If You Denton Know... Now You Know!

#21 - Tommy Mainord

If You Denton Know Tommy Mainord, now you do. Coach Tommy Mainord returns to the University of North Texas in a brand new role, stepping off the football field and into one of the most talked about positions in college athletics. After more than a decade in Denton and a career that took him from Tarleton State to Texas Tech, Kentucky, and back to UNT, Tommy now serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy. In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal. He explains how UNT is building its strategy in real time, why local businesses and alumni play such a vital role, and how the success of Mean Green athletics ripples out to lift restaurants, hotels, and the entire Denton community. It is a candid look at where college football is headed and how Denton fits into the bigger picture. Guest Bio Tommy Mainord is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy at the University of North Texas. A Texas native who grew up around the game as the son of a longtime football coach, Tommy spent seven years as an assistant coach at UNT, helping develop standout players like All American Jaylen Darden. He has coached at Tarleton State, Sam Houston State, Lamar, Texas Tech, and Kentucky throughout his career. Key Topics Covered * Tommy's journey from coaches' kid to college coach * Coaching stops across Texas, Kentucky, and the Big 12 * Returning to UNT in a new front office role * The difference between NIL and revenue sharing explained * The 21.4 million dollar national rev share cap * How technology and AI have transformed recruiting and game prep * What the next five years could look like for college athletics * How Denton businesses of any size can get involved with UNT athletics Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction  01:06 Navigating the new world of NIL  02:08 Growing up as a coach's son  03:07 Choosing baseball, then football at Tarleton State  05:08 Career stops from Lamar to Texas Tech to Kentucky  07:14 Coaching Jaylen Darden at UNT  10:22 The new role and the longest title in college sports  11:26 NIL versus revenue sharing  16:02 How technology changed recruiting and game planning  22:33 How local businesses can get involved  25:22 Favorite spots around Denton Denton Highlights * The Denton Square * Local Mexican food spots around the square * Denton barbecue restaurants Guest Links and Resources * Email Tommy directly at tommy.mainord@unt.edu [tommy.mainord@unt.edu] * University of North Texas Athletics: meangreensports.com [https://meangreensports.com/]

#20 - If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, Now You Do

If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, now you do. Episode Description Election time is here, and this one is huge. Denton voters are filling four council seats and the mayor position, with early voting ending April 28 and election day on May 2. To help the community make informed choices at the ballot box, every candidate was invited onto the show to answer two simple questions: What do you love most about Denton, and what is your vision for the city if elected? This special episode brings together the candidates for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6 in one place. Each conversation is short, focused, and designed to let the candidates speak for themselves. Use this episode as a tool to learn what each candidate values, where they want to take Denton, and how their priorities line up with yours. Then get out and vote. Key Topics Covered * What each candidate loves most about the city of Denton * Each candidate's vision for Denton if elected * The values and priorities shaping the 2026 city races * Perspectives from candidates running for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6 * Why local elections matter for Denton's future * A reminder to participate in early voting and election day Timestamps 02:22 Mayor 02:37 Chris Watts 15:02 Brian Beck 27:15 Angela Brewer 36:17 District 1 36:33 Michael Herron 42:57 Jordan Villarreal 50:47 Kris Cox 57:59 District 2 58:13 Nick Stevens 1:05:52 Robert J Archer III 1:11:47 Place 5 1:12:07 George Michael Ferrie 1:20:57 Erica Garland 1:28:35 Place 6 1:28:52 Jill Jester Voting Information * Early voting ends April 28 * Election day is May 2 * Seats on the ballot: Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, Place 6 * For more information, visit https://www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election-information/ [https://www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election-information/]

#19 - Peter Salisbury

If You Denton Know Peter Salisbury, now you do.  From launching a tiny AM station in his living room to building KUZU 92.9 FM into a 24/7 community-powered radio station, Peter shares how passion, persistence, and local music shaped one of Denton’s most grassroots success stories. In this episode, Peter talks about growing up in Texas, falling in love with Denton’s music scene, and the long road to securing an FM license. He explains how KUZU operates entirely with volunteers, how anyone in the community can host a show, and why local voices still matter in a world dominated by corporate media. If you’ve ever wondered how community radio works, how KUZU got started, or how you could become part of Denton’s creative scene, this episode is for you. ⏱️ KEY TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Meet Peter Salisbury & the Story of KUZU Radio Peter shares his background in photography and how he found his creative home in Denton. 04:15 — Growing Up in Texas & Finding Denton From Houston to Garland to UNT, Peter talks about why Denton became home. 08:40 — The Birth of KUZU: A Radio Station in a Living Room How an empty bedroom and a small AM transmitter sparked the KUZU idea. 14:20 — From Backyard Radio to FM Licensing The multi-year journey to securing a Low Power FM license. 20:45 — Building KUZU with Volunteers & Community Support How friends, board members, and community members helped bring KUZU to life. 26:10 — How KUZU Programming Works Anyone can apply to host a show and contribute to the station. 31:30 — The Volunteer Model & Funding the Station Why KUZU runs entirely on volunteers and membership donations. 36:50 — Lessons Learned from Building a Radio Station Peter reflects on fear, persistence, and learning as he went. 41:10 — KUZU’s Future & Vision for Growth Plans for expanding programming and eventually owning a dedicated studio. 44:10 — Denton Favorites Peter shares his favorite local spots to relax and recharge. 🎧 Episode Highlights * How KUZU started as a tiny AM station in a spare bedroom * What it takes to secure an FCC radio license * Why community radio still matters today * How KUZU operates entirely on volunteers * How local musicians and creators benefit from the platform * Why anyone in Denton can host their own radio show * The story behind KUZU’s first broadcast * Lessons learned from building something from scratch 📻 About KUZU Radio KUZU 92.9 FM is Denton’s volunteer-powered community radio station. Broadcasting 24/7, KUZU features freeform programming, local voices, independent music, talk shows, interviews, and creative content from over 50 volunteer producers. The station exists to amplify local culture, support independent artists, and give everyday community members a voice on the air. Learn more or apply to host a show: 🌐 kuzu.fm [https://www.kuzu.fm/] 🍳 DENTON FAVORITES (FROM PETER) * Cartwright’s Ranch House — A go-to spot for breakfast and coffee * Jupiter House — Favorite order: smoked salmon bagel with a mocha * Norman Roscoe — A favorite stop on the Square 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Big ideas often start small, sometimes in spare bedrooms. * Community-driven projects can thrive without corporate backing. * Fear of failure is often the biggest obstacle to starting something meaningful. * Local media still plays a powerful role in shaping culture. * Denton’s creative community continues to fuel innovation and collaboration.

#18 - Jason Reimer

If You Denton Know Jason Reimer, now you do. On this episode of If You Denton Know, we sit down with musician, filmmaker, and creative director Jason Reimer to talk about one of the most anticipated projects in Denton… the revival of the historic Fine Arts Theatre. Jason has spent years shaping unique cinematic and live experiences through his work at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, as well as through film, music, and multimedia production. Now, he’s bringing that same vision to Denton in a way that’s deeply rooted in the culture and creativity of the community. Brad and Jason dive into what it’s been like working together behind the scenes on this project, why this theatre matters so much to Denton, and what people can expect when the doors finally open. From independent films and live performances to 70MM, 35MM, and DCP projection, the Fine Arts Theatre is set to become a one-of-a-kind destination for cinephiles, creatives, and anyone who loves the arts. This isn’t just a movie theatre… it’s a cultural hub in the making. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Jason’s journey from music to filmmaking to theatre ownership * The story behind the Texas Theatre and how it was brought back to life * How those lessons are shaping the Fine Arts Theatre in Denton * What makes this theatre different from anything else in the area * The vision for programming: films, concerts, events, and more * Why 70MM film projection is such a big deal * How the theatre will serve Denton’s creative community * What the renovation process has looked like behind the scenes * When the community can expect the theatre to open Why This Matters for Denton The Fine Arts Theatre has been a missing piece of Denton’s cultural landscape for years. Its revival represents more than just reopening a building, it’s about creating a space where film, music, and community come together. With Jason’s experience and vision, paired with a deep commitment to making it feel authentic to Denton, this project has the potential to become one of the most meaningful creative hubs in the city. About Jason Reimer Jason Reimer is a musician, filmmaker, and producer whose work spans music, film, and live performance. He has composed film scores, directed music videos, and worked with major brands like Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s. He is co-founder of the Oak Cliff Film Festival and a partner in Aviation Cinemas, serving as Creative Director of the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas. His work continues to push the boundaries of how film and live experiences intersect. Connect & Stay Updated Follow along for updates on the Fine Arts Theatre opening, upcoming programming, and special events as Denton prepares to welcome this iconic space back to life. @fineartsdenton [https://www.instagram.com/fineartsdenton/] Texas Fine Arts Theatre [https://www.texasfineartstheatre.com/]

#17 - Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D

If You Denton Know Dr. Carine Feyten, now you do. Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University [https://twu.edu/chancellor/about-chancellor-feyten/], Carine M. Feyten, PhD [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carine-feyten-10717411/] joins Brad in The Den for a wide-ranging conversation on TWU’s 125-year legacy, her journey from Belgium to Denton, and what it looks like to lead a “campus with a heart.” They dive into TWU’s woman-focused mission, whole-person development, major campus growth, the new Health Sciences Center, and why athletics has become a powerful front door to the university. Key Topics Covered * TWU’s 125-year history and the university’s mission today * Belgium upbringing, bilingual roots, and what brought her to the U.S. * Language as “windows on the world” and why it shapes leadership * “Campus with a heart” and whole-person development (mind, money, health, purpose) * New Health Sciences Center and interprofessional education model * Aviation program launch and finding unmet needs * TWU athletics growth, national rankings, and academic excellence * Building visibility, partnerships with Denton, and lessons from leadership * Advice to young women on leadership, courage, and failing fast * Denton favorites and places she loves Timestamps * 00:00 Intro: Belgium to Denton, institution-builder, and TWU’s defining chapter * 02:17 TWU at 125 years and why the mission still matters * 04:44 What it means to be a university system and the women-focused distinction * 07:15 Growing up bilingual in Belgium and switching languages in school * 09:11 Why she came to the U.S. and choosing to stay * 12:33 “Languages are windows on the world” * 19:07 First impressions of Denton and what sealed TWU for her * 20:04 “Campus with a heart” and why it took off * 21:45 Whole-person development, wellbeing, and why TWU “walks the talk” * 26:14 The new Health Sciences Center, interprofessional education, and rural clinics * 30:27 Aviation program, women in pilots, and building programs fast * 35:33 Athletics, campus spirit, and why sports are the front door * 39:05 Big decisions, identity, and focusing on TWU’s “gift to the table” * 41:16 Missteps, listening, and building relationships with the city * 48:07 Advice: leadership without titles, bravery over perfection * 51:55 Where to follow her and learn more about TWU Memorable Moments and Takeaways * A women-focused environment changes who steps up. With fewer men on campus, women lead more naturally and consistently, building confidence and voice. * Education is bigger than academics. TWU’s wellbeing focus is designed to help graduates thrive in health, finances, relationships, and purpose. * The Health Sciences Center is about teamwork. Interprofessional education mirrors real patient care and strengthens outcomes, especially for rural communities. * Find the niche, fill the gap. Aviation and women’s wrestling are examples of identifying needs others have not addressed. * Leadership is built, not granted. Titles do not make leaders. Curiosity, courage, and contribution do. Guest Bio Dr. Carine Feyten is the Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University. A native of Belgium and fluent in five languages, she is a published scholar and higher education leader who has guided TWU through major growth, new programs, and an expanded statewide footprint while strengthening the university’s distinctive woman-focused mission and culture of care. Follow Dr. Feyten on social media! @twupres [https://www.instagram.com/twupres/]