Go Time in Fort Worth with Mayor Mattie Parker

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down on the Texas Wesleyan University campus with Dr. Emily W. Messer, the University’s 21st president and its first female leader. A first-generation college graduate with more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Messer brings a powerful vision centered on student success, innovation, and community impact. Together, they discuss her journey to the presidency, the momentum she’s building for higher education in Fort Worth, and how Texas Wesleyan is preparing the next generation of leaders.  Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen.  Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Eddie Garcia, the 28th Police Chief for the City of Fort Worth. With more than three decades of experience in public safety and a career defined by strengthening community trust and implementing impactful reforms, Chief Garcia has guided some of the nation’s largest police departments through meaningful change. Together they discuss his journey to Fort Worth, his leadership, and his vision for the future of the department. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Dr. Stuart Flynn, founding Dean of the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU, and Cameron Combs, Senior Director at the Child Poverty Action Lab, to discuss how North Texas is uniting to lead the nation in maternal and infant health care. Listeners will hear how this work began in 2022, when Mayor Parker convened the Tarrant County Maternal & Infant Health Coalition, responding to an urgent call to improve outcomes for moms and babies in Fort Worth. Since then, partners across the region have joined forces with a shared commitment to change. Tune in to learn about the progress already underway - and how North Texas is proving that we are stronger together when we unite for moms and babies.  Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Congressman Craig Goldman to discuss his journey from the Texas House of Representatives to the U.S. House, where he now represents Texas’ 12th Congressional District. A fifth-generation Texan and fourth-generation Fort Worth native, Congressman Goldman takes pride in his deep Texas roots and lifelong commitment to public service. Tune in to hear updates from his first term in Congress and learn how Fort Worth is being represented on Capitol Hill. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this special episode of Go Time, recorded at the Fort Worth Chamber’s State of the City event presented by Simmons Bank, Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with WFAA’s Mark Istook and 101 Studios CEO David Glasser for an engaging conversation about the rapidly growing film industry in Fort Worth and across Texas. Together, they explore how film and entertainment are fueling local growth - creating more than $1 billion in economic impact and generating over 50,000 jobs in the Fort Worth area. Tune in to hear how the city is becoming a new hub for creativity, talent, and opportunity in the heart of Texas.Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this special episode of Go Time, recorded at the Fort Worth Chamber’s State of the City event presented by Simmons Bank, Mayor Mattie Parker delivers her fifth State of the City address, “Stories Come to Life in Fort Worth.” Mayor Parker highlights the city’s progress, challenges, and the shared responsibility we all have in building Fort Worth’s future. And with a population now exceeding one million, she discusses how the City of Fort Worth is utilizing smart policies and planning to ensure it is set up for success far into the future. She also shares updates on her key initiatives: workforce, education, maternal and infant health, and Good Natured. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership. A fifth-generation Texan with deep experience leading economic development at the state level, Robert now helps position Fort Worth as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic business hubs in the nation. Together, they discuss Robert’s journey from the Governor’s Office to founding leadership of the Fort Worth EDP, the city’s momentum in attracting transformative projects, and how strategic partnerships with industry and higher education are shaping the region’s workforce. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this episode of Go Time, Mayor Parker sits down with Abby McCloskey, founder and principal of McCloskey Policy LLC, columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and nonresident fellow at the Brookings Institution. With a career spanning presidential campaigns, think tanks, and bipartisan coalitions, Abby brings a wealth of experience in shaping family and economic policy. Together, they discuss Abby's journey into policy, the importance of supporting working families, and how consensus-building across ideological divides can strengthen civil institutions. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with Chad Gundersen, Chris Juen, and Eric Nelsen to discuss the booming film industry right here in Fort Worth. We dive into their personal journeys, from acting and producing to building Out of Order Studios, and explore how their work on the groundbreaking series The Chosen is putting Fort Worth on the map. We also talk about the city’s growing film infrastructure, the economic impact that’s now reaching over $700 million, and what the future holds for local talent and productions. Join us as we go behind the scenes of Fort Worth’s exciting film moment and hear firsthand from the creatives shaping this vibrant industry.Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

In this special episode of Go Time with Mayor Mattie Parker, recorded at the 4th annual Where Achievement Begins celebration honoring over 300 workforce-ready high school graduates, Mayor Parker sits down with Monessa "Siren" Balzhiser, Lockheed Martin’s first female F-35 test pilot and current Senior Manager of Aeronautics Operations. Tune in as they talk about Monessa’s incredible journey to the cockpit, the challenges she’s overcome, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way. It’s an inspiring conversation about grit, determination, and breaking barriers, perfect for the next generation of leaders.Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with newly retired District 5 Councilwoman Gyna Bivens for a candid and heartfelt conversation about her time in public office. From her unexpected journey to the council dais to becoming a fierce advocate for her community, Gyna reflects on the challenges, victories, and lessons that defined her 12-year tenure. Unfiltered and full of wisdom, she shares what it means to serve, what she’s most proud of, and what’s next as she steps into a new chapter. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with retiring Police Chief Neil Noakes to reflect on his decades-long journey with the Fort Worth Police Department, from his early days on patrol to leading the department through a time of growth and change. Chief Noakes opens up about balancing the demands of law enforcement with family life, the lessons he's learned through years of public service, and his deep love for the Fort Worth community. As he steps into retirement, he shares what’s next and how he hopes to continue serving in new ways. Tune in to hear a heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and the city that shaped it all.Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins. Cover photo credit: Crystal Wise

Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur Susan Maddox, the matriarch behind American Hat Company and The Best Hat Store, to explore her remarkable journey from small-town roots to becoming a powerhouse in Fort Worth’s iconic western scene. Susan shares stories of building the businesses with her late husband Keith Maddox, his lasting legacy, and how their two daughters are now putting their own mark on the brand. Tune in to hear how they're shaping the industry one hat at a time. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins. Cover photo credit: Crystal Wise

Mayor Mattie Parker welcomes to the podcast Jason Whitely, Senior Political Reporter at WFAA and host of Inside Texas Politics and Y’all-itics. They dive into the latest developments at the Texas State Capitol, with Jason offering insights on the key issues of the current legislative session. From polarization and consensus-building to fascinating stories as a career journalist, we cover a lot in this conversation. Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins. Cover photo credit: Crystal Wise

Mayor Mattie Parker welcomes Fort Worth’s new City Manager, Jay Chapa, to the podcast for a candid conversation as he steps into his new leadership role. In this episode, Jay shares his journey to City Hall, his vision for Fort Worth’s future, and how he plans to collaborate with Mayor Parker to lead the 11th largest city in the nation. Tune in to get to know the man helping shape the future of Fort Worth.  Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins. Cover photo credit: Crystal Wise

As Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker launches season two of her podcast, Go Time, she share a little bit about what's been keeping her busy this year and dives into some of her top priorities for 2025. Mayor Parker discusses the following topics in this solo episode. 2026 Bond UpdateLearn more about the process and view an early and evolving list of proposed projects for the 2026 bond program here.Expanding Green Space and Good NaturedMayor Parker launched Good Natured in 2023 to preserve Fort Worth’s natural heritage, protect its water supply, and improve our park system to meet the growing needs of our community now and in the future.Prioritizing Public SafetyLearn more about the integration of EMS system, MedStar, within the Fort Worth Fire Department.Education and Workforce OpportunitiesThe Mayor’s Council on Education & Workforce launched in 2022 to influence and enhance educational programs and career pathways in Fort Worth public schools to help prepare students for their future careers, including careers that help meet the current and future needs of business and industry in Fort Worth and North Texas. More on the Council and the Mayor's Where Achievement Begins event here.Maternal and Infant HealthIn 2022, Mayor Parker convened a coalition comprised of major local hospital system leaders, health care providers, and philanthropic partners who are committed to improving maternal and infant health in our city. More on the initiative here...In the Go Time podcast, Mayor Mattie Parker sits down with Fort Worth’s innovators, business leaders, and changemakers; shares what’s on her mind as Mayor of one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the nation; and brings together differing viewpoints to have conversations on topics that matter.  ..Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Fort Worth artist Grady Spencer for letting us use his song "Things to Do" in the podcast. Be sure to check out Grady Spencer & the Work's music wherever you listen. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Kinsey Clemmer, Alicia Ortega, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.Cover photo credit: Crystal Wise 

On April 25, at Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker’s 3rd annual “Where Achievement Begins: Mayor’s Celebration for Workforce-Ready Graduates,” more than 160 local graduating seniors were honored with the Mayor’s Achievement Award in recognition of their work to achieve workforce readiness skills, professional certificates, and internship experience in addition to high school diplomas. To discuss how these programs and opportunities have impacted their lives and futures, NBC 5’s Deborah Ferguson hosted a panel conversation at the event between Mayor Parker, an honoree from Fort Worth ISD, Rolando Jaramillo, and a recent graduate and T3 scholar, Lizbeth Maldonado.During the panel, Mayor Parker discussed the ongoing work of the Mayor’s Council on Education & Workforce, a group launched in 2022 to influence and enhance educational programs and career pathways in Fort Worth public schools to help prepare students for their future careers and, including careers that help meet the current and future needs of business and industry in Fort Worth and North Texas.Learn more about Mayor's Council on Education & Workforce and Where Achievement Begins...A podcast hosted by Mayor Mattie Parker, Go Time takes a look at current city issues, innovative Fort Worth residents, and how we are moving the 12th largest city in the nation forward....Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Bethany Warner, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.Katy and John-Michael also produce our Water Utility’s podcast H2OMG, give it a listen.

On Monday, May 13 Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who chairs the U.S Conference of Mayors (USCM) Mayors and Police Chiefs Task Force, along with Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes welcomed Mayors and Police Chiefs from across the United States to Fort Worth for the USCM Meeting of Mayors and Police Chiefs. Over the course of the day-long meeting, the mayors and police chiefs heard from foremost experts and engaged in discussion on the challenges and opportunities around public safety issues facing cities across the country, including officer staffing and retention, violent crime reduction strategies, the fentanyl crisis, and strengthening police-community relations.   Among the more than 50 mayors and chiefs from around the country were Mayor of Kansas City Quinton Lucas and Mayor of Tampa Jane Castor, who joined Mayor Parker for a conversation about public safety in their own cities and what cities can learn from each other in becoming stronger and safer....A podcast hosted by Mayor Mattie Parker, Go Time takes a look at current city issues, innovative Fort Worth residents, and how we are moving the 13th largest city in the nation forward....Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Bethany Warner, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.Katy and John-Michael also produce our Water Utility’s podcast H2OMG, give it a listen.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker discusses five highlights from 2023: redistricting and an expanded City Council, new tax exemptions and the FY2023-2024 budget, explosive economic development growth, the launch of the Good Natured Fort Worth Greenspace Initiative, and innovative new investments in affordable housing efforts. Plus, a few items to look to in 2024: the Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and the move to Future City Hall...A podcast hosted by Mayor Mattie Parker, Go Time takes a look at current city issues, innovative Fort Worth residents, and how we are moving the 13th largest city in the nation forward....Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Bethany Warner, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.Katy and John-Michael also produce our Water Utility’s podcast H2OMG, give it a listen.

Mayor Parker talks with Toby Owen, CEO of Presbyterian Night Shelter, and Kirsten Ham, VP of Career and Workforce Development of Presbyterian Night Shelter, about the success of the UpSpire program which provides steady employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, and larger efforts happening citywide to address shelter, workforce, and affordable housing needs.Learn more about Upspire.Learn more about Presbyterian Night Shelter.Read: Fort Worth’s plan to tackle homelessness with expanded budget..A podcast hosted by Mayor Mattie Parker, Go Time takes a look at current city issues, innovative Fort Worth residents, and how we are moving the 13th largest city in the nation forward....Learn more about Go Time and nominate a future Go Time guest at fortworthtexas.gov/gotime. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Go Time is produced by staff here at the City of Fort Worth: Bethany Warner, Katy Reiss, and John-Michael Perkins.Katy and John-Michael also produce our Water Utility’s podcast H2OMG, give it a listen.