Category: Season 1

Episode 9: Top Achievers | Lawrence Mann

Listen

“If you play any game in life, if you don’t know the rules, you lose.” ~ Lawrence Mann, Founder of Top Achievers

Plano’s own Lawrence Mann shares his remarkable story that led to a lifetime dedicated to giving youth the skills for success- well beyond the basketball court. Through his Top Achievers Program and Foundation, work as a Plano ISD At-Risk Specialist, and his Man-Up/Young Women Incorporated programs his impact is far-reaching and deeply felt by his students. Meet Coach Mann, two of his three sons, and hear the tale of an extraordinary leader, character and mentor who has never taken his eye off the ball.

Episode Resources

Episode 7: Mayor Harry LaRosiliere | City or Suburb

listen

Is Plano a suburb of Dallas, or a city in its own right? Dallas Morning News columnist Jacquielynn Floyd says that Plano remains Dallas’ little brother, but Mayor Harry LaRosiliere counters with his own vision of “Plano 3.0.” We look at the word “suburb,” and all of its baggage, and how the question gets at the heart of how Plano defines itself going forward.

Episode Resources

Episode 5: Diane Reeve | Standing Strong

listen

Diana Reeve, as the owner of a Plano karate studio, likes to say that she teaches courage for a living. She called on every ounce of her own courage when she learned that her longtime boyfriend had knowingly given her HIV — along with dozens of other women. Reeve shares her incredible tale of banding together with other women, taking the boyfriend to court, and winning.

Episode Resources

Episode 4: Macy Hedrick | Plano Grown

listen

How do you know you’re from Plano? Oklahoma State University student Macy Hedrick proposed “20 Signs You Grew Up in Plano” in an essay that’s gone viral. The Plano native shares those signs, along with her observations on growing up in Plano, the transition from Plano ISD to higher education, and why she misses the Purple Cow.

Episode Resources

Episode 3: Skypony | Arts in Plano

listen

The unlikeliest places can become spaces for artists to flourish. Just ask Douglas and Kiki Winters, owners of Skypony Studios. They’re directors of an artists’ village in Valley View Center, an aging mall that was virtually abandoned, until the Winters helped bring in artists’ galleries and studios. They share their vision for bringing art to Plano and parts north of 635.

Episode Resources

Episode 2: David Downs | Arts in Plano

listen

Nobody’s better equipped to talk about the future of the arts in Plano than David Downs. He’s a member of Plano City Council, and an accomplished photographer. David talks about the vision for the downtown arts district in Plano and how fostering a “creative class” within the community makes Plano a more attractive destination for employers.

Episode Resources

Episode 1: Ten20 Gallery | Arts in Plano

Listen

Some guys get together to go hunting, or fishing, or to play poker, but these three guys got together to open an art gallery — or, “art cave” as they like to call it. Meet the instigators behind the newly-opened Ten20 Gallery in downtown Plano: Jorg Fercher, Jeff Bergus, and Ken Wesley. All three own thriving businesses in downtown Plano and enjoying creating art. Find out how their gallery has become a hub that’s bringing art and artists from all over North Texas into the downtown neighborhood in this edition of Plano Podcast.

Episode Resources