Do political conversations in your life get heated fast? Have you seen the name calling and the us versus them mentality coming from both sides? Division feels loud right now, but it does not have to define how we engage.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, we show that it is still possible to disagree without being disagreeable. This is a candid conversation between people who see the world differently and are still willing to sit at the same table.

We dive into some of the biggest topics dominating headlines and dinner tables right now including immigration, ICE enforcement methods, H1B visas, the Trump administration, and more. Joining the discussion are Chris Putnam, CEO of Dallas Express, Kellen McGovern Jones, Senior Investigative Reporter at DX, and Shanon Murphy, producer of the show.

It is thoughtful. It is honest. At times it is intense. But above all, it is respectful.

If you are tired of the noise but still care deeply about the issues shaping our country, this episode will challenge you, encourage you, and maybe even inspire you to lead better conversations in your own circle. Tune in and join us.

Election Day is March 3, and that means it’s time to get informed and get to the polls. With so many names on the ballot, it can be hard to keep track of who’s running for what and why it matters.

On this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah sits down with two candidates running for Senate, Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt, to talk through the issues shaping this election and what’s at stake for Texans. (Sen. John Cornyn was invited to join the conversation but did not respond to our request.)

Sarah asks the questions voters care about most: their priorities if elected, why this moment matters, and how decisions made now will impact Texas at the federal level. From concerns about national debt to broader questions about culture, security, and the future direction of the country, nothing is off the table.

Every election matters, but this one will help determine who speaks for Texans on the national stage. Get informed, hear directly from the candidates, and then make your voice heard on March 3.

Sometimes we expect people in certain professions to fit a specific mold… and sometimes, someone comes along and completely shatters it.

On this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah is joined by Dr. Sasha Ortiz, a leading clinical psychologist in DFW whose work spans early autism detection, supporting veterans and first responders, and exploring modern, alternative treatments for depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

Dr. Ortiz also shares thoughtful insight on kids and teens navigating social media, a conversation many parents and caregivers are having daily.

And yes… she also just handed over her crown as Ms. World International.

Sasha is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and healing, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

We all face seasons that test our strength and our faith. In the first episode of 2026, Sarah sits down with author, speaker, mother, and church leader Landra Hughes to share how faith carried her through life’s hardest moments. Her story is honest, inspiring, and the perfect way to begin a new year with renewed hope.

2025 was a year full of meaningful conversations on Let’s Talk Local. From sports and elections to faith and the issues shaping our community, we covered a wide range of topics that sparked thought, dialogue, and perspective. In this episode, we’ve gone back through the data to highlight some of the biggest moments of the year, giving you a chance to catch up on what you may have missed and to revisit conversations from earlier in 2025 that might look a little different today. Happy New Year and we can’t wait for 2026!

Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes the only way forward is by leaning on something greater than ourselves. In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah sits down with her son, Louis, to talk about Future Voices, the weekly column he founded and publishes every Sunday in The Dallas Express.

Louis writes candidly about what’s on his mind and how his faith helps him face life head-on. The conversation also introduces the column’s very first contributor, Cooper Kimosh. At just 14 years old, Cooper shares how prayer guides him through uncertainty and why faith plays such an important role in his life.

Together, they offer a powerful look at life, faith, and perspective through the eyes of the next generation.

Child advocate Jenna Quinn turned her childhood trauma into a nationwide mission to protect kids and educate the adults who care for them. What began with Jenna’s Law in Texas has now become federal law, transforming how America approaches child safety. She’s also created a path to healing for survivors through her ongoing advocacy and support work. Jenna is a true hero, and we’re honored to share her story on this episode of Let’s Talk Local.

Who says Thanksgiving has to mean turkey and dressing? This week, we’re shaking things up with a full-blown Texas-style feast. Think truffle mac and cheese, sweet corn pudding, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños, and Dr Pepper ribs so tender they barely hang onto the bone.

And these ribs? They’re not just some recipe pulled off the internet. Award-winning cookoff champion Travis Bennett, yes, Sarah’s cousin-in-law, rolled up with his custom grill-on-a-trailer and shared some of his grill-master secrets for getting ribs just right.

If you love food as much as we do, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. This just might be the start to your new Thanksgiving tradition!