This is Ben Jack Larado’s Gourmet Foods

On this episode I chatted with Michael & Pam about their family business right here in Norman Oklahoma. Ben Jack Larado’s Gourmet Foods features our legendary Bloody Mary Mix, a perfectly balanced mixer that creates a zesty brunch cocktail. We are proud to ship our Ben Jack Larado’s Bloody Mary Mix across the United States. Each bottle is hand packed with a pickled asparagus spear (our swizzle stick!) continuing decades of family tradition dedicated to quality and consistency.

For more information on where you can purchase their products go to www.benjacklarado.com 

This episode is presented by the Made In Oklahoma Coalition. The Made In Oklahoma Coalition is your source for information on local food and beverage products. To learn more about Oklahoma made products and how to support MIO Coalition companies visit www.miocoalition.com 

This is Jonathan Batista - Principal Dancer OKC Ballet

On this episode I chatted with Principal Dancer of the OKC Ballet, Jonathan Batista. Jonathan started his training at a social project in the City of God Slums. His talent was then spotted by his teacher which took him to a pre-professional dance division at Alice Arja Ballet School where he started his journey in Classical Ballet. 

Batista was first seen by Edward Villella (Former Founder & Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet) and then by Jane Hackett (Former School Director at English National Ballet School) which offered him a full scholarship to English National Ballet School in London, UK. Batista also attended The Royal Ballet School.

Upon his Graduation in 2011 Batista went on to perform with major ballet companies such as English National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. 

Batista has worked and performed Soloist & Principal Roles in many of the most renowned choreographers such as Helen Pickett, Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, Jiri Kylian, Ma Cong, Jennifer Archibald, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Marcelo Gomez, John Neuemeier, Christopher Wheeldom, Liam Scarlett, Jorma Ello, William Forsythe and more.

Batista's rep includes Principal and Solo Roles by choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, August Bournonville, Marius Petipa, Rudolph Nureyev, Maurice Bejart, Harald Lander, Robert Joffrey and more.

Batista has also performed as a Guest in Galas and events in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Switzerland & The United States.

Currently as a Principal Dancer with The Oklahoma City Ballet, Batista also serves as a private ballet master & coach, choreograph and teach groups via ZOOM for studios and students worldwide, and during his spare time he also serve as a Mentor and is wholeheartedly involved in charitable & humanitarian causes. 

Follow Jonathan on instagram here www.instagram.com/jonathanbatistaofficial

online at www.jonathanbatistaofficial.com

This episode is presented  by the oklahoma hall of fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them online at www.oklahomahof.com and on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

This is Roark Acres Honey Farms

On this episode I chatted with Michael and Amy from Roark Acres.

Roark Acres is a family owned honey farm located in and around Tulsa Oklahoma. They produce Oklahoma honey annually and in the future hope to provide single source honeys from around the world.

They're often asked, "So, how did you get into the honey business?" The short answer to that question is itself a question. "Where's the bees?" The longer version involves gardens, yard clover and bare feet. Feel free to ask when you see them at a local farmers markets or trade shows and they'll be happy to tell you. 

"We are passionate about bees, honey, and all matter of goodies we collect from the hive. From candles to creamed honey we do our very best to utilize every ounce of our bees creations."

For more information go to www.roarkacres.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/RoarkAcres 

This episode is presented by the Made in Oklahoma Coalition. The Made in Oklahoma Coalition is your source for information on local food and beverage products. To learn more about Oklahoma made products and how to support MIO Coalition companies visit miocoalition.com

This is LeadHerBoard - Shannon Rich

On this episode I chatted with Shannon Rich founder of LeadHERBoard. Shannon has spent her career leading organizations through transformational projects by challenging traditional methods. As president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, she directed the single largest endeavor in the organization’s 90-year history-the opening of the Gaylord–Pickens Museum, unveiling a complete renovation of one of Oklahoma’s oldest treasures, the former Mid-Continent Life Insurance Building. She has been recognized as one of Oklahoma’s “Most Admired CEOs,” is a three-time honoree and inductee of the Circle of Excellence for the Journal Record’s “50 Making a Difference” and a member of “Achievers Under 40.” She served as a delegate for the White House Conference on Women and also as a host committee member for Governor Frank Keating’s Conference for Women.

The vision of LeadHERboard is to elevate, engage, and empower professional women by ensuring they have a seat at the table.

With no tools in place to find qualified women service providers or when filling vacant corporate positions, the concept of LeadHERboard was born.

For more information go to www.theleadherboard.com www.facebook.com/leadHERboard and www.instagram.com/leadherboard

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Vernon Deas - GRP FLY

On this episode I chatted with Vernon Deas founder of GRPFLY. Vernon has been there, done that and literally bought and sold the t-shirt. Sorry I couldn't help myself. 

About: The dream that started in a small bedroom in 2008 has evolved into a global brand that LEADS, INSPIRES and brings HOPE to people across the world. GRP FLY was birthed from a vision to transform youth culture and pioneer progression towards a higher purpose. The brand has undergone metamorphosis into one of the industry’s premier giveback organizations dedicated to driving change, igniting vision, and empowering families in disenfranchised communities.

The term Group Fly simply means, “a group of people reaching a higher destination”. Our brand wants to do 3 things: CREATE amazing product, LEAD, and INSPIRE others. We attached the infamous tagline FLY OR DIE to our brand because we believe in life you’re either progressing towards achieving your goals and dreams or…you are just taking up space and dying….FLY OR DIE.

www.grpfly.com www.instagram.com/grpfly 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram @oklahomahof. #thisisoklahoma

This is Paul Geisinger - Flying G Jerky

On this episode I chatted with Paul Geisinger of Flying G Jerky. Paul grew up in NW Oklahoma on a ranch, his love for cooking starter there with him mom. Paul joined the National Guard to put himself through university at Northwestern Oklahoma State. A year later the Twin Towers were struck and Paul's duty in the Guard took a turn. He was sent on a combat tour to the Middle East. Returning Paul worked for Chesapeake and after gaining too my weight driving around in a truck all day started looking at diets. Keto lets you snack on Jerky, but try and find a sugar free Jerky that tastes good. You cant, until now. Paul started making his own Jerky and it took off. Today he tells the full story. Thank you Paul for your service and continued to make awesome Jerky. To buy Flying G go to www.flyinggjerky.com 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Cedar & Stone Bed & Breakfast

On this episode I chatted with Luther & Vicki Harbert of Cedar and Stone bed and breakfast. Cedar & Stone Bed and Breakfast is located near Blue River Public Fishing & Hunting Area in Tishomingo, OK. It is a rustic-chic cabin nestled among blackjack oaks & granite outcroppings by the rock pond in a corner of Harbert Ranch. The cabin is an intimate place for couples only to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Built from cedar which was cut from Harbert Ranch, the cabin is accented with native stones harvested from the ranch. Relax in a spa shower just off the cozy bedroom which features a custom queen-sized luxury bed, with a view of the bull pasture and pond. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise from the back porch while listening to the roar of Blue River! Relax in rocking chairs on the huge front porch and witness a breathtaking sunset, star gaze, listen to coyotes howl, watch cows and calves and deer, turkey or an occasional wild hog. Come to the main house to enjoy a complete farm-to-table experience. Savor wholesome, organic, ranch-raised beef, Blue & Gold sausage and bacon, specialty desserts, fresh eggs, homemade buttermilk biscuits and other locally-sourced food items in the dining/bar area. Fish for trout or catfish in Blue River, rock climb, hike, pond fish & experience a guided tour of the ranch.

www.cedarandstonebb.com and @cedarandstonebb on instagram. Call 580 371 5332 to book. 

This podcast is presented by Oklahoma Agritourism. Hundreds of farms and ranches across the state invite you to explore and experience the intersection of agriculture and tourism — Oklahoma’s Growing Adventure. Pet a pig, help with harvest, lie around at the lodge, wind down with wine and more! However you want to experience agriculture, let Oklahoma Agritourism be your guide. Start your adventure at OklahomaAgritourism.com.

This is Bailey Wilson - Bondi Bowls

On this episode I chatted with Bailey Wilson founder of Bondi Bowls. Bailey grew up in Arcadia, moved to California for college and then while at college took a semester abroad to Australia. Falling in love with this amazing country she returned to school to finish up her degree. At that time she decided to pursue a carrier in LA, applied for many jobs but none were successful. So she returned to Arcadia with hope that an opportunity would present itself. It did, Bailey took the opportunity to go back to Australia to work for a company that helped students study abroad, the same company that helped her and her classmates when she first traveled. 

Armed with a visa and her suit cases the adventure began. Traveling up and down the coast of Australia, living the lifestyle, working along the way and really enjoying life. This is where Bailey knew she was meant to be. Until a phone call from Dad and the global pandemic hits in March. Bailey returned to Oklahoma. Confused, a little upset and not sure what the future holds. A few months later her and her Mom launch the Bondi Bowls food truck and since that moment it's been a raging success. A second truck on the way in 2021 and a first franchised truck in Fort Worth. Bondi Bowls is staking its claim on the world.

For more information go to www.bondibowlsusa.com and follow them on instagram. www.instagram.com/bondibowls

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall Of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma

This is Action City OKC - Emmi Kobs & Katherine Buxton

On this episode I chatted with hosts of OKC's latests podcast. Emmi Kobs & Katherine Buxton have launched the Action City Podcast. A look through the lens of loving local and seeing global, searching for stories in OKC that need to be told. New episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify Podcast.  

Both OKC natives, Emmi purchased the Scout Guide franchise for OKC and for years has been shedding light on the amazing local businesses in OKC. Katherine is the owner of Gretta Sloane, a women's clothing and accessories boutique. Both have an immense love for OKC and the amazing people, businesses and impact its had on the world. 

Later in the year they will each be on the podcast to share more on their personal stories but for now here's where you can learn more about Action City OKC. www.actioncityokc.com & www.instagram.com/actioncityokc 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Community Action Agency OKC with Jessie Thompson

On this episode I chatted with Executive Director of the Community Action Agency, Jessie Thompson. Jessie may be a Mississippi State Bulldog grad, but she is all Oklahoman now. Beginning her executive director tenure in January 2020, running a nonprofit in a pandemic is all she’s ever known. Even more so, her organization has received federal funding to offer people who have been affected by COVID-19 help to pay for bills, rent/mortgage payments, legal advice and more. Those are funds that has been scarce this year, and many people are unaware of what’s available to them.

Community Action Agency serves residents in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma and Canadian counties. They strive to create self-sufficiency among disadvantaged citizens. They have many other programs beyond COVID-19 relief assistance that includes housing services, financial programs and early childhood education programs.

For more information go to www.caaofokc.org

#thisisoklahoma