This is Oklahoma

This is Cyndi Munson

On this episode I sat down with Rep Cyndi Munson to talk a little about Oklahoma politics but mostly about her story, how she got into politics and how life in the house is in 2019. 

Munson became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. She has concentrated her legislative efforts on providing equal pay for equal work, strengthening the rights of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, assisting Oklahoma’s veterans, and working to make life easier for our loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Originally from Lawton, Cyndi developed her passion for public service at an early age. Her father’s military service taught Cyndi and her sister, Sandra, the importance of giving back. A first generation college student, Cyndi graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where she earned a Master of Science in Leadership Education. Cyndi also spent a semester of her college experience studying at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Before her election to the Legislature, Cyndi spent a decade working and volunteering in Oklahoma City’s non-profit community. In her most recent work with Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, she provided leadership programs for thousands of girls in low-income schools, juvenile detention centers, and public housing.

Cyndi is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 31 and an alumni member of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class VIII. She serves on the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, is a member of the Oklahoma Messages Project Board of Directors, and is the past chair of the Infant Crisis Services Young Professionals Group.

Thanks for listening, follow Cyndi on Instagram here @cyndimunson 

Please leave a review, if you liked this episode I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Cheers, 

Mike

This is OKC Thunder Cares Foundation

On this episode I sat down with Christine Berney. Christine has worked with the thunder for 10 years. Since the organization came to town. We chatted all about what the Thunder does off the court for the community. All the thunder courts around the state, the events for children and many other events they organize to give back in anyway they can. 

It was really cool to hear everything the OKC Thunder Cares Foundation does. I know you've seen something related to the Thunder but to truly dive into it all was an honor. After all it is Oklahomans who run the foundation and naturally we are caring people.

Christine was a blast to talk to and definitely someone who you should all connect with. Please follow them on Instagram @thundercares The work they do is second to non and it makes a huge impact in our community all year round. 

Thanks for listening and please leave us a review. 

Cheers, 

Mike

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Agreetable

On this episode I sit down with my cofounders of a greeting card business called Agreetable. Agreetable.com is a new greeting card company founded because we're tired of paying too much for inadequate quality cards. Last minute dashes to Walgreens and CVS will be no more. 10 cards for $25 you can mix and match your cards. Sent directly to your home ready to be used. We pride ourselves on the quality of our cards and the designs printed on the front of them. 

This company is founded by Ryan Johnston (Oklahoman) & Chris Cohenour (Oklahoman) and Mike Hearne (Welshman). Our goal is to make life easier for you when buying the best greeting cards.

Check out www.agreetable.com and on all social media platforms @agreetable

Thanks for listening. We appreciate it.

#thisisoklahoma  

This is Les Wu ( w/ co-host Kennon Bryce )

On this episode me and Kennon @tuurk sat down with the king of Boomerangs Les Wu @leswoo to talk camera, videography, drone and all other creative things. 

Les basically grew up in Norman. His family moved here when he was 1 years old so his father could study at OU. After high school he studied advertising at TU in Austin but after enjoying himself too much came back to Norman to study at OU. Les changed his degree a few times, and then did his MBA and after trying a bunch of things settled in the world of corporate finance. 

Les likes his hobbies, in the sense that if he has a hobby he's all in on it. However like he said in the interview. He'd get bored easily and move onto the next thing. That was until his brother bought him a drone. He was hooked on videography and naturally progressed after immersing himself in YouTube tutorials and naturally being very good at it. After 2 and half years of hard work and learning he since quit his job in corporate finance and is now a full time freelance videographer. 

Follow Les on Instagram and you'll soon realize his talent. 

www.leswu.com

Follow Kennon here @tuurk

www.wildagain.co

Thanks for listening and please leave a review below. 

Cheers, 

Mike

 

This is Kris Kanaly - The Pyramid Guy

On this episode I sat down with artist Kris Kanaly. Kris is known around OKC for his amazing Bricktown underpass and his huge role in Plaza Walls. He's done some amazing things over the past four years with his team The Oklahoma Mural Syndicate and continues to blow us all away with his vibrant public artwork.

Kris was born here, grew up loving cars and graffiti. He moved away briefly to Portland before coming back to OKC. Since coming back he's been a huge part in the increased public artwork across the city and state. The non profit he's a part of have painted 130 murals in just 4 years. 

He's an asset to our state and the arts community across the nation. We love his work and can't wait to see what 2020 has for him. 

Follow him @pyramidguy on Instagram and online at www.kriskanaly.com 

If you don't already know about the public are in The Plaza District, check out @plazawalls you'll be blown away. 

As always thanks for listening and please drop down below and leave a review. It means the world.

Cheers,

Mike.

This is Red Coyote Running - Jon & Burke Beck

On this episode I sat down with owners and founders of Red Coyote Running. Jon & Burke met working for one of the nations largest running stores. Both with a passion for running and had ran in college they naturally gravitated to the sport and the industry surrounding it. 

Living in sunny California and managing a store there seemed like the life. What would happen over the next few years would have them coming back to Burke's hometown to set up their own store. A great story and one that forced them into building the running culture here in town because there wasn't one. OKC was one of the unhealthiest cities at the time and well, nobody ran or walked anywhere. 

Come to present day and they have two awesome stores, a great running culture and a some of the best employees you'll find. They are knowledgeable, kind and genuinely love running. I know, there's people out there that love to run. I didn't think I was one of them, but having recently signed up for my first ultra marathon. I am now a runner. 

Enjoy this episode. Its a great story and no doubt you'll want to buy a pair of kiss ass new shoes to walk or run around your neighborhood in. 

You can follow them on Instagram @redcoyoterunning or on their new website www.redcoyoterunning.com 

Thanks for listening and as always, please leave a review. It means the world. 

Cheers,

Mike

This is Jared Kinley & Josie Pierson

On this episode I sat down with Jared Kinley a commercial film photographer and Josie Pierson a model, stylist and barbering student to talk everything about the art of photography. Jared and Josie met on a shoot and instantly hit it off. With their love for music forging the connection between them they began working together. Josie has a passion for styling while Jared has had a camera with him for as long as he can remember. They became a great team and have continued to build their brand and relationship off that very teamwork.

They created a magazine called Lost Era, which can be found @losteramagazine and losteramagazine.com 

Jared is continuing to perfect his craft shooting models as often as possible. While Josie attends barbering school and continues to style the models Jared shoots. 

They have created a boot camp, for aspiring models to learn the craft. How to prepare for shoots, be professional, and know how to pose and how to insure they are well taken care of an empowered by the person behind the lens. 

Jared and Josie do a fantastic job of making their models feel empowered. In such an industry where there is so much negative attention around what they do. These two have made it their number one priority to make sure the model is taken care of. 

I had a great time chatting to both Jared and Josie and hope you enjoy listening to. They are young hardworking individuals and make a great team. I'm excited to see them grow and perfect their business in to the New Year. 

Keep your eyes out for the next issue of Lost Era Magazine and if you want to learn the ins and outs of the trade be sure to sign up for their boot camp asap. 

You can follow Jared here @jaredwkinley and Josie here @josiepierson 

Thanks for listening and as always, please leave a review.

Cheers, 

Mike

 

This is A Good Egg Dining Group with Founders Keith & Heather Paul ( Co-hosted w/ Logan from Edible Excellence )

On this episode me and Logan from @edibleexcellence sat down with A Good Egg Dining Group founders Keith and Heather Paul. Now if that names not familiar their concepts definitely are. Barrios, Red Prime, Tuckers, Mexican Radio, Museum Cafe, Kitchen 324, Republic, The Drake, Iron Star and of course the original concept Cheever's. We dive into all their concepts and how they started. from day one with Cheever's to most recently Mexican Radio. Next year is the 20th anniversary of Cheever's restaurant and we couldn't be more happy for Keith and Heather. They have an amazing history of hardwork through all the ups and downs have built a successful business. A huge part of the emerging food scene in OKC. We can't wait to see what they come up with next.  

Thanks for listening and if you haven't eaten at one of there concepts you should do so asap!

Follow them here @foodpeopleokc 

Follow Logan @edibleexcellenceokc

Follow us here @thisisoklahoma 

Please leave a review and rate this podcast. Much love. 

Mike

This is Randy Sudderth ( w/ co-host Kennon Bryce )

On this episode me and Kennon ( podcast guest #92 ) sat down to interview Randy Sudderth of Sudderth Design. A master builder and designer of some of the most sort after homes in Nichols Hills. 

Randy is a native Oklahoman who has been renovating homes in the Nichols Hills and Crown Heights communities for over fifteen years. He believes in maintaining the integrity of each and every home. It is the existing structure that lays the foundation for every design and construction decision. Randy is involved in the entire process from start to finish. Sudderth Design is known for the meticulous care, attention to detail and flawless finishes. Because of this, homes sell before going on the market. 

Follow Randy on Instagram at @sudderthdesign and check out his work online at www.sudderthdesign.com 

Thanks to my co-host Kennon on Instagram @tuurk and online at www.tkrb.co

Thanks for listening, follow us @thisisoklahoma and please leave a review, it means the world.

Cheers, 

Mike

This is Jeff Bennet - 1972 US Olympian ( w/ co-host Justin Lenhart from Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

On this episode I sat down with Oklahoma Olympian Jeff Bennett. Myself and Justin Lenhart of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame have partnered up to interview Oklahoma HOF's to create more awareness for the inductees. Follow the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame @oksportshof.

Jeff Bennett was raised in Vinita, Oklahoma and graduated from Vinita High School in 1966.
He was the state champion in the pole vault, and placed in the top 3 in long jump during his
senior year.

Bennett attended Oklahoma Christian College, 1966-1970, and is considered the greatest athlete
in Oklahoma Christian University’s history. While at Oklahoma Christian, he won the NAIA
championship in the decathlon in 1969 and 1970. In 1968, he was the NAIA champion in the
400-meter intermediate hurdles and was runner-up in the pole vault in 1970. The four-time
NAIA All-American still holds Oklahoma Christian records in the 400 hurdles (51.44 seconds)
and the decathlon (8,071 points). He received his bachelor’s degree in science education and
later completed a master’s degree in school counseling. Bennett was inducted into the NAIA
Hall of Fame in 1976 and was a charter honoree of the Oklahoma Christian Athletic Hall of
Fame in 1991.

Upon graduation from Oklahoma Christian, Bennett was drafted by the U.S. Army. While in the
army, he competed in the army track and field program. He won the International Military
Games decathlon in 1971 and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team in 1972. As a member of the
1972 U.S. Olympic Team, Bennett placed fourth in the decathlon with 7,974 points at the
Olympic Games in Munich. He set a personal record of 8,121 points when he won the American
Amateur Union national decathlon championship in 1973.

Bennett served as Oklahoma Christian’s assistant track and field coach from 1974 to 1985. He
spent 28 years in public education, working as a teacher, counselor and administrator for school
districts in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. In 2003, he retired as a lieutenant colonel after
serving for 32 years in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Jeff began his second stint as an Oklahoma Christian assistant track and field coach in 2003,
working primarily with field-event and multi-event competitors. In addition to his coaching
duties, Bennett also served as associate dean of students from 2003 to 2016, when he retired
from that position.

In 2007, Jeff Bennett was named as one of the top 100 Oklahoma athletes of the state’s first 100
years by The Oklahoman. Bennet lives in Edmond, Oklahoma with wife, Lisa. They have 2
daughters, Lauren Weeks and Raley Bennett. He continues to coach track and field at Oklahoma
Christian University.

Thanks for listening make sure to follow @oksportshof and us here @thisisoklahoma