Roses & Weeds

Latest Episodes:

S7 E7: So, About the Money... Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

There is a lot to unpack in the City of Tyler’s 2026-2027 budget, from changes residents see on their tax and utility bills to decisions about how the City pays for major equipment, infrastructure, and everyday services.

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Julie Goodgame and Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin sit down with City Manager Edward Broussard and Assistant City Manager Keidric Trimble to talk through some of the biggest questions surrounding this year’s budget. They discuss what is driving the property tax increase, what is changing on utility bills, why the City is considering taking on debt for the first time, and how different sources of City revenue can and cannot be used.

The conversation also looks at what happens behind the scenes before residents are asked to pay more, including efforts to bring work in-house, use technology, review contracts, and find other ways to save money while maintaining City services and planning for future needs.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media.

S7 E6: Setting the Stage for the 2026 Tyler Film Fest Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

3 judges and a festival director take over the podcast studio to dish on all things Tyler Film Fest! Don’t miss hearing from Festival Director Craig O'Daniel and judges Becca Hale, Trevor Hicks, and Derrick Simiyu about the short films hitting the Liberty Hall screen Sept. 18 and 19 and what makes this year’s festival lineup worth seeing.

They also share a little about the judging process, the variety of stories featured this year, and what audiences can expect from the 2026 Tyler Film Fest.

S7 E5: District 6 Gets the Mic Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

District 6 gets the mic! In the latest episode of Roses & Weeds, Sage Sowels and Payton Weidman sit down with Councilmember Carleen Dark-Bays to get to know Tyler’s newest representative for District 6. They talk about her Tyler roots, family, community involvement, what led her to serve on City Council, and the goals she’s bringing into her new role. Then, Carleen takes on a “rapid-fire” round with questions about everything from her favorite Tyler restaurants to what she can’t leave home without, and the best advice she’s ever received.

S7 E4: The Mayor Enters the Chat Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Mayor Stuart Hene enters the chat! In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Adriana Rodriguez and Sage Sowels sit down with Tyler’s new Mayor to learn more about his background, his vision for the City’s future, and what he hopes to accomplish during his term. Then, they put Mayor Hene in the hot seat for a rapid-fire round covering everything from morning routines and childhood memories to theme songs, quirks, and bucket-list dreams.

S7 E3: The Landscape of Tyler Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

Spring is right around the corner, and Tyler is getting ready to bloom. In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Payton Weidman talk with Arborist Luke Alfaro and Horticulturist Jana Pirtle about Tyler’s urban landscape, what’s happening at the Tyler Rose Garden, and a few simple tips to help your own garden thrive.

S7 E2: From Forecast to Frontlines Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

When winter weather threatens East Texas, preparation starts long before the first freeze.

In this episode, we sit down with leaders from the City of Tyler’s Streets and Fire Departments to talk through how crews prepare for cold conditions, respond in real time, and keep residents safe when temperatures drop. From road treatment and emergency response to behind-the-scenes coordination, they share what it takes to keep Tyler moving during winter weather events.

You’ll also hear practical tips for the community, including how to prepare your home, protect your pipes, care for your pets, and stay informed as conditions change.

Whether you’re curious about how the City prepares or looking for simple ways to get ready yourself, this episode offers a clear look at winter weather readiness in Tyler.

S7 E1: Building a Better Utility Customer Experience Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Utility bills can be confusing (and frustrating), and we know many customers have questions about what they’re seeing and why changes are happening. In this milestone 100th episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Payton Weidman and Adriana Rodriguez, along with guest Chris Cambra from the Water Business Office, walk through upcoming updates to Tyler’s utility billing and customer tools, including a redesigned utility bill and a new payment provider. The conversation focuses on clarity and transparency, explains what’s changing, when customers can expect to see those updates, and helps listeners understand the updates, why they matter, and how these updates are designed to better serve customers.

S6 E10: Downtown's Next Chapter Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

Downtown Tyler is buzzing with change! In the latest Roses & Weeds episode, host Sage Sowels and guests Amber Varona, Lindsey Froneberger, and Haleigh Franck with the Main Street team share what’s taking shape through the Downtown Improvement Project, the stories behind local favorites like Liberty Hall, and how the City is keeping Tyler’s charm while building its future.

S6 E9: Lights, Camera, Tyler: Inside the 2025 Tyler Film Festival Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, host Sage Sowels sits down with Craig O’Daniel, the Director of the Tyler Film Festival, and judges Shadai Perez and Becca Hale to discuss everything related to the festival. Scheduled for September 12 & 13, the event promises to be an incredible celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community.

This week's episode was recorded in a unique location: Shadai's Downtown Tyler studio, Lightbox Collective, instead of our usual podcast studio. This setting adds an extra creative spark to the conversation.

Grab your tickets now at TylerFilmFest.com! Attendees will not only enjoy an amazing lineup of films but will also receive free beer courtesy of True Vine Brewing Company, delicious catering from Heritage ETX, and free popcorn throughout the festival.

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Tyler’s premier cultural events. See you at the movies!

S6 E8: Stuffed backpacks and big smiles at #SchoolisCool 2025! Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Adriana Rodriguez sit down with Tyler Area Business Education Council Executive Director LaToya Young and City of Tyler Parks Director Leanne Robinette to discuss the upcoming 12th Annual #SchoolisCool event! It's a free, family-friendly back-to-school celebration happening Aug. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden and W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.

LaToya and Leanne share what makes this event a staple in the community. From free backpacks filled with school supplies to haircuts, vaccinations, and eye exams, all are at no cost to families! Parents can get vouchers on-site to pick up supplies (kids must be present), while kids can enjoy various games and booths packed with resources and fun.

Whether you're a parent, volunteer, or love seeing your community come together, this is one episode (and event) you don't want to miss!

In this episode, we talk about:
Tyler Tomorrow - Our Comprehensive Plan

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