This is Oklahoma

This is Greg Horton - Flavors of OKC

On this episode I chatted with Senior writer at 405 Magazine, Greg Horton. Most people know Greg for his food writing, thats only a snippet of what he writes about and today we get into it all. His extremely interesting past, military, small towns, food, religion you name it. Gregs Story touches it all. We talk about UK food and the diversity in OKC'ss food scene. I hope this episode encourages you to branch out and try some more flavors because OKC pretty much covers every single one of them! 

Follow Greg here www.instagram.com/expastor

405 Top 100 List things to eat in OKC:

https://www.405magazine.com/100-things-to-eat-in-okc/

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Scott Bartlow - Bartlow’s BBQ ( Creating vs Consuming )

On this episode I chatted with OKC local Pastor Scott Bartlow about his passion and now social media brand Bartlow's BBQ. Scotts social media brand teaches the basics of BBQ across Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok. Taking the viewer on his journey from beginner to now, he's not a professional but a guy with a passion. He uses his platform to share his passion of bringing people together as a Paster now through the shared love of BBQ. His bbq motto is Less hate, More Love, Good BBQ!

Videos: Every Sunday SUBSCRIBE to his channel: https://tinyurl.com/y2vv8bl 📧 bartlowsbbq@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartlowsbbq/

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/bartlowsbb

Tiktok : https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdM2vqQ1/

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

#thisisoklahomaa 

This is Sharina Perry - Utopia Plastix

On this episode I chatted with Sharina Perry about her company Utopia Plastix. There are few times in live where you meet someone that really is changing the whole world. Sharina is on the verge of that change. Sharina grew up in the south and saw firsthand what it meant to be an “African American Woman” before she knew what it meant to be a “Business Woman”. Now as the founder of Utopia Plastix, she is on a mission to make sure “minority business” is something to be infinitely proud of. She continues to be driven by personal accounts of minority farmers and business owners who have been impacted by land misuse and economic hardship. Sharina has a goal to help multi-generational minority and disadvantaged families and their communities.

As a teenager, Sharina was inspired to imagine something better. A perfect world where people worked together, supported, and relied on each other. When faced with challenges, she said to herself and anyone else who would listen, “If only we could live in Utopia.”

Sharina and her skilled team of experts were intentional and relentless in creating “Utopia Plastix.” The most durable, natural and affordable plastic alternative currently in the market.

The crops used to make Utopia Plastix are USDA approved, absorb carbon at 4-5 times the rate of trees, and actually replenish the earth with valuable nutrients. This breakthrough alternative is what the global market is looking for to leverage the practical benefits of plastic in responsible ways.

Utopia Plastix enhances our customers’ brands because it offers the most durable and affordable plant-based plastic available, supports farmers by providing them a new bumper crop, supports companies’ minority inclusion initiatives, and supports the public’s desire to simply do the right thing. Utopia Plastix invites you to join its mission of moving the world closer to Utopia.

https://utopiaplastix.com/our-story/

www.instagram.com/sharinaperry_utopia

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

#thisisoklahoma 

This is USA BMX & BMX Hall of Fame

On this episode I chatted with the team at USA BMX in Tulsa Oklahoma about their incredible new facility and HOF museum. We talk about the history of the sport, only recently celebrating 50 years of BMX. Relatively speaking a young sport but with such an impact. Now an Olympic sport and this facility serves as an Olympic training ground for the countries best athletes. As well as a great resource for youth to adult ages. Stem programs through the USA BMX foundation, state of the art gyms, classrooms and with one of the best tracks in the world with the ability to host the biggest events in the world. This facility truly is one of the best in the world for BMX and its right here in the middle of Tulsa Oklahoma. Even if you are not a BMX rider you should visit, come see their museum and Hall of Fame. You WILL see bikes that take you back to your childhood I promise you! 

For more information go to www.usabmx.com and follow them on social media www.facebook.com/usabmx and www.instagram.com/usabmx 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma stories through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahomaa 

This is Nikki Callison - Callison Ranch

On this episode I chatted with Nikki Callison about her and her husband's ranch in southern Oklahoma. Nikki grew up on a 2000 acres ranch the only girl of 4 children. Her maiden name is McCoy and if you are familiar with the McCoy name you will know she comes from a very successful family of ranchers and riders. Her parents motto was "Raisin' Kids, Cattle and Quality Horses." Nikki's husband Roger also grew up herding cattle in Oklahoma so when they started dating they dreamed of having a family and ranch of their own. Over the last 20 years they have built a life together along with expanding their herd of 20 heifers to 350+ cows.

Today Nikki tells their story using social media to help spread the word and benefits of eating beef raised on the ranch. "Our cattle our grass-fed, grain-finished and ranch-raised from start to finish. There are no shortcuts. We diligently care for our cattle and the land they enjoy. We are organically minded and GMO free whenever possible. Our cattle graze wide-open fields and drink fresh water their entire lives. From our pasture to your plate, you can confidently know where your food comes from and how it was cared for." 

 www.callisonranchbeef.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6xENYRpHcuAHVQHlnCurQ

www.instagram.com/callison_ranch_beef

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

 

This is Reagan Kingsley - Inside The PGA Championship at Southern Hills

On this episode I chatted with Head of Marketing at Southern Hills Country Club, Reagan Kingsley about his PGA Championship experience. From the moment they got the news to the week of the tournament with FULL ACCESS to the facility. Reagan tells us the great stories and interactions with fans, players, caddies and members as he covered the tournament media on behalf of the members at Southern Hills. 

Reagan is born and raise in Tulsa Oklahoma, with a passion for photography he worked in the automotive industry before taking his skills to the country club. Follow Reagan on instagram to see some of his best work from the PGA Championship week here www.instagram.com/reagankingsley 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Brian Gorrell - UCO Jazz Lab

On this episode we talk Oklahoma music with UCO's Director of Jazz studies Brian Gorrell. 

Brian W. Gorrell serves as Director of Jazz Studies for the nationally respected program at the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab in Edmond, Oklahoma. A former member of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra among many other professional accolades, Gorrell also serves as Advisor for UCO’s Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, teaches Applied Saxophone, and directs the award winning "UCO Jazz Ensemble I". Under his direction, UCO’s top jazz group has been recognized for outstanding large ensemble performances in Downbeat Magazine's 35^thAnnual Student Music Awards in 2012 and again in the 39^thAnnual Awards in 2016. The group also performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in December 2013 and notably at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conferences in 2012, 2013, 2017 and the upcoming conference in Reno, NV in January 2019. Most recently “UCO Jazz Ensemble 1” tied first place in the collegiate jazz ensemble division at the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in March 2018 and will be featured on the main stage of the Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2018! Gorrell has also presented lectures on jazz and saxophone pedagogy at Oklahoma Music Educators Conferences, Regional North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Conferences and at the NASA Biennial National Conference in 2016. He also currently serves as Music Director for the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra. Professor Gorrell completed a bachelor's degree in Music Education from UCO in 1995 and earned a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance at Oklahoma City University studying with acclaimed classical saxophonist Gail Hall in 1998. 

Equally proficient on saxophones and keyboards, Gorrell has produced many album projects including "In Some Other World" (1995), "Soulmates" (1999), "In The Swing of Christmas" (2002), "Live at the UCO Jazz Lab" (2008), and as director, “Swingin’ in 2012” and “Still Swingin’ in 2015” with UCO’s Jazz Ensemble I. A new album is also coming along in summer of 2018! In addition to the Welk Orchestra, he has performed with such diverse notables as Doc Severinsen, The Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Louie Bellson, Phil Woods, Kris Berg and the Metroplexity Big Band, the OKC Jazz Orchestra, the Edmond Jazz Orchestra, Jay Migliori, Jay Daversa, John Daversa, Clark Terry, The Lennon Sisters, Ralna English, Patti Page, Slide Hampton, Kay Starr, Steve Allen, Jim Nabors, Ty England, Diane Schuur, Christopher Cross, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Drifters, Gil Goldstein, Randy Brecker, Dave Douglas, John Fedchock, and many others. 

Gorrell has always been passionate about music education and has been aggressive in developing new programs at UCO including a Minor in Jazz Studies and Oklahoma's only Master of Music in Jazz Studies, with majors in Performance and Music Production. He founded the Oklahoma Youth Jazz Ensemble in 2012, which offers advanced jazz education to top high school students in Central Oklahoma, and in addition completed work on a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance degree at UCO that began in Fall 2016. The Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association has twice named him “Collegiate Jazz Educator of the Year”, and his band “Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company” have been performing regularly since 1995 throughout the Midwest.

http://www.briangorrell.com

https://www3.uco.edu/centraldirectory/profiles/3086

https://www.ucojazzlab.com

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof #thisisoklahoma 

This is Michael Salazar - Salazar Roofing

On this episode I chatted with Michael Salazar about their family roofing business, his journey with faith, his love of flying and general outlook on life. 

Salazar roofing is a household name in the OKC Metro area, headquartered in Yukon right off Route 66. One of the most important lessons from this podcast is the love and ability to help people who are in need. A lot of what Salazar Roofing has done embodies that. Traveling all over the country after natural disasters to aid those in need of help. Michael talks about this journey and when they do help a family in need a lot of the time they keep it internal. They don't use it for marketing material or boast about it because it's the right thing to do. 

Michael talks about the family dynamic of the business and jokes about being fired by his Father multiple times, sometimes multiple per week. 

www.salazarroofing.com 

A great family story and resource for the OKC Metro. Huge thanks to Harold Storey for facilitating this podcast. 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagraam.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Andy Nelson - Landscaping & Exotic Cars

On this episode I chatted with car fanatic Andy Nelson about this landscaping business. Which he started purely to buy himself a car. That same goal fuels his passion today. Building his business so he can experience the best cars in the world. To sum it up, Andy is car obsessed.

Andy Nelson Landscaping started small in 1995 but has grown over the years into one of the largest landscaping design and build companies in the Greater Oklahoma City Metro area.

Andy founded Nelson Lawn Service when he was 12 because he wanted to save money for his first car. Andy would push his lawn mower across the I-35 bridge to his customers’ homes, and the rest is history.

Providing full-scale professional service for your home, office, or commercial property, including landscaping and landscape design, outdoor living, inground pools, sod installation, sprinkler installation, Christmas lights and more.

Go to www.nelsonlandscapingok.com for more information.

Andy's Ford GT Story on VinWiki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsscbcAsA1k

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Hank Kraft - CEO of Hal Smith Restaurants

On todays episode I chatted with restauranteur and current CEO of Hal Smith Restaurants, Hank Kraft. Hank grew up here in OKC and went to study architecture at OU. While at OU he met and starting working for Hal Smith and quickly found his passion for restaurants. After giving architecture one more year at OU he turned his attention to the restaurant industry and never looked back. Hank tells some fantastic stories about his journey through small to large scale restaurant operations and then back to to small again when him and Hal Smith started HSR. 30 years on they've been through thick and thin and today Hank says they are like brothers. No doubt we didn't get to all the stories today but Hank takes us through the last 30 years of HSR and how they have built a family orientate businesses culture. 13 concepts, 83 restaurants in 5 states. 

Concepts such as: Charlstons, El Huevo, The Garage, Jimmy B's, Neighborhood Jam, Upper Crust, Pub W, Hefner Grill, Hollie's, Mama Roja, Louie's, Mahogany, Toby Keith's, The Winston.

Listen in to this brilliant episode with one of Oklahoma's greatest restauranteurs. 

Michael Kraft episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-oklahoma/id1387331955?i=1000497119392

Hal Smith episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-oklahoma/id1387331955?i=1000465673437 

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