What really goes on behind the scenes of one of East Texas’ most beloved traditions? On this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with Liz Ballard, executive director of the Texas Rose Festival, for a fascinating conversation about the history, traditions, personalities, and challenges behind the festival that has helped put Tyler on the map. Liz shares how the Texas Rose Festival began in 1933, the role roses and tourism played in Tyler’s identity, and how the festival has evolved through generations of change—including the challenges of COVID and the traditions surrounding the Rose Festival court. But this conversation goes far beyond roses. Liz opens up about her journey from growing up in Texas and attending Texas A&M to building an 18-year career at Swann’s Furniture, raising a family, volunteering in the Tyler community, and ultimately becoming the woman responsible for helping lead one of Tyler’s biggest annual celebrations. From the Queen’s Coronation and Rose Festival Parade to the volunteers, families, traditions, and personalities that make the festival possible, Liz gives J. Chad Parker an inside look at what it really takes to keep the Texas Rose Festival going. Who is the real Rose Queen? The answer may not be who you think.
🌹 Watch, listen, and discover the story behind the roses on East Texas UNFILTERED.

What does a lifetime of caring for your health and caring for others look like? Grace Ram joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share a life shaped by both. Grace spent decades ahead of the curve on nutrition and natural health. She later turned that passion into Whole Health, a Tyler restaurant and health store that became a local favorite for nearly 30 years.

Grace also talks about the most important role of her life. Her daughter Christina was born with Down syndrome and faced open-heart surgery as a baby. Grace shares what 35 years of motherhood have taught her about strength, responsibility and making sure Christina has a full and meaningful life. She also explains why Breckenridge Village has become such an important part of their future.

Then Chad brings Christina, better known to her friends as Selena, onto the show herself. She talks about Breckenridge, working out, her friends and one of her favorite places in Tyler. It is a fitting ending to a conversation about health, family and a community that takes care of its own. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories.

Every time her husband deployed, Teresa Shick knew there was a chance he might not come home. Her husband Jerry served as a Navy SEAL through years of war and repeated deployments. Teresa raised their family while carrying that uncertainty every day. She also became an ombudsman for SEAL families and stood beside other wives during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Teresa shares what life was like inside the tight-knit SEAL family. She talks about casualty notifications and helping families after a service member was killed. She also explains the constant fear that came with every deployment. Even a government vehicle parked near her home could make her wonder if the knock on the door was finally coming for her. Through it all, the wives became their own kind of team.

After Jerry retired, Teresa discovered another problem. Military spouses often spend decades holding their families together and then lose their own sense of purpose when the service ends. Teresa created the Pillar Foundation to help those women through that transition. The organization connects Special Operations spouses with other women who understand their lives and helps families build a new community after military service. Watch now to hear Teresa’s story and the story of the women who stand behind some of America’s most elite warriors. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories.

East Texas has built an arts scene to be proud of. Jeff Noblitt joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to talk about the people making it happen. The Cowan Center is bringing major talent to Tyler. Tyler Civic Theatre is growing. TJC and UT Tyler are developing the next generation of artists. Jeff explains how the arts are becoming a bigger part of life in East Texas.

Jeff also shares the remarkable story of his son Nick. Nick was born with cerebral palsy and went on to break barriers as a young actor. His success pulled the entire family into a new role as disability advocates. Jeff talks about fighting for accessibility on movie sets and opening doors for performers with disabilities. He also explains how those experiences changed the way he thinks about inclusion at UT Tyler and the Cowan Center.

Jeff also talks about the experiences that shaped his career and his love for East Texas. He grew up around college campuses and later built his own career in higher education. He also shares stories from appearing on the television game shows Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. Watch now to see why the arts are thriving in East Texas. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories.

Arturo Lara joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share the story of a life built on hard work and second chances. He came to the United States from Mexico City at 11 years old. He crossed the Rio Grande with his family and arrived in Tyler without speaking English. Years later, he became the executive chef at The Grove.

Arturo also looks back on 23 years at Bernard’s and the people who shaped him along the way. He talks about learning flavor from his mother and building a career in Tyler’s restaurant scene. He also explains how faith and family helped guide his path.

Arturo also opens up about immigration and what it took to become a U.S. citizen. He shares what he wants people to understand about families trying to build a better life. Through it all, one theme keeps coming back. Work matters. Family matters. So does opportunity. Watch now to hear the story behind one of Tyler’s most respected chefs. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories. Be sure to like and subscribe for more incredible East Texas stories.

Harry Leatherwood joins East Texas UNFILTERED with J. Chad Parker to share the story of a life built on risk and opportunity. His path took him through the oil business and into explosives. It later led to day trading, ranching, wine and golf. Harry also explains how one opportunity turned into a decades-long business in Mexico.

Harry also tells how a 1,200-acre East Texas ranch became a showplace for horses, cattle, vineyards and major community events. Along the way came many friendships with athletes, musicians and business leaders.

Harry also opens up about the heart surgery that may have saved his life. He explains why annual physicals matter so much to him now. Through it all, one theme keeps coming back. Opportunity matters. Relationships matter. So does knowing when to take the shot. Watch now to hear the stories behind one of Tyler’s most colorful businessmen. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories.

Why is Tyler known as such a giving community? Patrick Willis has spent decades working with the donors, foundations, nonprofits, and community leaders who help make that possible. Along the way, he became a walking encyclopedia of local history and philanthropy. It has earned him a fitting nickname: the “Jeopardy King of Tyler.”

Patrick joins J. Chad Parker on East Texas UNFILTERED to explain how philanthropy really works. He talks about major gifts and family foundations. He also explains fundraising strategy and board leadership. Trust is a big part of it all. Patrick also shares why strong nonprofits matter. They often fill needs that government and other institutions cannot.

The conversation also looks at the people and places that helped shape modern Tyler. Patrick talks about the Rose Festival and East Texas oil wealth. He also discusses UT Tyler, TJC, the Cowan Center and local politics. He shares stories about families who gave back to the community.
It is a look at how Tyler built a strong culture of giving. It also shows why that legacy still matters today. Like and subscribe for more East Texas stories.

Who is Bishop Joseph Strickland, and why did he become one of the most controversial Catholic bishops in America? In this episode of East Texas UNFILTERED, J. Chad Parker sits down with the former Bishop of Tyler to explore the beliefs, decisions, and public stands that put him at odds with powerful figures inside the Church.

Strickland explains the Catholic convictions that shaped his life and why he believed remaining silent was not an option. He discusses the Eucharist, confession, marriage, abortion, sexuality, Church authority, Vatican II, Pope Francis, Pope Leo, Theodore McCarrick, and his belief that Catholic truth cannot simply change with the culture. He also reflects on his removal as Bishop of Tyler and what that decision ultimately cost him.

Was Strickland defending the faith, or did he cross a line? Did he lose his position, or gain the freedom to say what he believed needed to be said? And what can people of any faith learn from a man willing to risk status, security, and reputation for his convictions? Hear the conversation, consider the arguments, and decide for yourself. Be sure to like and subscribe for more compelling East Texas stories.