove Family Culture13:36 - What Makes the Camp Experience Special15:41 - Why Family Camp Is in High Demand17:13 - The Camp Names Tradition19:19 - Hopes, Dreams & a Story About Prayer23:43 - How to Attend or Support Pine Cove25:43 - The Big Seven & Closing Prayer#HeyETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #PineCove #ReedLivesay #ChristianCamps #TylerTexas #CampMinistry #FamilyCamp #FaithAndFamily #NextGeneration

When Dr. Andy Mack was eight years old, he was cutting sutures for his father in a Longview emergency room, back before HIPAA made that impossible. Nearly four decades later, he's an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has cared for East Texas smiles his entire career, and a former Longview mayor who spent nine years in office, leading the city through COVID-19 and a historic ice storm. On this Season 5 premiere, Dr. Mack sits down with Brandon to talk about growing up on a dirt road in Longview, the family of surgeons who raised him, and the faith that carried him through the hardest season of public office.

Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #LongviewTX #DrAndyMack #OralSurgeon #FormerMayor #LongviewMayor #EastTexasLeaders #FaithAndFamily #communityleadership

For James Chesnut, a good day on the water was never really about the fish count. It's about the peace he gets to hand someone else, a grieving widower who just needed to breathe again, a dying grandfather's last trip with his son and grandson. East Texas Outdoors exists because James believes everyone needs a reset, and he's found his calling giving people exactly that.

This week on HEY ETX Spotlight, James — owner of East Texas Outdoors and a full-time air traffic controller — joins Brandon to share how a single fishing trip during COVID turned into a full guide service on two of East Texas's best crappie lakes, the team that makes it possible, and the moments on the water that remind him why he does this work.

Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to Hey ETX Spotlight

00:53 – Meet James Chesnut & East Texas Outdoors

02:11 – What East Texas Outdoors Is All About

02:41 – How It Started: A COVID Fishing Trip with Marty Thomas

04:01 – The Team Behind East Texas Outdoors

05:34 – Gear, Sponsors & Keeping the Boat Running

06:37 – Guided Trips on Lake O' the Pines & Lake Bob Sandlin07:33 – Why Hire a Fishing Guide?

08:55 – Best Crappie Lake & the Forward-Facing Sonar Debate

10:30 – The Moment Behind "Lost in the Pines"

13:27 – The Trips That Give People Peace17:25 – Air Traffic Control, Time & Growing a Business

19:44 – What's Next for East Texas Outdoors

22:14 – Find & Book with East Texas Outdoors

#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #EastTexasOutdoors #FishingGuide #LakeOThePines #CrappieFishing #HallsvilleTX #FishingTherapy

Sourdough roots. Brick oven pizza. A food trailer dream 12 years in the making. Curtis & Mande Brightwell of Crust & Crumb Bread Co. in White Oak are the real deal — and their story is equal parts inspiring and delicious. They bought this beloved local bakery and pizza spot because they believed in what was already there, and then put their own fingerprint on it with an expanded scratch-made bakery, a monthly pizza special, and a stunning new wood-fired food trailer out of Italy.Mande talks about imposter syndrome, juggling motherhood and ownership, and the small miracles that keep showing up. Curtis talks about the food trailer dream he finally got to chase. And both of them talk about why it's never really been about the pizza — it's about the people around the table.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #CrustandCrumb #SourdoughPizza #WhiteOakTX #BakeryLife #ETXEats #FoodTrailer #FaithFilledBusiness #LocalLove

What happens when faith meets football in East Texas? 🙌🏈This week on HEY ETX Spotlight, Anthony McElroy of Impact Events and Coach Chris Cochran of Lindale High School share how they're investing in the next generation — one event, one team, one student at a time.With speakers like Colt McCoy and Greg McElroy coming to Texas THIS SUMMER, these aren't just sporting events. They're life-changing nights.3 events. 750+ in attendance. 250+ lives changed. And they're just getting started.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #ImpactEvents #FaithAndFootball #LindaleEagles #ColtMcCoy #GregMcElroy #EastTexasAthletes #CoachesWhoLead #TXHSFootball

What happens when you mix hunting guides, legendary fishermen, family-friendly activities, and the gospel all under one roof in East Texas? You get God & The Great Outdoors — and it's coming to Longview for the very first time.In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Tom Williams, director of God & The Great Outdoors, to talk about East Texas' premier faith and outdoor expo happening June 19–21 at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, TX.Tom shares the heart and vision behind the event, what families can expect — from legendary bass fisherman Hank Parker and Realtree's Dr. Duck to live gator encounters, a free Zebco rod & reel for kids, and an ATV giveaway — and why this event is about so much more than the outdoors.🎟️ Just $10 for a full weekend pass | Kids 17 & under FREE📍 Maude Cobb Convention Center, Longview, TX📅 June 19–21 | Fri 3–8PM | Sat 9AM–7PM | Sun 12–5PM🌐 godandthegreatoutdoors.comDiscover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #GodAndTheGreatOutdoors #OutdoorExpo #FaithAndOutdoors #HankParker #LongviewTexas #EastTexasEvents #FamilyOutdoors

What do you do when grief feels like it's going to swallow you whole? For Karen Holland, the answer was purpose.

In this episode of HEY ETX Spotlight, Brandon sits down with Karen Holland, President of the Fat Boy Foundation — a nonprofit created in memory of her son Jonathan, a driven, trade-passionate young man from Henderson, Texas, who lost his life in a tragic car accident in November 2023.Jonathan started a lawn care business at just 16, earned nearly $20,000 in scholarships, dreamed of becoming a lineman, and left a mark on everyone he met — including the CEO of Scag, who flew to Henderson for his funeral.

Today, the Fat Boy Foundation carries Jonathan's legacy forward by awarding scholarships to young adults pursuing skilled trades like welding, HVAC, lineman training, cosmetology, and more — right here in East Texas and across the United States.

In this episode, you'll hear:

✅ How Fat Boy Lawn Care got its name

✅ The heartbreaking details of Jonathan's accident

✅ How the community rallied together in grief

✅ Year-one scholarships totaling $24,500 to 17 young adults

✅ The NHRA/Scag story that'll give you chills

✅ Karen's tattoo — and why it's unlike any other

✅ How YOU can help or apply for a scholarship

Website: fatboyfoundation.org

Email: fatboyfoundation@gmail.com

Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page

#HEYETX #HEYETXPodcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #FatBoyFoundation #SkilledTrades #TradeScholarship #JonathanHolland #HendersonTexas #GriefToTriumph #EastTexasPodcast #ETXStories #podcast

From dairy manager to catering king — Chance Alexander's story is one you need to hear. He felt God calling him toward food, said yes, and built Chance's Kitchen from scratch in Longview, TX. Now he's feeding crowds of 850, perfecting his cast-iron jambalaya, slinging Biscoff cheesecakes at Christmas, and bringing big-hearted hospitality to every table he sets.We sat down with Chance on HEY ETX Spotlight, and we're not gonna lie — we were hungry the whole time. 😄Tap the link in bio to listen and share with your foodie friends!Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #ChancesKitchen #LongviewTexas #EastTexasCatering #CateringLife #LocalFoodLove #FoodieETX #FaithDrivenBusiness

Pastors carry so much for so many — but who takes care of them? We sat down with Gregg Zackary, Oasis Pastor at Oasis in the Pines in Longview, TX, and his story will move you. After 46 years in ministry — including his own battle with burnout and depression — Gregg helped create a one-of-a-kind retreat ministry right here in East Texas, designed specifically to restore and renew Christian leaders. Personalized retreats. Piney Woods serenity. Real healing. If you know a pastor who needs this, share this episode with them. It could change everything.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #OasisInThePines #PastorCare #PastorLife #EastTexasFaith #MinistryLife #PastorBurnout #ChristianLeaders #LongviewTX

From nurses and youth ministers to farm owners welcoming all of East Texas — Brian and Brooke Hopkins are building something truly special just outside of Hallsville. Rise and Shine Hills is a healing homestead rooted in 100 years of family history, where families can wander free-range pastures, shop farm-fresh goods, attend hands-on classes, and find a rare kind of peace that doesn't cost a dime. This one will make your heart full.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

Kelly Hall has spent 21 years building something Longview can be genuinely proud of — and she's just getting started. As CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Kelly shares how the Chamber went back to its roots to truly serve East Texas businesses, why Longview's faith-driven identity sets it apart from every other city, and what it takes to lead an organization into its next generation of impact. This one is packed with wisdom, heart, and a whole lot of local pride.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #LongviewTexas #ChamberOfCommerce #BusinessLeadership #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #LongviewChamber #EastTexasBusiness #CivicLeadership

From cheerleader at Tyler Junior College to president of East Texas Baptist University — Dr. Blair Blackburn's journey back to the Piney Woods is a story of calling, faith, and deep roots in East Texas. In this episode, we sit down with ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn to explore the rich legacy of the university, its growing programs in business, nursing, and theological education, how athletics are being used as a platform for missions, and the bold vision for ETBU's future in Marshall and beyond. If you've ever wondered what makes a small Christian university one of the most impactful institutions in East Texas, this conversation will show you.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

LaJuan Gordon shares how Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity has served over 1,000 households since 1985, building affordable homes, making critical repairs, and empowering families across Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur Counties. From humble grassroots beginnings at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church to today's expanded mission, discover how Habitat partners with families, volunteers, and the community to create lasting change—one home, one relationship, and one story of hope at a time.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/

Step inside a beloved East Texas tradition that's back and better than ever. Terrence Dixon, Vice President of Corporate Administration and Community Involvement at Brookshire Grocery Company, takes us through the newly reopened Brookshire's Wildlife Museum in Tyler—a free, family-friendly destination featuring over 150 animals from around the world, plus a nostalgic replica of a 1900s country store. Learn why this museum matters to the community and what makes it a must-visit for families, school groups, and anyone who loves local history and wildlife education.Discover more local stories and stay connected: https://heyetx.vista.page/#HEYETX #Podcast #EastTexas #SupportLocal #CommunityVoices #ETXStories #BrookshiresGrocery #WildlifeMuseum #TylerTX #FamilyFriendly #FreeAttraction #EastTexasHistory #EducationalTravel #CommunityLeadership