For our 100th episode, we’re going back to our favorite subject. History. Camille and Rich sit down with Sally Rodriguez from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department to talk about the fascinating story behind White Rock Lake and the parks of Dallas. From its early days to how it became the heart of East Dallas, this episode is packed with stories you’ve probably never heard. A huge thanks to Sally for joining us and to everyone who’s been part of this journey. Here's to 100 more.

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This week on What In East Dallas Is Going On?! Rich and Camille sit down with Lauren O’Connor, President of Amplified Minds. It’s a nonprofit rooted right here in Dallas that provides free mental health services for adults.

What started in the wake of loss in the local music scene has grown into a powerful community resource. Lauren shares her story, the mission behind Amplified Minds, and how they’re helping creatives and underserved individuals find healing through support groups, art therapy, and open conversation.

It’s honest. It’s personal. And it’s what our community needs more of.

Tune in and hear how one organization is changing lives by showing up for people when it matters most.

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The Chamber Chicks sit down with Scott Crowell for a fun and easy conversation about creativity, community, and what it really means to think differently. Scott is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Red Racer Advertising and brings years of experience in the world of branding and big ideas.

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In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?!, Rich and Camille sit down with Joe Groves, the owner of Ellen’s, one of the most talked-about spots in East Dallas. Known for its classic Southern comfort food and welcoming vibe, Ellen’s recently opened its doors in Casa Linda Plaza, and the neighborhood is already better for it.

But Joe is more than just a restaurant owner. He is a storyteller, a straight shooter, and someone who knows a thing or two about building something that matters. In this episode, we talk about the journey behind Ellen’s, why brunch means more than just pancakes and eggs, and yes, who exactly is Ellen.

Joe shares stories that had us laughing, thinking, and appreciating the roots behind every bite. We dive into the importance of community, hospitality, and staying true to who you are, even in the chaos of the restaurant world.

Whether you’re already a regular or have not made your way over yet, this episode will make you want to pull up a chair, order a plate of biscuits and gravy, and stay a while.

Ellen’s – Casa Linda Plaza
1211 N Buckner Blvd
Dallas, TX 75218
Open every day from 7 AM to 3 PM

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In this episode, Rich and Camille sit down with Kathleen LaValle, President and CEO of Dallas CASA, for a powerful conversation about the incredible work their team is doing to protect some of the most vulnerable kids in our community. From volunteer advocates to safe permanent homes, Dallas CASA is on the front lines of making sure every child has the chance to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. This one hits close to home. If you’ve ever wondered how real change happens for kids in crisis, this conversation is it.

Check them out! https://www.dallascasa.org/

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In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?!, Camille and Rich sit down with the one and only Jeff Swaney, entrepreneur, author, and the man behind Club Clearview, the legendary hotspot that helped define Deep Ellum’s golden era.

Jeff doesn’t just tell stories. He lived them. From booking the Red Hot Chili Peppers before they blew up, to late-night mural battles, to collaborating with Mark Cuban, Jeff takes us on a ride through the grit, chaos, and magic that built a cultural movement in Dallas.

We talk about his new book None of the Answers, why Deep Ellum mattered then (and still does now), and what it means to trust your gut, break the rules, and build community through art, music, and pure energy.

This one is fast, raw, and full of heart. Just like Jeff.

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In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?! we step into the elegant world of ballet with Nicolina Lawson, the Executive and Artistic Director of Ballet North Texas and founder of the North Texas Conservatory. Nicolina has dedicated her life to preserving the tradition of classical ballet while pushing its boundaries through innovation, education, and deep community involvement.

She shares the rich history of ballet and how her own professional journey spanning performances across Europe, the United States, and stages both classical and contemporary inspired her to create something truly special here in Dallas. Since founding Ballet North Texas in 2017, she has not only built a thriving professional company but also created a pipeline of young talent through her conservatory. Her goal is to make ballet accessible, relevant, and meaningful to everyone in North Texas.

Nicolina dives into her early training in styles like Vaganova and Balanchine, her time performing lead roles in some of ballet’s most beloved works, and what it is like choreographing pieces that both honor the past and reimagine the future. She also opens up about her outreach work with underserved communities and how Ballet North Texas is building inclusive programs for all ages and abilities.

This episode is more than just an interview. It is a celebration of art, education, perseverance, and the power of bringing beauty to a community.

If you have ever wondered what goes into building a ballet company from the ground up or if you simply love hearing from people who are passionate about what they do, this one is for you.

Contact Info for Ballet North Texas:
Phone: (214) 871 5000
Email: boxoffice@ticketdfw.com
Address:
TicketDFW
700 North Pearl Suite N1800
Dallas Texas 75201

Learn more at www.balletnorthtexas.org

Hosted by Rich and Camille
Only on What In East Dallas Is Going On?! the podcast celebrating the people, places, and passions that make East Dallas shine.

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In this East Dallas Chamber segment, the Chamber Chicks sit down with Bre Morris, Founder and CEO of Alchemy Face Bar. Bre shares how she took a foundation in makeup artistry and esthetics and turned it into a multi-location beauty brand redefining the modern spa experience.

From launching Alchemy in 2014 to expanding across Colorado and Texas, Bre brings a fresh perspective on what it means to scale with intention, lead with creativity, and build a brand that puts people first.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, beauty, community, or just want to hear from someone who’s doing things differently, this one is for you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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