Eight Years Since The First Recording

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Welcome to the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson. Eight years ago today, I sat down at Sean's old office to record my very first episode of this podcast. I was extremely nervous. I changed clothes several times, which made absolutely no sense because the show was audio and no one could see me. Apparently, though, I needed exactly the right outfit to discuss Halloween. The first episode was all about Halloween ideas for families. It even included the suggestion of a Halloween-carling hayride, which proves I was willing to put every idea I had into those first 23 minutes. I had absolutely no idea whether anyone would listen. I definitely didn't stop to think about what it would look like eight years later. But 360 plus episodes, over 190,000 listeners, and a few microphone mishaps later, here we are. Today I want to look back at a few moments that have meant the most to me. We're also having a lot happening around the park cities, including a major vote at Highland Park United Methodist Church, the final days of early voting in University Park, and several reasons to open up your calendar. We'll talk Partner's Card, Chefs for Farmers, the Kyomaker Christmas Market, and one final regular season home game for the Scots. And because Halloween is Saturday, I feel like the podcast and the holiday are celebrating together. Halloween gets the candy. I get to realize that eight years have somehow passed since I started talking into a microphone.

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Welcome to the Bubble Lounge.

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The Buzz.

How The Show Grew Beyond Audio

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Eight Years in the Bubble Lounge. When the Bubble Lounge began, the idea was simple. I wanted to talk about the people, places, and stories that make Highland Park and University Park feel like a community. At the time, I didn't exactly know what the show had become. I knew there were stories here that deserve more than a quick social media post. I wanted people to hear directly from the business owners, teachers, coaches, parents, and nonprofit leaders doing the work. I also wanted the show to feel like a conversation with a friend who knows what's happening around town and will tell you what's worth your time. The podcast has changed a great deal since that first Halloween episode. In the beginning, it was audio only. Today, the Bubble Lounge includes podcast interviews, Instagram videos, sports coverage, community news, and real-time updates. I also now write a monthly column for People Newspaper, and it feels very first circle that my current column is all about Halloween in the park cities. Apparently, Halloween and I have entered a long-term content agreement. There have been funny episodes, serious conversations, and interviews I never imagined I would get to do when I started. Interviewing Coach Randy Allen has always meant a great deal to me. Coach Allen has led one of the most respected football programs in Texas, but the conversations are about much more than wins. They're about leadership, character, tradition, and what young people learn when they are expected to be part of something larger than themselves. Covering the Scots also changed the way I understood this platform. The football videos may begin with a score, but the story includes the players, the parents, the bells, the cheerleaders, bands, student section, all the people that make Friday night feel like Friday night in the park cities. One of the most meaningful interviews I have ever recorded came after the tragedy at Camp Mystic. Like so many people in our community, I felt heartbroken and helpless. I wanted to do something useful, but I didn't know what that should be. I asked Chris Garada, rector of St. Michael and All Angels to join me on the podcast because I knew he could help us all understand how a community moves through grief and how we could care for one another. That conversation really reminded me why this show matters to me. There are times when people need information and there are times when people need someone to help put words around what they're feeling. I was so grateful that the Bubble Lounge could make room for that conversation. Being named University Park Citizen of the Year in 2025 was another moment I will never forget. I have lived here for over 20 years and spent so much time volunteering, raising my children, and trying to contribute in ways that felt helpful. To be recognized by the community I'd spent years serving was very overwhelming. It also made me think about how this podcast has allowed me to serve in a way I never anticipated. Sometimes that means helping a local business reach new customers. Sometimes it means explaining a city issue in plain language. Sometimes it means introducing listeners to a nonprofit and showing them exactly where their support makes possible. The Bubble Lounge Instagram account has now grown to more than 10,000 followers. Some videos have even reached hundreds of thousands of people. I am proud of that growth, but the messages I remember are usually more personal. They're the people who tell me that an episode helped them understand an issue. The parent who sends a video to a grandparent who couldn't attend an event. The business owner who says new customers came in after a reel. The listener who says she donated, bought a ticket, or volunteered because she heard an interview. Those responses are what make the numbers mean something. Eight years is a really long time to produce a weekly podcast. It's also enough time to go through several microphones, countless edits, and more than a few moments that I was so grateful the show was not live. I will share more about these eight years have taught me and Martha's take.

Major Church Vote And What’s Next

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First, we need to get into what's happening around the bubble this week. The biggest story this week is the vote at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Members voted overwhelmingly to leave the United Methodist denomination. The church says 4,775 ballots were cast, and 90.35% supported the separation. The congregation plans to begin worshiping under the name Highland Park Methodist Church on Sunday, November 1st, with operational changes expected to be completed by December 1st. There is still a legal question surrounding the separation. The Horizon Texas conference says a congregational vote by itself does not end the church's denominational relationship, and the lawsuit over the church's governance remains unresolved. This is a very personal and emotional issue for families. I'm going to continue following the reporting rather than trying to predict what happens next. I will put a link for the full story from People Newspaper in the show notes.

Proposition A Early Voting Reminder

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In University Park, early voting on Proposition A continues through Friday, October 30th. Proposition A asks voters to approve a higher property tax to provide funding for additional public safety personnel, enhanced firefighter pension benefits, and technology for residential parking districts. If you want a deeper explanation, go back and listen to my recent episode with representatives from the city, police department, and fire department. We discussed what is included, why the city is asking for it, and what it could cost the average homeowner. For this week, the main reminder is simple. Early voting ends Friday. The closest early voting location is University Park United Methodist Church at 4024 Caruth Boulevard. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and election day is Tuesday, November 3rd, and Dallas County voters may vote at any county vote center. I will include the official election information in the show notes.

Sponsor Tip On Home Insurance

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Hey Park Cities families, we all feel that pinch of rising home insurance, don't we? But there is a solution, and it's closer than you think. Meet Kathy Lwall State Farm Agency. She's not just our trusted show sponsor, she's also the expert you need to navigate these unpredictable insurance waters. Why get lost in a maze of policies and rates? Kathy has a knack for simplifying it all. Call 214-350-2692 or stop by Kathy Lwall.com to schedule a meeting. She's ready to review your homeowner policy and pinpoint where you could be saving more money right now. Now let's move on to good people doing good things.

Partners Card And The Family Place

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Last week's episode featured Tiffany Tate, CEO of the Family Place, and Partners Card co-chair Courtney Kernan. I had several listeners reach out and tell me how much they appreciated learning more about the family place and what they actually do and understanding what their partner's card purchase supports. I absolutely loved hearing that because I wanted the episode to go beyond shopping and discounts. Partner's Card is fun and the savings can be more than cover the cost of the card, but the reason behind it really matters. The family place provides services for people affected by family violence, including emergency shelter, counseling, education, and legal support. When someone is trying to leave a dangerous situation, access to those services can change the course of a life. Partner's card continues through this Sunday, November 1st. The card costs $100 and provides 20% off at more than 750 participating retailers and 10% off of participating restaurants. If you already have your card, this is the weekend to use it. If you have been meaning to buy one, you still have time. You can find the retailer list and purchase information through the Family Place. I will put that link in the show notes. You can also go back and listen to last week's episode to hear Tiffany and Courtney explain the work, the card, and the impact in their own words.

Scots Football And Fall Sports Updates

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Now it's time for the Scots report. The football team had a bye week last week, so there's no game to recap. The Scots returned this Friday night on a four-game winning streak and remain undefeated in district play. Highland Park hosts Birdville at 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium. Birdville comes in after a 56-20 win over Creekview. So this should be a competitive last season district matchup. It's also the final regular season home game currently listed on the schedule. If you have been meaning to get to Highlander Stadium this season, this is your last regular season chance to see the Scots at home. Let's fill the stands, stay through the second half, and bring the energy these players notice from the field. And before the game, please come support Highland Park Cheer at the 37th annual hamburger supper. They'll be serving Burger House burgers and fries in the cafeteria with dine in from 5 to 6.30 and takeout from 4.30 to 6.30. There will also be t-shirts and raffle packages. Our cheerleaders bring so much energy to Friday nights, and this is a chance to show up for them. Bring the family, let someone else handle dinner, and help support the program before heading into the stadium. You can find tickets and details at hpchear.com and let's give them a great turnout. The Ladies Scots volleyball team begins the playoffs tonight. They face Frisco Liberty and the bi-district ground at 6.30 p.m. at Rock Hill High School in Frisco. The team enters the postseason after earning a share of the district championship and sweeping Plano East in its playoff warm-up match. And congratulations to sophomore Adelaide Wortman and senior captain Ryan Sontag. Adelaide finished second and Ryan finished third at the Regional 2 5A cross country meet, earning individual spots at the state championship in Round Rock on Saturday, November 7th. That's your Scotch report. Good luck to everyone competing this week and go, Scots.

Reaching Park Cities Families As A Business

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If you own a business in Dallas, you probably already know this. Park City's families can be a tough audience to read. They listen to their friends, they ask for recommendations, and when they find something they love, word travels fast. That's the exact kind of community that Bubble Lounge has been a part of for the past eight years. These are customers you want to reach. I want to talk to you. Visit BubbleLounge.net and click work with us. Three things to put on your calendar this week.

Best Upcoming Events And Giveaways

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There's several things coming up that I know you guys are going to love. And I'm starting with one of my most favorite Dallas events of the year, Chefs for Farmers. It begins Wednesday, November 4th with the first friends of James Beard Dinner held in Dallas. The festival continues through Sunday with the main events at Old City Park on Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th. I have attended this festival for the past several years. It's one of the best ways to experience Dallas food all in one place. You can try dishes from a wide range of chefs, meet the people behind the restaurants, and discover places you may never have thought to book on your own. The festival brings chefs and farmers together, which is one reason the food feels different from a typical tasting event. The chefs are working with the farms and producers behind the ingredients, and you get to see those partnerships up close. The weekend begins with special dinners and events, followed by the big main events at Old City Park. The main events run from 2 to 6 p.m. for VIP guests and 3 to 6 for general admission. VIP tickets sold out months ago, but general admission tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday. At the time of the recording, single-day general admission is $145 and a week in pass is $249. $10 from each general admission ticket supports the Seed Project Foundation and its work involving agriculture, education, and locally grown food. Check the official ticket page before purchasing because prices and availability can change. I'm proud to be working with Chefs for Farmers again this year, and I have two Sunday VIP tickets to give away. These are tickets you cannot currently purchase because VIP has been sold out for weeks. Go to the Bubble Lounge Podcast Instagram page and look for the Chefs for Farmers giveaway post. The post has everything you need to enter. Please read all the directions before entering. I say that with love and with experience as someone who has watched people tag themselves three times and then wonder why their entry didn't count. I'll be covering the festival again and sharing plenty of videos, so follow along even if you can't attend. If you are going, let me know which day and send me the chefs and restaurants you're most excited to try. Moving on to Kayomega Christmas Market. This is another one of my most favorite events of the year. It returns November 19th through the 22nd at a new location this year. It's going to be on the 11th floor of the World Trade Center at Dallas Market Center. This is the market's 49th year. It brings together merchants while raising money for local nonprofit beneficiaries. So it's another example of shopping tied to a larger purpose. Soon I will be giving away two sets of first call early access tickets to two lucky winners. First call is the early shopping session, which means you get inside before the big crowds start coming in. You get to shop before everyone else gets in there. So watch the Bubble Lounge Podcast Instagram account for that giveaway. I will share the entry information as soon as it goes live. Here's another holiday event you're going to want to know about. It's holiday at the Arboretum. It opens November 11th and this year has a meaningful twist. It will be the final season for the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos. These gazebos have been part of the holiday experience for the past 12 years. The Christmas village and the beautifully decorated historic home will also return, with daytime and evening emission available throughout the season. So if the 12 days display has been part of your family's holiday tradition, make plans to see it one more time. I know November is already trying to fill every square on your calendar, but this one will not be back next year. Also, save the date. The University Park annual tree lighting is back Sunday, November 29th from 3 to 7 p.m. And it's going back to Centennial Park this year. There's a lot of new food options and other activities planned, and I'm excited to share that I'm going to be serving as the MC. So please come by and say hello. Also, save Friday, December 4th for the Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association Homes for the Holiday Home Tour. The Bubble Lounge is proud to be a media sponsor and I'm excited to help share this wonderful community tradition. The tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the market home staying open until 3. This year's tour includes five homes in Highland Park and University Park, and proceeds help support kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Armstrong and Bradfield Elementary Schools. Tickets are available now, and I'll put the direct purchase link in the show notes, and I'll share much more as the date gets closer, including a look at some of the homes and the people who put this event together.

Martha’s Take On Consistency And Thanks

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Now on to Martha's Take. For this week's Martha's Take, I keep coming back to how nervous I was before recording that first episode. I changed clothes more than once. I worried about what I was going to say and what I was going to sound like. I wondered whether anyone outside my immediate family would ever listen. But I definitely didn't have an eight-year plan at that time. I had an idea, a microphone, and Sean's old office. If I had waited until I knew exactly what the show would become, I probably never would have recorded that first episode. The only reason there are now more than 360 episodes is that I made one. Then I came back and I made another. Some weeks putting the show together has taken more time and energy than I knew I had. Then someone stops me at the grocery store to tell me about an episode that helped them, and I remember why I keep doing this. I have learned that consistency can look unimpressive while you're doing it. Most weeks it's sitting down, doing the research, recording the episode, and hoping it connects. Then one day you look up and eight years have passed. Over these eight years, I have come to appreciate the value of hyperlocal media. That is a very official sounding term for something pretty personal, knowing the people you are talking to and caring about what happens in their community. I live here. I'm raising my family here. When I interview a business owner, ask about a school issue, or cover an event, there's a good chance I will run into people involved at the grocery store the next day. I take that responsibility very seriously. For a local business, that connection matters. If you own a shop in Snyder Plaza or a restaurant down the street, you want to reach the people who can walk through your door, become regular customers, and tell their friends. A big audience is exciting, but reaching your neighbors can be incredibly valuable. An interview gives a business owner time to tell the story behind the business. A video can help someone feel comfortable trying a place for the first time. And hearing about it through a local voice you have followed for years gives it context you may not get from an ad that pops up in your feed. That's the kind of work I want to keep building through the Bubble Lounge. I want listeners to feel informed and connected, and I want businesses investing in this community to have a meaningful way to reach the people who live here. When you listen, share an episode, or support a business you discovered here, you help that happen. And when a business chooses to advertise with local media, it helps pay for the time and work that keep that coverage coming week after week. I would not have reached Eight Years without Sean. He has been behind the bubble lounge since the beginning. He has edited the show, solved more technical problems than either one of us would like to remember, and continued to believe in it during the weeks when I questioned whether I could keep everything going. I also want to thank my friends and my sweet mom in Fort Worth who have encouraged me, connected me with guests, shared an episode, or answered a text when I needed an honest opinion. Some of you have been cheering me on since the very first Halloween episode, and I hope you know how much that meant to me. Thank you to every guest who trusted me with a story. Thank you to the listeners who press play, send an episode to a friend, or stop me around town to tell me you were listening. And thank you to all the sponsors who have invested in the Bubble Lounge. Your support pays for the work required to research, record, edit, and distribute a weekly show. You have helped sustain a local platform that I care very much about. Eight years ago, I had no idea whether anyone would listen. Today I know that you do, and I never take that for granted.

Final Deadlines And Closing Reminders

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Before you go, remember that early voting ends Friday. The hamburger supper is before Friday night's game. Partner's card ends Sunday, and the Chefs for Farmers VIP giveaway is on Instagram at the Bubble Lounge Podcast. So be sure and enter. All the links and event information are in the show notes. Please follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and make sure you are following Bubble Lounge Podcast on Instagram for updates throughout the week. Thanks for listening. I'm Martha Jackson, and I'll see you next time in the Bubble Lounge.