Mike Landess Connects
In each episode of Mike Landess Connects - a podcast produced by the College of Arts & Sciences at UT Tyler - veteran news anchor and East Texas native Mike Landess interviewed a community leader or other influential individual from East Texas, often including faculty, staff and students of The University of Texas at Tyler.
Episodes
189 episodes
Tony Phan: A Decade of Determination on the Road to UT Tyler's School of Medicine
Have you ever clung to a dream through the thickest and thinnest of times? Meet Tony Phan, whose dogged persistence carried him from serving in the U.S. Air Force as a medic to entering the historic first class at the UT Tyler School of Medicin...
Sarah Roberts: Hitting the High Notes at UT Tyler's Summer Music Camps
Discover the symphony of talent and education at UT Tyler's Summer Music Camps, where young musicians refine their skills and forge friendships that resonate beyond the last note. Dr. Sarah Roberts discusses the Brass Camp, led by Dr. Jere...
John Soules: An East Texas Family Food Empire Contributing to Health and Wellness
If you've eaten fajitas in East Texas, you've likely enjoyed the offerings of John Soules Foods, Inc. Uncover the evolution of this family-owned Texan gem with John Soules, Sr., the visionary behind the company. Follow the journey fro...
Jessica Coleman: Bird Migration and the Quest for Conservation in the Night Sky
Discover how the twinkling lights of a city can bewilder the feathered navigators of the night sky as Distinguished Teaching Professor and avid birder Jessica Coleman joins us for an enlightening conversation. We venture into the impact of Dall...
Brigham Willis: UT Tyler Medical School Year One and Construction Update
Discover a revolution in medical education as Dr. Brigham Willis of the UT Tyler School of Medicine shares the milestones achieved by this new medical hub, from the inaugural class's successful first year to the fully-funded tuition for th...
Amanda Hortman: Revolutionizing Education with Tyler ISD's Early College High School
Unlock the secrets behind the innovative academic model of Tyler ISD’s Early College High School with me, Mike Landis, as we sit down with Principal Amanda Hortman and examine how this school is transforming the educational landscape in East Te...
Cheryl McCullumsmith and Lynn Rutland: Mental Health Challenges in East Texas
When the weight of the world seems to rest on our shoulders, it's the voices of experience and compassion that can guide us towards the light. In a heartfelt journey through the challenges of mental health in East Texas, we sit down with D...
Scott Martinez: Revitalizing Tyler's Urban Spaces Following Chattanooga's Example
Unlock the blueprint of successful urban transformation with a tale of two cities: Chattanooga's remarkable metamorphosis sets the stage for Tyler, Texas, where economic vigor is on the rise. We're not just talking about any old growt...
Neal Franklin: Innovation, Expansion, and Unity in Smith County
Witness the dawning of a new era in East Texas with Neil Franklin and the Smith County judge at the helm of a pivotal conversation on our latest episode. Prepare to be enlightened as we uncover the ambitious strides Smith County is making towar...
Don Warren: How Innovation and Infrastructure Are Steering Tyler's Growth
Mayor Don Warren walks through the dynamic changes shaping the City of Tyler, from Eclipse Mania, to the nostalgic reopening of the Mayfair building, and the serendipitous story of a namesake Canadian visitor, capturing the essence of Tyler&apo...
Nathan Witt and Danny Mogle: Talon Student Media Wins Big
Imagine walking away from an educational convention not just with new knowledge, but also winning a staggering 34 awards. That's the reality for UT Tyler's Talon Student Media staff. The editor-in-chief of Talon Student Media (and ne...
Gail Johnson: Career Success with the START Method and Professional Branding
Unlock the secrets to making a lasting impression in your next job interview with the wisdom of Gail Johnson, a branding virtuoso and lecturer with a knack for empowering job seekers. Throughout our engaging discussion, Gail illuminates the STA...
Dr. Barbara Haas: Addressing the Nationwide Nursing Shortage Through Innovation at UT Tyler
What's being done locally to address the national nursing shortage? Dr. Barbara Haas, Dean of the School of Nursing at UT Tyler, explains the root causes and the innovative measures being adopted to tackle this crisis. Understand the effec...
Kyle Penney: Celebrating Generosity's Impact on East Texas Through Giving Day
Unlock the transformative power of philanthropy with Kyle Penney, president of the East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) as he explores the impact of East Texas Giving Day on local communities. Discover how this extraordinary event is not ju...
Richard Kenney: Social Work Program Accreditation and Community Impact at UT Tyler
Imagine embarking on a journey of hope and hard work, one that leads to the proud moment of celebrating 18 graduates earning their bachelor's degrees in social work. Richard Kenney and Ericka Freeman are the driving forces behind earning a...
Dr. Erik Gustafson: How Will Artificial Intelligence Shape Our Future Reality
What are the unforeseen consequences of the integration of Artificial Intelligence into our world? Dr. Eric Gustafson explains AI's influence on everything from industry to intimate aspects of our daily routines. This is a deep dive into h...
Dr. Sarah Roberts: Exploring the Rich Legacy of Jazz and Music Education at UT Tyler
Discover the heartbeat of America with Dr. Sarah Roberts, interim director for the School of Performing Arts at UT Tyler, as she unravels the profound legacy of jazz during Jazz Appreciation Month. Gain insights into how this American art form,...
Cody Jones: Navigating the Real Estate Landscape After a Historic Legal Settlement
Discover the ins and outs of the recent seismic shift in real estate with Cody Jones from the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors, as he unpacks the implications of the National Association of Realtors'...
Dr. Neil Gray: Fostering a 'Whole Brain' Approach to Education at UT Tyler
Embark on a journey through the corridors of the mind with Dr. Neil Gray, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UT Tyler, as he explains how a 'whole brain' education philosophy intertwines logic, creativity, and innovation. Dr....
Richard Lee: The East Texas Symphony Orchestra on Eclipses and Friday Night Lights
As the cosmos aligns for a total eclipse in East Texas, we're joined by Richard Lee, the musical director of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, for a conversation that promises to be as mesmerizing as the stars themselves. Lee discusses ET...
Dr. Thomas Guderjan: The History of Solar Eclipses in Ancient Civilizations
Embark on a celestial journey with Dr. Thomas Guderjan from UT Tyler, as he unravels the ancient mysteries of solar eclipses and their profound impact on civilizations like the Navajo and Maya. Imagine a time when the sky darkened during the da...
Amanda Herterich: Unveiling the Architectural Legacy and Future of Historic Tyler
Embark on a historical voyage through the charming streets of Tyler with Amanda Herterich, the mind behind Historic Tyler, as your guide. Uncover a legacy of architectural splendor, with an exclusive peek into five homes that stand as testament...
Dr. Beau Hartweg: Experiencing Tyler's First Total Solar Eclipse in Over a Century
Prepare to unravel the cosmic spectacle of Tyler, Texas's first total solar eclipse since 1878—an event so rare it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the expert insights of Dr. Beau Hartweg, director of the Earth and Space Scien...
Kaitlyn Shultz: Affordable Housing Innovation by Smith County Habitat for Humanity
Discover how Smith County Habitat for Humanity is creatively tackling economic challenges head-on, as Kaitlyn Shultz discusses their triumphs through inflation. Learn about the ReStore's success and the innovative H2 program, where market-...
Dr. Colleen Swain: Opening Educational Pathways from Community Colleges to UT Tyler
Unlock the secrets behind successful academic pathways as we sit down with Dr. Colleen Swain, a beacon of knowledge in the realm of education. Discover the powerful strategies that Texas, a state leading the charge, employs to boost the transfe...