Congressman Keith Self has spent much of his life serving and defending America, and today, that fight continues in Washington, D.C.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Congressman Self joins host Sarah Zubiate Bennett for a candid conversation about the threat of radical Islamism, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the challenge of protecting both national security and the First Amendment.

They also discuss the growth of mosques across DFW and the controversy surrounding a major mosque expansion in McKinney, raising difficult questions about religious freedom, community concerns, and where the line should be drawn when extremist beliefs threaten American values.

How do we protect freedom of religion while confronting genuine extremism? What should local and federal leaders be watching for? And why does Congressman Self believe Americans need to pay closer attention?

Join Sarah and Congressman Keith Self as they tackle one of the most complicated and consequential conversations facing North Texas and the country.

Most of us have heard the horrifying stories of human trafficking. But there’s another dark world operating in the shadows that few people ever hear about: animal trafficking.

Texas sits along a major trafficking route between the U.S. and Mexico, and innocent animals can become victims of unimaginable cruelty. Animals are exploited, abused, and even used to conceal illegal substances. For some, rescue comes just in time. For others, it never comes at all.

Dawn Olivieri is determined to change that.

At Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue, Dawn has created 160 acres dedicated to second chances. Nearly 200 horses rescued from kill auctions now call the sanctuary home, along with bison, camels, zebras, donkeys, and other animals that needed someone willing to fight for them.

When Dawn isn't feeding horses, caring for rescues, or even fly spraying the bison, she's in front of the camera. Fans know her from Taylor Sheridan's world, with roles in "Yellowstone," "1883," "Lioness," and more. But at Moon Mountain, there are no scripts. This is Dawn's real life and her real mission.

Join Sarah Zubiate Bennett as she steps inside Moon Mountain Sanctuary, comes face to face with its incredible animals, hears the heartbreaking stories behind their rescues, and discovers just how far Dawn Olivieri is willing to go to save a life.

Some of these animals were running out of time. Now, they're getting a second chance.

DFW continues to attract businesses, families, and visitors from around the world, and it's easy to see why. With a thriving economy, growing opportunities, and strong communities, North Texas has become one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

On this episode of Let's Talk Local, Sarah sits down with Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne to discuss the growth of DFW, the future of Texas, and the issues shaping America. Drawing on her experience in Washington, D.C., and years of public service, Van Duyne shares her perspective on what it takes to keep Texas a leader in job creation, economic growth, and innovation.

The conversation also highlights one of her signature initiatives, the North Texas Job Fair, one of the largest job fairs in the country, held each year at Globe Life Field. Whether you're looking for your first job, a career change, or your next opportunity, this event has connected thousands of people with employers across the region.

Filled with thoughtful insights, optimism, and practical advice, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. And if you're ready for your next career move, be sure to check out the North Texas Job Fair on August 6, 2026.

Ryan Binkley and Abteen Vaziri were opponents in the general election this past March. Today, they’ve found friendship and common ground.

Join Sarah Zubiate Bennett for a thoughtful conversation with Ryan and Abteen as they explore many of the issues shaping our lives today. They discuss the role of faith in everyday life, why strong families are essential to thriving communities, and how the FIFA World Cup is putting Dallas Fort Worth on the global stage.

The conversation also looks at artificial intelligence, its growing impact on the workforce, and what the future of work could look like in the years ahead.

From politics and purpose to technology and the future, this wide-ranging discussion is filled with meaningful insights and respectful dialogue. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux joins us for a candid conversation about leadership, public safety, and the future of one of America’s fastest-growing cities. With crime trending downward and more officers choosing Dallas while fewer are leaving, Chief Comeaux shares what he believes is driving the department’s success.

We discuss how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming modern policing, the challenges and opportunities that come with a growing city, and how Dallas is preparing for the global spotlight as FIFA is in town. Chief Comeaux also shares his message to the thousands of visitors who will be experiencing Dallas for the first time.

From crime reduction to downtown revitalization, this wide-ranging conversation offers a closer look at the vision, strategy, and leadership shaping the future of the Dallas Police Department.

We have the culture, the influence, the innovation, and the ambition to make a compelling case. But Dallas is also at a pivotal moment in its history. Major decisions about the future of City Hall, downtown development, and the city’s long-term growth are all on the table.

What should happen with Dallas City Hall? What would it mean if the Mavericks leave the American Airlines Center for a new arena at Valley View? And as growth continues to spread across the metroplex, is downtown still the center of Dallas—or is the city evolving into something new?

To help unpack these questions, Sarah sits down with friend and city strategist Elizabeth Saab for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and competing visions shaping Dallas today.

The choices made in the coming weeks could impact Dallas for decades to come. Join us as we explore what’s at stake and what the future may hold for one of America’s most dynamic cities.

Do you ever stop and think about how different parenting is today compared to when we were kids? The world is changing fast. Technology has become part of everyday life, phones are constantly competing for our attention, social media can shape a teenager’s self worth, and AI is becoming more present in our lives than most people even realize.

For parents, navigating all of this can feel overwhelming. How do you raise confident, kind, thoughtful kids in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah brings together a roundtable of moms, all raising multiple children, to have an honest and entertaining conversation about modern parenting. From technology and tough conversations to values, discipline, and preparing kids for the future, the discussion offers different perspectives on what it means to raise children in today’s world.

In the last episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sam Westrop shared his deep knowledge of Islam and Islamism, breaking down the sects, beliefs, and cultural framework behind the conversation.

In this episode, Sarah continues that discussion by sitting down with individuals who have lived under Islamic rule and are now building new lives as Christians in America.

Sheri Shamsi fled Iran in 2017 after realizing she could not raise her children under Sharia Law. Abteen Vaziri was born in Iran and lived around the world before eventually settling in Dallas, where he now works as an attorney and is active in politics. Aleksey Yusupov, who was born to a Christian mother, Muslim father, and Jewish grandmother, shares a powerful story of survival that includes witnessing executions for faith and narrowly escaping one himself.

These are not secondhand perspectives. These are lived experiences.

You heard the facts in the last episode. Now you will hear the stories behind them.