Inside Plano, The City Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Firefighter Myths, Mustaches and What Really Happens at the Station Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

What do Plano firefighters really do all day — and how much of it actually involves fighting fires?

Plano Fire-Rescue Firefighter and Public Information Officer Allison Smith and Firefighter/EMT Clint Foster join hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley to separate firefighter fact from fiction. They tackle everything from fire poles, grocery store runs, recliners and mustaches to the calls firefighters respond to, the hardest and most rewarding parts of the job, and the safety habits that follow them home.

The conversation also gets serious with a discussion of the Texas Safe Haven Law, commonly known as the Baby Moses Law, preventable emergency calls and what it takes to build a career with Plano Fire-Rescue.

It's a behind-the-scenes look at the people and the reality behind one of Plano's most visible public safety services.

What Makes a Neighborhood Feel Like Home? Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

What makes a great neighborhood? It's more than well-kept homes and attractive streets. Strong neighborhoods are places where people know one another, feel connected and take pride in where they live.

In this episode of Inside Plano, hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Housing and Community Services Manager Sandra Ottinger and Neighborhood Engagement Manager Stephanie Peacock to explore the programs and resources available through Plano Neighborhood Services.

Learn how Love Where You Live brings residents, volunteers and City staff together to transform neighborhoods; what it takes to become a BEST Neighborhood; and how neighborhood grants can help turn community ideas into reality. The conversation also explores resources for individual homeowners, including the Great Update Rebate, housing rehabilitation and emergency repair assistance.

Plus, hear why improving one home can create a ripple effect across an entire block — and why simply knowing your neighbors can make your community stronger.

Hosts & Guests

Hosts: Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley Guests: Sandra Ottinger, Housing and Community Services Manager; Stephanie Peacock, Neighborhood Engagement Manager

Episode Highlights

What Neighborhood Services does and how it supports Plano residents
What makes a neighborhood Beautiful, Engaged, Safe and Thriving
Why knowing your neighbors can help build a stronger, safer community
How Love Where You Live brings volunteers, residents and City services together
How neighborhoods can pursue BEST Neighborhood recognition and improvement grants
How the Great Update Rebate helps qualifying homeowners invest in older homes
Housing rehabilitation and emergency repair resources for qualifying homeowners
How improving individual homes can have a ripple effect throughout a neighborhood
Where to find your neighborhood planner and get help navigating available programs

Resources & Links

Plano Neighborhood Services: PlanoNeighborhoods.org Neighborhood Services: 972-208-8150 Love Where You Live: LWYL@Plano.gov

Great Update Rebate: If you are considering this program, contact Neighborhood Services before beginning your project. Applications must be completed and approved before work starts, and not all improvements qualify.

About Inside Plano

Inside Plano is the official City of Plano podcast that connects you to the people, places and projects that make our city a great place to live, work and play. New episodes drop monthly on major podcast platforms. plano.gov

Exploring Plano's Murals and Hidden Gems May 20, 2026

Show notes

From colorful downtown landmarks to hidden artistic gems, murals are changing the way people experience Plano. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins to talk about how Plano's mural movement began, why art in public spaces matters and how murals have become gathering places for photos, events and community connection.

The conversation explores the stories behind some of Plano's most recognizable murals, the role local artists play in shaping public spaces, and how art can transform an everyday wall into something memorable. Listeners will also discover where to find some of Plano's most unique murals.

Hosts & Guests

Hosts: Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley
Guest: Michelle Hawkins, Downtown Plano Manager

Resources & Links

Learn more: plano.gov
Subscribe: insideplano.com

About Inside Plano

Inside Plano is the official City of Plano podcast that connects you to the people, places and projects that make our city a great place to live, work and play. New episodes drop regularly on major podcast platforms.

Kevin's Story: Community Support and a Life-Changing Service Dog Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

A Plano family's journey through a serious health condition brought an outpouring of community support and a life-changing outcome. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Kevin Rosser and his mom, Angelina, about Kevin's diagnosis with POTS and how the Plano community came together to raise $14,000 for his medical alert dog, Oreo.

From navigating daily challenges to the moment Oreo joined their family, this episode highlights the power of community and the difference a service dog can make. Listeners will hear how support, connection and asking for help can change lives, and how one Plano family found hope through it all.

Hosts & Guests

Hosts: Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley
Guest: Kevin Rosser Guest: Angelina Rosser
Guest: Oreo

Resources & Links

Learn more: plano.gov
Subscribe: insideplano.com
Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

About Inside Plano

Shielding Seniors from Scams Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

A scam targeting her own grandfather pushed Plano resident Tejasvi Manoj to take action and ultimately earn recognition as TIME Kid of the Year. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Tejasvi and Plano Police Officer Minton about senior scams, how they happen, and how families can protect older adults from fraud.

From common warning signs to the emotional toll on victims, this episode explains why scams continue to target seniors and what makes them so effective. Listeners will learn simple, practical steps for scam prevention, how to respond if fraud occurs, and how to help loved ones stay safe and confident.

Hosts & Guests

Hosts: Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley
Guest: Tejasvi Manoj, TIME Kid of the Year
Guest: Public Information Officer Jerry Minton, Plano Police Department

Resources & Links

Learn more: plano.gov
Subscribe: insideplano.com
Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

About Inside Plano

Inside Plano is the official City of Plano podcast that connects you to the people, places, and projects that make our city a great place to live, work, and play. New episodes drop regularly on major podcast platforms.

From Firefighter to City Leader: Sam Greif on Service, Leadership, and What's Next Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode of Inside Plano, host Amanda McNew sits down with former Deputy City Manager Sam Greif as he reflects on his decades-long career in public safety and city leadership ahead of his retirement.

From his early days as a firefighter and paramedic to serving as Plano's fire chief and later deputy city manager, Sam shares lessons learned about leadership, compassion, mental health, and what it truly means to serve a community. The conversation also highlights Plano's innovative 24/72 fire schedule, the importance of succession planning, and why Plano's "secret sauce" starts with putting people first.

👥 Hosts & Guest

Host: Amanda McNew Guest: Sam Greif, former Deputy City Manager, City of Plano

🔗 Resources & Links

City of Plano: plano.gov
Plano Event Calendar: plano.gov/calendar
Subscribe to Inside Plano: insideplano.com
Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Nextdoor, X

How Plano Students Get Real-World Work Experience Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Season 8 of the Inside Plano podcast! In this episode, Amanda sits down with the team behind the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program — an earn-and-learn summer internship that gives Plano-area students real work experience while building career skills and confidence.

With more than 1,000 students served, this program helps participants explore public service, develop leadership and gain hands-on experience that can shape their future. Plus, a former intern joins the podcast to share how her summer internship helped launch her career and why the program made such a lasting impact.

Whether you're a student, parent or educator, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Plano helps students prepare for what's next.

Hosts

Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley

🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more about the Plano Mayor's Internship Program Subscribe: insideplano.com Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

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About Inside Plano

#90: Books for Every Reader at Plano Public Library Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Join hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley for a heartfelt and practical conversation about Plano Public Libraries' adapted book collection and adaptive programs. They're joined by Plano Public Libraries team members Maggie Fox and Janet Cox, plus Courtney Walker, founder of Libraries for All, to explain how adapted books help children with disabilities experience reading more fully and independently.

You'll hear how the adapted collection got started, what makes these books durable and engaging, and why accessibility in libraries goes beyond getting through the front door. The group also shares how families can find adaptive storytimes and programs, plus ways the community can get involved.

Hosts

Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley

🔗 Resources & Links

Find Plano Public Library adaptive programs and books Subscribe: insideplano.com Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Share future podcast topics

About Inside Plano

Inside Plano is the official City of Plano podcast that connects you to the people, places, and projects that make our city a great place to live, work, and play. New episodes drop monthly on major podcast platforms.

#89: There's a New Team in Town Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Inside Plano is back with a new voice! In this episode, Shannah Hayley welcomes the City's new Director of Media Relations, Amanda McNew, as the show's new co-host. Together, Amanda and Shannah share updates about what's ahead for the podcast, including new ways for listeners to engage and fresh topics. Listeners will also get to know the show's hosts through a fun rapid-fire Q&A that covers everything from favorite Plano places to must-have morning drink. Plus, find out what's coming next on Inside Plano — a deep dive into adaptive book collections at Plano Public Library.

🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more: plano.gov/communications Plano Event Calendar: plano.gov/calendar Subscribe: insideplano.com Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

About Inside Plano

Budget discussions at September 8, 2025, City Council meeting Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano.

This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.

Today's bonus episode features audio from the September 8, 2025, City Council meeting when Council adopted the FY25-26 Operating Budget and Community Investment Program, and set the tax rate.