On this historic 50th anniversary of the NASA Apollo 11 Mission- we give you more from our December, 2018 interview with Plano resident Phil Pollacia. This special Plano Podcast Extra goes in depth with Pollacia about his hand in the space program while at IBM working a NASA in Houston, and shares facts about the Apollo Mission.
Podcasts
Episode 41: Greg Matthews | Wild Awakening
The story of Greg Matthews Wild Awakening is more that meets the eye. All his life, Greg J. Matthews felt the need to prove himself as a man — until a horrifying, near-death encounter with a grizzly bear put him on the path to healing. Hear this Plano resident’s amazing story, and why he wrote the book Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart.
Greg’s story was featured on Animal Planet’s “I Was Prey” series, Season Two Episode Six.
Episode 40: Plano Politics | Who’s Pulling Your Strings?
Plano politics have grown up in a big way. Money from developers, endorsements from Governor Abbott and a Midland-based PAC working behind the scenes. Why are so many outside influences involved in Plano’s elections? Who’s pulling the strings and why? Three political consultants with experience ranging from local to statewide elections help us look for answers.
Episode 39: Rex Burkhead | Team Jack
You and the New England Patriots just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next?
If you’re Rex Burkhead, you’re going to Plano! Find out what brings Rex back home to Plano and how you can help him help kids with brain cancer, at Team Jack TRIFECTA.
Episode 38 : Life in Transition
In affluent Plano … do we really have homeless folks? We tagged along for the annual census of the homeless in Collin County to find out. Plus, we met the volunteers who serve the homeless when the weather turns cold and talked with Plano ISD’s liaison to homeless students and their families. Plus, a success story: Ron Bultongez, former resident of Plano’s shelter for homeless teens, and now a rising musical star.
Episode 37: Launch
LAUNCH! That’s our theme this episode, taking you on a journey into new horizons. Meet Plano resident Phil Pollacia who played a key role in the early days of NASA’s space program – and two women launching the Plano pickleball craze. Finally, we take you behind the scenes at North Texas Performing Arts – as one of us attempts to launch their community acting career in Scrooge- the Musical.
Episode 36: Voices | Diwali in Plano
In India, Diwali is like Christmas, Thanksgiving Halloween and New Year all rolled into one big holiday. It’s kind of a big deal in Plano, too, for our 23,000 South Asian residents. We talked to five Plano residents to learn more about the Festival of Lights.
Episode 35: Plano Voices | Dylan Rafaty
Dylan Rafaty is on a mission in Plano and across Texas to boost awareness of people with disabilities. A Plano ISD graduate, hear what he’s up to and why this millennial is so passionate about inclusivity, in this Plano Podcast Voices episode.
Episode 34: School Safety
When it comes to school safety, how secure are Plano ISD schools? We take an in-depth look at what school and police officials are doing to keep kids safe, and meet some dads who are pitching in to help. Plus, mum’s the word for our curiosity, a look at a homecoming tradition.
Episode 33: Libraries Out Loud
We’re headed to the library … and we’re not going quietly! Find out why the Plano Public Library is more than books – way more – and how the library can help you find a job, research your ancestors, meet new people, learn a language, take up a new hobby AND save you money. Plus, meet the super-sorters getting ready for the annual book sale … and get on board the library’s sweet new ride.