This is Oklahoma

This is Gary Brooks - First National Center

On this episode I chatted with developer Gary Brooks about his 7 year project The First National Center in OKC. G

History comes to life yet again in Oklahoma City on April 12, 2022 with the grand debut of the region’s restored crown jewel, The National Autograph Collection, at the First National Center. The building originally opened in 1931 as an iconic bank and landmark monument, and stands proudly at 32-stories high to this day. Following an extensive restoration and one of the biggest renovations in the state's history, the former bank office tower has been transformed into a hotel with 146 guest rooms alongside opulent new apartment homes, restaurants, bars, and retail offerings.

 

Widely considered one of the region’s top architectural treasures, the First National Center is on the Historic Register and was once the largest building in Oklahoma. Oil drilling, the banking industry, and the history of Oklahoma City’s tremendous growth and its arduous challenges are all woven into the fabric of The First National Center, reflecting the 'Modern Frontier'

The First National Center is set to become Oklahoma City’s epicenter and ‘living room’, reimagining the 1.1 million square foot property into an Autography Collection Property, The First Residences at First National, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, Tellers Restaurant, The Great Hall bar, The Library of Distilled Spirits (in the bank vault), the National Ballroom, a barbershop, and a blowout bar – all under one roof. The restoration efforts include repairs to murals, decorative painted ceilings, stone columns, cast stone, metal finishes, vault doors, and safes. The Great Banking Hall has been fully restored and will be utilized as a public lobby. The basement and ground floor will encompass a mixture of high-end retail, multiple restaurants & bars, and commercial spaces. 

The Intersection of Old & New: Intentional Design

Redesigned and brought back to life by NE Development & Partners, ADG, 

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 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Daniel Mathis - Not A Minimalist

On this episode myself and cohost Kennon chatted with Daniel Mathis. Daniel is an Oklahoman by choice and after moving here for work fell in love with OKC and its people. Daniel's passion is collecting, and not just anything. Daniel collects all sorts, things he likes. Daniel started sharing his collections on Instagram and quickly massed a following. Attracting the attention of thousands including magazine writers, newspaper articles, blogs and now this podcast. You can learn all about Daniel here www.notaminimalist.com but definitely check out his instagram www.instagram.com/notaminimalist 

Follow Kennon my cohost www.instagram.com/tuurk 

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 

Antique store list - 

*The Rink
*Room 3 (next to ND Foods across the street from Britton Street mall)
*Antique Co-op (May and 12th Street)
*Ancient of Days 
*Antique Avenue 
*23rd Street Antique Mall
*Decades Revisited Antique Mall
*Apple Tree Antique Gallery
*Warehouse Antique Mall
*Feathered Nest
*Mockingbird Manor 

Edmond, OK:  
*Broadway Antiques 

Guthrie, OK ~ stores on the town square. 

Purcell, OK: 3 or 4 antique stores  downtown

This is Gov George Nigh - 4 x Governor of Oklahoma ( Part 2 )

On this episode I chatted with 4 x Gov of Oklahoma, George Nigh.

In 1982 George Nigh became the first Oklahoma governor to be elected to consecutive terms and win a majority of votes in all 77 Oklahoma counties. He is also the only lieutenant governor ever elected governor, and the youngest man ever elected lieutenant governor (1958), and the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature (1950).

George Patterson Nigh graduated from McAlester High School. Upon graduation, he spent a year and a half in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. When he returned, Nigh attended Eastern Oklahoma State A&M (now Eastern Oklahoma State College) and earned a B.A. from East Central State Teachers College (now East Central University). He taught history in the local public school and, in 1950 while still a college senior, was elected to Oklahoma’s House of Representatives.

Nigh became lieutenant governor for the first time in 1959 and became governor for a full four-year term for the first time in 1979. He was re-elected as governor in 1982, taking office in 1983. Nigh has served as chairman of the Interstate Oil Compact, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Industrial Development Commission, and the Tourism and Recreation Commission. He was also a member of the Southern States Energy Board Executive Committee. Nigh has been recognized nationally by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Fifty Outstanding Young Men. He is also a recipient of the National Martin Luther King Award, presented by Coretta Scott King.

After he left the office of governor, Nigh served as a consultant to the McGraw-Hill School Division, was director of the J.C. Penney Company, joined the faculty of Edmond’s University of Central Oklahoma, and eventually became its president (1992-1997). Nigh has served on the board of directors for IBC Bank and SONIC, America’s Drive-In.

https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-george-1989

Donna Nigh bio https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-donna-2008

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 Gov George Nigh - 4 x Governor of Oklahoma ( Part 1 )

On this episode I chatted with 4 x Gov of Oklahoma, George Nigh.

In 1982 George Nigh became the first Oklahoma governor to be elected to consecutive terms and win a majority of votes in all 77 Oklahoma counties. He is also the only lieutenant governor ever elected governor, and the youngest man ever elected lieutenant governor (1958), and the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature (1950).

George Patterson Nigh graduated from McAlester High School. Upon graduation, he spent a year and a half in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. When he returned, Nigh attended Eastern Oklahoma State A&M (now Eastern Oklahoma State College) and earned a B.A. from East Central State Teachers College (now East Central University). He taught history in the local public school and, in 1950 while still a college senior, was elected to Oklahoma’s House of Representatives.

Nigh became lieutenant governor for the first time in 1959 and became governor for a full four-year term for the first time in 1979. He was re-elected as governor in 1982, taking office in 1983. Nigh has served as chairman of the Interstate Oil Compact, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Industrial Development Commission, and the Tourism and Recreation Commission. He was also a member of the Southern States Energy Board Executive Committee. Nigh has been recognized nationally by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Fifty Outstanding Young Men. He is also a recipient of the National Martin Luther King Award, presented by Coretta Scott King.

After he left the office of governor, Nigh served as a consultant to the McGraw-Hill School Division, was director of the J.C. Penney Company, joined the faculty of Edmond’s University of Central Oklahoma, and eventually became its president (1992-1997). Nigh has served on the board of directors for IBC Bank and SONIC, America’s Drive-In.

https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-george-1989

Donna Nigh bio https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-donna-2008

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 Tanner Hanstein - Ozarka Drinking Water

On this episode I chatted with Tanner Hanstein from Ozarka Drinking Water. One of Oklahoma's most recognizable brands. Ozarka Drinking Water is family owned and has been serving the metro for 50years. Today we dive into the families history, the business history and what the business is excited about in the future. Ozarka is a huge supporter of the local community and part of the Made In Oklahoma Coalition. 

For more information go to www.ozarkah2o.com and www.madeinoklahoma.net

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 Bill Price - At War with Corruption

On this episode I chatted with Bill Price about his new book, At War with Corruption.

At War with Corruption began as a biography of Bill Price, the U.S. attorney and Republican candidate for high office who spearheaded prosecutions in the most pervasive public corruption spectacle in American history: the Oklahoma county commissioner scandal. Price’s determination to root out the rascals and restore faith in governance branded him as the biggest corruption buster in the state’s history.
 
Price’s career in law and politics serves as a portal into corruption in Oklahoma. Episodes in that narrative include land swindles (soonerism) at the dawn of Oklahoma history; theft of Native Americans’ property and steamrolling of their cultures that reached a nadir in the Osage murders; the Supreme Court scandal of 1964–65; Leo Winters’ alleged misuse of state taxes (what was the treasurer doing with the people’s money?); Governor David Hall’s trial and conviction on charges of extortion; prosecutions of drug syndicates, Penn Square Bank insiders, and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners on the take; and the systemic bribery in county governance that inspired this book.
 
Price shatters the myth that Oklahomans have been uniquely tolerant of, and susceptible to, corruption. He blames structural flaws and inadequate legislation for tempting law-abiding citizens to heed the call of their darker angels. Although Price failed in his gubernatorial and congressional campaigns, he has influenced policy through philanthropies that set a high bar for civic engagement.
 
At War with Corruption reveals the sinister side of human nature. Yet its intention is not to depress, but rather to uplift and to show what is possible when public servants work together to frame effective laws and promote justice.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/At-War-Corruption-Biography-Attorney/dp/0984705635

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 at www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Bob Burke - Writer Of The Most Historical Non - Fiction Books EVER

On this episode I chatted with Bob Burke, born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has written more historical non-fiction books than anyone else in history. He earned a law degree from Oklahoma City University and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from OCU and a BA in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Burke’s more than 130 books have won many awards, including three Pulitzer Prize nominations.

Burke is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. He is father to Robert, Amy, and Cody, stepfather to Natalie, Lauren, and Calli, and grandfather to Nathan, Jon, Ridge, Fallon, Greyson, Mia, Emerson, Sutton, Charlie, and Cameron. He and his wife, Chimene, live in Oklahoma City where he practices law and writes books.

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 Byrnes - OKC Thunder

On todays episode I chatted with Senior VP, Marketing and Sales for the OKC Thunder, My Brian Byrnes. Brian has been a part of the team since its inception here in OKC. His story spans across sports franchises and his Oklahoma story is super fascinating. Brian was on episode 17 back in August of 2018. Linked below: On the episode we talked about what it takes to build an NBA Franchise in a new city. On todays episode we talk about the current name change of the arena and all things current with the OKC Thunder. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-oklahoma/id1387331955?i=1000417852270

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 definitely follow them on instagram for daily updates. www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Darci Lynne - Winning America’s Got Talent

On this episode I chatted with Darci Lynne.

Singer / Ventriloquist Darci Lynne is the youngest contestant to ever win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” garnering over 67M views on AGT’s YouTube and the most votes for a final performance in the history of the show. She won the hearts of America with her sweetheart disposition and undeniable talent. In 2018, she kicked off her national tour selling out her first headlining family friendly show in just six minutes, continually adding shows to meet the overwhelming demand. On the heels of a record-breaking 2019, the gifted Singer/Ventriloquist Darci Lynne has kicked off her 2020 “Fresh Out of The Box” National Tour where she is sharing her passion for performance and bringing her enchanting show from New York to Nevada.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Darci has always been close to her family and relies on their support and encouragement. In her younger years, Darci participated in talent-based pageants to overcome her shyness. She was soon introduced to the art of ventriloquism and decided to try it out for herself.  Her hard work, grit and discipline developed from her early days of gymnastics where she practiced thirty hours a week.  After only having her first puppet for two weeks, Darci began performing in talent shows in her home state and beyond. She was determined to audition for her first talent show, ultimately leading her to audition for the biggest talent show on television.   

The stage is now a platform where Darci can open-up and display her incredible talents for the world to see. Her polished, impeccable skill as a ventriloquist at such a young age is jaw dropping and sure to inspire the next generation to keep the craft alive, but when she sings, her voice leaves her audiences breathless. Darci has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, opened for Fergie at Caesar’s Palace on New Year’s Eve, and starred in her own NBC Christmas Special.

Darci Lynne’s popularity on stage and TV has expanding onto the social media Scene. Her TikTok profile soared from 7K followers on Jan. 16th to an astounding 1M followers and 8.7M total likes in less than 2 weeks. Darci Lynne’s TikTok profile: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_darcilynne

Darci has been seen on “America’s Got Talent,” “America’s Got Talent: Champions,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” “Food Networks” kids Baking Championship,” Nickelodeon’s “All That,” “Ellen,” NBC’s “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” and the “Today Show.” For more information visit darcilynne.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 check out their instagram here www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Metropolitan School of Dance with Frances Pitts

On this episode I chatted with Frances Pitts, Executive Director of the dance school Fran talks about the beginning of the school in the 90's and all of the incredible events and lives the school has transformed since then. You can learn all about the school and its activities here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=163&v=yN7-64Pwu-o&feature=emb_logo

They are performing this Saturday April 23rd Sonic Children's Stage at 5pm.

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 here www.instagram.com/oklahomahof #thisisoklahoma