Into its fifth season, Conversations has sat down with business leaders, politicians, educators and artist.
The following is a list of past programs with the most recent listed first.
513: Dr. Tessa Martinez Pollack, President, Our Lady of the Lake University
First air date: TBD
In May of 2008, a devastating Fire swept through Our Lady of the Lake University’s historic Old Main Building. Dr. Tessa Martinez Pollack rushed to the school in time to find black smoke and orange flames consuming the building that is the school’s architectural centerpiece. Ms. Pollack reveals how devastating it was that night, yet how personally rewarding it’s been ever since. The school, students and community have come together with a remarkable sense of renewal, and a commitment to rebuild Old Main.
Host Juan Sepulveda gets her to detail what comes next in her own journey as school President, and in Our Lady of the Lake’s gargantuan task to overcome the fire.
512: Reverend E. Thurman Walker, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
First air date: TBD
Politics and Faith—it’s one of the most controversial subjects in today’s political reality. From Mitt Romney’s speech to address religion, to Barack Obama’s note left in the Wailing Wall to John McCain’s alliances with the religious right, there’s little separation of church and state when it comes to running for President. While candidates can elect not to answer questions of faith, they will be asked about it.
Now Conversations host Juan Sepulveda brings viewers a perspective that might have been lost in the political din: that of the Reverend E. Thurman Walker, pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, a minister who’s served primarily black congregations. The black church is divided on the issue of Politics and Faith in this over-energized political year, and Walker’s views on religion and its place in the current political milieu might surprise viewers.
510: Julian Trevino, former President of the SAISD Board
First air date: TBD
Probably fewer are both revered and scorned as much as the President of the School Board, and no one knows that better than Dr. Julian Trevino. Dr. Trevino headed one of the toughest school boards in South Texas—the SAISD—steering it through a multitude of difficulties and changes. Trevino started out as a teacher, “graduated” to become a principal, and eventually headed the Board of Trustees.
Host Juan Sepulveda finds out how Trevino managed to ride the highs and lows and come out on top, plus he finds out what the good doctor is doing with his time now.
The 21st Century Classroom (Watch Online)
First air date: 05-29-08
Don Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Dr. Robert Durón, Superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District discuss 21st century skills for educators and how one local district is utilizing PBS TeacherLine Capstone courses for integrating technology in the classroom.
508: Baby Boomers with Fernando Torres-Gil
First air date: 05-01-08
Uh-oh, we’ve got trouble. Baby boomers are starting to retire, drawing on Social Security. But since fewer young working people are paying into the fund, it’s fast dwindling. Worse yet is Medicare. It’s actually beginning to borrow money to meet its costs. What’s a generation to do?
Plenty, according to Fernando Torres-Gil. He’s one of the nation’s top experts on aging, in all its good and bad aspects. Host Juan Sepulveda drills deep on the issue, finding that there’s definitely some good news mixed in with the bad. Great viewing for those of you who plan on having a heartbeat for the next several years!
507: The Work of Dionicio Rodriguez
First air date:
04-24-08
You may not know the name Dionicio Rodriguez, but you almost surely know his work. The artist worked in the cold, unyielding medium of concrete, creating from it warm, curvy, nature-inspired sculptures which are dotted all over San Antonio and the southwest.
Now, author Patsy Light has written a book about his life and works, richly detailed in photographs displaying his most interesting works. Host Dr. Norma Cantu finds out why Ms. Light devoted a decade towards understanding Rodriguez’s quirky, yet handsome sculptures.
506: The National Trauma Institute
First air date:
04-03-08
Trauma. It kills more Americans than most any disease, but for some reason, you never hear about Trauma. New developments in the treatment of catastrophic injuries are also saving more Americans suffering from Trauma, but those advances aren’t doled out evenly between hospitals. Conversations host Juan Sepulveda finds that which hospital you end up in may determine how quickly you pull through. A revealing look at a deadly problem.
505: Mexican American Identity
First air date: 03-07-08
What to call yourself if you’re Hispanic? Dr. Laura Gomez, Professor of Law and American Studies at the University of New Mexico brings her unique historical and personal perspective into a lively discussion about where Hispanics have been, where they are now, and where they’re headed. Host Juan Sepulveda takes us through her projections in a stimulating half-hour program.
504: The Life & Times of Reverend Claude Black, pt. 2
First Air Date:
Few have seen more change than Reverend Claude Black. His 90 some-odd years have seen several wars, including a Civil Rights struggle that nearly ripped this country apart. There’s not much the good Reverend hasn’t seen.
In part 2 of an in-depth Conversations with Juan Sepulveda, Reverend Black details his many races for City Councilman, and his two terms as one. From his behind-the-scene workings with LBJ, to controversial eras odd alliances, all the way up to how he feels about Americans having its first truly competitive black candidate for President, this Conversations makes for some fascinating television.
503: The Life & Times of Reverend Claude Black, pt. 1
First Air Date:
Now in his 90’s, the Reverend Claude Black’s life straddles an era that includes phrases like Whites Only and Jim Crow Laws, all the way to I Have a Dream and Barack Obama. This guy has seen it all.
In part 1 of an in-depth Conversations with Juan Sepulveda, Reverend Black talks about growing up in a segregated San Antonio, and how he found his way into the ministry. This window into a completely different era is told through his words and memories, period pictures, and re-enactments.
502: The River North Project
First Air Date:
It’s a rough part of town, with empty factories, abandoned, broken-windowed homes, and more than its share of homeless. But now, an innovative plan promises to breathe new life into downtown San Antonio’s northeast side. Conversations‘ Juan Sepulveda speaks with the project’s chief Architect, Stephanos Polyzoides, revealing how the transformation may turn a rough area into a people-oriented part of town, where arts and natural setting abound. The soon-to-be completed first phase of the River Walk extension will eventually lead the way into one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, and this Conversations shows why.
412: El Vaquero
First Air Date:
Most people don’t know that the original American cowboy wasn’t so much John Wayne as Juan Vasquez. A new book—El Vaquero: The Original American Cowboy—explores in text, pictures and paintings the fast-fading cowboys of South Texas. Known for their ability to do everything from riding horses masterfully, to treating animal wounds like a vet, to fixing a broken windmill, Vaqueros have gotten very scrutiny because they do their work far from the cameras. But now, Conversations host Juan Sepulveda highlights the pictures of John Dyer, and the paintings and text of advertising guru Lionel Sosa in a fascinating look at a world few have seen outside of Texas ranches.
406: A Conversation about Fernando Botero
First air date: 4-27-07
Teresa Nino sits down with Marion Oettinger, Director of the San Antonio Museum of Art, to discuss Colombian artist Fernando Botero and his upcoming exhibit. They discuss Botero’s life as well as his art, including how his art has evolved over the years and the influence of other artists on his work.
405 Paula Kerger, CEO, PBS
First air date: 4-12-07
Paula Kerger became the Public Broadcasting Service's sixth president and Chief Executive Officer on March 13, 2006. Kerger talks about her new role as CEO and the future direction of PBS and its affiliates.
404: John Dickson, Chair of SATAI
First air date: 4-5-07
Juan Sepulveda talks with John Dickson, chair of SATAI (San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative). SATAI got its start as a grassroots community effort to develop San Antonio's technology sector. A collaboration of the city of San Antonio, academia and the tech industry has evolved into a nonprofit corporation that plays a key role in helping researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs and other companies turn their ideas into enterprises.
402: San Antonio Current- Editor Elaine Wolff
First air date: 2-1-07
Elaine Wolff discusses the past, present and the future of local weeklies and the role they play in their communities.
401: Father Virgil Elizondo
First air date: 1-18-07
Father Elizondo discusses his life and work and the Mestizo identity in San Antonio and through out the country.
309 Rev. E. Thurman Walker
First air date: 5-11-06
Juan Sepulveda and Dr. Walker engage in a discussion of race relations in San Antonio, San Antonio’s east side and Dr. Walker’s professional and personal history. Antioch's pastor since 1993, Rev. Dr. E. Thurman Walker received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Colorado College, a Master of Divinity from the ITC / Morehouse School of Religion, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In 1995 Dr. Walker founded Antioch Christian Academy, a private school serving students from age 2 years through sixth grade.
308: Bill Greehey, Chairman of the Board, Valero Energy Corporation
First air date: 4-27-06
Henry Cisneros speaks with Bill Greehey, Chairman of the Board of San Antonio based Valero Energy Corporation. From the company's inception in 1980 through Jan. 1, 2006, Mr. Greehey served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Greehey serves on the Board of Trustees of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and on the Board of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
307: Dr. Anthony Infante, President of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research
First Air Date: 3-23-06
Henry Cisneros shares a Conversation with Dr. Anthony J. Infante, President of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. Dr. Infante shares insight into the work being performed at the Southwest Foundation and what the future holds both for the Foundation and for the city of San Antonio in the field of biomedical research.
306: Dr. Teresa Pollack and Dr. Ricardo Romo
First Air Date: 4-13-06
Dr. Teresa Pollack, president of Our Lady of the Lake University and Dr. Ricardo Romo, president of the University of Texas San Antonio call San Antonio home. They bring what they know about the city and about education into focus.
305: 275 Years of History
First Air Date: 2-16-06
Juan Sepulveda and Fr. David Garcia, Rector of San Fernando Cathedral, discuss the role of the San Fernando Cathedral in the development of San Antonio.
304: Bob Rivard with Robert Flynn
First air date: 2-09-06
303: Bill Lewis with Larry Johnson
First air date: 2-2-06
Host Bill Lewis interviews Larry P. Johnson about his true life experiences as a blind American Deejay. Johnson is the author of “Mexico by Touch “.
302: Sonny Melendrez
First Air Date: 1-26-06
Melendrez, a San Antonio native, shares his personal and professional history, including a long and successful career in radio and film, and his mission: “To make you feel better about being alive and waking up in the greatest city in the world.”
Sonny Melendrez, known for his tireless community service, was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and honored by the City of San Antonio with a West Side community center that bears his name. It is estimated he has raised over 100 million dollars in cash, goods, and services in the last 25 years.
301: Kathy Clay-Little
First Air Date: 1-12-06
Bill Lewis interviews Kathy Clay-Little, publisher of African-American Reflections and radio host of "Community Round Table" Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KSJL 810 AM. Kathy shares her cultural insight and views on San Antonio and the black community.
219: Jan Reid and Bob Rivard
First Air Date: 11-17-05
Express News columnists and authors, Robert Rivard and Jan Reid discuss their experiences in Mexico and the tragic events detailed in their books, "Trail of Feathers" and "The Bullet Meant for Me".
217: Frank Villani
First Air Date: 11-03-05
Host, Bill Lewis has a conversation with Frank Villani, President and CEO of ARTS San Antonio, which has been enhancing the cultural scene in the community since its formation 13 years ago. Villani believes that having a rich cultural scene will not only enhance the community but will actually have a positive economic impact on the city of San Antonio. He discusses the successful past efforts of ARTS San Antonio, the present issues surrounding the art community, and the importance of building alliances with other artist organizations for the future.
216: Dr. James Heckman, Ph. D.
First Air Date: 10-20-05
Professor Heckman has received numerous honors for his research. He is a fellow of the Econometric Society, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of the Sciences. He is Associate Editor of Econometric Reviews. Professor Heckman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2000 for his development of microeconometric theory and methods for analyzing selective samples.
215: What Are We Going to Do with Dad
First air date: 10-06-05
Join us for a Conversations with Juan Sepulveda and Dr. Jerald Winakur. A practitioner of geriatric medicine for more than 30 years, Dr. Jerald Winakur recently wrote a commentary about caring for a growing elderly population in the journal Health Affairs. But he wrote from a dual perspective: not only as a health professional, but also as the son of an 86-year-old man suffering from dementia.
Winakur teaches at the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He is also the founding director of the Skilled Nursing Unit at Methodist Hospital. His fiction, essays and poetry have appeared in numerous periodicals and literary magazines.
214: Brigadier General McDermott
First air date: 10-13-05
This episode of Conversations is a discussion of the life and career of General Robert. F. McDermott (1921 - ) who was the first Dean of the Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy, and later served as Chairman and CEO of USAA. He is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Military Education" for his contributions to that field. General McDermott served as a combat pilot and operations officer of a fighter-bomber group in the European Theater during World War II and as a staff officer in a theater headquarters and in the Pentagon. General McDermott has emerged as a recognized leader in higher education and pioneer in military education. The innovations he introduced in the service academy system of education included the "whole person" concept in selecting cadets and a program of advanced and elective courses to enrich the prescribed curriculum.In 1968, McDermott retired from the Air Force to join USAA and become its Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, USAA grew from the 16th to the 5th largest insurer of private automobiles in the nation and the nation's 4th largest homeowner insurer. In September of 1993 he assumed the position of Chairman Emeritus.
213: Asian Treasures
First air date: 8-28-05
Host Bill Lewis and Martha Blackwelder discuss the San Antonio Museum of Art's Asian Wing.
212: Felix Padron
First air date: 7-21-05
211: The Arts and the Art of Medicine
First air date: 7-07-05
Joaquin Cigarroa, M.D, visits with Dr. Abraham Verghese. During the conversation, Cigarroa shares his passion for internal medicine and the road that led him to his decision.
210: Eddie Aldrete
First air date: 5-19-05
Host Juan Sepulveda discusses the San Antonio Symphony with Interim President and CEO Eddie Aldrete. Aldrete talks about the financial and other problems of the past and his hopes and plans to revive the struggling symphony. He also stresses the need for the organization to be more involved in the community.
209: Asian Treasures
First air date: 5-12-05
Host Bill Lewis and Martha Blackwelder discuss the San Antonio Museum of Art's Asian Wing.
208: Baldemar Velasquez
First air date: 3-24-05
Host Juan Sepulveda talks with Baldemar Velasquez, Founder of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee. Velasquez reveals personal hardships as a young Mexican growing up in America. He talks about the discrimination and lack of respect he received because of the color of his skin. The Conversation also turns to Cesar Chavez and his plight to better Latinos in this country. Velasquez tells the story of their first meeting and about the greatness of the man. Also discussed is how Velasquez’s organization has helped thousands of farmer earn a fair wage and work in better conditions.
207: Red McCombs
First air date: 3-03-05
San Antonio icon Red McCombs visits host Henry Cisneros. McCombs discusses growing up in Spur, Texas, and traveling the state to gain a football scholarship, his life with wife Charlene and settling in Corpus Christi where he sold cars and eventually opened his own dealership. McCombs fondly recalls moving to San Antonio and settling in the Alamo City, and discusses molding San Antonio into a major-league city that included bringing in a professional basketball team that later became the Spurs. McCombs is candid when he talks about the future of his adopted home and what it will take to make San Antonio an elite city in America.
206: Masters of Jazz
First air date: 4-07-05
Host Bill Lewis has a candid conversation with jazz musician John Hendricks. The musical legend speaks about his life and career. Also joining the pair is Joan Carol, who as a musical talent talks about her awe and excitement being able to share a few days with someone like John Hendricks.
205: Masters of Jazz
First air date: 2-17-05
Bill Lewis talks with Saxophonist James Moody and Trumpeter Clark Terry.
204: Masters of Jazz
First air date: 2-10-05
Bill Lewis talks with Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs.
203: Michael Gilbert
First air date: 1-20-05
Juan Sepulveda and Dr. Michael Gilbert discuss re-entry of convicted criminals into society. Gilbert of the UTSA department of criminal justice opines on the definition of re- entry and how it should work to best serve the freed as well as the community.
202: Allen Miller
First air date: 1-13-05
Diane Rath speaks with Alan Miller, executive director of Alamo WorkSource, about employment opportunities not only for those looking for a job but also for anyone looking to improve their career path. Central to their conversation are the opportunities available at the soon-to-be constructed Toyota plant. Miller talks about the application process for current open management positions. He discusses the qualifications and describes the duties involved. Rath and Miller also dive into other employment opportunities around the city.
201: Lynell Burkett
First air date: 1-6-05
Henry Cisneros talks with Lynell Burkett, outgoing San Antonio Express-News Editorial Page Editor. The pair discusses city politics for 2005 and San Antonio's recent history. They talk about the process of the Express-News editorial board and the unsigned editorial as well as Burkett's role as editor of the section. Burkett also reveals her future plans and the changes she would like to see this city undergo.
124: Children’s Shelter of San Antonio
First air date: 11-18-05
Diane Rath talks with John Specia and Jack Downey about what is being done to help abused children and to place them in safe homes.
123: San Antonio Cultural Arts
First air date: 11-11-05
Host Juan Sepulveda discusses with Manuel Castillo and Cristina Ordonez the role of San Antonio Cultural Arts Center in the community.
122: Chancellor Kelly
First air date: 11-04-05
Diane Rath and Dr. Kelly, chancellor of the Alamo Community College District, discusses how his school works with the private sector to help students find employment after graduation.
121: Father David Garcia
First air date: 10-14-05
Juan Sepulveda talks with Father David Garcia of the San Fernando Cathedral. Father Garcia shares his thoughts on how religion plays a role in politics. Father Garcia stresses that the church may not side with a candidate, but instead chooses to represent certain issues. Talks also turn to different church issues like the use of the sacrament of communion as a political tool.
120: Dr. Abraham Verghese
First air date: 10-07-05
Henry Cisneros and Dr. Abraham Verghese discuss the unique life of the AIDS expert and how it influences his writing.
119: Dr. Ricardo Romo
First air date: 9-09-05
Henry Cisneros and Dr. Ricardo Romo discuss the future of UTSA and the life and career of the university’s president.
118: Artist/Administrator Paula Owens
First air date: 8-26-05
Host Bill Lewis discusses with Paula Owens, President, Southwest School of the Arts, how she balances being an artist and an administrator and how her many travels have influenced her work.
107: Sandra Cisneros
First air date: 3-25-04
Henry Cisneros talks with Sandra Cisneros about her writing and about how San Antonio has influenced her prose.
106: George Neubert
First air date: 2-26-04 20:00
Bill Lewis talks with George Neubert about the relationship between being a former college football player and a current artist and museum administrator.
105: Dr. Francisco Cigarroa
First air date: 2-19-04
Juan Sepulveda talks with Dr. Francisco Cigarroa about the being president of the University of Texas Health Science Center and the future of the school. Shot on location.
104: Author/Playwright Sterling Houston
First air date: 2-12-04
Bill Lewis uncovers the life of San Antonio author/playwright Sterling Houston.
103: Tom Kowalski and Carlton Schwab
First air date: 2-5-04
Workforce Commission chair Diane Rath discusses jobs and economic development with Tom Kowalski and Carlton Schwab.
102: Henry Cisneros and the Mayors
First air date: 1-22-04
Former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros talks with past mayor Nelson Wolff and present mayor Ed Garza about the leadership position and the state of the Alamo city.
101: Patti Radle
First air date: 1-15-04
Juan Sepulveda sits down with Patti Radle to discuss her life and career and issues concerning San Antonio.
To recommend a person or topic that you think should be featured on conversations, send us an email at info@klrn.org.
