TTP EP. 16 The Pole Runner: Michael Pickings’ Incredible Transformation

TTP EP. 16 The Pole Runner: Michael Pickings’ Incredible Transformation

In this powerful episode of the Taboo Texarkana Podcast, I sit down with Michael Pickings — a man whose story stopped me in my tracks. I first saw him running in the rain carrying a 70lb pole, and I knew there had to be something deeper behind that level of discipline. Michael opens up about surviving one of the darkest moments of his life, nearly ending it all with a gun to his head, and how that moment became the turning point that transformed him into the man he is today. We talk about pain, purpose, mental toughness, Navy life, endurance running, suffering, healing, motivation, and why he pushes himself so hard. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about choosing life, choosing growth, and becoming stronger through adversity. If you’ve ever struggled, felt lost, or needed motivation to keep going… this episode is for you. Follow Michael on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvHUfS7T4/?mibextid=wwXIfr His TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepolerunner?_r=1&_t=ZT-95gVCNxUwFZ Follow his gym bro Demarcus Hamilton here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AsfzQDaaV/?mibextid=wwXIfr #TabooTexarkana #Motivation #MentalHealth #Transformation #Running #Veteran #Discipline #Podcast #MensMentalHealth #Inspiration

TTP EP.15 Local Legend Joe Teel on Faith, Doubt & His Agnostic Bible Study

In this episode of Taboo Texarkana, I sit down with local legend Joe Teel to talk about his new show Agnostic Bible Study—where he dives into the Bible every Tuesday and Thursday… without claiming to have all the answers. We get into some real, raw conversations about faith, doubt, interpretation, and what it actually means to question everything you’ve been taught. Joe shares what inspired him to start the show, what he’s learned from breaking down scripture in an open-minded way, and why you don’t have to be religious to explore the Bible. This one gets deep. If you’ve ever struggled with belief, questioned religion, or just want a new perspective—you’re going to love this conversation. ⸻ 🔗 FOLLOW JOE TEEL 📺 YouTube Agnostic Bible Study: https://youtube.com/@agnosticbiblestudy?si=-knAISFKQHMl78x9 🎧 Spotify: Joe Teel Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5A81KmzGbQ700GOVMb5cGa?si=iF_onAS_Q3eoI79lS6ktMA 🎧 Spotify Agnostic Bible Study: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tepJqm2PQrzh9Ieg0WsOj?si=qZz3XsdyShWTlNE_osQx4A 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bp9iRmJ3c/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/17u9nYefR8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

TTP EP.14 Becoming the Vibe - Part Two

In this solo founder episode, I dive deeper into what drives me to create Universal Vibe and the journey that led me here. I talk about motivation, purpose, and how plant medicines like Kambo helped shape my path toward healing, growth, and building community. This is an honest look at the vision behind the vibe and why I’m committed to bringing people together.

TTP EP.13 Raising Leaders, Not Followers | Inside Texarkana Future Leaders.

What do teenagers really think about leadership, accountability, and the way adults see them? In this powerful episode of Taboo Texarkana, we sit down with Laking Harris, founder of Texarkana Future Leaders, along with two inspiring youth leaders — Ender Robinson and Kailani Beard — for an honest, eye-opening conversation about confidence, discipline, connection, and personal growth. Texarkana Future Leaders is a mentorship and youth leadership development program focused on building confidence, strong character, communication skills, and accountability in the next generation. In this episode, we ask: • Has this group changed how you handle conflict? • Why is connection so important for teens right now? • How do you hold each other accountable? • What advice would you give adults? • What do grown-ups get wrong about teenagers? Their answers may surprise you. This conversation dives deep into: ✔ Youth leadership development ✔ Teen mental health and connection ✔ Discipline and accountability ✔ Mentorship in small communities ✔ Building confidence in teenagers ✔ Positive youth programs in Texarkana If you’re a parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or community leader — this episode will challenge and inspire you. Texarkana’s future is in good hands. ⸻ 🔗 Connect with Laking Harris: https://www.facebook.com/share/17xMdQ8Tpm/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Learn more about Texarkana Future Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Arm1a2DLo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

TTP EP.13 Gen Z KJ: Building a Music Movement in Texarkana.

In this episode of Taboo Texarkana, we sit down with Gen Z KJ [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0], a Texarkana rapper making serious waves through music, fashion, and community impact. We talk about his journey into music, what it was really like growing up in Texarkana, and the struggles that come with trying to build something creative in a smaller city. Gen Z KJ opens up about motivation, setbacks, and how music has become both an outlet and a driving force in his life. We also dive into his bold fashion style, how self-expression plays into his artistry, and the vision behind First In First Day Out, a movement he created to help artists develop, collaborate, and find their audience. Plus, we touch on major recent milestones — including performing alongside Paul Wall [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1] at Crossties — and what those moments mean for his future. This conversation is about growth, resilience, and building something real right where you are. 🎧 Gen Z KJ’s music is available on all platforms.